BookGoodies Author Interview May 2017

Read my author interview on BookGoodies here:

 

BookGoodies Author Interview May 2017

What is ABATE?

ABATE is an acronym that originally stood for “A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments”, but has since taken on several different but similar meanings: “American Bikers Against Totalitarian Enactments”, “American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education”, “American Bikers for Awareness, Training & Education”, “American Bikers Aimed Towards Education” and “American Bikers Advocating Training & Education”.

The idea for ABATE was conceived in 1972 by Lou Kimzey, editor of the biker magazine Easyriders. Lou, as well as many others, was beginning to feel the heat from state and federal lawmakers who sought to put pressure on the biker world by enacting restrictions focused mainly on motorcycle modification. Choppers, motorcycles that have been stripped down to their bare essentials and enhanced with sky-high sissy bars and grossly extended forks, were deemed unsafe by the U.S. DOT (Department of Transportation) and thus began the relentless pressure that chopper enthusiasts still face today.

As Kimzey was calling for unification in the biker world to fight these restrictions and laws, others were forming similar groups such as the MMA or Modified Motorcycle Organization and other biker rights groups. These sprung up all over the country and in 1974, Easyriders began to offer charters as well as publish contact information so that others could get involved and organized.

Here in California, as early 1966 mandatory helmet legislation was in place, but at the time, the only groups who publicly opposed it were the motorcycle clubs such the Hells Angels who even staged a good, old fashioned 1960’s style sit in on the state capitol lawn (so it is rumored). Clearly, there was a need for organization and a voice to legitimize the biker world.

Over the years, ABATE has faced much criticism. Because of its roots in the outlaw motorcycle world, it has been often looked upon as a group of unruly upstarts who buck the system under the guise of individual freedom. Often times, the charters meet up at local taverns to organize, discuss and make plans, which make it appear as if they advocate reckless behavior over safety. Many have publicly criticized the organization only to be met with a swift rebuttal that oftentimes harkens back to our Founding Fathers and how they did much of their own planning in America’s taverns to fight for individual freedoms and fight oppressive tyranny.

Despite the nay-sayers, ABATE has been extremely successful in organizing bikers all over the country. Their list of accomplishments, made mostly through perseverance and insistent involvement in local and state politics, is impressive. It includes such things as ensuring that high performance sport bike riders receive full coverage insurance; opening the HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes to motorcycles and defeating laws against lane-splitting. ABATE has also been extremely supportive of the CMSP (California Motorcycle Safety Program); the promotion of May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month and making the Purple Heart license plates available to motorcyclists. Local charters are also involved in charities and food drives that provide food to needy families and individuals at holiday time.

Currently, the organization has thirty charters here in California with two in Orange County. If you would like to get involved in preserving biker rights, opposing or supporting specific legislation or getting involved in charity work, contact Steve Howe (Local #8) at santabeard@yahoo.com.

Why Ride a Motorcycle?

I’ve mentioned this before in a previous blog, but I remember when taking the MSF riding course many years ago the instructor asked the class this very question. Several tentative hands shot up and gave answers like fuel economy, parking advantages and other practical reasons. The instructor nodded his head, “Yes, yes, those are all good reasons,” he said. “But what about for fun?”

While some people may arguably start out riding a motorcycle because of the benefits it provides economically, practically and environmentally, those people I feel are few and far between. Most people have a desire to ride a motorcycle for more esoteric reasons. After all, using a motorcycle for transportation isn’t a necessity it is a passion in most cases.

Riding (as opposed to driving) requires absolute concentration and awareness. It is demanding both physically and mentally and challenging as well. You must become super aware of your surroundings, of other vehicles on the road. You must pay attention to weather and road conditions. You must know your motorcycle intimately; its power, maneuverability and limitations as well as your own. On a motorcycle, you must practice “present moment living”.

The most acute sensation while riding a motorcycle is that of being in the scene. In a car, you are completely closed in and have many available distractions to pass the time: radio, cell phones, GPS devices, mini televisions, air conditioning, etc. You are in effect in an environment that mimics that of your home or office with all the comforts those provide. You are looking at the outside world from a closed off point of view, surrounded by thousands of pounds of metal, glass and rubber. Driving a car is, for the most part, unengaging.

While car drivers generally see other drivers as competitors, motorcycle riders see other riders as companions. There is a great camaraderie amongst motorcycle riders, a feeling of being part of a giant family or community. Rarely is there hostility between riders like you see with drivers. We’ve all seen the one or two fingered low wave that bikers give one another as opposed to the middle finger salute that drivers frequently share between themselves!

