Letter from Rick
I hope everyone brought the New Year in with a BANG and ready to get down to the business make 2019 the best year yet.
Yeah I’m combining January and February into one issue. Things will get back to normal in March.
For me, this year will bring more destinations outside of South Carolina. Destinations include Key West, NC for a wild horse tour, and destinations in Virginia and Georgia. Not to mention motorcycle camping. This should prove to be interesting as I have not done this in some time.
The Easyrider Bike Show Tour has come and gone. Check it out inside this issue! Anyway, looking forward to a year full of riding and adventure! Come along for the ride by liking my Stories From the Road page.
See ya on the road!
Be sure to check out Carolina Cycles and sign up for their free newsletter. You can find Carolina Cycles on the web https://www.carolinacycles.com/ or on Facebook carolinacyclesdotcom
Ride safe! Ride Often!
I’d like to take the time to send out my deepest sympathies to Bobby Corbett on the loss of his wife Vicky. She was loved by many and will be missed.
storiesroad53@gmail.com
On the Cover Down
Ride Safe
Counter Steering a motorcycle
What is counter steering or handlebar steering? Well, in a nutshell, counter steering is another way of steering a motorcycle right or left. In other words, push forward on the left handgrip to go left, push forward on the right handgrip to go right. Handlebar steering, as the term implies, is making the motorcycle go left or right by turning the handlebars accordingly. Well, isn't that sort of done intuitively? I thought that too until I performed experiments to determine what part of the body and motorcycle I was actually using to steer the motorcycle.
The results were surprising. On my Fat Boy, I was primarily using the handlebars to steer for speeds below 15 MPH. That's to say that whichever direction I turned the handlebars, that's the direction the motorcycle would go. Big deal you say. Ok, so using the same experiment at speeds above 15 MPH, I noticed I wasn't using the handlebars as much to steer. Instead, I was using my body to lean the direction I wanted the motorcycle to go. Leaning your body works reasonably well until trying to negotiate a curve at higher speeds. The faster I was going, the more lean that was required to get around the curve, increasing the challenge to get around the bend. I might add, for my Fat Boy, I would reach a point that no matter how far I leaned, it seemed the bike would not respond until I let off the throttle. Not a good feeling when the pavement is running out, and you're heading off the road! I needed a technique that would reduce the effort required to round the bend at higher speeds.
So, to test out this 'counter-steering' technique, I found an abandoned parking lot and placed a single cone down on the pavement. Using the handlebar steering example, I rode below 15 mph towards the cone. To avoid the cone to the right, I actually turned the handlebar to the right. Mission accomplished without incident. Returning to my starting position, I performed the same test avoiding the cone to the left. Handlebar steering came into play and mission achieved.
Ok, so now I wanted to experiment with handlebar steering above 15 MPH. Using the same two examples above, I approached the cones around 20 MPH. Wow, I instinctively began my avoidance maneuver farther away from the cone,AND I used my body to lean for both trials!
But what about counter-steering? Is it really better than leaning with your body to get around a curve? Again, using speeds less and greater than 15 MPH, I found that handlebar steering STILL came into play at speeds lower than 15 MPH. However, with speeds above 15 MPH, using the countersteering technique, I was able to maneuver to the left or right of the cone by merely pressing forward on the respective handgrip without leaning at all, and with little effort!
Wanting to try the counter-steering on a reallife ride on a twisting road, I approached the curves at a safe rate of speed. For curves bending right, I pressed forward on the right handgrip and pushed forward on the left handgrip for curves bending left. I was surprised how little effort was required to negotiate the bends! I knew then that counter-steering would become a riding technique during my rides!
However, it’s proving to be difficult to change old habits. But I’ll continue the transition until it’s a ‘no-brainer,’increasing my confidence riding into turns and enjoying it more!
Waterin’ Hole
Red Anchor Pub and Grill, located at 39 and 391 Crossroad near Moneta, SC, is managed by veteran and biker Jay Wilson. I had the pleasure of attending a couple of fundraisers at this pub and must say that I had a great time! The people there are laid back and featured a great band with room for dancing. Can’t dance? Then if pool is your thing there are a couple pool tables to enhance your billiard skills. For those times when there may not be live music, a jukebox featuring music for anyone’s taste. During my visit, the bartenders were friendly and remembered what I was drinking. The drink prices were reasonable and I felt like this was my home bar. I haven’t ordered food at this pub, but I’m sure I’ll be back and give it a try! The great and welcoming atmosphere will surely
have people coming back or booking their next party at Red Anchor!
