anyone go for a ride today? Pics?

[GS1150Pilot]

We get that...the point is not participating in risky behaviour ...wipe out and you need the hospital...no one want that. I rode yesterday by myself just in my hood.

Uh, Trevor, you do know where most accidents occur, right?

[trevor]

Uh, Trevor, you do know where most accidents occur, right?

of course they do... it’s because you ride near your neighbourhood ...gotta leave your house and come home to it. So it would make sense that that’s where most accidents occur. Nobody ever says that though when they talk about accidents close to home...it’s always because “you get lazy”..not the whole story imo.

[GS1150Pilot]

of course they do... it’s because you ride near your neighbourhood ...gotta leave your house and come home to it. So it would make sense that that’s where most accidents occur. Nobody ever says that though when they talk about accidents close to home...it’s always because “you get lazy”..not the whole story imo.

Too right, brother.

[bwringer]

My son and I went for a ride yesterday. It was 61 degrees and sunny. Absolutely beautiful day! Sorry, didn't get any pics.

I'm curious, and I'm sorry if someone has asked this question, Indiana has a "shelter in place" order and I'm wondering if we are even allowed to go for a ride on a motorcycle or are you only allowed to be on the roads for essential work or essential errands? I don't see the harm in going for a motorcycle ride because it maintains the social distancing concept, but I do understand if they don't want unnecessary travel on the roads to cut down on first responder incidents or hospital requirements due to accidents etc. What are your thoughts on this? I can't seem to find in writing anywhere that motorcycle rides aren't allowed specifically in Indiana.

I read the Indiana order in detail and motorcycling is not mentioned. It does mention that outdoor activity is encouraged as long as you maintain social distancing, and it did specifically mention bicycling is fine.

There is something to the idea that you don't want to occupy emergency services if you have an accident. However, I've been hit by cars twice while bicycling and twice while motorcycling; there's an element of risk to anything you do. Heck, if you lie in bed long enough with the covers over your head, you're going to need an ambulance sooner or later. So if you manage risks, I don't think motorcycling is necessarily "selfish", or outside the scope of prudence.

And if you think through the practical side of things, the cops aren't pulling people over at random and there aren't checkpoints where they're checking your papers; there aren't any "papers" to check, and there aren't enough cops to do this anyway.

So yeah, I went for a nice little ride yesterday. I did stop by a grocery store to grab a few things I needed (I was on my V-Strom, which has hard bags; that's how I normally do my grocery shopping most of the year), so I suppose I'd at least have an excuse if questioned by jackbooted thugs. I didn't see any jackbooted thugs, and the police I did see didn't give me a second glance.


So here's where I land on this. YMMV, of course; as mentioned some places do specifically mention motorcycling. But I don't think they care about the riding; they mostly need people to skip the gathering and socializing motorcyclists are prone to.

I think the following is compatible with the letter and spirit of the order, at least here in Indiana. YMMV, and I am not a lawyer, only a reasonably competent human being with a decent level of reading comprehension. Heck, this might get me tasered or ticketed.

- Riding for allowed purposes ("essential" work, groceries, etc.) is fine as long as risk factors are managed.

- If they intended to ban recreational motorcycle riding hereabouts, they would have done so; the Indiana order is ten pages and it is quite thorough in every other respect. The do mention that bicycling is OK, and motorcycling does have some things in common with that.

- Recreational day rides are perfectly compatible with the concepts of social distancing and limiting virus transmission. You'll need to work out ahead of time how you're going to clean your hands during and after gas stops, and be prepared for closed bathrooms. (With pay-at-the-pump, pee-in-the-woods, and carry-your-own-drinks-and-snacks, you could go quite some time without getting anywhere near any other humans ...)

- No groups or pals or gatherings. In JohnnyL's case, he and his son are in the same household already, so it's perfectly fine for them to be near one another. And it's a nice bit of added safety.

- Dry and sunny only. You obviously want to manage risk to the highest degree possible to avoid occupying EMS, so for the duration I won't ride if there are additional risk factors like rain or darkness. On the plus side, there's a lot less traffic, which is the main hazard to motorcyclists.

- I also limit the distance. If I'm a carrier, I don't want to spread this to some tiny town in southern Indiana. A normal day ride for me is 300-450 miles total, but for the time being I'm limiting my rides to a fairly small radius of 25 miles or so.

- Manage risks more conservatively than usual, if possible.

- Spend some extra time ensuring your machine is mechanically in perfect condition.

- Think about how you might manage things if you have a breakdown. Limiting ride distance is part of this.

- ATGATT, of course. But that goes without saying any time.

- I haven't heard of nor do I expect to hear of any targeted enforcement, but I suppose it couldn't hurt to have an excuse at hand... a backpack or bags with which to carry groceries.

- I'll also point out that there is also increased risk in NOT riding; skills deteriorate over time. Here in Indy, the climate is such that we usually get some just-warm-enough days in every month and I make a point of getting out for rides to maintain skills; still, it takes some time every spring to get sharp again.

[Guest]

I read the Indiana order in detail and motorcycling is not mentioned. It does mentioned that outdoor activity is encouraged as long as you maintain social distancing, and it did specifically mention bicycling is fine.

