By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
Biker Law Blog – https://bikerlawblog.com

There are few places in America that ignite the soul of a biker quite like the Great Smoky Mountains. Towering ridgelines, cool mountain air, dense forests, and miles upon miles of twisting Appalachian roads—this region is a paradise for motorcycle riders. It calls to experienced riders, touring bikers, adventure riders, and everyone who loves the open road.

Every year, Smoky Mountain Bike Week draws thousands of motorcyclists from around the country. But even outside the rally, this entire region offers some of the best riding anywhere in the United States.

As a lifelong biker and a California motorcycle accident attorney who has ridden all over the country, I can tell you: The Smokies are magical, but they’re not forgiving. You must respect the roads, the weather, the crowds, and the risks—especially on legendary stretches like the Tail of the Dragon, which has unfortunately become more dangerous in recent years.

Below is your guide to hitting the Smoky Mountains on two wheels—what to expect, which rides you can’t miss, and what dangers you must be aware of.

The Smoky Mountains: A Rider’s Dream

The Smokies offer a rare combination of:

• Cooler mountain weather

• Endless forested roads

• Elevation changes and technical twisties

• Scenic overlooks around every corner

• Hundreds of miles of rideable routes

From Tennessee to North Carolina, the mountains provide rides ranging from relaxed and scenic to downright technical and challenging.

If you go during Smoky Mountain Bike Week, the energy level skyrockets. Bands, events, vendors, and thousands of motorcycles fill the area. The rally is centered around the Townsend–Pigeon Forge–Sevierville region, but bikers flood the entire Smokies.

It’s a great time—but also the most dangerous time—so keep reading.

The Best Motorcycle Rides in the Smoky Mountains

1. The Tail of the Dragon (US 129)

318 curves in 11 miles.
No intersections. No driveways. Pure riding.

It’s beautiful. It’s iconic. It’s one of the most famous motorcycle roads in the world.

But here’s the truth:

California Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez Riding the Tail of the Dragon 2025

The Tail of the Dragon is no longer the relaxed technical ride it once was.

It has become:

• Overcrowded with inexperienced riders

• Swarmed with performance cars drifting corners

• A hotspot for GoPro daredevils

• Heavily patrolled by law enforcement

• One of the most accident-prone stretches of asphalt in America

Every year, riders go down. Some severely. Some fatally.
Many crashes happen because riders exceed their skill level, cross the double yellow, or get overwhelmed by the tight, continuous curves.

If you ride the Dragon:

• Keep your ego in check.

• Stay in your lane.

• Ride your own ride—not the guy in front of you.

• Avoid weekends if possible.

• Don’t chase the curve photographers—ride safely first, pose later.

The Tail of the Dragon is an amazing experience, but respect it or it will punish you.

2. The Cherohala Skyway (TN 165 / NC 143)

Many riders—myself included—prefer the Cherohala Skyway over the Dragon.

Why?

• Sweeping high-altitude curves

• Breathtaking overlooks

• Much less traffic

• Perfect pavement

• Cool temperatures at the highest points (sometimes 20 degrees cooler than the valleys)

It’s a fast, flowing, majestic ride that every biker should experience.

The Tail of the Dragon

3. The Foothills Parkway

One of the most scenic routes in the entire Smokies. Smooth, easy, panoramic.

This is the perfect ride if you want:

• Wide, gentle curves

• Stunning mountain views

• A relaxing ride that your passenger will love

• A break from the intensity of the Dragon

A great warm-up or cool-down ride.

4. Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches from Virginia into North Carolina, but the southern sections near the Smokies are spectacular.

This is a rider’s dream:

• No commercial traffic

• Low speed limits (and strict enforcement)

• Endless overlooks and photo spots

The parkway is less technical but unmatched in beauty.

5. Newfound Gap Road (US 441)

Running straight through the heart of the Smoky Mountains National Park, this road climbs to 5,046 feet and offers sweeping curves and jaw-dropping views.

Beware of:

• Tourists

• Wildlife

• Sudden weather changes

Still, it’s worth every mile.

6. The Moonshiner 28

A hidden gem—highly recommended.

Riders love it for:

• Tight curves

• Waterfall stops

• Beautiful forest canopy

• Low traffic

Runs from Deals Gap down to Walhalla, SC.

The Devil’s Triangle (TN 116): A More Technical and Far More Serious Ride Than the Dragon

If you want a ride in the Smokies that truly tests your skill, concentration, and respect for the road, look no further than The Devil’s Triangle—a brutally technical 44-mile loop near Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

While the Tail of the Dragon gets the fame, the photographers, the stickers, and the YouTube videos, the Devil’s Triangle gets your full mental focus. It’s a road for experienced riders who want something more challenging than the Dragon’s repetitive tight curves.

Why the Devil’s Triangle Is a Better Ride Than the Tail of the Dragon

Here’s the truth most serious riders know:

1. It is significantly more technical.

The Triangle features:

• Steep elevation changes

• Tight switchbacks

• Blind decreasing-radius turns

• Gravel-prone spots

• Narrow mountain passes

• Rapid transitions between fast and slow sections

The Dragon is intense—but predictable.
The Devil’s Triangle is not predictable. It demands real skill.

2. Far less traffic and fewer tourists

You can actually ride your own ride.

No massive car clubs.
No nonstop selfie stops.
No YouTube performance drivers drifting corners.
Just raw mountain riding.

The Smokey Mountains

3. More variety and better flow

The Devil’s Triangle combines:

• Twisties

• Sweepers

• Cliffs

• Forest runs

• Rural straightaways

• Technical climbs

It’s like getting every type of mountain road in one loop.

4. It’s a rider’s road — not a tourist attraction

There are no crowds. No commercial distractions. No circus.
Just you, your motorcycle, and a road designed to humble you if you lose focus.

5. It is more dangerous and requires REAL experience

This is not a road for new riders or those without mountain experience. People have gone down hard on this route because they misjudge a corner or lose concentration.

But for skilled riders?
It’s unforgettable.
Many say the Devil’s Triangle is the best ride in the Smokies—and I personally believe it is a better, more technical, and more satisfying ride than the Tail of the Dragon.

Smoky Mountain Bike Week: What to Expect

During the rally:

• Hotels are packed

• Popular roads are crowded

• Law enforcement presence is high

• Accidents increase dramatically

• Weather can shift quickly

But you also get:

• Incredible camaraderie

• Thousands of bikes

• Live music

• Scenic group rides

• Vendors and bike shows

• The electric feeling of riding among your own tribe

If you go, ride defensively. Many riders in the Smokies during rally week are unfamiliar with mountain riding.

Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez riding the Tail of the Dragon 2025

The Tail of the Dragon: Why It Has Become More Dangerous

Let’s break this down clearly.

1. Overconfidence + Inexperience

Riders see YouTube videos and assume they can handle it. Many can’t.

2. Car Clubs and High-Performance Vehicles

Corvettes, Porsches, BMW M-series, and tuner cars bombard the Dragon. Some drive too aggressively.

3. Double-Yellow Crossings

This is the #1 cause of collisions.

4. Fatigue

The Dragon has no breaks—curve after curve. Many riders mentally and physically tap out halfway through.

5. Speed + Tight Corners

Many riders underestimate the decreasing-radius turns and elevation changes.

6. Smartphones and GoPros

Too many people ride for content—not safety.

Final Thoughts: Ride Smart, Live to Ride Another Day

The Smoky Mountains are one of the most incredible motorcycle destinations in America. Whether during Smoky Mountain Bike Week or on a random weekday morning, the region delivers some of the best riding of your life.

But remember:

• Respect the roads.

• Don’t ride above your skill level.

• Take breaks.

• Drink water (dehydration causes crashes).

• Watch the weather.

• Keep your head and your pride in check.

Your goal isn’t to “conquer” the Smokies.
Your goal is to experience the mountains and get back home safely.

Ride hard, ride smart, and I’ll see you on the road.

— Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
The Biker Lawyer
Biker Law Blog – https://bikerlawblog.com
Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez – https://thepersonalinjury.com

The post Riding Your Motorcycle in the Smoky Mountains: What Every Biker Should Know (Especially During Smoky Mountain Bike Week) first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

What to Do in the First 48 Hours After a Motorcycle Accident — A Guide for Riders and Their Loved Ones

By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
The Biker Law Blog | https://bikerlawblog.com

Motorcycle_Accident_48_Hours_Guide

As a motorcycle accident attorney and rider myself, I’ve seen firsthand how critical the first 48 hours after a motorcycle crash can be. Whether you’re the injured rider, a passenger, or a family member trying to help, what you do—or fail to do—during this crucial window can have a lasting impact on your health, your legal rights, and your ability to receive compensation.

This article will walk you through the essential steps that should be taken within the first 48 hours after a motorcycle accident, and why it’s vital to retain a motorcycle accident expert like myself, Norman Gregory Fernandez, as soon as possible.

Step 1: Get Immediate Medical Attention

The first and most important step after any motorcycle accident is to seek immediate medical care. Even if you feel fine or think your injuries are minor, get evaluated by emergency medical personnel or go to the nearest emergency room. Adrenaline and shock can mask serious internal injuries, including concussions, organ damage, and spinal injuries.

If you’re unable to make decisions for yourself due to your injuries, a family member or representative should step in to ensure you receive the necessary treatment and that all injuries are documented properly.

