What is Empowerment?
January 16, 2012 | 
Author In management terms, empowerment is the act of giving power and authority to a person to perform his designated tasks in whatever way he wants, and having the power in decision making. Simply to say, a person is allowed to complete his job scope with minimal supervision.
Traditionally, an employee has to seek the permission of a superior before making a decision. In such a system, time is wasted in the process of seeking and waiting for approval. Instead of wasting time in this process, the time can be spent to solve a more critical problem at hand.
After all, time translates to money. As such, an employee should be empowered for the tasks he is very familiar with to begin with.
However, the older generations of management somehow express the difficulty of having to accept such a concept. Instead of giving freedom to their subordinates, they prefer to be involved in every decision to be made. We do see the similarities of this act with the autocratic ruling system where one supreme ruler sits above all.
Those against the concept of empowerment are probably too narrow-minded to accept something new. Either that or they feel more comfortable with the power in their grasp, instead of surrendering it to someone in a lower hierarchy.
Or they simply feel threatened having to surrender part or all of their power to someone else, with fear that the other person might topple him in the near future.
Regardless of the resistant minority, larger companies have adopted this system and the results are somewhat fruitful.
Wheat Grinders – Types, Prices, Usage, Recommendations
If you are anything like me, the idea of buying, let alone actually USING a wheat grinder can be pretty intimidating. I am determined to accumulate a healthy-sized food storage and wheat is going to play a big role in that. I am also a fan of the mantra “store what you eat and eat what you store”. Thus it quickly became apparent to me that I needed to do some heavy duty research in order to uncover all the mysteries surrounding “wheat grinders” or “grain mills” as they are officially called. With the help of internet research, some hands on research at several neighbors’ houses, and multiple failed attempts in the kitchen, I have come up with a pretty good summary of what you need to know.
Types of Wheat Grinders
Manual Wheat Grinders
Pros
Inexpensive
Can be used with no power source
Small to store
Cons
SLOW to grind (mine took 6 minutes to grind one cup of flour)
Except for the very high-end models, you cannot grind a fine flour
Inconvenient (messy and hard to fit a large bowl underneath)
KitchenAid Attachments
Pros
Less expensive than an electric grinder
Small to store
Convenient to use and then mix bread in the same machine
Cons
I have heard from multiple sources that these units will BREAK your KitchenAid mixer
Not as fast at grinding as electric grinders
Electric Wheat Grinders
Pros
Grinds very fast
Useful for many types of grains, beans, nuts, etc.
Easy to select how coarse or fine to grind, and has a large range
Cons
Fairly expensive, even for the lower-end models
Must have a generator or battery pack to use with no electricity (unless you buy a high end model that comes with a manual crank)
A large appliance to store in your kitchen
Prices of Wheat Grinders
Manual Wheat Grinders
Low: $20-30 models will not grind flour, only coarse corn meal, etc. Not very useful.
Medium: $75-$175 is a good price range. Back to Basics Grain Mill is $75. It can grind fine enough for bread flour but not for very fine cake flour. Wonder Junior is higher-priced at $169 but it can grind into cake flour.
High: Up to $400 for the Country Living Grain Mill. It is quicker than other manual grinders and is able to grind a fine cake flour.
KitchenAid Attachments
$100-120, some may be used on any stand mixer.
Electric Wheat Grinders
Low: Under $200 for grinders such as the Blendtec Grain Mill. Its drawbacks are it is very noisy and cannot do very coarse grinds.
Medium: $200-$300 can get you a great grinder. The two most popular electric grinders are the WonderMill and the NutriMill. In my tests I found the WonderMill to be faster, quieter, cleaner, and easier to store. And priced at $239 it is even cheaper than the NutriMill which is $269.
High: Over $300 is an unnecessary amount to spend in my opinion. There are heavy duty models out there but you can get the job done with the mid-range models.
