Motorcycle Mama
by Christine Wilson Weaver
Mannington, NJ

Mission: To unite Salem County Women who ride or want to learn how to ride motorcycles for recreation, education, mutual support, recognition, and to promote a positive image of motorcycling.

It’s finally Saturday morning and as you look out your window you notice the sky is filled with dark gray clouds. As you drink your first cup of coffee, you wonder if you really want to chance getting a wet butt on your bike. You have been looking forward to this day all week to have fun with your crazy biker buds. You ask yourself, "Do I really want to get my shiny bike all dirty?" Well, if you’re anything like me, you answer, "Hell Yeah!"

I have ridden on my motorcycle for hours during rainstorms, high winds, lightning, and even tornado warnings to get to my destination. When we get it in our mind that we are ready to ride, rarely can mother nature hold us back. As the days are getting warmer you may think, “What’s a little rain going to hurt?" Well just in case luck isn’t on your side, here are a few tips and reminders to help you rebel bikers prepare to ride in the rain and keep yourself as dry as possible...but most importantly, safe. After all, we are in New Jersey...home of rainy days and crazy automobile owners on the roadways!

Most of you riders may have already purchased waterproof boots or waterproof boot spray. At the very least you should have also bought gloves which securely fasten around your wrist to help keep your hands dry and warm during the rain. Some of you may even have gone as far as purchasing a rain suit. We’ve all seen those bikers pull over under an overpass to put their gear on as the unwanted rain comes down upon them while enjoying their bike ride. You may have also seen frugal bikers who wear a couple of large trash bags over their clothing or grocery bags inside their boots. Hey, don’t you dare laugh...they may not look cool, but at least they’re dry! Riding in the rain is not fun without the proper gear.

Make sure your tires have good tread to help grip the slippery road. Whether drizzle or downpour, even with good tires you should not continue to ride in the rain with your bike. You may hydroplane or worse yet, lay your bike down in front of oncoming traffic. Pull over under an overpass and take cover. I’ve met some of the coolest people that way. Sit back and enjoy listening to the peaceful rain until the storm passes.

Oil and grease tend to loosen up and sit on the surface of the roadways just as the rain begins, especially at tolls booths. If you have to continue to ride to your destination wait for about 15 minutes after the storm begins. The cars will splash the grease and oil to the side of the street. Be sure to stay away from the painted lines and ride in the paths of the tire trails from the vehicles in front of you. If at all possible, avoid the slick manholes and railroad tracks. Make sure to keep a steady throttle while doing so. I know, just my mentioning the word "throttle" has got you all excited and you want to run out to your garage and rev her up!

If you are riding with a full face helmet, Rain-X works great to help the water roll and bounce off your visor. It really sucks when your visor or glasses become foggy when on the road. If you’re not fortunate enough to have a beautiful backseat Motorcycle Mama to help you wipe them down every 5 minutes, you can crack your visor and hopefully eliminate the problem.

Obviously we all want to avoid riding in the rain with our precious manicured bikes that take forever to clean, but there is still the possibility those nasty clouds may open up and suddenly ruin your trip. So please, just be prepared and stay alert so that I will be able to continue to see all of you out there riding those beautiful back roads on the anticipated warm and sunny days with our hair flowing wildly in the wind. I’m sure there will be the chance you will see me and my hubs, "Reds," on our Harley. We live for beautiful days to go out on the bike.

Be safe, have fun, and may the rainy days be few and far between. However, if not for the rain, there would be no rainbow.....which hopefully would be followed by a beautiful warm sunset.

Peace...Love...and Happiness.....Motorcycle Mama

UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 4, 2011
Bike Run Elwood Volunteer Fire Company
Starts at Atlantic City Cycle - White Horse Pike, Hammonton
Reg. opens at 9:00am (Ride leaves at 11:00 am)
$22.00 includes ride & meal ticket
Ends at Pic a Lilly, Rt 206
http://www.elwoodfirerescue.com

June 5, 2011
8th Annual Kenny B. Dechen Memorial Motorcycle Run
PBA Local 122 and Riehls Towing
River Winds Community Center
West Deptford
Registration 8:00 am to 9:00 am (Ride leaves at 10:00 am)
$20.00 Registration (Pre-registration discount available)
84 mile ride, hot dogs, rolls and chips.
http://kennydechenmemorial.com/

