Friday's Message of Awareness

de·fense (d-fns)

n.

1. The act of defending against attack, danger, or injury.

2. A means or method of defending or protecting.

3. Sports The act or an instance of defending a championship against a challenger: will box in his third defense of his title.

4. An argument in support or justification of something. See Synonyms at apology.

5. Law

a. The action of the defendant in opposition to complaints against him or her.

b. The defendant and his or her legal counsel.

6. The science or art of defending oneself; self-defense.

7. often (dfns) Sports

a. Means or tactics used in trying to stop the opposition from scoring.

b. The team or those players on the team attempting to stop the opposition from scoring.

8. The military, governmental, and industrial complex, especially as it authorizes and manages weaponry production.

tr.v. de·fensed, de·fens·ing, de·fens·es Sports

1. To attempt to stop (the opposition) from scoring.

2. To play defense against (an opponent); guard.

Being safe on the roads as we come into the end of the school year and Summertime has become increasingly more and more a defensive riding course for me.  It used to be once a week or so I would come upon a driver that just wasn't paying attention, its now a couple or more times each time I am out riding.

The one major defensive change I have made, on "seeing" me while riding, is the fact that I did change out my pipes on the Nightster, and yes, they are louder.  Legal louder, right on the edge, and probably louder than I really want.  However, since having the new pipes there has been an immediate show of being noticed while riding the freeway.  A good 3 cars ahead of me actually have made eye contact on that bike now.  That's a huge change and it backs my belief up that louder pipes can save lives because the bike can be heard.

My own belief in that  I ride my own ride is still true and present.  It just now includes being more defensive than I ever was before.  Not stupid, but stronger in my skills and belief that nutcakes are all over the place and its me against them. 

So "defense" is the word for this awareness message.  My Go Pro, loud pipes and my screaming voice will be heard.  Drive Safe.  Ride Safe.  Be Safe.

Proverb For The Weekend:  You cannot acquire wisdom without a teachable Spirit, it is all about a willingness to listen and learn, and unlearn and relearn. 

Have a safe and great weekend.

KaTy Did

ACTING OUTLAWS - 2010 LA La Ride Documentary Promo

I never saw this.  Did anyone else?  Looks interesting.

Saluting Memorial Day!

Google Images
Life Magazine

They worked jobs men had, they were the baseball team, they were the mom and dad, they went to war as WASPS, WAVES & WACS.  They were the providers and stepped in for everything and anything they were asked to do, and didn't ask for credit for doing so.  They knew they were needed.  They were awesome women!  They are my salute for this Memorial Weekend! 

Photo Taken From Google Images

These women, in many cases, were the foundation of today's women.  More than we realize.  After working and being educated in jobs that men filled during this time, changes in the social buzz  of everyday living was upon this female generation.   In my opinion, the real beginning of the women's revolution.  After the war ended, going back to being just a housewife and mother wasn't good enough for a lot of women, and the process of women working more in the job market began.

  The poster of Rosie The Riveter.  She still is a great symbol for today's women.  A reminder that a "We Can Do It" attitude works.  It's popularity has never faded, in fact it has grown as a symbol to women in tough times, whatever they are, still today. 

Iconic Poster of Rosie The Riveter
More on Rosie and Women at War at We Knew We Were At War:

 

Photo Taken From Google and Linked to:
Naval History & Heritage

 

Photo Taken from Google Images and linked to:
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/prs-tpic/females/wvw2-am.htm
This was taken in Oakland, CA Alameda Naval Air Station being a couple of miles away.

Women from all backgrounds went to work for this country.  Check out Penny Colman's site .  She did some great photographic research for this time with Boeing Company Archives. 

One Amazing Woman!
Photo from Penny Colman.com 

Working Ammunition
(Photo From Google Images)

These women are the realization of today.  Yes, we have had wars in this country, but there is something about this time that actually prepared us all for future times.  They gave us, confidence, strength, and honestly, a working will for life in this country, and it worked. 

Take a look at this photo below of one of ours.  I don't think she will mind that I hijacked her photo from Facebook.  So, Can you guess who this is? 

I say a grateful, thank you to those that have served this Great Country of ours.  It is Great and Grand, and I certainly do not wish to be in any other country on this planet.  I will never forget where I came from and thanks to all those that served and still serve, I am here riding today as a free woman in the U.S.A!

Saluting with respect and helmet off to all those that served and are serving! 

Note:  I am posting this early, as I won't be around this weekend.  My Friday Safety Awareness is simple and combined here.  Have a great weekend.  Wear your Red, White, and Blue.  Make it safe.  Drive Safe. Ride Safe. Be Safe. 

Proverb For The Weekend:  Don't Abuse Life.  Many people died and worked hard for you to be here today to live and celebrate it. 

Memorial Trailzzzz
KT Did

Nightster Project #5

Naughty Nightster Pipeage

Got my Nightster out of service, and the new pipes are great.  Vince & Hines Short shots, set up with a Cobra computer and K & N air.  Hope I remembered all that right.  Anyway, took it for a ride and after getting used to the extra burst of throttle, I am very happy with the result.  No burping, no stalling, and just a clean ride with gusto sounds from the exhaust.  I immediately felt I could be heard in traffic and to me, well, that is a comfort. 

Paint all these side casings (whatever they are called), seat, and tank painted is next in line.  Right now, I'm riding as is and enjoying it. 

The Nightster Project is well on its way. 

