Saturday, May 27, 2006

In Memoriam - Online Memorial

In holding with the tradition of those we support, military, police and firefighters, all of whom have memorials for their fallen comrades, we at MAP wish to memorialize fallen riders.
We visualize a memorial plaza with a life size bronze sculpture of a motorcyclist giving a gift to a child, which exemplifies the charitable nature of the motorcycling community and will capture the freedom associated with the motorcycling lifestyle.
This memorial plaza will be a place of peace and solitude, in a park-like setting, available to anyone who wishes to visit.
The timeline for completion of this vision is entirely dependent on funding.
Names of those submitted, and those that we gather from other means, will initially be displayed on this web site and at a later time will become the focus of the physical monument.

An online memorial is a meaningful way to celebrate the life of a beloved family member, friend or fellow rider who has passed away. It is a forum to pay tribute to the departed and offer comfort to those left behind. We ask that you of the motorcycling family (brothers & sisters in the wind) please submit pictures and eulogies of those to be remembered to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
(It is not necessary for a eulogy to be accompanied by a picture.)
We would like to offer a heart felt thank you to all who entrust us with their loved one’s memories.

*  For now and the immediate future submissions will appear below until such time as we develop the web site further. *

Randy Scott -August 6, 1956 to May 1, 2004

This was my beloved husband, Randy Scott, He was killed when a driver, not paying attention, hit him head on. We enjoyed riding all over the United States and visiting many National Parks. It was the best time of my entire life. We met so many great and wonderful fellow bikers along the way!  The hole in my heart will not heal till I’m with him again in heaven.
Thank you.
Elizabeth Scott

Thursday, May 25, 2006

LINKS

We at MAP from time-to-time become aware of websites or events that are supportive of our fellow Americans in uniform or patriotic in nature.
Each individual site in its own way reflects the care and time of those involved in designing it.  The web is a huge universe of ideas and creativity – there are musicians, artists, poets, mothers & fathers – all trying to do their part in showing their appreciation.
We would like to include some of those web and photo links here – in no way to be considered promotion or endorsement – we are listing them here for you as a source for your enlightenment.
As we are part of, and represent, the motorcycling community we also will include those of interest to the motorcyclist.

2006 Rally For The Troops III video - http://www.rallyforthetroops.com/video.htm
2006 Rally For The Troops III pictures - http://destination.smugmug.com/gallery/1645164
Jerry Calow SongWriter And Musician - http://www.raskys.com/vietnam/jerrycz.html
Sagebrush Patriot - http://sagebrushpatriot.com/america.htm
Cherished Images Photography - http://www.cherishedimagesphoto.com/
United States Marine Corps Motorcycle Club - http://usmcmc.org/
Biker Worlds - http://www.bikerworlds.com/

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Safety Conventions for Group Riding

Safety is always the first thought; you are responsible for the safe operation of your own bike. 
 
Obey all traffic rules of the road, even if you are riding in a police-escorted group.  Signal for turns and stops, and give the right of way to other motorists when needed.  Be aware of other motorists around you on the road, and remember that even though you are riding in a large group you still need to watch out for yourself and other bikes around you.
 
The safest and most efficient group riding method is the staggered formation.  When a group is riding in a staggered formation, it takes up less space on the highway than a single file line, is easier for other motorists to see, and is less likely to be separated by other traffic. 
 
The staggered formation is the best way to keep ranks close and still maintain an adequate space cushion in front of, and behind, each rider.  A space cushion gives each rider plenty of room to maneuver and still maintain the riding formation. 
 
The Ride Leader will usually ride in the left third of the lane, while the next bike stays at least one second behind and rides in the right third of the lane.  The rest of the group follows this staggered pattern, so that every bike is at least two seconds behind the bike directly ahead.
 
Trikes and sidecars should ride in the center of the lane, at least two seconds behind the bike ahead.  Riders following a trike or sidecar should allow additional space cushion because three-wheeled vehicles may slow down dramatically before entering sharp corners.
 
A rider who wishes to change lanes or change position within a lane should first signal that intention, both by turn signal and by hand signal.  Then, after a mirror check and a head check to make sure it is safe, the rider can make the change.  Remember to maintain a good space cushion at all times.
 
It is illegal and dangerous to pass another bike in the same lane, unless that other rider has signaled you to proceed.  To fill a gap in the staggered formation, the next rider behind the gap should change position to the opposite side of the lane, and then ride forward to fill the gap.  Following riders should then each change lane positions and ride forward to reestablish the staggered formation.
 
Enter the freeway in single file, and be aware of vehicles coming up in the slow lane behind you as you merge.  Allow vehicles in that lane the right-of-way: you are merging into their lane.  As soon as it is safe, reestablish the staggered formation.
 
When traveling on the freeway, be aware and cautious of other vehicles entering the road or exiting by merging through the convoy of bikes.  Give the other motorists room to merge in safely; don’t try to cut them off just so you can keep up with the bikes in front of you.  Usually, other motorists will quickly get out of the middle of a long procession of bikes if you allow them the opportunity.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

M.A.P. Roadside Campaign details

The Roadside Campaign will consist of the large commercial billboards and small signs like are currently used in the state of Washington to memorialize drunk driver fatalities.
We at M.A.P. envision billboards to draw the attention of the motoring public to the fact that the highways and byways are populated with motorcyclists who are not always easy to see, but are worth the effort to try to see.

It is a proven fact that when someone is not thinking of something they will not be looking for it and therefore will not see it.  The billboards will generate an awareness of motorcyclists in the minds of an untold number of motorists.  With motorists thinking of motorcycles, we will have a far greater chance of being seen.  Wouldn’t it be great if we were no longer invisible?
We are considering a variety of ideas for the billboards, but we probably will start with something simple and to the point.
For openers we plan to have an image of a motorcycle and rider approaching almost head on with the copy saying Watch For Us.
That’s all for billboards now, more later.

The next item we want to mention is our road signs that will memorialize motorcycle fatalities due to the negligence of a driver of an automobile.  An example of this is the already existing signs that memorialize fatalities due to a drunk driver.

This is just a quick synopsis of our “Roadside Campaign.”  How quick this begins to happen is contingent upon grants and donations.

There is no doubt in our minds that we have to do everything in our power create a good image, and a lasting image, of the motorcyclist in the minds of every automobile driver.  We also must promote better driving habits by all on the roads, and attempt to address the huge problem of the anger issue.  This is but one approach.  Wish us well.