June 5, 2011
3rd Annual Poker Run & Bike Show
NJ Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Reg: Union Beach Fire Company
1110 Union Ave, Union Beach
9am to 11am
Coffee, Orange Juice, & Bagels
$20.00 Rider/$15.00 Passenger (Pre-registration discount available)
Ends at Thomson Park in Jamesburg
Live Bands, Ride in Bike Show, Tattoo Contest, Door Prizes, BBQ & Refreshments.
Prizes for best band & trophies for best ride in
knightsoftheinfernonj@hmail.com
http://www.kiffmc.com

June 5, 2011
12th Annual Poker Run
Liberty H.O.G.Chapter - Liberty Harley-Davidson
12 W. Milton Ave., Rahway
Reg: 8:45 to 10:45am
$20.00 per person
2 hr. Ride,BBQ, Cash Prizes
50/50, Bike Show, & More
Ends at American Legion
581 Maple Ave., Rahway
rdpbbs123@msn.com
908-327-2554

June 5, 2011
Memorial Poker Run
Starts and ends at Mine Hill Fireman’s Field
230 Route 46, Mine Hill
Reg: 9:00 to 11:00am
$20.00 Rider, $15.00 Passenger
After ride picnic is 12 to 2:30pm
http://www.remenberingryan.org
info@rememberingryan.org

June 5, 2011
(Rain Date 6/12/2011)
Born to be Wild Run - Putting the Pieces Together
Benefits Children With Autism & Special Needs
Reg: opens at 10:00 - (Run leaves at 12 noon)
The Orange Lantern Tavern
15 Firehouse Ln., Paramus
$20.00 Rider/$15.00 Passenger (Pre-Reg discount available)
T-Shirt, Door Prizes, Goody Bag while they last
The Orange Lantern is offering drinks and food specials
201-234-9444
201-966-8738
puttingthepiecestogether@verizon.net
http://www.puttingthepiecestogether.org

June 5, 2011
Nyack Hospital Rockland 100
Hudson Valley Harley Riders (All makes and models welcome)
Reg: 9 to 11am
Dolce Palisades
334 Rt 9W, Palisades NY
$30.00 Rider/$15.00 Passenger (Pre-Reg discount available)
Coffee, Donuts & Begals at Registration
100km Ride, Food, Refreshments, Live Music, Door Prizes, 50/50, Raffle
http://www.hudsonvalleyharleyriders.com
http://www.nyackhosptial.org

June 5, 2011 (Rain Date 6/26/11)
3rd Annual Big Bird Motorcycle Run & Blessing
Reg. Opens at 9:00am
Clifton Masonic Temple Lodge 203
1484-1510 Van Houten Ave., Cifton
Riders $25.00/ Passenger $15.00
Light breakfast during sign in - (Ride leaves at 11:00am)
Bike Blessing prior to departure
Police escorted 50+ Mile Ride, Food, Beverages, Prizes, 50/50, & Entertainment
Artie email: aalvar1358@yahoo.com

June 9, 2011
Lakewood Blueclaws Bike Night
Motorcycle Theme Night at the Ball Park. Blue Claws vs. West Virginia Power. Opens at 7:05pm
Adults $9.00 Jr/Sr $7.00
Pre-game motorcycle Parade
Contact Caitlyn for more info.
cruffus@blueclaws.com
732-901-7000 X163

June 11, 2011
4th Annual "RWR" Ralph Cappola Memorial Poker Run
Start/End location: Jackson VFW, 54 Magnolia Drive, Jackson NJ. 732-928-0077
Reg 10:00-11:30 am, KSU 12:00 pm
$20 Riders/$10 Passemger
Registration includes meal/drink ticket
Ride in bike show, Vendors, Live Band “The Sundries”, Cash Bar
(Portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Ocean County Chapter of CAP (Child Abuse Prevention)
Woody 732-688-1451
http://www.sinistersteelma.com/News_and_Events.html

June 11, 2011 (Rain Date 6/12/2011)
Boobie Zappers Poker Run
Defenders LE/MC
Reg: 11am to 1am at Stewarts Root Beer
584 S. Delsea Dr., Vineland
Rider $20.00/Passenger $10.00
Ends at Toadfish Bar & Grill
222 Bridgeton-Fairton Rd, Fairton
Ride, Food, & Fun
Eric 609-314-1885
Bubba 609-417-8546