Why It Matters:

• Medical records create a critical link between the accident and your injuries.

• Delays in treatment can give insurance companies a reason to deny your claim.

• Proper care can prevent complications and long-term disabilities.

Step 2: Document the Scene (If You Can)

If you’re physically able—and it is safe to do so—take pictures or videos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, the other vehicle(s), skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries. If you’re not able, ask a witness or a loved one to do this for you.

Be sure to gather:

• Names and contact information of witnesses

• Driver’s license and insurance details from the other party

• Police officer’s name, badge number, and report number

Why It Matters:

• This evidence may disappear quickly—vehicles are towed, road debris is cleared, and physical injuries begin to heal.

• Visual evidence is often more persuasive than testimony in court or negotiations.

Step 3: File a Police Report

In California, you must report a motorcycle accident involving injury or death to the police and the DMV. Make sure an official police report is filed and obtain a copy as soon as it’s available. The report will often include the officer’s initial findings regarding fault, witness statements, and more.

If you were transported to a hospital and unable to speak to the officer at the scene, make arrangements to provide a statement as soon as possible. Again, if you’re incapacitated, a family member or legal representative can assist in obtaining this report and ensuring your version of events is recorded.

Step 4: Preserve Evidence

Don’t repair or dispose of your damaged motorcycle, helmet, clothing, or any other gear. These items could be vital evidence in proving the severity of the crash, the nature of your injuries, or product liability issues.

Store them in a secure location and take photos of everything. If there was a GoPro or similar camera on your bike or helmet, back up the footage immediately.

Step 5: Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies

You may be contacted quickly by the other driver’s insurance company. Do not give a recorded statement, accept any settlement offer, or admit fault without speaking to a motorcycle accident lawyer first. What you say can and will be used against you.

Tell any insurance adjuster that you are seeking legal representation and refer all communications to your attorney.

Step 6: Contact a Motorcycle Accident Expert Immediately

This is where I come in.

The sooner you hire a qualified motorcycle accident attorney—like myself, Norman Gregory Fernandez—the better your chances of receiving full and fair compensation. As both an attorney and an experienced biker, I understand the unique challenges riders face both on the road and in the courtroom.

Here’s Why Timing is Everything:

• Preservation of Evidence: We can act quickly to secure surveillance video, black box data from other vehicles, and accident reconstruction experts if needed.

• Witness Statements: Memories fade fast. Early statements are often more detailed and credible.

• Insurance Navigation: We handle all communication with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.

• Medical Treatment Coordination: We can help you find qualified doctors and ensure your treatment is documented properly.

• Litigation Preparation: If your case needs to go to trial, early involvement means we’re building your case from day one.

Hiring me early can also prevent costly mistakes that could hurt your case, such as posting on social media, delaying treatment, or failing to document expenses.

Step 7: Notify Your Own Insurance Company

Even if you were not at fault, notify your motorcycle insurance carrier about the accident. Be factual but concise. Do not speculate about fault or the extent of your injuries. Let your lawyer handle the details.

Failure to notify your own carrier in a timely manner could jeopardize coverage under your policy, including MedPay or uninsured motorist benefits.

Step 8: Keep a Recovery Journal

Start a journal documenting your injuries, pain levels, treatments, emotional distress, and how the accident has impacted your daily life. Include:

• Missed work

• Activities you can no longer do

• Sleep disturbances

• Mood changes

This journal can serve as powerful evidence for your pain and suffering claim.

Step 9: Don’t Wait to Act

California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims—but waiting can weaken your case long before that deadline. Delayed treatment, lost evidence, and unrecorded witness statements can all significantly reduce your settlement or verdict.

Final Thoughts from Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez

Motorcycle accidents are traumatic and often life-changing events. As a rider myself, I know what it’s like to hit the road and trust that others will share it responsibly. When that trust is broken by a negligent driver, you deserve justice—and someone who will fight like hell to get it for you.

The first 48 hours after a crash are critical. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait. Contact me immediately at https://thepersonalinjury.com or through the Biker Law Blog at https://bikerlawblog.com. I’ve helped countless riders and their families get the compensation they deserve—and I’ll do the same for you.

Ride safe. Ride smart. And if the worst happens, call someone who rides—call me.

About the Author
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
Founder, The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez
Motorcycle Accident Attorney | Rider | Advocate

Norman Gregory Fernandez is a seasoned California personal injury attorney with over 28 years of experience. As a passionate biker himself, he has dedicated his career to fighting for the rights of injured motorcycle riders and their families. He is the founder of the Biker Law Blog and the nationwide resource InjuredBikers.com.

Contact:
📞 (800) 816-1529
🌐 www.thepersonalinjury.com
✉️ Click here to contact Norman

The post What to Do in the First 48 Hours After a Motorcycle Accident — A Guide for Riders and Their Loved Ones first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

The Devastating Effects of a Motorcycle Accident vs. a Car Accident – Why You Need a Biker Lawyer Who Rides Like You
By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.

When it comes to traffic collisions, not all accidents are created equal. The difference between a motorcycle accident and a car accident is not just in size or mechanics—it’s in the severity of the injuries, the complexity of the case, and the way the law treats motorcyclists. As an attorney with nearly three decades of experience handling personal injury cases across California—and a biker myself—I can tell you firsthand: when a motorcycle accident happens, everything changes.

At The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez, we understand that motorcycle accidents are not just “smaller car accidents.” They are unique, often catastrophic, and require a specialized approach to ensure that victims receive the compensation they are legally entitled to.

The Grim Reality: Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents

Let’s be blunt. In a car, you’re protected by seatbelts, airbags, crumple zones, and a steel frame. On a motorcycle, you have none of those things. When a crash occurs, the motorcyclist is likely to be thrown from the bike, suffer direct impact with the road or another object, or get pinned beneath a vehicle. The human body simply cannot absorb that kind of trauma without serious consequences.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles, and 4 times more likely to be injured. Even a “minor” motorcycle accident can result in major injuries like:

• Traumatic brain injuries (even with a helmet)

• Spinal cord damage and paralysis

• Fractured or shattered bones

• Road rash that leads to infections and permanent scarring

• Loss of limbs

• Internal organ damage

Car accident victims may suffer injuries, but they rarely face the kind of catastrophic physical and emotional trauma that a biker does.

Legal Differences: Motorcycle Accidents Require a Specialized Strategy

The law is supposed to be blind, but when it comes to motorcyclists, there is often an unfair bias. Insurance companies and even juries may perceive bikers as reckless or dangerous, simply because they ride. That stigma can dramatically affect your case if you don’t have the right legal representation.

As an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who actually rides, I know how to combat those stereotypes in court. I know how to explain to a jury that lane-splitting is legal in California. I know how to prove that the biker wasn’t speeding or weaving through traffic irresponsibly—but that they were injured because a negligent driver failed to yield, check their blind spot, or respect the motorcyclist’s right to the road.

These are details that a generic personal injury lawyer may overlook. But to me, they’re second nature.

The Damages Motorcycle Accident Victims Are Entitled To

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, California law entitles you to full and fair compensation for your losses. This includes:

• Medical Expenses (past, present, and future): Surgeries, rehab, assistive devices, physical therapy

• Loss of Income: Wages lost during recovery and future earning potential if you’re disabled

• Pain and Suffering: For the immense physical pain and emotional distress you endure

• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle and gear

• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from doing what you love—riding, working, or even walking

• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct

Unfortunately, insurance companies will almost always try to minimize these payouts. They’ll argue your injuries aren’t as bad as you claim, or that you were somehow at fault. That’s where I come in.

How a Biker Lawyer Like Me Gets You Maximum Compensation

I’m not just any lawyer—I’m Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, and I ride just like you. I understand the risks you take on the road, and I understand the passion that drives you to ride in the first place. That perspective is invaluable in the courtroom and during settlement negotiations.

When I take on your case, I fight like it was my own life on the line—because in a way, it is. As a fellow rider, I take every case personally. Here’s what sets me apart:

• Immediate Investigation: We act fast to preserve evidence like traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstructions.

• Top Medical Experts: We work with leading doctors to evaluate the full scope of your injuries and treatment needs.

• Aggressive Negotiation: I don’t back down. I’ve gone up against the biggest insurance companies and won.

• Trial-Ready Representation: If they won’t pay what you’re owed, I’ll take your case to court—prepared, experienced, and ready to win.

You deserve more than just a lawyer—you deserve a biker lawyer who gets it.

You Are Not Alone

A motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial devastation are overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone.

At The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez, we’ve helped countless bikers across California get the justice they deserve. I ride. I understand. And I will fight for you like no one else can.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact me now for a free consultation. You can reach me directly through my website at www.bikerlawblog.com or www.thepersonalinjury.com.

Let me put my experience, knowledge, and passion as a fellow biker to work for you.

Ride safe. Ride smart. And if the worst happens—call the lawyer who rides like you.
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
www.BikerLawBlog.com | www.ThePersonalInjury.com

The post The Devastating Effects of a Motorcycle Accident vs. a Car Accident – Why You Need a Biker Lawyer Who Rides Like You first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

For motorcycle riders across California, the open road is more than a means of transportation—it’s a way of life. But when the unthinkable happens and a motorcycle accident occurs, choosing the right attorney can make the difference between justice served and being left in the dust. That’s where Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez stands out—not only as an experienced personal injury attorney but also as a dedicated rider who has lived the biker lifestyle for over 50 years.

