I've talked about things in the past that we need to do as riders to take care of ourselves. I've mentioned Dehydration, Ear Protection and with the added length of days and the heat comes a few pitfalls as well. One of them is getting cooked by the sun. I'm sure we have all come home from a ride at some point, feeling the pain of a good sunburn and wished we had just gone to a good movie instead. Being one of those fair skinned people with a history of melanoma I have begun to pay a lot more attention to what the sun is doing to me. And as a rider, we are all spending a fair amount of time in the direct sunlight. Not even a windshield can protect you from that. So as I was riding the other day, feeling the heat and the intensity of the sun increase, I started to ask some questions that the enquiring mind would want to know. 
 
I've always wondered about the mystery of the sun and skin. Why is it that if you go out on a bright summer day and spend an hour in the sun, you get a sunburn? But I don't get burned if I have taken the time to get a nice gradual tan. With a nice tan you can go out in the sun and nothing happens. It doesn't make sense. What is a sunscreen? And what is a tan? What is the difference between a tan and a burn? Why can you spread a little blob of lotion on yourself and be protected, but if you forget you are miserable? All good questions that are answered on http://www.howstuffworks.com/sunscreen.htm. I have answered a few of these briefly below. 

Why do I get sunburned?
The cells in your skin are not protected from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. You are therefore an easy target for sunburn if you spend too much time in the sun. When you get a sunburn, what you are really getting is cellular damage from ultraviolet radiation. The body responds to the damage with increased blood flow to the capillary bed of the dermis in order to bring in cells to repair the damage. The extra blood in the capillaries causes the redness - if you press on sunburned skin it will turn white and then return to red as the capillaries refill. I'll bet some of you didn't know that!

Why is it when I have a tan don't I burn anymore?
When you get a tan, what is actually happening is that the melanocytes are producing melanin pigment in reaction to ultraviolet light in sunlight. Ultraviolet light stimulates melanin production. The pigment has the effect of absorbing the UV radiation in sunlight, so it protects the cells from UV damage. Melanin production takes a fair amount of time - that is why most people cannot get a tan in one day. You have to expose yourself to UV for a short period of time to activate the melanocytes. They produce melanin over the course of hours. By repeating this process over 5 to 7 days pigment builds up in your cells to a level that is protective.
 
Why does sunscreen work?
Sunscreens block or absorb ultraviolet light. You can absorb UV radiation in much the same way that melanin does. The first and most common of the absorption chemicals is PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid). It absorbs UVB. All sunscreens are labeled with an SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. The SPF acts like a multiplying factor. If you would normally be OK in the sun for 10 minutes and you apply an SPF 10 sunscreen, you will be OK in the sun for 100 minutes. In order for the sunscreen to work, however, you have to apply plenty and it has to stay on. You should apply it about half an hour before going out in the sun (or the water) so it can bind to your skin - if you don't, then it is very easy for the sunscreen to wash off.
 
This doesn't seem that important on the surface, but we live in an area that produces a high risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than 1 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are found in this country each year. Melanoma is the most deadly of Skin Cancers and if not detected early can spread to other parts of your body including the liver. In 2006 there were over 62,000 cases of melanoma and 7900 deaths from the disease. Melanoma is a very serious skin cancer that can be prevented and cured. I never thought it would happen to me, but I have had 2 malignant melanoma taken off of my back. Fortunately I listened to my Mother for once and had them checked before it was too late. If you are in the sun a lot, like we are as riders, have moles, fair skin, a family history or a personal history of skin cancer, you would be at risk. Take it from me, if you have any moles that you think are suspect, that might be odd colored or growing in an atypical pattern, spend the 10 minutes to have a dermatologist check them out. It could save your life as it did for me. Here is a good site to answer your questions. http://www.melanoma.com/diagnosing.html
 