Motorcycle riding involves passion and a sense of freedom through intense oneness with the machine and one’s surroundings. Unlike cars, motorcycles provide riders with the thrill of risk-taking, adventure, escapism and individuality. On a motorcycle all of your senses become heightened. You smell everything from pine or eucalyptus trees to blooming jasmine and orange blossoms; burned fuel and oil; rain, sea or lake water and even skunks and roadkill. You can more acutely detect temperature drops or increases and can feel the wind rushing around you as the road flashes beneath you only inches from your feet.

In my novel and the upcoming sequel, I often use a motorcycle ride as a form of therapy for several of my characters. Because you must be fully engaged in what you and others are doing as well as your surroundings, motorcycle riding can help clear your head of the chatter that drives most of us crazy every day. If you do it right, you can achieve that Zen state of being in the Now.

Lane-Splitting in California

California is the only state where lane-splitting (or filtering) is legal.  By legal, I mean that it is permitted, but there are no official laws regarding the practice:

California law does not allow or prohibit motorcycles from passing other vehicles proceeding in the same direction within the same lane, a practice often called “lane splitting,” “lane sharing” or “filtering.” (DMV.ca.gov)

Lane-slitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction in order to avoid being rear-ended, which accounts for about a quarter of all accidents involving a motorcycle and car.

The debate between both motorcyclists and motorists who oppose the practice and those that support it has been ongoing for years now.  Studies and statistics aside, bikers have been slitting lanes in California for decades and most of those who share the road with them are likely not even aware of the ambiguity surrounding its legality.

A bill was put forth last year (AB 51) attempting to put guidelines on the practice, thus making it legal with certain restrictions.  AB 51 was authored by Assemblyman Dan Quirk (D-Hayward) and included guidelines such as speed limits while lane-splitting (motorcyclists could go no faster than 15 MPH above the moving traffic and no faster than 50 MPH overall).  A two-year study on lane-splitting by UC Berkeley concluded that riders who employed the practice were safer than those who sat in place in traffic, thus increasing their vulnerability to be hit from behind. AB51 has been put aside for now so supporters can have more time to work on the measure.

There are car drivers who intensely dislike lane-splitting and even some who go out of their way to inhibit it by blocking the motorcyclist’s way or, incredibly, opening car doors on them.  While this is not the norm, it is of note here because of the amount of tourists California has on the road at any given time.  Riders who rent motorcycles here in California should bear in mind that although the practice of lane-splitting is not new, it is still disliked by many local drivers who view it as an unsafe and unfair way for motorcyclists to avoid traffic.  In addition, there is also danger from out-of-state drivers who might not be aware of lane-splitting.

If you have questions or concerns about lane-splitting, be sure to talk to the guys at OC Motorcycle when you rent your bike and route your trip. Vigilance is the key when riding a motorcycle and if you are new to riding or not familiar with California driving and traffic patterns, lane-splitting should be avoided.

OC Entertainment Venues: The Coach House

The Coach House has been a staple in Orange County for as long as I can remember. I cannot count the number of shows that I have seen here over the past thirty years, but it is quite a few.

Located in San Juan Capistrano, the Coach House has a full bar and dinner menu is just about Orange County’s only independent live music venue. It seats close to 500 people, which means that whoever you see here, it will be an intimate experience. Their yearly line-up is varied and interesting and features local artists, fantastic cover and tribute bands and top-notch artists from every music genre. I have seen blues greats Buddy Guy and Albert Collins here as well as classic acts like Gordon Lightfoot, Donovan and Mick Taylor; rising stars like the Black Crowes before they were big and fantastic tribute bands like Mick Adams and the Stones, Desperado and Wild Child.

Dinner reservations are encouraged and will get you a seat closer to the stage, but be aware that the seating is “roadhouse style” and you will be sitting with strangers at long wooden tables. Drinks and food are on the overpriced side, but the service is usually very good. When the room is packed to capacity, it can get rather stuffy inside and the only reprieve from the heat is to step outside onto the patio, which is most commonly used a smoking section.

Despite the rustic, old school atmosphere, the Coach House should be lauded and patronized for its commitment to high quality acts and being able to withstand the test of time. The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. Check their website for upcoming shows and to view their dinner menu.

The Coach House is about 25 miles south of OC Motorcycle and is conveniently located near Dana Point Harbor for daytime fun like whale watching.

Day Trip: Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear

With spring comes warmer weather and the thawing of snow in our local Southern California mountains. There’s nothing quite like turning off the freeway and heading up into higher elevations, twisty mountain roads and pine-scented fresh air.

Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear are located in the San Bernadino mountain range and are within easy riding distance of OC Motorcycle. Heading north on CA-57 you will then need to continue east on CA-60, then north again on CA-15 and east on CA-210 before hitting CA-18, known as the “Rim of the World” highway for its breathtaking views of the valley below. Be aware of heavy traffic on weekends and that the area is regularly patrolled by the CHP and local police, so watch your speed. Riding time is approximately an hour and a half.

