Under our Helmet

A Crash Course for Motorcyclists

The cost of an Accident Scene Management Course: $50, the lifesaving knowledge you gain: Priceless.

Over the past weekend, my husband, Anthony and I had the opportunity to take the basic Bystander Assistance Program (BAP) "A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist" in Pasadena, Texas and were completely blown away. I can’t believe that I have been on the road this long without knowing this crucial lifesaving information! Here are a few highlights from the course:

Moving the accident victim into recovery position

The Jaw Thrust method of assisted breathing

Helmet removal without comprising the spine

Securing and preserving the accident scene

That is just a fragment of the valuable info we received. As riders we are always told to be prepared for anything, this is definitely one of those things! That lingering feeling of fear in the pit of our stomachs of unknown “what ifs”, now one of them can be lessened by just knowing the proper way to handle the unimaginable: a crash. Be pro-active in enhancing the motorcycling experience-take the Accident Scene Management course, I highly recommend it. You will be a better asset to the motorcycle community for it, on and off the road. Stay tuned for the full report in our upcoming issue.

Mission Statement:

The purpose of the Bystander Assistance Program "A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist" is to enhance survival rates and reduce severity of injuries for the injured riders of motorcycles. We expect to decrease the chance of rescuer injury due to inappropriate actions at the crash scene as well as treat the injured cyclist. We also expect to educate the rescuer on how to protect themselves and their loved ones legally and financially should a crash occur.

www.accidentscene.org

Thank you to Vicki Roberts-Sanfelipo, the Director of Accident Scene Management for this opportunity and to Denise Carey, an amazing instructor. ~Cara Mae

Photo: Cara Mae and Kelly practicing the Helmet Removal technique on Anthony.

HH Moto Arts Auction to Benefit ISKP

Show Your Support! Add your name to the ISKP scroll that is traveling around the globe by bidding on motorcycle-themed artwork, books and videos created from women.

The WIMA India Street Kids Project (ISKP) organization was established to fight against the commercial and sexual exploitation of underage girls in India. Our goal is to help support and create awareness of the ISKP mission to give hope to these young at-risk women. The money raised from this international auction will be used for the sole purpose and benefit of ISKP. Once you have won an auction piece, your name will be added to the ISKP scroll that is traveling around the globe. Thanks to all who so generously donated the pieces in this collection. 

“We are really trying to make a difference in the lives of these girls in India, this is possible thanks to the sisterhood and support we share worldwide as women, no matter what country we are from.” ~ Cara Mae

Online eBay Auction will start November 9, 2007!

For more information about ISKP, please visit their web site: http://www.indiastreetkids.org/index.html

AMA announces fifth Women & Motorcycling Conference in 09

It was just last summer in June when we experienced our very first AMA Women & Motorcycling Conference. Packed down like mules with camera’s on each shoulder and a new camcorder in tow, it was like some kind of psychedelic haze as we made our way through the conference grounds snapping and taping the very folks we had only before seen online, in the pages of magazines or on TV - some of the very women we had interviewed and featured in Helmet Hair. The experience was priceless. So much, we paid tribute to a handful of our memorable moments.

Read about it here: http://www.helmethairmagazine.com/Interview-July2006.html

The 2006 Conference boasted over 900 attendees – mostly women – who came together to benefit from seminars, demo rides and to experience what it’s like to ride with a sea of women during the finale parade.

So mark your calendar for this event that only comes every three years (and gosh, if you all support the 2009 event, perhaps the AMA will make it every two years instead). Check out the AMA site for more official information.

http://www.womenandmotorcycling.com/womenc/index.asp

World Environment Day & FIM

Thought W.E.D. 2007 could slide by unnoticed?  HH heard mother nature whisper in our ear…

Today we recognize and join others around the world to focus on solutions for the planet we all love to ride and roam. The future of our motorcycle eco-system is at stake unless we start taking care of her now.  Federation Internationale de Motorcycles (FIM) is a leading example not only for the equality of women in motorcycling but also for harmony between nature and motorcycle.  Since 1994, FIM has shown its commitment by implementing an Environmental Code that provides framework and support for motorcycle events, there by lessening the eco-footprint of our moto-culture. To add to this tremendous effort is their annual FIM Environmental Award acknowledging a rider, organization or business for the contributions to environmental issues. We applaud FIM with a helmets off salute for their hard work and dedication to making our motorcycling world a better place.

What kind of environmental legacy do you want to leave behind? Check out the World Environment Day 2007 video and you decide.

http://www.unep.org/wed/2007/english/Information_Material/Promo.asp

Sarah Lyon is at it again...

Searching for real women mechanics for a future Female Mechanics Calendar

The 2007 Female Mechanics Calendar has been so well received that Sarah is continuing the project. This summer she is setting out on her 1977 BMW R100S to travel across the country documenting women who work in the field of mechanics.

Sarah is currently looking for all types of mechanics:

automobile, motorcycle, diesel, aircraft, military vehicle,

scooter, bicycle, hot rod, etc.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in participating in the project, please contact Sarah at: [email protected]

Don’t have the current 14-month 2007 calendar yet? Get it today for only $12 bucks. www.sarahlyon.com/calendar

News Tidbits!