The Man Behind Biker Law Blog and Injuredbikers.com

Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez is the founder of the popular Biker Law Blog at https://bikerlawblog.com, a hub for motorcycle law, safety tips, and rider rights. He is also the force behind Injuredbikers.com (https://injuredbikers.com), a platform exclusively created to help injured motorcycle riders get the representation they deserve.

With a passion for both the law and motorcycles, Fernandez built his practice around the unique needs of motorcycle accident victims. Unlike generic personal injury firms, his approach is rooted in firsthand riding experience and an unwavering commitment to biker justice.

A Record of Success in California

Over nearly 28 years of legal practice, Norman Gregory Fernandez has handled thousands of personal injury cases in California. His experience spans motorcycle accidents, auto collisions, slip and falls, dog bites, and wrongful death cases. But what truly sets him apart is his 98% success rate in personal injury claims—a testament to his skill, determination, and dedication to his clients.

Fernandez has obtained millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of injured clients. These aren’t just numbers—they represent real people who have been able to rebuild their lives after devastating injuries. For bikers, having someone who truly understands what they’re going through can make all the difference.

Riding for Over 50 Years

Before he was known as Biker Lawyer, Norman Gregory Fernandez was a biker. He has been riding motorcycles and two-wheeled motor vehicles for over five decades. From vintage Harleys to modern touring bikes, Fernandez is a lifelong rider who knows exactly what it’s like to be on two wheels in California traffic.

His deep understanding of motorcycles extends beyond just riding. He knows how bikes handle, how crashes typically occur, and how the road—and other drivers—pose risks to motorcyclists every day. This unique combination of legal and practical motorcycle knowledge gives him a huge advantage in litigation and negotiations.

Why Ordinary Personal Injury Attorneys Fall Short for Motorcycle Cases

Many accident victims think any personal injury lawyer will do. But when it comes to motorcycle accident cases, ordinary personal injury attorneys often miss critical details. Why?

• They don’t understand how bikes operate.
• They fail to appreciate the severity of injuries riders sustain.
• They overlook jury bias against motorcyclists.

Let’s face it: some jurors think riders are reckless. It takes an attorney who understands these biases to overcome them—someone who can explain to a jury that the rider wasn’t at fault, but the victim of another driver’s negligence.

Norman Gregory Fernandez does exactly that. As a biker himself, he connects with injured riders on a personal level, and he brings that authenticity into the courtroom. Jurors can tell he’s the real deal.

Not Just a Personal Injury Attorney—A Motorcycle Injury Expert

Attorney Fernandez isn’t just a seasoned litigator—he’s a motorcycle injury expert attorney. From accident reconstruction to helmet and gear analysis, he understands the science and strategy behind motorcycle cases. This expertise ensures that no detail is overlooked, and no insurance company lowball offer goes unchallenged.

Whether you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, road rash, or emotional trauma from your accident, Attorney Fernandez will fight for full and fair compensation—including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

Almost 28 Years of Legal Experience

Norman Gregory Fernandez brings nearly three decades of legal experience to every case. His in-depth knowledge of California personal injury law, court procedures, and insurance company tactics makes him a formidable advocate for injured motorcyclists.

His firm handles cases across all of California, from Los Angeles and San Diego to San Francisco and Sacramento. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident anywhere in the state, Fernandez and his team are ready to take your call.

The Right Choice for California Bikers

Motorcycle accidents can change lives in an instant. Don’t trust your case to a lawyer who doesn’t ride, who doesn’t understand the biker lifestyle, or who treats your claim like just another file on the desk.

With Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, you get:

• A fellow biker who truly understands you
• A proven track record of success
• A motorcycle-specific legal strategy
• Personal attention from start to finish

Whether you’ve been hit by a distracted driver, run off the road, or injured due to poor road conditions, Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez is the advocate you want in your corner.

Call or Click Today 800-816-1529

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait. Visit https://injuredbikers.com to learn more or call the Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez for a free consultation. You’ll speak directly with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who rides—and who gets results.

The post Why Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez Is the Motorcycle Accident Attorney You Need first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

The post Why California motorcycle accident victims should use biker lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez to handle their motorcycle accident case and not a normal injury lawyer first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Motorcycle riding offers unparalleled freedom and excitement, but it also comes with significant risks. Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries or even fatalities due to the lack of physical protection compared to cars. Therefore, it is crucial for riders to adopt strategies and practices that minimize the risk of accidents. This article will explore essential tips that motorcycle riders can follow to enhance their safety and prevent accidents.

1. Wear Proper Protective Gear

One of the most fundamental steps in preventing motorcycle accidents is wearing appropriate protective gear. This includes:

• Helmet: A high-quality helmet is the most critical piece of safety equipment. It protects the rider’s head in case of a crash, significantly reducing the risk of fatal injuries. Choose a helmet that meets safety standards, such as DOT, ECE, or Snell certification.
• Jacket and Pants: Wear motorcycle-specific jackets and pants made of abrasion-resistant materials like leather or textiles with armor inserts at critical points (elbows, shoulders, knees).
• Gloves: Gloves protect your hands from injuries and improve grip on the handlebars. Opt for gloves with reinforced knuckles and palm sliders.
• Boots: Sturdy, over-the-ankle boots provide protection for your feet and ankles. Look for boots with non-slip soles and ankle protection.
• Eye Protection: If your helmet does not have a built-in visor, wear shatterproof goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from debris and wind.

2. Perform Regular Maintenance

Regular motorcycle maintenance is essential for safe riding. A well-maintained motorcycle is less likely to experience mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. Key maintenance tasks include:

• Tires: Check tire pressure and tread depth regularly. Replace tires that are worn out or damaged.
• Brakes: Inspect brake pads, discs, and fluid levels frequently. Ensure your brakes are in optimal working condition.
• Lights: Verify that all lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) are functioning correctly. Visibility is crucial, especially in low-light conditions.
• Chain and Sprockets: Lubricate the chain regularly and check for wear and tension. Replace sprockets as needed.
• Fluids: Regularly check engine oil, coolant, and other fluids. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for fluid changes.

3. Enhance Visibility

Motorcycle riders are often less visible to other motorists, increasing the risk of accidents. Enhancing visibility can significantly reduce this risk. Here’s how:

• Bright Clothing: Wear bright or reflective clothing and gear to increase visibility to other road users.
• Headlights: Always ride with your headlights on, even during the day, to make your motorcycle more noticeable.
• Positioning: Ride in a position where you are visible to other drivers. Avoid riding in blind spots, and make sure to use your signals when changing lanes or turning.

4. Ride Defensively

Defensive riding involves anticipating potential hazards and being prepared to react to them. Key defensive riding strategies include:

• Anticipate and Scan: Constantly scan the road ahead and anticipate potential hazards, such as sudden stops, debris, or animals.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you to allow adequate time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic flow.
• Watch for Intersections: Intersections are common sites for accidents. Slow down, cover your brakes, and be prepared for vehicles making unexpected turns.
• Avoid Aggressive Riding: Stay calm and avoid aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, speeding, or weaving through traffic.

5. Improve Your Riding Skills

Continuous improvement of your riding skills is crucial for accident prevention. Consider these steps:

• Take a Safety Course: Enroll in a motorcycle safety course to learn advanced riding techniques and safety strategies. Courses are available for riders of all skill levels.
• Practice Braking: Practice emergency braking in a controlled environment to improve your ability to stop quickly and safely.
• Cornering Techniques: Learn proper cornering techniques to maintain control and stability when navigating curves.
• Stay Updated: Keep up with new safety information and riding techniques by reading motorcycle safety literature and participating in rider forums.

6. Adapt to Road Conditions

Different road conditions require different riding approaches. Adapt your riding style to match the conditions:

• Wet Roads: Reduce speed and increase following distance on wet roads. Avoid sudden maneuvers and use both brakes gently to prevent skidding.
• Gravel or Sand: Slow down and avoid sudden acceleration or braking on loose surfaces to maintain traction and control.
• Night Riding: Increase visibility by using high beams when appropriate, and reduce speed to account for decreased visibility.

7. Stay Sober and Focused

Riding a motorcycle requires complete focus and alertness. Avoid riding if you are:

• Under the Influence: Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired judgment and delayed reactions significantly increase the risk of accidents.
• Fatigued: Fatigue can impair your concentration and reaction times. Ensure you are well-rested before embarking on a ride.
• Distracted: Avoid distractions such as using your phone, adjusting your GPS, or eating while riding. Stay focused on the road and your surroundings.

Conclusion

Preventing motorcycle accidents requires a combination of proper gear, regular maintenance, visibility enhancement, defensive riding, skill improvement, adaptation to road conditions, and a commitment to staying sober and focused. By adopting these practices, motorcycle riders can significantly reduce their risk of accidents and enjoy a safer riding experience. The thrill of riding a motorcycle comes with inherent risks, but with the right precautions, you can ensure that your rides are as safe as they are exhilarating. Stay safe on the road and enjoy the journey responsibly.

By California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, July 2024
https://thepersonalinjury.com

The post How Motorcycle Riders Can Prevent Accidents: Essential Tips for Safety first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, do not use an ordinary personal injury attorney. There are some important things you need to do in order to get the compensation that you deserve.

