Classy Chassis Northeast Ohio
Articles - Past & Present
Our 5th Annual Fall Poker Run
News Articles
Chapter Newsletter
Photos
Classy's Links
Meet our Members
Articles

 Leathers Are REALLY Worth The Price
With summer at its end and Fall showing its colored leaves and cooler tempratures, we will be adorning heavier clothing in the weeks to come.
When we start to ride, mornings and evenings we will have cooler weather. We must be prepared for this. Wearing leather is always good anytime. We are not speaking of fake or soft fashion leathers, we are talking of good Heavy quality leather. Though pretty expensive, wearing leather chaps and heavier jakets can save you in a fall. There is ample proof that these provide far more than protection from the cold. In studies of "survivability" of various garments and materials worn to a 50 MPH ride on asphalt, for example, denim lasted no more than FOUR FEET before wearing through. Kevlar, on the other hand, lasted EIGHTEEN FEET. However, sandard motorcycle quality leather (about three times heavier than those fashion jacket materials) lasted EIGHTY-SIX FEET!!! That is more than 20 times as effective as your jeans in protecting "YOUR" hide. Now, we see those who think nothing of riding in short sleeve shirts or halter tops and think it is cool. If the unfortunate happens and you go down, how much protection do you have then?

Women Riders

According to information from JD Power & Associates Motorcycle Competitive Information Study (MCIS) (SM) Women account for nearly one-quarter of first-time, new motorcycle owners. Nearly 40% of these women are college educated, more than half are married and nearly 80% ride cruiser motorcycles probably because they're the shortest seat-height bikes out there.

The study also ranks the product appeal of new motorcycles based on performance ratings, which include: cockpit and controls, looks and styling, ride and handling, seating and engine and transmission. Despite the fact that the cruiser segment has been a main driver for the strong growth in the motorcycle industry, it ranks toward the bottom of the list in product appeal. The highest-ranked segment in product appeal is sport motorcycles, followed by touring, standard, cruiser and dual sport, respectively. So why so many cruisers if Sport and then Touring is the most popular? Well (are you listening Honda?) many women want to ride Gold Wings but can't touch the ground! Click for more on Short Bike List FAQ, interesting, huh? However, before you can use these figures for advertising and promotional purposes, the nice folks at J.D. Power want everyone to know that you may not use this information without prior consent. If you want more information check out their website at >   www.jdpower.com

 Subject: Lower back pain & Carpal Tunnel

AChiropractor, gave an informative and helpful presentation about low back pain (LBP), carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoporosis, all vital issues, especially for women riders.

Low back pain is the second biggest reason for missed work and seeking health care. It?s much more fun to miss work for a prolonged riding trip than a trip to a physical therapist.

LBP has many causes (other than trauma), especially hard work and sedentary life style. I know that the biggest part of my life is spent at a desk in front of a computer with exercise coming on intermittent week ends. This is not uncommon for others. Other causes include hardening of the arteries which lowers blood supply to the bones-contributing to LBP is not necessarily overweight, but weight placement. Posture is very important too. Spinal pain CAN be avoided with the use of good body mechanics (and we don?t mean that good looking guy at the Honda shop). Motorcycle vibration contributes to LBP as well. The spinal column is made up of discs which can break duet to repetitive activities such as bending, lifting and twisting. These activities also cause deformation and compression of the material between discs, which cause pain. USE YOUR LEGS TO LIFT! And when you?ve picked up that 600 lb. bike using your legs, don?t twist around to take applause. Discs have a nerve supply, which is why they can cause so much pain when injured. BUT discs do not have an independent blood supply. To get nutrients they require motion and movement through stretching. Give your arms, legs and back a good stretch for 15 to 30 seconds both before and after time you throw a leg over that saddle. Daily stretching keeps your muscles and bones in good shape for life in general and for biking.

Another way to strengthen the back is by strengthening the supportive muscles in the abdomen and oblique muscles of the trunk. This can make a major positive effect. Also watch your sitting posture, using a lumbar support pillow on chairs and car seats. Improve your sleeping posture by sleeping on your back with a small pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between the knees. These posture measures help to maintain the natural curvature (lordosis) of the spine and help avoid pain caused by the loss of this curvature.

