International Female Ride Day 2018

One of the fastest growing demographics in motorcyclists these days are female riders, making up approximately 14% of all riders and getting bigger each year.

thank you Motoress for use of your design for IFRD

That number was double what it was the previous year and predicted to climb higher in subsequent years. The median age for these female riders was 39, which is 9 years younger than their male counterparts,  and almost 50% have a college or post-graduate degree. As well, almost 50% of these ladies are married, so perhaps this is a way to either get out with their significant others to enjoy riding together, or a way to get away from their spouse and enjoy some rides with their female friends! haha!

And to that end and a way to celebrate this awesome trend, be sure to check out a local International Female Ride Day event next Saturday, May 5th 2018, and join one of the many groups of ladies who also love to ride and have fun.

BlueCircle Insurance, as part of our involvement with the motorcycle community, is hosting rides again this year, one starting at our BCI Edmonton office and one out of our BCI Calgary office. Watch for details on our website and Facebook page and join us on the morning of, for some coffee and a light breakfast, before we head out on the road to meet up in Big Valley.

Zen..

"To truly experience quality one must both embrace and apply it as best fits the requirements of the situation."

Robert Pirsig and his son Chris

Such is the premise of the philosophical writings of Robert Pirsig, author of the 1974 book "Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance". But, don't be too fooled by the title. Pirsig said about his book... "it should in no way be associated with that great body of factual information relating to orthodox Zen Buddhist practice. It's not very factual on motorcycles, either".

Still, here are a couple of quotes from the book which hit the nail on the head when it comes to riding. 

"You see things vacationing on a motorcycle in a way that is completely different from any other. In a car you're always in a compartment, and because you're used to it you don't realize that through that car window, everything you see is just more t.v.. You're a passive observer and it is all moving by you boringly in a frame"

"Unless you’re fond of hollering you don’t make great conversations on a running cycle. Instead you spend your time being aware of things and meditating on them. On sights and sounds, on the mood of the weather and things remembered, on the machine and the countryside you’re in, thinking about things at great leisure and length without being hurried and without feeling you're losing time."

While there are many books published about motorcycle touring before Pirsig wrote "Zen", he certainly lays claim to being perhaps the most widely read book on philosophy. Still in publication from 1974 to this day and having sold more than 5 million copies can back that claim up a bit I'd say!

Needless to say, the book, which was written more about philosophy and less about motorcycling, is not a real easy read. And though it is based on a trip that Pirsig took with his son on the pillion, the book is a fictional tale of a ride where the narrator describes the differences between the "romantic" and "classical" approaches to life, such being those who live in the moment and those who seek to know the details and master the mechanics of life. Ultimately, Pirsig believes the two can be blended together and live harmoniously.

If one can strive to "live a good and meaningful life"and "become one with the activity, engage in it fully, to see and appreciate the most minute detail", then one can be happy and fulfilled."

Robert Pirsig died On April 24 2016.

Side note...Pirsig did not have an easy life. He suffered from mental illness and receiving electroconvulsive therapy as treatment, much like the character in his book. His academic career was marked by frustration and it took Pirsig 121 attempts before he found a publisher willing to accept Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Sadly, the son who traveled with him on his Zen trip was murdered in a 1979 mugging. 

True (?) Facts (?)

You know, when you read something and say to yourself...really? 

I'm talking about things that are somewhat hard to believe, though certainly plausible, giving you doubts about the validity. Of course, I hate to say the words "fake news", just because I don't want to make any references to "Man Who Thinks He Is A President", but if you read the following facts randomly selected from the book "1001 Facts That Will Scare The S#*t Out Of You", you may have cause for questions. Or, you'll laugh out loud, like I did, maybe because author Cary McNeal typically adds in a bit of his biting sarcastic wit after each entry! haha

10 Strange Facts to Disturb Your Mind!

Fact: from page 31
The Bible is the most commonly shoplifted book. ( "at least the right people are getting it!")

Fact: from page 38
By the time you're an adult, you'll have approximately 500 million hairs growing out of your skin, the same as a gorilla ( "or Robin Williams")

Fact: from page 68
Work related stress can be as damaging to your health as cigarette smoking ( "but if you handle that stress with a smoke break, they cancel each other out")

Fact: from page 50
Of all the people using dating sites, 35% of them are married. ("hey, we all forget things sometimes")

Fact: from page 117
The most germ laden place on the toilet is not the seat or even the bowl, it's the handle
(" solution...don't flush, let the next guy worry about it")

Fact: from page 305
Just while making the bed, the average person traverses 4 miles in a year ( "that's one huge bed")

Fact: from page 224
In the early 1900's, aspirin maker Bayer also commercially developed and sold heroin for several medicinal uses, including cough suppression ( "I'm sure heroin suppresses many things")

Fact: from page 15
A medium fruit and yogurt smoothie at Dunkin' Donuts contains 4 times as much sugar as a chocolate covered cake doughnut ("good, I'd rather have the doughnut")

Fact: from page 110
Children spend greater time watching t.v. than any other activity, except sleep ("do you know what babysitters charge these days?")

