We eat a quick breakfast in PJ's Cafe and Bar at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Inn Suites Yuma Mall Hotel & Suites. A hot buffet with eggs and sausage - yum. We're going to explore Yuma a little bit before we ride back into California.
I'm not sure why prisons are such an attraction. I hope never to be incarcerated, but I love visiting old jails and prisons, and hearing the stories about the men and women who lived in them. Back in the day, working at a prison was almost as bad as being a convict. Guards and inmates shared conditions, and an isolated jail was as much of a hardship on the employees as it was on the prisoners.
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Our stay at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Royal Sun Inn & Suites includes breakfast at the adjoining Royal Sun Restaurant & Lounge. We have a nice hot breakfast, and spend some time planning our day's ride. We have some distance to travel, and plenty of things to see along the way.
Looking at the map, I'm continually surprised to realize just how close we are to the U.S./Mexico border. Nogales, Mexico is just 70 miles south on Interstate 19. We're not going to cross the border on this trip, but it is possible to cross into and out of Mexico with ease. You and your passengers (including children) need to bring your U.S. Passports, and it's a good idea to purchase Mexico vehicle insurance before entering the country -- your U.S. policy will probably not cover you in a foreign country. It is also advisable to check the U.S. Department of State's website for up-to-the-minute information about travel to Mexico. Mexico is a beautiful, amazing country, but there are some definite dangers for tourists. Forewarned is forearmed.
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At some point in the middle of a motorcycle trip I always begin to feel like I've been on the road forever, and that the ride will never end. It's a great feeling, and it means that I'm getting into my groove and really living in the moment. Today feels like that.
The BEST WESTERN PLUS InnSuites Phoenix Hotel & Suites has a big, bright breakfast room right off of the lobby, and we take advantage of the hot food buffet. I don't eat a lot of eggs at home, but for some reason there's nothing better on the road.
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Breakfast is my thing. There's nothing better than waking up in the morning and knowing that a good breakfast is on the agenda. Breakfast at Juicy's River Cafe is included with our night's stay at the BEST WESTERN Colorado River Inn. Good, stick-to-your-ribs eggs and bacon starts our day the right way.
We check out of the hotel, load up the bike and get back on the Mother Road. We'll be tracking along a short section of the original Route 66 today, and we're excited to explore a piece of travel history.
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I'm always excited to go on a motorcycle trip. When my wife Robin can get the time off of work to join me as a passenger, I'm over the moon. She's great company, and the best pillion rider I've ever met. A ride with Robin is the best.
We're starting out from home this time, which is great. While I enjoy exploring the country on a bike, eliminating the travel days to and from a remote starting point gives us more time actually riding, and less time in airports.
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I just got back from a week-long ride from Southern California into Arizona and back, which you'll be reading about here very soon. Luckily, my wife Robin was able to take time off from work to ride along as my passenger. We took the opportunity to test a new Bluetooth communication system, instead of using the onboard intercom system on the 2012 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic that we rode. We've used the H-D system in the past, and it works like a charm. The only downside to the H-D system, if there is one, is that it is not wireless. Bluetooth wireless systems have spoiled me. I use a Bluetooth stereo headset every day when I'm not on my bike, so I figured it would be fun to try one on this trip.
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Most of the time, I like to pass through life without attracting attention. When I'm riding my motorcycle, though, I do my best to make sure that other motorists notice me. I don't clown around or make funny faces: I use HiViz.
In 1933, Bob Switzer sustained a head injury and was forced to spend months recovering in a darkened basement room. Bob and his younger brother Joe used the recovery time to experiment with paint that would glow in the dark under fluorescent light. In 1935, they accidently discovered a combination of pigments that seemed to glow under ordinary light. They named the color "Fire Orange," and it was the first "Day-Glo" paint color. Subsequent colors included "Saturn Yellow" and "Signal Green."
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I just looked back over my blog entries for the past year. One thing jumped out at me immediately: No matter how much you plan, life has a way of taking its own course.
Last year I asked, "Did you ride as much as you meant to in 2010? Me, either. Do you plan to do something about it in 2011? Me, too."
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Even though I live in Southern California, I find myself contemplating how to keep my motorcycling jones fulfilled during the winter. I can only imagine the depths of despair that my motorcycling friends in the Upper Midwest are enduring right now. So I decided to collect a few random thoughts about your motorcycle in winter to help keep hope alive.
As long as the roads are dry and the skies are clear, you can conquer the cold and keep on riding.
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Nothing warms me up like a visit to the International Motorcycle Show (IMS), which tours the United States every winter. In past years, it has been sponsored by Cycle World Magazine, but this year Progressive Insurance has taken the reins -- so the show is officially known as the Progressive International Motorcycle Show.
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Winter is about to tighten its grip on the Northern Hemisphere. What better time than to scoot down to South Beach to bask in the sunshine?
I found myself in Miami Beach on business, and decided to extend my stay for a few days. I went online to the Harley-Davidson site and booked a 2011 Softail Deluxe from Peterson's Harley-Davidson of Miami. In just a few minutes, I was out of my rental car, and back on two wheels, ready to explore the city.
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Is it Christmas time again already? Then it must be time to shop for the biker on your list. Lucky for you, there are plenty of cool, affordable gifts that will put a smile on the face of your favorite motorcyclist.
Here are a few cool gift suggestions:
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You will probably never ride a thousand mile day on a motorcycle. Neither will I. But if you're eager to understand why some people ride a thousand miles a day and more -- indeed, if you're eager to understand why people ride motorcycles at all, The Man Who Would Stop at Nothing by Melissa Holbrook Pierson gives valuable insight into the practice of long-distance motorcycling.
Ms. Pierson is an essayist and non-fiction writer. I have recommended a previous book of hers, The Perfect Vehicle: What It Is About Motorcycles (1998), many times.
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I'm a big advocate of motorcycle rider training. I took my first motorcycle training class, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Experienced RiderCourse, after I had already been riding for a decade. When the one-day class was over, my head was spinning. I realized how little I actually knew about riding a motorcycle, and how lucky I was to have survived without proper training. I decided then and there to devote myself to being a better, safer rider, and to make sure that I kept on top of my skills at all times. I view each and every ride as a training session, and I pay constant attention to my riding while I'm in the saddle. Between rides, I read articles and books about motorcycle safety, and I seek out new inspiration for safe riding.
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The latest Chopper craze has waxed and waned, but that doesn't mean that the Chopper is dead and gone. In fact, the 2012 Harley-Davidson lineup includes several bikes that I would consider "Factory Choppers": The Nightster, Iron 883 and Forty-Eight from the Sportster family, the Street Bob from the Dyna family and the Blackline from the Softail family.
But where did this whole Chopper thing come from? And what is a "Chopper" exactly?
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As far as I'm concerned, the best time to buy a used motorcycle is right now -- at the end of the riding season, when owners are considering winter storage. The holidays are right around the corner, and that used bike looks a little like an ATM sitting in the garage. The weather hasn't turned so much that you can't get in a good test drive, and if you buy now, you'll have the whole winter to make any alterations that you have in mind before spring rolls around.
Doing some homework before you start shopping for a used bike will help make the experience better. First, examine your finances, and figure out how much you want to spend on a bike. If you're planning to finance your purchase, go to your lender and get preapproved for a loan amount. Talk to your insurance agent, and find out what factors you should consider in order to make sure that you can afford proper motorcycle insurance. Engine size, motorcycle style and other factors can greatly affect your insurance bill -- so find this out before you buy.
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Motorcycles can be incredibly fuel efficient, especially compared to cars. Still, even the most efficient bikes (and riders) can stand some improvement to make sure that they are getting the most out of every drop of fossil fuel.
Get to Know the Enemy
You won't know if you're improving your gas mileage unless you track your fuel usage. Start keeping a log of fuel purchased and miles driven. Keep notes of driving conditions, special situations and other information that will help you interpret your data. Make a habit of recording data with every fill up, and continue to record data as you make changes to your bike and your riding habits so that you can figure out what works and what doesn't.
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Buying a motorcycle can be a significant investment. While generally less expensive than cars, the tab for a new, fully featured bike can easily approach figures that eclipse the price of a mid-size sedan. In the best of all possible worlds, you've got enough cash put aside so that you can buy your next bike outright. In the real world, that's not always the case. Does that mean that you have to put your dreams on hold? No, it does not. There are sensible ways to finance the purchase of a motorcycle.
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I've always dreamed of owning a classic motorcycle. Not just any classic: I've always dreamed of owning a 1958 Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide. It was the first Harley with a genuine rear suspension, so it was the first H-D that I would consider "touring-ready." It is supremely comfortable, and remarkably smooth in operation. The Duo-Glide is a gorgeous bike, with elegant lines and striking details, the kind of bike you can spend as much time admiring as you can riding it.
But I've never bought a Duo-Glide, even though I've come across many affordable, well-maintained examples over the years.
Why not?
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Check out the video footage of Best Western's Travel Blog writer Jason Fogelson and his trip through Washington state!
After a good night's rest, I wake up for a quick breakfast in the BEST WESTERN PLUS Harbor Inn's dining room. They have a cool, build-your-own egg sandwich system that everyone is trying, and I can't resist, either. An egg fried in the round, a sausage patty, a slice of cheese and an English muffin, assembled and tossed in the microwave for a minute, and you've got a breakfast that McDonald's can only dream about.
