Saturday January 28th 1:00-3:00

We will cover tire sizing and fit, tread types and rubber compounds. Tire specifics (manufacture date; tread wear ratings, load ratings, sidewall information) will be explained in detail.

We will cover riding styles, discuss which tires are more suitable for different types of riding conditions, and explain in detail the whole Metzeler tire line.

Last but not least, we will touch upon some of the relationships between tires and handling, and go into small detail about how to improve your bike's handling.

Gary rode on his Ducati Multistrada motorcycle from the northern most point in Alaska to the southern most point in Florida;- a total of 5,632 miles (9,063 kilometers) in 4 days 5 hours!

We will have his 118k ST3 on display for this event.

The 10:00 presentation will be "The Three "B's"

It's a presentation Gary worked up at the request of the AMA and gave it in four seminars during last summers AMA Vintage Days at Mid Ohio. In this presentation, he will go over every aspect of preparing one's Body, Bike & Brain (Hence the Three Bs) for more effective and enjoyable riding.

Ergonomic considerations in bike preparation, physical preparation from exercising to nutrition to clothing and then mental "tuning" to make the miles flow more easily.

This isn't just aimed at long distance types, but toward anyone who rides any type of bike. All four sessions at the AMA in Ohio were "sold out."

YOU CAN"T MISS THIS!

The second presentation at 2:00 is Gary's photo and philosophical ramblings about sport touring. Gary's premise is that the US is in a state of flux, and the opportunity to find pockets of the "Old America" is on the wane, especially in the midwest's former farming and ranching belts. The motorcycle is the way to accomplish this, similar to the way our old hero TV & movie cowboys roamed on their horses, from his perspective, as motorcycles seem to invite sometimes "wary" strangers to strike up communications. Gary has pictures (about 80 or so) from rides & locales throughout the US, Canada, New Zealand, South America and Europe. This is simply a moto/philosophical picture show that will be very entertaining.

Both presentations are open for random involvement from the audience. Nothing formal, and anyone is invited to ask questions, offer their own experiences and get involved in any way possible.

Gel and Flooded Lead Acid Battery Charger

It is possible to continue riding when the weather gets cold. Here are some tips. Come in and talk to our staff. There is no reason to put your bike away just because of some cold weather.

Cold Weather Riding Tips:

Riding in the cold can be more than miserable...it can be unsafe. While most of the U.S. is shivering through winter, riding in Arizona can be very comfortable. But our climate leads to cold nights and chilly mornings, and changes in elevation can lead to unexpected cold. Certainly anyone who tours long distance runs the risk of riding through all sorts of cold winter weather. With a little preparation, you can ride comfortably and safely.

Winter riding presents many hazards, including icy roads. However, I'll focus on protection from the cold.

The primary threats are cold air, wind and moisture. Air as cool as 40F can be a hazard if you're not adequately protected. We are also vulnerable to increased wind chill and forced ventilation when riding at speed. Sweat trapped within cotton clothes can be a problem.

While it's easy to see why the factors listed above can make us down right miserable, how do they affect our safety? With sufficient exposure, they can cause frostbite or, worse, hypothermia. These can sneak up on you and cause poor coordination or loss of judgment.

Frostbite occurs when the skin freezes. Be particularly careful with exposed skin. Symptoms include numb, tingling, swollen, or tender skin. It may also appear as pale, waxy skin which is wooden to the touch. If you suspect you may have frostbite, warm the area with direct body heat. Do not massage or rub the skin, and do not use a high heat source.

Hypothermia is a much more serious condition which can be brought on by riding unprepared in temperatures as cool as 40F for a prolonged period of time without proper equipment. Hypothermia occurs when the cold conditions exceed your body's ability to generate heat, and your body's core temperature starts to decrease. It can occur slowly and without your realization. Symptoms may or may not include shivering. A rider with hypothermia may experience confusion, slow/slurred speech, altered vision, drowsiness and poor judgment -- none of which is safe on a bike! Advanced hypothermia is a medical emergency and could result in death.

How can you avoid the unsafe affects of winter riding?

Eat well-balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to keep your internal "furnace" running. Eat hot food when possible, but moderate or avoid coffee or caffeine products. Avoid alcohol -- good advice for riding in any weather!

Hydrate often. Drink warm, sweet fluids. Use a Camelbak or similar personal hydration system.

Wear good winter apparel and accessories.

-- Dress in layers starting with a layer of thin polypropylene (or similar synthetic material) to help wick away moisture and keep you dry. Never use cotton as it traps and holds moisture.

-- Use fleece or thin wool garments to trap warm air. We also carry Comfort Temp layers that work exceptionally well.

-- Stop the wind with a breathable material like Gore-Tex. Rain suits work well for this if you need to.

-- Stay dry. Water and evaporation increase your chances of freezing. If your wind stopper or rain gear does not breathe, you run the risk of trapping sweat and water vapor close to your body.

-- Seal the cold air leaks. Wear gloves with gauntlets to prevent air from rushing up your sleeve. Close your helmet vents -- the head can be a major source of heat loss. Wrap you neck with a fleece tube, a scarf or a synthetic bandana. Wear a full-face helmet. Use a balaclava to protect your neck and face in severe cold. Zip up your jacket vents.

Use active heating.

-- Use an electric vest to keep your core body temperature warm. When cold, one of your body's defense mechanisms is vasoconstriction -- the narrowing of your blood vessels to constrict or limit the flow of warm blood to your extremities. Wearing an electric vest not only keeps your torso warm, it reduces vasoconstriction and allows the warm blood to flow to your hands and feet.

-- Use heated grips and glove liners in extremely cold weather.

-- Store some chemical heat packets in your tank bag. These small packets can be purchased in the major hiking/camping outlets and are an indispensable source of emergency heat. When the cellophane packet is torn open, the internal chemicals oxidize forming heat. They can provide hours of warmth when placed in the tip of your boot. They can also provide emergency heat when placed near your body (but not directly on your skin).

Prepare your bike.

-- Add a fused electrical socket to power your vest. Many inexpensive kits are available and installation is relatively easy.

-- Purchase stock or aftermarket heated grips.

-- Install handguards to block the wind, if feasible.

-- Install a windshield to protect your body from cold air at highway speeds.

-- Stuff an old sweatshirt under your seat, if there's room. It could come in handy as evening approaches.

Use good judgment and imagination. If you feel miserable, pull over and warm up. Spend the night in a cheap hotel if you have to. Who knows you might get a great story out of it. If you must continue your ride, consider wrapping plastic garbage bags or newspapers around your body and limbs, under your jacket. Put on your rain gear (even if it's a clear day) to stop the wind.

Finally, look out for your friends. Be observant and take action if they exhibit any dangerous symptoms.

Remember...There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.