FREE
MAY 2010 ISSUE 44
01034 2page page 46-47
page 51
s
FULL
s
THROTTLE
MIDWEST
CRUISIN’ calendar O C T O B E R MAY YEA R OF 2010
Saturday May 1, 2010 2nd Annual Fred Ford Memorial Poker Run Sign up 11:00am @ Sit N Bull Saloon 31 South Mill Street,New Memphis IL Rain or Shine Event Saturday May 1st 2010 May Day Art Show Where: Crack Fox 1114 Olive St, St Louis MO Saturday May 1st 2010 TJ’s 17 Year Anniversary Party Where: TJ’s Bar & Grill, Pevely MO Sunday May 2nd 2010 Disciples of War Blessing of the Bikes Where: Ballwin VFW May 7th – 8th 2010 Merle Jam Where: Knuckleheads Saloon Kansas City MO www.merlejam.com Saturday May 8th 2010 Gallagher’s Getaway March of Dimes Benefit BBQ & Poker Run Sign up @ 11 - 1 @ Gallagher’s Getaway 102 S. Richland Freeburg, IL 62243 Info: Jackie 618-691-8316 or Shelia 618-977-9378 Saturday May 8th 2010 Casey’s St Judes Children’s Hospital Poker Run Where: Casey’s General Store Christopher IL 8am Saturday May 8th 2010 Benefit Ride for Kurtie Starts @ R & L Carriers 1740 Sauget Ind. Pkwy, Sauget IL Ends @ Top Shooters Columbia IL Saturday May 8th 2010 Benefit for Anrew Haslet Where: Cowden Park Info- Nicole (618)508-1491 Saturday May 8th 2010 Katie-Dids Ride for Life Poker Run Where: Union Hall Mcleansboro IL 9am Info- (618) 927-6478 Saturday May 15th 2010 Wingstock Where: Mid America H-D 5704 Freedom Dr, Columbia MO Starts @ noon
Saturday May 15th 2010 Ride For Research Breakfast @ 10:30am @Peckers Grill Lake Ozark MO 4pm Hog Roast @ Toad Cove Saturday May 15th 2010 Armed Forces Day Poker Run Sign up @ 10-12 at Vet Center 4051 State Hwy 161 Belleville, IL 62221 Info: voec451@yahoo.com Rain Date May 22 Bring a item to Support Our Troops
NINE
May 28th – 30th 2010 Springfield Mile Flat Track Races Where: Springfield IL June 3rd- 5th 2010 Illinois State H.O.G. Rally Where: O’Fallon IL www.ilstatehogrally.com Friday June 4th 2010 Pre-Rally Party Where: Frieze H-D 1560 N Green Mount Rd O’Fallon IL
Sunday May 16th 2010 15th Annual Biker’s Against Cancer Benefit Ride Where: Frieze H-D 1560 N Green Mount Rd O’Fallon Il Starts @ 10:30a
Saturday June 5th 2010 Bikers for Barker Benefit Support the Monroe County Humane Society Sign up @ 10:30 at Playin By The Ruehles 6180 State Rt. 3 Waterloo, IL 62298 618-939-3707
Saturday May 22nd 2010 Battle of the Bands Round 1 Where: Mid America H-D Columbia MO
Saturday June 5th 2010 Battle of the Bands Round 2 Where: Mid America H-D Columbia MO
Saturday May 22nd 2010 Star Touring & Riding Chapter Marble Run Starts & ends @ Big St Charles Motorsports St. Charles MO- 9:30a
Saturday June 5th 2010 Effingham Sheriff’s Posse Ride Where: Effingham County Fairgrounds Effingham IL Info- Robi (217)342-3494
Saturday May 22nd 2010 Masters or Retirement 1st Annual Benefit Poker Run Starts @ VFW Troy IL Ends @ VFW Highland IL Saturday May 22nd 2010 5th Annual Freedom Ride Poker Run Sign up 10:30a @ The Outside Inn New Baden IL Info (618)977-7687 Saturday May 22nd 2010 5th Annual Freedom Ride Poker Run Sign up @ The Outside Inn 10:30am 423 West Hanover New Baden IL- infoAnne (618)977-7687
Saturday June 6th 2010 Little Riders Weekend Family Event Where: Black Diamond H-D 2400 Williamson County Pkwy Marion IL June 5th – 6th 2010 Ride For Wishes Where: 3470 Rider Trail South Earth City MO Info: lboone@mo.wish.org Saturday June 19th 2010 Battle of the Bands Round 3 Where: Mid America H-D Columbia MO
Sunday May 23rd 2010 Curt Heusohn Memorial Run All Proceeds go to Purchase of Headstone Sign up @ 11:30 - 12:30 at Fountain Inn 1912 Fountain Rd. Valmeyer, IL 62295 Info: 618-340-5199
SECTION POWERED BY
Saturday May 15th 2010 Frieze H-D’s Spring Open House Where: 1560 N Green Mount Rd O’Fallon IL www.FriezeHarley-Davidson.com Saturday May 15th 2010 American Legion Riders 1st Annual Bike Show Where: American Legion Post #63 Cape Girardeau MO- 7a-10p
MAY 2010
05
AVASPACE ILA BLE !