For the ladies who would like a pair of angel wings, you can get your picture taken with the wings that are painted on the outside wall. Word of advice, if you’re short, be sure to stand on something. Wouldn’t want a pair of wings on the side of your head!
As one reviewer put it, ‘If you enjoy great people, music, drinks, food on occasion in a super cool setting, then you need to put
Rick Hood
Key West
Easyrider Bike Show Tour Outer
Easyrider Bike Show Tour
It was the morning of the Easyriders Bike Show Tour. For the last three years, I had attended this event. However, last year’s Charlotte tour was not the best, so I was a little skeptical this year’s show would be any better. When I saw that the venue had been moved, there was a feeling of renewed optimism within me.
Anticipation
The ride up I-77 was uneventful, and my electric gloves were worth the purchase price and freezeouts are my friend, but my right chaps leg kept unzipping. Nothing a little duct tape couldn’t fix. Next stop, Park Expo and Conference Center.
After pulling into the parking lot, I was happy to see a ‘Bikes Only’ parking section that was near the door. Once inside, I saw that this one venue was actually three venues in one. The 104,000 sq.ft. Liberty room was the main venue. That is, the stage, motorcycles, and vendor booths were here. The Independence and Freedom room housed the cars and older motorcycles.
My feelings of optimism were not disappointed!
The three distinct sections of this year’s Easyriders
Bike Show Tour organized the event to a level that everyone could appreciate.
The Search
Carolina Chrome’s senior photographer, Vici Amanti, had invited me to stop by and visit her and the Chrome Babes!
So, I’m walking around the Freedom room and see no signs of the Carolina Chrome booth. I then search in the Independence room and still no sign of the booth.
Now, where is the Carolina Chrome booth?
By now I’m getting tired and need to sit down. So, I head towards the café to sit a while when I realize the Liberty room would be the last chance to find Vici and the babes and I would call off the search. Seeing one of the Chrome photographers, he guided me to the booth where Vici and the babes were. At last!
Now I’m ready to take pictures! Reaching in my pocket to retrieve my phone, it’s not there! Wait, where’s my phone. Now I don’t
have to tell any smartphone enthusiast the sinking feeling that settles in your stomach. I search my brain where I could have possibly lost it. Nothing. No clue. Nada, Zilch. Looks like it’s the Canon Powershot and me.
The Facilities
Those little purple fiberglass huts along the street curb are public restrooms and are gender neutral.
Facilities. Those little purple fiberglass huts along the street curb are public restrooms and are gender neutral. I should point out A Public Restroom Etiquette class for ‘The Impatient, Potentially Violent Moron’ will be held at 11 A.M. Later our class will divide into three sections, depending on what you identify with: stubby, shorty, or uncertainty. If you are here looking for a free meal, you might try Lowcountry Harley Davidson. Dave is out front grilling burgers and hot dogs. Free while they last!
Great. Let’s start. First off, the basics before heading out into the crowds. Say, you have to go to the bathroom while standing in the street crowded with people. Here
are some tips!
There are several options. Here are the two I recommend. If you're having a conversation, abruptly leave while grabbing your friend or frantically shout while holding your legs together, “OH NO. OH GOD NO. NOT AGAIN.” These exits make it clear you don’t mess around when it comes to urination. Having a partner hold onto your shoulders during your frantic departure will heighten the urgency of the situation.
Remember the purple huts I mentioned? Some people have an aversion to using these oases of bodily functions. If you have this phobia, wandering around for ten to thirty minutes finding a restroom is a reality. Restaurants frown upon nonpaying customers using their toilet. Don't fret! I've perfected a technique which works. Firstly, the approach taken
to bypass the bathroom Nazi's depends whether you're solo or with a friend. If you're solo, find a table of 2 or 3 persons. Approach the table and ask if it's ok if you sit down to hide from your ex. This technique works particularly well with women. Once seated, be sure a waiter has seen you sitting there. It doesn't matter if the table is assigned to the waiter or not. The point is to be seen sitting down in the restaurant.
