The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

911 says “Too Bad”

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A Connecticut caller to 911 trying to get help for an injured motorcyclist gets the response of "Yeah, too bad" and then they hang up! The call was routed to the State Police barracks and was answered by Trooper Robert Peasley. Thinking they got a wrong number the caller tried again and the next trooper said "Yeah, help will get there. Shouldn't be playing games." A third call … [Read more...]

Unix Motorcycle

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OK, I'm going out on a limb here, but I bet some of you not only ride motorcycles but, ... here goes, you like computers, too. I know, crazy idea but it's true. Don't feel bad, I fall into that category and so does this guy who built a PC into his Kawasaki Z1000. The PC runs Unix and currently is used to take the feed from his helmet camera. If you happen to feel the need to … [Read more...]

High gas prices, same total cost

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Whether you ride a motorcycle or drive a car, you eventually end up at a gas pump. These days that can be a pretty exciting experience. On your bike it's not so bad, but lots of motorcyclists have pickup trucks with big tanks, let's see, 30 gallons of regular @ $2.15, ... ouch. There is another side to this and the AAA has a report out that examines total costs to drive … [Read more...]

New Snell helmet standard for children

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If you have some little riders in your house, you may be interested to know the Snell Memorial Foundation has a new proposed standard for helmets for children. Basically it recognizes the difference in strength and stamina of a child and their ability to wear a helmet designed for an adult. They have the proposed draft on their site but I believe it may be beyond the draft … [Read more...]

3D printers and Fab labs

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A while back I said easy access to advanced software made smaller shops capable of high level design and engineering and used the Motoczysz C1 and Hayabusa V8 as examples. Well, hold on to your hat, Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore. Some time ago I read a few brief articles on 3D printers and thought, hmm... interesting, after which I pretty much forgot about them. Seems a … [Read more...]

Spring opens with snow

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Just a comment about our local weather. There were a few brave souls out riding last Friday and Saturday even though temperatures struggled in the 30's to almost 40 degrees. I guess I don't have that sort of commitment. Some riders in southern California get depressed over a long bout of constant rain, (wait a minute, what about that song? "It never rains in southern ...") I … [Read more...]