Thursday, September 29, 2011

First Million Mile BMW Women!

Gee, you'd think Ardys (L) and Voni (R) would look a bit tired after riding 1,000,000 miles.

As friends Voni Glaves and Ardys Kellerman were each nearing their millionth miles on BMW motorcycles, they arranged to met near Ouray, Colorado to complete their milestones on US 555 (aptly nicknamed the "Million Dollar Highway") on August 29th, and thus became the first women known to have documented a million miles on BMWs. Among their other considerable motorcycling accomplishments, Voni and Ardys have competed in and finished Iron Butt Rallies (Ardys is an IBA legend). Oh yeah, Voni's husband Paul also rides a bit. (Images courtesy of Voni Glaves).

Shhhh, I've discovered Voni's million-mile secret: red boots!

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Monday, September 19, 2011

Will Arai Signet-Q Will Answer Pointy-Faced Prayers?

Many motorcyclists with aerodynamic "long-oval" noggins (like me) find that no helmet fits as well as Arai's retired Signet line. Though the current Profile is nearly as good, a lot of us have been hassling Arai to bring back the Signet. In response to this demand, Arai USA has developed the Signet-Q, which isn't yet in the shops but is available for pre-order. Judging from the pre-release hype from Arai (and a few vendors), the Q's fit is essentially the same as the old Signet. I hope it is, I really do (particularly as it comes with a Pinlock Maxvision shield); however, I have it on very expert authority from a vendor who likely doesn't want to be named (at least not yet) that the Signet-Q has a unique fit that is unlike either the old Signet line or the current Profile. So caveat: wait until you can try one on before you jump on the pre-order bandwagon. Should anyone get the opportunity to try one on, please comment below.

Addendum 10/3/2011: The vendor must be OK with being named 'cuz this is now up on The Service Pavilion's website:
 THIS HELMET is the NEW "LONG-OVAL"
 head shape choice in the Arai line-up.  
BUT NOTE-THIS DOES NOT FIT
 ANYTHING LIKE THE PROFILE or 
SIGNET'S of THE PASTBut again,
 this does not fit anything the Arai's
previous "long-oval" headshapes.  
TRY IT ON WITH THE DEALER 
YOU ARE BUYING THE HELMET FROM.

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

MSF Graduates 6 Millionth Student

This in from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:



IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 12, 2011 – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® recently graduated its six millionth RiderCourseSMstudent, a milestone reached through the ongoing efforts of nearly 10,000 RiderCoaches at more than 2,000 training sites worldwide. Though it would be impossible to identify the six millionth student, the MSF determined the total number of graduates through its enrollment statistics. 
"We have RiderCourses across the nation and around the globe, often during weekdays, and virtually every weekend of the year," said Robert Gladden, vice president of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. "Plus, MSF offers 23 different courses to meet the needs of any level of rider. We congratulate all our safety professionals, as well as the students. They are helping us with one of our main goals of developing good rider character, leading motorcyclists to make better decisions out on the road and in traffic."
A wide variety of MSF RiderCourses is made available to every state in order to provide its motorcyclists with lifelong learning opportunities. More than 23 RiderCourses plus other programs make up MSF's comprehensive Rider Education Training System.
"Backed by thorough research, MSF curriculum developers create courses to serve the wide variety of today's riders and their needs and interests," said Dr. Ray Ochs, MSF director of training systems. "From the Basic RiderCourse to a much more advanced day on the track, from standard motorcycles to scooters to three-wheel motorcycles, from small bikes to large, we cover it all."
Scenes from some of these RiderCourses can be seen at msf-usa.org.
MSF-certified RiderCoaches receive continuous professional development and are taught how to use the latest educational methods, emphasizing adult and student-centered learning. Besides facilitating the existing training programs, the Foundation conducts ongoing, leading-edge research that will inform tomorrow's training programs, most notably through the MSF 100-Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study and the MSF Discovery Project.
In addition, the MSF collaborates with safety professionals worldwide. For example, the MSF is currently helping establish rider training in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The MSF works with all branches of the U.S. Armed Services to support riders in the military. And the Foundation also works with world champion road racers on track-based programs that improve rider safety everywhere.
"The MSF is still best known for its world renowned Basic RiderCourse, the best first motorcycle ride for any new street rider and the cornerstone of the MSF's Essential CORE curriculum," said Tim Buche, president of the MSF. "We want all riders to start with the BRC, then continue their education with the Basic Bike Bonding, Street RiderCourses and more."
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF® have been recognized worldwide since 1973. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in theRiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

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Monday, September 12, 2011

Never Miss Motorcycle Racing on TV Again!


Missing motorcycle races on TV because you didn't know when (or even if) they were being broadcast? Frustrated at trying to navigate thru ridiculous cable/sat menus to find races? Well, put down the remote, jump on your computer and visit TV Racer! TV Racer lists your favorite AMA, MotoGP and WSB race broadcasts (and many forms of 4-wheeled racing, too) in an intuitive and convenient schedule. The race tittles are also linked to their corresponding sanctioning bodies.

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Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Rev It Up for RevZilla's Newest Motorcycle Gear Giveaway!


Revzilla has outdone itself this month, putting $640 worth of top-quality Rev'It! gear up for grabs. Click on over to RevZilla's September contest page to enter. The First Prize winner this month will receive Rev'It!'s Energy Hi-Viz jacket, Axis pants, and Rival H2O boots (I've been eyeing the Rivals lately to replace my aging Rev'It! Fusion boots). $50 Revzilla gift certificates will go to the two Second Prize winners.

While you're on RevZilla's site, take a look around at what RevZilla has to offer the serious adventure-touring or sport-touring motorcyclist. Why shop RevZilla? I can tell you why I do: fast, free shipping for orders over $39.99; TeamZilla cash back program; "no hassle" exchanges; no restocking fees; price match guarantee; and above all, RevZilla's top-flight reputation among riders I know for its customer service and product knowledge. Let 'em know Tilted Horizons sent ya!

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Saturday, September 03, 2011

Irene Kills Killington Motorcycle Rally

Posted on the Americade forum August 31st:

KILLINGTON CLASSIC IS POSTPONED TO 2012

Due to serious damage from Hurricane Irene, The Killington Classic, scheduled to start Sept 8, has been postponed until 2012. The event headquarters at the Killington Resort and many of the roads in southern Vermont have been temporarily closed due to flooding. (Rolling Thru Vermont, because of its HQ location in northern VT, will continue as scheduled, this weekend.) Americade Inc., charged with managing the Killington Classic, deeply regrets having to postpone this classic event until 2012. "We have never postponed or cancelled any event in our company's history" said Christian Dutcher, Americade VP. "We've run over 40 events* without a postponement or cancellation but this was an unprecedented natural disaster. The Killington Region was very eager to not disappoint the many preregistered attendees for the event. There were even reports that major roads would be open in time, in contrast to the media's sensationalized stories, but after sifting out the reality from on-the-ground information, there was simply no choice but to postpone it to 2012." He continued: "however, because the Killington Resort is part of a large well-established corporation, and because the Town of Killington is vital and resourceful, we know that they'll rebuild very quickly, but not quite quickly enough for a large event only 8 days away." 

* (29 Americade East, 6 Americade West, and 3 in the Rolling Through America series, and several others) http://www.killingtonclassic.com

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