The Lonely Rider

Once again I am pleased to announce that I will be participating in the Ride for Sight. Please show your support by sponsoring me in Ride for Sight 2011. By sponsoring me, you will be contributing to the funding of discoveries related to the causes of genetic forms of blindness. One hundred percent of donated funds go directly to The Foundation Fighting Blindness, which continues to fund significant research breakthroughs.

You can help support me by making a secure online donation using your credit card. Donations $20 or more automatically receive a tax receipt by email. Click on the link below:

http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=2984867&Lang=en-CA

Thanks for your support!

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I am very sad to say that a group of thieves broke into the Velocity office and made off with over $40K in of custom leathers early morning on April 16th, 2011. From the time the alarm company called the police to the the time police showed up was 4 Minutes. Stolen from Velocity was 23 Race Suits and 51 Leather Jackets and a bunch of Knox Products. It was a simple break the lock, grab as much product as possible from their showroom and left within a couple of minutes.

We need your help if you encounter anyone other than Velocity selling these leathers or jackets. Every suit they make is unique and they know everyone they have sold to in the past. We request that you inform Velocity immediately if you encounter anyone selling their products so they  can get the police involved. Please be on the lookout at Kijiji, Craiglist and various Forums.

Some of these suits were customer suits and the customers are being notified that their suites were stolen. Those suits will have to be re-made costing Velocity even further losses.  As a new upstart company, Velocity was under insured and stands to loose over $20, 000 as a result of this theft. If you or anyone your know, hears anything about deals on Velocity suits, please contact Jimmy at Velocity. His contact info and some pictures of some of the suits are below. Although each suit is unique, the styling is similar.

Jimmy
jimmy@velocitysportsgear.com
905-461-9241

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More and more municipalities are enacting local bylaws that focus on noise levels emitted by motorcycle exhausts. On the surface, I’m sure most people would say this is a great idea, especially residents who are tired of hearing a loud motorbike passing by with the throttle cracked wide open. Hell I would too so I can totally appreciate their position on the matter but what’s being done about it is discriminatory and unfair.  Despite my empathy for local residents and their frustration, I do take exception to laws like these because they are written to only be enforced on motorcycles, while noisy cars and trucks are exempt from them. However these discriminatory laws don’t just come out of thin air; they are proposed and passed because of irresponsible riders who have little respect for others and constantly crack the throttle wide open in residential areas. Once again, the irresponsible actions of some riders have negatively affected the whole riding community.

Here are the simplified details for the new law that was just passed in Caledon, Ontario:

1. Can not exceed 92db while at idle measured from a distance of 50cm behind the exhaust.

2. If a one, two, three, four or six cylinder engine, can not exceed 98db while at 2000RPM, measured from a distance of 50cm behind the exhaust.

3. If a three or four cylinder engine, can not exceed 100db, while at 5000RPM, measured from a distance of 50cm behind the exhaust

Note that if you if you have a three or four cylinder bike, you will have to pass all three tests, where as other engine combination’s will only have to pass two tests. If a bike fails any ONE of the tests, the rider can expect a fine of $150. If the rider chooses to fight the ticket, they can expect the fine to go up to $1000 if they lose.

The Canadian government has set standards for noise and since 1983, all motorcycles have been made with “silencers” in their mufflers to reduce the exhaust noise. To achieve this, the mufflers are packed with sound deadening material. Towns that pass and enforce these new laws are basically saying that they don’t accept the standards of the Canadian government.

The problem here is the low decibel limits and the distance from the exhaust that the sound will be measured at. Not only are these levels very low – so low that many cars and trucks couldn’t pass the test – but the measurements being taken at only 50cm away pretty much guarantees a fail even for new bikes that come stock right from the showroom floor. This will be a huge concern for those who ride any V-Twin motorcycle because even with a stock exhaust system, they are generally louder than many other bikes. For those who are sporting after-market or modified exhausts can pretty much be assured of having their sound levels checked (and tickets issued) on the side of the road should you happen to be spotted (or heard) by local Law Enforcement.

