Local police and rescue crews helped with a number of motorcycle accidents in Rochester, on Route 125 in Milton and on Route 22 in Lebanon, Maine. Fortunately, none of these accidents resulted in fatal outcomes, or in serious injuries.

Although last week was overwhelmingly filled with New England motorcycle accidents ranging from minor to several fatal crashes, the actual bike rally did not see any major accidents.

A motorcyclist wearing all the proper equipment crashed his motorcycle in an attempt to avoid colliding with a car on Carl Broggi Highway in East Lebanon near the intersection with Creamery Hill Road, and suffered only minor injuries. Luckily for the biker, a 57-year-old man from Woodridge, his protective gear (including a motorcycle helmet, and a leather coat and gear) saved him from serious injuries.

A similar crash occurred on Farmington Road in Rochester at the entrance to Little Miss Sophie’s. Another motorcyclist experienced some scraping when he fell to avoid a collision with another vehicle, Fosters.com reported.

Fortunately, none of the motorcyclists leaving Laconia on Sunday suffered fatal crashes, especially since the nice weather lured people out of their homes and increased the traffic on all nearby highways and roads.

This year me and my friend Phil Borriello, who owns P B Chopper Shop in Londonderry, will be riding around Laconia on a new Chopper fabricated and built by Phil in his shop…This bike is really one of a kind. It has a Corvette LS-6 all aluminium motor, a 360 rear tire and hand formed sheet metal…

Phil who has hand built maybe 200 motorcycles has outdone himself with this bike. Since the bike is literally being finished today we have not had time to get it to the paint shop. So if you see a chopper in Laconia with a V8 motor in bare metal-that’s us..

If you see us at the rally be sure to say hello. Phil will be happy to show you the bike and explain how and why he built it.

Below are a few photos of the bike…If you like it or have any questions write back and let me know…Have a fun and safe rally.

Tom 
 

Looks good, even in bare metal, don't you think?

Phil and his amazing creation

Here are my top 7 reasons to buy a motorcycle in 2010:

• Great Deals: Deals on new motorcycles can be found at nearly every motorcycle dealer in the country. With a little cash, you can find great used motorcycles from someone looking to liquidate luxury items. This may be the best time to get a very low price or great financing deal.

• Popularity: Motorcycles have been making a bit of a comeback over recent years and this is a great time to meet new riders. Motorcycle riders forge a great community and buying a motorcycle now could open up a completely new social network.

• Women Riders: Women are flocking to motorcycles more and more each year. For women looking to start riding, Harley Davidson is hosting Garage Parties to encourage women to meet, learn, and ride.

• Social Outlet: As motorcycling gains popularity, more and more motorcycle events are springing up around the country. There is nothing quite like a packed bike night or motorcycle event.

• Stress Relief: During these tough economic and social times, it’s great to have an activity that relieves stress. Nothing is better for relieving stress than a nice ride around town or on the open highway.

• Motorcycle Fuel Economy: Summer is coming and with that comes high fuel prices. Motorcycles are great ways to save on fuel costs in the summer. Motorcycles can frequently get between 30-70 miles per gallon.

• 3 Wheelers: If two wheeling is not for you, then there are great options for 3-wheeled vehicles. Cam Am Spyder and Harley Street Glide Trike make great three wheel machines that offer increased stability and open-air excitement.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start riding. Just remember to do it safely by completing a motorcycle safety course and getting the appropriate motorcycle gear before you hit the open road.

Hi, I’m Tom Kiley, and when my buddies and I go riding we always put safety first. Get a free copy of my motorcycle book for some valuable riding tips. And if you or loved one are ever hurt in the Massachusetts area, contact the Kiley Law Group for legal advice from a real motorcycle attorney.

Last year’s major motorcycle events did not disappoint so I’m guessing that the 2010 versions will do everything possible to be even bigger. If that’s the case, then everyone attending is in for a real treat.

I know it’s probably impossible to attend all of these events but attending any one of them will be a thoroughly satisfying experience.

Here are my top 4, can’t miss events for 2010 in no specific order:

Daytona Bike Week: The 69^th Annual Daytona Bike Week in Daytona Beach, FL is scheduled for Feb. 26 – Mar. 7, 2010 and the buzz is already going around. Last year’s event was massive and one of the largest biker rallies in the world. All you have to do is take a look at the 2009 pictures to see what this event is all about. Come for one day or the whole week and you’ll want to come back year after year.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: With less than 230 days until the 2010 Sturgis Rally in South Dakota, the count down is on. More of a pilgrimage than a motorcycle rally, bikers from all over the world ride through the Black Hills of South Dakota to get to this Mecca of the biker universe. Unfortunately, Harley dealer Bruce Rossmeyer lost his life while riding to the event so hopefully the 2010 event will be both bigger and safer for all.