Lake Arrowhead is a lovely mountain town with the charm of an Alpine village. Although Lake Arrowhead itself is privately owned, Lake Gregory draws fishermen, nature lovers and water skiers in the summer months while the two villages, Lake Arrowhead and Blue Jay, offer shopping and dining in abundance. From May until September, the Summer Concert Series entertains locals and visitors alike with quality tribute bands that cover nearly every important artist from the Beatles, the Doors, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd to Depeche Mode and Garth Brooks. Concerts are free and take place on the main stage in Lake Arrowhead Village. In October, the town puts on one of the best Octoberfests in Southern California. Be sure and visit Wildhaven Ranch sanctuary, home to indigenous critters that are unable to live in the wild anymore.

My local friend recommends several restaurants to eat at including Hortencia’s Mexican Restaurant, Lou Eddie’s Pizza and the grill at the Antlers Inn. If you plan on staying overnight, accommodations can be booked through Lake Arrowhead Retreats (Arrowhead Retreats).

If you intend to head to Big Bear also, you’ll need to get back onto CA-18 and then CA-38, a nice scenic highway that at one point achieves the distinction of being one of the highest roads in Southern California. Big Bear is about another hour and a half ride from Lake Arrowhead.

Big Bear Lake offers all manner of water sports from kayaking to paddle boarding and, of course, fishing. In addition, the town offers visitors hiking, parasailing, helicopter rides, horseback riding, golf and even bowling. Big Bear is home to one of the country’s only alpine solar observatories and there is a zoo, too!

Fun and delicious dining can be had all over the village from Noble Roman’s Pizza, Big Bear Mountain Brewery, The Cowboy Steakhouse & Saloon and The Cave where live music sets the pace every weekend.

Both Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear offer hiking and camping, but you’ll need to obtain a California Adventure Pass which can be purchased at the Lake Arrowhead Ranger Station or Visitors Center as well as some local businesses.

If you are looking for the perfect escape from the city, Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are the perfect destinations for a day or weekend trip. And with the beautiful scenery and fresh mountain air, getting there on a motorcycle is a big part of the pleasure. Be sure and call OC Motorcycle to reserve a bike or two and hit the highway soon!

 

Day Trip: Joshua Tree National Park

 

Joshua Tree National Park is a place that holds a lot of mystery and other-worldly beauty. It is home to the iconic Joshua tree, surreal boulder formations and panoramic views. Back in the late Sixties, it was also the location of a now-infamous desert photo shoot and undoubtedly enlightening trip made by friends Keith Richards and Gram Parsons. Later, of course, Parsons would be found dead in the Joshua Tree Inn, his body becoming the subject of a truly twisted rock ‘n’ roll tale.

In addition to its musical history, Joshua Tree is host to some 700 species of plant life and around 240 bird species, including the occasional pelican who makes its way over from the nearby Salton Sea. Joshua Tree is rich in Native American and California history as well and its haunting beauty is a must-see for all who visit or call Southern California home.

From Orange County, head north on the 55, then east on the 91 toward Riverside for about 30 miles before reaching the 60. Head east for another 18 miles or so. You will then need to get onto I-210E for about 22 miles before reaching the 62, which will take you into the park after 43 miles or so.

If you’ve never seen them before, you may be taken aback by the wind farms on the 62. These giant white turbines make you feel as if you’re on some alien planet and they were not placed out there haphazardly. This portion of the road can get very windy, so be prepared if you’re on a lighter bike.

A great stop before reaching the National Park is at Hutchins Harley-Davidson in Yucca Valley. With an attached 1950’s style diner and a vintage motorcycle museum, it’s a perfect place to grab some breakfast or lunch.

A second detour from the 62 is to head down Old Woman Road and check out Giant Rock, the largest free-standing boulder in the world. Nearby is the truly spacey Integratron, built in 1959 by UFO enthusiast George Van Tassel. The all-wooden 35-foot high dome is said to be an acoustically perfect structure where today you can experience a neuroacoustic sound bath or perhaps attend a UFO symposium.

Once inside the park, you will likely be overcome with visual stimuli from all corners of your vision. The roads inside the park are meant for meandering and enjoying the sights, so take your time and stop often. The liquid-like rock formations and hundreds of Joshua tree sentinels are spectacular to say the least. Be sure and drive up to Key View for an incredible view from a 5,185 foot elevation. You can see Mt. San Jacinto, Cochella Valley and on a clear day, the Salton Sea from this vantage point.

When you’re finally ready to leave, simply head back to Orange County the way you came or map out a back route through Box Canyon and Mecca, down through Borrego Springs and then make your way back to CA-5 N toward Orange County.

