THE ROPER STEAM VELOCIPEDE: A STEAM-POWERED PRECURSOR TO THE MOTORCYCLE The Roper Steam Velocipede is a steam-powered bicycle that was built by Sylvester H. Roper, a machinist and inventor from Roxbury, Massachusetts, between 1867 and 1869. “Velocipede” is an early name for a bicycle. It is considered by some to be the first motorcycle, although there is debate about…
RIDING SMART: THE IMPORTANCE OF ESCAPE PATHS WHEN RIDING A MOTORCYCLE Motorcycling is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a lifestyle, a passion, and for many, a thrilling adventure. But with that thrill comes inherent risks. As any seasoned rider will tell you, being aware of your surroundings and anticipating potential hazards are key components of staying safe…
SAFETY TIP: LANE POSITIONING Safety tip from Paul Carroll I am asked quite frequently, “what is the best lane positioning for riding one’s motorcycle?” The answer is, “that depends.” Keep in mind there are two parts of this decision making: lane selection and lane positioning. Lane selection is utilized when you are traveling on a multiple lane roadway traveling…
DON’T MISS OUT: RENEW YOUR NORTHERN COLORADO IMRG CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP FOR 2025! Did you know your Northern Colorado IMRG Chapter membership expires December 31, 2024, and once again it’s time to renew your membership for the 2025 calendar year? You don’t want your membership to expire, so please fill out the form and remit your payment as soon as…
MOTORCYCLE MASTERY: THE IMPORTANCE OF THRESHOLD BRAKING One of the safety skills taught to us over the years by Paul Carroll is threshold braking (aka emergency braking). Mastering this technique can significantly enhance your ability to react and stop safely in unforeseen circumstances, unlike other maneuvers like cornering or swerving which might be less applicable in all situations. The…
MOTORCYCLE PRE-RIDE RITUALS: A ZEN EXPERIENCE For motorcycle enthusiasts, every ride is an opportunity for adventure and freedom. Every motorcycle rider has their own unique pre-ride routine. Whether it’s a quick checklist or a meditative moment, these rituals serve as a personal Zen experience. Riding a motorcycle is not just an activity, it’s a way of life. For many…
WEIRD MOTORCYCLE HELMETS When you think of motorcycle helmets, images of sleek, aerodynamic designs with solid-colored finishes might come to mind. But for some riders, a helmet is more than just a safety device—it’s an expression of individuality and creativity. Enter the world of bizarre motorcycle helmets, where eccentricity meets engineering in ways that are as eye-catching as they…
PROTECTING YOUR HEARING ON A MOTORCYCLE Cruising down the highway on a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, filled with the freedom of the open road and the rush of the wind. But while you’re enjoying the ride, there’s an invisible potential danger lurking: hearing loss. Many riders underestimate the impact motorcycle noise can have on their ears. While the…
FOLDS OF HONOR In a move to rally the motorcycle community, Indian Motorcycle has announced a fundraising effort alongside Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor is a non-profit that provides scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders. Indian Motorcycle is calling support from all Indian Motorcycle Rider Groups to help in this fundraising effort…
CAPTURING THE RIDE: WHAT GOPRO SETTINGS SHOULD I USE? I get a lot of questions about my GoPro settings for capturing our rides. Here’s the thing, I’m not after a movie blockbuster. I use short clips to document the adventure, a collection of highlights that hopefully spark memories and remembrance of certain moments. I want to relive the fun,…
