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East Coast Biker Online November 2011… we contributed nothing. Sorry folks. Just too busy last month to submit articles.

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Head injuries are no fun, but this picture is! The folks at Motorcycle Helmets Direct have a message for you: “Keep that skull from cracking!” Motorcycle helmets help keep your brain in its place as our feline friend here is demonstrating.  If you ever get thrown from your motorcycle you can seriously injure your head and a DOT or SNELL approved helmet will be your best insurance policy against skull damage.  If you have an accident without a helmet you stand a good chance of suffering from skull damage, brain damage, or even death damage (the worst kind).  Although motorcycle helmets are not required by law in all states and world regions, I recommend you consider wearing one for your own good. Motorcyclists who are aware of the personal risks should consider wearing one to prevent avoidable injuries of a very serious nature…  such as skull damage, brain damage or death damage (the worst kind). You may think these helmets look silly, especially the one pictured above, but it will be difficult for you to ever ride a motorcycle again with half your brain missing… although there are quite a few people who succeed. You don’t want to be one of them!

The current selection of helmet offerings is vast, so nerdy looking bike helmets aren’t the only options on the market.  Many helmets are designed to be sleek, streamlined, and color conscious, so that you don’t stand out like a sore thumb driving down the highway. Unless, of course, you want to stand out like a sore thumb.  In that case there are quite a few hi-viz helmets available to choose from.  No matter what, I’m sure you can find a helmet that fits your style (and your head). Modern motorcycle helmets come in a wide variety of colors including everything from simple black motorcycle helmets  to stylish designer helmets that have funkadelic artwork, unique patterns, and bright colors. Your options certainly aren’t limited. You’ll probably have a hard time picking one due to all the different cool helmets out there.

When selecting a  bike helmet you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.  First, find one that fits your head properly.  The helmet should fit securely so that there’s little chance it flies off your head when you need it most. However, that doesn’t mean the helmet should be tight.  The right one will fit comfortably and securely on your head.  You’ll want to invest in a high quality helmet that will hold your skull together if it should happen to hit the road.  A cheap helmet isn’t a helmet you want protecting your skull/brain.  For that reason, always shop for one at a reputable motorcycle helmet dealer. Look for one that is DOT or SNELL approved so there’s little risk of purchasing a helmet that doesn’t meet the highest safety standards you can afford.

Once your new helmet is comfortably strapped on your invaluable skull you’ll be able to hit the road without the worry that your head won’t be protected should it happen to hit the road.

The above article is a guest submission by Brett Kasa, supported by Motorcycle Helmets Direct

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A HOG® Rally is a lot of fun! It is a benefit of being a HOG® member and is exclusive to members and their guests. It is an event for members put on by members. It is a volunteer effort planned, organized and run by HOG® members under the supervision of a HOG® Regional manager from Harley-Davidson.

In 2010 I served as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Delaware/Maryland State HOG® Rally. I am currently serving as the 2012 Site Coordinator. As is the standard for HOG® events our goal is to “Ride and Have Fun” safely and legally while abiding by the rules of our insurance liability policy. Event activities and entertainment are paid for by registration fee’s and sponsorship/advertising. Collecting sponsorship and advertising money is not 100% reliable so the amount of people that pre-register for the event dictate the budget for the event. The event is geared toward HOG® members who plan to enjoy the entire event which is usually a three day affair.

These events are restricted to HOG® members and their guests. Riding under the influence is not allowed. I would venture to say this is not an event for locals to come for the day and check it out or spectate during the bike games. On site registration is discouraged because the event staff will plan the event based of the money collected in the form of pre-registration. If a small number of people pre-register there won’t be much money to hire bands and other quality entertainment. If a lot of people show up at the rally to register on site there is a good chance that money will not be spent on the rally. It will probably go into a savings account. The key to having a good budget to work with and offer quality entertainment is pre-registrations.

If you are a HOG® member then I say you really should be taking advantage of this special member benefit. It is a party being put on by your fellow HOG® members for you! A group of HOG® members worked for the better part of a year to create a unique and fun rally for you! Don’t expect the usual bike week crap! This is not a profit driven event with hundreds of vendor filled tents selling you everything from pink goggles to chrome cup holders! The event is not meant to generate income. We try to spend all the money we take in on making this the best event for you. There will be games, rides and entertainment. You’ll make new friends and have a good time. Go ahead and get involved or plan to attend a few rallies. I’m hoping to attend three this year!

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I have to apologize for not blogging for the past 2 weeks. Life has been busy and I have not been riding. My career has been keeping me at work late and I have had road trips the past two weekends by cage. We have been through 8 states on some very scenic Interstates but I have to say the foliage although enjoyable is a little drab. Rainy and cloudy weather has not helped in making the trips all they could be but we enjoy traveling anyway; even by car or van. On our trip to Massachusetts for a family wedding we saw bright yellows, especially in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. On our trip to Canton, Ohio for HOG^® State Rally Training we caught a lot of Autumn color in Pennsylvania but today on the way back taking Rt 70 from Ohio through West Virginia and Pennsylvania and into Maryland it seemed like the mountains were nothing but burnt sienna, dark orange and brown. The bright reds and oranges one hopes for are not out there. Although mountains are always pretty, the foliage itself was not spectacular. Spent at least 16 hours in the drivers seat last weekend and then again this weekend. We got to see the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I’m Glad to be home.

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The October 2011 East Coast Biker online issue has been posted and you can check it out. Click here. See page 32 for Diana’s article: Shiny New Chrome. See page 32 for my review of Harrison’s Chesapeake House and Buddyfest.

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