News Tidbits: Motorcycle Club Network Coming Plus HH’s Dirt Bike Experience

Thank you HH readers for all of your positive feedback about our latest issue – our second anniversary - and also for participating in HH’s new Community Voice section!

Within that section we announced a new motorcycle club network. We are underway creating a private social network - a place for moto clubs to connect through forums, and to post club photos and videos. The idea is to connect different clubs to one another in one spot in order to share ideas and itineraries, as well as solicit potential club members.  If you are a member of a moto club and would like to find out more about our network, email us here and type “moto club network” in the subject line. Best of all, it will be totally free for you!

Helmet Hair’s Dirt Bike Experience: a few weeks ago, Cara Mae and I took a one-day women’s Dirt Bike School led by women’s MX pioneer, Tami Rice. If you’ve never tried it, you are missing out – what a blast! Tami rolled out the muddy red carpet for Helmet Hair by not only suiting us up in Girlyz Clothing Co. gear, but also had Kawasaki lend us two out-of-the-wrapper KLX 110s. Ok, who knew they were meant for children… not a problem on my 5’2 frame, but at 5’7, Cara Mae found it a bit awkward achieving proper riding form, nonetheless she did prevail. But we intend to tell you all about it plus the crazy gumbo/BBQ party hosted that night by a colorful East Texas character named “Diamond Don.” Look for the story in July’s issue.

On a sad note: We just learned that Shasta Johnson of Girlyz Clothing Co. (mentioned above) is now battling breast cancer. She will take part in the Susan Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day. For more about her struggle and how you can help, check out the link on www.mxgirl.com. 

Until next week,

Becky Shimek

Helmet Hair gets published!

You might remember Helmet Hair Magazine.com’s TOP TEN “Women Bike Builders” in the October 2006 issue. We received so many

reader emails that we knew we had (in a sense) created a little bit of history with the first-ever list of its kind. Well that list seems to

have sprouted wings and taken flight to land this month on the pages of a very manly moto magazine, Thunder Roads (Michigan).

After the word got out,  now their sister publication in Colorado will run it in their March 07 issue. 

We’re just pleased as punch that this is a topic more male-dominated magazines are discovering - and maybe one day - embracing.

But if not, you’ll always have Helmet Hair™.

Check out our spread in Thunder Roads. Click here to view the entire magazine .

Renowned Giclee artist, Lory Lockwood, is looking for your beautiful tattoo!

Lory Lockwood, a multi-award winning artist based in New Orleans, set out to produce a piece that would combine a number of tattoo images she captured during her travels to various events over the years. Due to Katrina, she lost the majority of her directory, but not her will to finish the piece.

If you or anyone you know has a ‘work of art’ tattoo, you might have a chance to have it included in Lory’s piece that will go on display and later featured on her new print web site: www.portraitsinchrome.com. Not to mention, also spotlighted on a Helmet Hair Magazine.com upcoming issue.

Here’s what to do:

-          Email your fabulous tattoo at: [email protected] in jpeg format 300dpi resolution or higher.

-          Space is very limited, not all submissions will be accepted.

-          Deadline for entry is February 10.

Lory's New Show: Make a trip to Jazz Fest this year and you can also catch Lory Lockwood’s new show “Icons” - includes four motorcycle paintings, captured in all their shiny, reflective glory. Displayed at the Soren Christensen Gallery off Julia St. Bikers and gallery culture under one roof? We wouldn’t miss it! April 2007

Female Mechanics Calendar 2007

Female Mechanics Calendar 2007

Are you the kind of girl who enjoys having something that nobody else has? Me too. That’s why you need to get the Female Mechanics Calendar for 2007. This 14-Month full color wall calendar, open page size 11x17 (folded 8 1/2 x 11) features portraits of real women mechanics working in their environments by Sarah Lyon, artist and motorcycle mechanic from Louisville, Ky, who rode her 1978 Yamaha XS750 for 6000 miles this summer photographing female mechanics from around the country.

Take a sneak peak at Franzi , Kerry , Jennifer and Katie to see the smart layout and design of this ground-breaking work of art captured in calendar form. And you must read Sarah's story about her ‘journey finding and photographing female motorcycle mechanics from around the world.’  You deserve some kind of medal for this, Sarah. Bravo and thank you.

Get Yours Right Now!

How much? $20
Where? order online: www.sarahlyon.com/calendar

Questions?

email: [email protected]
phone: 502.558.3230
web: www.sarahlyon.com

Image: Cover Mechanic, Lucy Carrera from Desmoto Sport, San Francisco

Motorcycle Safety Vest Company is on the move!

Vicki Sanfelipo has added a new title to her repertoire: CEO of Conspicuity™, a manufacturer of popular motorcycle vests. This move is a natural for Sanfelipo as she currently serves as the Director of Accident Scene Management, Inc. (ASMI) and has been active in motorcycle safety since 1996. Vicki’s endorsement of the Conspicuity products originated in 1999, when she not only started using the gear, she also began selling it.

Under Vicki’s direction, Conspicuity plans to offer an expanded product line, including custom created vests, strobe flashers, batteryless flashlights, roadside vests and other visibility supplies. Read the press_release to learn more about the Conspicuity story and it’s incredible founder, Rebecca Hunter.