The town has pretty much said to motorcyclists that they are unwelcome and if you come here, you will be punished. They may as well have just passed a law banning motorcycles from their town altogether. I’ll say it again – Not only is this law unfair with it’s low sound level requirements, but its pure discrimination. Only motorcycles will have to obey this law – it simply doesn’t apply to all other vehicles. So what does a rider do? Avoid and boycott the town altogether as some have suggested? I think that’s the wrong approach because in the end…the town will get exactly what they want – No more motorcycles. Personally, I have no intention of avoiding the area. I will ride right through the town like I have before and as always, I will be responsible with the throttle and show them that not all motorcycles (or their riders) are noisy and if I get a ticket, I will fight it! But one thing is for certain…I will not spend another penny in Caledon.

As long as they discriminate against me as a rider, I will not stop again for lunch, refreshments or even gas. I may however, stop to stretch my legs and smile at the local residents as they walk past scowling at me.

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I recently had the privilege of attending the Kahuna Powersports launch party for the return of the Norton. Norton motorcycles have been around since 1908 and are part of British pop culture. They have a long heritage and have caught the eye of many riders since before most of us were born. Unfortunately, Norton was another victim of economic hardships and closed their doors in 1976.

Well…the Norton lives again and are coming to Canada with the Commando 961 SE. Now before you get your hopes up for getting the Special Edition model, you should know that there will be a very limited supply of only 20 bikes…18 of which are already spoken for. Ok…grab some tissues because there will be a few other models released later this year. A base model 961, the Cafe Racer and the Sport models will all be available by June of 2011. But you should act fast if you are thinking about getting one of these fine machines because once again, supply will be limited and demand will be high even though the cost will be around $20,000CDN (not including freight, PDI, taxes, etc).

The Commando 961SE shown above is a pretty sexy looking machine but there will be some subtle changes once we see it on Canadian roads thanks to the Federal certification process that all vehicles have to go through before they are brought into the country in volume. One obvious change will be the front end, where the Canadian version of the bike will be sporting ‘upside down forks’ as opposed to the traditional ones shown in the picture.

Norton paid a lot of attention to detail as they modernized their bike and although they held true to the aesthetic looks of the bikes made in the ’70′s, everything is completely modern and they didn’t go cheap on their choice in parts. Brembro brakes, Ohlins suspension, carbon fibre fenders & chain guard, and steel braided brake lines are just to name a few.

So for all those Norton and cafe racer fans, get your finances in order and get into a dealership soon to place your order. If you’re in Ontario, go check out Kahuna Powersports to place your deposit. These bikes will move fast so if you want one, you had better act fast!

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We’ve all see those inspiring motivational posters that are so common in offices now. Here are a few that I especially like. Enjoy!

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This was no accident and nor is any collision on our roadways. It’s time people start calling things what they really are. This was a ‘crash’ or a ‘collision’. Not an accident. What’s the difference you ask? An ‘Accident’ is something that is unavoidable and unforeseen. Collisions or crashes ARE predictable and therefore avoidable

When we go out on our roads, there is always a chance of being involved in a crash. Lets face it…it happens several times a day. Although…if they happen everyday, they are predictable. So how do you avoid them? Well for starters pay attention to your surroundings and road conditions. By keeping a careful watch on the vehicles around you, you are more able to spot certain behaviours that may lead to trouble. It only takes one person to not pay attention to create the conditions for a collision. However, it only takes one person who is paying attention to recognise those developing conditions and avoid them entirely. It’s a simple thing called ‘Situational Awareness’ but it’s something that is sorely lacking on our roads – especially among car drivers. The most attentive road users are motorcyclists and professional truck drivers. Both know full well that they must be well aware of everything going on around them and plan well ahead while navigating our dangerous roadways…

Click here to read more…

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Learning Curves – Review

www.learningcurves.ca

Published in 2Ride Magazine

Each Spring, more and more people take up motorcycling and they do so for a wide range of reasons. As such, motorcycle training schools across the country quickly fill up with students who are new to riding or those who are returning after taking many years off. Whether you are new to riding or someone who is taking up riding again, the question that is often asked is “Why take a course? Isn’t it just like riding a bike?” The short answer is no…it’s not.

