motorcycle group

The biker community is one of kinship, camaraderie, and fun. We can attest to the fact that being a social biker adds a new dimension to the riding experience and benefits everyone involved.

In fact, anyone who rides is a member of the motorcycle club; the subgroups differentiate themselves in many ways. Ninety-nine percent of motorcycle club members conduct themselves with the utmost in dignity and respect. The motorcycle riders often portrayed on television are what bikers call the one-percenters—the 1% who give everyone else a bad name. These groups are not gangs, and prefer not to be addressed as such.

Security.

Joining a club or biker’s group gives you safety in numbers. When you’re traveling, you have people there to lend a hand in case of breakdown. If you need help with a personal issue or a legal issue such as running from blue lights, you have a safe place to talk and many minds to help you come up with a solution.

Brotherhood or sisterhood.

A biker club is like any other club: it’s a group of friends you can trust. They’ll help you and your family any time you need it (and keep it quiet), make sure you’re all right, and do what they can. The words “brotherhood” and “sisterhood” describe perfectly what bikers consider their club to be.

Many, if not most, biker’s groups do good works for charity, and those organizations will tell you that the bikers are the most generous and dependable donors and volunteers they have. Typically, bikers are generous with their time and money and consider it their mission to help those who are less fortunate.

Companionship.

The bonds of friendship fostered in a biker’s group are long-lasting and deep. These are true friends and great companions who are dedicated to each other and consider themselves brothers and sisters—friends for life.

The latest information about legislation.

In every club, there are a few who stay abreast of the latest laws and regulations pertaining to motorcycles. Also, with so many people involved, the club stays informed about the biker’s life in general and relays that information to the rest of the group.

Are you in a club, and what’s your favorite part of belonging to the group?

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Goose Creek motorcycle accident attorney

Try Cycle Trader

Whether you want to sell your bike fast, buy a bike for your spouse, or research the latest Harleys, Cycle Trader is the place to be. This site has something for everyone, from the beginning biker to the bike collector. At any one time, over 150,000 new and used motorcycles are for sale by dealers and individuals, and you can search by manufacturers, types, and locations. If your preference is a custom bike, you’ll find links to bike builders.

In addition to information on buying and selling motorcycles, including free ads, Cycle Trader offers a variety of links and tips in all aspects of motorcycle ownership, including insurance, parts and accessories, and loan calculators. Keep up on the latest bike articles and reviews of specific bikes, and learn about do-it-yourself repair and motorcycle safety. A page with motorcycle lawyer resources includes a checklist to use and steps to follow if you’re in a motorcycle accident.

Cycle Trader also includes a blog with helpful articles with topics such as tips on buying a used motorcycle, best beginner bikes, and how to survive with no car and only a motorcycle. For those who enjoy motorcycle events, the site has a listing of events by month, and if you’re sponsoring an event, you’re welcome to submit it.

The extensive link directory lists parts and accessories, bike clubs, racing information, restoration help, and apparel for sale. One unique feature is the motorcycle price checker, which shows you a range of prices for manufacturers and years within a specified distance from a zip code. Cycle Trader offers a monthly e-newsletter, with previous issues available on the site. You can also follow Cycle Trader on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

With Cycle Trader, you’re not limited to buying and selling motorcycles—if you’re in the market for a new ATV, snowmobile, PWC, or trailer, Cycle Trader can help you find what you’re looking for with links to partner sites such as ATV TraderOnline and Snowmobile TraderOnline.

What is your favorite site feature?

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Spotlight on the 8th Annual PAW-Ker Run

On August 18, 2011, in Biker Events, by admin

paw-ker runAs motorcycle accident lawyers who also love animals, we’re looking forward to the 8th Annual PAW-ker Run to benefit the Frances R. Willis SPCA in Dorchester County, SC. The event will take place on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the Dorchester Shrine Club, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. The first bike will leave at 11 a.m., and the 100-mile run features 10 stops.

The SPCA relies entirely on grants, donations, and fundraisers, and 100% of the proceeds go to the organization. Last year, this run raised $14,000 for the SPCA and had almost 600 bikers in attendance. This year, the estimated number of bikers is 650, and the fundraising goal is $17,000. Previous PAW-ker Runs have helped over 4,000 lost, abandoned, and abused animals in Dorchester County, and the need continues to grow.

The entry fee is $20 per person, and includes a t-shirt, meal, koozie, and goody bag. For each extra hand played, the cost is $5. All major credit cards are accepted. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, third, and worst hands. A DJ will provide music, and Dorchester Shrine Club and Junior Service League of Summerville will provide a BBQ meal with dessert. Door prizes will be awarded at the end of the ride.