for $$Half A Million$$ in Alaskan Gold!
NEW ARRIVALS DAILY store hours
MAY 2010
11
12
MAY 2010
FACES & PLACES
14
MAY 2010
SECTION POWERED BY
MAY 2010
Ad Name: Budweiser What We Do
Closing Date: 3.10.10
Trim: 3.812 x 5
19
SUBSCRIBE NOW! $34.95 FOR 12 ISSUES CONTACT FTM@FULLTHROTTLEMIDWEST.COM
Join the Army!
GrandRiverRally.com Admission:
$40.00 Fri - Sun per Person $30.00 Sat - Sun per person $20.00 Per Support Vehicle
1st Annual June 18-20, 2010 Urich, MO
Just 1 hour from KCMO! Over 80 acres! 2 Mi. of Private Rd. Free primitive showers, Free parking & shuttle service 1st come 1st serve camping. Vendors: Biker, Food, Tattoos,
& Body Painting!
21 and Older ONLY!
NO: Weapons, Pets, ATV’s, Drugs, or ATTITUDES
Portion of Proceeds to Ed’s Posse - Biker’s For Babies
20
MAY 2010
B.Y.O.B.
Golf Carts OK! Golf Cart Rental Generators OK! Motorhomes OK! Campers, Tents All Sites Primitive! -No Electrical Hookups!-
Firewood & Ice will be Sold!
T TEN MILE MI HOUSE HOU W W W.10 M I L E H O U S E . C O M
THE TEN MILE HOUSE IS LOCATED AT 9420 GRAVOIS RD IN THE HEART OF AFFTON, MO
Open 7 days a week
Sundays: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Saturdays: 11:00 AM - 1:30 AM
(314) 638-9082
TUE MAY 04 8:00 PM E Z BILLS TRIVIA Details: Best Free Trivia in South County THEME NIGHT Tickets: FREE
FRI MAY 07 8:00PM South Side 5 SAT MAY 08 8:00PM Fishpaws Final Show
FRI MAY 14 8:00 PM Stinkfoot
Tickets: $5.00 @ the door
SAT MAY 15 8:00PM So Much Closer
SAT MAY 29 8:00 PM Panic Attack
Tickets: $5.00 @ the door
FRI MAY 21 8:00 PM The Boxcutters
Tickets: $5.00 @ the door
Tickets: $5.00 @ the door
22
SAT MAY 22 8:00 PM The Crowd
Tickets: $5.00 @ the door
MAY 2010
Tickets: $5.00 @ the door
314-241-FTMM MAY 2010
23
INK SPOTS
Tattoos by Jason Jones and Andy Bell of
Universal Ink
1671 S Old Highway 141 Fenton, MO 63026
(636) 326-5425 24
MAY 2010
MAY 2010
27
THE APPRENTICE TATTIN’ AIN’T EASY! This summer marks my 23rd year in the tattoo business. And like many things in life, learning how to be a good boss and teacher, has been an evolution. This has been a challenge that proves to be a job in itself at times. In my years, I’ve seen a lot of changes. Seen people come and go, some good, but most extremely BAD! And as time goes on, a younger generation proves to be more challenging. It’s a generation that is commonly known as the “entitlement generationâ€?. And by “entitlementâ€? I mean they expect to do a lesser job with higher salaries, more time off, and shorter work hours. Now, I don’t have time to get LQWR DQ LQ GHSWK H[SODQDWLRQ DV WR ZK\ , Ă€QG WKLV XQIDYRUable in this two page article, but I’m sure the majority of the people taking the time to read this, can either relate, or NQRZ VRPHRQH WKDW Ă€WV WKH ELOO So this leads me to the topic of this month’s Fink’s Forum. Apprenticeships! Obviously