June 2005

Featured Road Captain

An Interview with Mike Lallier        
by Paula McCallum

Mike has been riding on and off since the late 70's. In his "off" times, he got rid of his toys and did the family thing but now he's refusing to get old and is accumulating all those adult toys again. His newest toy is a Harley ‘04 Heritage Classic with 6,000 miles and climbing fast. Back in the late 70's and early 80's he had several Hondas. In 1978, he bought an automatic Honda 750 but only rode it for a year. "It just didn't feel right riding and not going through the gears." Mike says that the Hondas he owned where very dependable, while the Harleys back then, were known to have many problems as well as for being the bad boys’ bikes. Today's Harleys are nothing like the older models; they’ve come a long way in their reliability. They retained the traditional looks of the past and are still, really, a status symbol “especially for us older folks trying to stay young”.

Mike is going on his second year as a Manomet Mystery Rider. What he enjoyed, and ultimately what hooked him to us, is the Thursday Night Mystery Rides. Mike enjoys being a MMR because our members like to ride as much as he does. It also gave him the opportunity to meet a good group of people with good hearts.

As a Road Captain he pledges to keep that mystery format. He’s a laid back rider, so don't expect him to lead any thrill rides! His style is more for the long relaxed rides. In the near future, he'll be leading a ride to Foxwoods, a Cape Cod 3D ride and the CHIPs House Run on June 26th.

What’s your favorite part of riding? “Late at night with the tunes on” while a good day on the bike would be “looking at his odometer with 200+ miles added to it, all on back roads.” Later this summer or fall he hopes to do a road trip to Florida where he'd love to ride to Key West. "Now I'm dreaming!" he exclaims.

He doesn't consider biking to be his life although sometimes it may seem that way. Biking is just another sport he and his wife Donna have taken up together. He's sorry to say that his enjoyment with riding is probably tied for number one with their other source of fun, coastal sailing. They love to sail along the south coast and over to the islands. Their other hobbies include snowboarding and windsurfing. In the past, he's put together trips for his sailing club as well as beach parties and cookouts. He's a little hesitant to get that involved again since he knows it's a lot of work. He appreciates the efforts made by the MMR be hind the scenes. And we certainly appreciate all his efforts this year with his involvement in the MMR, especially his valuable time in keeping our Hotline continually updated.

And where does Mike stand on the helmet issue? While he believes in wearing a helmet, he also feels that an individual should have the right to make his or her own decision on any matter as long as it doesn’t involve anyone else. After returning from Florida recently he was told that in the Sunshine State you have an option to wear a helmet or not, if you decide not to wear a helmet you are required to increase your insurance coverage. He was taken aback with the Florida politicians who were capable of coming up with such a down to earth approach.

His advise to new riders is that "having a bike doesn't mean you have to ride at the speed of light, take it slow and with time you will feel yourself become in tune with your bike and only then will you really enjoy biking."

Mike and his wife Donna live in Sandwich but soon will be moving to Barnstable. He owns Designer Built Homes, a construction company, were he designs and constructs custom homes as seen on their web site www.designerbuilt.com.  

Homes For Our Troops                     
by Jack Cribbs

As many of you know, I throw a Fourth of July party every year. Last year, Starr & I were looking for a charity that we could support with our pig roast. Since it’s on the Fourth of July we thought something patriotic would be good. One morning last spring Starr saw a special on The Homes For Our Troops, a new organization being set up by a local contractor for returning troops with war related disabilities. We learned that unfortunately our government doesn't do an adequate job of providing for these bravest of the brave who put it all on the line so that we can feel safe at night.

This year we’re going to try to at least double the funds we raised to help support this most excellent of causes. I will be roasting some pig and serving it up free to all, I’m also building a hope chest with a motorcycle carved on the front, as a raffle prize. There will also be many other raffle prizes donated by either members of the two motorcycle groups that I belong to or local businesses.

I'm looking for volunteers to help and the things that I need range from someone to make potato salad, to selling raffle tickets, to helping with the parking. I don't expect that people will come and spend the whole day here, but if people would just take a half hour or so and come by and make a donation or buy a raffle ticket, it will be a huge success.

Last year we had fifty people show up and we raised $1,500 for this organization and this year we would like to raise a minimum of $3,000 and send a message to all those who have sacrificed for us that we care enough to act with our bank accounts as well as our wishes. Already a house is going up in Middleboro so we can see the fruit of our effort already taking root. To learn more, go to: www.homesforourtroops.org  

Life’s Journey                         
by Brigitte Miras

On March 8th, 2003 I left California to make a fresh start in this new State. I never would have imagined how much my life was about to change. In California, I only rode occasionally since I never owned my own bike but I knew it was a must to have one now. I would often daydream of how beautiful it would be to not only see Plymouth County but also to explore the Cape.

When vacationing here in the past, I always saw a group of bikers at Gellars and said to myself that if I was to ever live in Plymouth, I would have to find out about this group. Well, since then I bought a Honda Shadow 600 and I was now able to roll through these beautiful hills and find out who these people were. Knowing that motorcycles parked in this one area along this wall on Waterfront Street, I decided to check it out one day. Rolling past “The Wall", I saw a slot I could back into. I was so damn nervous! I wondered how really shy riders, new to the area, would've felt? Every bad scenario entered my head about the so-called “Domino Effect” of parked bikes but I gathered all my inner strength and "cojones" and backed right in.