How To Use Wheat Grinders
Manual Wheat Grinders
Attach wheat grinder to your counter top
Place a bowl underneath
Pour the wheat in the funnel
Turn the crank (for a LONG time)
Wheat will filter into the bowl below
Electric Wheat Grinders
Select how fine or coarse you want to grind
Turn on the machine
Pour the wheat in the top
Wait for it to grind into flour (super fast)
Turn off the machine and pull out your canister of wheat
How To Use Fresh Ground Whole Wheat
Whole wheat bread can be delicious! I have gone through a lot of recipes trying to find the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, texture, etc. for my wheat bread. Experiment with different recipes and types of wheat until you find what your family prefers. We liked using hard white wheat in a recipe that included gluten and oatmeal.
Pancakes even your kids will love! I took an IHOP corn cakes recipe and simply swapped all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour and it was amazing. My kids ate 3 each at one meal. They are delicious drizzled with honey over top.
Whole wheat oatmeal cookies you can’t resist. I haven’t tried any of these recipes yet but several of my friends said they prefer whole wheat cookies to regular cookies. Who wouldn’t want an excuse to make cookies, hey it’s rotating your food storage.
Much much more. I grind up a large Tupperware full of hard white wheat flour and store it in my freezer (it retains the nutrients that way). Whenever I do any baking I replace half or all of the flour called for with my whole wheat flour. If it is as good or better I add that recipe to my food storage recipe binder. It’s a great way to experiment until you find what works for you.
My Recommendations
Emergency-Only Usage
If you are planning to use your food storage and wheat grinder only if an emergency situation arises, it is not worth the expense and hassle of buying and storing an electric grinder. At a minimum you should get the Back to Basics Grain Mill but I would highly recommend splurging for the Wonder Junior.
Every-Day Usage
If you plan to “store what you eat and eat what you store” I highly recommend the WonderMill Grain Mill electric grinder. If you are not planning to find an alternative power source for an emergency situation, then eventually pick up a Back to Basics Grain Mill as well. The price of these two combined are still cheaper than high-end electric grinders that have a manual crank option, and the functionality of the WonderMill is better for frequent usage.
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Snowmobile Tracks
Snowmobiles don’t have tires. They have snowmobile tracks which are fitted on the wheels that are fit on the snowmobile. The different types of snowmobiles out there have different tracks to suit their engine power. This depends on the type of terrain they are going to travel on. Though these tracks are tough and made to tackle difficult terrain, they can sometimes malfunction or break. When this happens, we need to find a place where we can get replacements for them.
When looking for replacement tracks, the first and possible the first place to look is the internet. Once you have found where to look for them, there are a few things you need to have at hand. For starters, you need to have the make, specifications and serial numbers of the parts you need handy, the tracks themselves should have the relevant information on them somewhere. Not all brands of tracks are compatible with the snowmobile you have. You have to get snowmobile tracks that are compatible to the particular model that you have. There are some cases where you might be able to get generic tracks that work with any model of snowmobile.
Many people are not comfortable with buying such parts from the internet. They can use the internet as a research tool to figure out the best tracks and to compare prices offered by different dealers. There after, they can go out to ATV or snowmobile stores to begin shopping for the snowmobile tracks they need. If they can fit the tracks themselves, they should go ahead and do it, but its always better to have a professional do it for you.
Calories Burned While Cycling – How Many Calories Are Burned During Bicycling?
Cycling is the best way to burn calories. It is a form of cardio workout that can shed extra pounds from your body. We have seen many people undergoing low calorie diets, surgeries in order to shed those unwanted fats from their body. They even go to the level of starvation that can be extremely dangerous.
Most people are resorting to cycling nowadays in order to burn calories. Excess indulgence in junk foods, high stress, erratic sleeping habits and aging causes obesity. The percentage of obese people is increasing with each passing day. Everybody is whining about his or her extra weight. In order to lose weight and discard diseases associated with fats, cycling seems to a better alternative. It not only de-stresses your mind but also offers you a toned body.
The roles of bicycles are increasing with each passing because they are pollution free. Even celebrities are doing this cardio workout in order to lose weight. Gradually the whole process is gaining momentum and in many countries it is becoming a style statement too.
How Many Calories Are Burned During Bicycling?
Calories burnt during cycling may vary with the level of intensity used. A very slow bicycling can burn around 380-530 calories while a moderate speed can burn 500-700 calories and a very speedy cycling can burn up to 1060 calories.
