Motorcycle Rallies Simple Rules

I think it is fair to say that most bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts (Yes! There is a difference) look forward to motorcycle rallies. Places like Sturgis, Daytona Beach, Laughlin, Laconia and others have become an integral part of our culture.

These events have become more and more popular, attracting bigger crowds and lots of businesses trying to make a profit. I won't get into the whole discussion about the commercialization of these gatherings, or how ridiculous it is that some of us (you know who we are) are now being discriminated against at what used to be a celebration of our lifestyle.

What I will focus on is a safety issue. More specifically the safety issue created by those "riders" who take their bikes out of the garage a handful of times each year and decide to ride in a crowded area, although they lack the skills to do so and, in many instances, while consuming alcohol. So, how about following some simple rules:

1. Use common sense and leave your ego at home: riding your bike in these rallies involves a lot of stop and go, speeding up and slowing down very quickly, maneuvering in close quarters, etc. If you don't have the skills to ride in a rally environment, don't do it. As much as I think those guys who ski off the sides of mountains look pretty cool, you would not find my ass on a double black diamond.
2. Stay sober: I know that's a no-brainer, but that is a hard one to follow for some people even on a regular weekend. It gets much worse during a rally simply because of the huge number of bikes on the road. The worst part is that usually the drunk dumbasses end up hurting other people.
3. Know and maintain your bike: check your tires, brakes, fluids, etc. Even if there is nothing wrong with you, if your bike is not safe to ride you can find yourself, and others, in a bad situation.
4. Pay attention: you might have followed all the previous rules, but the person next to you might have followed none. In this scenario "Look out for Motorcycles" doesn't apply to cars only.

And finally...

     5.  Have a great time!!!

Norway

Traveling has always been one of my favorite things to do. There is just so much to see out there. Traveling is great... traveling on a motorcycle is AWESOME! A couple of years ago my wife and I had the chance to visit Norway and, thanks to the great brotherhood we found over there, we got to ride a bike from Oslo to Bergen and more. What an unforgettable experience...

We spent a few days sightseeing in and around Oslo.

Then it was time to hit the road and head west. The weather was less than optimal, but we didn't care. We felt exhilarated to be riding a motorcycle in a foreign land for the first time.

Lærdal Tunnel (24.5 Km) is the longest road tunnel in the world.

Norway's natural landscape is breathtaking...

...the seafood is delicious!

And its history is rich.

We can't wait for the next time we get the chance to go on a trip like this. Sure, you can see places traveling by plane, bus, car... but on a motorcycle you get to experience the places, feel them. It's not just a trip, it's an adventure... a Highway Adventure.

Colorado 2013

This has always been one of my favorite trips.There is something about riding in the Rocky Mountains that is very special to me. So I took off from Phoenix on a Saturday morning and rode the first leg of the trip to Durango. This part of the trip is the least scenic, so the only picture is the one above welcoming me to the Centennial State.

After a nice meal and a relaxing evening in Durango, it was time to hit the road and start exploring the majestic scenery Colorado has to offer. I rode through some familiar roads, but also tried to take some new ones to discover unseen sites. I succeeded. :-)

At the top of Monarch pass I was tempted to take the little tramway that takes you all the way to the top. The quickly approaching storm changed my mind. You gotta love the weather in the Rockies!

On the next day, after spending the night in Golden with friends, it was time to cover my old stomping grounds: the Rocky Mountain National Park. In through Grand Lake and out in Estes Park.

On the next day, a little more of Estes Park  and its picturesque downtown shops where you can get anything and everything Colorado. Then down to Loveland and Denver - the Mile High City - with its many attractions and a night life that offers options to all tastes.

Then it was time to head west and explore some new roads. I honestly didn't care about the bad weather as I turned south after Glenwood Springs to find roads where I had not ridden before.

The last night was also spent in Durango where I sat and watched the rain fall, finding great satisfaction on the journey I had just completed and wondering where my next adventure would take me...