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May 27

Ultimate Motorcycle Road Trip Packing List

By General Posts

Road tripping on your bike is an excellent way for celebrating your love of riding

Are you planning a motorcycle road trip? Then you’re in for an enjoyable time. Road tripping on your bike is an excellent way to visit scenic locations while celebrating your love for riding.

However, bringing all the necessary supplies on your trip is essential to having the best experience. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of all of the most critical items you’ll need for your trip. Read on to learn our ultimate motorcycle road trip packing list.

Click Here to Read this short, simple guide on Bikernet.com

Ride Free, Ride Safe ….

If unfortunately, you ever find yourself a motorcycle accident victim, you can call Law Tigers team at 1-888-863-7216 for assistance. Tell them Bikernet.com sent ya.

Sep 17

5 Best Motorcycle Routes to See Fall

By General Posts

One of the best parts about owning a motorcycle is having a front-row view to all things nature. There’s nothing standing in between you and all the colors of the natural world. Fall is one of the best times to go cruising through the wilderness. Leaf peepers are known for chasing bright yellows, reds, and oranges all over the country as autumn sets in. Chances are there’s a great leaf-oriented stretch of road near you.

Get Your Bike Ready for the Trip

Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have everything you need to explore the open road. Some of these routes can be quite remote, so you need to have a plan in case things take a turn for the worst.

Above all else, use helmet communication to keep in touch with your loved ones on your trip, especially if you stray far from home. You should be able to call for help or check your GPS without taking your eyes off the road. You drove all this way to look at the leaves, after all.

Looking down at your phone can be a recipe for disaster. You also need to keep your hands on the handlebars at all times to stay in control. Use a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet to use your electronic devices hands-free for more peace of mind behind the wheel.

Find a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet with speakers that produces clear audio. You need to balance the sound of your music, call, or GPS with the sounds of the road in case another driver needs to get your attention.

Your phone may not be there to rescue if you get lost or get into a wreck. Consider bringing along paper maps of your destination and a backup communication system, such as two-way radio, in case you don’t have access to cell service.

Inspect your motorcycle to make sure it’s ready for the trip at hand. Add air to the tires, if needed. You should know the approximate distance of your trip. Check the mileage and consider visiting your local mechanic if it’s been over a year or 6,000 miles since your last tune-up.

Tunnel of Trees – Michigan

The country’s “third coast” is known for its rich forestry and sprawling coastlines and Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees is perhaps the best example of both. The branches of the trees extend over the road, creating what looks like a tunnel.

Most of the action takes place on M-119. You can catch it at the north end of Petosky. The tunnel official starts in Harbor Springs. Follow the route for another 20 miles around the edge of Lake Michigan. The bluff, which runs around 140 feet above sea level, keeps you up high for a panoramic view of the coast. Be sure to slow down or stop when taking in the sights. The state road narrows at several points, including the infamous Devil’s Ridge. Lots of drivers will probably have their eyes on the trees, so don’t be surprised if they make a mistake.

Coastal Route One – Maine

Route One has a reputation across the East Coast. It makes for a stunning drive, whether you’re coming from Key West, Florida or New York City. We suggest taking it all the way north to Maine, where you’ll see some of the most picturesque roads of your life. New England is full of many charms, including open farmland, quaint towns full of history, and weaving coastlines, and Route One lets you see the best of everything.

You’ll need to take I-95 about 90 minutes north of Boston to the Maine border. From there, hop on Route One to cruise through small towns like towns as Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, both of which are teeming with lush forestry. The road takes you along the coast, which gives you the chance to explore the area’s many islands, nooks, and peninsulas. You’re bound to pass a lighthouse or three.

There’s a certain humble charm to the remote towns of Northern Vermont. Turn down the noise of your engine to enjoy the peace and quiet as the water laps against the rocky shore. Wildlife can get pretty bold in the more rural parts of the state. Don’t be surprised if you run into a moose as soon as you get out of the city.

San Juan Mountain Skyway – Colorado

If you love the mountains, head out west to Colorado to experience the thrill of the San Juan Mountain Skyway. The road gets its name for its steep incline and sharp turns. The road goes from 6,200 feet above sea level near the city of Cortez to over 11,000 feet near what’s known as the Red Mountain Pass.

It gives you the ultimate mountain experience, complete with expansive river valleys, peaks over 14,000 feet tall, and trees that feel larger than life. The arching road gives you a cascading view of the trees during the fall. You can see several miles into the distance in some parts.