Riding a motorcycle comes with risk, just like driving a car does. However, making a mistake on a motorbike can have far greater consequences. The point to taking a safety course is to mitigate and reduce those risks. Instructors start you with the basics of where the controls are and how to use them and rapidly move you up to required skills like emergency braking, obstacle avoidance and proper vision techniques. Even for those who have ridden before and are returning to riding much has changed in the past decade and so have the bikes that are available today. For those who have many years experience riding dirt bikes, riding on public roads is a very different experience since trees don’t tend to simply jump out in front of you (only those who drive/ride drunk would disagree with that statement). In general, people take up riding for many reasons ranging from a childhood fantasy to a mid-life crisis, encouragement from their friends or family, to wanting to save on gas, or simply wanting to indulge in the pure joy and sensations that riding provides and that they’ve heard about. Many of the joys of riding are foreign to new riders until they actually get out on their own bike and discover the thrills, adventures and excitement on their own. I recently spent some time at “Learning Curves” a motorcycle safety school in Toronto and talked to some of the students and their instructors. The students shared the opinion that they wanted to learn the basics of motorcycle riding and some students went far as to say that they are taking the course to learn to “stay alive”. Although a relatively new school, Learning Curves bring to the table decades of combined motorcycling experience. The owners and head instructors have a long history in the riding community teaching others how to ride and most of their junior instructors come from other schools. What makes Learning Curves different is their personal touch and hands-on teaching style. Let’s face it, we all learn differently and while we may excel with some concepts, we may lack in other areas. These instructors teach differently and adapt to your needs as a student, even spending more time with individual riders to help them in areas where they are weak. The instructors fully understand what’s involved in riding on public roads and are there to pass down their knowledge much like native cultures pass down knowledge from one generation to the next by showing them first hand. We all start out the same as newbies, without a clue what we are doing and it’s the instructor’s passion for riding and willingness to “pay it forward” that makes taking a course enjoyable. Just observing the instructors running along side the students and taking extra time talking to those who required some extra tutelage, showed how much they cared about arming new riders with the basic knowledge and skills that they would need to head out on the open roads. It helps also that the instructors remember what it’s like to be new at riding and teach without the “I know more than you so you better listen” attitude found at some other schools. It also helps that they all have a great sense of humour and friendliness that makes students feel at ease from the moment you arrive. As with other Ministry approved riding schools, Learning Curves offers both M1 and M2 exit courses and administers the Ministry skills test at the end of the program. Most schools focus on teaching you what you need to pass the Ministry tests at the end of the course but Learning Curves takes it to another level with additional tips, techniques and advice to add another level of safety for their students to take to the road. With that in mind though, if a student doesn’t “get it” they won’t pass the test. Another thing that really makes Learning Curves stand apart from the rest is their “Street Proofing” program. Once a student passes the M1 course, they will take you out on the streets at a later date (using your own bike once you get it) and show you how to ride in the real world (which is vastly different from puttering around in a safe, controlled parking lot) offering up tips and advice along the way. This is an invaluable service to help new riders navigate the roads safely. Whatever your reasons are for taking up riding, please take the time to do it safely and take a safety course. It’s worth far more than it costs and should be considered a personal investment in you. Most riding schools offer not only a basic course for those who are new to riding but also advanced courses too. Some regions have graduated licensing and local schools, which are certified by their local governing body, offer weekend courses that focus on the skills required and actually administer the ministry tests that are required to graduate to the next level.

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Enough!
Courtesy of Sharon DeVellis of the Yummy Mummy Club
July 05, 2010

I’m so beyond pissed off right now I can’t stand it. While putting on make up this morning while watching Breakfast Television, I listened as Kevin Frankish reported about how a father died in front of his two kids, ages 7 and 11, last night.

Was it a long weekend freak accident? Did he have a heart attack?

No. He was killed from a head-on collision by a driver who was going the wrong way on a major highway. The car is virtually unrecognizable with the front passenger seat pretty much obliterated.

The dad, the one sitting in the now gone front passenger seat, was killed instantly. The mom who was driving was airlifted to a hospital and is in critical condition.

The two kids are unhurt.

But not really. They aren’t fucking unhurt. They lost their father. Their mother is in a hospital and will hopefully recuperate but will have who knows how many months or years to get back to where she was.

The family? That’ll never get back to where it was, will it? Because I can tell you from experience, this crash will be the turning point in their lives. From this point forward, life for them will be known as before the crash and after the crash.

“Alcohol is being investigated as a factor in the collision.”

And this is where I say What The Fuck? And yes, I’m using f-bomb. If you’re offended, then walk away from the computer. But I earned the right to use What the fuck when two years ago a drunk driver smashed head-on into our family on a Sunday afternoon as we driving to my in-laws house to celebrate Mother’s Day. I earned it when I had to calm my screaming, bleeding child sitting by the side of the road waiting for police and paramedics to arrive. I earned it when I had to hold both my kids beside me on the ambulance ride to the hospital and when I had to see the drunk driver being admitted AHEAD OF US and he was so drunk he couldn’t even tell the nurse his name.

