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Biker Night on The Big Alaska Show!

Two Tone — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:40:13 +0000

It’s Biker Night on The Big Alaska Show! Come join Uncle Steve and Friends and be part of the live radio audience as the Big Alaska Show celebrates motorcycles, leather, rock and roll and life on the road! The show will be taped that Wednesday night (July 15th) and will then air Saturday, July 18th, 9a-10a on KFQD 750 AM and streamed www.kfqd.com.

It’s official – Uncle Steve will have just completed his ABATE safety training course and will announce he is now a BIKER!! Be afraid – be very afraid! It’s biker fun with special guests, prizes, music PLUS The Big Alaska Show will feature a biker video seen by a very few since it was shot in 1992!!

Tickets only $5 at the door!

The Wild Berry Theater
5225 Juneau Street
Anchorage, AK 99518
907-562-8858

Doors open at 7p
Taping Show 7:30p-8:30p

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Memorial Day Pictures

Two Tone — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:14:59 +0000

I just realized I had not posted anything about the great time we had celebrating Memorial Day with the Vietnam Vets M/C.

The weather was the best it’s been in years, & everything went off smoothly.

For Lynn & I, this year was especially emotional because we didn’t know they’d be honoring our friend Gen. Tom “Pugs” Tinsley. It reminded us of a friend we lost & the hurt & pain of his wife Joanna’s & daughter Eden’s loss. It really hit home that our friend Bud was really gone.

We’re always proud to be part of the weekend events and so without further ado…here are the pictures. Enjoy!

Beyer's Lake Memorial Day Celebration

The VNV's Memorial Day celebration at the Alaska Veterans Memorial at Beyer's Lake.

195 Photos

Anchorage Park Strip Memorial Day celebration

The VNV's Memorial Day celebration at the Anchorage Park Strip Veterans Memorial in downtown Anchorage, Alaska.

146 Photos

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Vote For Your Favorite AK Cycles Girl

Two Tone — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:36:55 +0000

I have had the honor & pleasure of photographing several women for the AK Cycles Calendar they plan on creating.

This week we have the first four:

Amanda – http://akcycles.com/contest-picts-amanda/
Karen – http://akcycles.com/contest-pics-karen/
Rickie – http://akcycles.com/contest-pics-rickie/
Stacey – http://akcycles.com/contest-pics-stacey/

Whomever you choose will be then part of a calendar shoot in various locations around Alaska (with AK Cyles custom bike, of course).

So…if you haven’t already done so, vote! http://akcycles.com/vote/

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Celebrating Memorial Day

Two Tone — Mon, 25 May 2009 15:41:22 +0000

Was again part of the annual VNV M/C’s memorial day run at the Alaska Veterans Memorial at Beyer’s Lake.

The Day was great, the ceremony stellar and the reuniting with friends the best.

More pictures forthcoming…in the menatime enjoy my Memorial Day writeup on my regular blog: http://www.leray.us/nukem/2009/05/25/on-this-memorial-dayon-this-memorial-day/721

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Be Part of History!

Two Tone — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:32:07 +0000

Harley-Davidson is doing something cool with the 2010 Motorcycle Catalog. The cover of the new catalog is going to be a photo mosaic of images of the people who ride our motorcycles and make up the Harley-Davidson family. Anyone around the world is open to pick a favorite photo with their bike or of a riding experience (rallies, events, etc.) and upload it to the mosaic through the Harley-Davidson website.

All the details and instructions on how to submit are listed here: http://www.harley-davidson-mosaic.com

Their goal is to collect at least 10,000 photos by Friday, May 15th. Once a photo is submitted, we’ll send out an email to confirm its receipt. From there you’ll be able to review and locate your photo in the mosaic.

I’m looking forward to seeing you on the cover with me!

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May is Motorcycle Awareness Month!

Two Tone — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:13:00 +0000

I wanted to make a post as May is Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Some simple statistics:

Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle drivers in the event of a crash.
Research shows that approximately 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a motorcycle rider, while only 20 percent of passenger car crashes injure or kill a motor vehicle driver or passenger

As a “motorcycle enthusiast” I have a vested interest in every vehicle driver being aware of those of us who ride on two wheels. I have found that, for the most part, people keep a polite distance between their bumper and my rear. This gives us both a “space cushion” in case something were to happen and I end up on the pavement like I did last year.
As a motorcyclist, with minimal metal protections like a car, I am always appreciative of the gesture.

