THE MOTORCYCLE BACK THERAPY INTERVENTION

Science is a wonderful thing! It is often hard for me to understand how people are able to study and learn so much about our physical world and about our own bodies. Since I am a rather dull person who barely made it through kindergarten, I am always impressed with the smarts of others. Recently I became interested in back therapy interventions. As I am prone to do, I was consumed by the subject; reading, researching and studying for countless minutes. Here is the Nobody's take on how motorcycling fits into back fitness. First it is important to understand the Alexander Back Techniques. A good place to get started on this study is: http://markjosefsberg.com/alexander-technique/alexander-technique-posture-exercises

Then you need to learn about the three different motorcycle rider positions. As each requires a different application of the Alexander method to your motorcycle exercises.

A good place to start is here:

http://www.msf-usa.org/imsc/proceedings/b-Smith-ThreeDimensionalAnalysisofRiderPosture.pdf

After becoming well versed in the Alexander method and understanding the various aspects of motorcycle rider posture. You are ready to apply my motorcycle back therapy interventions while riding. I suggest you start with a 25 mile ride and over a two week period work up to a 1,000 mile ride.

The Interventions

1. Loose Head: using the Alexander hinge flex with motorcycle posture 3 and 7

2. Loose Lungs: using the Alexander rib rise with motorcycle posture 1

3. Free Heart: using the Alexander chest sculpt with motorcycle posture 4

4. Jello Abs: using the Alexander valley breathing with motorcycle posture 5 and 6

5. Swivel Hips using the Alexander gate swing with motorcycle posture 2

6. Twinkle Toes using the Alexander star rise with motorcycle posture 3

You will be amazed at the improvement in your back health and your ability to ride hundreds of miles without stopping. If you have any questions just email me.

SIMPLE MAINTENANCE

If you want to save money and get to understand a little more about your motorcycle, consider starting to do some of the simple maintenance jobs on your bike. A good start is to change your oil. This involves: draining the oil, replacing the oil filter and filling the crankcase with new oil. Dirty Deeds Yamaha 250 Exciter only requires a few tools to remove the filter (center of picture), and drain the oil (note oil collection pan). The drain plug is removed from underneath the engine. I am a loyal Amsoil synthetic oil user. It was the first synthetic oil and it was invented by a local fellow who is still producing his synthetic oil products in Superior Wisconsin. http://www.amsoil.com/company.aspx/ Superior is just across the Saint Louis River from Duluth.

This oil is terrific, and because of it's extended life it is reasonably priced.

One only needs a few tools to change a motorcycle's oil, so you don't have to invest much. The amount you save doing the oil change yourself will recover the cost of the tools after a couple of oil changes.

Some type of funnel is very helpful also, especially if it has volume marked on the side, but a paper filter found at a gas station island will do the trick also.

If you want to get technical a torque wrench is very nice to have allowing you to make sure you are tightening the oil plug tight enough. And a service manuel for your bike will be a great investment as you choose to do more maintenance jobs on your cycle.

The first couple of times you can have a friend help who is familiar with changing oil and filter.

So go for it. Remember you can always call Kickstand for help.

LETS RIDE

It has been a chilly April, but it is time to ride. Some years it is hard to get the first ride in, because the will to get out and ride to work on a frosty morning is a little weak. But like any thing a little momentum goes a long way. This week I started riding, just twice so far, but tonight as I was riding home my biking juices started flowing. I'm hooked. I will be riding my 125 for a few more days while I get Dr. Fuji ready for the season. Have one "new" right muffler to install, and also need to change oil, final drive gear lube, and install my newly reupholstered seat. So if you still have some maintenance work to do on your bike, get it done and start riding. Don't wait for perfect weather to get your cycle juices flowing, just start riding and you will be getting the 2011 season started.

SOUNDSCAPE ECOLOGY

I was listening to the radio today and was introduced to a new field of study in biology. Soundscape Ecology http://www.npr.org/2011/03/26/134425597/scientists-tune-in-to-the-voices-of-the-landscapehttp://
It got me thinking about the need to recognize the soundscape of motorcycle engines. It seems like the majority of us motorcyclists enjoy listening to motorcycles rumbling, roaring, purring, chugging or whatever along.

So the Nobodies have a request. Our Research and Development Division would like to put together an audio file of a variety of motorcycle engines running. Our goal is to compile 100 different engines running. Please help us by sending a recording of your cycle(s) running.

NOBODY ANNUAL MEETING

Good News, it was reported at our annual meeting that the Nobodies are stronger than ever. This year we are poised to initiate some bold and innovative programs that will have an impact on the entire world. In the next few months, we will be sharing our Nobody Vision 2011.



Triple Klutz (pictured below, on the left standing) is going through the Nobody initiation. She is our newest member.

The Nobodies (below) are preparing for a long meeting by ordering a substantial meal.

Some of the highlights of the meeting were:

1. Announcing the beginning of the riding season March 7.

2. Motorcycle trip to New Zealand in December. This is being headed up by our newly appointed South Pacific Division Director Sole Man.

3. Nobody Bicycle Club is formed. There will be three major rides this summer.

4. Nobody Family Weekend Tour is being planned. "We want to develop more of a family image."

5. 2011 Slogan: LOST? JOIN THE CLUB

NOBODIES INVITED TO NEW ZEALAND

About a month ago I received a call from the Prime Minister of New Zealand, asking if I would be interested in attending a symposium in titled "Wheels and Weirdos". It is to focus on the impact that motorcycles and motorcycle clubs have had on national culture. I accepted the invitation and will be traveling to New Zealand this coming Friday. I want to thank the New Zealand government for paying 3% of my expenses and all you Nobodies who are paying the rest.

President of the Nobodies Kickstand

I will be reporting at our Nobody Annual Meeting on Saturday March 5 some very exciting news about a very ambitious endeavor that we will be leading in New Zealand. Hope you can join us at the Duluth Grill at 10 AM.

WINTER SLUMBER

I have been slumbering from my blog duties. When I quit riding, I go into a depression. Without my two wheeled friend is there really any thing to live for? In the past week I have started to look to the future, taking care of maintenance needs on my bikes and meeting with the Nobody Board to plan for the next spectacular riding season. We at the Nobody Motorcycle Club have survived a very difficult two years of financial challenges. Granted we have lost a considerable amount. Membership is down by 33%, we had to sell off 50% of our properties and closed a wing of our museum. We regretted laying off 5 people and asking another 6 to work for nothing. But because of these bold decisions, we are stronger and leaner. We are ready to move forward and fulfill our mission " take people for a ride". Granted we have had an illustrious past that can never be revisited. We are confident the plans we are putting into motion this year will revolutionize the motorcycle club industry. If you are able to attend our Nobody Motorcycle Club Annual Meeting in March, you will be the first to learn of our bold and creative approaches to the New Motorcycle Age. We will be announcing the date and location of our meeting in the coming week.