July 2010

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In this issue:

1. A word from the Director: Vicki Sanfelipo

2. Website features by Andrea Lyman

3. Featured Biker-Owned Business:Tori Browning, Your Riding Realtor

4. Regional Biker's Betterment Conference

5. The Educated Biker by Trauma Mama: Keepin' It Cool

6. Wacky Pic of the Month!

Visit the Allstate Garage and sign up for their free newsletter by clicking above!

In the next issue:
1. A word from the Director
2. Partner News
3. ALL OVER THE MAP by John Garley
4. Fall 2010 BBC
5. Member Spotlight

A word from the Director
by Vicki Sanfelipo

Did you ever notice that when you get on your bike worried or upset about something, by the time you get off those worries have disappeared or at least feel less burdensome? It’s as if they have seeped out of your body. I was recently trying to explain the female spirit to a guy and it went something like this: We ride to escape, to shake off the heavy burden, to have some fun and to be in control when our lives are not. Having that bad day – grabbing the keys and fist full of throttle allows all of our cares to melt away. It’s as if the stress is somehow pulled from our bodies and sent through the exhaust as we roll on the throttle and lean into a curve. I feel my heart beat become one with the putt-putt-putt of the bike and I feel the tension fade away. I’ve got to tell you that I am a happy and calm human being today. I’ve been riding a lot and have more rides planned. We are also planning our next Biker’s Betterment Conference (BBC) in North Carolina on November 13th so as it is getting cold here, I’ll be heading south. The BBC will come right after the Lone Star Rally in Texas where I will be with the Allstate Garage again so my plans are shaping up nicely! So what do I have to worry about? My friends. Lately I have heard several reports of how my friends have been injured in motorcycle crashes. I always want to know why. It’s as if I feel that I might be able to learn something from their mistakes. One hit some unexpected gravel. Another hit a deer, still another was hit by a car that didn’t see him and pulled out of a parking lot. Some days I feel more “lucky” than “educated” but I have to think that more education is better! I have been consciously paying more attention to my position in my lane by making sure that I give the car drivers every opportunity to see me. When I am aware of a car that I am not sure has seen me and could potentially violate my right of way, I put one finger over my horn and the other over my brake in hopes that I won’t have to use either. This technique seems to be working pretty well.

So that is enough serious stuff for this month. I’m finishing plans for the 16th annual Tommy Thompson’s Reunion Ride hosted by the fabulous Women In Motion Roadguardians next week. 670 miles in 3 days with parties every night and all meals provided for 4 evenings/3 days. If you would like to follow our adventures be sure to make me your “friend” on facebook! I should be smiling like a Cheshire cat when I get back……. See ya!!!!!

Website Features
by Andrea Lyman

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Social networking such as Facebook, Twitter, and blogging are a great way to keep in touch. It allows you to participate, allowing us to better serve you. The collective experiences of many are important as we grow and learn from one another. If you haven't already, add us on Facebook or Twitter by clicking the link below. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Featured Biker-Owned Business
Tori Browning: Your Riding Realtor

Your Riding Realtor

Tori Browning is a Realtor specializing Lake County, IL and Northern Chicago. She is also an avid motorcyclist and author of the blog Your Riding Realtor. By motorcycle she has traveled over 100,000 miles and visited all lower 48 states with her dog Cash. Although not a great navigator he is a great traveling companion.

When asked why motorcycles and real estate Tori replied, "There are several advantages to using my bike as a Realtor. First it is my preferred mode of transportation and it saves on fuel costs. The largest benefit however is when touring properties. Being on the bike allows me to see more and get a great feel for the neighborhood. When you can see it, smell it and feel it, you have the ability to pass on more information to clients".

The two passions of real estate and motorcycling allow Tori to meet people from all walks of life and hear their stories. She loves to help people achieve their dreams whether its buying their first home or helping them prepare for their first long distance motorcycle trip. She is a member of Windy City Women Riders MC, Chicago ABATE, Rescue Riders, Patriot Guard Riders and a volunteer with the American Red Cross. Her riding blog can be viewed at http://.yourridingrealtor.wordpress.com

My contact info:
Tori Browning
Cell 773-964-3860
www.bairdwarner.com/tori.browning
http://yourridingrealtor.wordpress.com

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Regional BBC Fall 2010

Save the Date!

Heads up! We will be holding a Regional Biker's Betterment Conference Saturday, November 13, 2010 in North Carolina! Watch for more details next month.

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The Educated Biker
by Trauma Mama

~Keepin’ it Cool~

It’s exciting to join friends on daily or weekend adventures or groups for a charitable ride and even participate in a poker run. Just as it is important to prepare your bike for a ride, it’s important to prepare yourself as well. The heat, humidity, along with the asphalt and our biker black or protective gear increases body temperature more rapidly and you can become a riding inferno.

Dehydration occurs because there is too much water lost, not enough water taken in, or most often a combination of the two. Dehydration also occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The body is very dynamic and always changing. This is especially true with water in the body. Water is a critical element of the body, and adequate hydration is a must to allow the body to function. Up to 75% of the body's weight is made up of water. Dehydration is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on how much of the body's fluid is lost or not replenished. When severe, dehydration is a life-threatening emergency. Prevent dehydration from even happening by starting your morning with a light breakfast including juice and water. Pack plenty of water, juice or sport drinks to take with. Freezing them the night before will help them stay cold throughout the day.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment. The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. Symptoms include nausea, headache, muscle cramps, weakness and fatigue and excessive sweating. Treatment includes rehydration and helping the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two forms of hyperthermia that are less severe, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated. Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heatstroke and include the symptoms of dehydration and heat exhaustion except sweating now is absent and the person might be confused, agitated, hallucinating, may have seizures due to lack of electrolytes or may even become unresponsive.

First and foremost, cool the victim. Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for example you may spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, and place ice packs under armpits and groins. Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage. This is a 911 situation!

Education is key to injury prevention! The most important measures to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather. If you have to perform physical activities in hot weather, drink plenty of fluids (such as water and sports drinks), but avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tea which may lead to dehydration. Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. Wear hats and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes. Your body will need frequent replenishment of electrolytes (such as sodium) as well as fluids if you sweat excessively or perform vigorous activity in the sunlight for prolonged periods.

Until next time,
Ride safe and keep it cool!
Teresa “Trauma Mama” McClelland RN, TNS

 

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Wacky Pic of the Month!
Source: http://www.daytonamotorcycletraining.com/

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