Bikers like to hang out with other bikers. Period. Whether it’s on Main Street in Sturgis during Bike Week, in a campground at a rally or over a cold one at the local pub. It’s the times we get together to share our common love of the two-wheeled pursuit with like-minded individuals. Those individuals come from all walks of life, but the common bond of the machine and the lifestyle is what draws us together.
What must be kept in mind is that AI in professional imaging is just in its infancy. We’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg at this point in time. I, personally, can’t wait to see what’s coming next.
When I set out to create the Roadcraft USA online resource I wanted it to be both informational and inspirational. The feedback I’ve gotten confirms that the readers are enjoying both of those attributes.
Where you land as an artist in the face of this AI image generation revolution is your choice. You’re not a product of your environment, you’re a reaction to it. You can choose to reject it as a viable art form, or you can embrace its potential to elevate your standing in the imaging game. Know this: It is not going to go away. Right now we’re seeing just the tip of the iceberg.
Motorcycling might be the ultimate collaboration between man and machine. Safe motorcycling requires 110% of your concentration. Give it any less and you’re intentionally putting yourself in harm’s way. It is this very concentration that removes you from the petty worries of the world you leave behind.
There’s so much that can be said for choosing your own path. What satisfaction is there in moving through a set of ready-made driving directions? Why follow a fixed sequence of waypoints laid out by someone who doesn’t share your spirit and mindset? You’re on an adventure!
The Roadcraft USA mission is to help motorcyclists of all skill levels have safer and more rewarding experiences on the road. We have already discussed the subjects of intersections, visibility and parked car hazards. Our riding skills posts have touched upon the subjects of riding in the rain, carving up the curvy roads and navigating the superhighways.
One of the beautiful things about riding divided highways is the absence of conventional intersections. Gone are the hazards of vehicles pulling out in front of you from driveways and side streets. Absent is the potential for oncoming traffic making a left turn in front of you.
The first, obvious, challenge to motorcycle safety on highways is speed. Everything happens faster. A lot faster. In a previous post I recommended that you should always be paying attention to what’s going on 8-10 seconds ahead of you. Out on “the slab” I suggest that you be looking at least 12-15 seconds ahead. When you’re traveling at 65 MPH you’re covering more than 1/4 of a mile in those 15 seconds.
Keep your speed down because just 2 miles out of town you will find one of the most beautiful spots in your Catskill Mountains backroads riding journey. The Palmer Hill Trail overlook. Its location will be marked by a tiny little sign on the side of the road which you could easily miss. Don’t miss it!