Thank you to everyone who came out to the events surrounding the 105^th anniversary of Harley-Davidson. The outpouring of support and hospitality was tremendous.

Here are some pictures taken during the Women’s Day Ride I participated in last Friday.

 

As one of the four million women Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders, I am thrilled to be participating in the exciting 105^th anniversary of Harley-Davidson.

This Friday, August 29, I will be one of the VIP’s leading the Women’s Day Ride that featured over 2,000 female bikers at the 100^th anniversary in 2003. The Women’s Day Ride leaves Greenfield High School at 60^th and Layton at 3:30 p.m. sharp on Friday. The parade route will be Layton Avenue to 794 over the Hoan Bridge to the lakefront. 

 

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photos


Women’s Day also features the 2008 Reunion Bash at 62^nd and Layton, free and open to the public.  Emmy-nominated TV producer and founder of the Women Riders Now website, Genevieve Schmitt will be conducting seminars. The Chopper Chick Crew will have a charity bike build. Sara Liberte and Jody Perewitz will hold Garage Girls seminars. There will also be a “For Ladies Only” bike show.

Hal’s Harley-Davidson at 1925 S. Moorland Road in New Berlin is hosting two special all-women bike builds this weekend. You can get more details here. 

I also am delighted to be one of the VIP’s leading the big parade down Wisconsin Avenue that takes place Saturday, August 30. The parade leaves Miller Park at 9 a.m. and continues east on Wisconsin Avenue before turning south on Milwaukee Street. The route then turns east on Erie Street to the Summerfest grounds.

The Harley-Davidson Parade of MDA Heroes will be led by riders who have raised at least $6,400 for MDA prior to Aug. 1, 2008. Money raised will cover the cost of sending eight children to MDA Summer Camp. 
 

 

 

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photos


Please join me in welcoming all of these wonderful Harley-Davidson enthusiasts from all over the world to our great state and enjoy all the festivities associated with this magnificent spectacle.

Happy 105^th anniversary Harley-Davidson!

Over the next several days, thousands of motorcyclists will be in our area celebrating the 105^th anniversary of Harley-Davidson.  Everyone wants the most enjoyable festivities, and even if you don’t ride a motorcycle, you can do your part to make the celebration safe. Here are tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for automobile and truck drivers to be aware of around motorcyclists:

There are far fewer motorcycles on the road than cars and trucks. Motorists often don’t recognize motorcycles. Look for them, especially when checking traffic at intersections.

Judging a motorcycle’s speed and how close it is can be difficult because of the motorcycle’s size. It is always best when checking traffic to assume a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

The small size can make it appear that a motorcycle is moving faster than it really is. Do not assume all motorcyclists are speed merchants.

Motorcycles can hide in a motorist’s blind spot or be blocked by objects or backgrounds like bushes, fences, and bridges. Thoroughly check traffic when changing lanes or turning at intersections.

At times, motorcyclists will slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle. When they do, their brake lights are not activated. Motorists need to apply more following distance around motorcyclists.

Be aware that turn signals on a motorcycle are generally not self-canceling. Motorcyclists at times forget to turn their signals off after making a turn or lane change.

Motorcyclists will change position in a lane for various reasons, including the ability to seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and the wind. They are not adjusting their lane position to show off, be reckless, or share their lane with you.

Despite the great maneuverability of a motorcycle, don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.

Allow more stopping distance behind a motorcyclist, especially on slippery pavement.

When you see a motorcycle in motion, regard it as a person, not a motorcycle.

With a little less than two weeks still remaining in 2007, Wisconsin has already surpassed the number of traffic fatalities from last year. An increase in the number of motorcycle deaths is being blamed.

The Associated Press reports, “With the busy holiday traveling season still ahead, Wisconsin has already suffered more traffic crash deaths than a year ago, in part because more motorcyclists died, the state Department of Transportation reported Monday. There were 717 people killed on state roads as of Monday morning — 33 more than a year ago at this time, the agency said.”

The Wausau Daily Herald has more details.

As a motorcyclist, I’ve been very concerned about the number of motorcycle fatalities.

My friends at ABATE are also concerned but caution that statistics about motorcycle deaths should be reviewed carefully.

There are four million women Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders. I learned to ride on a 250 Suzuki and last year graduated to a 650 Suzuki Savage. Because the Harley's are SO BIG, I said that when I grow up, I will get my Harley.

Being short in height and short limbed, I was hesitant to go Harley. That was until I sat on the new Harley Nightster while taking a break during the July 2007 Women in Motion ride at Dubuque Harley Davidson and again during the same ride at LaCrosse Harley Davidson. The moment I sat on the bike, I knew I found my Harley.

I came home and called every Harley dealer in the area looking for one. They are a hot item and hard to find. When I called West Bend Harley Davidson, I was told they were unpacking an 08 Nightster. That 08 Nightster is now mine and due for the 1,000 mile check-up.

My husband rode a motorcycle while he was in high school and while he was in the Air Force. Together we got Harley Fever during the 95th Harley Anniversary. He got a Harley 883 Sportster, and quickly moved to the Harley Ultra Classic. The Ultra is a touring bike and the biggest bike Harley makes. It is very comfortable and I have enjoyed the back seat on many group rides. We have visited many states and made a lot of friends over the years on the rides. This year on the group ride I enjoyed the attention that my 08 Nightster drew.

