Greetings, Fellow Motorcyclists!

JoAnna and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and were able to spend time with family and friends. We actually had a quiet one at home this year-but it provided a good time to catch-up and unwind. Our kind of day!

The year 2011 has been an interesting year for us. The motorcycle training business has definitely been hit by the economy. Fortunately, the handgun, Mary Kay, Xoçai Healthy Chocolate, and contract programming have all combined to provide an adequate income. Like everyone, we are hoping for the economy to improve! And to that end, we would like to offer a "Friends of AMS" discount program for 2012. If you recommend a friend to AMS and they take a course, they will receive a 10% discount—just mention your name in the comments section.

And, you will receive a 15% discount off a future course for yourself, spouse, or parent/child! Again, indicate the "Friends of AMS" discount in the comments section.

Lessons from Air France 447

Today, JoAnna and I were reading the transcript of the Air France 447 airliner disaster of several years ago. In April of this year, the flight recorders were found and helped to complete the investigation.

I suggest you read the flight-Data Recorder Transcript carefully to understand the inherent errors that lead to this disaster…. Two things about this report stuck us as being so closely related both motorcycle and handgun "accidents". First, there is never a single cause. Without exception, it is a series of events that go wrong and/or bad choices. Next, the following paragraph sums up how training AND practice is so critical to us in any panic situation.

While Bonin's behavior is irrational, it is not inexplicable. Intense psychological stress tends to shut down the part of the brain responsible for innovative, creative thought. Instead, we tend to revert to the familiar and the well-rehearsed. Though pilots are required to practice hand-flying their aircraft during all phases of flight as part of recurrent training, in their daily routine they do most of their hand-flying at low altitude-while taking off, landing, and maneuvering. It's not surprising, then, that amid the frightening disorientation of the thunderstorm, Bonin reverted to flying the plane as if it had been close to the ground, even though this response was totally ill-suited to the situation.

Part of the reason we advocate dual-sport training for all street riders, is to stress the importance of understanding that what works correctly in most circumstances (i.e., good traction conditions for motorcycling or low altitudes for airplanes) will not always work as well in different circumstances (i.e., loose traction or high altitudes). Not only knowing how to perform a skill, but also when to apply it can be so critical.

Read more: Air France 447 Flight-Data Recorder Transcript - What Really Happened Aboard Air France 447 - Popular Mechanics

Ten Commandments for Concealed Carry

1. If you choose to carry, always carry as often as possible.
2. Don't carry a firearm if you aren't prepared to use it.
3. Don't let the firearm make you reckless.
4. Carry legally.
5. Know what you're doing.
6. Concealed means Concealed.
7. Maximize your firearms familiarity.
8. Understand the fine points.
9. Carry an adequate firearm.
10. Use Common Sense.

To discuss any of the preceding items, call Ken at 770 573 9902

Track Schools

As part of your ongoing motorcycle training plans for the new year, consider a racetrack school for developing riding skills.

Many of you have heard me say that as a general rule I do not recommend track days for most street riders. Track schools do not necessarily focus on street safety, rather they are focused on improving cornering skills that should lead to improvement in overall control. Unfortunately, good track schools can be expensive. JoAnna and I have taken CLASS for many years… We do recommend that you look at http://www.classrides.com for more information. Fortunately, it looks like CLASS will return to Barber in 2012. If you have not ridden that track, it is a great experience!

Track days are much less expensive and can offer excellent learning opportunities. Many track day organizations claim to offer top-notch instruction, but the level and quality of instruction varies greatly. If possible ask people of a similar riding level as you about their experiences before committing, or better yet, ask to audit an event to see if that organization if right for you.

Of course, the most valuable track lesson would be the one that teaches us to ride within our limits and within the known conditions. On the street, the only "known condition" is what we can see. Can you stop within your sight distance?

Stayin' Alive

Training is an important part of any self-defense plan, but don't let your mastery of techniques lull you into a false sense of security. During a lethal confrontation, your only task is to stay alive. If that means drawing and pulling the trigger to stop the threat, you have no choice. I believe Army/Marine Corps veterans who have "seen the elephant" should be part of all self-defense training. This should be part of your instructor training search. Your search for a good firearms class should include the military background of the instructor.. Unfortunately, most do not have a military combat arms background.

If you have questions or comments, call Ken at 770 573 9902.

Avoiding E15

We have mentioned in past articles the potential damage ethanol may cause to motorcycles. One of our readers has provided information for ethanol-free gas providers.

RE E15 gas: You might want to post a list of places in our region where non-ethanol fuels are available. In Blairsville, you can buy non-ethanol at Owltown Market and Booger Holler Citgo (both on 19/129 south of town). For the rest of the area and the nation as a whole, here is a fine website that identifies non-ethanol gas stations: http://pure-gas.org/ This list has one error regarding Blairsville, as Hughes (north of town) now sells regular ethanol blends.

Instructor's Dilemma

Here is a problem I face as an instructor. I am convinced that every person who decides to carry a gun needs to become an expert at least with the gun he or she decides to carry. If a student asks me what type of gun he should buy to carry, I do an extensive interview. It is like a physician taking a patient history. I want to know everything the student already knows about guns, what they want to learn and then I need to discern what level of training commitment the student is expected to maintain. That last part is important because gun handling skills diminish over time.

Xocai: Healthy Chocolate Update

Raw-Cocoa, High-Antioxidant Diet Produces Significant Weight Loss

Meal-replacement product helps produce average drop of 31 lbs.

Reno, NV – A recent study has found that overweight or obese individuals who consumed an antioxidant-rich, raw-cocoa based meal-replacement shake over a twelve-week span were able to lose significant weight. The study is the first of its kind to comprehensively show that a high-antioxidant diet, particularly one featuring unprocessed cocoa, can effectively help promote healthy weight loss. The study was published in the December, 2011 issue (vol. 26, no. 2) of the American Journal of Bariatric Medicine. Is Weight Loss Included in Your New Years Resolution? Read the full press release. If you would like more information, email me, call me, or visit my website joanna@jkminc.com, 678.777.7417 or JoAnnasChocolates.com .

"The amount of antioxidants that you maintain in your body is directly proportional to how long and healthy you will live."
~(Dr. Richard Cutler, while director of the Anti-Aging Research

For your Motorcycling Enjoyment

Insane Motor Race - Isle of Man TT !!!!!!

The Isle of Man TT was for many years the most prestigious motor-cycle race in the world.

Between 1907 and 2009 there have been 237 deaths during official practices or races on the Snaefell Mountain Course.

Snaefell Mountain Course or Mountain Course is a road-racing circuit used for the Isle of Man TT and Manx Grand Prix Races held in the Isle of Man from 1911 and 1923 respectively. The racing is held on public roads closed for racing by an Act of Tynwald (the parliament of the Isle of Man). It is the oldest motor-cycle racing circuit still in use. The official lap record for the Snaefell Mountain Course is 17 Minutes and 12.30 seconds at an average speed of 131.578 mph (211.754 km/h) set by John McGuinness during the 2009 Senior TT Race.

http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/insane_race.html

JoAnna's Mary Kay Special of the Month:

Pre-Inventory Special (PLEASE help me clear out inventory!)—take 20% off all Last Chance items and 10% off all other items. I don't like counting :-).

Visit my website and enter "AMS Special" in the comments, call (678-777-7417) or email me!

Check out the Mary Kay Latest On-line Catalog!

Did you know? AMS Updates are archived in the Newsletter section of our website and on our Facebook face.

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Ride Smart, Ride Safe, Ride Home!

Ken and Joanna