Protective wear, Attitude, Love of Life, Defensive riding, advanced riding courses, listening to old timers, being responsible and removing your buddies keys when they are drunk, helping your fellow brother on the rd (even if he is a stranger) On our rallies we take a back up truck, so when a brother is had to much , we stop help him load up and give him a lift, even our cops now contact us if they have stopped someone who is way past the legal limit , if we are in the area , we help out if not call a friend who will do so.

At night most of our call outs are at intersections , cages skipping traffic lights and stop signs , we encourage our riders to wear night gear , reflective vest and strips to be seen.

We are hear to enjoy the ride, the freedom, the brotherhood, life is to short , be observent, be responsible and ride safe. (I would rather ride daily than not at all) Lord keep our rubber right side and our ass in the seat Amen

When I 1st began learning to ride (which was only 3 years ago – I did take the riding course and I have since ridden my own 35,000 miles), I overheard a friend telling his son, “respect this bike just like a woman. If you don’t, it WILL bite you in the ass.” He was being flip, probably because I was standing there, but I have thought of that quote so many, many times heading out on my bike.

My greatest compliments come from 35-year-riders who take the time to tell me that I am doing a great job, that I handle my bike well, even though its not a small bike. BUT as soon as I think I’m getting a big head, I think about that quote again.

I do have respect for my bike because I KNOW how badly you can get hurt once you start thinking there is nothing new to learn. You get too confident. I learn something new every time I ride. Like the others have mentioned, I say a prayer everytime I leave. And I also believe you can’t live in fear – our days are numbered and if God ever does not want me riding, I know He’ll show me in no uncertain terms.

You do have to ride as if the other guy wants to kill you and sometimes I feel like they really do want to kill me. Education is the key. I have noticed that there are cagers who seem to see us better and give us the space we need. Unfortunately, there are still those who cut you off, young drivers who don’t give a shit, distracted drivers, etc., etc. They will always be there. But credit is due to those who realize one little goof when you are too close to a bike can so quickly result in death, which ruins the lives of many people in the immediate and extended families. Share the Road.

That applies to bikers too. I’ve seen bikers do really stupid stuff to prove their point. Please realize you have no upper hand when you are 600-700 pounds against 2500 plus pounds. That’s common sense. The big guy just about always wins. So give the cagers their space too !

I mentioned education before – I try to read every article I can on how to better my riding skills. I have purchased dvds that explain certain problems, and they really do help. I talk to other riders and ask for pointers here and there. All of it combines to make me a little more competent. I don’t want the crash to be my fault – ever. If I am in a crash, alcohol/drugs will not be the reason. That’s my number 1 rule, no drinking on the bike.

If you take the proper precautions, educate yourself, make sure your equipment is in good order, stay aware at all times trusting no one, and don’t drink, your chances of making it home alive greatly increase. I personally don’t drive at night because I live in an area where there are lots of deer. Many of my friends and acquaintances, including my own sister-in-law, were killed when a deer ran out in front of the bike at night.

One of the proper precautions is dress. I see riders and passengers sometimes in bikinis and flipflops, or shorts, or no shirts. I absolutely cringe.

Here’s to many many miles of great riding ! Someone asked me when I would give it up (I’m pushing 64 really close) I said probably dying would do it but not until then – now that I’m actually living my dream !