Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society - we're here for You!

I'm extremely proud to be part of a great group of motorcycle riders in Edmonton, Alberta lead by our dynamic leader Liane Langlois, called the Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society.

Our AMSS Executive and Media Team

It was Liane's personal quest to help other riders a year or so back when she contacted me for some assistance with getting her message out to the media in Edmonton.

Liane Langlois - President

One thing led to another and the amazing domino effect of positivity resulted in one of the finest multi media campaigns I've ever been involved in - and the building of a great team with other team members Terry Bleau, Doug McFayden and Mike Schmidt who each bring their own skill and expertise to our group along with the same message of 'passion' for safety on the roads.

That being said it's 'pre season' and I thought I'd send out a few thoughts to people either thinking of getting into our glorius sport this year or for 'relatively' new riders anxious to get out again on their particular choice of motorcycle or trike.

First off "wait" for the roads to warm up.

NOTHING is worse than cold tires on cold tarmac.

So when we get those nice fresh warm days in March or early April please hold off for a bit and let Mother Nature take her course.

As well the road crews need to remove all the sand & gravel and repair those vicious potholes that sneak up and bite you when you least expect it.

Our logo

For new riders buy the proper bike for your riding skills and style.

There is a huge variety of motorcycles available and each is designed for a particular type of riding.  City.  Highway.  Long distance.  Off Road.  Partly off Road.

You know what I mean.

Start with a lower cc bike and get the feel for it.  Ride as often as you can with 'seasoned' riders to get those experienced rider tips that could save your life.

Most of all ride 'confident' - because if you're afraid of that bike or the drivers around us you're going to run in to trouble.

Second, it doesn't have to be your last bike - so 'progress' through the riding season(s) and when you find out your real riding style move into a bigger bike in the proper category for your skill level and riding style.

Next, take a proper riding course.  There are some very good ones available and the folks that teach it simply will NOT let you get your licence without knowing that you are 100% ready to hit the roads

Wear the proper gear and trust me/us when we say... flip flops and shorts aren't 'proper' gear for the rider OR passenger.

And PLEASE don't use the city streets or surrounding freeways to race or show off.  There are track days at Castrol Raceway for that several times a year.

If you're a returning rider after not being on a motorcycle for several years take an upgrade course.

Many 'veteran' riders left the sport years ago to raise families and when they return to riding find out very quickly that motorcycles/trikes have changed 'dramatically' over the past decade or so and you really do need to learn how to ride again with these upgrades - like ABS, lower weight bikes, gps, etc.

I've had my licence since 1966.  I ride year round in Edmonton in the summer and Phoenix Arizona in the winter.  I ride in every weather extreme possible.  I ride with some of the most experienced riders as possible.  I still learn from other riders and there is a wonderful team feeling when helping teach another rider a new safety tip or style on the road.

There isn't a day nor a ride that goes by without me being 100% aware of my surroundings - and in a world of Cell Phone/Texting and Distracted Driving you have to be fully cognizant of your surroundings at all times and to be ready to react to pure stupidity at a moments notice.

I've had drunk drivers try to run me off the road.  People have thrown things at me riding.  I had an elderly man try to spray me with a hose simply for riding on his street one day.  I've had furniture fall off the back of a truck on a highway.  I've dodge Coyotes, Moose, dogs and cats.

Every rider has had a close call and especially with those left turn scenarios OR with a driver looking 'past' you on the road and pull out in front of you.

Throughout it all simply remember that a MOTORCYCLE can KILL YOU.

I repeat - a MOTORCYCLE can KILL YOU.

So.  Be prepared.

Constantly upgrade your skills and knowledge.  Ride ride ride to get more confidence and experience.

Last years Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society was launched with a multi media campaign on television, radio, newspaper and digital.  We are on Facebook and Twitter sharing as many good articles and advice as we can possibly can.

The campaign was highlighted and endorsed by some of Edmonton's finest media guys - like CTV's Daryl McIntyre, Global Televisions Gord Steinke, Alberta Prime Times Michael Higgens, CKUA's Cam Hayden,  CFCW's Sean Burke, Capital FM's Shane Michaels, K97's Terry Evans, 630 CHED's J'Lyn Nye, The One's Steve Zimmerman, and this year we are also getting our message in to Calgary to help spread our message Province wide.

If you'd like to support our cause please go to the website www.ab-amss.org  You will be able to view our television spots and to buy some of our swag or a membership in AMSS.

We are 100% non profit and all proceeds to to help us purchase more media and to assist us in participating in shows and causes around the Province where we spread the good word on motorcycle safety.