tattooing is way more popular than it was 20 years ago. And with popularity, you have interest. And with interest, you have acceptance. And with acceptance you have more moms calling the shop to see how little Johnny can become a tattoo artist. As if it would be an easy out for their displaced kid. Well, I should tell you that if little Johnny would like to be a big, bad tattoo artist, then maybe little Johnny should pick up the phone himself and make the call. I AM NOT ENCOURAGING ALL THE LITTLE JOHNNIES TO CALL THE SHOP AND ASK FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP!!!!! In fact, DON’T! This article is about my apprentice, which at times is a little more than I can handle. And will be a number of years before I’ll be able to handle another.
$ERXW D \HDU DJR , WRRN RQ P\ Ă€UVW DSSUHQWLFH Why did it take so many years to do this? Well, after WKLV ORQJ LQ WKH EXVLQHVV , IHOW , KDG Ă€QDOO\ DFTXLUHG enough information to be able to affectively start passing it on. Then you might ask, “Did he ask you to apprentice him?â€? NO. I asked him. Why? Because he never asked me to apprentice him! He did it the right way‌ he started hanging out at the shop, getting tattooed, helping out and eventually started working as a front person. All the while, he would be drawing, painting and showing initiative any chance he would get. Never blatantly expecting anything from his labors. This is what impressed me about Andy. After initially asking Andy if he was interested, I told KLP WKDW WKLV ZDV JRLQJ WR EH D ORQJ DQG GLIĂ€FXOW SURFHVV that would consist of more than just the mechanics of tattooing. I told him that there would be “life lessonsâ€?. Lessons that one could only gain threw experience. You know, things like how to hang crown molding, and the art of applying shellac. Some lessons being harder to VWRPDFK OLNH HDWLQJ D Ă€VK H\HEDOO LQ 6LQJDSRUH +RZ many apprentices of any sort have the opportunity to go to Singapore? Not many! But seriously, after the hazing is done, a tattoo artist needs to be adaptable to the melting pot of personalities that get tattooed. He needs to be diverse in his knowledge of art, in addition to having an artistic sensibility. And let’s not forget that the tattooist applies an indelible mark that will permanently change a person’s life. So a nurturing bedside manner is always a plus. Which means leaving their “shit doesn’t stinkâ€? attitude at home!!! If things stay on track, Andy will be ready to start practicing on willing subjects by this winter. Check the Iron Age website regularly for updates. BRADFINK.COM | IRONAGESTUDIO.COM
6LQJDSRULDQ ÀVK H\HEDOO
DOO DIWHU WROG WR
$SSUHQWLFH HDWLQJ ÀVK H\HE
Apprentice conteplating on how bad he really wants to tattoo
“Told ya tattin’ wasn’t go ing
to be easy!”
BROWN BAGpresents PROPAGANDA
SAY UNCLE!