In order to burn more calories, you have to use more energy. It is also a passion for many. Some people enjoy a cycle ride all the way through the city while some like to do mountain cycling, which is regarded as the extreme form bicycling. It burn up to 1400 calories. Try this exercise in order to burn calories.
Top Ten Things to Do in Spring
It must be serendipity that I am in currently in the janitorial industry and that I enjoy cleaning. I use my skills as a sales and marketing director to sell my ritual of welcoming spring.
While some people enjoy lounging, daydreaming or reading when the days are still cool but sunny I enjoy tying up loose ends and starting with a “clean” slate. So what if others do not share my enthusiastic spring dance in honor of mother-nature! Why do they insist on their own dance and will not applaud my magnificent performance? Here are my favorite things to do in spring:
1. Spring clean & de-clutter home & office:
Make a caddy of your basic tools. I use multi-purpose cleaner, microfiber cloths, lamb’s wool extension duster, furniture polish, disinfectant spray, trash bag and a laundry basket to put items I am removing from the room. If your ceilings are high you may need a small step ladder. I also have a broom to get behind furniture I can’t move and for carpet edges and corners. A vacuum with attachments is also very handy. Place your equipment outside the entrance of the room you are cleaning. Give each room a thorough, top to bottom cleaning. This is the perfect time to launder the curtains and bedding. If you are up to the challenge you can also flip furniture cushions, mattresses and rearrange the furniture. The best approach I have found is to start each room at the entrance door and circle the room. Start your high dusting, touching all surfaces on the walls such as picture frames, shelves, etc. If the curtains are not going to be taken down, remove the dust on the tops & fabric folds. Cobwebs can get anywhere, including the flat walls. Get under and behind the furniture with the duster and/or broom. Dust inside the window frame. Wash the windows. Use a microfiber with just a mist of all-purpose cleaner and dust the surfaces you can reach. The last thing I do is use my disinfectant spray and vacuum.
2. Get rid of clothes not worn:
I bring storage containers or boxes and kitchen trash bags and a black marker. First go through the shelved clothing, second the clothes that are hanging and third clothes that are in drawers. Make a pile on the floor of clothes that should be place in the garbage. Box up the seasonal things you are going to keep. Things you are giving away put into the trash bags. Use the marker and put your name and season of clothes on the boxes. Label the bags with the person’s name you are giving them to, yard sale or Goodwill. Store away the seasonal boxed clothes, put the give-away clothes in your garage or auto so you will not forget to take them away.
3. Clean yard, porches & garage:
All of these are good for family team work, but this one especially is. The garage needs and occasional de-clutter and cleaning. You will need a broom, plenty of boxes or plastic containers, a black marker and maybe some white mailing labels to write on. If you have a large major crisis in there you may want to copy the show “Clean Sweep” and get out three tarps on the drive or yard. Tarp number one is for things to keep, tarp number two is for giving away or yard sale, tarp three is trash. When you have everything out that you can, you may now dust, sweep and/or pressure wash. Organize tools by their use and season. Keep the yard tools together, garden tools and the basic repair tools together, etc. The sports equipment and toys are also organized and the off season sports equipment and toys should be boxed and put up. Tarp number one “things to keep” will be boxed up and labeled and neatly put back into the garage. Tarp number two “things to give away or yard sale” should be boxed, bagged or price tagged for yard sale. Label the give-away or yard sale items and neatly put back into the garage. Tarp number three “trash” items need to be bagged if they can fit into garbage receptacle or hauled to the dump if necessary. Now the garage is neat and clean!
