District Education

Maine District Educator - Mark Bennett

Rider Tune–Up April 2, 2010

Old man winter means a shortened riding season for many of us. Not only do our bikes miss the light of day for months our riding skills become dormant. Once the sun begins staying up longer and the white stuff melts it’s time to get back on the road. Many riders expend a fair amount of energy ensuring their machine is ready. A freshly charged battery, new oil and filter, fresh gas, and a tune-up are common tasks. As I go about this yearly ritual it’s a way to reconnect with a hobby that has become a passion over the years. Jackie, my #1 Co–Rider, could make a strong case for “obsession” in that last sentence.

After I’ve taken the time to get my bike ready I focus on me. No, it’s not time to buy the latest riding gear. I’m talking about my physical and mental abilities. Those riding skills that kept me alive through last season have been hibernating. Now is not the time to zip along my favorite twisty at a spirited pace. It’s time to head to the nearest parking lot. Any large paved area will do, just as long as it’s not in the flight path of pizza delivery guys or inattentive shoppers.

I’ve been asked, “How do you know a person can handle a motorcycle?” Slow down, way down. Two wheels require skills that are not exercised while driving a car. At road speed a motorcycle stays upright because of those large gyroscopes we call wheels. Slow speed quickly separates skilled riders from those who need more practice. Just like my bike gets routine maintenance I give myself periodic tune–ups. Several times a year you can find me doing a parking lot practice. On my way home from work, before heading out on a Saturday, or in the middle of a nine day tour are all convenient times to tune–up fundamental techniques.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation experienced rider course has students execute u–turns within 24 feet. I’ve watched them do this low speed maneuver on fully loaded touring rigs. Their first attempts are often very humbling. Normally with a few minutes of coaching and practice they understand the techniques and apply them; their turns becoming consistently tighter. One of the techniques is simply “look where you plan to ride”. Turning your head and looking completing though the path of travel results in better execution.

After some slow speed u-turns I pick up the pace, to around 25 mph, and work on my straight line braking. With each run I focus on: head and eyes forward, smooth progressive pressure on both brakes, and reducing my stopping distance without locking either wheel. It’s easy to measure my progress; I just reference painted lines on the pavement. The final thing I practice, to bring my skills back from their winter hiatus, is swerving around hazards. Parking lots are full of painted lines that intersect. I pick an intersection, ride toward it at 20 mph and then swerve around it, while maintaining steady speed and avoiding the brakes.

I limit each rider tune–up to 30 minutes. If things aren’t going well more time only creates more frustration, not improvement. Regardless of the outcome, after a half hour it’s time to ride.

If you have thoughts on this or other topics I’d appreciate hearing from you.

Tune–Up and Ride Smart,

Mark Bennett

Maine District Educator

mbennett86023@roadrunner.com

Home 207-636-7992

Cell 860-918-3065

WIND CHILL February 1, 2010

The information below is from the National Weather Service.

Wind Chill is the temperature it “feels like” outside and is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold. As the wind increases, the body is cooled at a faster rate causing the skin temperature to drop. Wind Chill does not impact inanimate objects like car radiators and exposed water pipes, because these objects cannot cool below the actual air temperature.

Frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing body tissue. The most susceptible parts of the body are the extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. Symptoms include a loss of feeling in the extremity and a white or pale appearance. Medical attention is needed immediately for frostbite. The area should be SLOWLY re-warmed.

Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature (below 95 degrees Fahrenheit). Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Medical attention is needed immediately. If it is not available, begin warming the body SLOWLY.

When dressing for cold weather consider these guidelines:

· Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate you. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.

· Wear a hat, because 40% of your body heat can be lost from your head

· Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold

· Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves

· Try to stay dry and out of the wind

For more information about weather related issues go to www.nws.noaa.gov

PLANNING MATTERS January 1, 2010

I hope Santa brought you a gift or two to make motorcycling more enjoyable. As the blanket of white outside grows for the next few months it’s a good time to start planning where to ride for 2010. Is this the year Jackie and I travel to Wing Ding? What about Americade from June 7-11? For the last seven years I’ve joined a group of friends for a week long tour. Where will we go for tour number eight?