The situation that concerns me more than the vehicle behind me is where a car in the oncoming lane is attempting to turn left across the lane I am traveling on. Statistics have shown time and again that this scenario is one of the most dangerous to motorcyclists. It is easy for the driver of a car to become distracted (cell phone, adjusting radio, talking to passengers, ad nauseam) and never “see” that motorcycle traveling in the lane they are about to cross is there. The most common comment from vehicle drivers involved in an accident with a motorcyclist is “I never saw them.”

Those of us who take the various riding courses available are taught techniques to improve our visibility. Techniques such as wearing bright colored clothing and helmets (not every motorcyclist is a “black on black” – black leather chaps & vest – rider), shifting our lane position from time to time so that you can see us in different mirrors which reminds you that we’re back there, having strobe headlights/taillights, and other tricks.

The most powerful tool out there for motorcyclists is just a general overall awareness by automobile drivers. In other words if the thought “is there a motorcycle there?” crosses your mind as you lane change, merge or cross a lane of traffic then you are doing the absolute most you can to help keep we motorcyclists safe.

For all of you willing to do this, on behalf of motorcyclists everywhere, our sincerest thanks.

I’d also like to share several important tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways

Remember: a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane;
Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections;
Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic;
Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed;
Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to other vehicles pose major hazards to motorcyclists;
Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle, so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars
Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too, by following the rules of the roadway, being alert to other drivers, as well as wearing DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear.
All too often after a crash, the drivers of other vehicles involved say they never saw the motorcyclist and were unable to respond in time. This is no excuse. Too many crashes are occurring and too many lives are being lost

Of course, no one has forced anyone, myself included, to ride on two wheels. I am aware that I choose a mode of transportation that puts me in a more vulnerable position than the person who rides solely in a car.

That choice is not your problem.

However I want you to know how much I (and other motorcyclists) appreciate those of you who care enough to put effort in to being aware that we motorcyclists are out there on the road with you.

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Pepper Took My Whip From Me!

Two Tone — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:03:58 +0000

But for a very good reason. For those who don’t remember, in 2007 my buddy Pepper made a getback biker whip for me (http://www.hogbiker.com/2007/04/03/have-my-own-getback-biker-whip/53).

I’ve had that whip on my bike all that time…whind, rain, snow (yep…been caught in snow while riding), you name it. That whip has been a steady friend.

Even when I had my wrech last year, the whip survived and was able to be placed back on the brake handle as always.

So…last night, Lynn and I are riding home from dance class and low and behold we pass Pepper! We do a U turn and catch up with him.

After a few hugs and some spirited chatting, the next thing I know Pepper grabs the whip off the bike and in his normal blusterous voice (he’s a very LOUD dude) he says “this thing need an over haul!” and it’s in his tour pack.

At the time I really didn’t think much of it. The guy who made the whip wants to re-dye and re-braid it so it looks like new…cool!

However since it’s been gone, it’s like I’m missing an old friend.

I know it will be back on the brake handle soon, but I just never knew how much I really liked the thing till now.

I can’t wait till I have it back.

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Remembering History & Tradition Will Make Marketing Better!

Two Tone — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:13:53 +0000

Thanks to twitter I’ve met some really cool people who also ride. Today I received a tweet from Chessie talking about her feelings regarding Harley-Davidson making May Women Rider’s Month. I’d been trying to decide how to write about it.

I have issues with May being anything other than Motorcycle Awareness month within the community. We should NEVER add anything that encroaches on, what I feel should be, the single biggest issue in motorcycling. The stats speak for themselves…the MSF’s campaign saves lives!

Secondly….as Chessie so eloquently points out in her rant on the subject: http://chessiestales.blogspot.com/2009/04/celebrating-female-riderif-youre-gonna.html, the impression is that the women riding today is a new phenomenon wiping away for newer riders the very proud history of the woman rider.