Happy Naughty Nightster Trailzzzz..
KT Did

Motorcycle Awareness Friday Message

Because of the words of our motorcycle blogging friend, Dean, I am changing the Friday Safety Message to Motorcycle Awareness Friday Message.  Here's why:

"As far as us rebels here in Wisconsin - We don't use the "safety" word. It's just "Motorcycle Awareness Month". We are asking motorists to be more AWARE of motorcycles. We practice SAFETY every month - not just in May." --Dean Bartosh of ABATE Wisconsin

Makes good sense to me and I need no convincing.  Thank you Dean!  Drive Safe.  Ride Safe.  Be Safe.
 
Proverb For The Weekend:  Dare to be aware, you might save a life.

Blessing Of The Bikes

I went to the Blessing Of The Bikes up at Cooks Corners, in Trabuco Canyon last weekend and saw many friends I haven't seen in a while.  Took some photos and just enjoyed the beautiful weather of So. Cal. for the day.  I am still editing most, but here are a few for you to check out.  The final photos will be on my photo gallery site at the link above.  Enjoy.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Lane Splitting-My Friday Message Of Safety

"Lane splitting refers to a two-wheeled vehicle moving between lanes of vehicles that are proceeding in the same direction." -Wikipedia

Last weekend coming back from a ride with a friend, we hit the notorious Los Angeles traffic.  Not so bad considering it could have been worse, but still,  bogged up.   Not wanting to sit in traffic,  we proceeded to split lanes.  I normally do not like to split, but after a long day's ride, I took the reins of my handlebars and proceeded to ride the line between cars.  It had been awhile since I had done that skill and getting back into the movement, surprising to me, didn't take long.  However, it's not meant for every rider, and the rider MUST be ready for all that comes his or her way when lane splitting, or sharing,  is chosen. 

One of the hazards for a lane splitter is someone not letting you ride by.  Even if they see you.   For instance, there was a young lady driving a van.  She saw us.  Our eyes connected.  One rider went forward.  The other one she deliberately blocked.  When there was a moment for me to pass, I took it.  She sped up and tried to block me further in front by shoving her van closer to me.  It was hard for me not to yell or shake my hand at her, but there was traffic and I was more concerned for my safety than provoking more stupidness while splitting.  I rode on. 

Next situation:   A rider splitting behind us.  We were not splitting at this time.  I see him coming up. I could not move over to the left.  A good size pothole was ahead of me and blown out tire debris on the left of me.  The rider in front of me is on a sport bike and took the pothole easily.  I am riding a Nightster (Sportster) and plop in and out of potholes with a large ass flying off my seat.  As a rider, all I am thinking is "I can't move over more for ya buddy"! He keeps on coming while I stay in my lane and make as much room for him as I can.  I grip my handlebars in the hopes my bike doesn't jump over those few extra inches when I hit the pothole and smack him.  He passes me at just a couple of inches.  All this is happening within seconds.

Determining how and why we move in and out of  lanes is a choice of the rider for his or her own safety.  That's just my opinion, and my ride.  If you need to pass me, please do so, at your own risk.  Don't second guess me.  The rider above needed to calculate HIS ride, and determine if it was safe for him to keep splitting, just as I have to determine the same in my moment of the ride.   If I saw a rider NOT move over, there would be a question in my head for me not to pass or confuse the situation.  Riders are taught by different associations, safety councils, friends and people.  All give a little bit of a different take on riding, in particular individuals who have their mind already set in concrete.  Some of that is good, some bad.  That's why I take advice of others, mull it over and learn by it.  Whether I use it is my choice for what I ride.  In this situation, I evaluated it and chose to stay straight on my course so he would have no question in his mind to proceed with caution.

Splitting is a situation that riders in the State of California have a choice to take.  For me riding a Harley which gets very hot, I almost have to lane share.  Our emissions law people have screwed us over to an extent that we have to split to protect ourselves,  i.e., motorcycles overheating and stalling in the roads.  Keeping them running for you, as a driver, is a plus. Please keep that in mind drivers.  Otherwise get ready to wait in traffic for a tow truck to arrive and haul our bike away.  Imagine every lane being stalled in LA traffic waiting for a tow truck.  LET US PASS, it will save you time and anxiety and remember it is legal for us to split.  Period.

The best piece of advice I have learned over the years, and probably the most important, is to  ride your own ride, and that includes lane splitting situations. If you are riding with someone and they want to split and you do not, let them. If you are uncomfortable, get into a situation where you are comfortable. It really is that simple.  Lane splitting is not a comfortable situation. I don't think it is for anyone.  It takes a certain skill and bravery to do it, but when you are riding your own ride, it makes a world of difference in the confidence category and certainly helps get you through traffic.  Drive Safe. Ride Safe. Be Safe.

Proverb For The Weekend:  Ride Your Own Ride.

Safe Splitting Trailzzzzz...
KT Did

AFTER I WROTE THIS,  I went into my Facebook and found a thread that Caveman had on his feed from the OC Register.  This thread and short video is interesting and shows how many people really are unaware of this legality.  Click below and read on: 

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/motorcycle-352657-lane-drivers.html?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150887084896690_23119147_10150889185591690#f11199d9543c556

Friday Message Of Safety

I am on the road.  Watch out for me please!  Drive Safe. Ride Safe. Be Safe.

Proverb For The Weekend:  We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop and look fear in the face...we must do that which we think we cannot. --Eleanor Roosevelt

Motorycle Madness Daytona 1948



Photo From Life Magazine

I like to browse the web while having my morning sips, and I came across these photos from Life Magazine.  I have never been to Daytona, don't know if I ever will, but after seeing these photos,  I am happy to stay in the nostalgic era.  Enjoy, if you haven't seen them already. 

KaTy Did