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Below are articles written for the Capitol Wings newsletter. I mentioned earlier that I also wanted these articles to be a resource for other GWRRA Chapter Educators. Any Chapter Educator is free to use any article, in whole or in part, when either writing an article for his own newsletter, or when developing his "give me five" talk to the chapter. Just be sure to give credit to the other author, when I have, in several instances, cited another author. Articles are now up to date as of 10 January 2004, so enjoy.

I wrote this article, with much borrowing from Ed Brennan's excellent article on the Virginia District website, to try to explain to folks the reasons for the Rider Education Program, and the benefits that accrue both to the member, and the Chapter. You will find this article here.
Here is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to try explaining to the new participant in chapter life some of the things unique to GWRRA, and particularly to Chapter A, Virginia. But it could be modified for any other chapter.

Here is an article I wrote about a month after my accident, in August 2000. Shows that I don't always take my own advice.

Here is an article about planning for that long distance trip you may be thinking about. I owe a debt of gratitude to James R. Davis for his excellent site Motorcyle Tips and Techniques, for which you can find a link to on the homepage.

Here is an article about packing for that big trip you may be planning. This article, and the one preceding it go together as companion pieces, so be sure to read both.

I don't know about you, but taking curves has always been one of my weak spots in motorcycle riding. I have to remind myself to really look through the turn. I owe much of the material to MSF instructor Sam Goodwin of GWRRA Chapter VA-I in Manassas, VA.

I wrote this article on helmets as I was searching for a new one. Inside you will find some tips on buying a helmet that just might save your life. I have since revisited helmets, and have included some newer research. The new article can be found here.

Everbody involved has responsibilities when it comes to group riding . The key is communication at all stages of the group riding process. Group riding is really team riding.

So what is the safest speed to select when riding? Should you try to keep up with traffic, or is it actually safer to stay at the posted speed limit. Find out here.

On our first chapter ride of the new season, there was confusion and strange happenings. Don't let this happen to you!

Is it cold outside? Do you want to ride, but are afraid you'll freeze? Here are some tips to help you dress for success.

Can you ride safely? What are the risks you face when riding? Find out here.

Safe motorcycling means more than just physical preparation, as important as that is. It also means mental conditioning as well. Find out what we mean by the term "mental conditioning" in this article.

So what is target fixation ,and how can you make it work as a positive force in your riding?

It is important that you be able to see your surroundings. Just as important, however, is being seen. How to improve your chances of being seen is the subject of this article. I hope you will try out at least a few of the strategies presented.

In the spring, a young man's fancy turns to...motorcycling! To help you get those cob webs cleared out, here's an article about doing that spring tune up.

You have probably heard the one about not riding down the center of the lane because of the oil on the road. Is it true, or just an old wives tale? Find out by checking out When Good Oil Goes Bad.
Want some more tips for touring? Take a look at touring tips for a safer trip. One of these may come in handy.
Keeping your tires properly inflated is critical to getting the most life out of your tires. More importantly, it could save your life.
Drivers can be inattentive, so it is important to keep your wits about you out there. Here you can read this cautionary tale of some really bad drivers.
Trucks are a fact of life. Learn how to be the kind of rider truckers respect, and stay out of harms way in the process.
I wrote this article to try to shed more light on staying warm in winter temperatures. I include some newer fabrics, as well as heated clothing.
It is just as important to think about riding as it is to ride itself. Of course, if you do that sort of thing, you will be following the advice offered in this article, which discusses proper lane positioning for maximum visibility, maximum sight distance, and maximum manuevering room.

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I wrote this article, with much borrowing from Ed Brennan's excellent article on the Virginia District website, to try to explain to folks the reasons for the Rider Education Program, and the benefits that accrue both to the member, and the Chapter. You will find this article here.

Here is an article I wrote about a month after my accident, in August 2000. Shows that I don't always take my own advice.

Here is an article about planning for that long distance trip you may be thinking about. I owe a debt of gratitude to James R. Davis for his excellent site Motorcyle Tips and Techniques, for which you can find a link to on the homepage.

Here is an article about packing for that big trip you may be planning. This article, and the one preceding it go together as companion pieces, so be sure to read both.

I don't know about you, but taking curves has always been one of my weak spots in motorcycle riding. I have to remind myself to really look through the turn. I owe much of the material to MSF instructor Sam Goodwin of GWRRA Chapter VA-I in Manassas, VA.

I wrote this article on helmets as I was searching for a new one. Inside you will find some tips on buying a helmet that just might save your life. I have since revisited helmets, and have included some newer research. The new article can be found here.

Everbody involved has responsibilities when it comes to group riding . The key is communication at all stages of the group riding process. Group riding is really team riding.

So what is the safest speed to select when riding? Should you try to keep up with traffic, or is it actually safer to stay at the posted speed limit. Find out here.

On our first chapter ride of the new season, there was confusion and strange happenings. Don't let this happen to you!

Is it cold outside? Do you want to ride, but are afraid you'll freeze? Here are some tips to help you dress for success.

Can you ride safely? What are the risks you face when riding? Find out here.

Safe motorcycling means more than just physical preparation, as important as that is. It also means mental conditioning as well. Find out what we mean by the term "mental conditioning" in this article.

So what is target fixation ,and how can you make it work as a positive force in your riding?

It is important that you be able to see your surroundings. Just as important, however, is being seen. How to improve your chances of being seen is the subject of this article. I hope you will try out at least a few of the strategies presented.

In the spring, a young man's fancy turns to...motorcycling! To help you get those cob webs cleared out, here's an article about doing that spring tune up.

You have probably heard the one about not riding down the center of the lane because of the oil on the road. Is it true, or just an old wives tale? Find out by checking out When Good Oil Goes Bad.

Want some more tips for touring? Take a look at touring tips for a safer trip. One of these may come in handy.

Keeping your tires properly inflated is critical to getting the most life out of your tires. More importantly, it could save your life.

Drivers can be inattentive, so it is important to keep your wits about you out there. Here you can read this cautionary tale of some really bad drivers.

Trucks are a fact of life. Learn how to be the kind of rider truckers respect, and stay out of harms way in the process.

I wrote this article to try to shed more light on staying warm in winter temperatures. I include some newer fabrics, as well as heated clothing.

It is just as important to think about riding as it is to ride itself. Of course, if you do that sort of thing, you will be following the advice offered in this article, which discusses proper lane positioning for maximum visibility, maximum sight distance, and maximum manuevering room.

Web page authored by Wade Jensen

e-mail: wjensen548@aol.com

Use material freely, but please provide a link and credit for useage of this material

URL: http://hometown.aol.com/wjensen548/articles.htm

Last Updated 16 June 2008