High performance motorcycles account for disproportionate number of accident insurance claims

High performance sport-style motorcycles account for a disproportionate number of accident insurance claims. Their designs, speeds, and weights make them more vulnerable to accidents.

Unlike passenger cars, motorcycles lack airbags, seatbelts, and metal frames. They also have less crash worthiness than other vehicles, making them more likely to be involved in an accident. In fact, the risk of a serious injury in a motorcycle crash is 27 times greater than that of a passenger car.

Motorcycle crashes are often traumatic, especially for the motorcyclist. In addition, they are much harder to stop than other types of accidents. If you have been in an accident, it is important to consult an attorney. They can help you navigate the complex court system and manage the compensation process.

It is important to remember that the value of your motorcycle accident case varies depending on the type of injury you have and how much your life has been affected. A good attorney will be able to help you determine the right amount of compensation for your situation.

Uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage is inadequate for motorcycle accidents

If you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured driver, it’s time to take action. You may be able to sue your insurance company and recover compensation for injuries you sustained. However, you must know the right information first.

Uninsured motorist coverage, or UIM, is a policy that compensates drivers and riders for damages incurred in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Unfortunately, some drivers ignore the law and don’t carry sufficient insurance to cover their losses. This can leave victims with medical bills and wages to pay off.

In California, the law requires that all motorists have at least $15,000 in liability coverage. While this might be adequate for less serious accidents, it’s not always enough to cover the costs of more severe injuries.

You may be owed compensation for lost wages after a motorcycle accident

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in New York, you may be entitled to compensation. This depends on the extent of your injuries, your medical bills, and the amount of time you missed work. A lawyer can help you pursue compensation.

Generally, if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you will be able to get compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. But the process can be complicated. You need an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal system.

In addition to your own insurance company, you can also seek compensation from other parties. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will know the steps you need to take to make sure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

First, you need to determine who was at fault for the crash. An experienced motorcycle attorney will know how to identify the responsible party.

You may be owed compensation for punitive damages

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you’re entitled to compensation for damages. This includes pain and suffering and punitive damages. You can pursue these damages with the help of an experienced attorney.

The value of your claim is determined by several factors. They include the type of injury, the economic impact of the injuries, and whether or not your injuries will prevent you from working in the future.

In a motor vehicle accident, an at-fault party’s negligence is responsible for your injuries. For example, if the at-fault party fails to stop at a traffic light, you may be able to claim punitive damages.

There are two types of damages: economic and non-economic. These types of damages are also referred to as special and general damages. Often, an attorney needs to seek the services of experts to determine the causes of the accident.

Get medical help after a motorcycle accident

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to get medical help right away. The right treatment can prevent serious injuries and set you on the path to recovery. However, if you wait too long, you may suffer from delayed symptoms, which can make your recovery longer and more painful.

To get medical help after a motorcycle accident, call 9-1-1 and describe the details of your accident to the dispatcher. They will send an EMT to the scene and take note of the circumstances of your crash.

Your doctor will evaluate your condition and make recommendations about how to recover. He or she may also refer you to other medical providers. For example, you may need to see an orthopedic doctor.

Motorcycle accidents can cause multiple serious traumatic injuries. These can range from broken bones to traumatic brain injury. Some of these are obvious and others may be less visible.

By California Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez
www.injuredbikers.com

The post Do Not Use an Ordinary Personal Injury Attorney for a Motorcycle Accident first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

When riding a motorcycle, riding in a turn is an important skill to master. If you have ever had a car accident, you know how frightening it is to hit an object when turning. But if you are on a motorcycle, you will have to learn how to safely ride a motorcycle in turns. This article will cover the proper way to turn safely. Here are some of the basics to help you out:

When you are approaching a corner, try to be aware of what is ahead of you and how to make adjustments. When entering a turn, be sure to keep your head up and look forward. A motorcycle’s geometry will be affected by the angle it is leaning in, so you can make adjustments to stay within the lines. When you are coming out of a turn, use counter-steering to straighten out your bike.

To start, try to maintain a constant stream of gas as you approach the turn. This will help you avoid any unexpected obstacles that might be in the way. You will also want to be aware of any blind spots that you might have, so that you can avoid them. In addition, it is best to take note of any reckless drivers or unsafe driving and leave some cushion between you and the driver. When riding on unfamiliar roads, do not rely solely on side view mirrors because they may be partially obstructed by elbows and sounders.

When riding a motorcycle, you will need to know when to slow down and lean into the turn. When you are entering a corner, it is essential to stay alert to oncoming traffic. It is also wise to stay aware of what is on the other side of the road. Remember to watch the horizon for any obstacles and adjust your speed accordingly. Whenever you enter a turn, it is important to maintain your balance, as this will help you steer in a safer manner.

Before entering a corner, consider the angle and distance to the right. It is not always easy to see when riding a motorcycle. As a result, you should always keep your head up and look out. A good way to do this is to check the space around you. You will notice any blind spots and take note of the drivers who are driving dangerously. You will need to leave enough cushion distance between you and these vehicles.

The first tip in riding a motorcycle is to always look at the road. You need to be aware of what is in front of you. In a turn, you will need to be looking out the road and keep your eyes on your passengers. You will need to keep your head high and look out for objects in your peripheral vision. As you approach the turn, you should make adjustments to the speed of your bike.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in California, Call the real motorcycle accident lawyers who ride The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez at 800-816-1529

The post How to safely ride a motorcycle in turns, by California Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

For the last four weeks, I have been going to motorcycle club events, and riding with my brothers all over Southern California. I pretty much started going out again approximately two weeks after my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

The first event I went to about four weeks ago, I wore my mask for most of the event. Now with the new CDC guidelines, I am no longer wearing the mask.

I am a long-time motorcycle rider and biker. There are many things in life that give people pleasure such as eating, sex, vacations, conversations, etc. For me apart from sex, the thing that gives me the most pleasure is getting on my motorcycle and riding.

Since last March 2020 due to pre-existing conditions and my age, I was hunkered down socially distancing, and not going anywhere. I personally know two guys in a motorcycle club who died, one of my wife’s high school friends died, and almost 600,000 Americans have died of coronavirus. No matter what your politics are, the coronavirus does not care.

Many guys in my club are much younger and lower risk for coronavirus then I am. They have been riding and going out all long as though nothing was wrong. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I was their age because I’m not. I do know this; my wife and I are alive. The precautions we took mean that we are okay and alive.

Both of us are fully vaccinated and in the last few weeks we have loosened up. All of our meals since last March 2020 were home cooked. We have now begun ordering food and picking up food. I have actually gained a few pounds from all the junk food that I was not eating for over a year.

Another big thing about being in quarantine since March 2020, I got out of shape big time. When you are younger and you sit around and do nothing, you can bounce back in a few weeks when you start working out again. When you are older it takes longer to bounce back, and you have to go at a slower pace when you start working out again. I have not begun working out again I will do so this Monday.

The reason I am telling you all about this is because after each ride that I did over the last four weeks I was completely spent afterwards. The average ride was approximately a hundred 160 miles round-trip which is not a long trip. Some are little bit more; some are little bit less. Plus, when I got to the events where motorcycle clubs are hanging out standing around there for a few hours in the sun takes it out of you as well.

Although my wife Little Teri is still in school, I have already made reservations and purchased a camping spot at the Sturgis motorcycle rally 2021. I am just now building up my endurance and getting my sea legs back on the bike. I am still a little leery about riding in the pack with my motorcycle club, opting to ride in the back until I get my sea legs back. Let me tell you, the club I ride with are hard chargers on the road, riding side-by-side, and inches apart from each other front to back. In Southern California traffic, when the hand single is given, we will split lanes in a single file line. We’re the only state in the union that allows this, and it is much hairier when you’re in a club pack.

Finally, yesterday, I started feeling really good being back on the motorcycle again. Don’t let anybody fool you, riding a motorcycle is not like riding a bicycle. It takes time to get back in the saddle again if you have not ridden in a while. I ride an Indian Roadmaster, which is a very big and heavy bike.

Even riding with a club brother to me was uncomfortable at first because I felt like I needed the lane to get used to being on the bike again. Yes, in California we ride side-by-side in one lane.

If you have been off the motorcycle for a while, I suggest riding on your own to get your sea legs back and become comfortable again before you join a pack. Most of you when you ride in a pack are in a staggered formation with civilians which is fine. But if you going to ride with a hard charging club you definitely want to become comfortable on the motorcycle again before you join the pack. Don’t let peer pressure take you beyond your comfort level.

I don’t want to speak precipitously, but it looks to me like the coronavirus pandemic is winding down here in the United States. There are still too many deaths and two cases per day, but it looks like it is winding down.

You would be an idiot not to get a coronavirus vaccine at this point. Over 30% of Americans have been vaccinated which amounts to over 100 million. The vaccine is obviously safe otherwise many many people would have either died or become sick from the vaccine. There are still dumb shit’s who will not get the vaccine. It is these people that will make the coronavirus continue to spread, and these people who will die when they simply could’ve got a shot to avoid it.

Who knows how long it will take for life to get back to normal both here and throughout the world? At least in my world things are slowly returning back to normal. On the work and my law firm is super busy. As a matter fact, we have never been this busy before. This is a good thing for most businesses, but for us the coronavirus pandemic has made things a bit more difficult because we are remote working.