SAINT LOUIS, MO
Say Uncle! is a powerhouse of a 3 piece punk band from St. Louis, Missouri. They are fronted by 13 year old Valor on guitar and vocals, his 15 year old brother Aspen on drums and family friend, Benton, rounds it out on bass. While many are apt to assume that this band is nothing more than a novelty act, you only have to see them live once to quickly change your mind. Staying true to punk as a musical concept, the boys have cut their teeth opening for bands like The Avengers and Sloppy Seconds. They are a mainstay on stages all about the St. Louis area, playing with local bands and touring acts alike. Preparing to spread their wings and record a more grown up album soon, they are writing more than ever and looking forward to their first recording since their demo in 2007. Look for them soon as they will be kicking off a series of mini tours this summer. CONTACT INFO: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/SAYUNCLESTL
BATTLE FLASK LOS ANGELES, CA
REGIONAL
NATIONAL
Battle Flask. If their name alone doesn’t intrigue you, then their bass player wearing the football helmet with deer antlers will certainly grab your attention! Hailing from the seedy underbelly of North Hollywood comes one of the hardest working bands on the local punk rock circuit. Taking the west coast by storm since their inception in 2006, Battle Flask has raised the bar once again for punk music with their relentless touring, flawless live performances, and are back with a new album! Battle Flask unleashes their highly anticipated full-length release of lightning fast punk rock infused with country overtones that you can only find on “Smile!…Tomorrow Will Be Worse” produced by Donnell Cameron (Bad Religion, NOFX, Rancid). “The Smile album contains a high level of adrenaline filled punk rock that’s just over the top. It’s one of the best sounding records to come out of Westbeach EVER!”- Donnell Cameron. Battle Flask tours constantly spreading their infectious blend of old-school punk with a country twang that can only be compared to Dead Kennedy’s mixed with Bad Religion. Riding the success of their “Pledge Your Allegiance” EP, Battle Flask has played such venues as The House Of Blues, The Galaxy Theater, and Knitting Factory with acts like Strung Out, Agnostic Front, Sham 69,The Dead Kennedys and The Street Dogs. The band has generated a ton of press and airplay all over the world, and was
even a top pick in Fat Mike’s Punk Rock Confidential! Also in 2010, Battle Flask will appear on a number of punk rock compilations. (Brown Bag Propaganda, Knocked Down Records, OTF Records, etc...) A documentary about he L.A. punk scene called “SoCal Scene 1977-2010 - the evolution of Punk in LA” is scheduled to come out this year as well as a book of punk rock photos called “I’ll Shoot You... and I’ll Shoot You Again” from Jessica Scheinder both featuring Battle Flask! “Smile!…Tomorrow Will Be Worse” available through Fallen-Angel-Records & Itunes. CHEERS! CONTACT INFO: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BATTLEFLASK OR WWW.BATTLEFLASK.COM
INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY STALKERS
IPSWICH-QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
The current Celebrity Stalkers lineup have been together for about 9 months, but have known each other from the early days in the Brisbane (Australian) music scene.Although we all have played in many different styles over the years, we always end up back to where it all started - the raw sounds and energy from mid 70’s-early 80’s..It has been stated that we make a welcomed change to the current punk scene by reintroducing an original punk sound, something that has been missing for sometime.The best thing about it is that we are having fun and getting a kick out of watching a new generation of punks enjoying themselves.We have been busy entertaining the masses up & down Australia’s east coast and our popularity is growing. We have scored some international gigs with the likes of The Vibrators(UK) and there are more to be announced! At present, we have been finishing off our debut EP, which will be out in late May. You can keep an eye out for it on our Myspace page. We also have a song “Terminally Poor” being released by Brown Bag Propaganda (USA) on the compilation cd “Radio Riot - Volume 3”. Later this year there are plans of heading back into the studio for a full length album (on actual vinyl!) and then look out USA!. CONTACT INFO: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CELEBRITYSTALKERS
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BROWNBAGPROP
featuring
BeneaththeVeil nashville, tn
D.A.L.Y.N.I. MAY 2010
31
ISSUE
44
CENTER
FOLD YEAR OF
TEN
2010
f u l l t h r oatgtal ze i n e midwest m
E K I B T R O P S PAS ZE GRAND PRI
t included *model no
courtesy
of
e Ozarks Lake of th op vidson Sh Harley-Da
ww
RIDEby Sorez ONTheRIDERS Scribe Keep the rubber side down The shiny side up Wind in your face and The sun on your back Ride on all you Riders,
RideOn!
Head on down the highway Twist the throttle the hard way Every day is a new day Ride on all you Riders,
Ride on!