He talked about carpal tunnel syndrome which is more prevalent among women than men. It results from stress, repetitive motions and some systemic reasons such as diabetes. The nerves in the wrist become compressed and cause pain, tingling and numbness in the palm of the hand and can extend up into the forearm. It can lead to muscle atrophy and certainly unwanted discomfort and lost enjoyment for riding. Again, one of the avoidance measures includes EXERCISE. He also described a way to use a rubber band around the closed fingers of the hand (No, not a broccoli rubber band just a regular strength one) and then stretch the fingers against the resistance of the rubber band working the muscles on the back of the hand. This builds the muscles and flexibility in the hand and distributes blood supply to the muscles and tendons. Hey, it's good for you! Try it.

He also covered the subject of osteoporosis. It turns out that our bones and skeletons not only support our motley frames, but are the basic storehouse of calcium for our vital organs and brains. These internal soft parts REQUIRE a minimum supply of calcium and if that supply runs low than the bones generously leach out enough to keep us going (who knew those ice cream stops could be so important).

SO? due to poor eating habits and gradual and eventual hormonal changes,women tend to suffer a loss of bone minerals and density. To supplement our diets requires daily amounts of 500 mgs & 1500 mgs/day (depending on age and hormonal levels.) Be sure that calcium supplements include a dose of Vitamin D and magnesium to promote absorption of the calcium (as calcium carbonate or citrate.) In addition to hormones robbing us of calcium supply, several other daily diet demons can steal away our bones. Caffeine ? a morning coffee and some cola in the afternoon; protein = a cheese burger; and sodium = I shouldn't even mention french fries dosed with salt. But even green leafy vegetables, touted as a source of calcium, minerals and vitamins, contain sodium. What's a person to do? Exercise, exercise, exercise. Weight bearing exercise, such as walking, muscle building exercise and aerobics all contribute to the positive effort of increasing and maintaining bone Density.

So, exercise good judgment in riding carefully, eating judiciously and watching your lifestyle and body mechanics habits. Exercise your arms, hands, back, legs, and trunk muscles to keep them in good shape. Stretch your muscles, and you'll enjoy your time on earth and your bike.

Even though he has read a good deal on health and medicine, he brought many facts to light which I had not know previously. MANY, many thanks to our guest speaker for taking his valuable time to share this excellent presentation with us.