Orange County is Preferable to Los Angeles

These days, staying behind what is sometimes affectionately referred to as the “Orange Curtain” isn’t such a bad thing. With Los Angeles ranking in as America’s second largest city (behind New York), it’s no wonder that traveling beyond the Orange County line is looking less and less desirable every year.

The traffic is Los Angeles County is notorious for gridlock, accidents, ill-timed roadwork and more. To get anywhere, commuters need to plan their “escape” well, taking in time of day (which seems to matter less and less), roadwork and conditions, weather and ultimate destination. Leaving early doesn’t help, nor does heading out on an “off day”. Most people just get into their cars or hop on their motorcycles and hope for the best while relying on radio reports, GPS, tips and traffic apps like WAZE.

We here in Orange County have it comparatively better. Of course there is still plenty of traffic, but it’s not nearly as mind-numbing as it is in our dear sister county to the north. Locals know that weekday mornings on the 405 are slow, but that’s because people are going to work. Likewise, the 55S will be backed up during the summer with beach-goers.
Usually, there is a specific reason for the traffic here in OC and because of that, it is easier to deal with. Well, somewhat. No one likes to sit in traffic, but it just seems less hopeless and downright depressing here.

If you’re on a motorcycle, splitting lanes is an option here in California. Doing so in congested Los Angeles County is much more dangerous, especially with desperate drivers recklessly changing lanes or illegally crossing over in to the carpool lane without warning.

Besides, there’s plenty to see and do here in our smaller, less congested county. Renting a motorcycle from OC Motorcycle and heading out onto the highways and roads here in Orange County is easier and more pleasurable than dealing with the ins and outs of Los Angeles and her environs.

With fall approaching, it’s a great time to reserve a bike from OC Motorcycle and explore our laid back and beautiful county!

Motorcycle Phone Mounts

Mounting your phone on your motorcycle can be advantageous for several different reasons. The phone can double as either a music source (when coupled with speakers or a Bluetooth), as a camera for taking pictures on the ride or as navigational tool when used with GPS.

Phone mounts come in several different styles and price ranges and you’ll need to consider your own needs when choosing the one that will work best for you. Besides the above, you’ll also need to take into consideration your phone’s specifics such as size and if it has a case or not. You may also want to consider a waterproof mount or cover to protect your phone from the elements.

While you will probably charge your phone fully before going out on a ride, you may also want to consider alternative ways to be able to charge your phone on the road. There are two different methods to do this and both are simple. The first is to simply connect the phone directly to the bike’s battery via a mini or micro USB harness. The second way is more permanent and involves mounting a USB power port on your bike’s dash, handlebars, tank, etc. and then wiring it to a switched circuit like a headlight. Once properly mounted, you’ll have a permanent and handy charging outlet that can also be used for GPS devices or cameras as well as your phone.

The staff at OC Motorcycle can help you with advice on phone mounts and covers that will work best for your individual needs, so stop in or give them a call today.

Use a GoPro to Capture Your Motorcycle Rides

With technology moving at the speed of light, it is easier than ever to share your motorcycle rides with your friends and family or even online with everyone.

GoPro, the mountable camera that is specifically designed for capturing action, was invented by surfer Nick Woodman in 2002. Since then, it’s evolved into the most versatile and popular recorders of our time.

There are several GoPro models ranging in price from $130.00 up to $500.00. In addition, there are many different methods for mounting the camera to various body parts, helmets, bike parts. By comparison, the mounts are extremely affordable, starting at $15.00 and going up to around $60.00.

While mounting the GoPro to your helmet is the easiest way to get footage, it’s the most common method out there. There are three different positions that the camera can be mounted-the top, side or chin. All of these will provide a nice POV, but can be a little disorienting to the viewer with your head movements. Also, the added profile can cause wind drag.

GoPros can also be mounted to the chest with a special harness. This method is good for off-road riding and for highlighting the handlebars and controls.

It can actually be much better to mount the GoPro to various parts of your bike. Several places can accommodate the camera including the handlebars, crash bars, passenger pegs or even the tail end of the bike. Each position provides a different POV, most are secure and unencumbered, but most can be affected by bike vibrations. Both GoPro and YouTube offer editing software/options to significantly reduce this for playback.

There are many different mounting gear options, or you can even get creative. Some riders have mounted the GoPro on the swing arm, the saddlebags, or even built custom mounts.

The best way to get started is to simply begin experimenting. Remember that camera settings will also have an effect of the quality of your video, so consult your manual or the Internet for user tips.

OC Motorcycles can help you with any questions you may have. They carry and sell both the GoPro cameras and accessories, so stop by today and start making your memories last.