4. Thoroughly detail autos:
Have a contest with someone if you are detailing two autos! Guard yourself from the sun. Tools needed are a vacuum with attachments, trash bag, towels, paper towels, 2 microfiber cloths and a large terry cloth, two old large beach towels, a long handled car wash broom if you have one, and a stiff brush for the wheels & tires and bucket & sponge. I also fix a small caddy with window cleaner, Mr. Clean, some Q-Tips, Armor-all, Febreze, car wash, wax with an applicator or soft cloth and tire “black” spray. Start on the inside and fill up your trash bag with any garbage in the auto. Look under seats and in the cracks of the seats. Pick up items that will hurt your vacuum. Take out all the carpets and lay them down to vacuum. Then fill a bucket with about a gallon of water and an ounce of Mr. Clean. Use this water first to scrub the seats with a very damp cloth, it may remove some stains and it smells good. Then wash the dash, wheel, seat dividers and inside the doors. Constantly clean your cloth in the bucket. Dip Q-tips in the water and use to get the dash cracks, corners and areas the cloth couldn’t get into. Spray Armor-All on a microfiber cloth and wipe down the dash and hard smooth surfaces made from similar material to shine up and make like new. When finished put that cloth away from the others so you will not use it again. Time for the inside windows! I use a window cleaner and paper towels to wash all the inside windows, then I go back over them with a microfiber cloth and it really polishes good. The last thing I do is vacuum the carpet. Be sure to adjust the seats forward and backward to get all areas. Last I give the fabric and carpet a spray of Febreze, carefully avoiding my windows. Vacuum the carpets that you took out. If you want to organize the trunk and vacuum, this is a good time. Now get the windows up and shut the doors. Empty your bucket and refill with plenty of water and a little carwash. Hose down the entire auto and wash by sections. Immediately rinse off each section as you go around the auto. When you think you are done walk around the auto for any touch-ups. Now use your stiff brush and scrub the wheels and tires a few times, then rinse. Hose off the carpets you removed and let air dry. Use a beach towel to dry off all areas of the auto. After drying and no water spots it is time to wax. My favorite auto wax is the new spray on wipe off type, but if you are using the paste wax it is done the same way. Put wax on a section at a time, and then remove it with the second beach towel. Let the paste wax dry before buffing off. Again check all around the auto for any areas that need touched up. After waxing I wash the windows with paper towels and then polish with the microfiber cloth. Your wheels and tires should be dry by now so you can spray your “black” spray on them. Now that is a sparkling beauty!
5. Get planting beds & flower containers ready:
You can start seedlings indoors or wait for the nursery centers to stock your favorite plants. Guard yourself from the sun. Tools you may want for the large planting beds are a tiller (if large area) rake, shovel, garden claw, landscape fabric or plastic, gloves, trash bag potting soil (my favorite is Miracle Grow with the water holding material). First pull all weeds and place in trash bag. Rake the surface of leaves, old mulch and debris, put in trash bag or compost bin. Use shovel or garden claw to turn the soil (till if large area) and mix in your potting soil. After the area is complete, cover with the landscape fabric or plastic. When you are ready to plant, cut holes in the landscape fabric or plastic and place plant where you want. To finalize your flower gardens, cover the fabric or plastic with mulch or rocks. For the flower containers, if they have previously been used they must be washed and let air dry. When the weather is warm enough you can plant. Place some large stones or broken pottery pieces in the bottom for drainage. Fill pots ¾ of the way full. Decide where to place your plants and surround them with potting soil and firmly press down. Give a good drink of water. Check on weekly to remove dead material and water if needed.
6. Start seedlings indoors:
Pick a few seeds you want to start, veggies, herbs, flowers (Burpee is my favorite brand). You can use a sun lamp, although I never have. Just don’t start too early or they will grow too large before you can transplant. The easiest way is to get the jiffy pots ready for water and seeds. You can also use a rectangle receptacle like a cake pan and fill with potting soil and sprinkle on the seeds and water. Pour off excess water. Save your seed envelopes to mark your plants or you won’t remember what you are growing and where. When the weather is warm enough and all chances of freezing are over they can be transplanted either in a prepared bed or container.
7. Write down new things to do in the summer and fall:
I like to write down things I haven’t done in a while, new things or things to do with particular friends and family; go to museum with mother; watch movie with Linda. Learn how to rollerblade, take a painting class, run a marathon, go boating and so forth. I have things to do indoors for rain and outdoors for sunshine. Keep your list next to your calendar and when you want something to do check one off. Make arrangements a week or so ahead so you will have a full social calendar.
