Jacksonville Defenders Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club

A reminder that April is “Check Your Helmet Month.”

It doesn’t matter what type of helmet you need, motocross, cruising, full face helmet, half helmet, three quarter helmet, modular helmet, flip helmet, it doesn’t matter.  The most important thing is that you are wearing a helmet regardless of whether or not your state has a helmet law or not.  When in the market for a new helmet, pick somebody you can trust.  It is a good idea that you visit a shop and check the fit of the type & brand of helmet you wish to buy.  Then find your best deal online.  Most online companies offer free shipping on helmets. 

As the weather gets warmer and the snow stops falling, riding season starts to swing into high gear! Before you uncover that scooter and perform all your routine maintenance and function tests on your scooter, make sure your helmet is ready for those weekend rides. Better yet, Sturgis is only a few months away. There are a few simple rules to follow to make sure that your helmet is ready for riding:

1. Fit - A helmet must fit properly to be effective, and not all helmets fit the same. A good fitting helmet should rest one inch above your eyebrows and shouldn’t roll forward or sideways on your head. To ensure a comfortable fit, wear a helmet for 15 minutes before making a final buying decision.

2. They don’t last forever - manufacturers and the SNELL Foundation recommend helmets be replaced every three to five years, depending on use. Glues, resins and other helmet materials break down over time and can make a helmet less effective.

3. Keep it clean - a clean and well cared for helmet will protect better and longer. Use a mild soap to wash the outer shell and internal liners. Never use solvents or chemicals for cleaning as they can destroy protective coatings.

4. Mirrors are not hangers - hanging a helmet on a motorcycle’s mirror can damage the impact absorbing liner inside.

Remember, don’t neglect your other gear.  Jafrum provides some of the best prices on the internet for motorcycle apparel and gear. 

What are you waiting for?  Get out there to the garage, uncover that scooter, giver her a good wash while checking to make sure everything works.  Most of all, protect your most prized possession… your head!

322.12  Examination of applicants.–

¹(5)(a)  The department shall formulate a separate examination for applicants for licenses to operate motorcycles. Any applicant for a driver’s license who wishes to operate a motorcycle, and who is otherwise qualified, must successfully complete such an examination, which is in addition to the examination administered under subsection (3). The examination must test the applicant’s knowledge of the operation of a motorcycle and of any traffic laws specifically relating thereto and must include an actual demonstration of his or her ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motorcycle. Any applicant who fails to pass the initial knowledge examination will incur a $5 fee for each subsequent examination, to be deposited into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund. Any applicant who fails to pass the initial skills examination will incur a $10 fee for each subsequent examination, to be deposited into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund. In the formulation of the examination, the department shall consider the use of the Motorcycle Operator Skills Test and the Motorcycle in Traffic Test offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The department shall indicate on the license of any person who successfully completes the examination that the licensee is authorized to operate a motorcycle. If the applicant wishes to be licensed to operate a motorcycle only, he or she need not take the skill or road test required under subsection (3) for the operation of a motor vehicle, and the department shall indicate such a limitation on his or her license as a restriction. Every first-time applicant for licensure to operate a motorcycle who is under 21 years of age must provide proof of completion of a motorcycle safety course, as provided for in s. 322.0255, before the applicant may be licensed to operate a motorcycle.

(b)  The department may exempt any applicant from the examination provided in this subsection if the applicant presents a certificate showing successful completion of a course approved by the department, which course includes a similar examination of the knowledge and skill of the applicant in the operation of a motorcycle.

