Alberta Motor Safety Society News
Things to check out! by R. Bruce Thomas At times like this I can’t help but think of the closing scene in Monty Python’s Life of Brian and it seems like a good time for a whistle and a song. “Some things in life are bad They can really make Read more…
Give it a rest by R. Bruce Thomas As I followed my new friend Mark along I-15 I noticed he was tapping his hand to the music. What struck me as odd was it was his right hand on his right leg. We were cruising and his efforts at being Read more…
Not just for vacationing children by R. Bruce Thomas When I was a youngster and my family went on summer vacations across Canada and into the United States, my siblings and I would play The License Plate Game. It gave us something to do as the seemingly endless miles rolled Read more…
Good for trains, tough on motorcycles by R. Bruce Thomas Wedged wheels, mangled mirrors, pummelled panniers, and broken body parts. The more I read, the more I got freaked out. And I had many months through the winter of 2009 to remain in that state since Google Street View didn’t Read more…
A Cautionary Tale By: R. Bruce Thomas It was 4:30 AM and the smell of burning rubber had been hanging heavy in the cool, early morning air for about 15 minutes as Norm and I rode through the Kaibab National Forest in Northern Arizona. I mentioned to Norm that something Read more…
Khan you hear me now? By: R. Bruce Thomas The day had begun like most; we’d risen, had breakfast, packed the bikes (our friend Mac was along with us), and hit the road. Our usual pattern had us riding for about an hour and a half before stopping for a Read more…
The Sequel By: R. Bruce Thomas Quick show of hands. How many have been out riding already this year? Spring came early and March had some very nice days, as did April, and here we are at the end of May. Well, let’s call it the start of June since Read more…
And other slow speed maneuvers By: R. Bruce Thomas One of the young fellows at the office had purchased a Kawasaki Ninja 300 near the end of the previous riding season and had done a small amount of riding before winter. He was confident that his years of driving a Read more…
Riding By: R. Bruce Thomas & Friends** Just as in real life, where there are always things beyond our control or influence, it is important to understand when riding a motorcycle that you can’t control other vehicles, so be in control of your own. Hopefully, all that recommended reading in Read more…
Training & Learning By: R. Bruce Thomas & Friends** In his 2016 book Far and Wide: Bring That Horizon to Me!, the late Neil Peart used only eight words to acknowledge the ever-present risks which every rider should be aware of, while articulating a safety-conscious approach to riding that I’ve Read more…
Your Motorcycle By: R. Bruce Thomas & Friends Happy New Year everyone! Yes, it’s February, but the AMSS doesn’t put out a News Update in January so here we are wishing you a Happy New Year and yearning for new beginnings in February. Which, although a month late by the Read more…
Things that can kill you! By: R. Bruce Thomas A dozen years ago my wife and I enjoyed a few days of riding in BC’s Kootenay region before heading to Vernon for a visit with her brother and his family. To get from one region to another we had to Read more…
It’s not just for when you’re riding! By: R. Bruce Thomas It was a Wednesday and I was sitting in the Emergency Room wearing shorts when a fellow in a wheelchair got rolled up beside me. His left leg was extended straight out in a full cast and was supported Read more…
Quality Time By: R. Bruce Thomas The screaming started almost immediately. One of the ladies who worked with my wife confided one day that riding on a motorcycle was an item on her bucket list, and she wondered if I would consider taking her for a ride. Mary came home Read more…
Lock it or lose it by: R. Bruce Thomas My wife was on the verge of crying when I answered the phone. She couldn’t find our van. With errands to run after work she’d driven to the transit station in the morning rather than walking. Once she got off the Read more…
What’s in your pannier? by: R. Bruce Thomas Twenty-sixteen was the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the National Park Service in the United States and my buddy Norm and I thought it would be an appropriate year to tackle the Iron Butt Association’s (IBA) National Parks Tour (NPT) Master Read more…
Increased safety through variable lane positioning By: R. Bruce Thomas One of the main points mentioned when it comes to motorcycle safety is the importance of being visible. Oftentimes the conversation is around wearing bright colors, attaching reflective striping to your bike and your gear, and modifying your lighting so Read more…
Carry a good supply of liquid & use it wisely! By: R. Bruce Thomas The human body is made up of anywhere between 45-65% water, depending on your gender. For women it is between 45-60% and men range from 50-65%. The makeup of your individual organs also varies with, for Read more…
How to avoid a sore back in the morning! By: R. Bruce Thomas Yes, I’m calling many of you big, tough riders a Princess. And I can understand how that might upset you. And I’m OK with that as I think I now have your attention. Think back to when Read more…
Not just a winter thing By: R. Bruce Thomas Ok, show of hands. How many are sensing a theme here? Full points if you guessed H2O. We started with rain, then water crossings, and now we have snow. But at least winter’s almost over and you’ll be riding soon. So Read more…
Ferries are meant to be enjoyed! By: R. Bruce Thomas At some point in your touring adventures you will have to make a water crossing. I’m not talking about slogging your bike through knee deep water like the off-road guys do. I’m talking about ferries. My wife and friends and Read more…
It’s not all that bad. By: R. Bruce Thomas For many people, the only thing worse than experiencing PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) during the winter months is riding in the rain in the summer, so let’s fix that this time out. Close your eyes. Imagine it’s not February. Imagine it’s Read more…
Toss the gauge for something better. By: R. Bruce Thomas There’s no easy way to say this so, just like ripping a bandage off, here goes. If you’re still using a tire pressure gauge before every ride you’re wasting your time and putting your safety at risk. I’ve ridden all Read more…
Support those who support motorcycle safety! Christmas is less than 2 months away and people are likely planning what to buy their loved ones. We have some suggestions for those 2-wheel loving family members and friends in your life! First and foremost, a huge thank you to all of our Read more…
Quick temperature changes happen By: Debbi Serafinchon Deciding to head out for a ride when the sun is shining is really a no-brainer. I mean seriously, the sun is shining what else could possibly be more important than sitting in the saddle and enjoying? What we don’t always remember at Read more…