I earned it when I chose to stay sitting with my son in my lap and didn’t get up to beat the shit out of him at that very moment.

I earned it when I had to give my child drunk driving magic every single night before bed in order for him to be able to sleep and when I went to court to read our impact statement in front of a full courtroom, only to have the man who changed our family forever not look me in the eye once, not even when I held up pictures of my sons so he could see who he hurt.

I earned it when I listened as the judge revoked his license for 15 months and gave him a fine to pay and he walked away with his wife to go home to his young child. The one who didn’t need therapy from being in a head-on collision.

So I say What The Fuck.

Because I earned it.

And now this family has earned it and they don’t deserve it.

How many people have to die or be injured in drunk driving collisions before we smarten the hell up and get stricter laws?

Editor’s Notes:
Sharon’s rant touches close to home for me as a dear friend of mine sits in hospital beside her sisters bed as she lays there clinically brain dead. The plug is being pulled tomorrow. At the same time her mum lays in another hospital bed clinging to life. It’s still unsure what the outcome will be for her. It was a drunk driver who caused this tragic crash a few weeks ago.

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Ride for Dad
Creating Awareness for Prostate Cancer
June 19, 2010

Prostate? No it’s not a political position; it’s a small organ up a man’s whazzoo and one that is prone to developing cancer, especially once they reach their middle ages and beyond. Ok guys…I get that we hate going to doctors unless something is falling off and needs medical attention beyond what can be done with some gauze and Duct Tape but Prostate Cancer isn’t something we can diagnose (never mind tend too) on our own. Time to get checked out. Early detection is key in this case, despite what it means to our egos.

Yup…time for an intimate encounter from “Dr. Glove”. It may not be pretty or comfortable but it won’t last long. “Hey Doc…let me know if you find my dignity”.

All joking aside, this is a serious issue that affects a large percentage of men around the world. The Ride for Dad is going on a cross Canada tour in 2010 to further awareness about Prostate Cancer and what can be done to detect and survive it. Like I said…early detection is important. Go see your doctor and leave your ego at the door for 5min…it could just save your life.

This year I attended the Ride for Dad ride held for the Greater Toronto Area as one of the support vehicles. Once again though, I was able to just enjoy the day driving around in my MotoLimo truck as the riders plugged along in the sticky humid temperatures.

The start and end point of the ride was at Durham Powerhouse and they proved to be great hosts for the hundreds of riders who attended. Lots of food, water and soft drinks and a live band playing all the while Q107 covered the event. There were also lots of prizes being raffled off that had been donated by local businesses. All the proceeds raised – over $17,000 – went to Cancer research centres including our own Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre located in Toronto, which is one of the leading worldwide facilities for cancer research. This was the 10th year running and has raised over $5 Million this year alone.

Guys…it only takes 5min and I’m sure you’ve had BM’s that were more uncomfortable than having your Prostate checked.



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WROAR Ride 2010
June, 13 2010

There are some things that nobody really likes to talk about and rape is high on that list, especially for those who have been raped or sexually assaulted. The trauma that they endure can affect them for the rest of their lives. The feeling of being violated in such a way can damage ones self-esteem and confidence and can leave a victim feeling guilty (like they were somehow to blame). It can also leave them with some serious trust and intimacy issues in their relationships going forward.

Some can heal on their own, others need assistance and that’s where the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape comes into play by offering free and confidential counseling services to those who have been raped or sexually assaulted. They are 100% volunteer based and draw their funding from local sponsorship and donations and that’s where WROAR comes in.

WROAR (Women Ride Out Against Rape) is a motorcycle event held each year to raise funding to help support the TRCC/MWAR. This was the 6th year of the WROAR Ride and raised over $6000 from the riders who attended, who came from all walks of life. Approximately 60 Men and Women alike raised sponsorship for the ride and participated in a Treasure Hunt style event to win various prizes that were donated by local businesses.

This was my first year participating in the event and I did so in a supporting role with MotoLimo.com. If a rider got into trouble along the route, I would be on hand to pick them up and take them wherever they needed to go. Fortunately, nobody needed any assistance and we all just had a great day enjoying the sunny weather.

See you next year!

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