(5)(a)  The department shall formulate a separate examination for applicants for licenses to operate motorcycles. Any applicant for a driver’s license who wishes to operate a motorcycle, and who is otherwise qualified, must successfully complete such an examination, which is in addition to the examination administered under subsection (3). The examination must test the applicant’s knowledge of the operation of a motorcycle and of any traffic laws specifically relating thereto and must include an actual demonstration of his or her ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motorcycle. Any applicant who fails to pass the initial knowledge examination will incur a $5 fee for each subsequent examination, to be deposited into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund. Any applicant who fails to pass the initial skills examination will incur a $10 fee for each subsequent examination, to be deposited into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund. In the formulation of the examination, the department shall consider the use of the Motorcycle Operator Skills Test and the Motorcycle in Traffic Test offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The department shall indicate on the license of any person who successfully completes the examination that the licensee is authorized to operate a motorcycle. If the applicant wishes to be licensed to operate a motorcycle only, he or she need not take the skill or road test required under subsection (3) for the operation of a motor vehicle, and the department shall indicate such a limitation on his or her license as a restriction. Every first-time applicant for licensure to operate a motorcycle must provide proof of completion of a motorcycle safety course, as provided for in s. 322.0255, before the applicant may be licensed to operate a motorcycle.

When we last left our unwitting Taser Tester, he had just pulled the trigger…

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD . . . WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION . .. . WHAT THE HELL!!!

I’m pretty sure Jessie Ventura ran in through the side door, picked me up in the recliner, then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and over and over again.

I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire, testicles nowhere to be found, with my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position, and tingling in my legs?

The cat was making meowing sounds I had never heard before, clinging to a picture frame hanging above the fireplace, obviously in an attempt to avoid getting slammed by my body flopping all over the living room.

Note: If you ever feel compelled to ‘mug’ yourself with a taser, one note of caution: there is no such thing as a one second burst when you zap yourself!You will not let go of that thing until it is dislodged from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor. A three second burst would be considered conservative?

SON-OF-A-BITCH, THAT HURT LIKE HELL!!!

A minute or so later (I can’t be sure, as time was a relative thing at that point), I collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up and surveyed the landscape.

My bent reading glasses were on the mantel of the fireplace. The recliner was upside down and about 8 feet or so from where it originally was. My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still twitching.

My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my bottom lip weighed 88 lbs. I had no control over the drooling.

Apparently I shit myself, but was too numb to know for sure and my sense of smell was gone. I saw a faint smoke cloud above my head which I believe came from my hair.

I’m still looking for my nuts and I’m offering a significant reward for their safe return!!

P. S. My wife loved the gift, and now regularly threatens me with it!

‘If you think Education is difficult, try being stupid.’

So, there I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my reading glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one hand, and taser in another.

The directions said that a one-second burst would shock and disorient your assailant; a two-second burst was supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control; a three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the ground like a fish out of water. Any burst longer than three seconds would be wasting the batteries.

All the while I’m looking at this little device measuring about 5” long, less than 3/4 inch in circumference; pretty cute really and (loaded with two itsy, bitsy triple-A batteries) thinking to myself, ‘no possible way!’

What happened next is almost beyond description, but I’ll do my best…?

I’m sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one side as to say, ‘don’t do it dipshit,’ reasoning that a one second burst from such a tiny little ole thing couldn’t hurt all that bad. I decided to give myself a one second burst just for heck of it. I touched the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and …

Wow… Tune in tomorrow to see the hysterical conclusion!

Pocket Taser Stun Gun, a great gift for the wife. A guy who purchased his lovely wife a pocket Taser for their anniversary submitted this:

Last weekend I saw something at Larry’s Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked my interest.. The occasion was our 15th anniversary and I was looking for a little something extra for my wife Julie.

What I came across was a 100,000-volt, pocket/purse-sized taser. The effects of the taser were supposed to be short lived, with no long-term adverse affect on your assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety….??

WAY TOO COOL!

Long story short, I bought the device and brought it home. I loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing! I was disappointed. I learned, however, that if I pushed the button AND pressed it against a metal surface at the same time; I’d get the blue arc of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs.

 AWESOME!!!

Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Julie what that burn spot is on the face of her microwave.

Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it couldn’t be all that bad with only two triple-A batteries, right?

There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I really needed to try this thing out on a flesh & blood moving target.

I must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second) and thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat.