All I can say is at this point is I cannot wait to ride my bike this summer and to be in Sturgis again and I thank God for those scientists who created the vaccine so that this could be possible. I hear that we may have to take a booster shot again within a year, and that is fine.

For you loyal readers of the Biker Law Blog, there will be more articles forthcoming because I am back in the saddle again.

For all you on the road riding your motorcycle be safe and God be with you as we enjoy being bikers.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Norman Gregory Fernandez, May 23, 2021

The post The Pfizer vaccine has brought life back to a new type of normal, riding again. first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Frankly, nine months after this coronavirus pandemic started, and being in the midst of a massive second wave of infections here in Southern California, it’s kind of hard for me to say happy new year.

At the present time over 350,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus pandemic, and here in Southern California lockdown orders are in effect. There is in two counties, Los Angeles and Orange county with populations of over 12 million people (more than 40 individual states) combined, less than 20 ICU beds available, and ambulance drivers have been instructed not to transport people to the hospital that cannot be revived in the field, or that they do not think will survive.

This is a disaster for our country. At no time during a war, or other natural disaster except for the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, has our nation faced such a catastrophe of dead and sick.

There are idiots running around in Los Angeles protesting basic mask wearing requirements, and acting like nothing is wrong.

It is hard for me to talk from a personal level about the fact that I have not had a vacation in over a year for the first time since I can remember. I have not stepped into a gym in approximately a year. I missed Sturgis last year, and my wife and I have not gone out to eat or had prepared food delivered since March 2020.

I have ridden less miles on my motorcycle in the last nine months then when I went on active duty in the United States Air Force.

My wife is in medical school so the pandemic has been both problematic and helpful to her in that she did not have to go to school since March of last year, they had class remotely, but she did have to suit up and provide medical care during clinicals at nursing homes where there was coronavirus. Right now they have stopped clinicals because of the second wave of the pandemic.

Luckily for me, my wife Little Teri is a good cook and a gracious wife. She has cooked meals for me since March, she makes coffee, and she is a great companion and a great wife. I would not want any other woman with me during this time, nor can I imagine being with anyone else.

Even though I am high risk for major complications if I do get coronavirus, my wife and I even though the present situation sucks, have it better than many people who have either gotten sick, have lost their jobs, have died or had family members who died, have no money, or have or will lose their homes or places of residence.

It really is hard to talk about motorcycle riding during the nightmare pandemic that we are going through. I did take a motorcycle ride about a month ago to get service done on my Indian Roadmaster, and it was a great ride believe me. I did wear and N 95 mask underneath my modular helmet and did not smoke cigars like I ordinarily would do while riding, but it was without a doubt most excellent.

As I write this so-called happy new year 2021 article, two vaccines have been approved for general use on emergency basis, and my wife and I are waiting as are millions of other Americans, to get vaccinated so that we can go on with life.

There are guys in my motorcycle club that are younger than me, and that run around with no masks on an act like everything is normal. I guess if I was young still and was not a high risk person, I would probably do the same thing, but that is not an option for me right now. I kind of envy the guys that don’t have to worry about what could happen if they get the coronavirus. I do tell some of my brothers that there are young people dying from the coronavirus as well, you never know how bad it could be. But then again, the vast majority the people that do get the coronavirus recover quite well. Then again, I have heard reports about young people who get the virus that have said it was the worst illness that they have ever had.

The way I see it, I can wait it out until we get the vaccination.

It is urgent for all of you to get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as you can. The only way that we will get to herd immunity and back to normal is to shut the coronavirus down. I am not sure if the coronavirus vaccine prevents the coronavirus from being transmitted, but it is supposed to prevent you from becoming seriously ill from the coronavirus.

My dream for my family and I as well as the world is returning back to a world of normal living.

I am planning on going to Sturgis in August, but since my wife is in school she will probably have to fly out there to meet me. The Sturgis trip is dependent upon both my wife and I getting the vaccination before the rally. We would probably still wear masks at the rally, but that is okay.

All in all it is not really a happy new year right now, probably the worst New Year’s I have experienced in my entire life. I’m quite positive that many of you if not all of you are going through a similar thing. My wife says that when she goes out it is downright dreary and weird seeing everybody wearing masks, but for now it is the new normal. I am sure that eventually we will return to normal.

May God be with all of you and my family and I and hopefully we will all survive this coronavirus pandemic and other calamities, and hopefully sometime this year we will return to somewhat normal.

By California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.

The post Happy New Year 2021 from the Biker Law Blog first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

I am 57 years old and have ridden motorcycles since I was less than 10 years old. This means I have been riding motorcycles for over 40 years. I have been riding Street motorcycles since I was 16 years old, or 41 years.

I remember as a kid getting a real bad flu in 1968, my whole family was sick. That was the Hong Kong flu, and it was pretty deadly for the time. We were sicker than dogs.

Nothing in my lifetime, or bad dreams could have prepared me for this Covid 19 pandemic. Jesus H Christ you have over 254,000 dead as I am writing this article, we are going into a lock down again, and this is some bad juju.

The good news is it appears that at least two vaccines will be coming out soon that are over 94% effective. From what I understand the vaccines are not effective unless you take two doses with the second dose being taken approximately one month after the first dose. They are talking about potentially starting to distribute the vaccines in December for high risk people, but realistically if at least 70% of Americans take the vaccine, we will not reach herd immunity until sometime in the spring or summer of 2021.

I know this pandemic has affected all of you, it sure the hell affected me and my wife. Hell, this was the first year I have not gone to Sturgis since 2012. I need a damn vacation now.

Now I am not going to get political on here I know a lot of you guys support Trump, I know a lot of you guys support Biden. That is another issue without going into politics that really pisses me off. We are all Americans, we for the most part we have good lives compared to other people in the world, we all love our country, and the 7 x 24-hour news cycle is dividing us into enemies. You all know full well that we could be in a pack of people riding our motorcycles having a great time some people are Republicans, some are Democrats, as long as nobody talks about it everybody gets along just fine. This is the subject matter for an article that I will write in future. I think our enemies are dividing us and we need to come together.

The reason I brought up a little bit about politics is because in one camp I believe for political reasons, there are some people that believe the coronavirus pandemic is false, or it is no worse than the flu. This camp goes against all credible scientific evidence. The other camp, which is mainstream, knows that the pandemic is deadly serious with a very large mortality rate compared to the flu.

I myself being a veteran of the United States Air Force, and having been through a lot of shit in my life, want to live a long and healthy life so I can continue riding my motorcycle, having sexual relations with my wife, traveling, and having a good time. If I die from coronavirus then I will miss out on all the good times coming up in the future.

Therefore, back in March 2020, when the experts told us to hunker down, that is exactly what I did. I hunkered down and only in the last month or so have started venturing out to do what I have to do. I even went and got a haircut.

A couple weeks ago I rode my motorcycle down to San Diego and have visited my brothers in my motorcycle club a couple of times, me being the only one wearing a mask.

I did wear a mask underneath my modular helmet while I was riding my motorcycle. A KN 95 mask. I usually smoke cigars when I am riding my motorcycle, but it was no problem wearing the mask while riding the motorcycle. It was no problem closing the modular helmet with the mask on and as a matter fact, it’s a probably a hell of a lot healthier wearing the mask even under normal conditions because of all the road dirt and debris here in Southern California.

2020 marked the longest time I have gone without riding a motorcycle since I was in basic training in the military. There are lots of guys including the guys in my club they just act like everything is normal, they do not wear masks, and they run around as though the coronavirus is not happening.

I think I am the second oldest guy in my club now, most of them are young veterans. If I were their age, I would probably act the same way I am not sure.

I am on a bunch of different motorcycle forums on the Internet. I now ride in Indian roadmaster, so I am on some Indian forums, and I am on other motorcycle forums as well. Many of us that are abiding by the doctor’s recommendations are going ape shit crazy waiting for the pandemic to end. Others are acting like everything is normal.

I can tell you this, this has been a lifetime experience and I cannot wait for it to end. I long for the days of going to Sturgis, going out to eat, without any worry about catching some deadly disease. Do you realize that I have not gone out to eat since March? I am sure there are others like me.

Anyway, I like you want this damn nightmare to end. I cannot wait to be back on my bike riding near and far.

For all of you riding your motorcycle right now, it is now winter. Make sure you have appropriate cold-weather riding gear, and gloves. If you are riding in wet conditions act as though your tires will slip out from under you. That will force you to be more careful and to go slower.

I am still here working. If God forbid you have a motorcycle accident, car accident, slip and fall trip and fall, call me at my office at 800-816-1529. We are remotely working here but we are working every day and getting some great settlements for our clients.

God be with all of you.

Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., November 22, 2020

The post Bizarre times we are living in my friends, by Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

We as human beings are in an uncertain time. The Covid -19 virus has caused a pandemic which has spread across the globe, and the United States.

None of us in our lifetimes have experienced anything like this before. Many of us are self-isolating, hunkered down in our homes. Many of us are performing essential jobs and functions to keep society going. Many of us have become sick, some have died, and many of us have suffered great loss.

Many of you have lost your jobs and are worried about the future.

The post A Message of Hope during the Coronavirus Pandemic by Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

** August 2023 Update – I have retired from the motorcycle club scene and am an independent motorcycle rider. I still represent many motorcycle club members in motorcycle accident cases and still ride near and far.