8. Begin a customized fitness plan:
First schedule a check up with your family doctor and make sure you are okay to become more active. Define what you want to accomplish and a date to accomplish this by. If you have more than one goal, do this for every goal. Example: I want to lose 30 pounds by August. Next step is to plan out how you will accomplish this. Example: I will clean out my kitchen and replace with healthy low calorie foods. I will walk one mile every day. I will lift weights thirty minutes every other day and so on. Keep positive affirmations and motivational post-its on your bathroom mirror and refrigerator.
9. Get a new hair cut, hair style or color:
Be browsing the magazine for cuts and color you like to get an idea or two. Visit your favorite hair salon or one that a friend refers. Ask the stylist to recommend a cut and or color for your complexion, lifestyle and budget. Ask questions regarding maintenance before you decide. Your cut must be quick and easy to maintain if you lifestyle is very busy. If you are young you can easily go more dramatic and bold. If you are more mature or have a career you may want to stick with some classic styles and color, but different than you usually get. This is a great ego boost and when you are confident and happy, it will rub off on everyone around you.
10. Take a long walk, hike or bike ride in a scenic area:
This is a great family outing, or couples and friends outing. Bring your dog if you can. If you have a favorite park or recreation area, plan a day and a picnic for this event. This could ba a great way to scout out a camping area. Take the basics, sandwiches, fruit and water. Dress for the occasion and don’t forget sun protection. Bring a rain jacket or wind breaker in case the weather suddenly changes. Let someone know where you are going and bring a cell phone. Bring a Frisbee or football to mix things up. Just enjoy the time to spend with good company and appreciate the beautiful earth.
With a “clean” slate completed there is still ample time to soak up all the crisp air and sunshine. I feel I have accomplished something great and it makes me feel terrific about the next great season!
Look for more articles coming soon!
How To Zero A Rifle Scope
You’ve just got yourself a new rifle scope, fitted it and let me guess…for some reason your shots are landing nowhere near the crosshairs?
Sadly there’s more to rifle scope sharp shooting than just plonking the scope on the rifle and forever after shooting like an SAS sniper! You have to “zero” it.
Think about it. It’s like a bike wheel. If you tighten the bolts wrong, too much on one side for example, it spins wrong and rubs the brake pads. It’s the same with a Rifle scope. If it’s not set up correctly it will be offline and even at short air rifle, airsoft and paintball ranges this is going to throw your accuracy right off. At longer ranges you’ll miss by a mile (well figuratively anyway!)
What Does “Zero a scope” mean?
Zeroing a sight or scope means getting the crosshair in position so that when you shoot. Ground zero if you like. The point of impact.There’s a lot of discussion amongst shooters on the best way to zero a scope or sight. What I’ve written below is what I’ve been sending out to my ebay scope buyers for the last year or so and received a lot of good comments back about it so I know it’s OK!
How to Zero a Rifle Scope
First of all you need to set a firm foundation by fitting the scope mounts well.
Put the scope mounts on the rifle first with the top brackets removed.
Tighten them into place using 1/2 turns at the time so that they sit solid and level as best as is possible, i.e., the downward pressure is as equal as possible. At this stage don’t tighten them fully as you might want to slide them up and down a little.
Now take scope and place it on top of the open rifle mounts. Make sure the windage and elevation turrets are one up and one to the right (these are the “turrets” on the sight. You use them later to make micro adjustments and in the field adjustments for wind)
Then put the top mount brackets on and tighten – Again use partial turns to tighten up. Don’t tighten fully at this stage, you may yet need to adjust a little.
Zero the scope
Lie in your normal shooting position and check that you can see through the scope well…
The distance between your eye and the rear scope lens is called Eye Relief.
Unlike cartoons you do not use a scope by pressing your eye up against the scope lens!
Once comfortable complete the screwing down of all mounts so that your set up is solid – take care at this stage to keep the final turns partial and one by one to ensure pressure is equal.
Now it’s time to zero the scope for shooting:
Load the rifle
Adopt your standard prone/lie down shooting position. Prone is the best way as if you test shoot from standing or kneeling positions you waver more and it’s harder to do a “true test”.
Put some sort of target in place at say 20 yards – or whatever you think your “standard” range will be.
Using cross hair on target centre – Take 2-3 shots – Where do do they fall in relation to where you want them to? Right, left, up, down – dead on (lucky you!)