I check out of the hotel and load up the Electra Glide for the last time. I'm pretty proud of my packing this time. I have worn every item of clothing that I packed. The only way to get more efficient is to start wearing clothing twice, or a mid-trip wash. For a six-day ride, I'll stick with the "just enough" system. Next, I'll need to hone the other junk I carry.
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The BEST WESTERN PLUS Icicle Inn sets out a great breakfast buffet in J.J. Hills Fresh Grill, and the great model train runs the whole time. By the way, Jerome James "J.J." Hill was the head of the Great Northern Railroad, and pressed for its route to pass through Leavenworth. So there's some logic to the restaurant's name and railroad theme -- not that it needs logic, anymore than Leavenworth itself needs logic. It's just fun and cool, that's all.
I load up the Electra Glide under the big hand-painted sign that bids me "Auf Wiedersehen," then bid farewell to the BEST WESTERN PLUS Icicle Inn. If I were a snow skier, I'd be marking this location on my map. I'll bet it is stunning in the wintertime.
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The heat wave seems to have broken when I wake up this morning at the BEST WESTERN Othello Inn. I share the hotel's breakfast room with a group of power company linemen, and we all compliment the morning's fare. Excellent biscuits and gravy, just the kind of stick-to-your-ribs food to keep you going as you climb poles all day -- or ride a motorcycle through beautiful countryside.
I load up the Electra Glide, and depart town in the direction of the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is a 30,000-acre area administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Refuge was established in 1944, and much of its land is that unique canyon and eroded hillside that was formed by the great floods that created the Columbia River Basin. The area is an important stopover for migratory waterfowl, and is famous for its population of Sand Hill Cranes. I didn't see much wildlife during my ride through the Refuge, but I did see great, unspoiled natural beauty in every direction, miles and miles of land untouched by human habitation. It's a fascinating place, a desert terrain that seems to have abundant water at the same time. I've never seen any other place like it.
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It's already hot in Omak when I wake up this morning. The weather lady is calling for temperatures in the upper 90s. I hope she's wrong, but I'll be fine either way. I just have to remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
After a fortifying breakfast in the elegant breakfast room/library of the BEST WESTERN PLUS Pepper Tree Inn at Omak, I'm ready to move on. I'm getting an early start today, on account of the heat. I kind of wish I could hang out in Omak for another day, and swim in that great pool while I wait for the heat to pass. Oh, well.
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Today is a big day on my Washington State ride. I'm meeting up with a group of riders at Mt. Baker Harley-Davidson, and they're escorting me on a ride and joining me for lunch along my route.
First, I fuel up with a delicious breakfast in the Oboe Cafe at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Lakeway Inn. A choice of several breakfast meals is included with my stay, and it's a luxurious change over the usual buffet. Sometimes it's nice to relax and let someone take care of you.
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I pack my gear carefully for this trip, as always. I'm honing my gear down with each trip, trying to do more with less. Everything must have a purpose, and anything that didn't get used on the last trip gets left at home on the next one. I have this down to a science now.
I used to carry a tool roll on every trip, an old habit from the days when motorcycles were much less reliable. This time, I'm only packing a small flashlight, a Leatherman multi-tool, a roll of duct tape and the universal tool - my iPhone. I probably won't ever use the first three.
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I've been on a few long rides in the past few months. I've been all by myself on most of them, but I've been part of a group on others. When they are not riding, riders talk about riding. Where they've ridden, what they've ridden, how they've ridden. Who they've ridden with.
And frequently, riders talk about how far they've ridden.
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Check out the video of the latest Harley Davidson Canada Road Trip!
Okay, so this morning I don't have fruit for breakfast. I break down and have some eggs, bacon and toast. So shoot me. The breakfast at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Coeur d'Alene Inn just looks too good.
I check out of my room, noticing again just how friendly and efficient the staff at the hotel is. This is a very well run establishment, and I will definitely be back again for a third visit in the future. I'm a little bummed that we won't get a chance to explore downtown Coeur d'Alene, which is so charming and interesting. I really enjoyed wandering around there on my last visit -- it's like an unspoiled Spokane, hip and cool without the attitude. Oh, well -- next time.
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We've got some serious riding to do today, so we have all agreed to get up an hour earlier than usual, and meet at 7:00 am in the breakfast room of the BEST WESTERN White Oak Grand. I stoke the fires with fresh fruit and some yogurt, knowing that I'll need long-lasting energy for the road ahead. We check out of our hotel rooms, and meet in the parking lot.
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Breakfast at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Columbia River Hotel is served in the dining room, and it is delicious. I'm feeling good this morning, and I also feel virtuous, because all I have for breakfast is a big bowl of fruit, while my Canadian friends all seem to be carbing up with eggs, pancakes and other heavy foods. I'll wait for lunch and dinner before I fill up.
The sun is shining as we saddle up to ride, and the skies are clear and blue. We're going to be crossing the border into the United States today, and I'm kind of curious how that will work on a group of motorcycles. I suddenly realize that I've never crossed an international border on a bike, so this day will mark a significant occasion.
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This is going to be a different kind of road trip for me. I'm going on a group ride with Deeley Harley-Davidson of Canada and a group of Canadian journalists. We're going to be riding a collection of 2012 Harleys, starting off in Kelowna, British Columbia and dipping down below the border into my home country of the United States. We'll be staying at BEST WESTERN hotels along the way, both in Canada and in the U.S.
I'm looking forward to the ride. We'll be riding through some beautiful areas, including one of my favorite spots on Earth, Montana's Glacier National Park. I'm very excited to return there, as it was the highlight of one of my trips last year.
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I've been using Santa Barbara as an escape from Los Angeles ever since I was in college in the 1980s. The rich and famous have been drawn to Santa Barbara since the 1920s, as the area is uncommonly beautiful and temperate. Santa Barbara County has been called "The American Riviera," and looking at the way that the shore communities are carved into the hilly coastline, it's easy to see why. Santa Barbara is heaven for motorcyclists, with great roads in every direction, and fantastic attractions in town when the riding day is done.
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Every biker has a pile of these pictures. "Here's my bike in Sturgis.... Here's my bike in front of Mt. St. Helens... Here's my bike in front of my family..." If you're going to take pictures of your bike (you know you are), here are a few tips to help make your motorcycle photographs even better.
Consider the background.
One of the toughest things about photographing a motorcycle is all of the negative space. Even on a fully-faired bike, you can still see plenty of the background through the body, through the wheels, and through the basic outline of your motorcycle. A black motorcycle can virtually disappear in front of a dark background. Pay attention to what is behind and around your bike, and arrange your photo so that your bike stands out.
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I got up early this morning. I wanted to have time to enjoy my last full day of riding. So, I rushed through a quick hot breakfast at the BEST WESTERN University Inn & Suites, then hurried back up to my room to gather my belongings and get onto the bike. I'm still amazed at how close Forest Grove is to Portland. Just 30 miles up the road, the big city seems worlds away. Forest Grove may be at commuting distance, but it doesn't feel like a suburb. It is a community in itself, and the BEST WESTERN University Inn & Suites is a great vantage point from which to explore.
Oregonians take their summers seriously. Whenever the sun is out, so are they. Today, they're out on two wheels -- mostly of the bicycle variety. They're also very fond of Farmers' Markets. I pass several during my journey today, and they're bursting with produce and people. It's a beautiful day for riding.
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While I eat a hot meal today in the breakfast room at the BEST WESTERN University Inn & Suites, I do a bit of research. I don't know much about Forest Grove, but what I have seen so far intrigues me.
I discover that the school that inspired the name of the BEST WESTERN University Inn & Suites is Pacific University, a prestigious liberal arts school. Its main campus is downtown in Forest Grove. Pacific University is the oldest university in Oregon, having been founded in 1849 -- ten years before Oregon became a state. The beautiful little campus educates over 3,200 students per year in undergraduate and graduate studies. It would be a very nice place to go to school, especially with its close proximity to Portland.
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I wake up refreshed from a great night's sleep at the BEST WESTERN Grand Manor Inn. On my way to the lobby for a hot free breakfast, I stop and chat with Ivy at the front desk. This is my first-ever visit to Corvallis, and I don't need to rush away so quickly. Ivy gives me a map of the city, and points out some highlights. I study the map while I drink some coffee and nibble daintily on a toasted bagel.
I load up the Electra Glide and set out to tool around the city. 50,000 people call Corvallis home, and another 100,000 folks live in the surrounding area. Still, Corvallis retains a small town feel, with a real sense of the natural environment and a respect for history.
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I jump out of bed at the BEST WESTERN Inn at Face Rock, get dressed and get packed up. I've got an appointment to ride this morning. "Bandon Bill" Clark has promised to take me to a place that every biker must visit.
I make time for a hot breakfast of eggs, sausage, biscuit and gravy in the breakfast room at Bandon Bill's Grill on the hotel grounds. I remember the great meal I had in the dining room here last night - I wonder if I could extend my stay, just one more night? No - I've got places to go, promises to keep. You know the story.
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I'm up early this morning. I pore over my map while I eat my hot breakfast at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Landmark Inn. I really like Lincoln City, and this hotel. I could see the ocean from my balcony, and I slept with the balcony door open so that I could enjoy the sea breeze and the sounds of the surf. I slept very well, and I'm raring to go. I've got a lot to see today.