Unbeknownst to me, I was about to meet a few Manomet Mystery Riders; what nice guys they turned out to be. I was actually handed an application to join the MMR that warm summer evening which I did after attending a couple meetings. One summer night while everybody was off at Ziggy's to get a cone, and being a little short on dough, I decided to just hang out, check out the bikes, and get to know members and non-members. Chris Mott was one of the riders that had come along for his first ride that night, at the request of his softball buddies Anthony Andrade and Will Schobel. Considering joining the MMR, Chris also hung out at “The Wall" with his buddies. Admiring all the bikes, Chris and I started to chat it up and made plans to ride the following night with the MMR.

I never would have imagined that the MMR could also be a matchmaker because Chris and I are now engaged to be married in July. Thanks MMR for being a piece of my puzzle in making my new life here complete.  

Paulatics Statehouse Stormin’          
by Paula McCallum

Twelve years ago, around this time in May, my brother-in-law was cruising the roads of the Cape on his newly acquired Harley. He was proceeding straight through an intersection when another vehicle, coming in the other direction, took a left at the lights. This is an all to familiar occurrence and one of the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents. The driver didn't see or hear the roaring Harley and broadsided Jimmy in the left leg. While he lay in the hospital recuperating, my sister Maryann was in another hospital giving birth to their second child. The driver of the vehicle was an illegal alien who was uninsured, and unlicensed to drive in this or any other State. Soon after, he fled the country back to Brazil never having to pay damages of any kind. My brotherin- law wasn't as fortunate and now walks with the use of a prosthetic leg. His riding days are over.

The following is an excerpt taken from the pamphlet we were given to present to our individual representatives on May 19th to educated them on issues concerning motorcyclists and to find out their position on these matters. (to read more on this and others issues, go to www.MMA-of-MA.com): House No. 671, "Motorcyclist Matter" and "Justice for All" - Right of Way Violations "At the present time, there is no consistency and small penalties (citations or sentencing) for violating the "Right of Way" of others resulting in serious injury or death. Too often, because of minimal liability coverage limits of $20,000 - the 'at fault' operator is not 'responsible' for damages in excess of those limits. This bill seeks to hold those responsible for injuries - responsible!”

Along with 100 or so other bikers, I participated in the annual Storming of the Statehouse hosted by the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association. While in this impressive parade procession from Somerville to the Statehouse around noon, I witnessed many motorists who were impatient at missing their light while bikes blocked traffic in order to continue our ride. Several vehicles cut across our line while others just entered into our pack. Many honked their horns in anger. Once we got to the Commons and rode around the park, several pedestrians brazenly taunted bikers for a ride while cutting us off to cross the street.

Granted there is a hustle and bustle in the city and it's a dangerous place for anyone operating a motor vehicle, yet I was appalled at the lack of respect for fellow citizens and the general disregard some motorists have for bikers. Is it that important to be on time to your destination at the cost of injury or lives of others? Yet, I’m just one biker who's voice wants to be heard. Are you listening Senator?  

Rider Education                         
by Elise Donohue

This information is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dealing with ways to minimize your risk. On many levels, there is so much to talk about when it comes to riding, for example: Skill, Techniques and Crash Avoidance are just to name a few. As a result, riding for me is no longer as simple as getting on my bike, starting it up and heading out. Those days are long gone since I have been involved in Rider Education; my riding paradigms have been shifted. I now have a keen awareness that I have been able to dial into. In the past that was missing, or shall I say, not missing… I just didn't know it existed. Through training, I am now intensely aware that in the past, I rode strictly on instinct and not on skill. And now after training hundreds, if not thousands of students, I know that I wasn't alone. Motorcycling doesn't just feed the soul; it encourages a certain human behavior which seem to instinctually create bad habits. I see it over and over again, not only with my new students, but experienced students as well. It is not unusual to see the same bad habits, just different faces.

So I challenge you to ask yourself the following questions and explore your own riding behaviors:

1. What do you do if you accidentally lock up the rear wheel and go into a rear wheel skid on pavement? How do you handle it to minimize your risk of injury?

2)  If you are riding down the road and suddenly, something bounced off the back of someone's truck that is in front of you…what would you do and where should you be looking? What action should you avoid if you choose to swerve as a crash avoidance skill?

1. You are riding around a blind corner and "surprise"… a car is stalled out in the middle of the corner. What is the technique you would use in that situation to minimize your risk? What is the first thing you need to do?

The most important thing to recognize is that all three of these situations, no matter how long someone has been riding; the rider would be motivated to react initially by instinct. Take question 1 for instance; a direct result of locking a rear wheel is panic, an instinctual behavior. Look at question 2; most likely, the first reaction is to panic. Question 3 is also a breeding ground for instinct. As a result, here are some common answers based on the theory of riders reacting to instinct not skill:

*1) If you answered question 1, "Release the rear brake." You are also relying on instinct NOT SKILL.

