The ancestor of the motorcycle is the humble bicycle. The first bicycles in the early 1800s were made of wood, and riders literally walked them along—good exercise, but not a fast mode of transportation. Bicycles weren’t chain-driven until the late 1860s, and the first steam-powered bicycle, the velocipede, was patented in 1866.

Powering cycles with something other than human power had already occurred to some inventors, and through the 1800s, they came up with dozens of cycles with two, three, and four wheels powered by gas and steam. By the end of the century, motorized tricycles were common, but some areas enforced speed limits and other restrictions.

As with many “firsts” in technology, there is some debate about who built the first motorcycle. Inventors mentioned in the discussion include Sylvester Roper and his steam-powered bike, Michaux with a single-cylinder bike, Lucius Copeland and his three-wheeled steamer, and Daimler and Maybach with the Reitwagen, powered by an internal combustion engine.

An early motorcycle from Royal Enfield had a 239 cc front-mounted engine that powered a belt to the rear wheel. While early motorcycles tended to be two-stroke, the four-stroke engine soon replaced it. After the breakthrough combustion engine, it was possible to mass produce motorcycles, and The Hildebrand & Wolfmuller made its debut in 1894. Companies such as Triumph, Indian, and Harley-Davidson soon followed.

Once motorcycles were mass-produced, technological advances occurred regularly. Tires, engines, and transmissions continued to evolve, and the motorcycle lost the old moto-bicycle look and morphed into the design we recognize today.

Motorcycles soared in popularity during the first decade of the 20^th century. By the time World War I began, motorcycle manufacturers were building thousands of bikes a year, and soldiers used them regularly during the war.

While the Great Depression affected motorcycle companies, advances and leaps in technology continued, with engines becoming larger and more powerful. Body designs were streamlined, and in the ‘40s and ‘50s, more companies entered the market, such as Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha.

Through the rest of the century to the present, manufacturers have focused on continuously upgrading the bike as a whole. Advances have included diesel engines, wind protection, antilock brakes, left-side gear change, and aesthetic improvements such as metallic paint and neon kits. Motorcycles are now safe, speedy, and comfortable.

As Sullivan’s Island motorcycle accident attorneys who also ride, we’re fascinated by the history of motorcycle technology. What’s your favorite point in motorcycle history? 

Bicycle

The ultimate in ecofriendliness, a bicycle not only gets you where you want to go cheaply and without gasoline, but it also helps keep you fit. Cyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as motorized vehicles.

Moving to the next eco-friendly level, bicycle manufacturers are rethinking how they create bicycles. Wood-frame bicycles are making a comeback for several reasons: wood is a better shock absorber and lasts longer than aluminum or steel, it isn’t as likely to crack, and it’s biodegradable.

You can find more information about wood-frame bicycles at GreenUpgrader.com.

Other types of eco-friendly bicycles are discussed at SierraClub.

Electric Motorcycle

Motorcycles that run on electricity can go over 100 mph and up to 100 miles on a single charge, and they’re a viable option for many people, especially commuters and social riders. Several companies, including Brammo and Zero are racing to fill orders in early 2012.

Zero claims that their motorcycles can go over 300,000 miles on one battery and that their operating cost is only $.01 per mile. Recharging time is 6 hours. Brammo’s electric motorcycle has a water-cooled electric motor and a six-speed transmission. Its Empulse electric motorcycle has won the Popular Science Best of What’s New Award for 2011.

Motor Vehicle Hybrid

Hybrid cars that run on electricity and gasoline have been on the market for several years, and a few of the top contenders are the Honda Insight,  the Toyota Prius, and the Chevy Volt.

These three cars have different features, but all accomplish the same thing—running on electricity reduces the need for gas, but when gas is needed, they get excellent gas mileage.

The Honda Insight has Integrated Motor Assist, which means the electric motor and gasoline engine work together to ensure you have the power you need. The Insight is rated for 41 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. It also has an ECON button, which helps the vehicle minimize its energy use. Honda also offers a hybrid version of its Civic, a hybrid CR-Z, and the FCX, a fuel cell electric vehicle. The Fit EV, a 100% electric vehicle, is coming soon.