First up, I ride back into town to see the town's namesake. Lincoln City was born in 1965, when the towns of Cutler City, Taft,Nelscott, Delake, and Oceanlake merged and incorporated. At about the same time, sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington (1876 - 1973) was looking for a home for "Abraham Lincoln on Horseback," a big bronze that depicted youthful Abe astride a steed, reading a book (Lincoln's reading - not the horse). The statue now sits on the corner of NW 22nd Street and Quay in Lincoln City, outside of the Lincoln City Community Center.
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I'm greeted by light rain as I pack up to ride today. There was a big thunderstorm last night, but I slept right through it in my comfortable bed.
Rain is a fact of life in Oregon, and the locals welcome it as a treasure. Lawns are lush here, flowers grow in abundance and vegetable gardens burst with bounty. None of this would be possible without the rain. Everything looks clean, fresh and healthy. I'll take a little rain early in the day in exchange for such beauty.
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Logistics have determined that my ride through Western Oregon has to begin in Seattle, Washington. Not Oregon. That's okay - I love Seattle. It's a good starting point for any excursion, especially during the summer.
I land in Seattle/Tacoma International Airport, and take a car service to Bellevue's Eastside Harley-Davidson. I've located an Electra Glide Ultra Limited for rent through Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals. In the past, I've used the Harley Owners Group Fly and Ride, but the Motor Company has merged the two programs. Everything works out fine. I'm in and out of the dealership in 45 minutes, saddled up on a fully-loaded 2011 bike. The bike is beautifully detailed, black in color, and has a few extra features, like heated handgrips and a 12-volt outlet in the Tour Pak. That may come in handy.
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When I got my first Harley-Davidson back in the early 1990s, I brought it out to Dover, New Jersey to show to my cousin David. Dave is a lifelong biker, and he was my inspiration to ride in the first place.
After Dave gave my Sportster the once over ("Pretty cool -- for a Sporty."), I pulled him aside for some words of wisdom. Dave thought for a minute, then emitted two words: "Ride solo."
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I got a call from the dealership's service manager, Tom. I had left my Sportster, Manny,with Tom that morning to get a new set of tires spooned on, and had ordered up some routine maintenance at the same time.
"I've got some bad news." You never want to hear that from your service manager. "I've only ever had to make this call one time before, and I had hoped never to have to make it again." My heart was racing. What had they discovered? What was wrong with my beloved Manny? "We dropped your bike off the lift. Your bike was up on the lift, and it fell off."
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I'm going to encourage you to think about a part of your motorcycle that you've probably never given much attention: the frame.
When a designer conceives a bike, the frame has to be one of the first elements to consider. The frame determines a bike's structure, and every decision about frame design will determine function down the line. So, if you look at your own bike's frame, you can reverse-engineer your bike, and figure out how and why it is built the way it is. Once you understand that, you'll be able to evaluate any possible repairs and/or modifications that you might consider in the future, and you'll know whether or not they are compatible with your bike's very essence: its frame.
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A few years ago, when my Sportster was in for service at my local Harley-Davidson dealership, Tom the service manager asked me if I had considered changing over to synthetic oil.
"Synthetic oil? Isn't that for new high-tech engines?" I asked. "Doesn't my old-fashioned air-cooled V-twin need thick, sludgy 40-weight?"
Tom took the time to explain why synthetic oil was a better choice for my Sportster and my riding style, and I decided to change over. I have never regretted my choice.
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We are seemingly minutes away from the official start of summer as kids everywhere are set to put another school year in the books. Overall, as we recently heard at the Leisure Travel Summit held in Toronto, leisure travel and optimism is back in a big way this year. The result is an action packed summer full of fun, adventure and new experiences.
Here are my top 5 things to do with the kids this summer:
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Riding a motorcycle is all about managing traction, so it's important to understand what traction is and how your riding style, choices and your motorcycle itself affect the traction that you have available.
First, some basics. As it relates to motorcycles, traction is the resistance between your tires and the ground. Traction results from friction (surface resistance) combined with your tires' footprint combined with your bike's (and your) weight. If the available traction is less than the torque that you apply to your wheel, the tire will spin. When your wheels spin without traction, handling can be unpredictable, and very bad things can happen.
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Two of my favorite hobbies, motorcycling and photography, go together beautifully. And now, Best Western has created a contest that promises to reward both hobbies.
Motorcyclists who visit a Best Western Hotel and upload a photo of their bike in front of a Best Western sign will be entered to win prizes, including Best Western Rewards points and Best Western Travel Cards. Photos must be uploaded to Best Western's Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/BestWestern) between now and July 15, 2011 in order to be eligible.
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I love riding my motorcycle. But sometimes I want to ride at some distant location, and it's just not practical to ride there. That's when I start to think about transporting my motorcycle.
Often, the simplest solution is the best one. If you own a pickup truck, you already own a great motorcycle transporter. A 2011 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited is 98.6" long (just over 8') and weighs 901 lbs. A compact pickup, like a Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier is capable of hauling a big bike, but you'd be better off with a full-size pickup like a Ford F150, Chevy Silverado or Toyota Tundra, equipped with a long bed.
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Even the most passive motorcycle owner will need to use a tool on their bike eventually. By their very nature, motorcycles need more attention than cars. Things vibrate, shake loose and need to be tightened all the time. Using the right tools can help avoid major problems. You don't have to sell the farm to fill your tool chest - just a few carefully selected tools will help keep your bike in tip-top shape.
Tools for the Garage
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I'm going to go off-topic a little bit here, but not really. This warning is about motorcycle travel, and travel in general. It's a cautionary tale that unfortunately emerges from my personal experience.
I was just diagnosed with Deep-Vein Thrombosis, or DVT. Following a cross-country flight, I noticed some pain in my lower leg. I ignored it, figuring it was just another sign of aging. I have been traveling a lot in the past few weeks, and by coincidence, getting booked in middle seats on crowded flights.
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I love a good ride through the countryside, a blast through the wide-open spaces that make America great.
But there's something to be said for the urban crawl. And one of the best places to ride, with some of the best destinations, is Chicago, Illinois.
Two things make Chicago a great riding destination: Architecture and Culture.
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A few months ago, I made a promise to myself to read more books. The piles of magazines that arrive at my house, along with the distraction of television, movies and other entertainment, kept me from reading as many books as I once enjoyed. I was determined to make a change. A book in the saddlebag is always a good thing on a motorcycle trip. You never know when you're going to find yourself holed up in a diner, waiting for the rain to stop so you can continue on your journey. A book can be a great companion.
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I live in mortal fear of having my motorcycle stolen. Sure, I've got insurance, but I would never be able to recover the time and energy, blood, sweat and tears that I have invested in my ride. Not to mention the hassle, and the feeling of violation that accompanies a theft. I just don't need it. So, I've been looking into different forms of motorcycle security.
The best security for your bike is parking it indoors in a secure garage or parking lot. If you can park indoors rather than on the street while you are on your motorcycle trip, do it. It's hard to steal a bike that you can't see.
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For motorcycling's first century, men have dominated the field. In recent years, women have discovered that the joys of riding don't have to be limited to the pillion, and more female motorcyclists have taken to the road.
The Internet has become a great gathering place and resource for women riders.
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Motorcycle travel used to be simple. Load up the bike with a tarp and a sleeping bag, get out the map and ride. Simplicity has given way to technology, as there are now GPS solutions designed specifically for bikes.
"GPS" stands for "Global Positioning System," shorthand for the satellite-based navigation system that forms the basis for live mapping. A network of 24 NavStar satellites was completed in 1993, and became operational in 1994. Four satellites signals are needed at any given moment to calculate a user's position. Until 2000, non-military users only had access to a degraded signal, which limited GPS's accuracy. Since 2000, GPS accuracy has been greatly improved for consumers. The U.S. Department of Defense is responsible by law for maintaining GPS as a national resource, under the direction of the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Executive Committee.
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Living in Southern California, I've got plenty of great riding options. One of the very best places to ride in the area is also a fantastic destination for business or pleasure: San Diego.
San Diego has a rich history that stretches back into the 1700's, and a living history that still stands in the form of Old Town, which dates back to 1821 -- antiquity in California terms, where homes from the Twentieth Century are considered significant landmarks.
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The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the Motorcycle Industry Council and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America are collectively donating $10,000 to the Japan America Society's 2011 Japan Relief Fund, and each organization is encouraging its members to make their own donations. The MSF, MIC and SVIA have each added links to their websites in order to make it easier for members and the general riding public to help out in this time of great need.
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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motorcycle helmet is "by far the most critical piece of safety gear a motorcyclist can use."
Twenty states and Washington, DC require that all motorcycle riders wear a helmet. Twenty-seven states have some helmet laws, usually requiring riders under a certain age to don helmets. Three states (Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire) have no laws requiring helmet use.
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My cousin Adam and his wife have a favorite vacation. They load up Adam's Harley-Davidson Road King, and go motorcycle camping. Last year, they went for a two-week tour of Nova Scotia, pitching a tent and cooking on a campfire all the way.