After exchanging pleasantries, excuse yourself. Ask a waiter where the restroom can be found, remember, holding your legs together amplifies the appearance of urgency. If the occupied sign on the door is on, try shaking the door in a way that suggests you haven’t taken your medication lately, and all that separates you from a horde of monks, and your salvation is the door to this
restroom.
Perhaps nothing will come of your efforts, but don't fret!
Passive aggression is the sneaky brother of active aggression that, without admitting anything is wrong, gets what you want. Coughing, shuffling your feet loudly and complaining to people next to you are forms of passive aggression added with comments such as 'Like
what is she/he doing in there anyways? I might get the manager.' This should speed up the process, especially if you start counting down loudly. If you’re with a friend, follow all of the previous actions. Your friend, pretending to scan the room, will be the ex you’re hiding from.
RickHood
The Sights
There are LOTS of cars and motorcycles to be seen at Rockabillaque. But not many get to share the event with the Carolina Chrome Babes, Carolyn, Karisa, Ashtyn, Brittany Laura, Ashley and Vici (AKA Mama). Here are a few pics from Rockabillaque. You’ll need to bring your own babes!
The Chrome Babes kept me company
See, there were some cars there
And the winner of the Beard and Mustache Competition is…...
MUSC Angel Tree
The MUSC Angel Tree Board, is the largest contributor in South Carolina to the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Their main focus is to bring as much holiday magic to those in need as possible.
Vici Amanti, owner of MinT Photography, is known for her photographic magic around Charleston and abroad. Her eye for that perfect shot ranks among the best in the business. So I was more than honored when she invited me to drive for her dur-
Karen Collins, the coordinator of the parade, organized the bikers meeting at Low Country Harley Davidson. KSU was 10:30 A.M. and followed a 7.5 mile route down I526 and I26 to Ehrhardt Drive in downtown Charleston.
dren. I look forward to doing this again next year!
Her eye for that perfect shot ranks among the best in the business.
ing the 15th annual MUSC Angel Tree Christmas Parade. Yeah, that’s right, I said drive. She needed to take some motion shots and ask me to drive her vehicle while she stood through the sunroof to take shots of the riders. Nothing couldn’t have been cooler than to see I526 and I26 blocked to allow the motorcyclist to parade to Ehrhardt Drive, the official beginning of the parade.
Needless to say, I had a blast driving for Vici and Chrome babes Brittany, Ashtyn, and JoJo AND attending the event getting some shots of my own.
It was great seeing the expressions on the children’s faces as the motorcycles made the turn in from of the MUSC Children’s Hospital. So many people showed up to give to these children that otherwise have no gifts Christmas morning. What a sight to see the generousity poured out for these chil-
Rick Hood
Karen holds a riders meeting at Low Country Harley Davidson before the ride to downtown Charlestown.
JoJo taking a break among the stuffed toys in the ‘Horseshoe’ while Ashtyn takes a short break for that photo-opt I’m desperately looking to get! Vici even pauses a second to get in on one of the shot with JoJo.
Brittany, Ashtyn and JoJo were not alone receiving toys for the children. Many people showed up in special attire to make this a memorable event for the kids.
And then came the bikes!
Marching bands, bag pipes and gifts came around the corner
Not to be out done, Mr and Mrs Santa made an appearance on the CanAm Spider decked out there finest attire! Wait a minute how did I get in this shot? And who are them characters surrounding me? The Chrome babes seem to know them, so I’m going to find out who there friends are.
The fresh fruit looked good, but I came hungry! So, I
Behind the Scenes
All work and no play makes Rick a dull boy. There was even time for a little fun! Special thanks to Brittany and Vici Amanti for sharing some behind the scenes pics!
Even Ashtyn wasn’t safe from the ‘SnapChat Queen’!
Is that Vici standing up through the sunroof? Don’t do it Vici, everything will be fine! JoJo is officially a, ummm, I think a Bunny
In My Opinion
Rick’s thoughts on just about anything
I pulled over to the side of the road to check out Google Maps for directions. After I finally think I’ve got them committed to memory, I close the app only to discover I still can’t remember the directions. I go back on to Google maps to try again. After several cycles of this routine, I have it! As I’m riding down the road, I get to thinking about the science of memory. Things like at what point does short-term memory become long-term memory? Haven’t you ever wondered about that?
