The two of us (Keith and Ann) have ridden on two wheels, two up, across this country many times (seventeen, we think) as well as north to south, across the land, probably as many.  In June we took a couple of the grandkids on a week long guided historical trip from Philadelphia to Washington D.C.  Ann flew back with the kids and I (Keith) decided to ride and visit a number of dealerships along the way.  I took eleven days getting there and four returning, obviously visiting most of the dealerships going East. The ride was enjoyable as well as educational.  Getting to DC was via a wandering route, with dealership stops in Missoula, Salt Lake, Loveland, CO., Houston, Atlanta, Jessup MD and Fredricksburg, VA.  Eleven days and 5,000 hot and humid miles.  I remained in my rain gear for most of the return trip. But wonderful nonetheless---after all, I was on a motorcycle (2009 K1200LT).  The return was more direct, at four days and 3,000 miles with dealership stops in Idaho and Spokane.  These dealership visits are always good for me (and all of our dealership personnel) because we reinforce what we need to do better and what we are doing well.  One can learn from seeing things done the wrong way as well as the right way, and we continually learn from both.

Here are some riding observations from this trip: If this country does not implement some sort of serious penalties for driving while texting, then watch for the death rate to increase dramatically.  Cell phone use is one thing, but the texting is just ridiculous.  Come to think of it, what I thought was texting may have been people concentrating on their GPS's while driving, which can be equally as dangerous.  At Ride West we have always stressed to riders that a map on top of a tank bag can be dangerous to your health, because just a few seconds taking your eyes off of the road can send you into the ditch.  GPS units are probably worse because you have all of those neat little buttons and screens to mess with.

The mid-West states, and many on the East coast, do not require helmets, and I do not understand people that ride without a full face helmet.  We suffered a very serious crash seven years ago and neither of us would be writing this article without the proper gear, particularly full face helmets.  Motorcycle fatality statistics are not encouraging, but having the right protection could improve them substantially.  And then there are the flip-flop, shorts and t-shirt crowd screaming down the highway on their crotch-rockets.  Hopefully most of these riders will survive and aspire to a safe, sensible BMW and drive accordingly.

Now just a few words about highway manners.  What ever happened to turn signals?  It's like the car manufacturers discontinued installing them.  And the further East you go, the more people tend to drive the outside, or passing, lane, including truckers, so you end up weaving through traffic to get to where you need to go.  Motorcycle awareness by drivers?  Forgetaboutit.  So the moral to this journey is:  Pay attention, dress properly (always, even on those beautiful 85 degree days), don't mess around (maps, GPS, etc.) when you should be watching the road, and watch for the other guy, 'cause it is probably him/her rather than you that will cause the problem