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A few months ago, I wrote about a few new books about motorcycling that I was planning to read. When I got back from my recent trip to the Gulf Coast, I finally got a chance to sit down and read one of the books on the top of my list, and I just had to tell you about it.
Big Sid's Vincati by Matthew Biberman is subtitled "The Story of a Father, a Son and the Motorcycle of a Lifetime." It's the true story of how motorcycling helped to bring a family together, and how the love of a motorcycle can help to heal old wounds.
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A motorcycle is not just a form of transportation. It can also be a form of expression, an extension of your personality and a way to let the world know who you are.
After you have bolted on all of the handy accessories and cosmetic add-ons to your scoot, after you've tweaked the ergonomics and made your bike as comfortable as your La-Z-Boy recliner, you may still be looking for a way to make your bike stand out from the crowd.
It's time to explore the world of custom paint.
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I wake up bright and early, the sound of the Gulf waters drifting gently into my sixth floor room. It's a bittersweet day - the last day of my six-day ride through the South. I'll be glad to get home, but I'll miss my time on the road.
I make time for breakfast in the BEST WESTERN Fort Walton Beachfront Hotel lobby. Hey, it's free, after all. It's also hot and delicious. The lobby is very cool, with terrazzo floors and mod furniture. It has a great beach feel, with nautical accents, and kind of a Miami vibe with pastel colors and interesting geometry.
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I manage to avoid the waffles this morning at breakfast. I do not manage to avoid the biscuits and sausage gravy that the BEST WESTERN Capital Inn & Suites provide, however. Delicious, and quite filling. I'm ready to ride.
I'm growing quite attached to this Electra Glide Classic. A fellow guest buttonholes me in the parking lot while I'm gearing up to ride, and we have a great conversation about his work for Harley-Davidson, as a supplier for electrical parts. We both stand and admire the bike in the morning sun. "I bet that'll do just about anything you want it to," he says. He's right. I feel like I could ride around the globe on this bike, just in time to start another loop around again.
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I wake up, get ready and load the Electra Glide for the day, then head to the lobby of the BEST WESTERN Columbus for breakfast. I decide to make myself a waffle this morning. I probably haven't had a waffle in 10 years, and I can't figure out why. Delicious and filling. I'm ready to ride.
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I wake up an hour before the alarm this morning. I can't go back to sleep - too eager to ride. So I get up, get showered and dressed, and pack my gear. I load the Electra Glide, and then go back in to the BEST WESTERN PLUS Two Rivers Hotel & Suites for the free breakfast. Fried eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, all on tap. A real Southern breakfast, and it's included with my night's stay. Now that's BEST WESTERN PLUS.
While I check out, I ask the manager, Jay, for advice about what I should see before I leave Demopolis. Jay is a virtual Chamber of Commerce, whipping out a sheet of paper and drawing a map to several highlights in town. I asked the right guy!
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There is frost on the Electra Glide while I load the saddlebags with my gear. The poor bike has sat outside the BEST WESTERN Executive Inn in Jackson while I slept inside, nestled in a very comfortable bed. I feel a little guilty.
Even though the BEST WESTERN Executive Inn serves up a very nice free continental breakfast, I heed the siren call of the Waffle House across the street for a freshly cooked omelet. We don't have Waffle House at home, and I passed at least a dozen of them on my ride yesterday. I can't resist the greasy goodness, and I'm not alone. There are over 1,500 Waffle House locations in 25 states. There's even a Waffle House Museum in Avondale Estates, Georgia, where the chain was born. The Jackson Waffle House is packed with a mixture of locals and cowboys this morning, relics of the Dixie National Rodeo from last night.
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The good news: Clear skies, not a cloud in sight.
The bad news: The temperature is 27 degrees Fahrenheit outside when I wake up at 7:00 am in my room at the BEST WESTERN PLUS St. Christopher Hotel in New Orleans.
I can't pick up my motorcycle until 9:00 am this morning, so I get ready, pack my things, and head down to the lobby for breakfast. I keep it light, just a bagel and some coffee (okay, and a muffin). The lobby cafe is abuzz with activity, a nice mix of young and old, tourists all sharing stories of their nights on the town, making plans for the coming day.
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I've spent the last week watching the weather. I don't mind cold; I don't mind rain. I've got good gear, and I can stay warm and dry. But combine cold and rain, and it spells trouble for a motorcycle trip.
I have installed a couple of weather apps on my iPhone - WeatherBug and the Weather Channel. I check them obsessively over the past few days, and it appears that the cold front that has been moving through the South is on its way out. Hope it keeps moving.
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It has been a particularly harsh winter across much of the country. Record snow storms, frigid temperatures, frog-drowning rainfall. There have been times when it seemed like we'd never get to ride again.
Hope is on the horizon. Bike Week runs from March 4 to March 13 this year in Daytona Beach, Florida.
This year is the 70th Annual Bike Week in Daytona, and they're pulling out all the stops for a great celebration. Here are just a few of the events to look forward to:
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Drop by any Harley-Davidson owner's home, and chances are, you're going to see at least a few decorative items featuring the Harley Bar & Shield logo. I'm not embarrassed to admit that there's at least one H-D item in each room of my house, not to mention my garage and tool room.
The Harley-Davidson Bar & Shield logo first appeared in 1910, and it hasn't changed much since. 1910 was early in the Art Deco period of art and design, and the Bar & Shield fits in perfectly. It has aged particularly well, in my opinion. The logo looks both modern and classic. Everything looks better with the Bar & Shield on it.
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Most of my motorcycle touring is done on rented Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
I don't own a touring bike, for one thing. My personal ride is a 1993 Harley-Davidson Sportster Deluxe named "Manny." Manny is a great bike, but he's just not designed for touring. A 200-mile day is about the limit, and back-to-back long days are unthinkable. When I want to go for a week-long ride, I want to be on an Electra Glide, Road Glide or Road King.
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I'm very excited. The airplane tickets have been purchased, the bike has been reserved, the BEST WESTERN Hotel reservations have been confirmed. I'm getting ready to ride.
This time, I'm a little bit ahead of schedule, for a change. I usually feel rushed when I'm planning a motorcycle trip, because things take a long time to come together. A motorcycle trip is a little bit like a Rubik's Cube, with a lot of moving pieces that have to align properly before the trip clicks together. This particular trip has been clicking, which leaves me more time than usual to research routes, things to see and do, and pre-trip preparation.
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It's never too early to start planning a trip.
Here are a few of the major motorcycle events scheduled for 2011. Take a look at your calendar, and see if you've got room for a trip! Even though there are BEST WESTERN Hotels near each of these events, rooms often book up well in advance, so plan early!
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The East Coast is buried under a ton of snow. The Upper Midwest is lost under a drift. There's only one thing to do -- go for a motorcycle ride.
I'm lucky -- I live in Southern California. We ride here during the whole year. I actually moved to California in order to extend my riding season. I was living in New York City with my trusty Sportster, Manny, and my work situation changed. I became a freelancer, and my clients were as likely to be in Chicago or Los Angeles or Dallas as they were in New York. I realized that I could live anywhere -- so I chose the part of the country where I could ride all year long. I have never regretted that decision, even when I miss some of the cultural and business advantages of living in Manhattan. I love to ride, and just knowing that I can jump on my bike in the middle of January makes every day feel full of possibility.
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Who can believe that it's 2011 already? Not me.
Did you ride as much as you meant to in 2010? Me, either.
Do you plan to do something about it in 2011? Me, too.
First of all, I really love planning. So, I'm going to start a "To Do" list for my motorcycle, so that all of those fleeting ideas about where and when to ride don't slip away.
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Riding a motorcycle is not like riding a bicycle.
Once you have learned how to ride a bicycle, your body doesn't forget. It remembers, and it just takes a few moments to regain your ability to ride after a long layoff.
Don't make the same mistake with a motorcycle. Riding a motorcycle is much more complex, and much riskier, than riding a bicycle, and if you haven't ridden for a while, you should consider taking a training course before you attempt to ride on public roads again.
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I love reading almost as much as I love riding. So, during the winter months when riding is a little less fun, I hunker down with books about motorcycles and motorcycling.
This winter, I'm going to revisit Bill Hayes's history of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club, The Original Wild Ones. Hayes is a great storyteller, and his book really brings the atmosphere of the post-WWII biker club to life, dispelling rumors and misconceptions in the process.
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It's starting to look and feel a lot like Christmas. As I write this blog, I'm without my car because it's off getting winterized. Between that and putting up our tree this past weekend, I think it's time to write my Travel Wish List for 2011.
- My first wish is for travel statistics to continue their rebound. This can be labelled a selfish wish since I make my living through travel, but honestly that's only partly true. The overall economy and travel numbers are correlated, and since travel is usually one of the first things both people and corporations cut when times get tough, their rebound is a very good signal for economists.
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The truly mechanically inclined motorcyclists relish the winter, because that's when they can attack major projects. Top-end rebuilds, carburetor jet swaps, transmission overhauls, or even engine blueprinting might be on the agenda for December through March.
Not at my house. My mechanical abilities have been generously described as "basic," but I still find time for simple bike projects over the winter.