June 11, 2011
2nd Annual Bikers Day
Benefits Big Brother & Big Sisters of Ocean County
Harley-Davidson of Ocean County
300 Rt 70, Lakewood
Sign up: 8:30 to 10:30am
$15.00 Rider/$5.00 Passenger (Kickstands up at 10:30am)
Escorted hour ride, Music, Food, Refreshments
http://www.hdoceancounty.com
tamcnj2009@verizon.net

June 11, 2011
3rd Annual Ride to Rescue
Starts at PETCO,
1 US Route 46 West, Totowa
9:00am to 11:00am
$25.00 Rider/$20.00 Passenger
Escorted 50 Mile Ride, BBQ, Fun, Raffles, Live Entertainment, Tricky Tray, 50/50, & Prizes
at Bergen County Harley-Davidson
124 Essex St., Rochelle Park

June 12, 2011
16th Annual Covered Bridge Poker Run
Bucks County Hog presents the 16th Annual Covered Bridge Poker Run Sunday June 12th. Registration is $20 9-11 am at Brian’s Harley Davidson
600 S. Flowers Mill Road, Langhorne PA.
Food, Refreshments, Live Music, 50/50, and Cash Prizes for top hands.
ALL BIKERS WELCOME!
CoveredBridge@buckshog.org

June 12, 2011
Renal Ride Liberty Dialysis
Hammonton High School
566 Old Forks Rd, Hammonton
Sign in: 9:00am - Ride Leaves at 10:00am
Rider $25.00/Passenger $10.00 (Pre-Reg discount available)
Ride to Linwood Liberty Dialysis
1201 New Rd, Linwood
Prizes-Giveaways-Music
Must submit entry form by May 1st
Call 609-926-9090

June 12, 2011
1st Annual NJ Wounded Warrior Rally & Pig Roast Endurig Freedom Riders
Reg: 9:00 to 10:45am
Marlboro High School
95 N. Main St., Marlboro
$35.00 Rider/$15.00 Passenger (Pre-Reg discount available)
Police Escorted Ride, Pig Roast, Live Music
Marlboro Recreation Center
Recreation Center Drive & Wyncrest Rd
cantor33@optimum.net
http://www.efriders.com

June 12, 2011
Family BBQ & Fun Day Rolling Thunder Inc. Chapter 2
Starts at the Knights of Columbus
15 East Lacey Rd, Forker River to Oak Tree Lodge
1212 Schoolhouse Rd, Wall-Neptune
Reg: 10:00am to 11:00am
Adults $20.00, Children 3-11 $5.00
Mini Golf, Jungle Safari, Playground, Swimming, Horseshoe Pits, Bocce Ball, Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, Entertainment, Food and more Advanced tickets and group discounts available
609-971-3544

June 12, 2011
20th Annual Poker Run
Sign in: Spotswood VFW
33 Daniel Rd, Spotswood
Donation $20.00 per person (Pre-reg discount available)
Ends: Hightstown VFW
Dutch Neck Rd., Hightstown
Homemade Food, Spirits, Vendors, Bike Games, Tattoo Contest, Throphy http://www.goneridingsomehere.com
http://www.vfw5489.com
732-521-0593

June 18, 2011
Veterans Motorcycle Run Starts: Harley-Davidson of Ocean County
300 Hwy 70, Lakewood
Reg: 10am
$20.00 Rider/$10.00 Passenger
Coffee & Donuts B4 Ride
Ends at Jackson Justice Complex
West Veterans/Rt 528, Jackson Rich Olszewski 732-610-3612
richard.olszewski@ml.com

June 19, 2011
16th Annual Kelsey Charity Run (NJMCE endorses this ride)
The ride is back home!
Lime Dot Run begins at Hillsborough-Manville Elks #2119
1500 Brooks Blvd, Hillsborough
Sign in 9:30 to 11:30
$20.00 per person
Ends at Bridgewater Eagles
350 Woodside Lane, Bridgewater
Food, Beer, Vendors, Chinese Auction, Bands, Charity Auction
http://www.kelseyrun.com
Call 908-252-4545