Fact; from page 191
Pigs can become alcoholics ("no...too easy")

Bias

Bias is defined as a prejudice in favour for or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. 

I was just reading about the many forms of bias, particularly in light of several references to gender pay inequality that has been in the news recently. That is to say that in 2018, women still earn 80 cents on the dollar compared to a man, for doing the same work. 

Bias(es) are what influences this type of situation and there are many forms. If you just look at Statistical Bias, you'll find 20 or more types that influence the way studies are done. Or look at the latest phenom of KPop, where they use the term "Ultimate Bias" and "Bias Wrecker" to describe aspects of a fan's favourite singer or, for the latter term, another singer that catches their eye and makes them question the first choice (really? teeny boppers...sheesh!)

Seriously though, biases that we may have, conscious or unconscious, are certainly not limited to ethnicity and race, though racial bias and discrimination is well documented. Biases may exist toward or from any social group, factoring in a person's age, gender, gender identity, physical abilities, religion, sexual orientation, weight, and many other characteristics which are subject to bias. 

For the sake of this discussion though, we'll talk about two aspects, those being "conscious" and "unconscious" bias. 

They are human nature, so like it or not, everyone experiences them to a degree. But, since they're learned behaviours, we can be aware of them and understand them, and therefore they can be managed effectively. 

Conscious bias is when we make a decision or impression about people or things based on what we have seen and/or interacted with before. 

I read an article that used the analogy of Henry Ford's refusal to hire people who seasoned their food with salt before tasting it, a good example of conscious bias. 

Unconscious bias, on the other hand, are bias created by backgrounds, personal experience, social stereotypes and cultural influences that occur without us actually realizing it is happening.

Of course, unconscious bias is a natural and necessary part of being human. It also affects our ability to make logical decisions and one can easily see how this can create issues when it comes to personal life or business decisions.

In the case of business and professional relationships, think about things like Authority Bias, where we place greater importance to the opinion or direction given by an authority figure. Not to discount that opinion or direction, but to accept it blindly, without question, is dangerous and could have a negative impact on a business.

And what about Affinity Bias? We naturally align ourselves with people who are like us but if everyone is more or less the same, you'll possibly end up with some narrow or less diverse perspectives. In the case of a business, this affinity bias is quite common, particularly for 'culture based' companies, yet diversity tends to lead to better employee retention and better financial reports.

Of course, Affinity Bias can also lead to the pack mentality and the pressure to conform, another dangerous situation arising when people are all the same. If no-one feels comfortable speaking out and expressing ideas or suggestions, then great things get lost because they never get expressed.

Then there's the danger of things like Confirmation Bias, whereby a person  believes in or searches for evidence to support his or her favoured theory while ignoring or excusing disconfirmatory evidence and is disinclined to change his or her belief once he or she arrives at a conclusion. This particular bias has been the cause of many a wrongful conviction case in criminal law.

Which now leads us to the topic of Anchoring, whereby a person depends too much on the first piece of information they receive when making a decision. In business, this can translate to how a first impression on an employee, or the first idea, price or estimate we receive, regardless of what information comes after the other facts. 

Several key steps to implement in order to avoid bias?

1. Use a process
2. Start with a clean slate
3. Challenge the status quo
4. Seek multiple perspectives
5. Search for more information and data
6. Play "Devil's Advocate"
7. Reflect on your own views and values

Ask 3 key questions.

1. What are the influences of biases based on self-interest, overconfidence, and/or attachment to past experiences, as it is realistically improbable for them not to be factors
2. Are the ideas presented for the decision making process put forth because the presenters have fallen in love with them and been influenced by the idea ( i.e. confirmation bias)
3. Was there a 'groupthink' approach to the ideas, or were there dissenting or opposing views to what was under discussion

Don't limit the possibilities for great ideas or decisions!

Uncover the various potential problems, challenges & opportunities/organizational goals.

Select the most critical problems, challenges and/or opportunities, then prioritize.

Create a multitude of potential solutions

Choose the solution(s) that has the potential to be the most effective.

Translate your solution(s) into an effective implementation plan.

If you are aware of the potential biases that may affect ideas or decisions, you're one step closer to your ability to eliminate those factors from negatively influencing your process and outcome.

Two Ways To Load Your Bike In The Back Of The Truck

There's two ways to load your bike in the back of your pick up truck, as you'll see from the video clips posted below. 

Not that I have the skills for method one but I'd like to think I'd do much better than method two! haha!!

Cyber Security And Computer Based Fraud

As part of my ongoing series about cyber security, here are a few explanations of some of the more common forms of computer based fraud that affect businesses.

