Atlanta Motorcycle Schools

Greetings Fellow Motorcyclists!

Rain, Rain and more Rain! My rain gauge has measured 7.1 inches so far for the month of October… This happens to be more than October 2007 and 2008 combined. As you can tell, I record all kinds of trivial information as time goes by…

For example, I have kept exact records of the mileage I've put on every one of my motorcycles over the years. As of the end of calendar year 2008, I've put 661,429 miles on 17 motorcycles. Now this is not a big deal in that there are riders out there with more motorcycle miles and have owned more motorcycles than I have… This total (without interruptions) is for 31 years of riding (I got a late start!!!!!!).

Well, enough of me and onto some of the latest scuttlebutt we can provide.

Cold Weather Riding

Some of our very best riding over the years has been during December through February—leaves are off the trees enabling us to see through the forest when riding the bends in North Georgia; there is less traffic on the roads to contend with; and the motorcycle seems to run a little better in the colder temperatures.

Wear the proper gear, stop more frequently, and know the roads you are planning to ride. Overnight freezing temperatures can linger through part of the day and reduce thawing of the ice spots—especially in the shaded areas. Watch out for the black ice and give your tires a bit longer to "warm up" before aggressive acceleration, braking, or leaning takes place.

If you would like specific recommendations regarding the above, call/email us and we'll cover the subject in more detail: (770) 573-9902.

Mary Kay Anyone?

I wanted to let everyone know I am now a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Like many, our businesses have been way down, so I thought I would start my 3rd (or is it 4th?) career! I am excited about my new business. I used Mary Kay many years ago and loved it. Now I find it has changed - and all for the better! It has always been a very good product and now it is even more so…

Some of the reasons I chose Mary Kay - rather than trying to find full-time employment in my technical field: It provides me the flexibility to continue teaching motorcycling with Ken, continue to design websites, and work on a contract programming basis when possible. And BEST OF ALL, it allows me to plan visits with family and friends I do not see as often as I would like. You can't beat that!!!

If any of you (or your spouses, parents, children, friends, etc.) need any Mary Kay products, would like a free facial, or would like to host a party—please let me know! You can earn free products or discounts by hosting a party. And, parties do not have to be "in person" —you can also earn hostess credits by simply taking orders—or by hosting an "internet party" (send emails to friends having them shop on-line within a preselected 24-hour period).

In fact, you can shop on-line with me 7/24 at www.MaryKay.com/JoAnnaMurray. There are lots of specials—including some free offers— and tips on beauty and skin care. You can even do a free on-line make-over. How cool is that?!

Guys, you are not "off the hook" . Mary Kay has wonderful men's products!

If you have any questions, please feel free to call (770-573-9902), email me (JoAnna@JKMinc.com) or visit my website www.MaryKay.com/JoAnnaMurray.

Motorcycle Tidbits

1. A 'good' ride is one you can walk away from. A 'great' ride is one you can walk away from and still be able to use the bike again.

2. Every ride is optional.

3. If you push the bars left, the bike goes left. If you push the bars right, the bike goes right. That is, unless you continue pushing the bars all the way, then the bike will go down.

4. Riding a motorcycle isn't dangerous. Crashing one is.

Braking Tips

I'm frequently asked as to which brake should be applied first in a quick-stop situation. From a physical perspective, as brakes are applied, weight is transferred to the front wheel, reducing weight on the real wheel. With enough front brake, a "sticky" tire, good road surface, and a short wheelbase, it is possible to lift the rear wheel off the ground, rendering the rear brake useless (sometimes known as a "Brakie").

If the object is to stop as quickly as possible, both brakes should be applied at the same time. Reach and squeeze the front brake lever as you would for a normal stop, then continue to progressively squeeze the front brake lever to the point just short of tire lockup. You can be a little more aggressive initially with the rear brake, but as weight is transferred to the front, smoothly reduce rear brake pedal pressure to prevent locking the rear wheel. For your information, a heavy cruiser with sticky tires can be stopped in a shorter distance than the latest, greatest sport bike, but only if you use the proper technique.

BTW, those customers of ours who have taken Course 201 may remember this technique as discussed and practiced in the session…

PRACTICE, PRACTICE and then PRACTICE some more

Deliberate practice: These are activities that have been specially designed to improve the current level of performance. Deliberate practice requires effort and is not inherently enjoyable. However riders should be motivated to practice as practice improves performance. Combining the required training to acquire the skill correctly and then PRACTICING regularly will make you a more complete rider over time.

We have been told many times we will do in an emergency situation, that which we routinely do (i.e., practice). If you are ever in an emergency situation, will your practice save you?

Law Bike

In 2005 JoAnna was rear ended by a distracted driver. Her motorcycle was totaled but fortunately she did not suffer any broken bones. But massive bruises and internal tissue damage stayed with her for quite some time.

Chuck Watwood (www.LawBike.com) has been a good friend of ours for some time and we occasionally contribute articles for Full Throttle magazine for his monthly column. Chuck took our case and it was resolved in short order. In the event you ever need the services of an excellent motorcycle accident attorney, contact Chuck. You won't regret it! BTW, Chuck is a motorcycle rider…