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The top five must-attend Canadian sporting events
About a year ago, my good friend Bruce announced that he and his wife had officially created their "bucket list". Ever since the movie by the same name came out, people everywhere seem to be taking note of the things they must do before they die. Lucky for me, I see Bruce once a week for our old-timers hockey and rarely a week goes by without some mention of the list. Last week, however, it led to a great discussion about the top five must-attend sporting events in Canada. Here is what we came up with:
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Ugh. Cold weather. It's bad for cars, worse for motorcycles. Every year, I write to remind you that putting your bike away for the winter is an essential part of motorcycle care. This year is no different. I hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but if you don't care for your bike, your bike won't be there for you when the weather turns nice again.
There are two basic aspects to long-term motorcycle storage: cosmetic protection and mechanical protection.
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When it's time to think about putting your bike away for the winter, it's time to start thinking about projects for the spring. I'm always considering my next bike purchase, and I'm always thinking about what parts and accessories I might need to add to my current ride. So, every winter, I make sure to attend the International Motorcycle Show.
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It's that time again. Hard to believe it. The holidays are upon us.
If there's a motorcyclist on your holiday list, you're probably starting to think about a bike-related gift. If there isn't a motorcyclist on your holiday list - feel free to add me.
I'm going to suggest a few gifts for the traveling motorcyclist, for the biker who really enjoys putting on the miles.
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Google announced this week that it's sponsoring FREE in-flight Wi-Fi on Virgin America, Delta and AirTran from Nov. 20 through Jan. 2. This is a major expansion of a similar holiday season Wi-Fi freebie offered by the company last year, which then only included Virgin America. Delta is currently the largest airline in the world and has more than 500 jets outfitted for in-flight Wi-Fi.
The promotion is hoping to draw more attention to Google Chrome and encourages--but does not require--users to download the browser in order to receive Wi-Fi gratis.
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If you ride a motorcycle, you probably like going fast. Even the most laid-back cruiser goes from zero to 60 faster than most sports cars, so your need for speed can be fed at every stoplight. But in most situations, smooth trumps fast. In fact, smooth comes before fast in the list of skills you should be concentrating on in improving your riding. And, best of all, smooth leads to fast, so you don't even have to choose between the two.
I'm not a fast rider by nature. I actually kind of enjoy tooling along at the speed limit, relishing the ride and taking in the sights and sounds of the road. I firmly believe that the best place for speed is on a track or closed course, not on a public road. Safety first.
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Few things are as reliable as bad luck. Put enough miles on your motorcycle, and no matter how careful you are, no matter how diligent you are about maintenance, eventually you are going to get a flat tire. If your bad luck is good, your tire will go flat while your bike is parked. If your bad luck is not so good, you'll get a flat while you're riding.
It's actually a little bit tricky to tell if your tire has gone flat while you're in motion. Usually, you'll notice a bit of a wobble at first, and you may hear a humming sound at speed. If your rear tire is the one affected, it might feel like your bike is losing power. If you notice any of these conditions, it's time to slow your bike down and get it to the side of the road safely.
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Motorcycles and motorcyclists used to have an image problem. A leather-clad biker symbolized danger, lawlessness and anti-social impulses. Television shied away from using motorcycles, except as shorthand for "bad."
There were the rare television characters who rode bike in the '60s and '70s -- I'm thinking of Jim Bronson on his Sportster in Then Came Bronson; Dr. Steven Kiley on his Bonneville in Marcus Welby, M.D.; Fonzie on his Triumph in Happy Days; and Ponch and John on their KZ-900P Police Specials on CHiPs. B.J. Hunnicut rode into the sunset on an Indian Scout in the final episode of MASH. If there's any unifying theme there, it's about characters marching to their own beat, individualists who don't care what others think about them. They were all riding against the tide.
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I know that you haven't been counting, but I have: This blog entry is my hundred and first about motorcycle travel for You Must Be Trippin'. A milestone like that puts me into a reflective mood, and right now I'm thinking about why I ride.
I can look back at three significant moments in my childhood that pushed me toward motorcycling.
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We woke early on Tuesday morning. We had a full day of riding ahead, and I had planned a new route home, through a different part of the state than we usually traveled.
The ocean air was cool and moist. We had slept with our window open last night at the BEST WESTERN San Marcos Inn, and the soothing sounds of the surf mingled with the barks of the seals to produce a relaxing night of rest. Robin and I were both eager to get home, but bittersweet to end a ride that had been so rewarding. We had a quick cup of coffee at the hotel's breakfast buffet, skipping over the pastries and dairy products this time. We had a brunch destination in mind 160 miles away in Ojai, so we were saving our appetites.
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We ate a quick breakfast in the lobby of the BEST WESTERN Monterey Inn. After a nice night's stay, we were off for the ride of a lifetime.
We loaded up the bike, and rode out in the direction of the Pacific Coast Highway, California's Route 1. Due south of the Monterey Peninsula, PCH traces the coast along a stretch known as Big Sur.
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We woke to a beautiful crisp morning. Breakfast at the BEST WESTERN Sonora Oaks Hotel's Pine Tree Restaurant was included with our stay, so of course, we filled up our tanks before heading out on the road.
This day's ride was the most urban of our six days on the road. We headed west on Route 120, down a very pleasant stretch of undulating road through several small towns and farm villages. After 50 miles or so, the houses started piling up beside the roads, and we were riding through suburbs instead of countryside. Soon, we jumped into the broad spaghetti dish of freeways that lead toward San Francisco, and our urban adventure commenced.
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Gorgeous day.
We ate breakfast in LewMarNel's Steak and Spirits, on the grounds of the BEST WESTERN Station House Inn. The staff has been there for years, and they really pull out all the stops for hotel guests. Instead of the usual breakfast buffet, the restaurant features a real menu, cloth tablecloths, daily specials and great ambiance -- all included with the price of a night's stay at the hotel. The place is charming and comfortable, with lots of personal touches, like signed wine bottles lined up along the dining room's rafters. According to Jimmy, our waiter, guests who order a bottle of wine with dinner are invited to sign their empty bottles and add them to the room's decor. Some guests return year after year to visit their bottles, and to add to the collection. LewMarNel's Steak and Spirits also serves lunch and dinner.
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The most populated of the three Canadian Prairie Provinces, Alberta has become a poster child success story with its per capita GDP at an astounding 61%, the highest in country and higher than the national average. (CDN $74,865 according to recent Stats Can data).
The majority of the wealth can be traced to oil and natural gas. These assets continue to attract people and the population has risen steadily to almost four million residents. Alberta is often compared to Texas; they are almost identical in land mass and share a can-do, wild-west culture, though Texas has six times more people.
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There's nothing like a 300-mile motorcycle ride through the desert to assure a good night's sleep. A nice, clean elegant room at the BEST WESTERN High Sierra Hotel doesn't hurt much, either. We packed up our gear, then went down to the hotel's adjacent Cafe 203 for eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage, coffee and juice -- all included with our night's stay. We ran into Gary and his girlfriend as we were loading the bike for the road. They were going to dip into Yosemite National Park through the Tioga Pass on their way to Lake Tahoe, a detour that we had considered. We had other plans, so we wished each other well, keep the rubber side down, and went our separate ways.
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I rolled the 2011 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide out of the garage, and out onto the street in front of our house. The two-tone Root Beer paint sparkled in the morning sun. I loaded our jam-packed liners in the hard saddlebags on each side of the bike, and carefully placed a third liner in the Tour Pak at the back of the motorcycle. We were packed, and ready to begin our six-day ride through the heart of the Golden State.
My wife, Robin, took some time off work to join me on this ride. I planned a counter-clockwise loop up the eastern side of California, from Los Angeles up to Mammoth Lakes, to South Lake Tahoe, to Sonora, across to Monterey, down the coast to Morro Bay, and then back to Los Angeles. Though we have lived in California for ten years, we have never explored this part of the state. We're very excited. We'll be staying in BEST WESTERN Hotels all along the way, and making as many interesting stops as time will allow.
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Ever since the 1999 model year, Harley-Davidson has produced a limited number of very special, premium motorcycles out of their Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) unit. More than just mules for bolt-on accessories, the CVO bikes are showcases for the talents and abilities of Harley designers and engineers. They feature unique paintjobs, hopped-up powertrains and acres of chrome. Each CVO bike has become an instant collectible.
The first CVO bikes were the 1999 FXR2 and FXR3. Two CVO models followed each year until 2005, when the program expanded to three models. In 2007, the number of CVO models increased to its current level, four models.
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Slowly but surely delivery of the morning newspaper to your hotel room door is going the way of the dodo bird.
Though Best Westerns in the U.S. provide complimentary USA Today's in the lobby (in Canada, though the newspaper choice varies, one is always available), more and more business travelers are getting their news online from laptops and/or mobile devices. And according to a recent article from the Poynter Institute, a journalism think tank. people are increasingly likely to bypass those hard copies as they head out to begin their day.
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For some of us, the riding season is coming to an end, as nights grow longer, days grow shorter and temperatures drop. When real riding season ends, bench-riding season begins. That's when I start looking at brochures and websites, planning out which new motorcycle I'm going to add to my stable in the spring. Never mind that I make the same plans every bench-riding season, and I still have the same 1993 Sportster in my garage.
The official start of bench-riding season is when Harley-Davidson announces their new model lineup. Including CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) models, there are 32 bikes to choose from for 2011, and I'd be pretty happy with pretty much any one of them.