GREAT ADVICE FOR ALL OF US
TIPS ON STAYING SAFE...
The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do it. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
My friend attended a personal safety workshop, and it jolted her. It was given by an amazing man, Pat Malone, who has been a body guard for famous figures like Farrah Fawcett and Sylvester Stallone. He works for the FBI, and teaches police officers and Navy SEALS hand-to-hand combat. This man has seen it all, and knows a lot.
Pat Malone covered the following subject during his workshop: HOW TO AVOID BEING THE VICTIM OF A VIOLENT CRIME. He spoke about the statistics of random violence. The occurrences of random violence have escalated over the recent years. Please read on....
Here are some of the most important points:
1.) The three reasons women are easy targets for random acts of violence are:
a.) Lack of Awareness You MUST know
where you are and what's going on
around you.
b.) Body Language Keep your head up,
swing your arms, stand straight up.
c.) Wrong Place, Wrong Time DON'T walk
alone in an alley, or drive in a bad
neighborhood at night.
2.) Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit there (doing their checkbook or making a list, etc) . DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in the passenger side, put a gun to your head and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
a.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.
b.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
c.) Look at the car parked on the drivers side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard or policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.(Better paranoid than dead.)
3.) ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot).
a.) Do not get on an elevator if there is a weirdo already on there. (Of course bad men don't always look
bad).
b.) Do not stand back in the corners of the elevator, be near the front, by the doors, read to get off or on.
c.) If you get on the elevator on the 25th floor, and weirdo gets on the 22nd, get off when he gets on.
4.) If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN!
a.) Police only make 4 of 10 shots when they
are in range of 3-9 feet. This is due to stress.
b.) The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times. And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN.
5.) As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! It may get you raped, or killed.
a.) Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good looking, well-educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
b.) b.) Pat Malone told us the story of his daughter, who came out of the mall and was walking to her car when she noticed 2 older ladies in front of her. Then she saw a police car come towards her with
cops who said hello. She also noticed that all 8 handicap spots in the area were empty. As she neared her car she saw a man a few rows over calling to her for help. He wanted her to close his
passenger side door. He was sitting in the driver's side, and said he was handicapped. He continued calling, until she turned and headed back to the mall, and then he began cursing at her. In the meantime, she wondered why he didn't ask the 2 older ladies, or the policeman for help, and why he was not parked in any of the empty handicap spots. As she got back to the mall, two male friends of hers were exiting, and as she told them the story, and turned to point at the car, the man was getting out of the back seat into the front, and the car sped away. DON'T GET CAUGHT IN THIS TRAP.
6.). Tips to saving your life, if you get into a violent situation:
a.) REACT IMMEDIATELY If he abducts you in a parking lot, and is taking you to an abandoned area, DON'T LET HIM GET YOU TO THAT AREA. If you are driving, react immediately in the situation, and crash your car while still going 5 mph. If he's driving, find the right time, and stick your fingers in his eyes. He must watch the road, so choose an unsuspecting time, and gouge him. It is your ONLY defense. While he is in shock, GET OUT. (This sounds gross, but the alternative may be death if you do not act.)
b.) RESIST Don't go along with him: run, if you are able: DON'T EVER GIVE UP! You DO NOT want to get to a crime scene.
7.) Always keep your distance when walking past strangers on the street or in dark areas.
8.) GET A CELL PHONE.
a.) There are packages for $19.95 a month that allow you to program only 911 into the dialing out program. (This is an alternative for parents who say it is too expensive for their kids to have a cell phone.)
9.) BREAK DOWNS: Make every effort to avoid this by ALWAYS keeping your car in good working order.
a.) If your car breaks down: LOCK YOUR DOORS. You better have a cell phone to call for help.
b.) If you don't have a cell phone: (shame on you) keep a blanket, warm clothes, a pair of boots, and a flashlight in your car always, for emergencies.
c.) If it's noon on a business day, you may want to put your hazards on and walk to safety.
d.) If it's 2 A.M, put on your warm clothes, and walk to a lighted area. You are a perfect target if you are sitting in your car broken down. Predators search the highways for easy targets like you.
e.) If you're on a desolate road: walk away from the car (in your warm clothes) and go to some bushes, or some area AWAY from your vehicle. It will be cold, and uncomfortable, but you DO NOT want to stay in your car, and there are no psycho bogeymen waiting in the bushes who knew you were going to break down there and then.
10.) Physical defenses that we can use against the violent predator:
a.) The EYES are the most vulnerable part of the body. Poke him there. HARD. It may be your, only window of opportunity.
b.) The neck is also a vulnerable spot, but you MUST know where to grip, AND HAVE THE STRENGTH to
cut off his breath.
c.) The last place is the KNEES. Everyone's knees are very vulnerable,
and a swift kick here will take anyone down.
A cautionary note about these things. If you do not do these things right the first time, you are in trouble, because it will only anger the individual, and that anger will be TAKEN OUT ON YOU. I'm not
saying don't attempt them (it may be your only hope), but be forceful when you do.
11.) If you are walking alone in the dark (which you shouldn't be) and you find him following/chasing you:
a.) Scream "FIRE!", and not "help.." People don't want to get involved when people yell "help," but "fire"
draws attention because people are nosey.
b.) RUN!
c.) Find an obstacle, such as a parked car, And run around it, like Ring Around the Rosie. This may sound silly, but over the years, 5 women have told Pat Malone that this SAVED THEIR LIVES.
d.) Your last hope is getting under the car. Once you are under there, there are tons of things to hold on to, and he will not be able to get you out and will not come under for you (most likely). Usually they give up by this point. The catch here is that YOU MUST PRACTICE GETTING UNDER THE CAR. You must have a plan (he will have one); know if you will be going on your back, front, from the side or back of the car. It must be practiced.
12.) Never let yourself or anyone that you know be a "closer" in any type of business (bar, store, restaurant, gas station). Pat knew Danielle, who was a girl that just died from being shot pointblank by some kids while she was closing at the local gas station. He talked with her the night before she died, and asked whether it ever scared her to close alone. She said yes, but said "I'll be all right, Pat. I'll be all right." She wasn't. Our world is not as safe as we would like it to be.
Pat Malone said again and again that the women who die EVERY MINUTE from violent crimes expected to go to bed tonight, and get up tomorrow. No one expects it, but we must be prepared and aware so that we HAVE A PLAN. BE PREPARED TO ACT! AND ACT HARD! HAVE A PLAN!
I would encourage you to pass this on to all women, not just your friends and family, but everybody.
WE ALL NEED TO BE REMINDED AND PREPARED!

     

More Articles

Link

HOME