
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 the same direction, e.g. the interstate. The roadway could be two, three or more lanes. Traditionally, the more lanes, the closer you are going to be to a large metropolitan area. There are also going to be many more on-ramps onto the roadway.
Three key factors to consider is rider maximum visibility down the roadway, visibility of the rider to other motorists and the ability to maintain a steady speed without making multiple lane changes.
I have found that on two lane roadways traveling the same direction, it is best to stay in the right lane unless you need to pass.
On three or more lane interstate roadways, selecting the middle lanes will provide you with more maneuverability and less lane changes for traffic entering the roadway from on-ramps. When you are traveling in heavy traffic, motorists in the far-left lane tend to come to abrupt stops more frequently.
The next factor to consider is lane positioning. Motorcyclists tend to divide a travelled lane into thirds: left third, middle third and right third. The general rule here is that the best position within your lane is one that optimizes your space cushion, your view of traffic around you, and the visibility of you to other motorists. Most riders tend to ride in the left third of the lane. This lane position is basically in the left wheel track of cars and trucks. This lane position gives riders the best visibility of traffic ahead and keeps them away from oil and debris that tends to be in the middle third of the lane. The negative to this lane position is that it puts the motorcyclist closest to oncoming traffic. Middle lane positioning may be a better choice on roadways that are relatively flat and generally free of other motorists. Utilizing the right third lane position is best when approaching an intersection with traffic on your left. This allows you to see any oncoming traffic turning left in front of you much sooner. It also allows that same oncoming traffic to see you much sooner as you approach the intersection, thus minimizing the chances of motorists turning left in front of you at the last minute.
Remember, motorcycling is a dynamic form of transportation, and you can utilize this to your advantage. Always have an escape path. Maximizing time and space is the key to a safer ride.
Until next time. Ride Safe!
THE THRILLING WORLD OF MOTO VLOGGERS: CONNECTING PASSION AND ADVENTURE

In this age of digital storytelling, moto vloggers have carved out a unique niche that combines the freedom of motorcycling with content creation creativity. These adventurous individuals literally take their audience along for the ride and share their experiences on two wheels through engaging videos. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or someone who dreams of hitting the open road, moto vloggers offer a front-row seat to the exhilarating world of motorcycles.
What Is Moto Vlogging?
Moto vlogging is a form of video blogging centered around motorcycles and the lifestyle that accompanies them. Equipped with cameras mounted on helmets or bikes, moto vloggers record their rides, narrate thoughts, and often provide valuable insights into motorcycling culture. These vlogs range from casual rides to epic road trips, offering viewers a unique perspective on the motorcycle lifestyle. These videos are shared on platforms like YouTube where they attract a diverse audience of fellow enthusiasts and curious viewers.
Why Moto Vlogging Is So Popular?
With accessibility of more affordable technology today, such as high-quality cameras, and more user friendly editing software, moto vloggers can create captivating content that resonates with motorcycle enthusiasts. Vloggers can now capture the essence of freedom that motorcycling represents. Their content often showcases scenic routes, thrilling adventures, and the camaraderie of the biker community, offering a sense of escapism to viewers. Unlike traditional polished media, moto vlogs are raw and authentic. Viewers feel like they’re riding alongside the vlogger, creating a personal connection that keeps them coming back for more.
Popular Moto Vloggers
Many moto vloggers offer entertaining content. An online forum recently asked, ‘What moto vloggers do you regularly watch?’ Here are a few popular responses for vloggers who frequently produce traveling content.
Matt Laidlaw: Matt, of Laidlaw Harley-Davidson in the Greater Los Angeles area, and his crew from the dealership often head out on long weekend rides when the dealership is closed, exploring western region locations.
Full Tank Adventures: A motorcycle travel channel hosted by a passionate rider and his crew. They take viewers on road trips as they explore mountain passes to coastal highways. With Full Tank, you can experience the freedom of the open road and the camaraderie of the motorcycle community.
2LaneLife: A dynamic duo of motorcycle enthusiasts who share their passion for riding through vlogs and engaging content. They embark on epic road trips across the United States, exploring stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant cities. 2LaneLife offers a glimpse into the exciting world of motorcycle touring.
Doodle on a Motorcycle: She’s not just a moto vlogger, but a storyteller on two wheels creating content about her road trip adventures. She creates moto content with a journalistic twist.
Itchy Boots: She has become synonymous with solo motorcycle travel. She takes viewers on breathtaking journeys around the world. This channel is a treasure trove of inspiring stories, practical tips, and breathtaking scenery. Itchy Boots offers valuable insights into motorcycle travel, gear recommendations, and cultural experiences.
Ride to Food: Staci has spent the last decade traveling solo on a motorcycle. She typically takes viewers to unique food destinations while riding some of the best roads in North America. You will often find her motorcycle camping and sharing regional cultures along the way.
Ride with Two Indians: A popular motorcycle husband and wife duo known for their adventurous spirit and captivating storytelling. The duo shares their love for motorcycles and travel through their engaging videos. They document their epic road trips, exploring stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and hidden gems across North America.