The road starts in Durango, CO, the largest city on the path. This is the time to stock up on supplies. Your choices start to thin out from here. Follow the road north via U.S. 160 to Mancos. Consider stopping by Rocky Mountain National Park and Mesa Verde National Park while you’re in the area if you feel like seeing more of what this iconic state has to offer. It continues for a total 235 miles, or 7 hours, going all the way up to Telluride and Silverton.

It’s best to start your trip in the early fall, as some roads turn icy early in the season. The mountains have a climate all their own, so be prepared to encounter some snow along the way. Bring along a few extra layers to stay warm on your motorcycle as temperatures fluctuate.

Nothing beats the gorgeous palette of fall foliage. Chart a course for one of these autumn destinations to enjoy the ride of your life.

Jul 16

Safety Is The First Rule When Riding ORV’s In Wyoming

By General Posts

from https://kgab.com

Off Road Recreational Vehicle’s are a great way to explore Wyoming, but being safe is something you need to take seriously.

An ORV is described by WyoParks.wyo.gov as off-road motorcycles, ATVs and 4-wheel drive vehicles primarily used off-road. https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/orv-trails

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (click here) started keeping track of the number of deaths involving ATV’s in 1982. A report was released a couple years ago that gave the total number of deaths in each state, Washington DC and Puerto Rico due to ATV’s with 3, 4 or more wheels. The report spanned from 1982 to 2017 and Wyoming came in near the bottom of the list at #47 with 71 lives were lost. Texas was at the top of the list with 831 lives lost.

In Wyoming, thousands of ORV’s are purchased every year and on a daily basis you can see them on trailers, in trucks or riding around trails & roads. Safety measures are put in place to keep the deaths, injuries and accidents down. Wyo Parks has a great list of safety tips, available on their website Wyoparks.wyo.gov (Click Here), that would be a great idea to become familiar with and teach your kids the proper ways of ORV riding.

Wyoming has over 640 miles of trails available all over the state available for use by anyone. Of course you need to be familiar with the trail usage rules put in place to ensure safety for you and others using the trails. The Wyoming State ORV Program (Click Here) has worked along side other state and federal organizations to identify roads, trails and open areas that are suitable for riding your ORV.

If you’re heading out on an ORV trip make sure you have a map, stay on the designated trails, be prepared for weather, make sure your equipment is in top working order, take water & snacks and wear a helmet & protective clothing. Have fun and be safe!

Jul 14

Women-only motorcycle club rides across 48 states in 8 days

By General Posts

by Madeleine Hagen from https://www.yaktrinews.com

Forty-eight states in 10 days, from Kittery, Maine to Kennewick, Washington was the adventure 28 women took to honor a motorcycle legend.

“I didn’t know anyway to come out to Washington to put an event on so we came up with the 48 in 10,” Tameka Singleton of Bessie’s Belles said.

The group of ladies is from all over the United States.

They met up in Maine in early July to start their ride in honor of Bessie Stringfield.

“She kind of gives us an inspiration and we use that everyday you know just ride motorcycles,” Singleton said.

In the mid-1900’s, Bessie was a female motorcycle pioneer. She was the first African-American woman to ride the continuous United States all by herself.

She eventually founded a motorcycle club, became president and was inducted into the American Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Tameka Singleton said Bessie is the reason they completed the cross country journey.

“The logistics are crazy, being resourceful. These ladies have made this ride what it is,” she said.

The ride started on July 5th, Tameka said they covered 15 states and hundreds of miles in the first day.

On their journey, they had to get proof that they stopped in all 48 states. So, they would stop quickly, get gas and carry on.

“Texarkana is in Texas and Arkansas – so it counts,” Tameka laughed.

The women rode with minimal sleep.

“Two to four hours of rest a night,” she said.

As they reached the west, the ladies dealt with extreme conditions.

“Now we have to go through that desert, and we have to go across New Mexico and it was hot, and that’s when somebody turned hell on,” Tameka said by the time they reached Idaho, the historic heatwave had started.

Eventually they ended their journey in Kennewick, beating their goal of 10 days.

“48 in eight, all women, what more can you say? Just watching my sisters like, they were having hard times but they never stopped and that is really the biggest reward to see people standing in this state that probably never would have been here otherwise, and for that Bessie Stringfield has really inspired all of us,” Tameka said.