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This is the third in a three-part series on my recent trip to Niagara Falls. Click here to read parts one and two.
The plan for Sunday--the final day of our Niagara Falls adventure--was to wake up, have a big breakfast at the hotel, then head across the border to check out the back-to-school deals. (You may recall how much I love the vacation breakfast and fortunately, many Best Western locations offer it for free.)
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I have to be honest -- most times, changing my oil is a two-step process. First, I call the dealer. Second, I drop my bike off and slap down my Amex. I'll bet most of you use the same simple technique.
But I actually believe that it's important to know how to change your own oil, even if you choose to pay a professional to do the job for you. Then, you will be able to make sure that your mechanic is actually performing the service properly; and if you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to change your own oil, you'll be able to.
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Why is it when you are on vacation you absolutely have to have breakfast in the morning? When I'm at home I can go without, although there are some mornings when I need to be reminded to eat before darting out the door. I'm interested in hearing whether this happens to any of you.
We started our day--day two of our mini vacation in Niagara Falls (read about day one here)--with a great breakfast at the Best Western Fallsview's Boulevard Bistro. If you're looking for a great family activity, check out the water park in the falls. There are lots of different slides to choose from--for toddlers to thrill seekers--as well as hot tubs, a wave pool and an outdoor section if you want to catch some sun. Since the weather was overcast and rainy, this was a fantastic option for the day and our kids absolutely loved it.
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Times are tough all over. Everybody's looking for ways to make their dollars go further (or farther, depending on your grammatical bent). I have a suggestion: Get a motorcycle, and ride the wheels off it.
Motorcycles are less expensive to buy, less expensive to insure, less expensive to operate than cars. You don't believe me? Let's examine a few scenarios.
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I've travelled a lot in my life and have been fortunate to see some pretty amazing things, but one place that gets me every time is Niagara Falls. As I stand in awe of its sheer beauty and power, I have this recurring thought: Who was the first person was to stumble upon it? (My second thought is usually that I hope they weren't in a boat!)
This past weekend was a mini vacation for our family and we had three things on the agenda; see the Falls (my son Ethan's first time), take in all that is Niagara Falls (minus the gambling) and pop across the border to check out some of the back-to-school deals.
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"From Sea to Sea" is our country's official motto and it fits. At nearly ten million square kilometres in size, Canada is the second largest country on the planet. Its land stretches from the Pacific Ocean in the west across to the Atlantic Ocean in the east and all the way up north to the Arctic Circle. In between, there's certainly no shortage of interesting things to do and see.
In previous blogs, I've highlighted many of those specifics. Today, I'd like to share several fun facts about our home that you may not have known:
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Where did the summer go? I know that the official end of summer isn't until the autumnal equinox, September 23 at 3:09 am here in the Northern Hemisphere this year. But Labor Day is the emotional end of summer, when we put away our white shoes and belts and get back to the grindstone. Labor Day Weekend is also a great time for a motorcycle ride, a final getaway before the days get shorter, temperatures drop and the rush toward the end of the year fills our face shields.
As motorcyclists, we have a great advantage over other travelers. We don't need airline schedules, or freeways, or tons of planning in order to have a successful trip. All we need are a few back roads, some good road food and a change of scenery to have a great trip. The journey is the point, not the destination. Still, may I suggest a way to find unexpected destinations for this Labor Day?
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Looking for a great last minute summer vacation? Just head east!
The four smallest provinces--New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island--comprise the backbone of Canada's East Coast. This region, which is also referred to as Atlantic Canada, is home to just under 2.5 million people or approximately eight percent of our country's population. In this case, however, the adage that "good things come in small packages" is definitely appropriate.
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I live in Oakville, Ontario, a town 40 kilometres from Canada's biggest and busiest airport, Lester B. Pearson International (YYZ). A gateway to every corner of the globe, Pearson has three separate terminals and is centrally located in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area).
Like any world-class airport though, its strengths end up being among its weaknesses. The time spent on parking, making your way through security and retrieving your bags upon arrival is unpredictable at best--and generally a frustrating and time-consuming exercise.
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After tires and wheels, I would have to say that brakes are the most critical component on your motorcycle. So, we should spend a little bit of time understanding brakes so that we can get the most out of them.
Most modern motorcycles, in fact all current Harley-Davidson models, arrive from the factory equipped with disc brakes front and back. A few entry-level bikes and scooters still have drum brakes in the rear, but disc brakes are pretty ubiquitous. You may have a single disc up front, or you may have dual discs. It's a matter of function, design and cost. You'll get more stopping power from dual discs, but you get a clearer view of the front wheel (on one side, anyway) with a single disc. And a single disc brake is a less-expensive setup, obviously.
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Have you ever wondered who Harley was? And just who was Davidson, anyway?
William Sylvester Harley and Arthur Davidson sold their first motorcycle out of a shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903. The Harley-Davidson motorcycle grew out of Harley's efforts to fit an engine into a bicycle frame, and indeed, the first Harleys looked a lot like motorized bicycles. The first examples were single-cylinder models, with the first production V-Twins turning up around 1909.
(A neat piece of trivia: Henry Meyer, a childhood friend of William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, was the first customer for the fledgling company, buying a 1903 model.)
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For the third consecutive year, Banff National Park in Alberta has been selected as the favourite domestic attraction by travel agents across Canada. The Travel Agents Choice Awards, which began in 1999 by the Baxter Media Group via Travel Press and Travel Courier, received feedback from more than 4,000 travel professionals to come up with this year's winner.
Banff, named for the Scottish birthplace (Banffshire) of two original directors of the Canadian Pacific Railway, is a relatively small resort town population-wise with only 7,500 people who call it home. However, the park itself is massive, covering more than 6,600 square kilometres. More than four million people have visited Banff every year since 1996.
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According to a recent PhoCusWright study that looks at Canadian online travel trends, the number of trips booked online continues to rise. In fact, the penetration level for online travel bookings jumped by more than one third in 2009 amid a global recession. Although the total travel spend for Canada was down by 7 percent, the actual number of online transactions rose.
Here are three things to expect as more Canadian travelers not only look--but book--trips online:
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I love a nice long ride on my motorcycle. Over the years, I have gotten smarter about how far I go on any given day. I'm also in better touch with my body and my motorcycle, which really helps. If you're interested in taking long rides on your bike, I've got a few tips that may help make your riding more enjoyable, safe and fulfilling.
You're a good rider. I'm going to skip over the obvious stuff, like wearing the right gear, making sure that your motorcycle is in top condition, and getting enough rest before your rides.
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As I write this blog entry, the mercury has just hit triple digits outside for the first time this summer. In this kind of weather, automobile air conditioning systems struggle to keep up, as temperatures inside vehicles can hit 140 degrees or higher in direct sunlight. On a motorcycle, you don't have to deal with the greenhouse effect of a car cabin, but you do have to contend with direct sunlight and radiated heat from the road surface, as well as heat rising from your own engine. Ignore the heat at your own peril.
So, what is a rider to do?
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The biggest party of the year for bikers is the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the rally that everyone knows as "Sturgis." I wrote some tips for riders headed to the rally last year on this blog, and most, if not all, still apply. In rereading last year's tips, the only thing I might change is more of an emphasis on safety. The atmosphere at the Sturgis rally can be very seductive. You'll see many riders who feel that a tank top, shorts and flip-flops represent proper riding gear. You'll see novelty helmets that wouldn't protect you in a chair tip-over, let alone a highway speed get-off. You'll see outrageous burnouts and impaired riding. I hope you'll maintain the safe gear and riding habits that you practice at home, and not be swayed by the crowd. Some behavior makes a better spectator sport than a participant's event. 'Nuff said.
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Well from April through November, he may just be at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Ontario. The festival is a great Canadian story--one that demonstrates the power of an idea and an example of how local ingenuity and pride can revive a city.
Tom Patterson, a local journalist, wanted to revitalize the town's economy and so he founded the Stratford Shakespearean Festival of Canada. Tom's idea was to create a theatre festival dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare, as the town shares the name of Shakespeare's birthplace.
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Everyone in the travel industry is talking about it. Airlines are up this summer. If you didn't book weeks ago, you're going to be hard pressed to find any deals for July, or August.
So if you're traveling on a budget, does that mean you should opt for a road trip or train travel? Are these options cheaper?
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The "good old days" of roadside repairs and home engine rebuilds are behind most of us nowadays. Motorcycles are better, more reliable, and more complicated than ever before. Guys out on old Knuckleheads used to ride with tool kits, spare parts and mechanic's wire in their saddlebags. Today, I'm more likely to head out on the road with just my cellphone.
Despite increased reliability and robust build quality, modern motorcycles still require maintenance and attention in order to remain trouble free. I've put together a few tips to help you organize your maintenance, and keep you on the road more than beside it.
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There's an old maxim about motorcycling: "If you don't ride in the rain, you don't really ride."
If you're going to travel by motorcycle, eventually you're going to have to ride through the rain. It's not the end of the world. It's not even the end of the fun. If you take precautions, prepare properly and practice, riding in the rain will just become part of the story.
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Where I live, the summer time is hot, real hot, so hot that it drains the motivation right out of you and all that you want to do is hide in a dark room with the AC on high...