My hesitance to go big Harley is not shared by all women. I see women, including women short in height riding the big Harleys. The Women in Motion ride is a great place to see women of all shapes and sizes enjoying Harleys. The Women in Motion ride is a fundraiser ride for Accident Scene Management. Accident Scene Management provides A Crash Course For The Motorcyclist and others, teaching what to do at an accident scene until assistance arrives.

Motorcycling is all about safety first. I highly recommend the motorcycle training classes at the technical schools and at the Harley dealers. Motorcycling has a reputation of danger. My advice is do not get on a bike without a safety class. With the proper training, motorcycling is a very safe and very enjoyable experience.

After I took the motorcycle class, I insisted that my husband take the class, even though he was a seasoned rider and rode as a youngster. He took the advanced class and I continued to hound him until he took the beginner class. Of course, he aced the beginner class; however, he was pleasantly surprised with the class. The info in the class is amazing. Because we have both taken the class, we have the same frame of reference about riding behaviors and driving defensively. We immensely enjoy riding together.

I know there are a few riders out there with excessively loud pipes and wild, dangerous maneuvers. That disappoints me. However as in other parts of life there is the small percent that have disrespectful behaviors.

The Christian Science Monitor reports:

“Harley has been marketing to women since the turn of the 20th century, but these days, there are fewer barriers to break through. The profile of Harley riders in general has changed, riders say, making old stereotypes passé: Harley rallies aren't crowded with tattooed, pierced, leather-clad rebels – riders are just as often doctors, lawyers, accountants. ….there are so many of them (female riders). Explanations vary – increasing gas prices, more disposable income or women's empowerment – but female motorcycle ownership grew at almost double the rate of general motorcycle ownership between 1998 and 2003, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. Women make up more than 18 percent of solo riders. They also make up 12 percent of Harley motorcycle sales – triple that of 1990. Meanwhile, the average age of riders has jumped to 41.”

Here is the Christian Science Monitor article.

Even the New York Times has written about Harley’s appeal to women:

"Few companies, though, are doing more than Harley in reaching out to this group. Its dealers hold frequent garage parties for women, to let them learn about bikes, including the best way to stand up a 750-pound motorcycle that has tipped over (crouch down, with the small of your back against the seat, and push up and back while holding onto the bike).

The efforts are paying off, though slowly. About 12 percent of all Harley motorcycle sales are to women, roughly 32,000 new bikes in 2006, compared with 4 percent in 1990, 9 percent in 1998 and 10.6 percent in 2003. Women will spend about $300 million on Harley bikes this year in the United States, not including accessories, riding gear and clothes. 'I think 12 percent is just the beginning,' said Jerry G. Wilke, Harley-Davidson’s vice president for customer relationships and product planning. 'The opportunities to cater to women are endless, and we will continue to do more.'"


Here is the New York Times article.

So, don’t be surprised the next time you see a woman on a Harley. It just might be me.

As a motorcycle enthusiast, I am troubled to learn that the number of motorcycle crashes is up in Wisconsin this year. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), as of June 15, 2007, 34 people have died in motorcycle crashes in the state this year compared to 25 killed at the same time last year.

Factors that can increase the potential for crashes include the recent warm weather and the fact there are more motorcycles on the road, a point I blogged about recently.

Lester Ecke, a state-certified instructor with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation taught at Mid-State Technical College in Marshfield told the Marshfield News-Herald there are two incidents that result in the highest number of motorcycle accidents.

"One is the motorcyclist going into a curve and is not able to make the curve because of poor judgment,” said Ecke. “They're probably going into it too fast. Second is, vehicles turning left in front of motorcycles."

The DOT says half of all motorcycle crashes are not the motorcyclist’s fault. In those cases, motorists around the cycles are to blame, usually because they fail to yield to motorcycles.

Automobile drivers, share the road with motorcycles. Remember, motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see than cars. Safety experts suggest drivers make a visual check for motorcycles before changing lanes or entering a major roadway. Experts also recommend do not follow too close; allow a four-second following distance and even more during hazardous road conditions. Give the motorcycle a full lane width. Never share a lane with a motorcycle. Be extremely careful at intersections. That is where most motorcycle crashes occur.

While motorcyclists have road responsibilities, it is imperative that other vehicle drivers be especially cautious to avoid collisions with motorcycles. Sharing the road safely with motorcycles can save lives.

Summer is just round the corner and that means more motorcycles will be on Wisconsin roadways. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) says more than 450-thousand Wisconsinites have motorcycle licenses of permits and about 300-thousand motorcycles are registered. As a motorcycle enthusiast, I understand how important it is to be more aware of motorcycles on our roads.

According to the 2004 Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Facts Book, the most recent compilation of motorcycle crash date from the DOT:

• Most motorcyclists injured or killed in crashes are ages 25-44.
• Most crashes occur in June and July.
• Most fatal crashes occur June-September.
• Most crashes occur between 3 PM and 6 PM.
• Most crashes take place during daylight in clear weather on dry roads.

The Motorcycle Foundation offers these tips for riding a motorcycle safely:

• Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time.
• Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle.
• Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have.
• If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn.
• If you choose to wear a helmet, make sure it’s a quality helmet. Wear proper eye protection.
• Wear thick, protective clothing.
• Constantly search the road for changing conditions.
• Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists’ actions.
• Give other motorists time and space to respond to you.
• Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where you are most visible. Watch for turning vehicles. Signal your next move in advance.

What if you don’t ride a motorcycle? The Motorcycle Foundation has suggestions to follow for car and truck drivers to share the road and make driving safer:

• Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
• When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
• Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.
• Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds.
• Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
• Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."

Motorcyclists, drive safely this summer. Car and truck drivers, share the road safely with motorcyclists.