May 2014

The Palm Beach Knights Newsletter

The Knights Table

Monthly Newsletter May 2014

Greetings from your President   Will

“Rain” is a four-letter Word

By Will  

                                                                               

If you really want to raise the hackles on the neck just say the word “rain.” Now I know that no one in their right mind goes out riding just because it’s raining, living in Florida chance are that you will get stuck in the rain at times. What can you do to improve your riding in the rain?
Well the first thing you can do is not waiting until it’s raining to do something. There are things you can do well ahead of the first few drops of rain. Most of this is not rocket science, but you’d be surprised how many of us don’t even bother. Even in the summer in South Florida I still get a negative response when I ask riders if they have a rain suit with them.   Much as you hate to think about it, selecting and purchasing a rain suit is something that you just gotta do. A rain suit should serve two purposes. First, it should keep you dry (see I said it’s not rocket science). Second, and equally important, it should increase your visibility. I went shopping and they range in price from $40- $200. I found mine for $10 at Harbor Freight. Mine is the old yellow PVC. It is bright and keeps me semi dry. When your evasive maneuverability is reduced by lack of traction, you want to be sure other drivers see you.

 Rain Gear
Lots of lights also help you to be seen in the rain. I installed a light bar on my bike, and boy it makes a big difference. Of course, you keep your lights clean, but have you checked all your lights lately to see if any have burned out? Do you carry any spares lamps and fuses with you? Next time you take your bike in for service; why not restock any spare bulbs you might be missing? You should stock spare fuses as well. I went to show off my light bar the other day and when they didn’t light up, I went looking for a spare fuse.
The other important part that needs maintaining ahead of time is your tires (more brilliance). Have you looked at them lately? Both of them?  The number one major cause of hydroplaning is worn tires. It’s too late to check them after the rain starts falling. The sole purpose of the tread design on a tire is to carry off the water, but it can’t do its job if you don’t allow it enough tread depth to work with. Some Knights have been using different tire guys,find one you like or ask another Knight!

Hydroplaning occurs when the tires are not in full contact with the road. The result is an elevation in blood pressure, increase of heart rate, and an enhancement of ones vocabulary. You’re riding on a thin layer of water, and sometimes oil, on the road. Hydroplaning occurs frequently in light mist or drizzle. When it’s really raining hard, the oil actually get washed away, of course if it’s raining that hard, go have a cup of coffee!  I always carry a cigar just for this reason. Proper tread depth and tire pressures and slowing down are a big help. I was amazed how it helps reduce the chance of hydroplaning. Sometimes I try riding in the tracks of other vehicles. The change in sound, or any decrease in steering or braking may means you’re hydroplaning. If this happens, slow down without braking and avoid any sudden moves.
Plan alternate routes in case of rain.  I will change a route home if we think we can miss the rain. We love those scenic, twisty asphalt roads, but they are a lot more fun when it’s dry. When the rain starts to pour, the scenery turns gray, the turns aren’t nearly as much fun, and the asphalt doesn’t provide the traction you really need. It’s time to look for an alternate route along a duller, but straighter road. When we are out west, we sometimes can see it coming for miles. We can then choose a road that the rain may miss altogether.
Once it starts raining, there are still things you can do to increase your safety, if not your comfort. Pull off the road as soon as you find a place to get out of the rain. The underpass of I95 is a perennial favorite(although not always the safest). This gives you a dry place to put on your high-visibility rain suit, and more important, it puts you off the road during the most dangerous first fifteen minutes of rain. When the water first enters the pores of the road, it forces up the oil that has been collecting there. A few more minutes of rain will wash this oil off the road.
Though the main danger of rain is hydroplaning, increasing your following distance, taking curves more slowly, and increasing your scanning distance, and being seen all help your rain riding. One good thing about living in Florida, if you don’t like the weather….just wait 20 minutes.
Riding in the rain may suck, but it can be safer. 

Hey Knights if you haven't had the chance, make sure to go to our sponsor's restaurant!

Enjoy the very best American Greek Restaurant and sports bar in West Palm Beach, Bull Bar and Taverna, ideally located a few minutes away from Downtown West Palm Beach and Palm Beach International Airport. Taste the incredibly delicious Greek food menu as well as the family friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy. If you’re looking for late night entertainment then take part in our live karaoke and no limit live poker action. And of course, we would’t be the best sports bar in West Palm Beach if we didn’t offer you your favorite team’s game on any of our big screen TV’s. So come on in with the whole family and cheer on your team!  Don't forget to mention that you are a Palm Beach Knight and you'll get a 20% discount!! Then tell us, and get 50 miles.