Ad Name: Budweiser What We Do Item #: PBW20109787 Job/Order #: 619861-214830
Closing Date: 3.10.10 QC: RR Pub: Full Throttle
Trim: 3.812 x 5 Bleed: none Live: 3.562 x 4.75
Keep yer kneeze in the breeze Go and get some wind Enjoy every mile Another season begins.. Ride on all you Riders,
Ride on!
MAY 2010
35
ON THE SCENE D
with LiquidIllusionsArt .com
aytona-Bike Week, what can I say? Well, let's back up a bit. Four days before I left I was busy getting 4 paint jobs and 2 bikes completed. So I didn't officially get on the road until Tuesday around 1pm. After loading up and driving straight thru from St. Louis I rolled into Daytona Wednesday morning at the world famous LimpNickie lot. I was greeted by a staggering whiskey bent Pat Patterson from Led Sled. He uttered something in a scratchy blown out voice that sounded like "set your stuff up over there", and pointed to an open spot across from his trailer. After I set up and unloaded my bike traffic started to pick up on the Lot. After hanging out and talking shit all day we headed across the street to the LimpNickie industry party we were throwin'. We had a few too many drinks too say the least. I passed out around 10:30 that night. Thursday morning came and we headed to another industry get together. The party was pool side at a local hotel. We walked around to the back of the hotel and everyone was bundled up in North Face gear. Yes, it was cold this year. It was odd to see everyone so bundled up hanging out around an inviting pool freezing there ass's off. Another thing that stood out because of the ongoing recession was that the numbers on the general public seemed to be way down. People just couldn't make it to the event this year because the cheddar was tight. Friday was a good turn out as usual for the Willie's Tropicana Tattoo Bike Show. We hung out with the guys from Papa Clutch--those guys are fucking cool. Later that night there was a killer party at the Doghouse...aka...Hard Rock Cafe. This is where the Michael Lichter photo exhibit and custom bikes on display with the likes of our own Paul of Bare Knuckle Choppers of Wright City. I didn't ride too much but heard the fuzz was out in full force. Yes, Daytona's finest armed with the latest high tech Bic pens...just making it rain tickets. So, what can I say about Daytona? It was dead, cold and expensive. Numbers were the lowest I've seen in the 11 years I've been attending the event. There was not much parading or road traffic hell it looked like duly week. and we didn't even have to cut down Halifax much. And yes, cold? I mean global warming? Whatever GORE! When I pulled into Daytona it was 48 degrees on my dashboard thermometer. Between the city getting their cash from fines...permits and tickets it cost $. So, in closing it was definitely different this year. But in the end it was a kick ass time.
Dimes.
MAY 2010
37
38
MAY 2010
MAY 2010
39
at tHE WAY
OUT CLUB
Featuring
June 26th 2010 $7 at the door 2525 S. JEFFERSON ST. LOUIS, MO 63104 myspace.com/wayoutclub (314) 664 7638
5704 FREEDOM DR COLUMBIA, MO 65202
(573)875-4444
WWW.MIDAMERICAHD.COM MAY 2010
41
illinois SECTION
FTM Bi-State Area Sales Managers Wow! April kicked ass! Some great riding weather got loads of bikes on the roads and it was good to see you all again. Now here we are in May and its looking to be a great summer full of good times. After attending a lot of bike nights last year, Tracy and I noticed that although they were a good time, there really wasn’t much going on for the bikers who came out. So, we started a plan to change that. We went and sat down with our friends at Thunder Alley Promotions and “Hot Summer Bike Nights” was born. We just needed the right place and The Pasta House stepped up in a big way. Some GREAT sponsors came onboard along with Thunder Roads magazine, Frieze Harley Davidson, K-SHE95 and Chick Fritz Dist. Tracy and I set up a facebook page to test interest and within one month we had close to 400 local fans. We kicked off April 15th and I think I can speak for everyone when I say the turn out was incredible and we would like to thank all of you for supporting us and the vendors that come out. We are really looking forward to seeing you all each Thursday night and we will do all we can to assure you a great time. Now that brings me to May 12 and the start of “The 3 Bar Boogie Bike Night”. Its amazing the ideas you can come up with over a winter! This Bike Night will be held at 3 bars at the same time and to win prizes you must visit all 3 between 6 and 10pm. TR,s Place, Sullivans and Crehans will be your hosts. Make SURE you get your rule cards from one of those bars prior to May 12. On those cards you will find out how you can win one of three big screen TVs on the final 3 Bar Boogie of the year. This is going to be a really fun time. A Bike Night with a ride and great drink specials as well. Follow this event on Facebook for updates and photos The high brass of the Full Throttle Army is working out final details of major events such as July 3rds “Grease, Gears, and Grooves”, and Septembers “Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest 2010”. If you havent been to either of these you are missing out in a huge way! Just like last year Tracy and I will upload all event photos we take onto our Shutterfly. Go to the address below, join for FREE, and get your photos! Speaking of photos, id like to thank my friend Dave Jacobs for helping me with the cover shoot for this issue. Thank you all for rolling with The Full Throttle Army, and we will see ya’s on the road!