Summer time for me is always a last ditch effort to get back into shape so that when I don the board shorts at the pool and on my vacations not everyone will run away. So, my conundrum right now is how do I stay in shape during this 110 degree weather...
I've decided to share with you 4 items from my secret plan to retreat into my air conditioned lair for the next couple weeks and then emerge pumped up and ready to flex. (or something like that)
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I looked out of my window at the Best Western Columbia River Inn this morning, and you'll never guess what I saw: Rain. How'd you guess? I huddled in the breakfast room over my coffee and maps, trying to figure out what my best alternatives would be. I had to be in Bend, Oregon by 3:00 pm to return the Electra Glide, so I didn't have time to linger too long waiting for the weather to clear. My trusty iPhone app, WeatherBug, didn't hold out too much hope, anyway. So, I resigned myself to a wet, foggy ride.
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Never take a beautiful day for granted. I finally got one, from start to finish today. Temperatures ranging from the low 60s up to the low 80s, clear skies and a light breeze. Perfect motorcycling weather.
I wolfed down a quick breakfast at the Best Western Pendleton Inn, loaded up the Electra Glide and checked out of the hotel. Did I need those biscuits and gravy? Well, at least I skipped the waffles this time.
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According to everyone I talk to, I've hit unseasonable weather during this trip to Eastern Oregon. What that means is, more rain today.
When I woke up this morning, the rain was falling so heavily that it obscured the view out of my window at the Best Western John Day Inn. I went to the breakfast room for a cup of coffee to consider my options. The fresh hot coffee went down well with a bowl of cereal and a muffin, and I began to feel better about my day right away. Nothing like a free breakfast to lighten your mood.
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Bright rays of sunshine and clear blue skies greeted me when I awoke this morning at the Best Western Ponderosa Lodge. I packed up my gear quickly, and headed for the breakfast room for a quick bite and a cup of hot coffee. And of course I had to make one last visit to my friends the llamas with a bowl of llama treats. General Manager Paul Haggerty greeted me to talk about the Sisters area, and I made him tell me all about the llamas. They live on about 4 acres of the 14-acre property. Several of the animals were actually born and raised right on site. The Lodge has even taken in an abused llama, and nursed him back to health. The herd has slowly accepted the new guy, though he is low man on the totem pole for now. The llamas have a big mound of dirt in their enclosure, and Haggerty told me that they often play "King of the Hill" on it, having great fun pushing each other off of the high point. I'll have to return to see that.
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Okay, that's a little bit of a cheat. Bend and Sisters, Oregon are only about 20 miles apart. But I flew in to Redmond Field Airport today to begin my motorcycle tour around eastern Oregon. Rather than riding off into the distance, I stayed around Bend for the day.
Bend, Oregon was incorporated in 1905, and spent most of the 20th century as a logging town. Something happened in the 1990s. Logging died out, and Bend was discovered by a whole new group of people. Blessed with a mild climate and easy proximity to great skiing, fishing, camping, hiking and rock climbing, Bend became a magnet for a dual-pronged influx of young outdoorsy folk, along with refugees from the California real estate market.
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It's time for another motorcycle trip -- finally! It's been months since I've done any significant motorcycle travel, and I'm raring to go. I'm heading to Oregon, where I'll explore the central and northeastern corner of the state.
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A few weeks ago, we explored the history of the Harley-Davidson Sportster. Now, it's time to dive into the deep end. We're going to explore the Big Twin.
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Let's face it; in general we Canadians are a pretty frugal bunch! We're always looking to get the best possible deal. People regularly ask me when the best time is to book travel in order to get the best deal; it's always a difficult question to answer with so many variables to consider--including those unpredictable things like volcanic ash!
Today, though, my crystal ball seems about as clear as it's ever going to be. I'm convinced that if you're planning a trip in the next six months, especially internationally, you'd be well served to book and pay for it now.
Three major factors support my prediction:
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Have you ever stopped dead in your tracks because you realize you're becoming more like your parents? Well, it's happening to me and yes it's a bit scary. Don't get me wrong, I love my folks and they are wonderful people...but it still scares me.
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Best Western sponsored NASCAR driver, David Reutimann had high hopes for himself and the #00 team in 2010. In 2009, Reutimann saw many career firsts. He picked up a career high ten Top-10 finishes and was even able to squeak out his first ever trip to victory lane in a rain-soaked Charlotte Motor Speedway. Confidence was riding high at the close of the 2009 season, but it's been a mixed bag for the #00 early in 2010.
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One of the big issues for motorcycle travelers is cargo. What do you bring, and what do you leave home? And, even more importantly, if you're going to bring it with you, where are you going to put it?
For many of us, the best solution to cargo hauling on a bike is a pair of saddlebags.
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It's a huge mistake so many parents make--they sign themselves up for the airline frequent flier program but they never take the time to fill out the forms for their kids.
Yes, it's a hassle, but you should take the time because you don't want to throw miles out the window.
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Now that the May 2 - 4 weekend is behind us, my family is ready to plan our summer road trip. As you also think about your summer travel plans, consider the following 10 steps to ensure you get the most out of your family vacation this year.
10 - Plan now. Industry experts agree that last-minute deals are not going to be as abundant this year as they were last. If you want to save costs, start planning and book now.
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Recently, Best Western orchestrated their annual Leisure Travel Summit at the University Club in Toronto. The event brought together leading executives from the travel industry to discuss the state of affairs regarding the Canadian leisure travel market.
Participating this year were Chris Jones from TIAC, Alison Hermansen from CAA and Dorothy Dowling from Best Western. Chris Robinson, the famous Canadian travel radio personality, moderated the discussion.
The panel covered many topics, but three key topics took centre stage:
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Courtesy Cesar Millan.
Summer is the perfect time of year to focus on the "Exercise" part of the fulfillment formula! Try new activities, visit a new location, and enjoy the sunshine and your dog's companionship.
No matter what physical activity you engage in, it is important to watch for signs of dehydration: lethargy, sunken or bloodshot eyes, dry gums, increased heart rate, paleness, and loss of skin elasticity. Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times!
Here are just a few activities to try with your dog:
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Harley-Davidson is the iconic American motorcycle brand. But it is also an international icon, with dealerships around the world. In my fantasy of world travel by motorcycle, I'm always on a Harley, and I drop in at the Harley-Davidson dealership for some maintenance, along with some friendly conversation about a shared interest -- motorcycles, of course.
Maybe I'll stop in at the fabulous facility at Casablanca Harley-Davidson in Morocco. After all, I've always wanted to hear my exhaust note echoing off of the Moorish architecture, and I'm eager to park outside of Rick's Café American. I think I'll stay at the Best Western Hotel Toubkal while I'm in Casablanca. Good thing Best Western is a global company as well.
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A lot of people in and around Toronto will tell you that we have two seasons here: winter and construction! This is essentially the punch line anytime we complain about traffic getting in and out and especially moving within the city.
If you are someone who can't stand delays and congestion than you need to start planning your escape from the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) now for the week of June 21-28, 2010.
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There has never been a better time to see America with your dog. More and more hotels have a dog-friendly policy, and in cities across the country there are restaurants that welcome not just you but your four-legged companion. There are plenty of destinations that offer attractions that both you and your dog can enjoy--as well as offering leash-free parks where he or she can make new friends. But before you head off by car or plane, here are 10 tips to make sure your trip is happy and safe.
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I like long motorcycle rides. Really long motorcycle rides, measured in days, not in miles. The limiting factor on my rides is not fuel. It's not distance. It's not money.
The limiting factor on my rides is comfort.
If I'm comfortable, I can ride forever. If I'm uncomfortable, I'm ready to quit before my garage disappears from my mirrors.
The single most important feature that controls comfort on a motorcycle is the seat.
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As Alice Cooper sings it "School's out for summer, School's out forever". Literally music to the ears for thousands of young adults graduating from college this May. However, the most enthusiastic people singing this song may be the parents of those graduates. However, my lines to the song might be more of "School's out for summer, School's out forever, no more tuition payments"!
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It's certainly been yet another interesting period for the travel industry with the disruptions caused by Iceland's Eyjafjallajoumlkull volcano. (I can't pronounce it either.) Just when you think you've dealt with every type of scenario, a new issue seems always to be just around the corner. This isn't the first time, however, that volcanoes have wreaked havoc: in 1902, a much worse volcanic cloud hit Martinique, killing 29,000 people. Two more recent examples occurred in 1982 over Indonesia and in Alaska just seven years later, and both of these resulted in airline engine seizure.. Fortunately, the two jumbo jets affected by these volcanoes were able to restart their engines, but not before losing 25,000 feet of altitude at a frightening rate.
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Harley-Davidson owners are divided into two camps: Those who love and respect the Sportster, and those who deride and dismiss the Sportster. I own a 1993 Sportster Deluxe, and I am definitely a Sportster lover. If you're a hater, I hope that you'll read on so that I convert you.
The Sportster, or XL in Harley alpha-parlance, traces its roots back to the 1950s. Harley introduced the Model K in 1952, and it was the most technologically sophisticated bike the company had built to date. Capable of 16-second quarter miles and with a top speed over 100 miles per hour, the Model K was the best-performing Harley of its day, and quickly became the bike of choice for adventurous young riders. The bike evolved over the next few years, and in 1957, the Sportster name and XL designation was attached to the line.