When teaching MSF courses I spend much of my time repeating the phrase, “Look where you plan to ride.” The expression reminds students to turn their heads and look completely through their path of travel. I coach the students for a weekend, but the “Look where you plan to ride” mantra has just as much importance when making multi-day journeys to distant locations.

Some prefer to let the wind chart their course and hope for the best. I’ve experienced unplanned trips that turn into too many miles in one day, with a lousy motel for the night. My #1 co-rider has an abundance of patience, but when I tell her we need to log another hour because I didn’t get reservations her patience is tested. My military background makes me one who prefers a planned, organized and well executed experience. January and February are perfect times to read about places, look at maps, check out websites, and begin planning your paths of travel for 2010.

By spending winter looking over possible routes I’ve found some great places. Route 215 in North Carolina, Taughannock Falls in New York and Ozark Orchard Restaurant in Missouri are places the wind would have never carried me. Often I learn about unique places by talking with fellow riders. Planning also helps avoid bad weather. First I need to go on record; weather forecasters LIE! Even with that said a search of www.weather.com lets me know which months historically have the least rainfall in the areas I plan to ride. Also, a list of average temperatures helps me plan the gear for a trip.

My cold-month planning takes several phases, first is the brainstorming about where and when to ride. That is followed by how much time I have to ride. The time element helps me plan my miles-per-day. The final and most limiting phase is how much is in the budget?

Once I’ve determined the general location I spend time on-line, read travel books and look over detailed maps of the area. My focus is roads that allow me to take full advantage of what motorcycling has to offer. Call them twistys, sweepers or backroads as long as they take me through the scenery, not around it, I’m a happy biker. One good resource I’ve used is www.madmaps.com. They sell foldout maps with detailed routes that include points of interest.

Last year my friends and I completed a nine day tour based out of Parkersburg, West Virginia. Without planning our annual ride could have been a disaster. Because we checked the weather, reserved rooms, read tourist information and looked at detailed maps it was outstanding. Only a ½ day of rain, backroads surpassing the finest in New England, and local cuisine made for another great chapter in my memory book.

Plan now so you can ride smarter when the snow melts,

Mark Bennett

Maine District Educator

mbennett86023@roadrunner.com

Home 207-636-7992

Cell 860-918-3065

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST December 1, 2009

The ski resorts are open and the morning temps are cold enough to turn water into a solid. My bike is winterized and parked in the corner of the garage. That way I’ll have easy access to the snow blower for my 5 am walks. The other day Jackie asked, “What do you want for Christmas?”

As the Maine riding season ends and dreams of 2010 adventures dance in my head what’s a motorcycle enthusiast to do? Friends say, “Take up skiing or go snowmobiling.” Years ago I enjoyed cross-country skiing, before having aftermarket hardware installed in my knee. As for snowmobiling, my budget can only support so many toys. Anyway spending time in temperatures that, if they were ages, couldn’t order beer is not appealing to me.

Beyond venturing out to the occasional movie or dinner my winter survival plan includes a large serving of “stay indoors”. Another suggestion is to read a good book. My co-rider enjoys romance novels and murder mysteries. I prefer historical and non-fiction publications. My Christmas wish list often includes books and DVDs about motorcycle safety and handling. Below are some I encourage you to add to your wish list, with a brief overview of their content:

Staying Safe book by Lawrence Grodsky, published by Whitehorse Press. This is a compilation of Grodsky’s safety articles written for Rider magazine over an 18 year period.

Proficient Motorcycling, 2^nd edition book by David Hough published by BowTie Press. Hough covers riding techniques, including some that I have not read about in other publications.

Ride Like a Pro DVD series by Jerry Pallidino distributed by Ride Like A Pro Inc. The DVDs focus on low speed handling. Pallidino’s techniques are spot on; just don’t be frustrated if you need more space than him to turn around. Remember, he earns a living selling these DVDs.

