Letter Of The Month: Kindred Spirits

As I read the article about Wendy Crockett (“A Motorcycling Life,” November street issue), I felt that I was reading about my twin sister in so many respects.

My mother hated it when I bought my first motorcycle in 1967 just before I went to Navy boot camp in San Diego.

She was happy when I sent her a letter from the minesweeper I served on asking her to sell my Honda and send me the money.

She really hated it when she sold my Honda, sent me the money, and I used it to buy a 750 Norton Commando.

I too have used two wheels to go coast to coast, border to border and currently am self-employed wrenching lawn mowers, motorcycles, etc.

The most I ever rode in 24 hours was from Angel Fire, N.M., to Dallas, Texas, in the company of two friends—not sure of the mileage, but I sure slept good at home.

I, too, stay in the AMA for all the political clout we have through it.

I sure hope Wendy’s shop survived all the fires in California.

Very few people have ever traveled the miles per day like her, much less on two wheels.

You go, girl, and keep on going.

She is an inspiration to us all.

Ted Pasche | AMA Life Member

Crash Lessons

As a long-time rider, and member of AMA, I thought the article “Understanding the Crash Cycle” (November issue) was very timely for all of us. My experience in learning to ride back in the ’60s, was borrow a bike from a friend, get a few instructions on clutch and throttle, and maybe some on brakes. Fortunately, I started with a used 150cc Honda Dream, and worked up through a 350cc bike, a 750cc bike, a GW1000 and now my Yamaha RSV. I’ve been blessed in having only minor tip overs, and once excitingly, over-attacking a hilly curve only to go down into the woods and lay the bike over! Fortunately, nothing but my pride was hurt, and a passing motorist helped me get the bike back to pavement.

Thanks for your efforts on behalf of motorcyclists!

A.C. Reeves | Columbus, Ind.

Cornering Concerns

The “Ask the MSF” column about cornering techniques in the November issue was very helpful. It made me think of additional advice I had read about cornering that made a huge difference in my confidence level when approaching and going through turns. I believe many of your readers could benefit from this tip.

A fascinating article I found on the site www.ridinginthezone.com titled “10 Ways to ‘Look’ Like a Pro” advised: “Look in the direction you want to go: Looking where you want to go can help direct your motorcycle through the turn. This is commonly known as ‘visual direction control.’ Visual direction control is essentially your eyes telling your mind where you want the motorcycle to go next.”

We bikers shouldn’t neglect other dynamics involved when cornering (for example, cornering strategies, our speed, road conditions, opposing traffic, blind spots), but looking in the direction we want to go should appear on our list of cornering skills.

Bill Weber | Walnutport, Pa.

Thanks Bill, that’s a valuable tip, one that MSF stresses in its training programs, but always worth repeating and practicing.

Quiet Rides

Don’t laugh at the guys wearing earplugs while riding. These days I always wear earplugs, and yes, I can hear sirens and even hear people speak to me when I stop riding.

I’ve read that 30 minutes at 60 mph on a bike, even with a helmet on, can cause you hearing damage. It’s the wind noise and the time spent hearing that noise that is the problem. You do not want tinnitus. My ears ring 24 hours a day. It takes seconds for me to fall asleep, but it wakes me up at 4:30-5 a.m. every morning. I never remember my dreams and have rings under my eyes forever.

Your pharmacy has earplugs (fairly cheap). Read how to properly use them.

William Oakes | Falls Church, Va.

Thanks, William. Earplugs can be essential to hearing protection and fatigue management. That said, we would be remiss if we didn’t remind readers that some states outlaw earplugs while operating a motor vehicle on public roads.

Hall Of Fame Highlights

I enjoyed the brief photo highlights in the November issue that reported on the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the [American International Motorcycle Expo] in Columbus in September.

It’s great that every year the AMA can find more motorcyclists to recognize. These people have done really cool things. Then we forget, until the AMA comes along and reminds us when they induct them. The motorcycle world has a short memory, but we are full of talented riders and hard-working people who promote motorcycling.

I wish I had gone to this event. Maybe next year.

Mike Carnes | Chicago, Ill.

Thanks, Mike. It’s not the same as being there, but for more, check out the photos at http://gallery.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Hodaka Memories

I noted with interest the photograph of the Hodaka motorcycle on page 13 of the November Issue.

I sold these little simple bikes in the late 1960s and early ’70s in Jacksonville, Ill. My brother also sold them in DeerField Beach, Fla. My son, Tony, in Wyoming now, has all the leftover stuff from the business my brother had in Florida.

As I remember, we sold the Hodaka Super Rat 100cc for about $450.

Jere Scott | Springfield, Ill.

Different Strokes…

What a pleasure it was to read “Tiny Touring” in the November issue.

In an era of bigger, faster, more gee gaws, dodads and electronic whizbangs, it was really refreshing to read of someone who rides for the pleasure of the ride, not for bragging rights about what is ridden.

I’ve been riding since 1959 and learned a long time ago, it is all about the ride. I live in North Georgia, and enjoy the great roads and just let the torque pull me along.

Keep up the good work and slow down and smell the roses.

Wayne McDanal | Cumming, Ga.