Now…, for a few more of my words! I’ll start by stealing some! The MSF handbook for the Basic Rider Course includes the following verbiage, “It is important in good risk management to figure out time and space requirements so a safety margin can be maintained. Three factors affect your safety margin: 1) your capabilities and limitations; 2) the capabilities and limitations of your motorcycle, and 3) roadway and traffic conditions.” This seems a fairly simply and straightforward concept, but I often find that in the simplest concept there’s a “nugget” if we will explore and develop it some. Read More...

A lone rider approaches an intersection in a small town. Green light, clear on the right, white sedan on the left is stopped for the light. Twist the throttle, glance right, glance to the left, “What the . . .!” The sickening thud of metal on human flesh and the rider is airborne. A short flight followed by a long, long slide on pavement. “I can't stop!”. . . Grab the sign post. . . . Stopped at last. . . . Flip up the visor and one of the potential “rescuers” yells “Oh my God! It's a woman!” Yep, and that woman was was our own Joyce Johnson. Joyce recalls, “You know, I didn't feel any pain. I guess I was able to extricate myself from the situation. A very wise man once taught me to do that.” Because she was in no pain, Joyce thought she was fine – until she tried to move her leg. “My foot just kinda flopped over. It was being held on by muscle and some tendons.” Read More...

The MTF sponsored the Regional Saddle Sore 1000 (SS1K) rides again this year on 4 different days with a total of 38 different locations. 382 riders completed a SaddleSore 1000, many first time LD riders. Numerous MTF volunteers put in countless hours to make these events possible. All Site Coordinators did an outstanding job getting their rides setup and hosting the riders at the start and finish. There were over 60 volunteers who helped in some manner to put these rides on, we couldn't have done it without them. I encourage you to check out the 2007 Regional SS1000 Webpages for the names of all the volunteers. We owe a big thank you to all them for donating their time and efforts to make these events possible. The only "payment" they receive is the smiling faces at the end of the ride and our thanks. So next time you see one of them, make sure you tell them "Thanks!" Read More...