The history of lighting If there’s one thing that gets me feeling festive during the holidays, it’s the twinkling displays of lights that remind me of my seasonal traditions and the joy I’ve shared with family and friends. Homes get all dolled up, trees adorned with ornaments glow with colour, and there’s a palpable sense […]
But it’s not a reason to stop riding After a long break from motorcycling, I found myself back in the saddle in a church parking lot in Saanich, B.C. My ride: a borrowed 2006 BMW GS. My instructor: Larry, a straight-talking no-nonsense police motorcycle officer. For hours, he had me starting, stopping, turning, and swerving […]
It’s time to adjust our riding strategies After an exhilarating 350-mile (550-kilometre) ride through cottage country—riding around scenic lakes and carving my way through adrenaline-pumping twisties—I began to feel the day catching up with me. The sun had started to sink, and I could practically taste the barbecued ribs and pint of craft-brewed ale waiting […]
Choosing your motorcycle and other tips from a returning rider My New-Rider (And Returning-Rider) Motorcycle Choices Choosing the ideal motorcycle can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a new or returning rider. I recall the blend of excitement and caution I felt when I returned to motorcycling after a long hiatus. The first thing on my […]
Why it is a critical motorcycling skill Despite my riding experience, I almost got caught. I was riding in farm country. If this is something you do regularly, you know that farmers consider the roads their own. In a way, they are. I wasn’t speeding much, and I did see the tractor waiting to come […]
But prepare like a boy scout As I rode through Kinmount, Ontario, yesterday, I saw a lot of riders with vests and bare arms. It stands to reason; it was almost noon and the temperature had risen to 70ºF (21ºC). I was wearing jeans under a pair of protective mesh riding pants and a T-shirt […]
Why Relying on Online Advice is Misguided Whether you want to find out why your motorcycle is acting up, are looking to buy new tires, or are trying to learn new motorcycle skills, treat what you learn online with a healthy dose of skepticism. When it comes to searching for advice online, it really is […]
It’s a Personal Choice. This article is a random collection of thoughts about motorcycle safety gleaned from personal experience, learning, and observation. It’s not meant to be preachy, but I care about motorcycle safety and have some strong opinions, so it may come across that way. I hope my thoughts enliven the conversation, challenge your […]
There’s more to it than just prepping your motorcycle The winter months have kept a lot of us cooped up and with spring finally here, it’s time to dust off our motorcycle jackets and fire up our engines. (I CAN’T WAIT!). If you’re wondering how to get yourself and your trusty moto-steed road-ready, stick around. […]
It’s that time of year when motorcycle enthusiasts think about working on their motorcycles, adding an accessory or two to get their bike ready for the upcoming season. Road salt and aluminum motorcycle engines aren’t happy bedfellows, so I always wait until the snow melts and the first few spring rainstorms have washed away the […]