ON THE MARK MARK BYERS

You Just Never Know

I let other people ride my motorcycles. You may nd that crazy, but motorcycles are made of metal and plastic and relationships are made of friendship, warm deeds, and memories. There’s a famous line at the end of “The Maltese Falcon” when Sam Spade is asked of what the Falcon is made and he says, “The, uh, stuff that dreams are made of.” That’s how motorcycles are - they’re the stuff that dreams are made of, so why deny someone the opportunity to ful ll that dream? Or to make that memory?

I’m a little careful which of my litter I loan: I’ll turn you loose on my late-model Speed Triple, replete with rider aids and easily-replaceable parts, but you won’t touch my Street Triple without serious chops if I let you touch it at all. No one gets on my rst-generation SV, but anyone can get on its more recent, fully-faired cousin. It’s all about getting parts. What it comes down to is that if you are willing to let someone ride your bike, you have to come to grips with the chance that it may come to grief. The reward side of the equation is frequently worth it, however.

I’ve been the lucky recipient of loaned motorcycles from the day I learned to ride, starting with my brother’s Trail 90. In our back yard I learned about riding and falling down, including how to tweak forks by hitting the back stoop. Later, it was a CL350 owned by my neighbor, who came into our basement one night to nd it completely disassembled. We assured him it would be put right and he was completely astounded that it was. I learned to use a clutch on that bike…poor clutch.

My buddy Randy used to let me ride his trials bike and I have the burn scar on my leg to prove it. The time his brother let me ride his two-stroke motocrosser, reportedly my eyes were as big as dinner plates when I hit the powerband. My buddy Dangerous Dan has loaned me many dirt bikes in his so-far successful attempts to keep me alive whilst riding of- froad, including the replacement of my DRZ-400 with a more cuddly Kawasaki at the Hat eld-McCoy Trails. As someone who has been the bene ciary of such largesse, I have no right not to also be the benefactor.

My buddy Wayne forgot the keys to his V-Strom when he came to VIR for the Pridmore school, so he got to ride both a DRZ-400SM and a Kawasaki Ninja 650. Some guy whose name I don’t even remember had his BMW R1200RT go wonky at the school, so he got to use my Street Triple R (replete, as I said, with rider aids). My buddy Dave from NJ had his Yamaha WR blow a fork seal at the Shenandoah 500, so my XR-250R was his stand-in. I rented some guy from Virginia my CBR-500 to ride at the track, because…CBR-500. In later days, I supplied some of the instructors from the school with bikes so they wouldn’t have to schlep theirs all the way from California.

It’s not like they don’t know how to ride…

You never know what riding your motorcycle will mean to someonesometimes nothing, sometimes it salvages a potentially wasted trip, and sometimes it means everything. I got a really touching note from a guy who rode one of my litre bikes at the track. He talked about how he had come to a watershed moment in his riding and how that bike brought him back to life. He was reawakened and ebullient about motorcycling again, so much so that he went and bought a similar model. I read his words and realized that the risk I took was well worth the change I was able to bring about in his life, without even knowing it at the time. It was all the more meaningful because I got the bike when another man hung up his riding career for good.

So far I have been lucky. I can count on one hand the times that I’ve had to repair something as a result of allowing someone else to ride my machines, and both times the damage was super cial. Don’t get me wrong - a neophyte isn’t going to saddle up on my RR anytime soon, but they’ll probably get a shot at the cuddly CBR-500. I’m generous, not silly. But still, whether it’s a salvaged trip or a life-changing experience, when it comes to giving someone a chance to ride a motorcycle, you just never know. ,

Making Better Choices

I have read so many motorcycle accident reports where a left-turning car driver invades the motorcyclist’s right of way and then says “I never saw him.” This is so common that, whenever I ride through any intersection, I’m always hyper alert and vigilant. I don’t care if the light is green; in fact, it’s when you have a green light that you need to be most aware. Just imagine that oncoming cars don’t see you and go from there. However, the other day I was in a car and I had the opposite experience, and it was just frightening. Here’s what happened.

We were driving home from visiting the grand-kids. It was dusk. When I say dusk, I mean around 6pm where the light was just fading and there were shadows everywhere. If you wanted to make a noir movie, this was your perfect evening. Everything was shaded, it was gray, etc.