Her Two Wheels: This channel offers a unique perspective on the motorcycle world, highlighting the experiences and challenges faced by women riders. Her Two Wheels offer a supportive and inclusive community for women riders, encouraging them to embrace their passion for motorcycles and explore the open road.
Adam Sandoval: This vlogger has been living the ultimate nomadic lifestyle a number of years, calling his motorcycle home. He shares his adventures and practical tips for motorcycle touring, even while traveling with his small canine companion.
Tiffany Rene: Tiffany focuses on travel and takes you with her on many of her road trips. She shares with her followers about her life, and how she goes about her travels. An interesting channel if you like travelling on your motorcycle and provides ideas on what your crew can do.
Kraken’s Garage & Adventures: Eric’s videos cover topics such as motorcycle maintenance, gear reviews, road trips, and personal reflections on the motorcycle lifestyle. He often shares stories about his own experiences, offering advice and tips for fellow riders.
Traveling Tall: Endlessly changing, magnificent scenery, with an amazing unobstructed panoramic view of the USA, from the seat of a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.
El Buffalo Rides: This channel focuses on showcasing motorcycle rides and adventures. It features scenic routes, motorcycle reviews, and highlights various aspects of biking culture.
Stevy Faux: Family-run channel with goal to educate and promote the motorcycle lifestyle. They review bikes and accessories and take you along on short and cross-country trips.
Just G Kue: The adventures of G-Kue on Harley road trips. G-Kue loves telling stories, and riding. He also does tech tips and reviews on motorcycle gear.
Northern Colorado IMRG: (shameless plug) This channel focuses on sharing the NoCo IMRG’s local rides and road trips and gives a glimpse of what it’s like to be part of the IMRG. Nothing staged, just genuine reels of our adventures on the road.
The Road Ahead
As motorcycling continues to captivate people, and the technology continues to be more accessible and affordable, the influence of moto vloggers will only grow. They’re not just riders; they’re storytellers, explorers, and community builders who share their passion with others. So, whether you’re looking for inspiration, entertainment, or practical advice, there’s a moto vlogger out there ready to take you along for the ride.
THE MODERN-DAY ARMY AND THEIR USE OF MOTORCYCLES

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern military operations, efficiency, mobility, and adaptability are critical. While advanced technologies such as drones and autonomous vehicles often dominate the spotlight, one tool continues to play a vital role on the battlefield: motorcycles. These nimble and versatile machines have found their place in military operations around the globe, offering unique advantages in speed, maneuverability, and logistical support.
How the Military Uses Motorcycles
Motorcycles have been a staple in military arsenals for over a century, dating back to their use in World War I. Today, they serve a variety of roles in modern-day armies, including:
Reconnaissance Missions: Motorcycles are ideal for scouting and reconnaissance due to their speed and ability to traverse rough terrain. They allow soldiers to quickly gather intelligence, scout enemy positions, and assess terrain conditions without drawing significant attention.
Rapid Response and Mobility: In environments where larger vehicles might struggle—such as dense forests, urban landscapes, or mountainous regions—motorcycles excel. Their compact size and agility enable soldiers to navigate tight spaces and respond swiftly to emerging threats or opportunities.
Communication and Dispatch: Motorcycles are often used to transport messages, documents, or small packages between units in areas where radio communication may be compromised or impractical. Their ability to move quickly ensures timely delivery of critical information.
Special Operations: Elite military units frequently use motorcycles during covert operations. These vehicles provide a low-profile means of transportation, enabling operators to approach targets discreetly or exfiltrate quickly after completing their mission.
Logistical Support: Some motorcycles are equipped with sidecars or trailers, allowing them to carry light cargo, medical supplies, or even injured personnel. This is particularly useful in remote or hard-to-reach areas where traditional transport vehicles cannot operate.
Types of Motorcycles Used by Modern Armies
The motorcycles employed by military forces are far from ordinary. They are often custom-designed or heavily modified to meet the unique demands of combat scenarios. Some of the most common types include:
Dual-Sport Motorcycles: These versatile bikes are designed for both on- and off-road use. The Kawasaki KLR650 has been a popular choice due to its durability, reliability, and ability to handle diverse terrains. The military version of the Kawasaki KLR650 has a new liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that can burn diesel, biodiesel, kerosene, or jet fuel.
Electric Motorcycles: With the rise of stealth technology, electric motorcycles are becoming increasingly prevalent in military use. These bikes, such as the Zero MMX, offer a silent operation, reducing the risk of detection during reconnaissance or covert missions. Additionally, their low thermal signature makes them less visible to infrared sensors.
Dirt Bikes: Lightweight and highly maneuverable, dirt bikes like the KTM 450 EXC are often used by the military in training exercises. They are also sometimes used for reconnaissance and rapid mobility in rugged environments. Their superior suspension systems and off-road capabilities make them invaluable in challenging terrains.
Tactical Motorcycles: Purpose-built for military applications, these motorcycles often include features like reinforced frames, run-flat tires, and enhanced fuel capacity. For example, the Christini AWD 450 is an all-wheel-drive motorcycle designed specifically for military use, offering unmatched traction and control in extreme conditions. It uses a mechanical system with chains and shafts to transfer power to the front wheel. A special clutch in the front hub allows the front wheel to rotate freely when not needed, but engages instantly when the rear wheel slips, providing power to the front wheel only when necessary.