Total Control book by Lee Parks published by Motorbooks. This is the paper version of Park’s weekend course. Many of his track riding references can be transferred to the street.

Riding in the Zone book plus DVD by Ken Condon published by Whitehorse Press. Condon’s book covers handling techniques and includes many pictures to illustrate his points. The DVD has the best images of countersteering I have seen.

One gift that gives all year is a magazine subscription. I subscribe to three: Wing World, RoadRunner and Rider. Wing World is a benefit of GWRRA, so it focuses on a very specific market. RoadRunner magazine has been called the National Geographic of motorcycle magazines. Most of its ink is spent on places to ride and reviewing gear for both rider and machine. Each issue has tear-out maps of the routes discussed. Superb photography, travel stories from around the globe, and high quality paper make this periodical top shelf. Rider magazine includes similar travel stories and equipment reviews. The editors chose to have more pages on the technical aspects of motorcycle design and handling characteristics. They also have a recurring safety column and a technical Q&A section.

Jackie and I wish you Happy Holidays and a 2010 with good roads, clear skies and great friends. Until next year, enjoy a good book so you can ride smarter,

Mark Bennett

Maine District Educator

mbennett86023@roadrunner.com

Home 207-636-7992

Cell 860-918-3065

RIDER EDUCATION PROGRAM August 6, 2009

As your Maine District Educator one of my goals is to get riders and co-riders involved in our Rider Education Program. Why did you join GWRRA? Why should you become involved in training? Perhaps you’re thinking, “I’ve been riding for years, what could someone teach me?” Many people simply ask, “What’s in it for me?” These questions have as many answers as the Blue Ridge Parkway has miles. For some reason you chose to be a member of the world's largest single-marquee social organization for owners and riders of Honda Gold Wing and Valkyrie motorcycles. Your membership provides many benefits. One is access to arguable the most extensive learning opportunities in the motorcycling industry. These opportunities are managed through our Rider Education Program.

I look forward to providing seminars, parking lot practices and courses that interest you. To document completion of these events GWRRA uses the Rider Education Program. Enrollment is free and accomplished by sending me a completed N7 application form. The form is available on-line at www.gwrra.org/regional/ridered/officerpage.html#5. For your convenience I have included the form below with some of the Maine district information already completed.

I encourage you to visit www.gwrra.org/regional/ridered/levelsprogram.html. This web page has a detailed explanation of the entire program. If you still have questions send me an e-mail or call me. Our GWRRA motto is “Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge”. Participation in the Rider Education Program enhances all three themes.

Learning occurs when behavior changes.

When was the last time you changed?

Mark Bennett

Maine District Educator

mbennett86023@roadrunner.com

Home 207-636-7992

Cell 860-918-3065

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ANTI-LOCK BRAKES September 1, 2009

In the past few years there has been a lot of discussion about anti-lock brakes on motorcycles. How do they work? Are they effective on a motorcycle? Are they worth the additional cost? This topic came up at our Maine district picnic a few weeks ago so I thought I’d use the newsletter to cover this braking story.

My favorite co-rider will tell you I tend to research things way too much. Anti-lock brakes would be one of those things. Anyone with Internet access can find enough literature to fill a bunkhouse trailer. The difficulty comes in finding reliable information that has been scientifically validated. Manufacturers do a good marketing job of making you feel it’s something you should not leave home without. Some noted motorcycle experts have voiced their concern that it makes the rider overconfident. Some motorcycle purists prefer independent front and rear brakes with no computer overseeing their inputs.

Even the terminology can leave a rider feeling a bit confused. LBS, CBS and ABS are all part of the discussion. Before 2009 Honda used the terms linked braking system (LBS) and anti-lock braking system (ABS). When the 2009 models rolled into the showrooms “linked” was replaced by “combined” (CBS). Mechanically, LBS and CBS are the same. Pressure on the foot pedal or hand lever will apply some brake pressure to both wheels. Perhaps the name change was driven by the suits in the marketing department.

