Where do you want to ride today?
Looks like some more HOT weather is coming. Hope this isn't keeping you off the road but please remember to be aware of the safety hazards related to riding in extreme heat. It's important to stay cool, covered, and hydrated. When the outside temperature is less that your body temp, keep your vents open. Even temps in the mid-90s will allow some ventilation, but once the outside temp is greater that your body temp it's better to keep the outside temperature out.
Exposed skin absorbs heat and risks sunburn - stay covered and be aware of the exposed parts like glove opening on the back of the hand. Few things can ruin a trip like a severe sunburn.
Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water to replenish what is lost. A good rule of thumb is to drink a pint of water an hour and stay away from caffeine, carbonation, sugary drinks and alcohol.
Most important is to be aware of symptoms like leg cramps, tired muscles, headaches, dizziness, and cool, clammy skin. These symptoms are your body's way of trying to tell you how overcooked you're getting. Excessive heat WILL alter your mental state and can kill you.
You can find a lot of information related to riding safety. One I would suggest is http://www.soundrider.com/archive/safety-skills/when_youre_hot.htm.
For those travelling with an iPhone, Allstate Insurance just released a (free) app, Good Ride. This app provides the ability to track your journey on a map, upload images, and share the information. The app also offers the ability to log maintenance - currently on only one bike (what's up with that?), get local weather reports, and a quick reference of each state's motorcycle laws (complete with disclaimers) . Have only used it for two short trips but so far find it well worth the price! Click here for more details.
Safety Tip - Be CAREFUL of snakes - not the slithering ones but the ones made of tar. 
This is the goo (technical term) that road crews use to fill cracks in the pavement. As the temperatures increase the sealer expands and can come out of the crack causing an addition obstacle to avoid.
Even when the sealant stays in place it is still a hazard since it is slicker that the surrounding pavement. Road departments in different parts of the country use different crack sealer compounds all with differing amounts of added abrasives which means some are more slippery than others - with the cheapest crack sealer providing the least amount of traction. Since motorcycles are the travelling minority when it comes to road usage and with governments cutting costs, it's most likely you'll encounter the "cheaper" compounds during your travels.
Sat/Sun July 23/24 Championship Cup Series Racing, Blackhawk Farms Raceway, South Beloit, WI.
Sun July 24 Quadrophenia Ride and Movie, Scooterworks, Chicago, IL.
Sun July 31 Shelter a Child Motorcycle Run, Palatine, IL - proceeds support programs and services for abused and neglected children in the Northwest Suburbs.
Sat Aug 6 Rockerbox, Milwaukee, WI - motorcycle show and street party.
Mon Aug 15 Sportbike Track Time - South Haven, MI. Sponsored by Motoworks Chicago. Improve your riding skills and have a GREAT experience working directly with Sportbike Track Time coaches. Space is LIMITED!
Looking for a GETAWAY? How about taking the Red Arrow Highway into Southwest Michigan and Michigan's beautiful beachtowns?
For a day trip there's scenic Glacial Park - Ringwood, Illinois.
Remember to "be careful out there" and keep the rubber side down!
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