Ride to Ripley

By Chris Molz

Posted 11/6/2010

 


     Well, after the ‘01 let us down on our trip to New York; it was time to try it again. Got the carb issue taken care of (Thanks Carl!!!) just in time for the Ride to Ripley 2010. Pam and I started off chasing a mouse around the laundry room that was caught in a trap. Good times and we hadn't even left yet!

Pam and I, Rick Breit and Scott Schau headed for Carl's place. 480 miles. We took the scenic route from KC to Ripley. Stayed mostly on 2 lanes or smaller divided highway. Rick lost the top to his CB antenna (again) and his headlight kept turning off. I lost the badge, lens and bezel from my lighted mud flap, but otherwise it was a blast.

Got into Ripley around 5pm on Thursday. Jim Loiselle and John Ramsey from Michigan arrived while we were at dinner. Mike Mihetz from Chicago rode in solo. Friday, Mike, Scott, Rick, Pam and I rode to Memphis to eat at The Bar-B-Que Shop. Arguably some of the best, if not the best BBQ in Memphis. I recommend everything!

Once back at Carl's the other attendees started trickling in. The list is almost endless...(see the rest of the story in the November/December issue of the Voyagers Voice magazine.) 

 

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CRADAR
(CRAsh Detection And Response)
For Android Cell Phones

(Complete Article)
Retained 11/6/2010

     A safety Note: There is an Android application, which may be of interest to our members. It is called CRADAR (CRAsh Detection And Response). It is free to download and use. Here is how it works: If you fall from your bike, the smart phone detects the fall, and if you do not enter an “I’m OK” signal in a user-settable number of seconds, the phone will initiate a call for assistance to a number that you have designated and will include your GPS location. This seems like a natural for people who ride alone.

Description provided by the Developer:
A man-down application for bicyclists, hikers, trail runners, off-trail skiers - anyone who explores alone. CRADAR runs in the background and waits for a shock that might indicate a hard fall. Once it detects a fall, it starts monitoring the GPS. After 30 seconds (time can be changed by the user) if you have not moved enough for the GPS to detect it, a text message is sent to a pre-selected contact telling them you might be injured. In the text is a link to Google Maps with your exact location.

Once CRADAR detects a fall, your phone starts vibrating and ringing. You can stop the warning by moving a few feet in any direction, or pressing the "I'm OK" button. Think of it as On-Star for the Android :-)

Description from the Market
CRADAR (CRAsh Detection And Response) is a man-down application that uses the accelerometer to detect a fall and sends a text message alert to a specified emergency contact, using the GPS to include a link to a map with your exact location. Great for cyclists, hikers, bikers, and anyone traveling alone.

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AVA Membership Dues Increase To Take Effect January 1, 2011
(Complete Article)
Posted 11/29/2010

     The AVA has not had a dues increase since the beginning of the year in 1997 or for the past thirteen (13) years. However, because of appreciable cost increases, especially the last few years, and reduced merchandise and advertising revenue, the Board of Directors have found it necessary to slightly increase the membership dues. Starting on January 1, 2011, the membership dues per year will increase to thirty-five dollars ($35) for our domestic members (USA only). Our Canadian and Overseas members rates were adjusted in the past. The AVA would like you to keep in mind, that even at the new dues rate, the AVA remains one of the, if not the lowest cost full service motorcycle touring organizations. The AVA provides a quality hard copy magazine, roster, website, and other benefits to our membership. In giving this advanced notice of membership dues increase, we would also bring it to your attention that you can beat the price increase by joining, renewing or extending your present membership up to two years by renewing your membership, even if you just did, before the end of December 2010. This will save you some money, so renew or extend your membership now before the price increase. We have tried our best to keep membership and all costs as low as possible, and will continue to do that. If you have any friends, AVA members or not, who do not have internet access, please pass along this information. You can join/renew or extend your membership up to two years using the hard copy (fillable online) form here (be sure to mark it is for up to two years if applicable and include appropriate dues), or for fastest, easiest, and most convenient service, use our total online new/renewal forms here.

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