Farewell to Ardys Kellerman

This just in from BARF.

I never met Ardys Kellerman but now I wish I had. Apparently a nice old lady who had confirmed over one million miles ridden, mostly on BMWs. Also one of only 11 motorcyclists to have completed 100,000 miles in a single year, making her practically a living legend among the sport touring crowd. Think about it, 100k in a single year! I have yet to put that many miles on a single bike.

More about Ardys:

http://www.lonestarcycle.com/bmwsalut.htm

http://www.lonestarcycle.com/ardys100.htm

Tragically she was killed by an oncoming car driven by an elderly person while pulling out of a convenience store on her motorbike.

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2013/06/81-year-old_female_motoryclist.html

Godspeed, Ardys.

Ride to Work Day Turnout

Knowing Ride to Work Day isn't a well-publicized event I didn't expect a great turnout, but even allowing for that I was a bit disappointed.  Below is the company motorcycle parking area with reserved space for 8 - 10 motos, around 8:30 this morning.  Leave it to bikers to not ride to work the one day they're supposed to.

21st Annual Ride to Work Day June 17, 2013

Just a quick note that tomorrow is official "ride your motorcycle to work" day according to ridetowork.org.  According to the Riding is a Social Good document on the web site:

Riding is a social good.  Motorcycles and scooters offer the convenience, range and speed of cars, with a minimal eco/energy footprint and a broad range of personal health benefits.  They are more than toys for those with interest and discretionary funds.

I have often wondered why Ride to Work Day has never taken off in the Bay Area like Bike to Work Day.  In fact when I tell people about Ride to Work Day they often assume I mean the bicycle commute event.  Maybe motorcycle commuting is so commonplace in the Bay Area that there's no need for a special day for it.  Or maybe RTWD is just a thinly veiled Aerostich marketing tool.  In any case I've never seen any organized events or publicity for motorcycle commuting.  That is unfortunate because I think widespread motorcycle commuting would solve a lot of our traffic congestion and parking issues both here and elsewhere.

So do your part to show that your motorcycle is more than just a toy.  Ride to work!