There is something to the idea that you don't want to occupy emergency services if you have an accident. However, I've been hit by cars twice while bicycling and twice while motorcycling; there's an element of risk to anything you do. Heck, if you lie in bed long enough with the covers over your head, you're going to need an ambulance sooner or later. So if you manage risks, I don't think motorcycling is necessarily "selfish", or outside the scope of prudence.

And if you think through the practical side of things, the cops aren't pulling people over at random and there aren't checkpoints where they're checking your papers; there aren't any "papers" to check, and there aren't enough cops to do this anyway.

So yeah, I went for a nice little ride yesterday. I did stop by a grocery store to grab a few things I needed (I was on my V-Strom, which has hard bags; that's how I normally do my grocery shopping most of the year), so I suppose I'd at least have an excuse if questioned by jackbooted thugs. I didn't see any jackbooted thugs, and the police I did see didn't give me a second glance.


So here's where I land on this. YMMV, of course; as mentioned some places do specifically mention motorcycling. But I don't think they care about the riding; they mostly need people to skip the gathering and socializing motorcyclists are prone to.

I think the following is compatible with the letter and spirit of the order, at least here in Indiana. YMMV, and I am not a lawyer, only a reasonably competent human being with a decent level of reading comprehension. Heck, this might get me tasered or ticketed.

- Riding for allowed purposes ("essential" work, groceries, etc.) is fine as long as risk factors are managed.

- If they intended to ban recreational motorcycle riding hereabouts, they would have done so; the Indiana order is ten pages and it is quite thorough in every other respect. The do mention that bicycling is OK, and motorcycling does have some things in common with that.

- Recreational day rides are perfectly compatible with the concepts of social distancing and limiting virus transmission. You'll need to work out ahead of time how you're going to clean your hands during and after gas stops, and be prepared for closed bathrooms. (With pay-at-the-pump, pee-in-the-woods, and carry-your-own-drinks-and-snacks, you could go quite some time without getting anywhere near any other humans ...)

- No groups or pals or gatherings. In JohnnyL's case, he and his son are in the same household already, so it's perfectly fine for them to be near one another. And it's a nice bit of added safety.

- Dry and sunny only. You obviously want to manage risk to the highest degree possible to avoid occupying EMS, so for the duration I won't ride if there are additional risk factors like rain or darkness. On the plus side, there's a lot less traffic, which is the main hazard to motorcyclists.

- I also limit the distance. If I'm a carrier, I don't want to spread this to some tiny town in southern Indiana. A normal day ride for me is 300-450 miles total, but for the time being I'm limiting my rides to a fairly small radius of 25 miles or so.

- Manage risks more conservatively than usual, if possible.

- Spend some extra time ensuring your machine is mechanically in perfect condition.

- Think about how you might manage things if you have a breakdown. Limiting ride distance is part of this.

- ATGATT, of course. But that goes without saying any time.

- I haven't heard of nor do I expect to hear of any targeted enforcement, but I suppose it couldn't hurt to have an excuse at hand... a backpack or bags with which to carry groceries.

- I'll also point out that there is also increased risk in NOT riding; skills deteriorate over time. Here in Indy, the climate is such that we usually get some just-warm-enough days in every month and I make a point of getting out for rides to maintain skills; still, it takes some time every spring to get sharp again.

I would agree with Brian on pretty much every point he made. Michigan is also under a lockdown, with the following exceptions (per the Governor's order):

a) Individuals may leave their home or place of residence, and travel as necessary:

1. To engage in outdoor activity, including walking, hiking, running, cycling, or any other recreational activity consistent with remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household.
2. To perform tasks that are necessary to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members (including pets). Individuals may, for example, leave the home or place of residence to secure medication or to seek medical or dental care that is necessary to address a medical emergency or to preserve the health and safety of a household or family member (including procedures that, in accordance with a duly implemented nonessential procedures postponement plan, have not been postponed).
3. To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves, their family or household members, and their vehicles. Individuals must secure such services or supplies via delivery to the maximum extent possible. As needed, however, individuals may leave the home or place of residence to purchase groceries, take-out food, gasoline, needed medical supplies, and any other products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and basic operation of their residences.

That would seem to leave a LOT of wiggle room to justify a ride on a motorcycle or a drive in a car (even if it is only for the purposes of recreation). It's hard to imagine any law enforcement officer pulling over someone who is otherwise obeying the directive to "social distance" for enjoying a nice motorcycle ride.

Just my 2 cents.

SK

[storm 64]

I distanced myself (socially of course) from a Harley guy that thought he could run with the FJ yesterday, does that count? I took a vacation day from work and went for a 275 mile ride into the Allegheny forest area. I did stop for fuel once, using my ATM card I didn't have to remove my helmet or gloves. I packed a sandwich and drinks, I had a nice picnic all to myself. Very limited traffic and no school buses, it was a beautiful day for motorcycling in Northwest Pennsylvania. 🌞

[Baatfam]

I did.........................

[GS1150Pilot]

I read the Indiana order in detail and motorcycling is not mentioned. It does mention that outdoor activity is encouraged as long as you maintain social distancing, and it did specifically mention bicycling is fine.

