On
February 12th, Winder’s Chapter S of the GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders) held it’s annual Sweetheart
Poker Run at Fort Yargo State Park. The Sweetheart Poker Run, held annually to coincide with Valentine’s Day, provided
a day of fun for riders and non-riders alike. In addition to Chapter activities
such as the
poker run, games, door prizes and auction, Chapter S sponsored two additional community service programs.
The Gainesville chapter of the American Red Cross had the opportunity to
take blood donations from poker run participants at their mobile donor facility. Although they didn’t collect a large
number of units, they were very grateful for what was donated and for GWRRA hosting them at their event. They look forward to returning and “upping the ante” in 2006.
The other
community service event sponsored by the GWRRA, was the most enlightening and at the same time, the most educational &
eye-opening. This was the “No-Zone” semi trailer truck. For those who are not familiar with the “No-Zone” semi, it is made available at events such
as the Poker Run so that anyone who drives a vehicle (2, 3, 4 wheels) can get behind the wheel of a semi cab and see what
the driver sees from their point of view on the road. The real eye opener is
what the driver DOESN’T see! (see photos).
On the
outside of the semi trailer, there were 4 motorcycles parked 2 on each side of the semi, approximately the same distance from
the trailer as a bike would normally be on a 6 lane highway, and in the staggered formation.
Parked behind the semi trailer, approximately 2 car lengths back, was a passenger van. All
of the bikes and the van were where they were “supposed” to be as far as lane usage, but NONE of them was visible
in either the driver’s side or passenger side mirror! (see photos) Pretty
scary to think of how invisible 2, 3, and even 4 wheels are to even the most seasoned semi trailer driver. (Now you also know why there are some loud bikes out there – we more than any other vehicle on the
road, need to “be seen & be heard”.)
The point
of the demonstration? If you can’t see the face of the driver in the mirrors
on the semi truck you are following, then he can’t see you. And it doesn’t
matter if you are on a bike or in a passenger van – its way better to “be seen” in the first place than
to end up “dead at the scene”.