The ladies spent their Tuesday at the Harley Davidson in Kennewick, to get their bikes serviced and tuned up before hitting the road again. Tameka said next up is a ride to Miami, Florida.

Jun 02

A cross-country motorcycle trip filled with memories

By General Posts

by Christina Leo from https://www.inregister.com

Baton Rouge financial planner Daryl Ellis began riding motorcycles between six and seven years ago, but when his daughter landed a seat in graduate school in the cedar climes of British Columbia, he knew that the time had come to really put his gears to the test. With Emory’s possessions distributed between her Jeep and a U-Haul trailer, Ellis hitched his BMW K 1600 GT touring-class motorcycle on the back and accompanied her last summer as they made their way northwest, a long but straightforward path ending in a brief visit to Ellis’ brother’s Seattle home before settling Emory into her new digs.

As for the journey back to Baton Rouge? Ellis had something a bit more wayward in mind. For two weeks, Ellis drove an alternative route home, traveling a total of 752 miles through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi and, eventually, back to Louisiana.

“My wife had gotten me a book, Great American Motorcycle Tours, for Christmas a while back, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to check some of them out,” says Ellis. “As for deciding where to stay or where to eat, I was kind of just playing it by ear. Fortunately it all worked out better than expected, with blue skies almost the whole way home.”

And a good thing, too, with so much sightseeing in so little time. The snowy peaks of North Cascades National Park, roadside waterfalls of Oregon’s national forests, wildflowers of Sun Valley, buffalo of Yellowstone, jagged knuckles of the Tetons, yellow farmlands of corn country and riverside roads of Hot Springs all served as welcome replacements for billboards and cramped car seats.

“I had my iPod loaded up with music and podcasts and the like, so I had some entertainment,” says Ellis. “But the scenery itself was so breathtaking that it was often enough to just focus on being one with nature on the back of the motorcycle, taking in the environment through the senses.”

Only once did the wilderness try to lead him astray. “In Idaho there’s a really interesting place called Craters of the Moon National Monument, where the forest ends and the landscape becomes very arid, like a desert,” says Ellis. “It was super cool to see, but I had a close call where I almost ran out of gas there, literally in the middle of nowhere, where even gas stations I tried to pull up on my phone turned out to have shut down decades ago.”

Ellis survived, of course, as did his many tales from the mid-pandemic cross-country adventure. “I can’t recommend it enough,” says Ellis, “and I can’t wait to do it again.”

May 21

A Biker celebrates his 90th birthday by riding his motorcycle

By General Posts

Oliver “Ole” Skinningsrud, left, of Berthold is shown with actor Peter Fonda in 1990 when Fonda sold his 1929 Model A Roadster pickup to Skinningsrud. Photo from the Minot Daily News

by Karassa Stinchcomb from https://www.kxnet.com
by Eloise Ogden from https://www.minotdailynews.com

Berthold farmer and motorcyclist celebrates his 90th birthday in a big way.

Some people say he’s a legend in the motorcycle community. He celebrated a big milestone that some people never get to experience — his 90th birthday.

“You only turn 90 once. It’s a pretty big deal! And for somebody to still be riding at 90 is huge!” said Kelsey Schlag, the marketing manager at Magic City Harley Davidson.

Schlag is talking about Oliver Skinningsrud, better known as Ole.

Ole is an active motorcyclist — even at age 90.

“Ole’s been tickled to death! 90 years old, it’s pretty special somebody 90 can still ride like Ole does,” said David Williamson, Ole’s friend.

The biker community stepped up to throw him this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

More than 20 bikers from KAHU, Minot Hog Chapter, Norsemen and Ramblers motorcycle clubs rode with Ole to the Magic City Harley Davidson shop from Berthold.

He also received a special escort from the sheriff’s department.

Skinningsrud on his trike, a red Harley-Davidson three-wheeler, led the group of about 45 motorcycle riders from Berthold to Minot, followed by Ward County Sheriff’s Department vehicles with flashing lights. Around 100 people were at the Harley-Davidson dealership for a birthday gathering there.

Oliver “Ole” Skinningsrud, who turned 90 on Wednesday, is shown shortly after his arrival at Magic City Harley-Davidson, south of Minot. Skinningsrud rode his trike, a three-wheeler Harley-Davidson, from Berthold to Minot. Photos from the Minot Daily News

A Korean War veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, was honored earlier in the day at a noon lunch with friends and neighbors at Carpio’s Senior Citizens Center.