Toyota offers several vehicles as hybrids: three Prius models (including one that plugs in), the Camry, and the Highlander. Their fuel mileage varies, but all are over 40 mph in the city. The newest Prius models also utilize solar power, and the plug-in model can run up to 30 miles in electrical mode.

The Chevrolet Volt can run on electricity alone for 35 miles, on a combination of electricity and gasoline, or on gasoline only, with mileage of 35 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

As South Carolina defective products attorneys, we’re always interested in new products and ideas. Do you have a hybrid, and if so, what’s your favorite feature?

Seeing the country.

Riding cross-country on a bike entails much less hassle than driving or flying. Bikes get better gas mileage than cars, are easier to park, and can enter certain places that cars may not. You’ll be free to stop and go as you please, and you’ll feel like a part of the outdoors because you don’t have the steel frame of a car separating you.

Saving money.

Even after buying full gear, bikes are less expensive than cars to purchase, operate, and maintain. They may also be cheaper to license and insure.

Being more adventurous.

With a bike, you can drop everything you’re doing and ride wherever you wish. You can take a scenic weekend trip, or you can just get away for a few hours. As you’re riding along the coast or in the mountains, you’ll feel confident, giddy, and alive. Besides feeling adventurous, you’ll also feel empowered—it’s just you and your bike, and you can do whatever you want, whenever you want.

Being part of a group.

As Dorchester County motorcycle accident attorneys who also ride, we know firsthand that bikers are a tightly knit and fiercely loyal group. You’ll find lifelong friends and travel companions with common interests, and you’ll feel like you belong. If you run into trouble, another biker will always come to your aid.

Feeling freedom and pride.

What could be more freeing than riding the open road with no one else around, your hair blowing in the wind, and the sun shining on your face? Many women feel as one with their bikes, and have a feeling of accomplishment and pride when they ride. For many, it’s like conquering a fear or climbing a mountain.

Leaving your worries at home.  

When you’re just riding, you forget what’s going on at home or at work. You truly do leave it all behind and enjoy the world and your bike. It’s just the two of you.

What’s your favorite part of riding?

Lovely Litchfield Loop

This 50-mile scenic route begins in Litchfield, CT and moves west on US 202 through Bantam and New Preston, at which point you’ll turn north on East Shore Road (SR 45) and go toward Warren. When you reach Warren, you’ll take 341 and go west to the town of Kent. Go north on US 7 along the Housatonic River up to Canaan, and then go east on US 44 to Norfolk.

Litchfield was the home of author Harriet Beecher Stowe and America’s first law school, the Tapping Reeve House and Law School. If you enjoy watching wildlife and scenery, the White Memorial Foundation wetlands sanctuary has hiking and bird observatories, and Mount Tom State Park has a lookout tower. The village of Kent has plenty of shopping and museums and is a perfect place to spend the night if you choose.

You’ll find woodlands, lakes and streams, and waterfalls along the route, and if you’re a history buff, you’ll love the historical towns with their stately colonial mansions. This is New England at its finest, and you’ll never want to leave.

The Western Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut Loop

Beginning in Newport, RI, this winding loop takes you on many different backcountry roads during its 64 miles. It begins on Route 138 West and goes to Route 1 North to Route 102 North. You’ll enter CT on Route 165, turn right on Route 49, and again turn right on Route 14A to head to Sterling and Oneco. To return to RI, take Route 117 to Route 102 South to Route 1A through Wickford.

This route takes you through the largest state forest in Connecticut, the beautiful 24,000-acre Pachaug State Forest near Voluntown. Visitors to this state forest are fascinated by the miles of stone fence winding through the forest, and most of the streams still show evidence of mills and dams from days gone by. On this route, you’ll also pass through Beach Pond State Park and Arcadia State Park in RI.

Northern CT Appalachian Mountains Ride

This 102-mile route begins near Granby, CT, at the intersection of Routes 20 and 202. You’ll take Route 20 west into Winsted, then turn on Route 44 and continue west to Canaan and Lakeville. Turn on 41 South to Sharon, and then turn onto 4 South to Cornwall Bridge and through several towns with shopping, restaurants, and sights to see. Pick up Route 7 and ride south along the Appalachian Trail to New Milford, and then if you choose, turn onto 45 North and head back to Canaan.