Biketoberfest: Twice a year, Daytona Beach, FL becomes the center of the motorcycle world. First comes Bike Week, then Biketoberfest in the Fall. The 2010 event is scheduled for October 14-17 and while this event is shorter than Daytona Bike Week, it does not disappoint. Filled with bikes, babes, and beer, Biketoberfest is a fall classic for bikers.

Hogs on the High Seas: This event does not involve riding a motorcycle however it’s slowly becoming one of the most highly sought after biker events around. Scheduled for Oct. 31 – Nov. 7, 2010, this event is a Caribbean cruise with bikers, great giveaways, and great times. It’s a great way to enjoy the best of biker events and to relax.

Mark your calendars not so you can plan to hit one or several of these events in 2010!

Common sense prevails when it comes to safety for bikers. But for some reason, bikers (myself included) are still not doing all the things we need to do to ride safely.

As 2010 approaches, here are a few things that all bikers need to lay to rest in 2009.

• Riding under the influence: Riding a motorcycle under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication is just about the dumbest thing a biker can do. Anything that alters a biker’s ability to read and react to dynamic road situations can spell disaster.

• Riding with strangers: Riding with a bunch of new riders sounds like fun but it is also very dangerous. Without knowing the riders, their riding habits, their sobriety, and their skill level, you can be putting yourself in a very dangerous situation. If you decide to ride with strangers in a group, make sure to ride staggered so that everyone has lots of space to maneuver.

• Speed Freaks/Stunt Riders: Speed freaks and stunt riders give all bikers a bad name among law enforcement, motorists, and other bikers. Excessive speed is great but only on a race track. Stunts are great but only in a controlled and safe environment. Do not get tempted into racing or stunting while riding on public roads. You will eventually either get seriously injured (or worse), arrested, or have to pay a big fine.

• Riding Dirty: The days of riding without a valid motorcycle endorsement are over. Everyone who rides a motorcycle needs to take the steps to acquire a valid license. Both new riders and experienced ones who do not have a motorcycle endorsement need to take a motorcycle rider safety course even if they are not required by law. They are very helpful and everyone can benefit from them.

• Lack of Gear: All riders need to wear DOT helmets, gloves, eye wear, and all other protective gear. Without it, even a minor accident can cause major injuries.

As we enter a New Year, let’s leave all the bad habits back in 2009. We were lucky those bad habits didn’t hurt us but if we keep doing them, 2010 could be a painful year.

Giant Motorcycle Swap Meets in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin bring together bikers and motorcycle vendors to create the perfect place to buy, sell, or trade all types of motorcycle parts, equipment, and apparel.

Since 1975, Giant Motorcycle Swap Meets have been putting together motorcycle events in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and central Michigan along with Milwaukee, WI and Cleveland, OH. The low cost for both vendors and bikers has contributed to the ongoing success of these events.

For Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin bikers, Giant Motorcycle Swap Meets are great places to find motorcycle parts and accessories not available in stores or online. With events scheduled for 2009 and 2010, makes sure stop in and check it out. You will be pleasantly surprised.

The holiday season is rapidly approaching and it is likely that many families will have to do without their normal holiday festivities. Cutting back for the holidays may be a necessary inconvenience for adults, but for children it seems especially hard.

Participating in the 22^nd Annual Christmas Toys in the Sun Run sponsored by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Seminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino can help make the holiday season great for children and families in need.

The 22^nd Annual Christmas Toys in the Sun Run will be on Sunday, December 6^th starting at 9:45AM at the Pompano Harness Race Track located at located on Powerline Rd. between Atlantic Blvd. and Cypress Creek Rd. The parade of motorcycles will proceed 26 miles ending at Broward County Markham Park located at 136^th and State Road 84. The cost of this year’s event is $10 plus a toy. Participants can opt to purchase a toy at Markham Park or contribute an extra $10 donation.

Since the inception of this event, more than $20 million dollars in toys for children and over $7 million dollars in cash donations have been raised for local beneficiaries like Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, North Broward Hospital District, the Children’s Health Foundation, and the Boys & Girls Club.

This event has been sponsored by the South Florida President’s Council of Motorcycle Clubs & Organizations (SFPC), over 30 motorcycle clubs,  20 police departments, and several hundred police officers. Last year, over 30,000 bikers participated in the event and riders came from across the country to participate.