The Dorchester Shrine Club is located at 2150 Beech Hill Road in Summerville, and in addition to the Shrine Club and the SPCA, the stops include:

  • Main Street Bar & Grill
  • Fat Boys
  • Sapphires Bar & Grill
  • Happy Ours Bar & Grill
  • Skynyrds Grill & Sports Bar
  • Minky’s Social Club
  • Market Street Saloon
  • Shooter’s

Sponsors and support are always needed and are greatly appreciated. The SPCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization, and if you have questions or would like to help, contact Bob Jones by phone at 843-871-3820, extension 205, or by email at frwspcagrants@hotmail.com. The SPCA website is www.summervillespca.com.

Let’s Ride for the PAWS!

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motorcycle trip

For spectacular scenery, Civil War historic sites, and an exhilarating yet leisurely ride, try the Blue Ridge Parkway of Virginia.

This 367-mile-long motorcycle tour runs from Afton, VA south to Cherokee, NC. The northern half runs from Afton south to I-77, and you’ll find several Civil War sites among the breathtaking, lush country you find only in Virginia. The southern half runs from I-77 to the Cherokee Indian reservation and takes you through North Carolina’s picturesque Smokey Mountains and the town of Asheville. You’ll see blowing rock and Civil War era plantation houses as you wind your way through the mountains.

The Blue Ridge Parkway has limited access for trucks and commercial traffic, and its lower speed limit (45 mph) allows you to enjoy the ride at a relaxed pace. The road is well maintained and easy to ride, with plenty of spaces to pull off and take in the scenery or camp if you choose. If you’d like to venture off the path a bit, you can ride to the town of Mt. Airy, NC, known to the world as Mayberry from “The Andy Griffith Show”.

Each half of the parkway has a service station, and while some of the small towns have lodging, the northern part of the parkway has a motel and the central area has a bed and breakfast. You’ll want to carry a map, as the parkway has very few signs to show you where the small towns are—and you’ll definitely want to explore those and experience incredible cuisine and hospitality.

No matter where you live in South Carolina, whether in Columbia, Monks Corner, or James Island, you’ll want to make the time for this incredible journey. Riders who travel the Blue Ridge Parkway (known to them as BRP) note that the area south of Asheville, NC, on the southern half of the road, is the most spectacular part of the ride. Many of them ride during the fall when the leaves are changing, and report that it’s one of most amazing rides they’ve ever taken.

Click here for more information on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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traveling with pets

You’ve given it a lot of thought, acclimated your dog to the motorcycle, and decided you want to take your dog riding. Now what?

It’s time to decide which accessories and safety items your dog needs. Keeping your dog safe and secure while you’re able to ride safely isn’t always easy. Depending on your dog and your riding style, you’ll need to outfit him or her comfortably with the following items.

Helmet

Typically made from the same ABS plastic used in hard hats, dog helmets guard from sun, wind, and injury, and they’re perfect for any time you take your dog with you, not just on the bike. Just as human helmets do, dog helmets come in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors, so you’ll be able to find the perfect one for Rover. You can also buy doggie doo rags, soft hats, and bandanas for when you’re taking a break from the road.

Doggles

These combination sunglasses and goggles protect your dog’s eyes from sunlight, wind, and flying objects. Doggles are widely available and come in several styles and colors.

Leather jackets and vests

For protection and fashion, leather accessories come in a wide variety of styles and colors, ranging from hooded jackets to raincoats. Make sure that leather doesn’t make your dog too hot, especially if he or she is dark colored or has a double coat.

Carriers

The carrier choice you make will depend on several factors: your dog’s size, how well he or she rides, where you prefer him or her to ride, and how well your dog will be protected. Carriers range from rear-mounted duffel bags to backpacks and from saddlebags to doggie seats.

No matter which carrier you choose, it needs to mount securely on your bike, and it needs to be durable enough to protect your pup in case of accident. While riding, your dog should have plenty of fresh air and enough wiggle room to be comfortable, and there should be nothing inside the carrier that pokes.

As South Carolina motorcycle and auto accident attorneys, we’ve seen a few sad cases where dogs were hurt or killed due to improper gear. If you ride with your dog, how do you dress him or her, and what type of carrier do you use?

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Charleston motorcycle accident attorney

Image above of Chancho (to the right), the Uricchio Law Firm office pup, with his buddy.

As motorcycle accident attorneys and riders ourselves, we frequently see people riding with their dogs. While we’re dog lovers and think taking pups along is a wonderful idea, all too often we see riders not taking the precautions for their pets that they should. Following are some questions to ask yourself along with ideas to make your journeys with your dog safe and fun:

Does Rover like to ride?