- Jerry and Tracy
42
MAY 2010
jerryandtracy@fullthrottlemidwest.com, www.jerryandtracy.shutterfly.com
nd ANNUAL 2 HOT SHOT CALENDAR BASH
JUNE 5
TH
K.C. HALL 400 N, BEAU CHATEAU, BETHALTO, IL BURN OUT COMPETITION
CONTROLLED CHAOS
WITH
FULL BAR COME SEE BANDS PLAY LIKE
COME CLOSER
THUNDER ALLEY PROMOTIONS
TOP HOT MODEL CONTEST SOL-KLINCH SEATING WELCOMES
St Louis Cardinals Tribute Bike BE IN THE NEXT 2011 HOT SHOT CALENDAR’S
…..RAIN OR SHINE…..
WWW.HOTSHOTCALENDAR.COM MAY 2010
43
Thunder Alley Productions
Main Street Saloon 220 N Main, Waterloo, IL 62296 618-939-9949
POOL, DARTS, COLDEST BEER IN RENAULT IL! 2071 MAIN ST. RENAULT IL 62279 (618) 458-9988
OPEN 3P-12A MON-THURS 12P-12:30A FRI, SAT, SUN
MAY 2010
45
17 years ago Jason Clasquin started working on cycles at Double D Cycles in Marion Illinois, putting himself through Airframe and Powerplant school. Once out of school Jason joined the Marines for helicopter experience and later, put his wife Jennifer through Nursing School, all the while keeping his eye on his dream. To one day, own his own Speed Shop. Well that day finally came last year when Jason opened C&S Speed Shop in Alorton Illinois. What makes his speed shop stand out from the rest is a very sweet DynoJet 250I. “I wasn’t happy with the people out there offering Dyno service, so I bought my own”. Jason is fully certified by TTS and Power Command. So, what does the owner of a Speed shop equipped with Dynojet build for himself to ride?
How ‘bout a 127 cu in fuel injected hotrod! “I built a hotrod. I don’t want to get into the argument of what a chopper is. I stay away from that whole thing and build hotrods”. Jason chose a Kraft Tech frame with mods by himself and buddy, Fish, with a nine up thirty-two degree rake. Between the frame sits 127 cu inches containing Corrila rods, JE Pistons, S&S Wheels and case, 620 lift on the cam, and R&R billet Heads. Fuel is delivered by a PFI 53mm Fuel Injector. Pull this beast up onto the Dyno, fire it up and what do you get? How ‘bout 140 plus Horse Power and 150 plus Torque! To get that power to the rear wheel Jason put in a Sims six speed gear set, S&S Box, BDL Top Fuel Belt Drive and Auto Clutch w/ Adjustable Launch RPM. Jason made his own rear fender out of carbon fiber and then buried it in clear coat. There are several cool mods on Jason’s hotrod that he’s done himself. If he couldn’t find the right part, he made his own. One thing about Jason is, he’s never forgotten what it took to make C&S Speed shop a reality. Hard work, sacrifice, and the support of his family, friends, and wife Jennifer. If you ask Jason what C&S stands for, he will tell you flat out. “Customer Service.”
