8 Hot Tips For Picking Your First Motorcycle
Love Picking your first motorcycle is like stepping through a doorway into a world of freedom. Hitting the road with the wind in your hair is an unbeatable feeling – but don’t rush into this decision based on the impulse to escape from it all. Although becoming a biker might represent freedom and spontaneity, there are some important practical considerations to make before pulling the trigger on your first bike. Here are our tips for picking the perfect first motorcycle. 1) Find A Ride That Suits Your Purpose Motorcycles are rarely multipurpose, so you need the right tool for the job. If you’re getting into dirt biking don’t pick up a classy sports bike before trashing it on the trails. Likewise, if your need for speed is taking you to the freeway, a gravel bike won’t be the way to go. Choose a bike that’s right for you. 2) Find A Good Fit Unlike cars, you’re not going to be able to lift the seat or bring it forwards – motorcycles are less adjustable than cars are so you’re going to need to find a bike that fits you. Sports bikes will find you more hunched over the handlebars, creating an aerodynamic posture that’s great for speed. It might not be comfortable for long journeys, however, and if you want a laid-back ride, a cruiser might be the way to go. Either way, find a bike that’s comfortable between your legs. 3) Read Up “Before you take the plunge and make a purchase, read up about some various models,” says Herschel White, a business writer at Assignment Help and Revieweal. “For example, some brands of bike make it exceptionally difficult to find spare parts, so if you’re picking up a second-hand Suzuki you might want to make sure there’s a handy mechanic nearby.” Reliability and economy differ from bike to bike, so make sure you’ve done your research. 4) With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility When you’re picking a motorcycle, it’s easy to get carried away looking at bigger engines – but for your first bike you don’t need maximum power. You have to earn your stripes before you start looking at big ccs; even standard 600cc bikes have more power than your average rider can put to good use. Consider a small-to-medium class of bike with around 500cc – you can always upgrade once you’ve outgrown it. 5) Weigh It Up Choosing the right weight of your bike is important as weight correlates not just to power but to how easy it is to ride. As a new rider, hopping on the heaviest bike might be more than you can handle, so stick to bikes that weigh up to around 500lb. Any more than that, and you’ll be wrestling with a monster. 6) Buy Used “With so many second-hand bikes for sale out there, there’s really no need to splash out on a new model,” says Valerie Chan, a journalist at UKWritings and Essay Services. “If you’re making smart choices for your first motorcycle it’s likely you’ll want to upgrade in weight and power after a few years – buying a new bike only to trade up a short while later is going to leave you out of pocket.” A new bike is more trouble than it’s worth when you drop the thing. Eventually, you’ll be glad you got something a little roughed-up. 7) Get Your Hands Dirty You’re going to need to give the bike a thorough inspection before you commit to buying, so be ready to get down and dirty. Check that the brake pads are in healthy shape and look out for rust on the body or metalwork of the bike. You’ll want to know the bike inside out before you put down hard cash. 8) Don’t Expect To Ride Away You’re not legally allowed to ride your new bike until it’s registered in your name and you’re insured on the vehicle. That means you’re not going to be riding home on your new toy. Unfortunately, the paperwork can take a couple days, so plan on how you’re getting your bike home without riding it – bring a trailer if you’re likely to seal the deal. Hot Rod Buying a motorcycle is a transaction filled with potential but don’t get carried away. Make practical considerations about the purpose of your travel and the power and weight of your first motorcycle. Remember you can trade up in the future so err on the side of caution- your wallet will thank you. Have a Hot Tip we didn’t cover? Tell us in the comments below. Lauren Groff is a tutor at Paper Fellows. She is a professional writer, a blogger, and a contributor to Best essay writing services and Big Assignments. She’s a born and raised New Yorker who has lived and traveled all over the United States but keeps on coming back to the Big Apple. Love