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I like going to new places. Exploring an unfamiliar city gives me a rush.
But I'm learning that my kids are quite happy going to the same places again and again. They'd be happy going to Tahoe every summer, and my son would be quite content returning to Philadelphia again and again.
My son and I visited Philadelphia over a year ago. We spent a long weekend seeing all the sights, from the Liberty Bell to Betsy Ross's house. We had a fun time, but I never expected the excitement he expressed for the city when we revisited over spring break.
"When are we going to Philadelphia?" he asked repeatedly during our time in New York and Boston.
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You've spent a lot of time setting up your garage. You've cleared out the clutter. You've arranged your tools. You've stowed your gear in a convenient, secure spot. You've made space for your motorcycle(s). Everything's perfectly functional.
Now it's time to have some fun. It's time to decorate your garage.
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The Canadian Automobile Association (or CAA as many of us fondly refer to it) was founded in 1913 as a non-profit federation. Today it remains relevant and continues to thrive with more than five million members, nine clubs and 148 offices throughout Canada.
But how has it remained so strong?
The answer is simple. It achieves its mandate of providing exceptional value to members every day.
Here are 10 things you might not know about CAA:
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If you've traveled at all recently, then you must know the challenges we all face trying to pack your suitcase to: a. avoid paying baggage fees, b. stay under the 50 lb. weight limit, c. not pack anything that causes you to be pulled aside and have your personal belongings rifled through (yes, it is sometimes embarrassing). I could go on and on and on, but I think you get the idea. Traveling has become more and more difficult with the increased security measures that are well intentioned and put in place to keep us all safe. I should add that my goal when traveling is to only pack what I can carry on the plane with me. Easy on, easy off.
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I am addicted to my iPhone. I got it about 6 months ago and I was sure that the initial awe would where off by now but it hasn't...I use it for everything; it has become my go to device. No more laptop, no more iPod, no more digital camera, just the iPhone...When I cook, I Google the recipe, when I hear a song I like, I point at it and download it, when I run, I track my speed, distance and route.
So, you can imagine that when I travel, my iPhone is involved. I was thinking today about how "smart phones" are changing the way we travel. There are GPS apps with turn by turn directions, Apps for flight details, apps to handle entire travel itineraries and apps for just about anything else you can imagine. Below are a few apps that I marvel at every time I hit the road, hope you like them.
6 iPhone apps that I love when I'm on the move:
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"..but you've gotta see a race in person!"
Like many NASCAR fans, I was a casual observer until I took the advice of a friend and decided to ditch the tube one Sunday and made my way to a NASCAR Sprint Cup race in person. From then on I went from casual observer to total race junkie.
The thrill and excitement of travelling to a race and experiencing "the scene" is what keeps me coming back to races time after time. It wasn't until recently, however, that I realized that I could still get my racing fix without waiting months for NASCAR to come within a few hundred miles of me, or dropping the big bucks to fly to Bristol and Martinsville for a weekend.
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Last spring break, my kids and I took the Amtrak train between Oakland, Calif., and San Diego. We had a great trip and you can read about it in this past blog post.
This year over the kids' vacation we decided to try out a different mode of transportation -- the bus. We traveled between Boston, New York, Philadelphia and D.C. via Greyhound.
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Last season, we talked about "Putting Your Bike Up for the Winter." Hopefully, you were a good student, and you took some time to make sure that your bike has a safe, uneventful hibernation. Now that the weather is turning pleasant again, it's finally time to bring that sleeping beauty back to life. It will take more than a kiss, but not much more.
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It's cool to be green, no doubt about it. From cars to homes to schools, we're all making efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. That said, most of still like to enjoy a vacation once or twice a year, and with the green movement gaining more and more momentum by the day, there has been a marked increase in options for vacations that are a little more socially responsible. Here are a few eco-vacation ideas worth checking out.
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It's not easy to have the discipline to stay in shape if you're an on-the-go business traveller. For a lot of us, eating well and working out are part of our routine, and traveling challenges that routine at every turn.
Here are a few pitfalls to avoid so you can in shape while on the road.
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Whether you live in a state with a helmet law, or in one where helmet use is optional, I advise you to wear a helmet every time you ride. And if you're going to follow my advice, take it one step further, and wear a full-face helmet. You will never regret it.
A full-face helmet doesn't have to be plain and boring. By adding some simple, inexpensive enhancements to your helmet, you can create a piece of equipment that not only protects your noggin, but also expresses your personality. And some of the changes and additions you can make will have the added bonus of making you safer on the road.
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A night at the theater is not part of the typical bargain trip to New York City. And when my kids and I visit the Big Apple next week over spring break, we'll be on a tight budget of about $200 to $250 a night.
Can we afford to catch a show?
Maybe if we get lucky.
Lottery Rush tickets for $26.50 are sold on the day of the performance for Wicked.
Here's how it works: Each day, two hours prior to show time (11:30 AM for 2 PM matinees; 12:30 PM for 3 PM matinees; 4:30 PM for 7 PM performances; 5:30 PM for 8 PM performances), people who present themselves at the Gershwin Theatre box office will have their names placed in a hat. Thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for 28 front-row seats at $26.50 each. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of 2 tickets per person, cash only. Photo-ID.
I think we might give it a try...
FOR OLD SEA DOGS -- The Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, Pa., is not only a great destination for history buffs and seniors, it's also a classic example of what to do with an old building that no longer serves its original purpose.
The museum presents the story of Oliver Hazard Perry's warship, the U.S. Brig Niagara that won the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. The exhibits explain the area's role in the war and the origin of Perry's infamous declaration, "Don't give up the ship!" A reconstruction of Perry's flagship is berthed at the museum and offers public daysails, guided tours and seamanship training programs.
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Future predictors of space travel have the hotel industry gearing up for a future of space tourism.
"And where there is tourism, there is going to be hotels", says Jackson Porterlie, head of the Space and Moon Hotel Exploration Association (SMHEA).
The association represents a number of forward thinking industry experts, mapping out what could be coming faster than most people think -- hotels on the moon. With the news of NASA planning fresh moon missions and with China, India and Russia each upping their entries into the space race, the next 10 years will see real developments for many hotels in their race for the next prime lunar hotel locations.
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Motorcycles and leather go together like -- well, they go together really well. Leather seats, leather saddlebags, leather jackets, leather pants, leather boots... a lot of cows have given their lives to make your riding accessories. We owe it to those noble animals to take proper care of their hides, and to get the longest possible useful life out of them. Properly maintained leather can last for a lifetime.
Leather maintenance consists of four stages: Cleaning, conditioning, polishing and protecting.
Before we start, a few general statements about leather care. Leather is an organic product, and even though it can be tough and rugged, it is also very easy to damage with chemicals and moisture. Before you jump in with any leather treatment method, test it out on a small, inconspicuous area of your leather. You don't want to discolor your leather, or accidentally change its texture or feel. Be very gentle.
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I have to warn you in advance -- this article might get a little technical. Don't be afraid, though. I promise to keep it to a minimum.
The subject is motorcycle wheels.
There are several good reasons to think about your wheels. On a purely cosmetic level, the look of your wheels can radically change the stance, appearance and attitude of your ride. Changing the style, diameter and width of your wheels can turn an ordinary-looking bike into a hot rod.
Performance is an important consideration when selecting wheels, as well. Adding some width to your wheels can improve straight-line stability. Choosing narrower wheels can affect turn in and handling. Altering wheel diameter and width can have a dramatic effect on your motorcycle's performance, both for good and for bad. You have to really know what you're doing to ensure proper fit and calibration of your instruments.
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Next week I'll be taking a red eye flight to New York from San Francisco. I'm traveling without my kids so I wanted to spend as little amount of time away from my kids as possible and so the red eye seemed like the best option. But red eyes are brutal, especially when you have to attend an event, which I do, the morning you arrive.
For some advice on how to survive my flight, I pulled some tips from various articles:
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It seems that every day a new recall is hitting the news. It's been a tough couple of years for automakers, but Toyota has been hit particularly hard. Understandably it makes everyone rethink car safety and wonder just how safe the car is that you're driving.
I thought it might be a good time to go over some general car safety tips and who better to give out advice on car safety than AAA. We have been members of AAA for many years and have signed up our three daughters for coverage. It's inexpensive and invaluable when your car breaks down on the freeway, you have a flat tire with no spare or when you're planning a vacation and need some great discounts. Not to mention the peace of mind when your teenagers or young adults are out driving around at all hours!
Here are some great tips and advice from the AAA experts themselves:
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I love reading motorcycle magazines almost as much as I love riding a motorcycle. Some years, I discover that I've subscribed to a dozen or more bike magazines at the same time. Then, I cut back, let some expire, and vow to keep my subscriptions more manageable. Lo and behold, a few years later, I'm back up to a dozen again, and I have to do the hard cull. That's where I'm at right now -- evaluating the motorcycle magazines, and trying to decide where to put my money and time.
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Sam Lowe
Cesar Millan
Chris McGinnis
Jason Fogelson
Bryson Forbes
Amy Graff
Karla Henriquez
We eat a quick breakfast in PJ's Cafe and Bar at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Inn Suites Yuma Mall Hotel & Suites. A hot buffet with eggs and sausage - yum. We're going to explore Yuma a little bit before we ride back into California. 
