May 7, 2009

Greetings...

Motorcycle operators have many things to think about before getting on their motorcycles. Weather, condition of road surfaces, traffic patterns, riding gear, things to pack and load, planned route of travel, frame of mind, and condition of your motorcycle to name a few.

Sometimes, the adrenaline rush that comes with anticipating the next ride and/or adventure overrides common sense or attention to a pre-ride checklist. The pre-ride checklist should include these ABCs:

A - Assess tire wear and tire pressure
B - Be sure cables operate freely
C - Check all lights and electrical system
D - Determine that oil and coolant levels are within normal parameters
E - Ensure all of the motorcycle's parts are secure

These are things that are already part of your motorcycle. What about the things the rider, and possibly your passenger, bring to load into or on the motorcycle: head covers, jackets, bags, shirts, groceries, tools, maps, cellphones, and purses? Are things loaded and secured in a way that handling the motorcycle will not be adversely affected?

LOAD IT LOW. LOAD IT TIGHT. KEEP IT BALANCED. AND BE SURE NOTHING WILL COME LOOSE WHILE YOU RIDE!

One last thing: Test your brakes as you enter the roadway.

Ride safe,

ASSEMBLE TOGETHER AND RIDE!

BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT ON THAT GROUP RIDE, HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Unless you live in a southern state, it's that time of year when not only the bears come out of hibernation, but bikers on their motorcycles as well. There's nothing quite as much fun as assembling a group of friends together for that first ride in the Spring. For some, it may be their first time back in the saddle since Fall. For others, it may only be a few weeks or months. Regardless of how long it has been since your bike has been out of the garage, there are some things you should remember.

Your skills, or others in your group, may be a little rusty on the first outing. Perhaps the group you are riding with has not ridden together before. Be sure you understand everyone's skill level before you head out.

Over the winter, roads may have deteriorated leaving sand, ruts, and large potholes for you to navigate around. Consider leaving additional distance between you and the riders in front of you. That distance can help them better manage their motorcycle around road hazards. It also provides more time for the other rider to alert you to a hazard or object in the road and for you to avoid it.

Be on the lookout for cagers. While your bike has been resting in the garage, automobile drivers have forgotten how to watch for motorcycles. Be especially careful when passing vehicles and at intersections. May sure you are visible. Position your bike so you can be seen. Wear reflective clothing when possible. Always use your turn signals with hand signals, and be sure to cancel your turn signal after a lane change or turn.

For additional information on group riding and carrying passengers, check out this article from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

PACK-N-PLAY!

CLOSING THE PACKING GAP BETWEEN A MINIMALIST AND HIS SPOUSE

Concerned about packing for your motorcycle trip? There's no need to be with these handy tips and tricks. There are about as many different ways to pack a motorcycle as there are motorcycles; some good, some not so good. When riding two-up it becomes even more complicated. Here's how one couple resolved the problem, while taking into consideration weight distribution on the bike, make-up, and life's other necessities.

IT'S NOT DONE UNTIL YOU LIKE IT!

UPDATE YOUR MEMBER ACCOUNT AND MAKE IT PERFECT

etting up a member account need not make you anxious. You can always go back and change it and add information until you get it exactly the way you like it. Making changes is easy. Just click on Members, select Returning Member and sign in. Select My Profile and make the desired changes to your profile or add/change your photo. To save your changes, enter your password at the bottom of the page and click on Save My Profile. Use this process to update your email address if it changes.

While you are logged in and at the Members section, why not check out other riders on the site. Perhaps you will find your friends, riders from your area, or just use this as an opportunity to make new friends and create your own gang. From this location you can also view pending gang requests from other members to you, email your gang members, and view your gang. Consider adding additional photos to your member account for your gang members to view by selecting My Photos or My Bikes.

Three other options are available on the Members page. Clicking on My Classifieds shows all classified ads you have posted on our site. My Rides and Events allows you to view all rides and events you may have posted, and in My Businesses you can view any Marketplace Directory Business Ads you have posted. Note that if you have not posted anything to these areas, you will have no listings.

We hope you will take a few minutes and check out the Members section. Should you have any questions, please email us at info[at]cyclematters[dot]com

WARNING! DATES IN CALENDAR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR.

DON'T MISS THE HUNDREDS OF EVENTS POSTED ON OUR SITE!

Be sure to have your riding calendar handy when you log on to Cycle Matters. We have some of the best riding and event opportunities available. You definitely don't want to miss anything! Send our newsletter to your riding buddies and get them involved. We have LA Bike Shows, State HOG Rallies, Wing Dings, national owner's group events, benefit rides, dealer open houses, toy runs, huge rallies, and more. If you have a few hours to spare, give back to others by supporting fund raising events. They are looking forward to seeing you. Isn't that what bikers are known for anyway...great big hearts.

INTRODUCTIONS PLEASE!

WE ARE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU!

We thank you for joining the Cycle Matters Member Community; a place where you can find other riders, store (and share with friends) all of your motorcycle events, classifieds, photos and interests. Each month we would like to introduce you to one of our Cycle Matters' members. All of you are bikers, and as everyone knows, bikers love to tell their stories. We hope you will enjoy this feature and perhaps find a new friend.

We want to feature you in our next newsletter. Please send us an e-mail at info[at]cyclematters[dot]com Include your user name, your first and last name, where you live, what bike you ride, how many miles you ride in a year, and a brief paragraph about yourself, including any special interests you might have. Add a photo of yourself, then watch for your bio on our newsletter. It's easy and only takes a few minutes.

STAY AHEAD OF THE PACK!

MAKE SURE YOUR BUSINESS IS LISTED IN OUR MARKETPLACE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Cycle Matters has a brand new motorcycle business directory on the Internet featuring dealers, manufacturers, retailers, services, and much more. Local and national advertising packages are available that offer cross-promotion of related content between the directory and other sections of the site. Don't get left behind. We have prices you can afford, even if you are a small business owner. Let us help your business grow. Contact us today.

Interested in more visibility? Maybe a banner ad is more to your liking. Cycle Matters has advertising opportunities available to meet your needs and your budget. Contact us about custom proposals and free ad design.

If you or someone you know is interested in advertising on Cycle Matters, please contact Debby (debby[at]cyclematters[dot]com or 303-661-0880). We can help you maximize the power of your listing.

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