Many people, motorcycle riders, and non-motorcycle riders alike, have watched TV shows like the Sons of Anarchy, the Mayans, or the old Marlon Brando movies, or even the old Clint Eastwood movies with “The Black Widows,” and got a very bad impression of motorcycle clubs.

Admittedly, some members, a small minority, of some famous clubs have also been in the news, because they failed for one reason or another to conform to the laws of our society.

Many law enforcement officers consider some motorcycle clubs to be a gang, or outlaws, but as you know you cannot generalize every member of an organization just because of a few bad apples. I do not agree with a blanket generalization, however many states do have gang enhancement statutes that they will try to apply to members of some motorcycle clubs or organizations that are accused of committing crimes. If they can prove you did the crime in furtherance of a gang you will get hit with enhanced penalties. This is not the subject of this article, but it is something you should consider when joining certain motorcycle clubs. Bottom line, if you do not commit crimes you will be okay it is as simple as that.

The vast majority of clubs out there are family clubs.

I have been riding, and in motorcycle clubs for well over 20 years. In my own personal experience, the guys (and in some clubs gals) that make up the membership of the vast majority of motorcycle clubs, and motorcycle riding clubs, are some of the straight up most friendly, best, righteous, honest, and upstanding people I have ever met. Yes many have tattoos and dress a certain way, most wear cuts, which are vests that have club patches affixed to them. You cannot judge a book by it’s cover. I am not saying everyone is perfect, hell there are always a few assholes no matter where you hang out, but the vast majority are good people.

Just like in any group of people who get together, you will always have a minority of people who will do bad things. That does not mean you should blame the entire club or organization just for a few bad apples.

I personally would not tolerate hanging out with people committing crimes or not following the law because I have a career and a family that I want to go home to at night.

I have met guys in motorcycle clubs who are attorneys, law enforcement, dentists, doctors, optometrist, judges, military members, in every profession you can possibly imagine. The guys and gals in these clubs are representative of what you will find in society.

The difference between riding alone, and riding in a motorcycle club, is that when you are with the club, you get a chance to socialize with other like-minded people, you get to attend club events, and if you’re in the right club you will have people who will help you if you need help, you also have people that you can ride with, which is much more fun than riding alone, it’s kind of like an extended family, and in some cases becomes a family for many members who do not have family members.

There are many people out there who as they get older lose family members, lose touch with friends, or find it hard to meet new people to hang out with and ride with. A motorcycle club or a motorcycle riding club is a very good solution to meeting new people to hang out with, and socialize with.

There are different levels of motorcycle clubs all the way from riding clubs, to family clubs, up to 1%er clubs.

You may have heard a lot of bad things about 1%er clubs, but the reality is the term 1%er just means that the club does not follow the rules of the AMA. Back in the 40’s and 50’s the AMA held races called the Gypsy Motorcycle Tour. Some of the clubs did not like the AMA rules and decided to do their own thing. They were the 1% that did not follow the AMA, that is where the term came from. 1%er clubs usually require much more of a commitment than let’s say a family club.

Some riding clubs require a minimum level of commitment. You can buy a patch, and ride whenever you want to all you have to do is show up. There are other more traditional clubs that require you to earn your patch, attend weekly or bike weekly meetings and follow the club bylaws. Obviously a 1%er club requires a bigger commitment than that say a family type of motorcycle club.

The crap that you see on TV has given motorcycle clubs a bad name and reputation, and is mostly that just crap. If all motorcycle club members acted like the guys on the TV shows and in the movies, there would be no motorcycle clubs, everyone would be in prison.

In my opinion, being in a motorcycle club is very gratifying. It’s nice to know you have a bunch guys and gals that you can hang out with (or gals if you are a woman). Most clubs for men allow the wives and girlfriends of the men to hang out and be a part of the club so it is a family type of atmosphere. There are all gal clubs and mixed male and female clubs as well.

I recently had a brother in my club who passed away. The club chipped in for his memorial service which would have been difficult for the family to pay for on their own. This brother had a big turnout for his funeral, and we all met later on to celebrate his life and to have one heck of a good meal.

Many people in this country die alone with no family, or little family and just a few friends. It’s nice to know that when you’re in a motorcycle club, that there is an extended family there for you, and that will be there for you all the way to the end.

Obviously, you should do your research, if you want to join a motorcycle club. Some riding clubs and motorcycle clubs you can simply contact on the Internet and inquire as to how to become a member. Other more traditional clubs require you to ask a member in person how to join. Some riding clubs let you join right up. Some clubs require you to prospect for a short time so that you can have a chance to learn about the club, and the club can learn about you, to see if you becoming a member is a good fit for both.

Prospecting into a motorcycle club seems like a mythical and daunting task, but it’s not. It’s all about learning how to become a motorcycle club member. There are certain protocols that more traditional motorcycle clubs follow, and the prospecting period gives you a chance to learn the rules, the traditions, and the protocols of being in a motorcycle club. It is like a hazing and right of passage that all members go through if the club requires it.

Whatever you do, do not do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable as a prospect or member. If you meet with the motorcycle club and you don’t get the right feel, seek out another club. You should never do something when joining a motorcycle club, that you know you should not be doing, especially committing crimes.

I repeat, just because you are joining a motorcycle club, and putting a patch on, does not give you a license to commit crimes. On the contrary, every motorcycle club that I know will kick you out if you commit a crime while wearing a club patch. It’s the complete opposite of the bullshit you see on TV. Clubs do not like to look bad, especially in public.

No motorcycle club wants members of other motorcycle clubs to commit crimes either, because it gives all a bad name.

Even amongst Walmart employees there are always a few bad apples. Stay clear of the bad apples and you will have no problems. It really is about common sense. It is like picking a girlfriend. You will know whether it feels right or not. However, in most cases, the club will be there for you even if your wife, girlfriend, or husband if you are a female, leaves you.

Most traditional motorcycle clubs have anywhere from a three month to a six month or more prospecting Period. As a prospect you’ll be expected to attend as many events as possible, shake hands with as many people as possible and introduce yourself, be available to club members to do chores, and to clean up and be of service. It is a rite of passage that every traditional motorcycle club member has to go through, and frankly it’s not that hard. Just show up and do it.

Each club treats their prospects differently. I am not going to come on here and write an article impugning any motorcycle club whatsoever. I for one have prospected in multiple clubs for over a year total. Some clubs are harder on their prospects than others. Again, the prospecting period is for you and the club to feel each other out. Some riding clubs do not require prospecting.

With the modern-day Internet it is a lot easier now to do research on different clubs if you’re looking to join a club. If you contact a club through the Internet, you will be surprised to find that many of them will respond and invite you to an event. Then again, many of them will not respond, they expect you to approach a member and ask about membership.

Some clubs require you to hang around a bit before becoming a formal prospect. This again is a rite of passage and it is standard motorcycle club protocol for traditional clubs.

There are all types of motorcycle clubs out there, and there are clubs for everyone.

On TV you will see a fictional superhero criminal portrayal of motorcycle club members, but the reality in my own experience is the complete opposite. You will find a lot of guys with tattoos, who also have families, jobs, and the last thing they want to do is get into trouble, this is true for the vast majority of 1%er club members as well. Don’t believe everything you read.

So, for all of you that are looking for a club to join, I wish you well and I will see you on the road.

By California Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., February 6, 2020

The post The joy of being in a motorcycle club; by California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

I would like to wish all of my readers, fans, and motorcycle accident clients both past, and present, a very happy new year.

We are now in the roaring 20s again, the last time this happened was 100 years ago, a full century.

Back in those days there was prohibition in the United States, which made the manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol illegal. Prohibition was actually a constitutional amendment that right wing conservative Christians got passed through, luckily, it was repealed.

Just like the Taliban in Afghanistan, our founding fathers did not intend for religious zealots to run our country. They did not want our country to be like Europe was.

In essence Europe was controlled by religion for about 2000 years, and everyone knows the horrors that occurred out of that. Hell, the pilgrims left Europe to come to America so that they could practice their religion how they wanted. Our founding fathers wrote into our Constitution that there shall be a separation of church and state for a reason. This is the subject for a different article.

Getting back on topic, the Biker Law Blog has now been a publication for 14 years. Who would’ve thought when I started writing this publication that I would still be doing it 14 years later. There are literally thousands of articles on here. It seems like I have written about every topic related to motorcycles, except for all the new types of motorcycles coming out.

Although the number of articles I have been cranking out has diminished over the past few years, because I have covered most of what needs to be covered with respect to the legal aspects of motorcycle accidents, and the safety aspects of riding motorcycles, I will continue to write articles, and through Google searches, and blog searches, you can find my articles related to motorcycle riding easily throughout the blog. I suggest doing the search at the blog itself for types of articles I have written. The search box is on the upper part of the blog below the header you can’t miss it.

Many of you have told me that you enjoy the random picture section of the blog that you will see in the top right sidebar of every page on the blog. I have decided to create a separate page under videos that will show the random pictures in a larger format.

There is no way in hell I’m going to edit the pictures to make them fit a larger format. The software that runs the random pictures will automatically stretch the pictures to make them bigger which could diminish the quality of bit, but you should still be able to see the pictures okay.

This change will be coming the first week of January 2020.