2-3 shots is best as it will average out shooter inaccuracy and give you a more “significant” feel for how far or close you are from true zero.
Now it’s time to use the windage and elevation turrets to get it zeroed dead on. These are the 2 turrets on the top and right side of the scope. See my website for pictures.
Models vary, you’ll probably screw a cap off and expose either a coin twist or finger knurled type of dial.
The top turret adjusts up and down. The right one left and right.
If you have your scopes instructions they should have a table with figures to tell you what each click adjustment means in terms of cross hair movement at “x” distance, e.g., 1/8 inch at 100 metres.
Use single click turns and each time take a new shot to gauge where the shot now falls – the dials basically adjust the cross hair position up-down and left-right.
It’s trial and error basically but with testing you’ll get to where you need to be and be able to trust that your shots will go where it says they will! This may take some time and a lot of shots. Be patient!
Dirt Bike Racing
Dirt bike racing is one of the most popular choices for racing for thrill seekers. It appeals to people of all ages, so it is not so surprising that many professional dirt bike racers started at the early age of 4 or 5. When beginners start racing dirt bikes, it is highly unlikely that they will get more than a foot or two off the ground when they hit a jump, and experience is crucial before even attempting to get up to 10 feet in the air. For kids, dirt bikes are available for a cost of around $400. Also, beautiful dirt bike graphics are available for decoration purposes. These are funny, easy to fit, and cheap. Their use can completely personalize a factory-built bike.
To become a good dirt bike racer, a person needs the right spirit and a combination of self-confidence and modesty. Furthermore, safety should be given prime importance. Of course, riding skills, stability, suppleness, and a very good understanding of racing lines are important factors. It is important to watch other bikers when they are racing in order to get a feel of how a dirt bike is used. It is good to walk a track before racing it. This will give a racer a helpful insight into a racing lines and jumps on it. Practice sessions will provide an excellent chance to learn a bit more about the track. Also, it is important to wear proper safety gear.
Used bikes can be purchased in ready-to-ride condition, but the customer should make sure that all components are in very good working order. Preferably, a professional should be sought to look at the bike and make essential repairs or replacements. It is also highly recommended to regularly check the bike to make sure that it is in good working condition and that none of the parts are likely to break. The brakes, steering, and suspension should be given extra care, as the safety of a biker depends on all these factors.
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Triathlon Bike Tips: How To Pack A Triathlon Bike Case (Part Two)
In part one of this article we got you halfway through packing your triathlon bike. Here are the remaining steps to packing a triathlon bike.
Step 7: You may need to tie your derailleur closer to your bike frame for it to fit properly into your case (this is especially true if you have one of the smaller cases like the one I’m using here). I just use an old shoelace, although you could also use a small bungie cord.
Step 8: Now you start packing the bike. Put one of the layers of foam on one of the two sides of the case. Then you put the bike frame on top of that layer of foam. Turn the handlebars so they are flat against the foam and rotate them under the top tube.
Step 9: Next you start putting in everything you took off. These parts are normally in their own plastic bags (this will prevent them from accidentally rubbing up against the frame and scratching it). You may have to use a little trial and error here, but the key is to place things in a space where they aren’t on top of or right next to the frame. In this picture you can see the aero bar is in the space between the seatpost and the corner of the box. The seat can fit between the downtube and the bottom bracket of the bike. Fit the pedals, elbow pads, skewers and other gear in some of the other gaps.
To see pictures of the whole process of how to pack your triathlon bike go to the companion web page on my site.
Motorcycle History – Fun Facts For Kids
Kids, the first motorcycle sold was a Hildebrand and Wolfmuller. This was in 1894 when many kids rode bicycles…
Engines and Frames
Bicycle companies put a new invention, the internal combustion engine, onto their bicycles.
When new engines became more powerful the standard bicycle frames, wheels and chains could not handle them.
Bicycle builders decided to make frames made of steel. The steel frames did the job much as they do today.
Most Popular Motobikes
Before First World War, the largest motorcycle company in the world was Indian Motors. They produced 20,000 motorbikes a year.