June 25-26, 2011
AHDRA Races Harley Drag Racing at Atco
1000 Jackson Rd, Atco
230 MPH Nitro Harley Street Bikes
16 Competition Classes
Starts 9:00am
Admission $50.00 weekend - $30 single day
Active Military & Children under 11 FREE
http://www.ahdra.com
info@ahdra.com

June 25, 2011 (Rain Date 6/26/11)
2nd Annual Car & Bike Show
848 New Dover Rd Edison #2 celebrates this time each year with our Annual Classic
Bike/Car Show and Craft Fair - a day of fun for familes and friends which also supports our volunteer rescue squad. We bring over 150 rare, classic and exotic cars, street rods and vintage emergency vehicles and dozens of craft vendors to the some 3000 spectators.There is great music by "The Wolfman", great food and drink, and 50/50.! In addition, numerous door prizes are given away to car registrants.
http://edisonfas2.org/community_rel/sprfest2/springfest.html
call (732) 549-3883 ext. 4

June 25, 2011
Children’s Ride for Life
NJ Buffalo Soldiers MC
Meet at Quality Inn
531 Rt 38 West, Maple Shade
Meet & Greet Friday Night (special rates available)
Food, Surprise Fun, Card Games
$65.00 Per Person includes event
Dinner & Dance $55.00
Charity Ride $15.00 Rider / $10.00 Passenger
Registration 8:00 am Saturday - (Kickstands up 10:00am)
Ends at Barb’s Harley-Davidson with BBQ and Fun
http://www.njbuffalosoldiersmc.com

June 25, 2011
Poker Run Semper Fidelis 204 Marine Corps
Starts at Barb’s Harley-Davidson
926 Black Horse Pike, W. Collingswood Hgts
10:00am to 5:00pm
Rider $20.00/Passenger $10.00 (Pre-Reg discount available)
 http://www.semperfidelis204.com

June 25, 2011 (Rain Date 6/26/2011)
Benefit Poker Run Signin: Brass Monkey
Bordentown Ave., Sayreville
$15.00 per hand - $15.00 Car and Bike Show - $20.00 Combo
Ends at Cateret Park
Carteret Ave., Carteret
Food, Beer, Vendors, Games, Music, and more 732-259-0720
908-892-4511
http://www.werone.info/events.html

June 25, 2011
2nd Annual T.L.C. Memorial Poker Run Starts at Tramontin Harley-Davidson
Rt 80, exit 12, Hope
sign in starts at 9:00am
Rider $20.00
BBQ Chicken, Cheesburgers/Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Salads, Soda, Water, Coffee, and Desert
Ends at the Elks
152 Country Rd 565, Sussex
http://www.tramontinhd.com
bikergaryg@aol.com

June 26, 2011
CMC Benefit Motorcycle Poker Run for the Turtles
Registration 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.
Kindle Ford in Cape May Court House $20.00 Per Rider(Not Bike)
Includes free turtle pins & t-shirts for the first 75 registrants, poker run tour map, and afternoon social (endless food and soda) from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (cash bar).
Charlie Buckley
(609) 553-5353

June 26, 2011
Bikers for Babies
Starts and Ends at the Stone Pony
913 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park
Reg: 9am to 11am - Ride leaves 11:00am
$25.00 Rider/$20.00 Passenger (Pre-reg discount available)
Fully escorted ride, Breakfdast, BBQ lunch, Entertainment, and Vendors
http://www.marchofdimes.com/newjersey

June 26, 2011
Ride & Bike Show
Benefits Special Olympics NJ
Starts at Rockaway Townsquare Mall
301 Mt Hope Ave, Rockaway
60 Mile Police Escorted Ride
Reg: 8:00 to 9:00am (Ride leaves at 9:15am sharp)
$30/Rider - $15/Passenger
Include event T-Shirt & Pin
NO COLORS
Ends at Willowbrook Mall, Wayne with bike show, watch Police Training, Food, Music and Fun
http://www.motorcyclerun.sonj.org
sp@sonj.org

June 26, 2011
3rd Annual Ride for Hope
Toms River Elks
600 Washington St., Toms River
Reg: 9:00am to 11:00am
$25/Rider - $15/Passenger
Bike Show,Vendors, BBQ, Music, Prizes, Patch Sewing by Jethro Patches
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toms-River