ATTENTION ATTENTION: Shinedown is Coming to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2021
Love Summer Concerts Are Back for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2021! The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is bringing the Sound of Madness to the festival’s lineup with modern rock royalty Shinedown, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021 The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling® just cranked the throttle and volume with alternative metal chart-toppers Shinedown set to rock the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s 40th-anniversary party. Joining Kid Rock and ZZ Top on the nine-night festival lineup, the Jacksonville, Florida quartet will “Cut The Cord” on fans’ daily grind on the second Friday of the Sturgis Rally. The lineup of the Buffalo Chip’s Sturgis Rally concerts can be seen at www.BuffaloChip.com/BANDS. “Fans deserve the best party we can throw for our 40th anniversary,” said Rod Woodruff, CEO of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “Shinedown has been dominating rock for about 20 years now with hit after hit after hit. It’s going to be one amazing show and an incredible part of this milestone anniversary.” Attendees will be stunned by intense performances from the band’s constantly growing catalog of hits, including fourteen no. 1’s such as “Monsters,” “Get Up,” “Devil,” “How Did You Love,” “State Of My Head,” “Cut the Cord,” and many more. The strength of these tunes has propelled Shinedown’s total album sales to over 10 million copies worldwide, a number that keeps growing alongside a volume of singles dropping from their latest album release, “ATTENTION ATTENTION.” Performances by top entertainers like Kid Rock, ZZ Top and Shinedown are just a part of what the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has in store for their 40th Anniversary in 2021. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience countless events, including legendary rides, powerful freedom celebrations, top-tier bike shows, white-knuckle racing events, and so much more. Entertainment is free with camping. More announcements are coming soon. A full list of Sturgis Buffalo Chip events is available at www.buffalochip.com/EVENTS. Register For the Sturgis Rally Now at https://sturgis.com/registration. Get Your Passes for Shinedown Now at www.buffalochip.com/bands. Love
Caught on Camera! 10 Wild Sturgis Riders
Love One of the best parts about attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally its ability to help you shed your everyday persona. At home, you might be known as an accountant, a teacher or a plumber. But at the Rally, you can simply be a biker. When you can experience freedom from the constraints of your daily life, who knows what kind of character might emerge on the other side? Here are a few of the folks we caught getting into their element or reinventing themselves out on the road during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Get your motor runnin’ on these rides. That’s one way to keep the bugs out of your mouth. Who do you think is having more fun? It’s ok, buddy. It’s everybody’s first time once. What did this guy say to his kid when he left for Sturgis? Your mom doesn’t need to know about everything you do on this trip. Of course, Santa rides a Holly-Davidson. Sometimes all you need are the essentials. Just a few more laps. Thinking of a trip to Sturgis this August? Make sure you claim your free ride pin, souvenirs and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Welcome Packet by submitting your Sturgis.com Official Sturgis Rally Registration. Did you ride during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally? All of these images in this article were captured by Sturgis.com photographers at strategic spots along famous Black Hills roads. If you rode during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, there’s a good chance there’s a photo of you in our Black Hills Riders Gallery. Browse through locations including Spearfish Canyon, Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, Badlands, and Pactola, and download your souvenir photo to commemorate your vacation! Find Your 2020 Ride Photos! Love
ZZ Top Announcement, And Gimme All Your Lovin’ Too!
