To identify your “Red Zone” take out a map of where you live and draw a five-mile radius circle.  This is where you're most likely to have an accident. The area you know best and where you feel most comfortable is actually the one of most dangerous, we call it the Red Zone because it's the most dangerous zone for bikers.
While there's not a lot of study as to why accident rates are so high here, applying a little logic helps make sense of them.
Starting your ride, the first five miles:
• This is when you are least focused on the ride
• This is when your mind and muscles are least attuned to the bike
• This area will generally have the most traffic, most side streets, and most intersections with potential “right of way” violators
• This is the most familiar area to you, which often means you're least attuned to the road around you
• This area is usually ridden early in the day, when “cage drivers” are still just half awake.
Ending your ride, the last five miles:
• This is when you're the most tired
• This is when you're most likely to let down your guard
• This when you're more focused on the destination instead of the ride
• This area is full of traffic hazards not found on the open road
• This area is filled with tired and distracted cage drivers.

The Motorcycle Lawyer learned today about an Italian company called Evotek that has created a way to attach the ever popular iPhone to a motorcycle.  Software such as a GPS system is just one of many useful applications that the iPhone has for bikers, so of course it seems like a useful idea to be able to mount it on your bike as you hit the open road.  Retailing for about $35 the 4Lock will mount on any round handlebars.  The 4Lock still allows for use of the touchscreen and is equipped with a raincover and a 12-volt power lead.  If you're interested in learning more about the 4Lock you can visit Evotek's website at www.4lock.eu

All through November, Las Vegas Harley-Davidson and Red Rock Harley-Davidson will be running “Operation Christmas Stocking 2010 for the Troops” to help our military men and women overseas.  Donations and goods can be dropped off at both dealerships as well as The Leatherneck Club on Spring Mountain Road during November.  There will also be a poker run and raffle drawing starting at 10am on November 20th with $1,750 in prizes.  To find a list of preapproved donation items and to learn more about this event visit www.lvhd.com.   All bikers and enthusiasts are welcome so The Motorcycle Lawyer suggests you head to Las Vegas H-D and donate!

The Motorcycle Lawyer has found a great website that highlights major motorcycle events and rallies around the country.  If you want the roar of your bike to be heard nationwide, then visit this site to help you plan your year of riding:

The Motorcycle Lawyer heard about a HD shop in New Jersey that puts a different spin on Halloween celebrations.  On Saturday the 30th, Kosco Harley-Davidson/Buell on Rt. 23 will host it's annual Halloween Blood Drive from 9am to 5pm.  It's their 15th year working in conjunction with the Blood Center of New Jersey.  They average 80-90 pints of donated blood a year.  Along with the blood drive there will be chili, sandwiches, popcorn and drinks.  Adult and children halloween movies will be playing on their flat screens all day.  Also, the Harley's Heroes tour will be stopping by friday and saturday to bring "benefits, education and counseling into the communities of our veterans."  To learn more about joining this halloween fun or to donate to the blood drive you can visit www.bloodnj.org

The Motorcycle Lawyer has been informed that in November the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee will be paying tribute to our veterans and their families. 

The Museum will offer free admission to Vets and their families from November 4th through the 7th.  Those days will be filled with events and speakers to honor our countries heroes.

November 4th: An archivist with HD will speak about Harley's wartime contributions and the history of military vehicles.

November 5th: A member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association will talk about a tribute motorcycle he's creating.

November 6th: St. John's Northwestern Military Academy Program will have 80 cadets performing a tribute for veterans involved in conflicts from World War I to present day.

November 7th: The Museum's Ambassador, "Glory" the bald eagle, will be there to pose for pictures (will appear on the 6th as well).

As always everyone is welcome to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at any time.  For those of you who go there, feel free to tell us about it or share pictures on our blogs.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved an ethanol percentage increase in blended gasoline on October 13th, 2010. Blended gasoline will go from 10% ethanol to 15%. So far, this new E15 fuel should only be used in cars or light trucks made on or after the year 2007. Although the idea behind the E15 is to make a more environmentally friendly gasoline, its use in motorcycles could actually decrease fuel efficiency and product performance. With this new form of fuel making its way to the market, The Motorcycle Lawyer would like to encourage fellow bikers to pay close attention to what type of gasoline their bikes are burning.

Unfortunately, for the first time in all 18 years of the Daytona Beach Biketoberfest there has been a fatal motorcycle accident. A 22-year old woman was struck by a Daytona resident who fled the scene immediately after the crash. He was apprehended by the police shortly after and apparently smelled very strongly of alcohol. He allegedly turned in front of 3 bikers, striking all of them. The Motorcycle Lawyer is saddened to bring you this news but would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to Watch For Motorcycles!

The Motorcycle Lawyer received news today that the Harley-Davidson Museum is going to run an exhibit for this year's Cannonball Run.  Starting this past September, Bill Rodencal drove his 1914 Harley from Kitty-Hawk, NC to Santa Monica, CA at a top speed of 25MPH.  Now he'll be at the museum in Milwaukee, WI starting October 22 to recount stories from his epic cross-country trip.  If you visit the Harley Museum please tell us about it on our blog or any of our networking sites.  Twitter: @cyclelawyer1  Facebook: The Motorcycle Lawyer.

Happy Riding!

Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer