Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/309330
kim martin s u m m e r 2 0 1 4 | w e s t w o r l d A l b e r t A 45 1. BE VISIBLE Make sure your headlights are turned on, day or night, and add refl ectors to your clothing and bike. Don't hang out in other vehicles' blind spots, and stay in the middle of the lane, where you're most visible. When in doubt that other drivers can see you, fl ash your brake lights or honk. 2. BE SAFELY DRESSED Helmets are a no- brainer and legally required. Wear thick, long- sleeved and full-legged clothing – including gloves and over-ankle boots – even in summer. 3. BE SMART Don't ride tired or impaired, and stay alert to road conditions, traffi c lights, speed limits and other road users. Give yourself and other drivers enough space to react, and don't weave from lane to lane. 4. BE PREPARED Know your bike, and how to use it. Before you hit the road, take formal motorcycle training, such as the Canada Safety Council's Gearing Up course (canadasafetycouncil.org), which covers balance, handling, braking, urban riding, traction control, high- and low-speed control, traffi c, emergency techniques and more. W Get out and Play Alberta Motorcycle rallies Dressed in black leather from head to toe, bikers often get a bad rap. But as it turns out, they have a lot of heart. All summer long, Alberta's small towns play host to bike rallies that raise funds for volunteer fi re departments, cancer research and local charities. The events typically start with a group ride, and wrap up with a barbecue and live music. If you own a bike, consider it a rite of passage to participate in at least one of these rallies this summer: • Coyote Run Motorcycle Rally, Chipman: May 31 • Telus Motorcycle Ride for Dad, Calgary: June 14 • Hillbilly Hammerdown Motorcycle Rally, Ashmont: June 20 • Run to the Hills Memorial Rally, Two Hills: July 18 • Leather 'n' Chaps Ridin' for SNAPS, High River: July 19 • Chestermere Langdon Poker Run, Langdon: August 23 beltdrivebetty.com/events/ab-events –Tracy Hyatt TIP! To ride a motorcycle or moped in Alberta, you need a class 6 driver's licence, obtained by taking and passing a class 6 knowl- edge test and road test. Once you've passed, drop by any AMA centre to fi le the paperwork to get your licence. moTorcycles Easy There, Riders Whether you're a beginner on a trike or an old hand on a Hog, these motorcycling safety tips apply: Register your motorcycle at AMA. Call 1-866-989-6370 or visit any centre. AMARegistries.ca CAA Plus memberships include Roadside Assistance for motorcycles. ama.ab.ca Show 'n' shining at last year's Telus Motorcycle Ride for Dad, Calgary. p39-47ToysOfSummer.indd 45 14-04-29 9:32 AM