“When Ole found out, oh he just couldn’t believe he was getting escorted!” Williamson said.

“It was wonderful! Yep. They sure did a good job,” Skinningsrud said.

“This is great! I wasn’t expecting all of these people, so I think that really shows how great the biker community is,” Schlag said.

Everyone enjoyed dinner, good conversation and, of course, birthday cake.

“Well, I think it’s awful nice for all these people to come and be a part of this. I didn’t think I was that special!” said Skinningsrud.

And his advice for people who want to live as long as he has is pretty simple.

“Just do what you like to do, I guess. Have a little faith and hope. And, things will work out,” said Skinningsrud.

Happy birthday to Ole!

Fun fact about Ole, he’s had Buzz Aldrin, Willy G and Peter Fonda all at his farm over the years.

Apr 25

EagleRider Motorcycles Pensacola celebrates 5th anniversary

By General Posts

by Kalyn Wolfe from https://www.pnj.com

What is it like to be an American? Is there any truth to the negative stereotypes that surround Americans?

These are the questions Claire Coleman and her husband, Nick, asked themselves as they left New Zealand more than 10 years ago. With a pickup truck and an RV, they spent a year meandering across the lower 48, learning about American culture with every dirt road, brewery and person they encountered.

It was these experiences that inspired Claire Coleman to publish a book called “The Back Of Beyond: A North American Road Trip, Kiwi Style!” not long after. But the inspiration didn’t stop there.

“It was this trip that inspired us to move to America,” she said. “We had positive experiences with every American we met.”

The next step involved obtaining visas.

“We needed to open a business in order to fulfill our visa requirements, and Nick spent years in the oil rig industry,” Coleman said. “I haven’t worked in the oil rig industry, so we had to figure out a business we could run together. Nick has worked on motorcycles since he could walk, so in 2016 we decided to open EagleRider Motorcycles Pensacola.”

Five years and two locations later, EagleRider Motorcycles Pensacola has recently moved to its third location at 3305 North W St. and held a grand opening April 8 to mark the occasion.

But Coleman would be the first to tell you that it was a celebration that almost didn’t happen.

“COVID killed us,” she said. “Everyone was canceling. We lost all of our international customers and we had no forward bookings. The borders closed, we initially closed shop, sold up our house and most belongings and planned on returning home to New Zealand. Then we literally drove past our new building on North W Street as they were banging in the for sale sign, so our plans changed and we got ready for round two in Pensacola.”

As soon as they closed on the location in October, the couple went to work on upgrades and renovations, which included new ceiling tiles, lighting, paint and a mural of Pensacola Beach for people to take selfies.

“Our new location is triple in size,” Coleman said. “We have a bigger showroom and have added repair work to our rental program.”

EagleRider Motorcycles Pensacola offers a wide variety of adventures, from daily, weekly to monthly rentals, with seven Harley Davidson models to choose from. A 10% discount is automatically applied for groups of four or more during select seasonal months.

If you’re not sure which way to travel, the website offers a host of guided and self-guided tours for people to browse and book for inspiration.

“It’s the best form of social distancing,” Coleman said.

EagleRider Motorcycles Pensacola is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit eaglerider.com/pensacola or call 850-748-3423.

Nov 12

Five tips that you must know to prepare for an amazing motorcycle road trip

By General Posts

from https://www.traveldailynews.com

Be it your first or hundredth road trip; preparation is a must thing. It is essential to consider all the aspects before you hit the road. The right preparation leads to a comfortable and worry-free ride.

Being on a motorcycle road trip is one of the best experiences. Nothing is as impressive as being on a long motorcycle ride all alone; there’s just your thoughts and solitude to accompany you. If you are looking for a bit of fun this summer with some added adrenaline rush, rent a motorcycle in San Francisco or get your own one and hit the road for some of the best rides of the country.

With that being said, before you set out for your long-distance motorbike ride, our frequent bikers bring you some useful tips that sure can make your two-wheel voyage much better.

Be it your first or hundredth road trip; preparation is a must thing. It is essential to consider all the aspects before you hit the road. The right preparation leads to a comfortable and worry-free ride.

So without a further ado, let’s dive right into the 5 most important tips you should never miss.

Choose the best bike for you and reduce your baggage
A road trip on an uncomfortable bike can get you in the worst place, and that’s not the experience one would want to go through. If you are on the move for a lively and adventurous motorcycle ride, choose your ride wisely. Ensure it suits your body and will function the same in the long run. If you have your own bike, you can modify it to improve the comfort level. However, if you are renting one, do your research and consult with the party you are dealing with to get the best.