Computer To Computer Systems Fraud

This is typically referred to as a "hack" and involves a third party gaining access and control of the computer of an individual or businesses. This access and control allows the fraudulent transfer of money or tangible property to an account or location not in the control of the owner. It also allows the "hacker' to steal important and/or confidential information.

Suggested preventative solution...

Use of a reputable tech company who do vulnerability testing, install proper intrusion detection and security systems, and do frequent software updates and system checks.

Funds Transfer Fraud

This type of fraud occurs when a third party steals the credentials of an individual or business, such as usernames, passwords and P.I.N., and then sends instructions to their bank or financial institution with instructions to divert or send funds to accounts belonging to the fraudsters.

Suggested preventative solution...

Adequate training of individuals and employees on the proper protocols involving the detection or recognition of phishing type e-mails and documents, with focus on never opening documents or clicking on links contained within unknown or suspicious e-mails.

Fraudulently Induced Transfers

Using "Social Engineering", fraudsters spend time researching individuals or businesses on readily available computer sources, such as websites, Facebook and other social media. With the information gleaned, the fraudsters impersonate legitimate vendors, clients or associates of the individual or business, often with official looking letterheads and invoices that are made appear representative of legitimate business dealings or projects. Often, this includes banking information changes that divert money to the fraudsters' own bank accounts.

Suggested preventative solution...

This is a very difficult fraud to protect against, as the fraudsters rely on information that is easily accessed through internet web searches and other platforms. the fraud relies on interacting with busy and stressed employees who do not take the time to question banking changes and other such business transactions in what appears at first glance to be legitimate documents. Again, having proper protocols in place and training employees on safe business practices is critical.

It took me 10 seconds to search and download this easily available invoice on the internet, which could be changed on a computer program and made to look like a legitimate document of an actual vendor or client of your business. In other words, be very careful and don't trust everything that comes across your desk.

World Record Holder (for 95 year olds)

Yes, you read that title correctly and should be impressed by this video which shows 95 year old Charles Eugster's World Record setting 200 metre sprint!

I mean, there are plenty of people half that age or even younger that might have a tough go to best that time. I certainly hope to be fit enough to do something similar to Charles when ( and if) I get into my nineties!

Considering the statistic that people in the 90+ year old age group make up approximately 2.2% of the population in Canada, one would be in rare company just to live that long, let alone be able to sprint around the track with some speed!

Helmet Laws

There is no doubt that motorcycle helmets save lives and prevent injuries from being more serious than what they could be without this form of protection.

I think what irritates most riders is being told that they have to wear one, but that's a different issue altogether. Statistics prove that helmets are beneficial to safety and that your personal choice to wear one, or not, can only be exercised in jurisdictions that do not have mandatory helmet laws.

All provinces in Canada require a helmet to be worn while operating or being a passenger on a motorcycle law. the following are legally acceptable helmets in this country.

• U.S. DOT certification based on FMVSS 218
• SNELL certification (see below)
• ECE Regulation 22.05 certification

So, here are some stats for you on accidents involving motorcycles.

• In non fatal motorcycle injuries by primary body part injured, neck and head injuries accounted for 22%, second only to leg and foot injuries at 30%.
• 74% of motorcyclists involved in accidents were wearing helmets ( of course, most motorcyclists either must wear a helmet by law or chose to wear one even when it is not mandatory
• no helmet accident death rates are triple those of helmet wearing accidents, even though in this particular statistical survey, the number of accidents with no helmets were about 1/3 the number of accidents involving helmet wearing riders.
• For non-fatality accidents, most statistics were about the same for no injury, possible injury and non-incapacitating injuries, but the incapacitating injuries were 1½ times higher.

Every state in the U.S.has their won helmet laws, with some mandating helmet use, some with age restrictions, and even one that states you must wear a helmet if you have less than $10,000 in medical coverage, like $10,000 in the U.S would do much for a hospital stay.

Of course, there has been some controversy over the latest changes to this Canadian law in certain provinces which allows members of the Sikh religion to ride without a helmet. Good for them is all I can say, and it really is not an issue to me if they do or don't wear this form of protection. It's their head which will roll if there's an accident, literally and figuratively.

How do you think this person's head would have fared during this accident had they not been wearing their brain bucket?

I've been riding a motorcycle in some of the places where there are no mandatory helmet laws and sometimes rode with, sometimes without, a helmet. It was nice to be helmet-less when the temperature was 42° C on the pavement, though it was always on the back of my mind that if something were to happen, goodbye skull ( and mine is pretty thick!! haha)

Greg Fancisco hit a deer and suffered 8 broken ribs, a shattered collarbone, compound fractures in his hand, a bruised heart and lungs, a pulled groin, and NO HEAD INJURY, though he'll need to buy a new helmet