Love The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is bringing in the ultimate, no-nonsense, make-you-party-so-hard-you-forget-what-planet-you’re-on band, ZZ Top, Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021 and showing some Valentine’s Day love by featuring fans in wild internet memes. While the world is busy getting sucked into a black hole of seriousness, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip is bringing blues-rock divinity ZZ Top to the masses as a reminder that good old rock and roll can help bring back their smiles. Festival fans worldwide are getting a ZZ Top announcement from the venue just in time for Valentine’s Day. GIMME ALL YOUR LOVIN’ Since ZZ Top music is about having fun and Valentine’s Day is a time for human connection, the Buffalo Chip is playing around with fans’ hearts using the great unifier of our time – internet memes. Drawing inspiration from ZZ Top’s hit “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” the Chip is connecting fans with the band through composite photos, gifs, and videos depicting them giving each other all their lovin’ and their hugs and kisses too. Visit the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s social media channels to enjoy a few smiles and hilarious alternate universe fan experiences with ZZ Top. ZZ Top performs Aug. 11, 2021, at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Those who want to get in on the fun and preview the party that awaits can do so at BuffaloChip.com/BANDS. Turn off the news. Turn up the ZZ Top and Kid Rock. There is enough bad news going on in the world. We’ll stick to what we do best – having a good time. – Daymon Woodruff of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip “The news of ZZ Top coming for the 40th anniversary to perform on the same bill as Kid Rock is about the best Valentine’s present we could think of for the rally crowd,” said Rod Woodruff, CEO of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “ZZ Top makes music for the fun-lovin’ biker, so we’re going to take a page out of ZZ’s playbook and just have some fun announcing them.” Why is humor and having a good time so important? Sturgis Buffalo Chip Resident Fun Expert explains: “This ZZ Top announcement provides hope that the world of outdoor music festivals and real human connection has a bright future,” said Daymon Woodruff of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “Turn off the news. Turn up the ZZ Top and Kid Rock. There is enough bad news going on in the world. We’ll stick to what we do best – having a good time.” Performances by top entertainers like ZZ Top and Kid Rock are just a piece of what the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has in store for their 40th Anniversary in 2021. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience countless events, including legendary rides, powerful freedom celebrations, top-tier bike shows, white-knuckle racing events, and so much more. Entertainment is free with camping. More announcements are coming soon. See all events at https://sturgis.com/events/all-events. Excited to see ZZ Top at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip? Tell us about it the comments below! Love
Winter Motorcycle Riding Guide
Love Winter motorcycle rides can be a beautiful way to extend your riding season and enjoy the outdoors during the colder months. Winter rides might require extra preparation steps, but it can be well worth it when you get to enjoy a crisp ride through the open air. Check out these tips from Gobi Heat for getting the most out of your winter motorcycle riding season: Easy motorcycle modifications Wind chill is the main factor that makes you feel cold on a winter ride, but a few easy modifications to your motorcycle can help protect your body from the wind. A larger windshield can protect your body from the wind, keeping your core temperature from dropping too much. You can also add additional handguards onto your handlebars to block your hands from the wind and help keep your fingers from freezing. These modifications are easy to add to your bike and make a huge difference in extending your riding season. Layer up right First things first, you have to prepare for cold temperatures on the road. Layering is the key to staying warm and dry during winter motorcycle rides. Start with a moisture wicking base layer, including a top and bottom, to keep your core warm. Don’t forget to include socks that have a wool fabric to keep your toes warm and dry. For your top layer, add a heated jacket to keep you warm without adding bulk while riding. An adjustable heated jacket is a good way to prepare for different types of weather without needing to carry extra clothing with you. Finally, finish off your layers with a pair of motorcycle gloves made especially for winter riding. Keeping your hands warm is critical when you’re on the road, so don’t skimp out on finding a pair of gloves that are super comfortable and warm. Check your tires Tires are important to staying safe on the road all the time, but especially in the winter, so you should make sure yours are in good shape before you head out on a ride. Winter isn’t the time to neglect your bike maintenance, so make sure your tires are fresh with a good tread. Roads are slicker than usual in the winter and cold tires offer