advertisement | your ad here
 
 



Join US97 for Hooters Bike Night EVERY WED. @ 6pm
Click Here for the Hooters Gallery
Know about a ride?


If you're in charge of an upcoming ride and you'd like to let people know about it...let us know.  We'll make sure it gets posted. Send your ride announcements to Brian Edwards.

Be sure to include the following information:  
Title of Ride:
Date:
Place:
Registration Time:
Time Ride Begins:
Cost:
Food Included?
Is this a benefit ride? If so, for who?  
Any other important information?  

Thanks for listing your information with us!



 
  • In 2007, there were more than 400,000 licensed motorcycle operators in Missouri.
 
  • In 2006, 93 motorcyclists were killed in crashes on Missouri roads.
 
  • An astonishing 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death.
 
  • 99% of the people who died in crashes involving a motorcycle on Missouri roads were the motorcyclist.
 
  • Of all 2006 fatal Missouri traffic crashes, 9.4 percent involved a motorcycle.
 
  • Even though traffic fatalities in Missouri are down, motorcycle fatalities have doubled in Missouri over the last few years.
 
  • Since 1997, motorcycle deaths in Missouri have increased by 151%, while the national average is 127%. They're up nationally, but Missouri is even above the national average increase.
 
  • A recent (NHTSA) study of 10 states found that when the helmet laws were repealed, helmet-use rates dropped from 99 percent to 50 percent and motorcycle fatalities increased significantly.
   

Things to remember when you're getting around on 4 wheels:

  • Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway.
  • Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.
  • Approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve another motor vehicle. Nearly 40 percent were caused by the other vehicle turning left in front of the motorcyclist.
  • Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than vehicles, which can make it more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.
  • Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
  • Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
  • Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are not self-cancelling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
  • Remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances to you pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.
  • Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
 

For more information on the Look. Learn. Arrive Alive campaign, visit www.saveMOlives.com


For more information on motorcycle safety, visit
www.mmsp.org


________________________________________
Thursday 03-17-2011 9:59am CT

Motorcycle Rides in the Ozarks

Who let the hogs out? And that’s hogs as in motorcycles.  Whether you are a weekend rider or a retired baby boomer who rides full-time, the Arkansas Ozarks are the perfect place to “back it in”, as they say, or have so much fun “backing it” in that every curve is a special treat (and there are plenty of them on these two mountain rides). Motorcycle riding is one of the fastest growing sports in America. Read more.

The Ozark Moonshine Run is 110 miles long with 662 curves and will take you around 4 hours to complete. Gas locations along the way include Harrison, Jasper, Mt. Judea, Deer, Ponca and Compton. Here are the directions: Take Scenic Highway 7 south from Harrison, heading towards Jasper. If you have time, be sure and circle the Jasper square before heading on to  highway 374 (on your left) which will merge with highway 123 (right turn) just past Vendor. Travel on to Mt. Judea until you reach Lurton. Head north, eventually turning left on highway 16 towards Deer, before making a right turn on highway 21 a mile past Swain to Boxley and Ponca. Be sure and look for the elk in the fields between these two communities. The highway eventually becomes highway 43 at Boxley and takes you back to Harrison. This ride is often considered the most picturesque in the Ozarks, and you’ll be glad you took the time to ride it.

The Jasper Disaster is 56 miles long, with 316 curves and should take you around 2 hours to complete. You will find gas stops in Harrison, Jasper, Low Gap and Ponca. It’s called the Jasper Disaster because that’s just what it is. It’s got to be the most scenic of all the Harrison rides, and certainly the most “curvy”. Watch for the hairpin curves as you descend into Ponca. You will pass over three mountain climbs, with breathtaking vistas and incredible views down to the valleys below. Be sure and watch for wildlife along the way. Elk, deer, turkey and eagles have been spotted along this route. If time allows, be sure and visit the Elk Education Center in Ponca. As you leave Ponca, the view of the valley (over your left shoulder) is one of the best around. You will cross the Buffalo National River at both Pruitt (on Highway 7) and Ponca. A side trip to Steel Creek, just before you drop off the mountain into Ponca is worth the time (caution, this is a dirt/gravel road, but worth the extra time just to see Roark Bluff). Steel Creek is now a beautiful national campground that was once a private horse ranch, and now the home of a herd of elk at certain times of the year. Stop at the overlook on the right just south of Harrison for a special view.

Here are the directions: Take Scenic Highway 7 south to Jasper, turning right on highway 74 to Ponca. From there take high 43 north back to Harrison.

For more information on riding in the Ozarks, contact the Harrison Convention and Visitors Bureau at (501) 741-1789 or visit their web site are www.harrisonarkansas.org. There are numerous hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts and eating establishments in Harrison.







_________________________________________________
Got something?  Let us know!!
   

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BIKE CALENDARS!