We had to make a left turn to get on the highway entrance ramp. We were waiting in a left turn lane controlled by a traf c light. Nothing unusual going on. No construction, not a lot of traf c, no precipitation. This should have been just another normal left turn in a car, if there is such a thing.

The light changes green. There was one car ahead of us. He makes the left turn. I then needed to wait for one oncoming car, who was going straight across the intersection, to pass me going the other way. He passes, I start to make my left turn and then, just like that, there it is: an oncoming motorcycle. I braked and turned right to allow him to squeak by. Then I made my left, and thanked God that nothing bad happened.

Here is why I am taking the time to let you know about this incident: it was the choices made by that motorcyclist that contributed to me almost taking him out:

1) The motorcycle, a Harley Davidson cruiser, was entirely black. Let me expand on that, just to be clear: the frame, gas tank, side covers, fenders, and wheel rims were all black. There was not one ounce of chrome on that bike that I could see. At dusk on a gray day, with light fading into evening, this bike was virtually invisible.

2) The rider was dressed entirely in black: black boots, black pants, black jacket, black gloves, black shorty helmet, black sunglasses. He even had a long black beard.

3) The rider was tailgating that car that passed through the intersection. He was right on the guy’s bumper. That left very little time to see him before beginning the left turn.

The only thing that was clearly visible on this motorcycle and rider was the headlight. Without that tiny round headlight, at that time of day, I might have taken him out. Believe me, it pains me to think about it.

Fellow motorcycle riders, cars hitting us while making a left turn and then saying they never saw us is just unfortunately all too common. Let’s not add to it by riding dark bikes and wearing dark clothes in the evening. Do what you need to do to be visible: bike paint color, re ective tape, hi-viz vest or jacket, etc. It’s dangerous enough out there without compounding it by making bad choices. ,

FREE WHEELIN’ Continued from Page 3

But there is a go-around…

I had gotten used to using a system of emailing my routes to myself and then using Garmin’s Drive app to upload the GPX routes to the XT. The new XT2 has a new app they call Tread – which allows for the same – instantaneously it seems - but also has several other features, including keeping track of fellow riders, creating routes on the phone, and more. But we’ll get into all that down the road. (Pun intended)

But, the word from Olathe was not all that positive for lovers of BaseCamp, as we were told BaseCamp will not be maintained and that the Tread App will be the future of Garmin.

In the long, long run I do not know how much longer BaseCamp will be working.

In truth, as long as they keep allowing for updated maps for BaseCamp and we can still upload our own and self-created routes I’ll still be a happy camper - but, if it comes down to me pointing a cursor on Point A and then Point B and allowing some routemaking AI to make a riding itinerary for me - then I might have to go another way – literally.

We have always said that MAPS stood for Manually Acquired Positioning Systems, and I still know how to operate these and have hundreds of little white index cards perfect for printing out directions. I really don’t want to be a friend or subject to Mrs. Davis.

I can nd my own way, thank you. ,

Dear Editor,

While I enjoy all the motorcycle info that is provided in the Backroads Report, this week I received an English lesson. I did not know the meaning of jejunic! I’ve since educated myself. Next time I am bloviating, I will try to incorporate this word to keep the conversation alive! The brevity of the articles are superb, keep on keepin’ on.

Robyn G.

I play the lottery; this is not such a confession as a chance at a dream. It would be a ticket to see and do about half of the content laid forth in the magazine each month.

As I read, I get to Brian’s column, a collection of brain droppings with new words scattered in to have me look up. I imagine a front porch with a view of paradise that encourages discussions on all things with him. Shira’s column takes place on the back porch of an ice cream parlor with friends packed around and intimate details of life and love shared. Mark’s column takes place in a clean room attached to a garage with projects and explosives in carefully labeled cabinet. If bourbon-fueled he writes of feelings and found truths, otherwise the teacher emerges and shows the focus of an important topic. Seymour O’Life to me is the Cliff Claven of Cheers with little known facts to be enjoyed with a beer.

But the big bonus is the people on the trips with varied backgrounds and viewpoints. Oh!!! and the riding! Not to get from point to point but to see the ride!

So in conclusion, Rachel and I will be riding until my license is con scated and I have been to all the places that are in the back part of the magazine. Your trips were a highlight thru covid and beyond.

