In other words, the riding experience is better at Sequoia than Yosemite because there is less traffic.

And yet Sequoia National Park is nestled within the same Sierra Mountains as Yosemite.

Furthermore, your entrance fee at Sequoia is kind of two-for-one deal, since Kings Canyon National Park shares a border with Sequoia National Park, and they share the same entrance.

Also, if you are into motorcycle camping, generally speaking, I have found it easier to get a camping spot at Sequoia than Yosemite.  Although on this trip, we stayed in a lodge.

This particular weekend was notable for Sequoia since it marked its 120th birthday.

The primary riding experience is on General’s Highway, which is some 45 miles or so between the north and south entrances of the park. However, the southern segment features a stretch of about 16 miles which contains 130 curves and 12 switchbacks.

The entire stretch of General’s Highway is mountain-scenic beauty.

The pavement tops off at about 7000 feet in elevation, although the surrounding mountains reach twice that height, including Mt. Whitney, at 14,505 feet, which is the highest mountain in the lower 48 states.

It’s cooler on General’s Highway than the lower San Joaquin Valley, which is very hot and dry in the summer so bear in mind the temperature changes when planning a trip to Sequoia National Park or Kings Canyon National Park

Regardless, as I’ve thought about this from time to time (well, factually, I’ve not thought about it too much at all), it occurs to me that at least one common trait among “successful” motorcycle riders (those that have been riding for many years), would have to be their awareness of the road, and especially their awareness of other drivers on the road. Although such awareness cannot guarantee long-term rider survival, I would say it’s a factor that would separate out temporary, or short-term riders, from long-time riders.

Stated more directly, it’s certainly possible that a rider can be taken out, in spite of a pretty acute driver awareness, since it’s common for motorcycles to be smashed by automobiles that have violated the biker’s right-of-way.

Acute Rider Sensitivity to Road and Drivers

Having said that, if a rider does “not” have an acute sensitivity to on-the-road situational awareness, he/she is almost guaranteed to be taken out by an inattentive driver, sooner or later.

Stated another way, show me a motorcyclist who maintains a similar degree of situational awareness on a motorcycle that many drivers are accustomed to in a car, and I will show you a short-term rider. A motorcycle rider simply does not have the luxury of being as inattentive as may be observed among many drivers we share the road with.

On the other hand, show me any motorcyclist with a whole bunch of miles and riding experience under their belt, and I’ll show you a rider who has an unusually acute sensitivity to what is happening moment-to-moment in front of, and behind him/her, on the road.

(Conversely, show me a motorcycle rider who also drives a car, and I’ll show you an automobile driver who is more aware of their driving environment than the vast majority of other drivers).

Acute situational awareness of one’s riding environment means being able to avoid quite a number of potentially bad riding circumstances by foreseeing drivers moving into your right-of-way, and simultaneously changing your course, to get out of the way.

Even short-term riders soon learn that it doesn’t matter who is legally right or not, in terms of the laws of the road, since motorcycle riders get the short end of the stick in most confrontations with 4-wheeled vehicles.

From my view, acute situational awareness simply equates to a greater control of one’s self, environment and future, which I would argue, equates to a greater control of one’s life.

Well, OK, that may be stretching things too far, but at least I could more confidently argue that it equates to a greater control of one’s riding and motorcycling experience and staying alive. If you want to stretch that further to consider it also means greater control of one’s non-motorcycle life, I’ll leave that up to you.

Common Motorcycle Characteristics?

The more I ride, and the more I speak with other riders, the more I am aware that there are as many different rider personality characteristics as there are riders. Therefore, at least at this moment, I can not seem to come up with any other “common” characteristics among riders.

But maybe you can.

What would YOU say are common characteristics among motorcycle riders you have become acquainted with? (Add your comments below).

HEY! I know you’re busy. You’ve got this and that and all the more to do. And on top of that, you’re running late…again!

So, who has time to check air pressure? Besides, those darn valves on your motorcycle tires are a pain in the butt to access! I HATE those things! However, just to be safe, let’s try to remember to check the tire pressure tomorrow….

In the mean time, here are some ways to monitor your tire pressure without becoming inconvenienced by bending over with an air pressure gauge while near an air pump:

1) Visually inspect your tires. If you can see that a tire is only partially deflated you’ll know that you can probably make it through another day.

2) While riding, when you can feel a little bit of “wheel wobble,” slow down so that you are only going a civilized amount of MPH over the speed limit, and make a mental note to put air in the tires one of these days.

3) Wait until someone on the road points to your tires and yells that you need air.

4) Wait until you crash. The tow truck will probably have an air compressor and you can fill the tires while the bike is on its side.

BONUS: Points 1-3 all are reliable ways to result in point 4.

NOTE: The most common cause for tire failure is improper tire pressure — usually pressure that’s too low.

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIP: Most motorcycle tire safety experts recommend checking your tire pressure and tread condition at least once a week. Some even advise that every time you take your bike out is not too often. After all, on a bike, unlike a car, only two tires — and little else — separate you from the pavement. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your tires are roadworthy each and every time you ride.

So…when will YOU have time to check your motorcycle tire pressure?