Finding the right mechanic can be a challenge.   You don't want to had your bike over to just anyone.  Over and above the value you receive for your money, you need to be confident that your safety is not jeopardized.  Look for a mechanic before you actually need one.   Start with something simple to get to know him/her, e.g. an oil change.   Here are more recommendations:

1. Remember that at some point you will almost certainly need to leave your bike so make sure that the location is convenient and secure.
2. Get credible information on the service level.  Make sure you understand their Customer Satisfaction Policy.  Word of mouth can be good - ask other riders about their experience.  Use advice from forums cautiously;   you don’t know who you’re talking to and some people can sound very good and be very inaccurate. 
3. Base your decision on the complete service package rather than on price alone. Cheaper service doesn’t always mean better service.
4. Visit the shop.  Look for proof of certification and licenses.  The shop and maintenance bays should be neat and organized and carry up-to-date equipment that can accurately diagnose your bike.
5. Ask for references from previous customers; ask customers that are already in the shop.   Be objective.
6. Ask what types of parts  they use when repairing your bike and if they are brand name, used or refurbished.
7. Talk to the service representative.  Look for staff that are helpful, courteous and explain the procedure in a manner that you understand.
8. Inspect the bike before paying the bill. Take a test drive to see that all is working well.
9. Since most repair shops highly value customer satisfaction, give them objective and constructive feedback.   Let them know what excelled about their service and what opportunities there are for improvement.

Bonus:   Trillium Motorcycle Tours & Events offers DIY Maintenance courses where you can ride in and learn on your own bike – including oil changes.  These are extremely cost effective and even if you decide not to do the service yourself, you can save valuable time and money by knowing what to look for and catching potential problems before they become debilitating – for you or your bike!

Every ride is an adventure. We just don’t know what the nature of that adventure will be. While being broken down in the middle of nowhere can add excitement and intrigue, it can also be annoying and dangerous. The Boy Scout’s motto: “Be Prepared” is always a good adage to follow.

Even the smallest bikes have a few nooks and crannies to store essentials. All bikes come with a spartan tool kit. They’ll get you by in a pinch but it’s good to carry a few extras. These items don’t take a lot of space and you can usually find enough under the seat or behind a side panel. In addition to having your owner’s manual is on board, here are the top ten others.

1. Multi-headed screwdriver
2. LED Flashlight
3. Motorcycle jumper cables
4. Assorted allen keys
5. Assorted box and crescent wrenches
6. Fuel line or siphoning hose
7. Versatool
8. Fasteners - tie-wraps, electrical tape, duct tape
9. Spare fuses
10. Replacement brake light and headlights

BONUS: It’s a good idea to carry an affinity card – like AAA/CAA Plus, AMA -- that will cover you and your bike for emergency towing.

Beyond carrying these tools and your manual, it’s a good idea to know how to use them and be familiar with your bike’s basic maintenance requirements. Taking Maintenance 101 builds confidence, awareness and independence. It increases safety, motorcycle performance and longevity. It reduces costs.

Trillium Motorcycle Tours & Events is offering their final DIY Maintenance Workshop for 2011 on September 10th. Learn the basics on your own bike and be prepared when the unexpected occurs.   Details and Registration.

Motorcycles, Maintenance and Empowerment - The Connection

Ever since the first steam-engine motorcycle appeared in 1867, motorcycles have held a certain mystique. Basically, a bike is a piece of metal and a few other materials on two wheels. Yet so many people shrink away from even the simplest maintenance, thinking it’s beyond them.

Who knew that the basics in an owner’s manual could teach us as much about ourselves as they teach about the bike? I don’t understand all the mechanical, technical and electrical complexities of my bike. I do know, however, that even a little bit of knowledge demystifies it. 

Getting started is simple.   Over and above your increased safety and reduced costs, here’s what you’ll find:

• You’ve got the tools.   The tools that come with your bike are all you need to get started, other than a tire pressure gauge.   
• The basics are easy.  Get out your owner’s manual and try it. Start with the routine things; checking tires for wear, air pressure, oil level, chain tension and lubrication (if you have a chain drive).  Not only will your bike perform better and last longer, it’s much safer.
• You can do more than you realized.  Even small successes breed confidence.  Accomplishing something we thought was out of our league prepares us for the next challenge.  We learn we’re capable of far more than we gave ourselves credit for and are encouraged to try new things.
• You’re a much more confident rider.  Without the understanding, you don’t know what you don’t know. Hence, you get out on the road and you have no idea what could go wrong, nor would you be prepared if it did.   If you routinely check your bike, you know it’s in good repair and it’s not likely to let you down.   You can detect potential problems before they get out of hand.
• Self-Discovery.  You don't know you can do something like that until you do. Too many people give up before they start or even get close to being a success, because they tell themselves it can’t be done. Or they’ve been told they can’t do it. Think of the message that’s playing to your subconscious.
• Greater awareness.  You know it’s done and it’s done right. Just doing it helps you understand how it works.  Then you don’t feel like you’re at the mercy of an unscrupulous mechanic. 