David

Hello,

My name is John Terzo, owner of JT’s Barber Shop in Verona, New Jersey. It was brought to my attention that you used the front window of my barbershop in your last magazine under the article On The Mark “Helmet Head.” I was thrilled to see it as I am a big fan for your magazine and I pick it up any time I see it.

I have found a ton of information on Nova Scotia, but yours and Brian’s opinions/recommendations mean a lot more.

I am having trouble guring out how to squeeze the most out of this trip in 4 nights. Might be dif cult to get to the Cabot Trail and still ride the coast of Fundy Bay. I am sure it will all work out as it usually does. Keep on doing what you do and ride safe.

Jon

I hope this note nds you well. I just wanted to reach out and say a BIG GIANT THANK YOU for your Just Ride 5 mention in this month’s Backroads magazine. I received my copy and was excited to see our name in your pages. I truly appreciate your help in trying to get our brand noticed.

Hope to run in to you soon!

Sincerely, Jenn

I read the latest Backroads report and I could not agree more with your column called “Soil,” Brian. I believe the Backroads family is fertile ground in which riders can grow by emulating the longstanding attendees of your rallies and rides.

Continued on Page 9

I wanted to tell you a little about myself and my shop. I’ve been in business for almost 20 years as a motorcycle-themed barbershop. Growing up, my father owned a Suzuki dealership, I started riding at 5 and have been hooked ever since. Over the years I have collaborated with a number of motorcycle retailers. This year I am running a pop-up barber shop for Cross Country’s Distinguished Gentlemen’s ride. Thank you so much for the time and I hope to hear from you soon!

Good Morning

I can’t thank you enough for sending the info on Nova Scotia and replying so quickly. You guys are the best.

I love your magazine and not only read it every month from cover to cover, but have been to many of the places you write about.

KAWASAKI CELEBRATES POWERSPORTS PIONEERINTHE U.S

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is saddened to share the news that former Kawasaki executive Yoji “George” Hamawaki passed away on April 18, 2023. Mr. Hamawaki established the Kawasaki brand in the United States, brought Kawasaki production to America and helped shape models for the US marketplace including the iconic Kawasaki H2 and Z1. In addition to establishing the Kawasaki brand to the U.S. customer, Mr. Hamawaki also established Kawasaki as the rst Japanese manufacturer to bring an assembly plant to the United States creating Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing (KMM) in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kawasaki became the rst foreign motor vehicle manufacturing/assembly factory on U.S. soil with leading production and factory standards, low turnover and competitive wage rates. KMM began with production of the Kawasaki KZ400, Z1 and Jet Ski. KMM remains one of the largest private employers in Lincoln, Nebraska today.

Facial Recognition Comingto Motorcycles

With AI in the mainstream news lately, and new technologies integrating into our daily lives, it should come as no surprise that BMW is now the rst motorcycle manufacturer in the world to incorporate facial recognition software that makes the traditional ignition key super uous.

Billed as anti-theft technology, BMW’s iFace system utilizes infrared to map the rider’s facial features, builds a virtual model of the user’s face in three dimensions, and should someone else attempt to steal your BMW, iFace will send a distress message to eCall electronic emergency service and BMW Motorrad Call Centre.

Further, to help identify the thief, the scan data is sent to a central international database of criminals for identi cation. We don’t recommend you use this feature if you have any outstanding warrants.

The system is set to be unveiled to the public at an autumn 2023 motorcycle show, and it’ll only be available on BMW’s Boxer-engined bikes.

US & EU WANTTO PHASEOUT FOSSIL FUEL VEHICLES

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed sweeping emissions cuts for new cars and trucks through 2032, a move it says could mean two out of every three new vehicles automakers sell will be electric within a decade.

The EPA proposal, if nalized, represents the most aggressive U.S. vehicle emissions reduction plan to date, with automakers forecast to produce 60% EVs by 2030 and 67% by 2032 to meet requirements - compared with just 5.8% of U.S. vehicles sold in 2022 that were EVs.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan declined to endorse setting a date to end the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles, and emphasized that the current proposal is a “performance-based standard” and not an EV mandate.

Taking an even stricter approach, abroad, the European Parliament has formally approved a law to effectively ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the European Union from 2035, aiming to speed up the switch to electric vehicles and combat climate change.