46
MAY 2010
-F T M
MAY 2010
47
www.lifetimecoatings.com 48
PVD2@lifetimecoatings.com MAY 2010
FRIDAY ALL DAY BIKE DAY.
Domestic Beer $1.50 a bottle
Monday Night
Weekly Pool Tournament
7:00pm
Cash prizes for 1st and 2nd’ call us for your poker runs
MAY 2010
49
www.mmcustomcycles.com
WED BIKE
RIDE IN: F
NES
NIGH
REE WING
DAY
T 7-9
S FOR ALL
$2 DO $2.25 L MESTIC BOT G COORS
BIKERS
T
LITE DRALFES TS
618-628-1625 200 LINCOLN TRAIL, FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL 50
MAY 2010
Full Throttle
M U SidYL YupAR Tro SAFEG ing 101
BY T.J. MILES
The sport of a group saddling up the horses and discovering new watering holes has been around since the dawn of time. Everyone has seen groups of motorcycles traveling together. Some look like a totally disorganized parade of clowns. Others are well spaced, organized and move as if they are a well rehearsed formation of airplanes headed into battle. Group riding is a TEAM effort and somewhat of an art. One clown in the group can increase risk and harm other riders. To reduce the risks and increase the enjoyment, you must rely on the cooperation of all the riders in the group and understand the customary habits of GROUP RIDING. Before each ride, including return trips, there should be a pre-ride conversation between riders to discuss the destination, signals used for new riders, route to be taken, planned stops for fuel, meals and an exchange of cell phone numbers in case anyone becomes separated from the group. The route is preset, everyone should know the route and the final destination. Some of the most annoying delays are having to wait for someone to get gas or stopping every half hour because the group wasn’t prepared for the trip. Schedule the assembly time one half hour before departure time, for those who forget, are always late, or never ready to go. Remember to come with a full tank of gas, full stomach and an empty bladder. A diner or gas station makes a great place to meet. Stops should be planned in advance with rest and gas stops approximately every two hours. You should also consider planning the first rest stop within one hour of departure. This allows those who need to re-cycle their morning coffee the opportunity and also allows for checking and readjustment of luggage or passengers. Remember, headwinds and high speeds will increase gas consumption and decrease mileage. Most groups ride in a STAGGERED formation, with a minimum of two ticks between you and the rider directly in front of you. At night, or any other time visibility is reduced, spacing should be increased to a minimum of four ticks. Newbie’s should be placed towards the front and next to an experienced rider.
SPECIFIC MEMBERS OF THE GROUP LEADER: rides at the front and sets the pace for the group based on the ability of the weakest rider. SWEEP: rides at the rear of the group and monitors the group. They may also critique after the ride, giving constructive tips based upon their observations. Helps to control the group by communicating with the leader. Also watches out for the group at entrance ramps, since he has the best view of the ramp and can signal the leader if vehicles entering from the ramp are trying to cut into the formation. NEW MEMBERS: These riders are generally placed in the middle of the group, next to a strong rider. They must understand that they have to follow the directions of the leaders.
METHODS OF LEAVING/DEPARTURE Entering or pulling onto a highway from an assembly point or rest stop can be confusing to both the members of the group and the other traffic sharing the road. The best method is for the leader to pull out and each member then pulling out when it is safe, assembling into formation when possible. Another method that is commonly used, but is illegal, is for the tail to pull out first and secures the lane. The leader then pulls out with the group following and then forms into a staggered formation.
INTERSECTIONS When the group stops at traffic lights or stop signs, it should close ranks by forming a double file. After the traffic light has turned green, the leader moves out slowly to allow the group to reassemble on the other side. If the light changes again before the entire group has made it through, the leader should either proceed slowly until the rest of his group joins up, or he pulls over on to the shoulder, where it is safe, to allow the group to catch up. At stop signs each bike is supposed stop at the sign and then proceed. However, it is this writers opinion that it is safer for the group to move through the intersection as a group. This prevents riders from having to pass vehicles to catch up. A soccer mom stuck in the middle of a pack of bikes on a two lane is not a pretty site. When making turns at intersections, everyone maintains their lane positions or staggered formation.
