So, it seems that Icon has made some pretty snazzy looking vests for our military personnel. Now, for some that may not know, when someone who works on a military base wants to ride their motorcycle to work, that have to wear all protective gear. Including, a vest that has reflective strips on it. Now, I’m sure everyone has seen them, those guys and girls riding down the road, full gear, military clothes, and on top of it all, that horrid bright yellow or orange mesh vest that the military requires. I have never been a fan of those yellow and orange mesh vests, and I have always thought I was really glad I didn’t work on a base to have to wear that. But the Interceptor Reflective Mesh Vest by ICON here, I would certainly wear that! Well, the one pictured at least. They do come in 3 colors, the regular yellow or orange, but then this black and camo one. Pretty sharp looking if you ask me.

“Icon has long recognized the unique riding requirements of the US military member. Our line of Mil-Spec products has lead the charge for high conspicuity gear that avoids the typical job site comparisons. The Mil-Spec Interceptor vest continues the unique Icon marriage of safety and style. The Interceptor’s chassis is purpose built of multiple material types. Ballistic nylon shoulder overlays provide abrasion resistance, reflective panels for nighttime visibility, and Fighter mesh belly and back panels allow enhanced airflow. Front zipper access, elastic side adjustment cords, and velcro ID holder complete the package.”  - Straight from the Icon website for this vest.

It appears to be retailing for around 65.00, which, for good protective gear, that isn’t really all that bad.

Now, for you ladies out there in the military that may not be into the whole black and camo thing and might prefer something a bit more feminine, they do have a vest for you TOO!  Talk about pretty in pink! Well, ya know, pink isn’t really for me, and if they came in purple, I’d be all over it. But yes, I know, some women enjoy pink. I’m just not one of them is all.

If you would like further information about either of these vests, or any of ICONS products, hit up there website. It’s www.rideicon.com

And no, before anyone asks, this was not paid advertisement from ICON. I actually just felt like this should be shared. I, personally, and glad to see a bit more fashion for our military riders. (Have I mentioned my detest for those ugly orange and yellow mesh things? No? Let me reiterate it then )

This ladies vest comes in 2 colors, the one shown and then a yellow one. Here’s the info off ICONS page about this vest/corset:  ”While many have tried to imitate the Icon Mil-Spec line, none can match our ingenuity. The Mil-Spec Corset vest continues Icon commitment to the evolution of high conspicuity riding gear. With a chassis constructed from breathable Fighter mesh and generous reflective paneling, the Corset vest meets all US military PPE hi-visibility requirements. Along with the feminine graphics package, the pattern features a slight tailoring of the torso and elastic adjusters for its women’s specific application. A front entry zipper and velcro ID holder complete the package.” This one also retails for the same 65.00

They have plenty more items to choose from, it’s just all up to your style and preference. I vote for next season, they add a purple one. Who’s with me? ……… No? No one? Ok fine then…. I guess I will just stick with the black and camo one then.

As always, all of this was of my own opinion, and whether you agree with it or not….. Well….

Hugs and Squeezes,

*SC*

Another year older, another year wiser…. Well, we would hope that old adage was true. Unfortunately when it comes to Politicians and motorcycles, it isn’t. Just in the last year alone some of the bills a few politicians have attempted to pass through to laws just astound me. Let’s look at a few key points, shall we?

In Illinois Rep. Flowers is yet again proposing a bill that would prohibit youth riding. And when I say “Yet again” this obviously isn’t the first time, nor is it the second time, but the THIRD time she has proposed this exact same bill. It would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or off-highway motorcycle (OHM). The proposed legislation would also make it illegal to transport a passenger on an ATV or OHM regardless of whether the vehicle is configured for a passenger. The bill would also require ATV and OHM riders to have valid driver’s licenses and wear helmets. Though the wording may be a bit different on this one, it is nearly identical to the bill she proposed in her last two sessions, which ultimately died in committee.

Another one, On April 5, 2011, the House of Representatives approved legislation that would make it illegal for anyone less than 9 years of age to operate an ATV. Gov. Nikki Haley (R) has indicated that she will sign the measure into law if it reaches her desk. The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Act, also known as “Chandler’s Law”, would not only make it illegal for anyone under the age of 9 to operate an ATV. It would also place limits on the use of ATVs by anyone under the age of 16. This legislation would have the state, which currently has no youth riding regulations in place, adopt an immediate sweeping prohibition as its first effort to enhance youth motorized recreation safety. This action would not be fair to the families who recreate responsibly on ATVs.