But, if I was going to give this thing to my wife to protect herself against a mugger, I did want some assurance that it would work as advertised.

Am I wrong?

So your brain is thinking… Holy Mackeral, I know what is going to happen…

You will have to come back tomorrow to catch Part 2…

With the winter season now upon us bringing both shorter and colder days/nights, coupled with the heightened chance for riding in and/or through inclement weather conditions.  Each member should ensure that they are fully prepared for these potential situations when planning for a club ride.

The February ride south to Lakeland Florida isn’t that far off at this planning point. For those members that made the last journey southwards, we still remember the extremely bad nighttime weather condition that made for a very difficult ride back to Jacksonville, (Note: When on the back roads there’s not always a place to stop, you just have to ride it out safely).

With that said, I know that a few of you like to travel light and thats great. However, it’s dangerous enough riding as a group on the back roads with foul weather conditions so let’s not add to the hazard by being cold and wet, the circumstances themselves will probably slow the trip timeline making your ride even more difficult and miserable.

Just plan well and be prepared for the worst. Pack light… but pack for warm, cold and wet weather conditions, pack for both day and night ride timelines, and ensure your other half packs for all the same reasons etc. This year the club plans to put more time on the road enjoying chapter rides as a club.  I hope to see everyone out on the road.

“Ride safe and ride together”

Honda is way out in front in technology it may seem.  They tested their “motorcycle to car” communication system on a test track in Germany during the CAR 2 CAR Consortium. 

This system, now get this, generates warnings to riders and drivers of other approaching vehicles.  How useful could this be when used to detect vehicles approaching intersections and being on a collision course?  The system apparently generates warnings to riders and drivers of other vehicles by “continuous exchange of positioning data from GPS sources.”

The Honda life-saving system facilitates communication with vehicles from 8 other manufacturers.  However, the exact manufactuers names were not published.

For some reason, people perceive motorcycles to be traveling slower than wat they really are if they see them at all.  This system is designed to reduce the perception problem by giving a warning of impending collisions so evasive action can be initiated.  

According to an article at http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/10/22/190441.html 

“V2V communication rapidly relays information in a simple and concise manner, which supports motorists’ and bikers’ recognition processes. Information including position, direction and vehicle dynamics coordinates is exchanged between vehicles. Motorcycle riders can safely receive warnings about vehicles near them on a Head-up Indicator Display, and can receive information through an in-helmet audio system, neither requiring them to take their eyes off the road. Drivers can view information on the status of cars and motorcycles in their vicinity and receive warnings on, for example, their navigation system display.

Honda Advanced HMI

The effectiveness of a Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure communication system largely depends on the HMI concept - the interface between the rider and his machine. Based on extensive research, Honda has developed for the Car 2 Car demonstration a simple, logical and intuitive HMI for faster and easier recognition. Both a visual and an audible warning are provided in safety critical situations. The visual HMI is located on the upper edge of the motorcycle dashboard, as close as possible to the line of vision, enabling the rider to spot the information and warnings easily without actually having to take his eyes off the road. The intensity, colour and the position of the lights provide intuitive information on the seriousness and the location of the danger ahead. To augment the riders’ recognition and further specify the hazard ahead, an acoustic warning by means of spoken text is given in the helmet, which is connected by means of Bluetooth® communication link with the on-board system. This advanced HMI contributes to enhanced motorcycle safety.”

Wow! now that is some cool stuff!

Part of this post is courtesy of http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/10/22/190441.html

Is it cool to wear earplugs when you are riding?  I guess you can be “Cool” even when you are deaf.  I have been riding for years and every time I go on a long ride, I feel like I am deaf.  Lately, my left ear has been hurting while I have been riding.  This leads me to believe that I have or had some sort of ear infection or something.  Since I have some degree of high frequency hearing loss as it is; I have been doing a little research about hearing loss and protection.

