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Another month has passed, so I guess it’s time for another installment of “If you had asked me, I would have told you that…”
And 
even if it isn’t, here goes.
If you had asked me, I would have told you that:
– Lane-splitting on freeways while on a motorcycle isn’t such a bad idea, provided traffic has slowed to a crawl and there isn’t an irate jerk up ahead just waiting to open a door because you’re moving and he (or she) isn’t. I got to observe a lot of lane-splitting during a trip to Brooklyn on Saturday. Most riders did so cautiously and responsibly. The practice may be illegal in New York, but it’s definitely the way to go.
– It’s darn shame that there will only be one U.S. stop for MotoGP in 2016: April 10 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. Missing from the schedule after eight years is a stop at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana.
“This outcome reflects the best interests of both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Dorna Sports,” said J. Douglas Boles, President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “We are proud of our efforts to increase attendance in recent years and successfully host a truly international sporting and cultural event.
“We’re also thankful to (MotoGP promoter) Dorna Sports for its strong support and partnership since 2008. However, the timing is right to pursue other opportunities that drive greater revenue for both the Speedway and our Central Indiana economy.”
Picture courtesy of IMS
Another MotoGP event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, CA went away in 2014. Might a time come when MotoGP bypasses the U.S. altogether? Hey, I know that us Yanks aren’t that into MotoGP, but you’d think with all the TV sports networks operating now that the sport could become a viable attraction in North America – provided there were events to actually attend.
– The longer that I ride, the less I enjoy group rides. Went on one last week with some good friends who have very disparate riding styles and ended up stressed and upset. There was the group’s leader who went through traffic lights on “pink,” often stranding the six riders behind him. There was also the person in front of me who didn’t keep up with the group and rode the center of the lane (instead of in staggered formation) on a high profile motorcycle that was hard to see around. From now on, I may just say, “Meet you there!”
– If my bank account were ripe with cash, I’d immediately buy an Indian Scout (in black) and a Scrambler from Ducati (in yellow or maybe red). I’d also keep the 2008 Suzuki V-Strom and the 1994 Moto Guzzi California that are currently in the garage, which would make the score Italy 2, U.S. 1 and Japan 1. Unfortunately, a new motorcycle purchase isn’t on the horizon.
– Some of the best places to see old motorcycles is at dealerships. Sometimes they’re tucked into corners or parked in the rafters, but they’re often there if you take the time to look. I really need to do a column on this.
– Some riders inspire you just by riding, such as Bill Pitt of Shelton, CT, who I recently wrote about here.
– The failure of the recent Torrington Thunder bike night to attract a large crowd to downtown Torrington, CT says more about Torrington – a city in the throes of decline – than the event itself.
While riding my Harley Sportster in “Cali” back in the 70’s, lane splitting was not only a habit, but a necessity to avoid long waits in the gas lines, and traffic in the SFO Bay Area. But today, after watching you Tube Videos of the accidents that occur when doing it, i have to re-think my old habits.
I would rather be slowed down and be safe, than to be denied the opportunity to ride another day, due to a poor riding decision.
Oh I dream of the day lane splitting becomes legal. Sitting in miles of traffic on a motorcycle is not an easy thing to do. I beg any lawmaker or average car driver to try it for just a mere five minutes. Just try to sit in traffic working the clutch for five minutes moving two feet every thirty seconds. Your air cooled bike is overheating. The rider is overheating in full riding gear. Your clutch hand is starting to cramp. Then take that feeling and multiple it by four to make it twenty minutes of traffic which isn’t uncommon in the New Haven area. Sitting in bumper to bumper traffic on hills is even worse. God I wish lane splitting was legal. Also, there was a petition a while back to make it legal. I’m convinced the people in Hartford will never allow this. I should just start lanesplitting instead of ranting about sitting in traffic on my motorbike.