Choose a bike that you can easily take care of. As long as off-road trips are concerned, bikes that have softer seats, great headlights, agreeable handlebars and safety guards will be the best options. Do not fall for just the appearance of the motorcycle as that should be the last thing on the list. A comfortable ride is your first step towards the smooth and enjoyable road trip.

Moving to the packing tips for beginners, you can find plenty of options for luggage carries in the market. Our experts suggest saddlebags as they are easy to transport. You can fix them on the sides of the back seat of your bike and ride without any burden. If you are looking for options, tail bags, and tank bags can be a great deal.

Once you decide what type of bag you are going to take with you, choosing the amount of luggage is your next crucial step. No matter how much distance you are planning to cover, remember to keep your luggage as light as possible. Carry fewer clothes, sachets, and disposable stuff to maintain the ideal weight. It is recommended to make a list before you start packing your bag.

Drink plenty of water and take breaks along the way
Sadly, many riders do not really give importance to the concept of ‘hydration’. The reality is, it should be in the top 3 critical things throughout your ride. Therefore, keep a proper back up of water while you are in action. Keeping the body hydrated should be the priority, and if you do not like stopping again and again to drink water, get a hydration pack. Such packs keep the water cold and come with a long tube that helps you drink water on the go without stopping.

About breaks, they are necessary to be on the top of your game. When you do not rest while travelling, a continuous sitting on a bike causes saddle sores. If your body is asking to stop, be wise enough to understand the signal and act accordingly. If you do not take required rest, it will unnecessarily lengthen your journey and turn it into a frustrating one. While on a break, check if your bike is in the right conditions or if it needs refueling. Being careful and attentive can save you from unwanted glitches that can ruin your trip.

Prefer off hours eating
It is always ideal to hit the restaurants or cafes at the off hours while on a road trip. Why? Well, most of the people usually stop at restaurants on the regular dinner and lunchtime. If you enter the place at the same time, the chances of spending hours in a waiting queue are more. This can delay your journey and eventually ruin your plans. If you can adjust, off-hours eating can save you from long lines and unexpected delays.

Map is your best friend, don’t lose it
We cannot remember all the roads, and thus, it is better to rely on the helping hand; in this scenario — GPS, maps, etc. If you are ready to invest a bit more, you can purchase a helmet with Bluetooth connection. It guides you throughout the trip without having to stop.

In the case of remote locations with no network availability, going old school can help. Keeping the hand copy of maps is your way to be on the right track. If not that accurate, it can at least tell you what area you are currently in.

Don’t forget your earphones
Well, not all highways are quiet and peaceful. Sometimes, they can be extremely loud and annoying. Earplugs can come to the rescue in such time and save you from immense pressure on your ears. If you are a music lover, headphones can be a great alternative. After all, what can be better than a solo bike trip with the music you love?

Final words
To ensure the best bike ride:

  1. Get your bike thoroughly checked before you begin your journey.
  2. Get done with a little bit of tweaking your bike if needed.
  3. Always carry spares to stay away from difficult times on the highway.

By spares, we mean things like accelerator cables, brake cables, tubes, etc.

Finally, we know it is very tempting to go for a cooler and more powerful bike. Throw that temptation away! Just because you have handled the bike nicely on a test ride, it does not mean that you are the master. Instead, move up to a more smart, sensible and comfortable option.

Nov 08

End of the World Run

By General Posts

Dodging Asteroids, JFK Jr., C19 & Route 666
Photos and text by Koz Mraz

Armageddon and apocalyptic end times are all the rage! Between conspiracy theories, the November 2nd asteroid, Nov 3rd elections and the pandemic it’s definitely time to take an “End of the World” motorcycle ride. I suggest avoiding toxic zombies in metropolitan areas and, the petrified people of Covid suburbs. Get Out! as fast as you can to high country.

I picked up my Harley-Davidson Road Glide at Sedona EagleRider and headed to Meteor Crater, the Petrified Forest and Rt. 666, the Devil’s Highway all the way to Mexico in my EOTW ride. Most people don’t realize that Arizona has some serious mountains with Humphreys Peak topping out at 12,633 feet! Flagstaff also has the perfect underground hideaway from the impending cataclysm.

Click Here to read this Travel Photo Feature at Bikernet

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