If You Had Asked Me…

It’s the September installment of “If You Had Asked Me, I Would Have Told You…” Maybe it’s because so many weekends of late had the threat of rain, which severely curtailed my riding, but I’ve got my cranky pants on. Or maybe it’s just because I’m so unenthused by the available choices in the presidential election. Or maybe it’s because I just got a haircut and there are clippings irritating my back.

Anyway, here goes with the monthly column that’s a catch-all for opinion, news items and press releases that didn’t warrant a full website post.

So, “If You Had Asked Me, I Would Have Told You…”

– That it’s outrageous and irresponsible for the American Legion post in Litchfield, CT to actively promote and encourage drinking and riding.

A sandwich board on the grass outside of the American Legion’s building on Route 202 – not far from the Troop L state police barracks – informs passers-by of “Biker Sunday” and touts PBRs for $2. Go ahead. Ride in. Wobble out. Wise? No. Stupid? Yes.

– That the motorcycle fatality rate in 2015 increased 8.3 percent over 2014. A total of 4,976 riders died nationally, an increase of 382 fatalities and the largest number since 2012. The number of alcohol-related fatalities involving motorcyclists totaled 1,365 in 2015, which was a statistically negligible decrease of 0.4 percent.

All of the bad statistics released recently by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may be found here.

“If You Had Asked Me, I Would Have Told You…”

– That the heavily-trafficked Federal Road entrance to the new Brookfield Indian Motorcycle dealership is going to be a nightmare and the scene of many accidents. The store, situated on a hilltop, is absolutely gorgeous, but entering when heading south on Federal Road requires a sharp uphill turn. When I went to leave the store recently, the traffic flow was so heavy that I had to head south, pull into Stew Leonard’s parking lot, and then turn around so that I could head back north. Nice store. Problematic access.

Maybe I’m over-reacting. I once dumped a bike trying to leave the old Canton Cycles in Winsted, CT, another dealership with congestion problems.

– That helmets don’t always save lives, and that the Michigan state representative who sponsored the law that repealed that state’s helmet law was wearing one when he was killed Monday night in a motorcycle crash. Peter Pettalia, 61, was riding in northern Michigan’s Montmorency County. Nonetheless, motorcycle fatalities jumped 23 percent in Michigan between 2014 and 2015 after the helmet requirement was repealed in 2012.

It’s the wise rider who wears a helmet … and who doesn’t drink.

– That both sides involved in Sunday’s brouhaha between organizers of the CT United Ride and Slingshot owners have valid points. After careful consideration, and after hearing from both sides and reading dozens of online comments, though, I have to side with those who maintain that a Slingshot is not a motorcycle and shouldn’t be allowed to mix in the procession. Even though Slingshots get a motorcycle license plate in CT, the state considers it an “autocycle.”

My suggestion? Why doesn’t someone create a charity event solely for three-wheelers and limit it to Slingshots, Can-Am Spyders and the like? Now that would get some attention. Maybe the CT United Ride folks should propose a back-to-back ride and find a way to make the Slingshot folks feel special. Or maybe they could bookend the ride?

“If You Had Asked Me, I Would Have Told You…”

–  That the American Motorcyclist Association’s list of “The 124 Best Things to Happen to Motorcycling”  is worth a look-see. It contains such info as the fact that Indian was the first manufacturer to use chain drive (in 1901) and the first to have electric start (1914); that Moto Guzzi was the first with a swingarm (1928); that Vincent had the first full-dress tourer (1954) with the Black Prince model; and that Yamaha had the first dual-sport (1968).

– That there’s something about visiting a “mom and pop” motorcycle dealer that’s just fun. Stopped at AJ Cycle in Gill, MA recently. It’s a small, seemingly rickety Moto Guzzi store that looks like its prime was decades ago. Yet it’s a great place to talk bikes.

– That the press release this week from Royal Enfield announcing the opening of a new North American headquarters in Milwaukee along with a “first flagship showroom” made me laugh as I composed a story. The word “flagship” signifies a company’s primary, largest or highest-volume location, and there can only be one. Contrary to the press release’s suggestion of otherwise, there cannot be a second flagship.

Until next month…