even less grip on the road surface during the winter months. Remember to use caution when braking, accelerating and leaning at the beginning of a ride before your tires are warmed up. Modified riding Salted roads, wet weather and large snow plows can all leave roads in pretty rough shape, so you should adjust your riding accordingly. Take things slower than you normally would and give yourself extra following distance to give yourself extra time to react to any potholes or cracks in the road. Don’t be in a rush to get to your destination and stay alert to any hazards on the road to keep yourself safe. Watch the forecast A clear, crisp winter day is perfect for taking the bike out for a spin, but if there is any precipitation in the forecast don’t hesitate to hit pause on your ride. A few flakes can quickly turn into a whiteout and you don’t want to be out on the road when that happens. Don’t be afraid to cut a ride short if the weather starts to turn and stick to routes you’re familiar with so you don’t end up lost when the snow starts to fly. Check out our list of some easy routes around Sturgis that are perfect for a winter day out on the road. Check in with yourself Staying out in the cold for too long can make you feel tired, groggy and slow down your reactions, all things you want to avoid while you’re riding. Keeping yourself warm uses up a lot of energy and you might find yourself feeling drained faster than usual on a ride. For this reason you should keep your winter rides short or take breaks to get out of the cold and warm up. Keep your mind and body sharp to stay safe on the road and enjoy your ride to the fullest without freezing. Don’t forget you can also get dehydrated easily in the cold, so keep up with your fluids even in the cold. With the right preparation, winter rides can be a great way to get even more use out of your bike. Luckily with a relatively mild winter this year in South Dakota, there have been plenty of opportunities to get some extra rides outside of the usual riding season. Keep these tips in mind to enjoy some great winter motorcycle riding this year. Have your own cold weather riding tips? Leave them in the comments below! About the Author: Megan Rosa is a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast who has loved riding since she first got to ride on the back of her dad’s bike as a little girl. In her free time, she also enjoys doing yoga and traveling across the country. Love
2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is Revving up for 81st Anniversary in August
Love The 2021 Sturgis Rally rips off the starting line as rally venues like the Sturgis Buffalo Chip announce Kid Rock live in concert along with a $30,000 prize giveaway. Anyone who may have questioned whether the 81st Anniversary of the Sturgis Rally was still on can stop now. Sturgis Rally venue and organizers Sturgis Buffalo Chip ripped off the starting line today with Kid Rock and a massive King of Sturgis $30,000 prize vacation giveaway for the first major announcements set for the August 6-15, 2021 Rally. Other rally entertainment and activities being planned include military tributes, Wall of Death stunt shows, charity rides and much more. Sturgis Rally Registration is open and taking registrations now at Sturgis.com. Fresh off the heels of the controversial 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, venues and local businesses in the Black Hills area are eager to welcome bikers back for the 81st. And bikers are eager to come celebrate the freedoms that are the birthright of all Americans afforded to us by the United States Constitution. “The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is an expression of freedom for all who attend. It has been around for 80 years and will always be around.“ by Randy Peterson of Sturgis.com Businesses are confident the 2021 rally can be held safely and are ready to host the event in August. Many rally campgrounds have hundreds of acres available for people to spread out. In a press release from the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Rod Woodruff, President and CEO of the Buffalo Chip, stated: “We know from last year that outdoor events can be safely held when proper precautions are taken. The majority of people act respectfully and practice social distancing when they are expected to act responsibly. Plus, we feel good about the highly effective vaccines coming soon to market.“ by Rod Woodruff, Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO Summer events are being planned again have boosted confidence that life will be closer to normal next summer. Bands are announcing summer and fall tours, music festivals have announced 2021 dates and the Tokyo Olympics is set to take place in late July 2021. Rally venues, campgrounds, businesses and local governments all over the Black Hills region took holding a rally in the midst of a pandemic seriously in August 2020. Rally-goers had made up their minds they were coming no matter what. They had the right and the freedom to do so and were welcomed with open arms by local businesses and venues. It also came to surface that without federal or state intervention, the Sturgis Rally could not, and cannot, be cancelled because there is no single owner of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The rally belongs to the people who attend it and everyone who contributes to putting it on. Read more about the landmark 2019 court case here. The 81st Sturgis Rally is full speed ahead for August 6-15, 2021. Sturgis.com will have all the latest rally announcements and comprehensive schedule at Sturgis.com/events/all-events. An embeddable rally schedule is available for those interested in sharing it on their website with their audience. Add the code below to a webpage and a full rally events schedule will be viewable on the site. Love