This route is popular with tourists, so you may wish to explore this in the off-season. Throughout the ride, you’ll find plenty of state parks, museums, and quaint towns to explore, as well as many places to stay and shop, especially along Route 7. The Appalachian Trail has scenery like no other, and much of the ride is along designated scenic routes.

Which route would you prefer, or do you know of any wonderful motorcycle routes in CT?

Finding holiday gifts for bikers isn’t always easy if you don’t ride yourself. As South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys who also ride, we have some great ideas for you from Motorcycle Superstore.

Helmets

Bell Revolver Helmet

This sleek, lightweight helmet comes in a variety of colors and has a button to move the chin bar, in addition to a sunshade and ventilation system. With a five-year warranty, an aerodynamic design, and an antifog and antiscratch shield, this helmet will quickly become a favorite.

Image above of the Bell Revolver Helmet, taken from Motorcycle-Superstore.com.

HJC IS-33 Helmet

This helmet is a bit more rounded in design than the Bell helmet and has a large eye port for expanded visibility. It’s adjustable, and SilverCool™ technology allows heat and moisture to flow out of the helmet.

Protective Gear

Speed and Strength Hell ‘n Back Jacket

With a water-resistant frame and waterproof liner, this protective jacket is the one you want on misty days. Thermoplastic shoulder protectors and C.E. approved elbow protectors make this jacket a good choice for riding anywhere. Fully adjustable for every rider, the Hell ‘n Back jacket has controlled ventilation and hydration systems.

Image above of the Speed and Strength Hell ‘n Back Jacket, taken from Motorcycle-Superstore.com.

Tour Master Venture Pants

These lightweight pants have a Carbolex shell with polyester knee panels for the ultimate in comfort and strength. The exterior is waterproof yet breathable, and the seat reduces slipping while the accordion panels at the waist and knees increase flexibility. Reflective materials and piping increase visibility at night.

Miscellaneous gear and stocking stuffers

MotoCentric Mototrek Sport Saddlebags

These easy-to-mount saddlebags are roomy and functional and pair perfectly with other MotoCentric Mototrek bags. With quick-opening zippers, scratch resistant pads, rain covers, carrying handles, and a lifetime warranty, your biker will love these saddlebags.

River Road Taos Cold Weather Gloves

All leather, waterproof gloves protect the hands from rain, cold, wind, and abrasion. With Thinsulate™ insulation for warmth and a rubber shield wiper on the left glove, these are the perfect gift for any biker.

Image above of River Road Taos Cold Weather Gloves, taken from Motorcycle-Superstore.com.

Schampa Warmskin Balaclava

With flat seams to prevent pressure lines, this balaclava gives a skintight fit while wicking moisture from the face, keeping the user warm and dry. It can be used alone or with any type of helmet.

What’s the best biker gift you’ve ever received?

If you can avoid driving when the weather turns bad, do it. However, if you need to drive, here are some tips to keep you safe and accident free.

Consider public transportation, carpooling, or a taxi.

If you are uncomfortable driving on snow and ice, explore other options for getting to work. You’ll feel much better and stay safer, and you’ll avoid causing problems for other drivers.

Make sure your tires have plenty of tread.

Your tires need a tread of at least 6/32” to be safe, and more is better. Have your mechanic measure your tread depth.

Slow down.

As Charleston car accident attorneys, one of the most common mistakes we see people make in the winter is failure to slow down. Your car is not as maneuverable on snow and ice as it is on dry roads, and you cannot stop as easily. Driving more slowly means you are less likely to lose control of your vehicle, and it takes less time to stop it.

Leave plenty of room, and stay alert.

Allow at least three times more space between your car and any vehicle in front of you. You need this cushion in case you need to stop your car. Your driving needs to have your full attention so you can anticipate slowing down or stopping. Put down the cell phone, the food, and anything else that may be distracting you.

Brake gently.

Do not suddenly hit your brakes on snow and ice, as you may put your car into a skid or a slide. Watch the cars around you to judge if you need to slow down. If you do not have antilock brakes, pump them gently to avoid locking. If you do have antilock brakes, keep the pressure to the brakes steady and they will pump themselves.

Let the car’s transmission help you.