Your AMSS team looks forward to meeting you this season - #motosafety

Like us on Facebook - Follow us on Twitter @ab_amss  - and please share your photos with us on Instagram ab_amss

High flying advice!

I’m just back from spending a couple of months in the United States and watched with interest, like most of us, the hand off of the Government from Democrat Barack Obama to GOP President Donald Trump.

It certainly has had a world wide effect quickly so the first question that comes to mind for many of us Snowbirds is “how will this affect Canada” and I guess the easiest analogy is being witnessed with the almost daily changing of the rules, regulations, and especially the systems for travelers.

With the ban - no ban - overruling of the ban - court challenge etc. there is much confusion for travellers so here are just a few thoughts that might make things a little easier for “Joe Average” for crossing the border.

First off these poor Border Guards have a tough enough job as it is, asking the same questions over and over day in and day out in their little security booth, so be gentle.  It can’t be fun for them either.

Add to the fact now that their instructions are changing daily as to what they can and can’t legally do, how much power do they have to detain people etc. and to be perfectly frank it must be stressful simply “dealing with liars” as well as trying to figure out who’s a good guy and who’s a bad guy.

So if you’re going to EIA remember a few things:

You’re highly advised to get a NEXUS card.  Simple to apply on line and you will get invited for a pre screening interview; and shortly thereafter (around 3 months in all) you have been approved for travel at the highest security level between Canada and the US which, in this day and age, is now a virtual gold mine.  It’s cheap as it averages out at about $10 per year.  You often get a separate line at security and usually whisk through the borders quite quickly both coming and going.  It also has domestic privileges.

Get to the airport early.  Weather woes add to winter travel delays but this new awareness and changing of the rules means you’re likely going to be waiting longer to be at the gate.

 People who complain about weather issues or mechanical problems delaying their flights baffles my mind. 

Be careful of your social media posts.  Border security has the right to check your Facebook and Twitter accounts or even to ask for your password on your smartphone or iPad and if you show any tendencies to violence, hate or negative thoughts against the Government you are drawing a big red (and white) flag on to yourself and they CAN deny you entry into the US instantly and for as long as they desire.

Don’t wear offensive t-shirts or hats - or convey any ‘attitude’ when going through their questions.  

I now travel extremely light as well, even to Europe.  Usually just one small carry on with just the essentials for the trip to make it easier.  

It’s getting extremely costly to pay for luggage, both ways, and often it’s cheaper to just buy a few things at your destination. Many folks I know now mail their things back home. 

In the middle of winter in Alberta you’re likely not going to need your flip flops, shorts, and scuba mask so why not?

Finally, this may sound simple....but...be patient. 

There’s already a great fear of flying on a normal basis that gets matched up with the stress of long lines ups, security checks, flight delays and other distractions so go in with a nice open mind and be nice to those folks who’s job it is to get us all safely on our way to our destination. 

Traci Bednard, Fly EIA concurs.

"Bottom line is to talk to your airline and be explicit about your circumstances so they can tell you what they will do in your specific circumstance. Yes, certainly Nexus! Yes, caution on posts!"

There's a lot of confusion these days so Traci suggests contacting your particular airline not EIA especially with travel bans or the like.

"The airport itself has not been advised of significant issues, outside of some confusion from travellers. We don’t receive passenger information, so technically we wouldn’t be advised if passengers were denied boarding for example."

By the way there was a Canadian Snowbird Association meeting in Mesa two weeks ago where their President tells us that the Canadian Snowbird Visa IS moving forward albeit slowly.  With the Republicans controlling both houses they are suggesting that it actually may move quicker now and all indications are that the 181 day rule could be approved to 240 days (with special restrictions you sign off on) sometime this year.  It's a complicated issue so I'll leave it at that until I receive further official and legal information.

The only bad part about travel is the travel part.   Good luck.

A Medium done rare.  I’m honored to be one of the ‘fryers’ at the upcoming Capital FM’s Rob Christie Roast that will be held on March 8th at the River Cree Resort.

I’ve known Rob for over four decades now and have a deep respect for his career and achievements and proud that I get to pile on a little fun on Rob with my Edmonton Sun page mates Graham Hicks and Cam Tait, along with media pals Bryan Hall, Susan Reade, Sean Burke and Bruce Bowie.   

The roast is a benefit for Edmonton Rotary and it will be a night full of laughter and love.  I can't wait to hear my favorite "sit down comic" Cam as he just doesn't play fair and somehow gets away with shots that the rest of us just can't.  A true pro.  

Please come and support Rotary projects in Edmonton.  Tickets are available at edmontonrotary.com under 'events.'