Page 79 - Laconia Rally News 2020

OHARLEY VS INDIAN WARS AT NH MOTOR SPEEDWAY JUNE 13-14
HTO W T O A V O I D A N I M A L COLLISIONS ON THE ROADS
nce again the grudge racing pitting the old Tank Shifter Harley’s and Indians from the 1930’s and 40’s will take place at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway during the FIM North America Vintage Road Racing Championships June 13,14. For the past several years the drama of this match race has drawn competitors from across the United States to try and settle which machine will win the coveted event.
his motorcycle season, as you enjoy the scenic views that New Hampshire has to offer, keep in mind that wildlife can pop up when you least expect it. Here are some useful tips to avoid animal encoun- ters of the third kind!
The history of the “Laconia” races dating from the 1930’ through the 1940’s saw Indian and Harley battle it out for the coveted “Laconia” win. That battle with these vintage racers still continues today as these old machines fight all out in some amazing races to once again establish domi- nance on the track.
• Oneimportantwaytoavoid
messy encounters is to never
drive drunk or high. Be sure to lock up and the leave the bike, or call a cab or a friend for a ride home. Don’t let your friends ride drunk. Remember, Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Noted vintage racer Doc Batsleer from Daytona, Florida usually brings a collection of the old racers for some of the young guns to try and race. Though the “young guns” can be very fast, it is sometimes the wily old racers that have raced these old bikes for years that show the way around to victory. Noted New England car racer and Bentley’s Saloon owner Bentley Warren has dominated the field of racers in recent years and should return to race for the gold. There is nothing like the noise, smoke and smell of these old machines to transport you back 70 - 80 years in time to rac- ing the way it was. H
Deerarenotsolitaryanimals,theytravelwiththeir herd. Slow down if you see a deer. It’s likely there are more close behind.
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Alwaysuseanaggressivevisualsearchpatternwhen riding. By looking far and near and side to side you will see animals and other roadway users before they enter your path of travel. This will give you time to avoid collision in a more controlled manner.
Don’tchallengelargeanimals–it’sasaferbettoturn around and seek an alternative route if possible.
Alwaysslowdownanduseyourhighbeamsinall animal crossing areas.
Ifyouoftenridetheroadsatnight,investinpowerful headlights.
Donotoverrideyourheadlight.Athigherspeeds,it can take more distance to stop than your headlight reaches. By the time you see something in your path it is already too late. Slow down at night!
Plan your route. Although it can be tempting to hit the road without a destination in mind, planning a route will ensure you’ll stay well fed and gassed up. If you don’t have a GPS, get up-to-date maps and go online to get a list of hotels and campgrounds near your route so you can find a place to rest for the night.
If you’re riding in a group – spread out. If there’s a collision, it will prevent one rider from taking out the whole group.
Asalways,don’tforgettowearprotectivegear–you never know who or what you will encounter on the open road.
Taketrainingthatwillassistyouinhoningskills needed when that animal encounter does happen. Information on training is available at nh.gov/dmv.
BROADCASTING ALL WEEK FROM WEIRS BEACH
Follow the NH Office of Highway Safety on Twitter at @nh_ohs and Facebook at @NHHighway Safety. H
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