If you have a car with manual transmission, drive one gear lower than you normally would for the speed you’re traveling. If you drive an automatic, put it in a lower gear than “D”. You’ll be driving more slowly and won’t need to use your brake as much. Do not use overdrive on snowy or icy roads.

Do not use cruise control when the roads are wet.

On wet roads, no matter the temperature, you lose control if you use cruise control. Even if no one else is around, leave cruise off.

If you slide . . .

Take your foot off the gas. If you have rear-wheel drive, steer in the direction you want to go. If you have a front-wheel-drive car, put the car in neutral until you regain control, then steer in the direction you want to go.

As you would in the summer, make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid and that your wiper blades are in good shape. Keep the inside of the windshield clean, and ensure that your headlights are visible whenever possible.

What’s your best winter driving tip?

Assume that no one can see you.

While driving defensively is always a good idea, when you’re on a motorcycle, it’s a must. With all the distractions that car drivers have, they often aren’t paying attention like they should—and if you’re on a bike, you’re likely to lose in an accident.

Make yourself visible: turn on your headlight, wear brightly colored clothing and gear, and use hand signals as well as your bike’s turn signal. As you approach the intersection, be sure to stay out of drivers’ blind spots. Changing your lane position once or twice increases your visibility to those around you. Even a slight variation in your position will get the attention of drivers.

Have an escape plan in mind.

If you anticipate possible trouble spots as you ride, and create an out for yourself, you’ll know exactly what to do in case you have a problem. For example, if you ride in the middle lane, you have an extra lane to move into if you need it. If you ride a specific route each day, you’ll learn the traffic patterns and trouble spots and know what to do to have a smoother and safer ride.

As you enter an intersection, slow down.

Drivers turning left in front of bikes cause a large percentage of accidents, and if you’re riding fast through an intersection, you have less time and space to slow down. Don’t assume that no turn signal means no turn; many drivers fail to use them. Slow down and look in all directions as you proceed through the intersection—and do not change lanes while you are in the intersection unless absolutely necessary.

If you are at the front of the line when the light turns green, look both ways before proceeding in case someone runs the red light.

Always allow more space than you need.

Never tailgate, and stay as far back from the car in front of you as possible. If a vehicle is tailgating you, pull over and let it pass. You do not need to prove a point to anyone, and road rage is something you want to avoid, especially while on a bike.

Reconsider lane splitting.

Not only is it illegal in many states, it’s dangerous. It might save you a few minutes, but you run the very real risk of someone pulling out in front of you or hitting you. It’s not worth it.

As  South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys who also ride, we know how challenging it can be to ride. Stay safe!

The Colorado River provides water for the southwestern states and is the river that created the Grand Canyon. This motorcycle route runs from the resort town of Grand Lake, CO and passes through the charming towns of Granby and Kremmling, ending at State Bridge. (Note: the road between Kremmling and State Bridge is gravel, so should not be traveled after rain or snow.)

Designated a National Scenic Byway in 2005, the Colorado River Headwaters Byway begins on Highway 34 in Grand Lake and travels southwest to Granby, and then Highway 40 takes you through Hot Sulphur Springs on your way to Kremmling. Be sure to spend a little time in each town experiencing its unique character and friendly people. For the final leg of the Byway, you’ll turn on County Road 1 in Kremmling and travel to State Bridge, passing by an historic wagon trail and watchable wildlife route.

If you enjoy fishing, you’ll love Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake, and Lake Granby. You’ll also enjoy Williams Fork Reservoir, off Highway 40 near the little town of Parshall, where a wide variety of fish, including Northern pike and brown trout, are waiting for you. If you choose to spend the night, try the Historic State Bridge Lodge or Grand Lake Lodge, which is nestled in a grove of tall trees.

If you enjoy history and museums, the Pioneer Village Museum in Hot Sulphur Springs is housed in the original Hot Sulphur Springs School. It holds a skiing history display, 8,500-year-old Windy Gap artifacts, and a Pioneer Women exhibit. Kremmling’s Heritage Park Museum highlights the history of ranching. It holds the old Kremmling jail, the 1906 DNW&P Train Depot, the McElroy Livery and Barn, and the Horseshoe Ranger Station.