So, my mind goes to work. Here’s a tongue in check glimpse of that process and the results. Have you ever considered memory loss as the new medical treatment that’s sweeping the globe? Whaaat you may ask. Let’s say there was a new medical movement called Make Amnesia Great Again (MAGA). Here’s how it might work. At Amnesia House of America, we have decided to embrace Alzheimer’s and other neurocognitive diseases, in the way that scientist look at extraordinary claims but with the glassy-eyed hope that it is true if we believe hard enough. Much like Socialism.
It’s like taking a page out of nature’s book, the one that’s brutal and has trouble with English. But with MAGA's help, maybe we can fold that page into a paper airplane or a snowflake to impress your friends. When you see the snowflake you will say, You’re denying your problems exist again, aren’t you? Why, yes, yes I am.
The treatment is all about taking perceived negatives and transforming them into positives. Let’s take dandelions in your lawn. MAGA no longer considers them weeds if you think they belong there. And as they take over the rest of your yard, it’s like, Hey, that’s totally cool. It’s all natural, man.
The MAGA movement likes to call it alternative science, which is like normal science but with herbal tea extract, Krishna, and a bottle of rum. So, maybe we did conduct our clinical trials in a high school science lab. And sure, perhaps they didn’t all go so well, and yeah, maybe Johnny is still missing. The point is that he seemed far too happy for someone with that many needles in him.
Whatever. The point is that the most potent antidote to
your problems is to forget they exist, Who are the happiest people in the world? Retirees. Not remembering what happened for the first thirty years of their lives, suddenly losing your car keys, playing bingo and forgetting to put on your favorite underwear sounds really great, right?
MAGA takes retirees, happiness, memory loss, the movie Memento and combines them to form our new age treatment. We at MAGA firmly believe that science is far better when the parts that don’t make sense are made up. We know we're right when words like correlation, causation, sound hypotheses, and basic science are used. Using a laboratory-tested brick, we hit your cerebral cortex until you lose most of your early childhood memories or forget you hate your husband or wife.
Now you might be thinking - ' Should I pay someone to hit me in the head with a brick? And that part about old people and happiness. I'm not buying it. Sounds way too much like a crazy scheme to steal my money.' Well… yes, there’s lots of alcohol involved. The basic procedure involves lots of drinking until your short-term memory looks like an omelet in a frying pan.
Okay. Let’s try a different approach to explain it. Suppose you’ve had this “surgery,” and it “worked.” no longer remembering anyone or anything up to fifteen minutes ago. Simple things like eating, sleeping, rediscovering how much you like Krispy Kreme donuts, and staring at a television that’s turned off, are now your life, and you are content.
Forgiveness can be as hard as calling the Department of Human Health Services to apply for food stamps, but THE solution is amnesia! Can't get past issues? It's simple when you don’t have any memory of them. No longer will problems with family, politics, climate change, your mortgage, your co-workers, dental cleanings, and Steve. Nirvana has never been so easy. Sure some of you “haters” may say that without forgiveness, personal growth is impossible without forgiveness, or our lives would be filled trying to remember whether we’d left the burner on back home without memory. Well, people with Alzheimer’s don't have memory loss problems; it’s the people without Alzheimer’s that do. No one would have a problem if everyone had Alzheimer's. Wow, you say. Thank you for showing me the path of reason.
You’re welcome. So, what do you say to a lifetime of asking directions and then happily driving around your block for the rest of the day? How about getting the rush of seeing The Matrix Trilogy for the first
time again and again? Forgetfulness, like magic beans, change your world. At Make Amnesia Great Again, we only offer you the beans. Man, scary isn’t it. Well, when riding my bike for hours on end, my gray matter comes up with some interesting things. All kidding aside, Alzheimer disease affects millions of people. I can only hope one day this horrible disease will be a thing of the past
Rick Hood
https://www.youtube.com/user/hoodboomer
@storiesfromtheroadtravel
https://www.carolinacycles.com/