You may think that wearing a full face helmet protects your ears.  From personal experience, my ears were ringing just as much when I wore my expensive Shoei full face helmet as they did when wearing my quarter helmet.  The noise from which you are trying to protect your ears is not exhaust or engine noise.  Your exhaust really only affects those who ride behind you.  Studies have shown that a full face helmet only reduces the noise about 3db.  While that is something, many who ride cruiser style motorcycles don’t wear a full face helmet let alone any helmet at all.

Much is being said nationwide about the rising number of motorcycle rider deaths.  In many states, it has become mandatory that a person take a Motorcycle Safety Course prior to being issued a motorcycle endorsement or license. 

In California, there have been many deaths among soldiers returning from Iraq & Afghanistan who buy motorcycles.  There is no clear cut answer as to why the deaths are occurring but one death especially among our brave soldiers who survive a year or more in a combat zone is one too many. 

A new law in Florida requires that all those who would like to obtain a motorcycle endorsement pass a rider safety course.  This law does not affect those who already have their motorcycle endorsement but even the most seasoned rider can learn something by going through a saftey course. 

THE RISKS: Nationwide, motorcycle accident deaths more than doubled between 1997 and 2007.  Why is that?  Is it because of the increase in fuel prices; causing more people to buy fuel efficient motorcycles?  Could it be that more young riders are buying sport bikes and do not realize that the power of such motorcycles is to be respected?  Is it DUI? 

This writer, being a rider, holds the opinion that the majority of crashes involving motorcycles and other motor vehicles is due to the other drivers not seeing motorcycles.  People just do not look for motorcycles for some reason.  With more of them out on the road than ever, we need to educate people to look for motorcycles and also to make them understand how they operate differently than cars. 

Ride Hard, Ride Safe!

Source: Jacksonville.com 10-23-08

Before or after a U-Turn?

Well as this is my first attempt at a ride breakdown and report I will give it the ole” navy try.  This was a great ride with beautiful weather and great BBQ. 

Muster was at 0730 and most all of the gang was there early.  Yes, I said early.  It was a momentous occasion and a sign of the day to come.  After a nice leisurely breakfast at the usual Burger King we debated over the chill in the air and most wrapped up and headed north.  It was a very nice ride with the morning sun cresting the Florida intercoastals’ wetlands just before you reach Georgia. Nice to be alive! 

We arrived in Kingsland just as the event was sending out riders. We waited our turn and were able to spend some time visiting with the Georgia brothers prior to heading out. By the way, I’m working a 3 and a jack at this point so it isn’t looking good.  So out we go. 

Where is the swamp?

First let me say I am not the biggest GPS fan in the world and Brenda isn’t the best map reader.  However, between her and hammer lets just say that it was “interesting at each turn in the road.  If I am not mistaken, I’m sure I heard the term “u-turn directed at hammer more that once.  With Brenda holding the map in my face as I drove, Heat had his signal blinking one way , hammer’s the other way and the rest of us just following it was a sight to behold as we all made our ” practice u-turns for better driving” as Hammer put it. So the “practice” continued till the last stop and we’re all better drivers for it. Thanks Hammer. 

Maps? We don't need no stinking maps!

Hammer/Weeble and Kabar up front, Bull and Heat, myself/DragonLady and Mick, with Hotrod and Pipes playing TG.  As we rode along and settled in for a stretched Heat commenced the game known to us as “Dodge Heats Debris”.  You see, prior to this leg we had spoken together at some length about Ka-bar’s unsecured items leaving his person during a past ride and how important it is to ensure you and your bike are ready to roll.  Well, not Heat. Picture this… Heat’s port side saddlebag flops open and those of us in the back begin the game, as items ceremoniously depart his saddlebag and fly at or past us. Begin the chaos…lol! as we began to break ranks to head back to try to find all his items.    It was funny to say the least. We did manage to find all the items and continue on.  This is good for at least a few months of poking fun at Heat so enjoy. 

Are you talking to me?

If you we unable to attend this weekend you know you were missed and there is a spot reserved for you at all times.  God bless everyone and be safe this week!