Motorcycles with Sidecars: While less common in modern armies, motorcycles with sidecars still see use in some militaries for carrying additional personnel or equipment. These setups provide a stable platform for mounting light weapons or transporting injured soldiers.
Benefits of Using Motorcycles in the Military
Motorcycles offer several advantages that make them indispensable in certain military scenarios:
- Compared to larger vehicles, motorcycles are relatively inexpensive to acquire, maintain, and operate.
- Their smaller engines consume less fuel, allowing for extended operations with fewer resupply needs.
- Motorcycles, particularly electric models, are quieter and less conspicuous than larger vehicles, making them ideal for covert missions.
- Their ability to navigate diverse terrains makes them suitable for a wide range of missions.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite their many benefits, motorcycles are not without their limitations. Riders are exposed to the elements and lack the protection offered by armored vehicles, making them vulnerable in combat situations. Additionally, motorcycles have limited cargo capacity and are not suitable for transporting large groups or heavy equipment.
Conclusion
In the modern battlefield, where speed, adaptability, and efficiency are paramount, motorcycles continue to prove their worth. From reconnaissance missions to special operations, these versatile machines enable soldiers to operate effectively in diverse environments. As technology advances, the integration of electric and tactical motorcycles is poised to further enhance their role in military operations, ensuring that motorcycles remain a vital asset in the arsenal of modern-day armies.
VIDEO LAUNCH – CRIPPLE CREEK TO BERTHOUD: A GARDEN OF THE GODS DETOUR
After an exhilarating overnight stay in Cripple Creek, our return journey unfolded with a scenic ride to the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods near Manitou Springs. The towering sandstone formations, sculpted by forces of nature over millions of years was a truly a spectacle and a testament to nature’s artistic mastery.
Leaving the grandness of the Garden of the Gods behind, we continued our northward adventure home along the picturesque CO 83 to stay off the Interstate. We rode the rolling hillside until we reached Franktown to fuel up and to rest for a while. As the afternoon wore on, we passed through Parker, once a tranquil patch of prairie land not that along ago, which grew exponentially over the past couple of decades to become the 19th most populous municipality in the state of Colorado.
In Parker, we merged onto the E-470 taking us closer and faster towards our final destination. Soon, we rejoined the familiar route of US 25, and finally arrived back at our starting point – the familiar Love’s Travel Stop stomping ground in Berthoud.
We reflected on the unforgettable journey, the memories of breathtaking scenery, and our captivating experiences that this short road trip brought to us. We said our goodbyes and parted ways in anticipation of our next trip together.
MOTORCYCLE MARY: A TRUE PIONEER IN MOTORSPORTS
In the world of motorsports, there are few names as legendary and trailblazing as Mary McGee, also known as Motorcycle Mary. Mary McGee made history as the first American woman to professionally race motorcycles in a male-dominated industry. Her groundbreaking accomplishments and fearless determination have made her an icon for women in motorsports around the world.

The Early Years
Mary McGee was born in 1936 in Juneau, Alaska. She and her older brother were sent to live with their grandparents in Iowa during WWII as Alaska was considered to be at risk of a Japanese invasion. Her mother was a nurse and remained behind, and her father was out of the picture. Later, Mary and her brother, Jim, were joined by their mother and the family moved to Phoenix.
While in Phoenix, her brother raced sports cars. With his encouragement, Mary was initiated in the world of sports car racing. She was approached by Vasek Polak, who was influential in Porsche motorsports and establishing Porsche in the United States, to race one of his cars. Vasek would later encourage Mary to race motorcycles.
Breaking Barriers
In the early 1960s, Mary McGee made history by becoming the first woman to compete in professional motorcycle road racing events. She shattered stereotypes and defied expectations, paving the way for future generations of female racers. Despite facing skepticism and discrimination, Mary remained undeterred and continued to push the boundaries of what was possible for women in motorsports.
Achievements and Legacy
Mary McGee’s list of achievements is impressive and inspiring. She contacted the American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) and convinced them to let her race. She started a career in street racing 125cc class motorcycles. She did so well that the AFM revised rules declaring women racers must first earn points in the 50cc class before they could move up. The rub – Mary was the only woman racer at the time.
While Mary was forced out of street racing, she entered desert racing with the encouragement of her friend, Steve McQueen. She became the first person to complete the Baja 500 solo and was a groundbreaking feat that shattered gender stereotypes.
She competed in many other motorcycle races, showcasing her skill and fearlessness. Mary’s trailblazing spirit and determination have inspired countless women to pursue their dreams in motorsports and beyond. Her legacy continues to resonate with aspiring racers who look up to her as a symbol of strength, resilience, and empowerment.
Impact and Influence
Mary McGee’s influence extends far beyond the world of motorsports. She became a symbol of empowerment and a source of inspiration for women in all fields. Her story serves as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and courage, it is possible to break down barriers and achieve greatness. Mary’s fearless spirit and determination continue to inspire women to defy expectations and pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional or challenging they may seem.