The first question you need to answer is whether your dog should ride with you. Is your dog adventurous, or does he or she love lying on the couch and sleeping? If your dog is older or prefers to be indoors, he or she might not want to take long motorcycle trips.

How does your dog deal with the bike? A dog that gets nervous or sick likely won’t enjoy riding no matter how comfortable or secure you try to make him or her. This is not to say your dog can’t get used to the bike and eventually enjoy it, but we are saying that if he or she hasn’t ridden often, an extended trip isn’t a good idea right now.

When acclimating your dog to the bike, take it slow. Make sure he or she is comfortable with the sound first, then take a few rides, each one a little longer than the last.

Can your dog sit still and ride?

Some dogs settle in and enjoy the ride, while others bounce around and want to see everything that’s going on. How your dog acts will dictate how you secure him or her and what kind of carrying case you buy. Our next blog post will discuss carrying cases and other doggy riding accessories in detail.

Will you be able to focus on riding without being distracted?

No matter who or what your passenger is, you still need to be able to ride safely and focus all your attention on the road. If your dog fidgets or gets restless, you can be distracted—and if your dog is large and not used to the bike, his or her weight moving around could pose a problem.

Do you travel with your dog, and how do you keep him or her safe while riding?

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Image to the left taken from The Harley-Davidson museum exhibit’s website page.


As a Ladson motorcycle accident attorney, I love visiting motorcycle museums. One of the best museums is the Harley-Davidson Museum with a current exhibit that is not to be missed. Collection X: Weird Wild Wonders of the Harley-Davidson Museum® runs through August 21, 2011, and is certain to be the most fascinating, intriguing, and exciting exhibition you’ve ever seen.

Unusual machines, amazing art, and incredible inventions abound in this exhibit housed in The Garage on the Harley-Davidson Museum campus. Part of the largest Harley-Davidson collection in the world, this exhibit comes straight from the Harley archives and includes:

  • A variety of novelty and unique vehicles from Harley-Davidson as well as other manufacturers.
  • Clothing and gear ranging from practical to stylish.
  • Photographs from the Harley-Davidson archives.
  • Previously hidden historical objects and a large variety of memorabilia and artifacts from other collections.
  • All types of art by motorcycle and Harley enthusiasts.
  • Collectible and unusual motorcycle-themed merchandise that will make you say either, “Why didn’t I think of that?” or “What on earth were they thinking when they came up with that?”
  • Special activities for kids, including a secret code that needs to be broken.

Open since 2008, the Harley-Davidson Museum is located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is open 7 days a week year-round. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. The museum includes exhibits that highlight the people and machines that made Harley-Davidson what it is today, including over 450 bikes and thousands of artifacts. The Shop, the museum’s gift shop, is across the street and features plenty of Harley-Davidson themed items.

The Harley-Davidson Museum also offers educational programs for all ages, including motorcycle maintenance classes, earning a Boy Scout engineering merit badge, and touring the Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations Facility. In addition, the museum offers children’s birthday parties and tours behind the scenes.

For more about the museum’s exhibits or programs, click here.

We see riders in Hanahan, Folly Beach, and Ladson who ride some beautiful Harleys, and we’re looking forward to seeing this exhibit.

Have you been to the Harley-Davidson Museum, and what was your favorite artifact or exhibit?

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mandatory helmet lawsOver the 4th of July weekend, a New York man died while on a ride to protest the mandatory helmet law in his state.

Philip Contos 55, died when his bike fishtailed and he went over the handlebars, hitting his head on the road. Medical personnel at the hospital had no doubt Contos would have survived if he had worn a helmet.

Contos was participating in the 11th annual helmet protest ride sponsored by the Onondaga chapter of ABATE, American Bikers Aimed Toward Education. The group lobbies for freedom and awareness among bikers and the public. The Syracuse chapter president, Christinea Rathbun, told a news agency how saddened and shocked the group was at Contos’ death.

ABATE believes that each adult rider should have a choice whether to wear a helmet, but New York is one of 20 states with a mandatory helmet law applying to all ages. South Carolina’s law requires riders under age 21 to wear a helmet.

A representative of the Governors Highway Safety Association, Jim Hedlund, stated that a helmet reduces the risk of fatality in a motorcycle accident by 40%. However, ABATE of New York’s website notes that helmet laws do nothing to prevent accidents, and the decision to wear one should be up to each adult rider.

As South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers, we represent riders who were victims of motorcycle and auto accidents, and we see both sides: victims who did and did not wear helmets.

What do you think? Should wearing a motorcycle helmet be mandated by law, and why or why not?

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