Panjandrum

I have been away, and not had time to check back with this discussion that I started. I wanted to explain that, lest anybody think I would be put off or offended by some of the blunter comments. Political correctness is vastly over-rated, and has led to much confusion in my not very humble opinion. Many very interesting comments and thoughts. Thank you to all who contributed. It had never occurred to me when I asked this question that it was a moral issue. My concerns are entirely about the safety of every rider in my Club. When riding in groups, the actions of one rider can very quickly impact the safety of others in the group. I enjoy a drink, and always have. There was a time when I would occasionally drink so much that I was incapable of walking home... and therefore had to drive (that is waaaay too close to a true story). The number of candles on my birthday cake have perhaps helped me to see the light, and I realize how much one's judgment can be impaired by alcohol. I absolutely agree that the degree of impairment will vary from person to person. But as the degree of impairment begins with the first drink, I am not sure that it is appropriate to leave the decision with the individual who is drinking. My purpose in raising this topic for discussion with the Coast Riders will be to see whether there is consensus on the idea of setting a guideline or even a rule of no drinking while riding. This way I would hope to avoid any awkward situations on the road, with the possibility of leaving an impaired rider to get home alone. If the discussion at my Club reflects the discussion on this site... we are in for some interesting times. I am not sure whether it is appropriate to ask this: if you have anything further to add to this discussion, could you please limit it to: Consumption of alcohol while riding as a safety issue. If you wish to discuss religion or morality, start your own thread! Thanks again for all your thoughts. Even the twisted and wrong ones make interesting reading.

Wow! not sure where morality comes into the issue. I am looking at the question from a safety point of view. It's a minority that are drinking. I see no reason for me or any of the majority to stay away because a few choose to ride after a drink (or two).

I ride a great deal with groups (mixed bikes) with Coast Riders. I have noticed several riders who will have a beer (just one) at lunch time. There are a couple who will have more than one. I am thinking of suggesting that the Club adopt a strict "No alcohol while riding" policy. I am certainly not against drinking in the afternoon/evening when finished riding for the day. Also, I know we are all adults, and should be able to decide for ourselves whether or not a single beer would affect riding judgment. My concern is that somebody might drink more than they should. A pint of a stronger beer, is quite different from a can of American beer (sorry, couldn't resist). Also to be considered is the health, age, body size and several other factors that would affect the way a rider reacts to that "one drink". People can make their own decisions if they are riding on their own. But it seems to me that there is a greater risk when riding at some speed in a group, and when there is only one second between you and two other bikes. Yes, staggered formation... but that stagger doesn't make much difference when something happens quickly. Any of you belong to a Club with such a policy? Any thoughts or suggestions? Cheers!

I carry a small first aid kit with "After-Bite" for stings. Touch wood, that's the only thing I have used from the kit.

Just back from a four day Coast Riders rally in the Shuswap area. Fabulous scenery and nice roads... lots of twisties, but watch for gravel on the insides. I hear that Duffy Lake Road is in excellent shape... it was pretty good last year, with only a few short stretches of road work. The highway from Princeton to Merrit is beautiful, and 5A from Merrit to Kamloops also excellent. The Fraser Canyon can get really hot, and it can be windy around Merrit and in the Canyon. Enjoy the ride!

I am often tempted to use the shoulder, but generally resist. Here in BC at least, it is illegal, and tickets are frequently issued. The shoulder is reserved for emergency vehicles, though a bike could easily get off the shoulder and out of the way of a police car, ambulance, fire truck or tow-truck! For me, this is another argument for lane splitting... common in Europe and permitted in California and some other enlightened states. I know that the cagers would need to be educated about lane splitting if it were to be an allowed and acceptable practice, but worth the effort to encourage two-wheelers on the roads as well as preserving the health and sanity of motorcyclists... particularly those wearing ATGATT and those on air-cooled bikes!

With only 4,000 Km on my Venture, I had battery issues which caused me to require bump starting if there was a hill or a couple of willing BC Ferry workers to push the beast, or a jump start, which requires taking off the driver seat. What a pain THAT is! Has anyone come up with an alternative to the awkward nuts that secure the seat? My dealer replaced the battery, so I may not need to remove the seat for a while, but it would be handy to have an alternative for any future needs. Thanks for any help.

+1 on lack of lighting on most bikes. LOUD LIGHTS SAVE LIVES!!