By 1920, Harley-Davidson sold more street bikes in more than 67 countries.
Today, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha are the most popular with enthusiasts. Harley-Davidson is still a driving force in the United States.
BMW, KTM, Triumph, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Ducati are also popular new street rides to buy…
Parts
Coloring pages kids, a steel or aluminum frame holds modern motorcycle parts and accessories.
Telescopic forks hold the front wheel, and disc brakes. Expect a one-cylinder to six-cylinder gasoline powered engine.
The engine is coupled to a manual, five- or six-speed sequential transmission with a swing arm-mounted rear wheel by a chain, drive shaft or belt.
A wind tunnel helps the engineers mimic real-life riding conditions. Different racing speeds test seating and body positions.
Experts can judge the best riding positions for racing bikes, off-road motorbikes and street cycles…
Accessories and Gear
Designed for comfort are various modern motorcycle attachments:
A “Fairing” is a plastic or fiberglass shell. It fits over the front frame of the bike. A fairing helps move the cycle smoothly and protects the engine in an accident. Fairings on touring rides improve your comfort and alertness on long rides. They reduce the harsh wind, cold and rain on your body…
“Windshields or windscreens” are built into a fairing or be attached to an unfaired motorbike. They are of transparent high-impact plastic. They direct airflow over or around your head. If you would like to raise and lower the windscreen with the push of a button, get an electric windscreen.
“Saddlebags or Panniers” rest on either side of the rear wheel to carry parts, tools, and, or travel gear.
“Heated Hand grips and Heated Seats” keep you warm in the cold and during night rides.
“Luggage Racks” remove the need for backpacks. They are a more secure and safe way to add carrying capacity to your rocket cycle…
A “Sidecar” is a one-wheeled partially covered seat. The sidecar attaches to the side of your motorcycle. Your big sister can sit in it and ride with you. Just remember to bring her back.
A “Trunk” is a storage box. Above and behind the seat the trunk is mounted…
Motorcycle Clubs
Clubs and organizations are popular. You can meet new rider kids, their buddies and their families.
The clubs are organized according countries, states, cities and neighborhoods. Individual motor bike makes or motorbike models have fan clubs.
You can join, if you qualify, groups like the American Motorcyclist Association, Harley Owners Group, Moto Guzzi National Owners Club, and Gold Wing Road Riders…
We will wrap it up…
Motorcycle kids – boys, you did a good job. You learned about Motorcycle:
Inventions Clubs Accessories and Gear Parts Popular Motorcycles Engines and Frames
You can now give good answers to questions about the history of motorcycles. The End.
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Novelty Motorcycle Helmets – Providing Looks, Not Safety
Novelty motorcycle helmets have become more and more important over recent years and you may be wondering why that is. Perhaps the main reason they have become so popular is because of the fact that they provide the small profile among all of the different types of half helmets.
So why are novelty helmets so small you ask? Well it’s really quite simple. Normal half helmets are made with a thick liner which is designed to provide protection to the rider’s head. This liner is typically around 1 inch thick and can be fairly bulky if it is any thicker than that. So the end result is a helmet that has a little bulkier look to it.
This may not be a favorable look, especially to those who are looking to maintain a small profile. Granted the traditional half helmet still provides a sleek, slim profile, but not nearly as small as the novelty motorcycle helmet.
The novelty helmets do not have this inner liner that you’ll find in traditional half helmets. Instead, they have a thin cushioned liner which is mainly there to provide your head with a little cushion from the thick outer shell that the helmet is constructed of. This liner provides to protective value and is simply there to provide comfort to the rider.
The drawback of these helmets is the fact that they do not provide any protection to the rider since they are really made simply for looks. The only value that you get with these helmets is the aesthetic value. You won’t find anything indicating that they meet any safety standards so if you find any dealer claiming that they meet safety standards, then you should certainly avoid buying any helmets that they may have for sale.
If you want to purchase a helmet that has the smallest possible construction, and don’t care so much about the safety factor of the helmet, then the novelty motorcycle helmet is the perfect answer for you.
Posted in Bike Gear Articles | Tags: Helmets, Looks, Motorcycle, Novelty, Providing, Safety | No Comments »