SideKars Up Nort

2009 "SKUNKs in da woods Rally
and typhoon watch"

Disclaimer, Policies, Legal Stuff

Sidecars, Rig Driving
and the
SKUNK RALLY

The world is unpredictable and unsafe. Mountain climbing, bungee jumping, bathing, driving sidecar rigs and SKUNKs are dangerous. Many books have been written about these dangers, and there's no way all can be listed here. Read the books.

Driving a rig to or at a SKUNK Rally may occur both on and off roadways, sometimes intended, sometimes not. The weather and other drivers can make matters worse. SUV cell phone soccer moms and others of that clan may not see you, just as emergency personnel report that they don’t see multi ton fire or medical apparatus, with sirens blaring and lights flashing. The semi tailgating you may have a transcontinental driver approaching 42 hours without sleep at the helm and as it passes you may lose a wheel, mud flap or blow a tire, one may drive through fences or be locked on the “bear side” of fences.

On the road It may rain, snow, sleet, hail or typhoon, or worse. Weather can be dangerous, regardless of the forecast. Be prepared with extra clothing, including rain gear. Hypothermia, heat stroke, lightning, ice and snow, etc. can kill you. At the SKUNK Rally it WILL, at minimum rain and typhoon/tornado, occasionally accompanied by falling bears.

Traveling, roads may be sand, water, mud or horse poop covered. There may be guard rails, there may not. Roads edge may lead to grassy meadows or other plots, to deep, swift, cold rivers or to sheer drops. At the SKUNK Rally the attitude tis:

“Roads, who needs them?”

There are no lakes, rivers or other bodies of water (except ice cubes) so there is no risk of drowning in the tub or breaking your neck in the shower: no bathing is allowed.

SKUNKs that stink together, stay together, as the tribal lore goes.

You may crash or be crashed into. You may fall, be injured or die. There are hidden dangers. You could break your leg or worse you cold lose your scent(s). There are wild animals, which may be vicious, poisonous or carriers of dread diseases. Large quadrupeds may run in front of you large bugs may smash into your face or knuckles, you may hit a well fed, fully laden buzzard, not able to lift off in time therefore evacuating on you from both ends. Off the road you may encounter poisonous snakes and insects. Plants can be poisonous as well. You are on your own.

Beware:
SKUNKs are omnipresent!!!!

Real dangers are present everywhere. A rig is not a recliner in your living room and road ways are not as well maintained as your hall way. SKUNKs are not poodles or kitty cats, they bite, smell and can carry diseases. Rigs can have tires go flat, engines catch fire or turn over and more. Roads or trails can be, and are, steep, slippery and dangerous. They may or may not be well maintained, marked or otherwise designed with your safety in mind. They may be negligently constructed or repaired. They are unsafe, period. Live with it or stay away.

Know where you are whenever possible. Traveling by rig, in addition to being dangerous, is surprisingly complex. You may get lost. Carry food, water and first aid supplies at all times. Your rig may break down. Carry repair tools and parts, a credit cart or two and cash at all times. If you are a “traveler” you will be traveling places where cell phones don’t work. Look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Would I trust that person with my life?”

Even if you know what you're doing, lots of things can go wrong and you may be injured or die.

The other drivers on the road may be stupid, reckless, or otherwise dangerous. They may be mentally ill, criminally insane, drunk, using illegal drugs and/or armed with deadly weapons and ready to use them. You are on your own – even your Motorcycle Safety Class may not help.

When driving a sidecar rig, you may die or be seriously injured. This is true whether you are experienced or not, trained or not, equipped or not, though training and equipment may help. It's a fact, rig driving is extremely dangerous. If you don't like it, stay at home. You really shouldn't be doing it anyway. There are any number of extremely and unusually dangerous conditions existing on and around the road, and elsewhere. Others may or may not know about any specific hazard, but even if they do, don't expect them to try to warn you or they may give you bad advice. You're on your own. The unexpected may happen and squash you like a bug. Don't think it can't happen.

Rescue/medical services may not be available quickly or at all see lack of cell phone coverage above. Local medical squads may not be equipped for or trained in motorcycle trauma. If you are lucky enough to have somebody try to rescue you or treat your injuries, they may be incompetent or worse. This includes doctors and hospitals. Also, if you decide to participate in the assistance of some other unfortunate, that's your choice. Don't do it unless you are willing to assume all risks.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF! Don't listen to anyone else!