Here in Alaska we have some serious women riders (we have one woman that’s the daughter of a long time rider – her mother would get in trouble in the 50’s for wearing pants – even though she was riding) and they definitely tow their own against the guys. In some cases I’d prefer them over the guys when riding!

Harley Davidson has done a very successful job of marketing the “biker lifestyle” to its customers creating a very large following for their brand.

However, I would love to see them stick to tradition and/or history in their marketing.

Case in point, the reemergence of the FLTC Tour Glide, now called the FLTR Road Glide. Why the new name? My personal favorite, the “harley wave” (which I speak about in my FAQ), was not a Harley invention by any stretch of the imagination.

It seems that when the Harley marketing team gets involved in adding to the lifestyle, they don’t research any history or traditions which is sad really. You’d think a company of “motorcycle enthusiasts” would be…oh…I don’t know…more into maintaining history/tradition.

Maybe that’s what the new Harley-Davidson museum will do!

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We’re Riding!

Two Tone — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:10:35 +0000

As is with each spring, we motorcyclists are back on the road in droves. While I write to inform the automobile drivers, I want to also remind my exuberant motorcyclists to be watchful for the many road conditions out there.

Gravel - remember that the roads are NOT swept yet and corners, parking lots, shoulders and center strips are still ripe with the stuff.
Ice/Snow – shocking, but there is still places that the ice & snow have not melted or if it has it refreezes when the temperature is right.
Black Ice – as above, black ice is still out there. Watch for low spots, covered roadways and so on.
Unaware drivers – let’s face it…drivers are not yet expecting to see motorcyclists so don’t be surprised that they are not watching for you.
Ash – ash? Yes ASH. It creates a different type of dust cloud for you to ride in so be aware of it’s inherent challenges for you and your machine.

Is there more (animals, kids, terrorism)? Absolutely…but for right now, these are the most prevalent for the returning Alaska rider.

Be safe, have fun & we’ll see you on the road!

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On The Road Again!

Two Tone — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 04:34:19 +0000

For those who didn’t know/remember I was in my first motorcycle wreck about a year ago. I spent last year in a Wheelchair, a therapeutic pool (that was so soothing), working my way up to a walker, to being able to just walk.

Did I mention that using a walker flat out sucks?

Anyways…the bike was at the shop pretty much through the winter waiting on parts to be repaired so baby didn’t get home till February. So I didn’t have the bike in the garage till I was in good enough shape to sit in the saddle.

So the bike and I have been back together for almost 90 days & I’ve been honestly apprehensive about what would happen when I was able to ride again.

Would I be able to sit on the bike?
Would I be able to handle the bumps?
Would I be able to sit for extended periods on the bike?
Would I freak out with drivers acting stupid?
Would I be able to ride to and past the place where I wrecked?

So yesterday the weather was sunny, the roads were dry and my anticipation was an all time high so I went for it.

I’ll say that donning everything and throwing a leg over the bike was envigorating to say the least. Starting the bike up was easy (once I remembered to turn on the fuel ) and rolling out of the garage was a snap.

You hear the adage “it’s like riding a bike, you never forget” but yesterday I finally see what they meant. The old habits kicked in and I was off!

I stopped at the local dealership to ask if they wanted to test drive the bike (standard procedure, but since it was ready in February they didn’t get a chance to perform the test ride). The shop manager, Craig, looked me dead in the eye and says “Karl…do you really want to give up riding today? You rode it here, so you tell me.”

After making one adjustment on the bike at the shop (the boot shifter was off slightly), I was back on the road and it was wonderful! All of the MSF training, years of experience and so on kicked in and I was doing very well.

A lunch hour that will stick in my mind for a long time.

So I arrive back at the office and I’m told I look like the Cheshire Cat coming into the office. I do notice that the day is brighter and better for sure.

At this point I am presented with a wooden sign that the guys got for me it simply says “Time spent on a motorcycle is not deducted from ones lifespan” which I couldn’t help but be moved by the gesture. I work wth some really cool guys.

Twice yesterday I went to the corporate office, once I had to go and the other I volunteered. What can I say? I’m willing to make the effort…know what I mean .

So at the end of the day I take the long way home. I even rode past where the accident occured and no problems.

Tomorrow, I’m grabbing Lynn and heading out!

[Show as slideshow]

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