The Motorcycle Scene

The Scene hasn’t been around for some time and has disappeared as a separate TC.com blog. But gone is not forgotten and the Data Port still throws a leg over the scoot so It will appear here from time to time.

Sunday morning saw the traditional first ride of the year up Mount Lemmon. This is pretty much an undertaking by the SEAT (Southeast Arizona Touring) Riders. SEAT is a chartered BMWMOA club, but has a “ride what you got” policy so this year saw Honda, Ducati, Triumph and one Royal Enfield represented as well.

Mr. And Mrs. Data Port and Hack at Wind Point

On the subject of hacks and hacking, sidecar fans can begin to plan for the:

39th Annual Brass Monkey Sidecar Rally.

February 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th

Location: Fisher’s Landing and Resort

10882 Swede Way

782Yuma, AZ 85365

Phone: (928) 782-7049

Most rally-goers camp, but it’s not unusual for the comfort lovers to motel. Solo riders are welcome, too. More details to follow.

This video was sent to me by a riding buddy. I thought it might be of interest to any out-of-door adventure folks…even those who are not motorcyclists. I would be very hesitant to hike such a trail.

I’m sorry that I can’t identify these two adventure riders.

Metaphor Via Ratbike.org

If you’re not a motorcyclist the use of the Rat Bike as a metaphor for our state may be obscure.

At many major bike rallies a prize will be given to the worst looking, most cobbled together, leakiest, duct-taped, smokiest, ill-running motorcycle that managed to rattle to the rally.

The proud owner of this beast boasts of his accomplishments…the ‘rattle-can’ paint job, the mis-matched parts from other brands of motorcycles, and the message on his tank: “Chrome Don’t Get You Home.” But neither, often, does the rat bike.

What drives the rat-biker is the desire to maintain his old scoot as cheaply as possible, even if he has to put up with balding tires, dangerous brakes, and questionable handling.

All of us, in Arizona, are owners of our rat-bike state. Like the the biker dude at the rally we would rather put up with the inconveniences and possible long-term consequences of rat-bike-hood than pay for anything better.

Raise taxes? God forbid. So we elect rat-bike legislators who are committed to tax loopholes that drain the treasury and support our steadfast refusal to pay for anything better.

Nice bike, bro!