A lot of people have asked me to put descriptions on the random pictures of the display on the Biker Law Blog. The problem is the way the software works, the description would actually cover part of the picture, and that is not acceptable to me. I have a photographic memory and can tell you pretty much about every picture in the random slideshow.

Over the past 20+ years I have taken thousands of pictures during my rides, and so forth. There is absolutely no way for me to display all of those pictures it would take gigabytes of memory and tremendously slow down your browser when you come to the blog.

The pictures not only show the past 20 years of my biker life, and motorcycle club life, but they show that I am a real motorcycle rider and biker. I started doing motorcycle accident cases, because I am a real biker. Many of my competitors will show pictures as well, but it is usually only of them with their pop-up marketing booths at events which I despise. My pictures show me and my friends riding our asses off. Who do you think has more credibility as a motorcycle accident lawyer?

Suffices to say, at least for now I will display the pictures that you currently see, and more will be added selectively as my wife and I continue to ride and have a good time both on our own, with other riders, and with my club brothers.

What is funny is that my wife told me when we first met, that she almost did not come to my house, because she saw all the beautiful woman in the random picture section of the Biker Law Blog. She thought I might be a player. I told her the truth, it is just the biker lifestyle, and hell, when a man is single he will take ladies on rides 🙂 luckily for me my at the time my future wife decided to come to my house after all, and let me sweep her off her feet. Little Teri makes up many of the pictures you will see in the random picture section.

I have had multiple physical injury issues that came up in 2019. I tore a distal bicep tendon and had to have surgery. On the first day of Sturgis, August 1, 2019, while working out with dumbbells outside of my motorhome before taking a ride, I injured my right shoulder. The pain never really went away, and in approximately November 2019 I injured my shoulder worse at the gym, and at my weekly kung fu session.

I am going for injections on my shoulder the first week of January, and physical therapy on the shoulder for six weeks after that. If that doesn’t work, I may need a new surgery on my shoulder.

The pain of a shoulder injury is unbearable especially for a guy like me that likes to be physical and likes to ride my motorcycle. A shoulder injury makes it very difficult to ride a motorcycle.

The doctors told me that if after six weeks of physical therapy the pain remains the same, he might have to perform surgery.

So, 2020 for me is all about resolving my shoulder injury, in May I am going to have a total knee replacement, and then all should be good.

From the time I was young I have been a very physical man. I played tackle football, pop Warner football, track, basketball, and baseball growing up. In high school I played football, was on the wrestling team, and threw the shot put on the track team. I went into the military, and I have trained in martial arts for approximately 52 years. I have gone to the gym and worked out since I was a teenager. I have used my body and abused it my whole life. Now, I need to make repairs, just like an old car, I am now 56 years old.

With the repairs that I am making, and a change in diet and exercise, I’m looking forward to a long and healthy life.

I am not even going to go into what’s in store for my law practice this year. We have many cases, and we intend to get good results for our clients as usual. This year we will grow our law practice, expand into workers compensation law, and grow our family law practice. So, we will not only be providing California statewide personal injury services, we will also provide services in several Southern California counties for work-related injuries, and family law in Los Angeles and Orange county only.

Heading into the new year, I have many things on my plate. In order to ride a motorcycle safely, you need to be in decent shape, and have your head in the game. As I go through my personal trials and tribulations, I will report to all of you on how it’s going.

In retrospect looking back over the past 20 years, a tremendous number of people I have known nationwide have died in motorcycle accidents, and of natural causes. Many people I know have stopped riding motorcycles due to advanced age, personal choice, or health reasons.

The motorcycle scene has definitely changed in the past 20 years. In the year 2000, there was a huge yuppie motorcycle craze going on and it seemed like everybody was buying motorcycles. I personally also saw women starting to ride motorcycles for the first time. I know there were women motorcycle riders before the year 2000, but in 2000 is when they started showing up in numbers.

There were motorcycle shows all over TV such as American chopper, Biker Build Off, Jesse James West Coast Choppers, etc. Now that is all gone.

Motorcycle sales have been down now for many years in the United States. Apparently, the millennials would rather play on their cell phone, then get out into the world and ride motorcycles. The traditional bikers as we know them, are dying out. Many as they age, are getting trikes.

After a few non-starts, I have finally found a great motorcycle club that I will stay with for the rest of my life if they allow me. It is a great club, and a great group of brothers.

I remember the Los Angeles times wanted to do an article about me and other biker lawyers back in the 2000’s, but they insisted that they be allowed to take a picture of me with my motorcycle club patch on. I refused because my motorcycle club had nothing to do with my motorcycle personal injury practice. The Los Angeles times punished me by only giving me a sentence or two in the article and featuring a bunch of idiots who did not ride, and one guy who just started riding.

There are so many things that I could write about that have happened in the past 20 years I could actually write a book about it.

Before I end this article I wanted mention that a brother of mine in my club named Captain passed away just before Christmas and it has hit everyone in our club hard. Go with god brother, I will see you again one day hopefully a long time from now.

Now on to the new year.

I pray that God will give my family and I and all of you a great new year.

So happy new year to you and your family, God be with you in the coming year, and I wish you all well.

By California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, January 1, 2020.

The post Happy new year, 2020, from the Biker Law Blog, by California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez at the Sturgis motorcycle Rally 2019

This year was no different from the last eight years in that at the end of July, I traveled from Huntington Beach, California to the Sturgis motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. My wife accompanied me; this was her third consecutive year.

I must admit it is something I look forward to every year. It is almost like a kid in a candy store. Now if you are not a biker, there is no way that you are going to understand what the Sturgis motorcycle rally experience is like, or the yearning that you have each year to go is, unless you have actually been to the rally.

I always tell my friends that they must go to Sturgis at least once in their lifetime. Most of my friends always tell me that they are going to go one day, or that they want to go one day, but none of them actually ever go. Where I live in Southern California, it is 1355 miles each way to Sturgis. Many people who go to Sturgis are closer than we are, or further away. I guess for the average Joe, it is difficult to go to Sturgis for a week, and then spend maybe another 5 to 6 days traveling. But believe you me, for those of us that go, it is well worth it.

I remember my first few years going to Sturgis, it was a lot different for me. I was not married so I had special friends accompanying me 🙂 and it was all new to me. Actually, I should clarify that, after two years I pretty much knew the main parts of the rally, but each year after that I have still learned new rides every time I went.

Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez’s campsite at Glencoe, Sturgis 2019

We usually stay at the Glencoe campground. When I first started going to Glencoe in 2013, they had major bands playing the venue every night, the main drag had all sorts of debauchery and nudity happening at night, and it was packed. Every year except 2015, the 75^th anniversary, it seems like there are less and less people at the rally, and the people do not stay as long as they used to. Glencoe still has good bands playing the venue at night, but they are not major headliners like they used to be. There is another campground called the Buffalo Chip that charges much more money, and has all the major bands, that may be the main place to stay now, I do not know, I have not stayed there. Frankly, my wife and I are not in to standing for hours to watch the same bands that we have listened to for the past 30 years. We do not go to Sturgis for concerts.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that from my observations there are a heck of a lot more trikes than they used to be, the crowd at Sturgis is getting older, and it seems to me that the bikers are dying out more and more each year. Don’t get me wrong, there are still lots of young people that seem to be riding bobber type of motorcycles, however, the crowd is definitely much older and a little less and less each year.

The majority of motorcycles by far at Sturgis are baggers, and this year there were lots of Indian Motorcycles all over the place.

California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez is wife Teri at Crazy Horse, Sturgis 2019

I hate to say that according to the official Sturgis news, the crowd size was down from last year. But I did not need to read the news to know this, I could tell the crowd size was down.

Make no mistake, the Sturgis motorcycle rally is still huge, the main drag is still packed with bikes, and there are motorcycles all over the place, just not as many as there was let’s say back in 2013, 2014, etc.

Part of the Sturgis motorcycle experience is being a part of a huge gathering of fellow motorcycle riders. There is no way to explain what it feels like to be with hundreds of thousands of other people who share the same love of motorcycle riding that you do. This is what keeps me going back to Sturgis every year. It’s almost like a drug addict getting a fix. You tell yourself during the year that you will do something else this year for vacation, but you find that Sturgis starts to call you to come back. You know that you must go, and then a couple of months before Sturgis you get really excited planning your trip to Sturgis.

Now with respect to the Glencoe campground where I have stayed each year except for 2015, it has been disappointing the last few years. As I stated before, they used to have major headliner bands, and the place was booming until the wee hours of the morning. They call the main drag tittie alley, or perverts’ row within the Glencoe campground, because when the lights go out lots of women cruise up and down the row either topless or fully nude, and a bunch of guys give them beads and take pictures.Guys on motorcycles do burnouts, spin their tires, and rev their engines.  You should see some of my early pictures from perverts’ row. For the most part, except for a few stragglers, perverts’ row is now dead compared to what it used to be. Now it’s not that I am a pervert or anything like that, but it’s sad to see that all the campers are all set up on the row with their beads like they were in years past, but there are empty spaces where before it used to be packed, and literally after Wednesday during rally we, there is really no action going on perverts row anymore except for a few stragglers.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez at Sturgis 2019

It’s almost sad to see the people waiting for girls to come by and very few go by compared to what it used to be before. Literally by Wednesday, the campground is already emptying out whereas before it started later in the week. What it signifies to me is that the rally is not what it used to be. At least I can say and remember what it used to be.

