Tag: Summer Mesh Jacket

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MOTORCYCLE RIDE TO THE BOYHOOD HOME OF ALEX HALEY

It was a peaceful motorcycle ride on the backroads of Henning, Tennessee to pay respect to Alexander Murray Palmer Haley aka Alex Haley, the African American author of Pulitzer Prize winning novel Roots translated into 37 languages, the Autobiography of Malcom X translated into eight (8) languages, Palmer Town, Madam Walker, A Different Kind of Christmas, Queen, Henning and Fred Montgomery. Most people do not know Alex Haley’s first screenplay was Super Fly.

Alex Haley’s boyhood home is the first state-owned historic site devoted to African-Americans in Tennessee.
The home is in a quiet neighborhood and it was owned by his grandparents Will and Cynthia Palmer.

Alex Haley lived with his grandparents from 1921 through 1929. It was on the front porch where young Alex Haley would listen to the accounts about his family history to include the stories of his West African roots and the famous Mandingo Kunta Kinte.

Alex Haley is buried in the front yard of his boyhood home.

I enjoyed walking around the outside of the home with beautiful black and white picture monuments and brief descriptions about his family.

While admiring Alex Haley’s home Porsche Taylor, Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Black Girls Ride Magazine http://blackgirlsride.com/ and I had the opportunity to meet the former Mayor of Henning Mary Ann Jarrett. Ms. Jarrett served as mayor from 2001 through 2005.

Alex Haley contribution to the African American community is invaluable. His legacy reminds us of the importance to uplift and honor our roots with dignity.

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TAIL OF THE DRAGON

The Tail of the Dragon was on my Biker Bucket List since 2005. On Monday, June 27, 2016, I finally build up the courage to slay the Dragon’s 318 curves in 11 miles on the 2016 Indian Roadmaster Motorcycle. 

I had a difficult time falling asleep the night before. I spent most of my time reading news articles on the internet and watching videos trying to prepare myself mentally because I do not like riding through the mountains on roads with twists and turns and the spontaneous reaction of my heart to switchback and hairpin turns and yellow warning signs changing speed limits and pictures of wild animals.

I wake up early ready to conquer my fear of the unknown and to ignore the rumors and myths about the Tail of the Dragon. I stop by the Tree of Shame refusing to leave any motorcycle parts behind with my signature claiming no gain with lots of pain.

I pick up a Dragon Tail Sword to strike before I get on the bike.

The starting point of the Tail of the Dragon is at the Deal Gap Motorcycle Resort in Robbinsville, North Carolina and ends in Tennessee on U.S. Route 129.

I’m so glad I had my sister Porsche Taylor with me to provide positive words of encouragement to accomplish this intimidating goal since she knows I’m not a fan of twisty roads with blind spots.

If the Tail of the Dragon is on your biker bucket list, ride your ride and keep your eyes focused on the road.

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MESH MOTORCYCLE JACKET IS A MUST HAVE IN THE SUMMER

It’s tempting to ride a motorcycle without safety gear when it’s hot.  Mesh jackets are lightweight and breathable to keep your body cool. Mesh jackets do not offer the most protection during a slide, but they are perfect for riding in warm weather.

Here are some features to look for when shopping for a mesh motorcycle jacket:

1. Safety and Protection – some jackets provide removable CE-Certified and PE foam approved armor in the back, chest, shoulders and elbows to protect during an impact on pavement. It’s important to dress for the ride and slide!

2. Comfort – the armor may not work on impact if the jacket does not fit properly to protect you. Make sure the armor does not move around when you try the jacket on for size. The zippers, snaps and straps should prevent the fabric from flapping around in the wind.

3. Visibility reflectors for others to see you riding in the dark.

4. Windproof and Waterproof Full Sleeve Removable Liner – the windproof/waterproof liner is for light rain. Remember to always carry rain gear even in the summer!

5. Pockets for easy access to the items you need such as keys, debit/credit cards, cash, drivers license and registration.

The Indian Motorcycle Springfield Mesh Jacket is made of polyester with perforation to allow air to flow through the front and back. Velcro straps on the sleeves to reduce flapping in the wind on my arms. The CE rated armor on the elbows and shoulders are easy to remove before washing in mild detergent. The expansion panels on the shoulders provides a comfortable ride for any style of handlebars. The reflective stripes light up at night for visibility to allow other motorcycle riders and drivers to see you riding on the road. The two-way zipper option from top or bottom allows for a flayer at the bottom to provide comfort and relief after a ride to eat!