CURVES When approaching curves the group forms a single line and maintains a two tick following distance through the curve. By forming a single file, your line of sight increases and the single file formation allows each rider more maneuverability in picking their own path of travel.
LANE CHANGES AND PASSING: TIME AND SPACE MANAGEMENT
When more than 1 motorcycle attempts to pass another vehicle, it takes a tremendous amount of time and space (need more horses?). Above all else remember that PATIENCE IS A MUST!! Before initiating a pass, each rider must ask themselves “Is it NECESSARY and is it SAFE?” A blind pass without the ability to see if vehicles are on the other side of a crest or curve is nothing short of suicide. If the whole group has not completed the pass before reaching the end of a safe passing zone, the remaining bikes wait for the next safe passing zone to complete the pass.
PASSING LARGER VEHICLES (Trucks, Buses, RVs) Special care must be taken when passing larger vehicles such as tractor-trailers, buses, motor homes and other R.V.’s. This is due to the large amount of air that these vehicles push in front of them. When you come around them, your vision is restricted as well. There may be another, smaller, vehicle in front of it that you weren’t able to see until you passed the front of the first vehicle. This situation might not leave you with enough time and space to get back into the lane. These vehicles commonly have tire blowouts and the resulting gator can knock you off your bike or knock your bike over. As you reach the front of the vehicle, there can be tremendous air turbulence. This can throw a motorcycle off balance, especially those with a windshield or fairing. Windshields and other bodywork may act as wind sail and the motorcycle can literally be pushed into another lane of traffic. There have been reports of handlebar mounted windshields suddenly bending or collapsing from the blast. ENTRANCE RAMPS Various situations call for different methods. Ideally, the group merges together. In the real world, this is a difficult task and is not always possible. Have as many riders merge as safely possible, with the remaining riders entering as they can. The group then reassembles after they have all entered the highway. Remember, the leader stays in the right lane until the group has reformed. It may take until the exit ramp you are going to before the group will be able to reassemble. Reassemble after making the exit. The rationale is that there is no extreme situation that requires the rider/s to put themselves or others at risk to reassemble.
EXIT RAMPS All riders move to exit lane as a group if possible, using the lane change procedure. Exit ramps generally have a deceleration lane, use it to brake and downshift before entering the actual exit. Be alert for vehicles that want to exit or enter the flow of traffic and cut through the formation (signals). It is not always possible to maintain the formation at exit ramps or when passing entrance ramps. Pay close attention for vehicles that may cut into your formation.
PARKING Now that you have reached your destination or are making a rest stop, you need to try and maintain some semblance of order. The leader pulls in and locates adequate parking for the entire group. Be alert to the type of surface in the parking lot: soft, unpaved, gravel, newly paved. Remember to use a kickstand plate when in doubt. Remember to park backed in, or be able to go forward to get out (unless of course you have a bike with reverse).
BREAKDOWNS OR INDIVIDUAL PULLOVERS In the event of a breakdown or, if an individual pulls over to the side of the road, the tail/sweep is generally the only rider to stop with him to find out what’s wrong. The leader will stop the group when and where it is safe for everyone else to pull over. Once the group has safely pulled off, the leader may ask a rider to go back and find out what is wrong.
PULL-OFFS / DROP-OFFS Let the leader know if you are going to be dropping out before the final destination. Group riding can be one of the greatest and safest experiences offered in the world of biking if one understands the customary habits that were discovered by those before us. Get to know the riding styles of the rider’s in the group that you ride with to create a harmonic balance. There is something to be said about those groups who ride with a rhythm. They are the safest and have the most fun.
MAY 2010
51
Biker Day every 4th Sunday... Get 1/2 OFF EVERYTHING from 11-4pm..Proceeds go to B.A.C.A
636-352-1191 (Dierbergs Bogey Hills)
WATER STREET BAR & GRILL 201 WATER ST, EVANSVILLE IL 62242
52
MAY 2010
futurDeagroinder
Tyler
BABE MONTH OF THE
Christina
MAY 2010
53
*one per customer
MAY 2010
55
BIKER FRIENDLY
1/2 mile East of Lake Ozark Harley-Davidson
MAY 2010
59
MAY 2010
61