It is still a great rally to go to however compared to any other rally in the country.

Again, the rally still has hundreds of thousands of people, but it is definitely not as big as it used to be. The year 2020 will be the 80^th anniversary of Sturgis, and I can see now that many of the venues have raised their prices in anticipation of a big crowd for the 80^th anniversary. I made the mistake of waiting too long in 2015 to make my reservations for the 75^th anniversary and ended up having to stay in Deadwood in a campground that was dead because Glencoe and others were sold out, and because the action was down in Sturgis. You can read my article about 2015 here, it was way overcrowded, a sausage fest meaning, all dudes and very little females, and I’m quite positive 2020 may be the same.

One of the fun things about going to Sturgis is checking out all the babes even if you are married. Nobody including me wants to see a bunch of dudes all over the place. It seems like every dude and their friends went to Sturgis 2015 without their old ladies. Hopefully 20/20 will be different. As of the writing of this article, I have not made reservations yet for 2020, and I am not sure if I will go to 2020, I will discuss that below.

Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez wife little Teri at campsite in Glencoe, Sturgis 2019

As I said earlier, every year I go to Sturgis since 2012, I have discovered new rides in and around the Black Hills, Spearfish, Rapid City, etc. This year I discovered a couple of more. My wife and I rode over 1000 miles on the motorcycle just at the rally. We took our motorhome and trailed the motorcycle to Sturgis like we do every year.

I will quickly talk about those guys who never go to Sturgis, the backseat quarterback guys on motorcycle forums and Internet discussion groups, knocking and degrading us because we take our motorhome’s and trailers to Sturgis rather than ride to Sturgis even though they never got off their ass to go to Sturgis themselves. I will admit when I was much younger, let’s say 20 years ago, I used to say the same thing, however I was a hard-core rider. Hell, when I was in my 30s, I rode a soft tail with no windscreen, from Chatsworth California to Durango Colorado and back again no problem. I talked the talk and walked the walk unlike the internet backseat quarterback guys I am talking about.

The problem with riding your motorcycles to rallies such as Sturgis, is that either you have to stay in a motel, or camp. On the way to Sturgis from where I live it is a 2 to 3 day trip each way, and sometimes there is severe weather on the road. When I was younger-no problem, I would simply find a Motel 6 when I needed to crash. But it used to be a hassle to find a motel, unpack the gear from the bike, reload the gear on the bike in the morning, etc., and there is no doubt it is still a hassle even for the younger, and other riders who decide to ride to the rallies.

Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez and wife at Mount Rushmore, Sturgis 2019

I used to write like the backseat quarterbacks mentioned above about how I was not a trailer queen, and I used to knock guys who trailered their bikes as being “not real bikers,” etc. 20 years later, I realize that I was wrong. Now that I have a class A motorhome and an enclosed trailer to travel with, I have a whole new perspective.

In the past, I rode everywhere on my motorcycle no problem. Now that I am in my 50s, I actually get tired more quickly, and the aches and pains in my body from years of playing pop Warner in high school football and other sports, practicing martial arts, being in the military, and working out, are taking their toll.

Now that I have a motor home and a covered custom trailer, it is much more pleasurable and convenient to go to rallies in the motorhome with the trailer. Obviously, if I am going to a rally that does not require overnight travel, I will still ride, but it is much nicer for overnight trips to take the motorhome. All your stuff is in the motorhome, no need to pack and unpack, plus all your food is in the motorhome and you can eat while traveling rather than stopping.

California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez and wife little Teri at Sturgis 2019

The reason I am bringing this up is that many people bring motorhomes or fifth wheels, or campers and trailer their motorcycles to Sturgis, and many ride to Sturgis. My Sturgis perspective is from that of someone who brings a motorhome and trailers their motorcycle. I stay at the campgrounds, and this is where the action is. I kind of feel sorry for the guys and gals who are staying in hotels, it must be a more somber and boring motorcycle rally experience.

Bottom line, I highly recommend going to the rally whether you ride or trailer.

The motorcycle industry reports that sales of motorcycles are down in the United States. Apparently, the millennials are too chicken to ride motorcycles. This may explain why there are not people coming up from the youth to replace the older motorcycle riders that are dying out, which would explain why motorcycle rallies around the nation have less crowds than they used to.

So, with respect to the Sturgis motorcycle Rally 2019, notwithstanding the fact that the campground was not as active, it emptied out sooner, the crowd size was not as big as past years, we had a fantastic time.

Motorcycle accident lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez wife little Teri at Glencoe campground, Sturgis 2019

In December 2018, I had a custom saddle made at Russell Day-Long for the Indian Roadmaster motorcycle, because last year after a few days the stock Indian saddle felt like a brick and we got real sore. (I will be writing a review on the Russell Day Long custom motorcycle saddle soon)

The new Russell Day-Long saddle made this year’s Sturgis motorcycle rally a much more pleasurable experience than last year. We put on over thousand miles on the motorcycle at Sturgis, and Yellowstone, and neither of us had a sore butt the entire time. It was fantastic.

If you are going to go to Sturgis, plan on riding many miles, not only make sure your motorcycle is serviced before the rally, your tires have proper tread, but also make sure you have a comfortable seat. In a motorcycle rally where you are riding, this can make the difference between having a great time and having a miserable time.

We rode to hell and high water. I am a sober motorcycle rider; I have been sober approximately 21 years. My wife quit drinking almost a year ago. We are not the type of couple that hangs out at bars. I actually feel sorry for the people that sit through the rally getting drunk at bars, but I am not here to judge, and that is the subject for a different article. Just do not drink and ride.

Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez and wife little Teri on the main drag Sturgis 2019

The reason I mention sitting in bars and drinking is that some people ride to Sturgis and spend the whole rally hanging out all the bars. My wife Teri and I spend the entire rally on the motorcycle. We are hard-core riders. I was lucky to find a wife who enjoys riding is much as I do.

Will I go to the Sturgis motorcycle Rally 2020? At this point I do not know, and I have not made reservations yet. Look, I have been going to Sturgis for the past eight years straight. It not only costs a lot of money, but it is a two week plus commitment, and although I really love the rally, and the riding, a break may do us good so that if we decide to go back again it’ll be more fresher if you know what I’m trying to say.

At least for us, we have been talking about trying something new instead of going to Sturgis for 2020. Further, I see that Glencoe has raised their prices so that the cost will be at least $300 more just for the campground than it was last year, this includes camping and the required wristbands.

At this time, I am just not sure if I will go back for 2020, but usually what happens is somewhere around January, I started getting the in itch, I make my reservations online, and then I end up in Sturgis again 🙂

Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez on the Needles Hwy., Sturgis 2019

Even as I type this review, I miss being at the Sturgis motorcycle rally. It’s kind of odd the way it works, pretty much when you’re at Sturgis and riding on the last day, you have ridden so much that you are utterly exhausted, you know it’s time to go home. As you are leaving the campground you know that when you pass through downtown Sturgis that it will still be packed, you can tell on the main road there are much less people and it is time to go.

This year we left on the final Saturday, and drove our motorhome and trailer set up to the Little Big Horn Battlefield in Montana, where we camped for the night, and then due to rain, decided simply to tour the battlefield in the motorhome and trailer, and then depart for Yellowstone which we do every year.

We camped at the Yellowstone Valley Inn as we do every year after Sturgis, but we discovered that it was under new ownership, and that they were charging hundred dollars a night which to be frank it is outrageous for an RV campsite, but we figured since it is in an ideal spot between Cody Wyoming and Yellowstone, we decided to eat the extra cost.

We rode the Yellowstone national forest the next day, but I made the mistake of thinking it was going to be a warm day and did not bring my cold-weather gear on the bike. That was a big mistake. When we left the campground, it was in the low 80s within 20 miles the temperature had gone down to the 60s and I was kind of suffering a bit being a Southern California boy used to warm weather. It actually got down into the 50s further into the park. My wife was smart enough to bring her cold-weather jacket, I had a sweatshirt hoodie, and later on put a rain jacket over that which worked pretty well. We put a lot of miles on the bike that day in Yellowstone, but we did not stop at most of attractions, since we go there every year, we opted to just ride rather than stop.

California Motorcycle Accident and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez with wife little Teri on their motorcycle main drag, Sturgis 2019

We did not get out of the park until it was getting dark, and I can assure you it was getting real cold. I usually don’t leave the park that late and it was a bit eerie knowing that there are wolves, bears, cougars, and other creatures in Yellowstone. Not only that, there are dear, Moose, and other creatures that like to run in front of motorcycles.

We got back to the motorhome at around 9:00 PM after a cold and bug filled motorcycle ride back to Yellowstone Valley Inn from Yellowstone national forest. I strapped to the motorcycle into the trailer, and we left the next morning for home.

I am attaching some of our pictures from the trip into this article. This year we took less pictures than we normally do, because we were on the bike more than we were stopped. Usually I go up and down the strip taking pictures of the custom motorcycles. This year we just walked up and down the main drag a few times and enjoyed it rather than stopping to take a ton of pictures.

Keep reading my Biker Law Blog to see if we decide to go for the Sturgis 2020 motorcycle rally.

By California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., October 6, 2019

The post My annual pilgrimage to the Sturgis motorcycle rally, 2019 first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.