Learning Maintenance 101 builds confidence, awareness and independence. It increases safety, motorcycle performance and longevity. It reduces costs. Before you go for your next ride, take a few moments and learn something new about your bike.  You'll be amazed at how empowering it is!

Trillium Motorcycle Tours & Events is offering their final DIY Maintenance Workshop for 2011 on September 10th.  Try it out and see what you learn about yourself!    Details and Registration.

It happened to me and it can happen to you. Headache, nausea, confusion, disorientation - and I was on a solo trip in a foreign country, thousands of miles from home.

Exposure to direct sun, heat and the wind all increase the rate at which we loose water naturally through perspiration and breathing.

The onset of heat exhaustion can be insidious. A few easy proactive steps can help us stay well hydrated when riding in hot weather.

1. Wear light colored clothing – including your helmet.
2. Layer your clothing so you can adjust as the temperature changes. Breathable layers are better than nothing at all – even under your riding gear.
3. Drink plenty of fluids – pure water is best. Start drinking well ahead of your ride – the effects of dehydration are cumulative.
4. Liquids with caffeine in them won't work because they act as a diuretic and push water out of your system. If you must have a cup of caffeine, make sure you drink 8 ounces of water for every cup of coffee or soda that you drink.
5. As a rule of thumb, in a day, drink 1/2 ounce of water for every 1 pound that you weigh.It’s better to sip your water every 15 minutes or so, rather than drink more at longer intervals.
6. Install a cup-holder or use a hands-free Camelback. I strap mine around my tank bag rather than on my back and it works just fine.
7. Lightweight clothing prevents the sun and wind from drying and damaging your skin.
8. Stop frequently to rest, stretch, move around, drink water and cool down.
9. Plan your day around the weather.
10. Start riding earlier and avoid riding during peak heat times.

Signs of dehydration are less frequent urination (urine passed will be less in volume and darker in color), fatigue, headache, dizziness and cramps. If you are not drinking water and it is hot and you are not sweating, be careful, this could be a sign that you are nearing heat stroke.

Riding in a group carries with it a whole different set of considerations and requirements for excellent riding skills. Without being properly prepared, your fun as well as your safety is at risk. Here are some things to take into account:

1. Determine the skill level of others in the group. It’s one thing to have a low level of proficiency when one is riding solo; put that person in a group with other riders and everyone’s safety is compromised.
2. Take your riding preferences into consideration. Do you like to ride for as long as you can without stopping or do you enjoy stopping and seeing the sights? What does the rest of the group want to do?
3. Agree on your methods of communications and review the hand signals you will use. The actual signals are less important than making sure that everyone uses them consistently and understands the expectations for the group.
4. Confirm that the lead and sweep riders are experienced at leading and sweeping. Either role takes a great deal of skill that is vital for managing the group safely and efficiently on the road.
5. Determine the size of the group you’ll be riding with. The larger the group, the more difficult to manage and the greater the risk potential. If a group is more than 8 riders, we suggest dividing it in half with a qualified lead and sweep rider for each group.
6. Discuss the rules of the road with your group prior to leaving and confirm how you will address situations that come up – i.e. amber light. They apply universally whether you’re riding solo or in a group. Everyone is in control of his own motorcycle and responsible for his own safety.
7. Ask about the speed the group rides at. Again, refer to #6. Speeding in a group just magnifies the hazards and jeopardizes safety. Here again, an experienced leader can prevent the launch of a yo-yo effect.
8. Reserve accommodations if you’re staying overnight. It may be difficult to obtain any accommodations let alone those which appeal to your unique tastes. At the end of a long day of riding you don’t want to be looking around for a place to stay.
9. Include everyone’s goals in the planning and ideally on the itinerary.
10. Don’t over-plan – especially with a group. Everything takes longer and over-planning can create tension. On the other hand, it’s good to have some structure to keep things moving.

BONUS: Pack your sense of adventure and fun and keep it handy.