If you go to Colorado from a low elevation, take note that this byway ranges from 6,500–9.000 feet in elevation. You may feel a bit lightheaded or have difficulty breathing for the first day or so. Be sure to stay hydrated as you visit the Rockies, so you can fully enjoy the spectacular mountains, lakes, and canyons.

What’s your favorite motorcycle route in the U.S.?

Know what bed bugs are and what they look like.

Bed bugs feed on blood at night and disappear during the day. Their bites leave red marks or welts, which often appear in a row on your arms or legs. The Cornell University Cooperative Extension has created a card to take with you when you travel to show you what bed bugs look like and how to inspect your hotel room.

Research the hotels or motels you plan to stay in.

The Bedbug Registry at http://bedbugregistry.com/ is a database of bed bug reports from around the U.S. and Canada. Google the name of each hotel or motel with the words “bedbug” and “bed bug” to see if anyone has reported them. You can also check with sites such as tripadvisor.com and hotels.com to see if there are any negative reviews related to bed bugs.

Call and talk to the desk clerk.

Most reputable hotels and motels are keenly aware of the problem and proactively spray regularly. If you call and the desk clerk seems evasive or doesn’t want to talk about their bed bug control plan, find another place to stay.

Inspect your room before you bring luggage in.

Get out a flashlight and look for blood spots, bugs, shed skins, or feces (which look like pepper) in corners, cracks, and crevices near the bed. Search around the headboard and the mattress, especially near stitching and seams. Check the bed frame, bed ruffles, and where the sheets tuck in. See if the sheets, pillows, or pillowcases have old blood spots. Open the drawers of bedside tables, and check upholstered furniture, behind pictures, and inside drapes.

If you do find evidence of bed bugs, ask for another room, but do not accept one that is adjacent to the infested room. You’ll need to repeat the inspection in the new room.

Keep your luggage and possessions away from possible infestation.

If your room passes inspection, do not assume all is well. There could be a recent infestation from the guest before you. Do not put anything on the bed or on the bedside table. Always keep your luggage and bags (including purses) on racks away from the wall, on tables with metal legs, or in the tub. Buy some plastic bags that seal to put your bedclothes in, and do not add them to your regular luggage.

After you get home . . .

While just one pregnant female can start an infestation in your Folly Beach, Ladson, or St. George home, the good news is that bed bugs cannot live in very high or very low temperatures. When you return home, leave your suitcases outside, and wash and dry all your clothing (plus purses and bags if possible) on the highest temperature settings possible to kill any hitchhikers. If you cannot wash or dry something, put it in the freezer for at least three weeks.

Do you have any additional tips to avoid bed bugs?

The byway begins north at Robertstown and runs along SR 17/75, then goes southwest along SR 180, southeast along SR 348, and ends at SR 75 Alternate. Along the byway, you can visit several state parks, the Tray Mountain Wilderness, Raven Cliff and Anna Ruby Falls, and Brasstown Bald. Other areas to explore include High Shoals Creek Falls Scenic Area, Smithgall Woods-Dukes Creek Conservation area, and Yonah Mountain.

With over 1200 acres, Unicoi and Vogel State Parks are two of Georgia’s most popular protected areas, with campsites and cozy cottages. Vogel also has trailer and RV sites. In these parks, you can hike, swim, play tennis, and go fishing while you take in the spectacular scenery. In the autumn, you’re treated to the changing colors in spectacular fashion.

Hiking trails abound in the Tray Mountain Wilderness, making it the perfect spot to watch wildlife. If you love waterfalls, the three Raven Cliff falls—one of which flows through a split in solid rock—will take your breath away. The Curtis and York creeks merge in dramatic fashion at Anna Ruby Falls, and you’ll enjoy picnic areas and a visitor center there.

One of the most spectacular views is on top of the 4,784-foot high Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain peak. You can hike the trail up the mountain, or you can take the tour bus. Its large observation deck gives you a 360-degree view of the mountains and timberland year-round. You’ll see the North Georgia Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Rich Mountains, and Lake Chatuge in the Enchanted Valley. As you descend Brasstown Bald, you’ll see Track Rock Gap with its 10,000-year-old petroglyphs.

As motorcycle lawyers who also ride, we’ve been on many of America’s byways, and the Russell-Brasstown is one of our favorites.

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