10 Packing Tips for Motorcycle Road Trips
Love There’s no doubt that motorcycle road trips can be an experience packed with fun. But road tripping for motorcyclists isn’t as straightforward as it is in a car. You can’t just gas up and drive off to your destination. There’s also a major difference between taking a Sunday ride down a local highway and riding hundreds of miles on a cross-state trip. First-time motorcycle road trips can introduce you to all sorts of new challenges. In fact, a poll of American Motorcyclist Association staff members revealed it can take years of trial and error to learn the best ways to handle a long trip. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can save yourself time and headache by checking out this list of packing tips for your next motorcycle trip from Ryan Jackson of Twisted Road. Don’t Overpack Wear the same clothes under your riding gear every day and change into clean clothes at each stop during the night. Until you can’t bear it, wear your riding clothes, then exchange them for your off-bike clothing and look for a laundromat. If you’re riding a bike, or you go to an event with a lot of other riders, no one’s going to notice if you’re wearing the same t-shirt for three days running. Take half the clothes and double the money you think you’re going to need is the general rule. If more clothes are required, buy them along the way. Keep the Load in the Center Place heavy stuff down low in the front of the saddlebags to keep their weight close to the middle of the bike. Heavy stuff stored above, or too far back, can influence handling. Pack things that you to get at quickly, such as water, a rain suit, or warm clothing in an easily accessible spot. Put your tools and tire repair kit on the bag floor. Pack a separate bag for items that go with you to the motel room so you don’t waste 20 minutes rooting around for your toothbrush in the saddlebags. Keep Space in Mind Changing weather might have you bundled up against the cold to begin the day’s trip and shucking out of it as the day warms. Do a trial pack by putting all your foul-weather gear in the saddlebags, then add the rest of your baggage. That way, when the sun comes out, you’ll still have space to stow your raincoat, hot gear, and thick gloves. Saddle Up Make sure your soft saddlebags and tank bags are placed so that they don’t interfere with your ability to get on or off the bike or to plant your feet firmly at stops. Expandable tank bags are nice until you fill them with so much stuff that they obstruct your vision. The same applies to expandable saddlebags, which can drop enough to scrape into corners, or touch the exhaust or chain when heavily loaded. Take a Trial Run Pack your bike and see if the luggage straps fall loose or rub on the paint for a ride. Take out your foul-weather gear; if it takes longer than a couple of minutes, reconsider how you’ve packed it. To see how the extra weight impacts your stopping distance, do some braking exercises, and familiarize yourself with the handling under various conditions. If you have a passenger with you, both you and all of your baggage should be on the dry run. Must-Pack Items ●Tools In the worst cases, a screwdriver tool roll, a few wrenches, some zip-ties, needle-nose pliers, and a tire-repair kit will come in very handy. If possible, it’s good to have these tools stored on your bike at all times, but especially when you’re a long way away from home. ●Snacks Have a snack or two ready for those days when you’re in the middle of nowhere and still a couple of hundred miles from the nearest diner. ●Base Layers In case you get caught out in colder-than-expected climates, base layers are also nice to have. This can be a form-fit technical base layer, like the Klim Teton, or it can be a t-shirt with long sleeves and a pair of warmer pants that will fit under your gear. Anything that makes it possible to layer up. ●Ancillary Gear Don’t forget a few clothes and any ancillary gear changes that are required for your journey. Many riders want a small tent, sleeping bag, or blanket to camp on the way to a destination, and any other necessities you need to be comfortable outdoors. It’s entirely up to you at the end of the day what comes along for the ride. Just be sure to keep the packing list as slim as possible and the baggage firmly anchored. Don’t Forget the Accessories Once you are all set for your road trip, make sure that you carry all the necessary essentials to avoid any last-minute issues or discomfort. Accessories such as a tire repair kit, chain oil, wax, GPS mounts, and bungees are important. Make a list of all the accessories you plan to bring and then re-check your list once you’ve finished packing. You may also want to take your motorcycle to a mechanic and check all its parts so that during your ride you do not face any complications or problems. Make First-Aid a Priority Muscle pain, insect bites, minor injuries due to accidents, and nausea are a few of the problems you may face on your journey. If you get sick or hurt yourself while on your trip, you’ll want to have all the crucial first-aid and necessary medicines at your disposal. Additional band-aids, bandages, and antiseptic lotions should also be brought so that if you get injured, you have the necessary treatments. Documents are Your Best Companion Laws vary from place to place, so bring all documents you might need in case if your day goes sideways. When you head out for a bike ride, documentation like your vehicle registration, driver’s license, motorcycle