ABS senses impending lock-up by monitoring wheel speed, then modulating the rider’s inputs to prevent the wheel from locking. ABS was invented for aircraft in the 1920s and used in cars as early as the 1970s. Most dealerships sell it as a safer, more effective braking system. On the 2010 Gold Wing ABS will lighten your wallet by about $1,200.

A new Gold Wing already has CBS, so is ABS worth $1,200? Will it help the rider stop safer and more effectively? In March 2009 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) completed a study on motorcycle ABS. These are the folks in Virginia better known for crashing cars into each other. They do this all in the name of science and research, what a job.

The study looked at 10 motorcycle models that have ABS as an option. They compared the number and severity of crashes for these models over a five year period. Honda, and particularly the Gold Wing, was the largest portion of the sample population. The end result was bikes with ABS had a 28 percent reduction in fatal crashes over the same models without ABS. When the IIHS looked at the severity of crashes they found ABS models had a 19 percent lower insurance loss rate than non-ABS motorcycles. If you want to read the full IIHS report it is on-line at www.iihs.org/research/topics/pdf/r1110.pdf .

When I bought my Gold Wing, as with my SUV, I made sure ABS was included. In the end ABS is an option each rider can choose to purchase or not. When considering this option I encourage you to get the facts before deciding which way you plan to go, or should I say stop.

Ride Smart,

Mark Bennett

Maine District Educator

mbennett86023@roadrunner.com

Home 207-636-7992
Cell 860-918-3065

When I first learned I’d have an opportunity to discuss motorcycles with others, questions flooded my mind. Who was the audience? What would I write about? How would my ramblings be received? Public speaking schools say it is important to know your audience. If you’re reading this you are someone who shares common ground with me. You like motorcycles. Your level of interest isn’t measured by the bike you ride, the year it was manufactured or even if you own one. There are plenty of motorcycle aficionados “between rides”. I’ve been associated with that crowd a time or two myself.

As to what I’ll write about, I have some ideas cruising around the gray matter. Beyond that I look forward to hearing from you. Personal experience has taught me if you don’t give people what they want, they move on to more interesting terrain. With adults or my grandkids the more I listen the more I learn. Perhaps some background about me will help get the discussion in gear.

My motorcycle riding started with my big brother’s 70cc Yamaha. He purchased it brand new with money earned working at a small grocery store. The machine was red and white with a top end of 63 mph, on a steep downhill. He road it all over the dirt roads near our rural Missouri home. He was three years older, so I was relegated to watching from the driveway as he took off on adventures. That changed one day in 1972. The bike was parked outside and no one was in sight. The details have faded, but I recall riding about a half mile down a dirt road before returning to the house. What greeted me at home was Dad. His choice of words and my first motorcycle safety lesson are material for another newsletter.

I bought that bike from my brother for $150. His focus, like mine a few years later, had turned to cars. I sold it to a friend in 1976, after Dad reinforced the stamped metal swing arms with ¼” steel plates. Apparently our Evel Knievel impersonations were more strenuous than the engineers had designed the machine to withstand.

For several years work, family, and a limited budget resulted in a long dry spell in my two-wheeled adventures. Some years ago I purchased a small street bike as my reentry vehicle. A few upgrades later, I now log about 12,000 miles a year on my 2008 Gold Wing. Any day the weather permits, and some that it doesn’t, you’ll find me on the bike. I may be commuting to work, enjoying the scenery on a Saturday or touring for nine days with friends.

For more than 25 years my paychecks have centered on teaching. In the US Air Force I taught people how to repair jet engines. Currently, I coordinate training at an aviation manufacturing & repair facility. My interest in education has manifested itself as an adjunct college professor, CPR/first aid instructor, youth sports coach, and Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach. The saying goes, “Find a job that’s your passion and you won’t have to work another day.” Combining motorcycles and teaching gets me pretty close to that adage.

So now you know about me. I look forward to hearing from you. I appreciate any ideas for newsletters, stories from the road, and your personal insights on this common ground we share.

I’ll see you through the curves,

Mark Bennett

Maine District Educator
mbennett86023@roadrunner.com