There is something to the idea that you don't want to occupy emergency services if you have an accident. However, I've been hit by cars twice while bicycling and twice while motorcycling; there's an element of risk to anything you do. Heck, if you lie in bed long enough with the covers over your head, you're going to need an ambulance sooner or later. So if you manage risks, I don't think motorcycling is necessarily "selfish", or outside the scope of prudence.

And if you think through the practical side of things, the cops aren't pulling people over at random and there aren't checkpoints where they're checking your papers; there aren't any "papers" to check, and there aren't enough cops to do this anyway.

So yeah, I went for a nice little ride yesterday. I did stop by a grocery store to grab a few things I needed (I was on my V-Strom, which has hard bags; that's how I normally do my grocery shopping most of the year), so I suppose I'd at least have an excuse if questioned by jackbooted thugs. I didn't see any jackbooted thugs, and the police I did see didn't give me a second glance.


So here's where I land on this. YMMV, of course; as mentioned some places do specifically mention motorcycling. But I don't think they care about the riding; they mostly need people to skip the gathering and socializing motorcyclists are prone to.

I think the following is compatible with the letter and spirit of the order, at least here in Indiana. YMMV, and I am not a lawyer, only a reasonably competent human being with a decent level of reading comprehension. Heck, this might get me tasered or ticketed.

- Riding for allowed purposes ("essential" work, groceries, etc.) is fine as long as risk factors are managed.

- If they intended to ban recreational motorcycle riding hereabouts, they would have done so; the Indiana order is ten pages and it is quite thorough in every other respect. The do mention that bicycling is OK, and motorcycling does have some things in common with that.

- Recreational day rides are perfectly compatible with the concepts of social distancing and limiting virus transmission. You'll need to work out ahead of time how you're going to clean your hands during and after gas stops, and be prepared for closed bathrooms. (With pay-at-the-pump, pee-in-the-woods, and carry-your-own-drinks-and-snacks, you could go quite some time without getting anywhere near any other humans ...)

- No groups or pals or gatherings. In JohnnyL's case, he and his son are in the same household already, so it's perfectly fine for them to be near one another. And it's a nice bit of added safety.

- Dry and sunny only. You obviously want to manage risk to the highest degree possible to avoid occupying EMS, so for the duration I won't ride if there are additional risk factors like rain or darkness. On the plus side, there's a lot less traffic, which is the main hazard to motorcyclists.

- I also limit the distance. If I'm a carrier, I don't want to spread this to some tiny town in southern Indiana. A normal day ride for me is 300-450 miles total, but for the time being I'm limiting my rides to a fairly small radius of 25 miles or so.

- Manage risks more conservatively than usual, if possible.

- Spend some extra time ensuring your machine is mechanically in perfect condition.

- Think about how you might manage things if you have a breakdown. Limiting ride distance is part of this.

- ATGATT, of course. But that goes without saying any time.

- I haven't heard of nor do I expect to hear of any targeted enforcement, but I suppose it couldn't hurt to have an excuse at hand... a backpack or bags with which to carry groceries.

- I'll also point out that there is also increased risk in NOT riding; skills deteriorate over time. Here in Indy, the climate is such that we usually get some just-warm-enough days in every month and I make a point of getting out for rides to maintain skills; still, it takes some time every spring to get sharp again.

Written as it drizzles outside: BRAVO, sir. You have hit it directly on the head.

Something to be taken more seriously as this crisis extends is finding healthy ways to stave off boredom and depression due to isolation. Few things done solo top a motorcycle ride.

[ptegsotic]

Few things done solo top a motorcycle ride.

oh I dunno. G/f is seriously social distancing right now.

[GS1150Pilot]

oh I dunno. G/f is seriously social distancing right now.

Time for a new girlfriend. I'd never want one whose absence made my heart grow fonder.

[Carter Turk]

A good article on this topic of distancing on a MC.
With regard to not coming in contact with anyone, this seems to be a better solution then even going to a store of any kind, for that mental moment of cleansing a ride provides.
Won't go into detail about a certain former AMA multi winner current legal troubles.

https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/anti-viral-motorcycling-were-all-in-this-together/

[Buffalo Bill]

A good article on this topic of distancing on a MC.
With regard to not coming in contact with anyone, this seems to be a better solution then even going to a store of any kind, for that mental moment of cleansing a ride provides.
Won't go into detail about a certain former AMA multi winner current legal troubles.
https://www.roadracingworld.com/news...this-together/

Next article: Who would like to trade their superbike track days, for flat track bike bike days?

[Jedz123]

The T120 keeps ticking, +350 miles today. Over 1000 miles this week.

[cowboyup3371]

A quick 75 mile ride north to Ludlow falls after the severe thunderstorms we received last night meant I also got to deal with 25+ mph winds. There's a lot of water and mud in that river

Ludlow Falls from Side by Scott Baker, on Flickr

[GS1150Pilot]

Took a 40 mile spin out to Saguaro Lake. Sheriff had every rec area closed, so I swung in at the dam for a quick photo.
EE09AC14-DDBD-4FCE-8EBF-6E083C1CBCC7.jpg