8 Excellent Books Every Motorcycle Rider Needs to Read
Love Riding a motorcycle is one of the most liberating, freeing, and exciting ventures you can ever undertake, even if you’re just heading out to the store and back. Preferably you’re heading out on a road trip or exploring the great outdoors. The raw feeling of riding is unparalleled, and over the years, many novelists, writers, and authors have sought to capture their experiences to share with the world. Here are 8 books that deserve a spot on your bookshelf. 1. MotoGP Technology / Neil Spalding Neil Spalding left his typical career in search of something more. With just a notebook and a camera, he dove into the world of MotoGP to see the technology behind some of the most beautiful machines in the world. To the untrained eye, bikes can seem like simple machines. Two wheels and an engine. But they are so much more, and there is so much detail that goes into every design. Here’s your chance to discover it for yourself. 2. Dream. Believe. Achieve. / Jonathon Rea “Jonathon Rea is someone who won a record number of World Superbike races and four annual titles back to back (2015 to 2018). This book is more than just an autobiography on Rea’s life; it’s a chance to see what human beings are capable of when they put their mind to it. A truly inspirational read,” shares Lisa Marie, a writer at State Of Writing and OX Essays. 3. Easy Rider Original Screenplay Hand’s down one of the best and most popular road trip motorcycle films in the world, this movie follows Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda as they ride on through to Mardi Gras in New Orleans near the end of the 60s. Along the way, in true story fashion, they meet colorful people and happen across a ton of adventures. You’ve probably seen the movie, but if you haven’t then you should. If you want an even greater in-depth experience, then the original screenplay book is something you should look into it. The included essay collection is a must. You won’t regret it. 4. Feel – My Story / Freddie Spencer Freddie Spencer is known throughout the world as being one of the best motorcycle racers in the world. As the name suggests, the book follows Spencer’s story throughout his career, and details all the amazing things he’s accomplished along the way. 5. Alone in the Wind A firm favorite, this book follows Charles Schierek as he travels across America on his Yamaha motorcycle during the peaking hot summer of 2015. This is a true story of endurance and determination spanning 12,000 miles. It’s glorious. 6. Mike The Bike – Again / Ted Macauley This book was originally published back in 1980, but it’s such a famous motorcycling book that it truly never gets old. It follows the nine-time world champion Mike Hailwood. The man is a legend, and it’s amazing what he’s been able to achieve. This is your chance to discover his legacy for yourself. 7. Long Way Round “Actors Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor embarked on an 18,000-mile plus journey from London to New York on just their motorbike, seeing so much that the world has to offer along the way. It’s one of the most amazing stories, and will wet your bite for travel,” shares Duncan Turner, a motorcycle expert at Boomessays and Assignment Writing Service. 8. Racing Together / Nick Harris Capturing and collecting some of the most stunning moments in motorcycle history, Nick Harris’s photo collection spans decades, between the years of 1949 and 2016. MotoGP has grown massively over the years, and this book details that history in a way that no other form of media has. Every season is captured here and being able to see the growth happening in the motorcycle world throughout the years is simply a treat any enthusiast is going to adore. What Books Did We Miss? Tell Us In The Comments Below. Katherine Rundell is a writer at Academic Writing Service and Essay Services services. She is a Motorcycle fan who loves taking long trips at the weekend and meeting other like-minded riders. Katherine is a blogger at Essayroo.com. Love
10 Benefits of Riding a Motorcycle No One Else Will Ever Tell You