BUT THEREIS SANITY

Meanwhile, back in the states, U.S. Representative John Joyce (R-PA) along with more than sixty cosponsors, has introduced House Resolution 1435 “To amend the Clean Air Act to prevent the elimination of the sale of internal combustion engines.”

Titled the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” H.R. 1435 is designed to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles.

NHTSAREPORT HIGHLIGHTS RISING FATALITIES, DISTRACTED DRIVING, SPEEDING, AND ALCOHOL

Peak motorcycle riding season is underway just as the National Highway Traf c Safety Administration released a grim report showing traf c fatalities across the board up sharply from 2020 to 2021, with distraction, speeding, and alcohol as key factors. Motorcycle and scooter riders, with their smaller pro les, are at an even greater risk of not being seen by drivers, so the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is urging all roadway users to “Expect Us, See Us,” and actively search for riders and stay focused on the road. “The NHTSA data may be from 2021, but distraction, speeding, and driving or riding while under the in uence continue to be problems today – however, these are all things we can change,” said Rob Gladden, MSF vice president of training operations. “May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and we want to call attention to how smart, attentive driving and riding behaviors can save lives.”

Distraction-affected crashes rose 12 percent from 2020 to 2021, according to NHTSA, while speeding-related fatalities increased by 7.9 percent, and alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities rose 14 percent.

NHTSA also reported that in 2021, motorcyclist fatalities were up 7.7 percent from the year before.

Msf Celebrates 50 Yearsof Training Riders

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation will celebrate 50 years of providing rider education and training this year. To celebrate, the MSF Communications team has been collecting stories from a diverse group of people with a wide variety of motorcycling backgrounds: new riders, longtime riders, RiderCoaches, in uencers, members of the media and families will all share their stories on the MIC website.

Throughout this anniversary year, the MSF will launch 50 stories on its www.msf-usa.org website under the NEWS tab. The goal each week is to inspire, entertain, and share the fun of riding that often results through top-quality rider education and training – the kind delivered by the MSF for half a century.

Police Drone Zeroinon Motorcycle Safety

New police drones are being trialed in the U.K. to try and reduce road accidents, with a particular focus put on motorcyclists. The RAC reports that the drones will be able to be used to track a vehicle’s speed, and record any incidents. Video captured from the drone can then be used against offending road users. Additionally, the drones are reportedly able to check the insurance, MOT, and road tax status of a car or motorcycle, and even track stolen vehicles.

Recording of a vehicle can be done by a drone up to four miles away, and the project is a part of the Police’s “Vision Zero” initiative, which aims to improve road safety by totally eradicate injuries and deaths from road traf c collisions and crashes.

It seems that there is a particular focus on motorcyclists, as Inspector Colin Harper from the drone team described the use of the drones as “innovative” and added: “At present, our focus is on motorcyclists, who are at highest-risk according to our data, particularly at this time of year when more riders will be venturing out again after the winter.”

Road safety? Our asses. Vision Zero is their political way of saying Revenue Plus. -ed. ,

BACKLASH

Continued from Page 7

Look around the demographic and you will see successful, safe riders with a cumulative experience base of millions of miles. They are wearing proper riding gear and behaving with restraint and caution appropriate for the situations they encounter. The skills of most of the regular Backroads troops are better, on average, than most riders out there. Then, there is the willingness to embrace, guide, and - if necessaryprotect their riding companions. The Backroads family operates in a “No person left behind” way and several times people have stepped up to rescue those who encountered misfortune, sometimes at great inconvenience. The “BERT” (Backroads Emergency Recovery Team) springs into action when needed, which is fortunately not that often and the situations not that serious, but it is good to know the tribe has your back.

It really is tribal knowledge that can make you not only a better rider, but a better human! I encourage everyone who is in need of solid, skilled role models to consider a Backroads event. It is so fun that you might not realize how much you are learning.

Mark Byers

Hey. Just nished your Sullivan County issue. I loved it. Although I’ve ridden most of the roads you inspired me to revisit and I totally intend to. Thanks so much for continuously putting out a publication that speaks to where I am and what I can do right here at my ngertips!!!

Helene D.

If you have something to say, send it along. Email your thoughts to: editor@backroadsusa.com