Hey Knights,
Want to look really cool? We have T-shirts,

We have-small patches 

and now a very limited 
supply(only a few left) of
 large back Patches available.

BECOME A PATCH MEMBER!!

Purchasing any item from the Knights helps support our club and makes you look even better!!

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE ORGANIZER AND OFFICERS WORK HARD TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A FUN SAFE RIDE. WHILE WE WELCOME SUGGESTIONS, WE WON'T CHANGE RIDES THE WEEK OF THAT RIDE.
 I'M SURE THAT THEY WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ANY IDEAS FOR A FUTURE EVENT.

While we try to mix up our rides as much as possible, it's highly unlikely that I'm going to please everyone all the time. I hope everyone has been enjoying the rides that  have been on our schedule so far. I am always looking for feedback and new ideas. Your participation is what makes this club great.

We seem to have a shortage of people coming out to:
 Club night June 21st !!! I'd love to see more Knights join us, and I'm not just saying that because it's my BIRTHDAY!!! 

MEMBERS GETTING OLDER!! 

No may B-days?

We have been having some really awesome rides TIMES:

Short breakfast ride to Harry and the Natives May 4th

 

I had to cut my part short as it was my Daughter's birthday. We took a nice ride there and had a great breakfast. After, Stogie took the Knights through Jupiter Island. Thanks!! 

Joseph Ciancio Said" I had a awesome time as always.good friends, good ride, good food add it all up and you get priceless............"

Lunch Anyone? May 7th

Slick lead a great 

mid-week ride. The Knights also paid our sponsor The Bull a visit!!. 

We got to welcome our newest Knight Jonathan Munoz....welcome !

Jonathan Munoz-Said"Was great to meet you all today. What a great ride and day. Can't wait to do it again. I'm free tomorrow lol. :-)"

Day/ Knights get together 

May 10th

Well I can't say that I wasn't a little concerned when we went from somewhere around 20 to 7, but I was very happy with the 7 that showed!! A couple of Knights got sick and a few had things come up, stuff happens. 


Thanks to Semi for bringing those special sausages...

.they were a big hit. Lauren's potato salad was also a favorite. It was great to have AJ there, I hope to see her on many rides and events. Sax and I actually did some tech...we changed a bulb. Fill in your own joke.  Greenies left before all the desert put him in a sugar coma.

Joseph Ciancio-said"Thanks Will,thanks Sue,thanks Bob for the delicious sausage BBQ . I had a ball,too bad we were missing so many brothers,but that meant more cake and brownies for moi...."

Ride and Shoot Indian River County Shooting Range  May 18th

Well the ride up was just a highway event that should have been nothing but boring! Unfortunately, our brother Crash (Keith) lost his wallet when a bird flew down out of no where and opened his pocket and made it jump out!! Well thats our story and we are stickin to it.

When we did finally get off 95, we stopped at a gas station. I decided that Crash and I would go back and look for it while Greenies led everyone else to the range. We look for over 30 miles, but no luck. Sorry Keith. Crash continued looking and I went to the range. I found the Knights already blasting away.

Thank you Jonathan for helping Greenies figure out which end the bullets come out of my gun.....Seems we have a Knight range officer.  As a special add on Semi(Bob) finally got his decal and is now a core member...way to go Semi!!

Neal Alvanos-Said " All good excepting Keith's lost wallet"

Casa Tequila Mexican Grill

Well the original plan was to go to the Tattoo show, but due to a lack of interest in needles and INK, I changed it. The ride to Lake Placid is always nice along 70 and we also took the opportunity to take Fox Brown road, which is one of my favorites.

The road that leads to the restaurant, is nice and curvy. We managed to miss most of the love bugs, but we did hit our share. Slick invited some guest to join us, and they gave us a real nice route home. The food at this place is always good!!  Congrats to SAX on getting his PATCHED vest...

Slick- Said "Man O man I needed that BAD. Once again Knights thanks for the GREAT time. It's always a good day being with friends & tryin out new fun places to stuff my face. Good job Mr. President-"

Member of the Month

Semi and Sax both get the honor!! Semi made CORE and SAX got his PATCHED VEST way to go guys, you make this club great!!!!

Check out next month