Love If you mention motorbikes to most people, you may hear the usual ruckus of them being too dangerous and scary and fast, or some other statements along the lines of ‘you’ll never catch me on one of those’, but is there something they don’t know? Are there plenty of great and unusual things to share about the motorbiking experience? Of course there is. In fact, the list is endless, but I’m gonna condense my favorite benefits of riding a motorcycle down into a top ten list that no one else will ever tell you, especially not your parents when you’re 16 and wanting to get a bike for the first time. 1. They’re Inexpensive First things first. Motorcycles are way more affordable than cars. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of expensive motorcycles and cheap cars out there, but generally speaking, especially if you’re comparing mid-range bikes to mid-range cars, you’re going to be spending a lot less, which also means you don’t have to save as much! 2. The Savings Keep Coming (Lower Insurance) Hand in hand with an affordable initial purchase, insurance costs also tend to be much lower, on average, than the insurance costs of a car. Sure, young riders and new drivers need to pay more until you have the experience behind you, but whereas car owners can pay thousands, you’ll only be paying hundreds. 3. You Can Park Effortlessly Remember driving around the block over and over again while trying to find a parking space to fit your motorcycle? Of course, you don’t. Motorcycles are clearly smaller than cars which mean you can squeeze into even the tiniest of spaces. Sorry cars. Motorcycles win on this point every time. 4. Maintenance is Easier When something goes wrong with your car, and you pop the lid, if you have little experience with a car, your first impression is to sigh, both at the fact your car is busted and you’re going to need to pay for a mechanic. The better you look after any vehicle, the less chance there is of this happening, but with a bike, maintenance is really easy. Like stupidly easy. You’ll still need to learn what you’re doing, but once you’ve mastered the basics, well, you’re pretty much there. Easy systems mean easy maintenance! 5. It’s Romantic “Okay, technical stuff aside, at least for now, there’s nothing more romantic than cuddling up and cruising around the world with a loved one. Local roads or abroad in a remote country, it’s all the same when you’re on a bike. Just, make sure you introduce the concept of getting on a bike nicely. A lot of people have a lot of preconceptions,” says Nick Berry, a travel writer at Australia2Write and Write My X. 6. The Motorcycle Community is Awesome There’s a certain camaraderie between motorcyclists you simply don’t get with other types of driver or any other kind of human for that matter. From motorcycle meetups to nodding in acknowledgement to the strangers you ride past, there’s really nothing like it. 7. Better for the World “Since motorcycles have dramatically better fuel efficiency to most cars, that’s not only good for your wallet or purse but also better for the environment. Less oil, fewer carbon emissions, less of an impact on the planet,” explains Simon Harrison, a lifestyle blogger at Britstudent and Next Coursework. 8. Increased Concentration Naturally, bikes require more concentration and awareness to ride, which means you should be more aware and less likely to be involved in an accident! 9. Resale Value is Outstanding While there comes a time where we need to sell our motorcycles, whether we need to move onto other things or we’re upgrading to a better model (which is clearly more exciting), you may be worried about how much your bike will be worth and what’s the resale price. Well, thankfully, bikes hold their value much greater than cars do, so there’s another win! 10. Riding a Motorcycle is Liberating AF The point you came here for. Motorbikes are cool and fun and exciting, and there’s really no better experience than riding one for yourself. My favorite time is going to work every morning at 5 am. The highway is empty, and the sun is just coming up as you sail down the tarmac. Riding a motorbike makes commuting incredible and unforgettable, and it’s easy to see how so many people are drawn into getting one. Michael Dehoyos is a content marketer and editor at PhD Kingdom and Coursework writing services. He loves nothing more than writing during all hours throughout the week and then cutting loose and escaping to the countryside and open roads during the weekends. Also, he is a writer at Dissertation help Love
2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Moves Forward With Or Without The City
Love Is Sturgis Canceled? Over the past few months the question that has been on everyone’s mind is – will the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally be canceled? “You can’t cancel what you don’t own,” said Randy Peterson, owner of Sturgis.com, the original website dedicated to promoting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. “You can choose to participate or choose not to participate, but the Sturgis Rally will still go on regardless of what the City of Sturgis chooses.” Consensus among area venues, campgrounds and over 50 hospitality businesses is that the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is happening, and they will be open to host it. No One Owns the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally The fact there is no “official” owner of the rally is one that is widely misunderstood. Only recently have regional news and media outlets begun to shed more light on this reality. In a recent article published by the Black Hills Pioneer, Jesse James Dupree, co-owner of the Full Throttle Saloon and Pappy Hoel Campground, pointed out the federal ruling from the 8th Circuit Court, which