*2) If you answered question 2, "I need to look at the object so I avoid it". Then you are relying on instinct NOT SKILL.

*3) If you answered question 3, "Immediately apply maximum braking" You are relying on instinct NOT SKILL.

*Please note, these mock answers could result in serious injury. Proper technique and skill for each of these situations are explored in Rider Education.

If you fall within the majority of both novice & experienced riders that answered any one of the questions (1-3) from instinct, I strongly encourage you to pursue further skill development. Recognize that surrendering instinct & habit is one of the most challenging things to do, no matter what level of experience you have. Developing proper riding skill & technique first require an understanding of what that means. When a rider has a clear understanding, they can practice skill to become their reaction, it’s a trained behavior. Unfortunately, when we are out on the road we don't have the luxury of practice sessions; our decisions have to be made in a split second. As you know, every second counts so it is key to develop your skills properly.

Aside from my work with the Rider Education Department of Harley-Davidson Motor Company/ Milwaukee; I am pleased to announce I will be involved with the launching of the brand new motorcycle training facility, RIDE SAFE of Plympton, Massachusetts. It is a state of the art training facility; we will be using 2005 motorcycles and a brand new asphalt training area. If you are interested in refreshing your skills, taking an Experienced Rider Course or know someone who is interested in learning to ride and getting their license, please know that we will be at:

RIDE SAFE 97 County Rd. (Rte 106), Plympton, MA. 02327 www.ridesafeofplympton.com Phone: 781-582-9990 Have A Safe and Enjoyable Riding Season~

Elise Donohue M.S.F. /H.D.R.E. Certified, Motorcycle Safety Instructor, #109860 If you have any questions, my new e-mail will be: Elise@ridesafeofplympton.com.  

Safety Briefing for Group Leaders     
By Paula McCallum

Road Captains or Group Leaders who are giving the "safety talk" should familiarize themselves with the following information to ensure all bases are covered. Carry a short check list (cheat sheet) of info. on the rides to make sure all points are covered.

Scan the crowd. Is there anyone in our group you don't know? Introduce yourself and welcome them to the group. Or ask if there are any new riders joining us? Make sure they've signed a waiver releasing us from any possible liability.

Identify the Road Captains on the ride. Road Captains should be interspersed throughout the group and one as a sweep in the back in case of a break down or to prevent someone from being lost in the back if the group has taken a turn. The Sweep should have a cell phone, first aid and tool kits. The lead rider should assess the group's skill level and chose a speed/road types (i.e. highway vs. back roads) that are comfortable for all.

Go through the MMR 10 Commandments, which are:

1. Thou shalt not block road for vehicles. It is illegal and dangerous.

1. We ride tight and staggered (left, right). Tell riders to leave a 2-second cushion between each other. Single file if the road is narrow, curvy roads, poor visibility, road conditions, when entering/exiting the highway or other situation where more room is needed to maneuver. Do not switch lanes once in formation.

1. Find out route/destination in case you're separated. Take the "mystery" out of the ride by letting people know before we leave Gellars what roads we're taking and where we'll end up.

1. Be gassed up and ready to go. Although it seems obvious, ask if everyone is gassed up and ready to go?

1. Wait at stop sign/light for all to come to a stop. Proceed only when everyone is together at a stop sign or light. This will help to prevent other vehicles from entering our formation or riders in the back from getting stuck at the light/stop.

1. Point out pedestrians/debris along the road. Visually show the group the hand signals we use. Left and right hand turns, pointing out debris with right hand or leg, slow down or stop, come up (to fill space), single file, follow me, blinker is on.

1. Don't stop for falling items off of bikes. Tell the group that if someone ahead of you loses their sunglasses, gloves, map, do-rags, etc. do not attempt to pick them up. This could cause an accident for you or the riders behind you if you suddenly swerve or stop.

1. Blow your horn if separated at stoplight. When the group ahead can, they will safely pull over and wait. Tell riders not to attempt to keep up by running red lights or driving at unsafe speeds. The group should not pull over immediately after a stop light since the bikes catching up will already be accelerating.

1. Lead rider should know that you're leaving the ride. If a rider knows that they will need to leave the group prior to the destination, they should make sure to inform the lead rider. When at the destination, if they are planning to break off to a different route they should let the lead rider know and hang to the back of the pack.

1. Be courteous to fellow bikers and enjoy the ride. Tell the group that if a vehicle inadvertently enters the pack, do not haze driver. They don't want to be there any more then we want them to be. Bikes should all remain in the right lane to allow them to pass when possible.

A Handy Dandy Pocket Guide:

The MMR 10 Commandments

1. Thou shalt not block road for vehicles.
2. We ride tight and staggered (left, right).
3. Find out route/destination in case you're separated.
4. Be gassed up and ready to go.
5. Wait at stop sign/light for all to come to a stop.
6. Point out pedestrians/debris along the road.
7. Don't stop for falling items off of bikes.
8. Blow your horn if separated at stoplight.
9. Lead rider should know that you're leaving the ride.
10. Be courteous to fellow bikers and enjoy the ride.