Besides contributing to the South Florida community, this event is lots of fun. There will be food, drinks, music, activities, raffles, a bike show, and much more. There will also be over 100 vendors at the event selling motorcycle accessories and other items. Roads on the parade route will be blocked off so that spectators can watch all of the Harleys, sport bikes, and custom cruisers rumble by.

The Christmas Toys in the Sun Run is unofficially the largest motorcade, as well as a fantastic motorcycle event. It also has a historically larger turnout in biker participation than the well known California Love Ride.

South Florida bikers should come together to make this the biggest Toy Run yet and  a great holiday for children in need. For more information or VIP registration information, please visit the Christmas Toys in the Sun Run website.

Like driving a car, riding a motorcycle requires concentration. The major difference is that when riding a motorcycle, there is no such thing as a ‘fender bender.’ Even slow speed accidents can cause major injuries or death. Needless to say, bikers do not need unnecessary distractions while on the road.

Being able to communicate while on a motorcycle seems like a great idea. Whether commuting to work, riding in a motorcycle event, or trekking cross country, having the ability to call someone has some merit.

Here are some benefits of motorcycle communication devices.

• Ability to coordinate with fellow bikers: Bikers are able to talk on the fly and make changes to their course, destination, and other key issues.
• Getting directions on the fly: Allows users to get directions from other bikers or from someone at the end destination without stopping
• Sharing information with riders at the rear of a pack: When riding in a large group, pack members at the back can receive updates from the front.
• Communicating technical problems: Bikers in groups can quickly communicate and receive information about breakdowns so that no one is left behind

While being able to talk to fellow bikers or others while riding has merit, the pitfalls are larger than the benefits.

• Full face helmet required: Wind noise has to be minimized for communication devices to work. Riders who wear smaller helmets cannot use these devices in most cases.
• Distracts the rider: Talking through a communication device while riding is a huge distraction and makes riding a motorcycle even more dangerous
• Limits ability to hear: Hearing the sounds of the road is part of safe driving. Limiting the ability to hear is dangerous.
• Expensive: These devices cost several hundred dollars

There is no reason to make motorcycle riding more technical or more dangerous than it has to be. If you have a breakdown or other issue, pull over and call someone from a cell phone. When riding in a pack, use the buddy system and motorcycle hand signals to communicate.

The last thing the open road needs are more distracted drivers.

Biker dating websites make finding and dating fellow bikers a bit easier.

Bikers are typically easy to find. Just look for a location with a bunch of motorcycles and you’ll find a bunch of bikers. Dating a biker is not always that easy. Motorcycle events are not always geared towards having conversations about anything other than bikes.

Biker websites also give bikers and easier way to meet bikers in other states.

Here are a few biker websites to try.

• http://www.bikerpassions.com
• http://www.bikerkiss.com
• http://www.bikermatchmaking.com
• http://www.bikerplanet.com

Some of these sites offer more than just dating services. Some offer social networking, motorcycle forums, used bike sales, and motorcycle safety tips. Some of these sites offer services at a small monthly fee others are free to register and browse.

If you’ve tried other dating sites in the past, why not try a motorcycle specific dating site? Who knows, you may find that special someone that also has a Harley Davidson.

Bikers love to show off their bikes, talk about their most recent motorcycle adventures, and exhibit their extreme knowledge of everything motorcycle related. Although bikers like to brag and boast, there always seems to be a spirit of camaraderie, friendship, and community at biker events.

For new bikers, bikers who relocate, or those looking for new friends, meetup.com is a great source to find bikers and motorcycle events.

Meetup.com is a website featuring a large network of local groups. These groups are generally formed around activities, hobbies, or common interests. Individuals can search for specific groups, join the group, and receive emails about upcoming events. Individuals can also start a group for a small fee. Members are able to join as many groups as they like completely free of charge.

When joining meetup.com, a new member creates a profile including location, areas of interest, pictures, and a bio. Different photos and bios can be created for different groups that a new member joins. If there is not a local group fitting the interest of the new member, the new member can create search terms so when a suitable group is created, the new member will receive a notification.

Using the search phrase “motorcycle riders” within 100 miles of Palm Beach County, Florida, 23 motorcycle groups were found with membership ranging from 14 to 179 members. Some of the upcoming events posted by a few of these groups include bike nights, weekend rides, a Ducati Club Meeting, a beginning motoX event, and a charity ride.

Depending on the location, the number of groups may vary. With over 5 million members, 179,000 monthly events, meetup groups in over 11,000 cities, and over 8000 different meetup group topics, it is likely there is a motorcycle group close by. There are lots of sources for finding motorcycle events and other bikes but none are as comprehensive as meetup.com.