addressed the use of Rally trademarks. In that document, the court ruled the City of Sturgis’ involvement and authority over the Rally does not extend past providing municipal services. In 2018, The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the US District Court ruled the rally is not organized by any single entity but is rather a pluralistic endeavor promoted by multiple organizations. These court cases began as a trademark dispute between who owns the title “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.” They additionally brought to light answers to the question of who is the official organizer of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The court stated: “We agree and hold that the jury could not infer from the onerous planning that the City undertakes to provide infrastructure for the rally that the City was the organizer or sponsor of the rally. To allow such an inference would be tantamount to saying that it would be reasonable to infer that the City of New York organizes the sessions of the United Nations General Assembly because of everything it does to assist their occurrence.” A blog article further explaining the implications of the court ruling and providing .pdf court documents can be found here: sturgis.com/blog/sturgis-rally-trademark-officially-struck-down. “The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was started by a private business owner and private motorcycle club,” said Peterson. “That motorcycle club isn’t even inside Sturgis City limits. According to US Court of Appeals, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been promoted by ‘hundreds of entities’ since.” An entity cannot own something just because their officials say they do. This fact is made very clear when the appeals court went on to state, an “…owner cannot establish that its mark is valid simply by getting its officials and agents to say that it is.” If the City of Sturgis votes to not partake in the 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, it does not mean there will not be a rally. It means the city will not issue vendor permits within city limits, rent out space, make Main Street motorcycles only or provide other municipal services. “You can’t cancel what you don’t own” – Randy Peterson, of Sturgis.com Government Involvement Because the City of Sturgis does not own the rally and the state has shown no inclination to tell people they cannot come, multiple venues, campgrounds and businesses are moving forward. These Black Hills venues and attractions will continue hosting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally regardless of whether the City of Sturgis votes to promote the rally within the city limits. “It’s what Governor Kristi Noem said early on: ‘The government’s role is not to run people’s lives, but to give them information by which they can make informed decisions,’ ” said Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO and President Rod Woodruff. “Beyond that, it’s a personal responsibility. We have a very conscientious political structure here in South Dakota, and that’s because of the people we have here. They’re respectful of people’s civil rights and their right to freedom. We’re here every year to celebrate that freedom.” When Governor Noem announced a July 3rd fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, she was quoted as saying, “If you’re sick stay home, If you’re the vulnerable population and you’re worried about the virus, then you should stay home. People will have all the information they need to know exactly what it will look like out there at Mt. Rushmore so that they can make a decision whether or not they should attend this year.” The same attitude should prevail regarding the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Those who do not feel safe coming to the Sturgis Rally should not come. “The government’s role is not to run people’s lives, but to give them information by which they can make informed decisions,” said Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO and President Rod Woodruff. “Beyond that, it’s a personal responsibility.” – Rod Woodruff Safety The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the lives of everyone, but much has been learned since the virus was first detected. The public now has access to information on how to best protect themselves and how to live with the virus. Social distancing, wearing a mask, sanitation practices and self-quarantining when symptomatic are all steps the public and businesses can take. Safety is still on people’s minds, but many are starting to realize they can’t hide forever. Department of Health and CDC guidelines are keeping people more informed on how to stay safe while being able to live their lives, and many private businesses are doing their part to help their customers be better protected. Many area businesses and campgrounds have already put in place new guidelines and safeguards to combat the potential spread of COVID-19. Measures at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip will include increasing sanitation practices, implementing social distancing measures, providing hand sanitizer throughout the campground and encouraging use of masks. “Our 600 acres allow for people to spread out more than six feet if they want,” said Woodruff. “Folks can choose whether
