Page 79 - 2019 Laconia Rally News

OHARLEY VS INDIAN WARS AT NH MOTOR SPEEDWAY JUNE 8-9
HT O 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 8,9. 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. It is the mission of the NH Office of Highway Safety to educate riders on ways to stay safe in the saddle. Here are some useful tips to avoid animal encounters 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.
• Oneimportantwaytoavoidmessyencountersisto 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. There is nothing like the noise, smoke and smell of these old machines to transport you back 70 - 80 years in time to racing the way it was. H
• Always use an aggressive visual search pattern when 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.
• Deerarenotsolitaryanimals,theytravelwiththeir herd. Slow down if you see a deer. It’s likely there are more close behind.
• Don’tchallengelargeanimals–it’sasaferbettoturn around and seek an alternative route if possible.
Awesome set up!
BROADCASTING ALL WEEK FROM WEIRS BEACH
• 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.
• 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!
• Asalways,don’tforgettowearprotectivegear–you never know who or what you will encounter on the open road.
77
• Taketrainingthatwillassistyouinhoningskills needed when that animal encounter does happen. Information on training is available at nh.gov/dmv.
Follow the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety on Twitter at @nh_ohs and Facebook at @NHHighway Safety. H
Photo Courtesy: bob@SilverFoxStudios.US