Now, on to Texas. Oh Texas, how I love thee, let me count the ways……. Hmmm, I must have forgotten how to count. On May 4th the House passed House bill 2470, which defines “sport bikes” as a separate class of motorcycles and places special restrictions on the operators of “sport bikes”. The bill would also require motorcycles designed to carry more than one person to be equipped with passenger foot pegs and handholds for use by the passenger. Though, it’s not the safety requirements for passengers that I’m griping about here. As those, for the most part, have always been there. It’s the fact that the definition for sportbike by their terms is so broad and vague that it has the potential of establishing a dangerous precedent of regulating motorcycles and motorcyclists differently based on this definition. It is so broad that it could very well be counterproductive to motorcycle safety.

Now, lets move on to two other States. Two of which I know will effect myself, as well as a few other riders I know. Virginia and Georgia.

In Virginia, The Arlington County Police Department of the Commonwealth of Virginia implemented a motorcycle-only checkpoint (MOC) during Rolling Thunder on May 28. Is this not discrimination? To me, this just seems wrong. Even if I didn’t ride a motorcycle, the fact of a motorcycle only check point would urk me. I mean, what, could they possibly be doing to call for such a drastic and ridiculous thing? Well, that is, what could they be doing that “Oh my goodness” someone driving in a car couldn’t, and probably was, doing.

Now that being said about Virginia…… On March 3, 2011, Sensenbrenner introduced H.R. 904. This bill would prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from providing grants or any funds to states or local governments to be used for any program to create MOCs. If you read that the way I did, it means that no state, city, or county would be provided any money or funding to implement a motorcycle only checkpoint. Am I reading it wrong? I must be, even though it seems pretty straight forward. But the fact of what it says didn’t stop Georgia.

The state of Georgia is the only recipient to receive grant to conduct motorcycle-only checkpoints.The Georgia Safety Patrol will conduct a series of roadside motorcycle safety checks in accordance with what was outlined in the Request for Applications. The amount of NHTSA funding for these motorcycle only checkpoints was $70,000.00. They say it’s for motorcycle safety, I however don’t believe this for one moment. Just wording and politician speak to get around the bill that is still waiting approval. Guess they wanted to sneak in there and get as much money as they could before/if it passes. While law enforcement officials may defend the program as a safety measure, there is no substanative proof of its effectiveness. The practice, first modeled in New York State, has drawn the ire of thousands of motorcyclists nationally.

I personally believe, if the NHTSA really wants to reduce motorcycle crashes they need to employ proven strategies. Like the rider education and motorcycle awareness programs that are out there. The courses already decrease the likelihood of crashes from occurring in the first place. These strategies must be research-based. Motorcyclists would be much better served by applying the funding to the national motorcycle crash causation study that is currently underway at Oklahoma State University.

Are we all full up of tomfoolery of politicians this morning? I know I am. So that’s about all I’m going to say for this morning. Here’s hoping all of you have a happy and safe 4th of July. And if you are out on your bikes today, let’s keep it safe, no need to give these politicians any additional ammo.

Hugs & squeezes,
*SC*

Talk about Johnny come lately…. But we have now eneterd the world of Blogging.

This is definately a new medium for us, but it can’t be that different…. right? Well, only time will tell.

Ok, so here is a little about us. We are a magazine in the works. We cover several different events, rides, etc. But our main focus is on the everyday rider. The one’s that make the motorcycle community what it is. The people that if it weren’t for them, there would be no following for the various motorcycle sports. We do interview several amateur as well as professional racers. But we also interview those not on the track. Just getting an insight to the day to day for riders.

“For the love of the sport” is one thing we live by. When we cover races, wether it be wera, CCS, or AMA, we choose riders that are doing it for their passion. Because it’s what they love, and not for the money that is possible to be made. We mainly only attend events in the southeast region as of now. So if you are in these areas, look for some of our team members at your next event. So, what in the near future can you expect to see from us….. hmmmmm? Well, we were recently at the Wera Sportsman Series at Road Atlanta, so expect to see an article coming soon on that, next up will be the same Series, just at Roebling Road Raceway on July 24th.

Guess I should go finish our piece about Road Atlanta and get off here, huh? Well, seems I will do just that. Here’s hoping a few people will find us on here and enjoy reading. I don’t plan on this as being as professional as our other articles that will be published in our magazine. But more of a “Behind the scenes” view of us, where we go, what we see, and just the general tomfoolery and shenanigans you find in any motorcycle community. After all, we are all riders, friends, racers, stunters, week-end warriors, any other names and areas you can come up with for this fantastic sport.

Oh, and before I head out, here’s wishing all those reading keeps it rubber side down.