For the last 9 years I go to the dermatologist every 6 months for a full checkup of my skin. Part of my personal prevention is wearing a long sleeved shirt when I ride, a hat or a helmet. I am also a diligent user of a good sunscreen with highest SPF that I can find for my face, neck and hands. So I am constantly looking for that perfect sunscreen. Not too oily, doesn't come off with sweat or water, doesn't let every piece of road dirt stick to my face while riding and most importantly doesn't roll into my eyes to provide massive irritation. The one I am using now is the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock with Helioplex, the latest in UVA protection and an SPF of as high as 85. This is the number one dermatologist recommended suncare. It is non-greasy, waterproof and sweatproof. At least as much as any sunblock can be. Good sunscreen can be very expensive, but Costco used to have a 2-pack of this brand for $13.99 that also includes a stick of lip moisturizer. That is a great buy. Another one that Mrs. C. has given me and seems to work pretty well is the Aveeno 45 spf.

I highly encourage everyone, and particularly in those risk categories to get checked out. Read the following links and see what to look for and then check out your spouses backs and hard to see areas for any signs of irregularities. Call your dermatologist immediately if you find something that looks suspicious. I blew it off at first thinking it couldn't happen to me, but fortunately took the time to go get checked out. If this letter helps save at least one person, like my Mom did for me, it would be worth the effort.
 
Here are some good links to do your own research:
Signs of Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Facts
http://www.skincancer.org/melanoma/index.php
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?A=174&Q=230688 

Saturday, May 2nd
Renegade Classics Anniversary Bash!
Renegade Classics is the best motorcycle store in the Valley for finding all of
your riding needs and those hard to find accessories all in one place.
RENEGADE IS OFFERING A 25% STOREWIDE SALE! 

The Bike Night At The Billet Bar.  The Billet Bar was the place to be during Bike Week as well as the rest of the year. Set on the patio and watch the action. Voted "BEST BIKER BAR IN PHOENIX" by New Times. There is no better place to watch all the Bikes ride down Scottsdale road than from The Billet Bar Patio. The Billet is ALWAYS packed with bikes Every Day. Stop by and take a look at the New Flamed Booths on the Paradise Patio. The new bars front and rear provide spacious seating, fresh air atmosphere, perfect temperature and courteous staff. The food is amazing and always the latest in cold libations await. You can sit at the back bar and watch your favorite TV on any of the seven big inch televisions. Play pool, listen to the latest music and socialize. The front patio seats over 75 people and is perfect for people watching on Scottsdale Rd. The Billet Bar is located on 3752 N. Scottsdale Rd. Check it out this Thursday night and all weekend long. Info: at 480-941-1876. Click Here for the New Billet Bar Page with pictures.
 

Thursday, April 16th
Westgate City Center Bike Night in Association with Cyclerides.com. For the First Time, The premier entertainment venue in the Valley, Westgate City Center, will Host a night for motorcycles for the next 3 weeks. This Week: Live Music with Gal and 16 year old singing sensation Sara Robinson in Events Plaza. I have been wanting to see a Bike Night at Westgate for a couple of years and it is finally here. If you have ever been to an event at Jobing.com or University of Phoenix Stadium, you are most likely familiar with the Times Square feel of Westgate City Center. Starting Thursday, April 9th, for the 6 Thursdays, Westgate will open up Coyote Blvd. from 6pm - 10pm for parking of motorcycles next to the 6 Million Dollar Dancing Fountains. Restaurants including Margaritaville, Bar Louies, Shout House, Which Wich, Moe's, Kabuki, Johnny Rockets and Hell's Half Acre will have Bike Night food and drink specials and will be welcoming all riders.
You will be given a flyer that will get you the discounts at the participating restaurants.
Discounts include $2.00 Miller Lite, $5.00 Chicken Nachos and $6.95 pulled pork sandwich and fries at Bar Louie's and $3.00 drafts, $2.00 well, $2.00 off Margaritas, Mini Quesadillas for $5.95 and Sliders for $6.95 among other specials at Margaritaville. Sit out on the patios and enjoy the entertainment on the big screen. 
Click Here for full menu of specials
Thanks to our Westgate Bike Night Sponsors - GEICO Motorcycle Insurance, Arrowhead Harley-Davidson, Ridenow Metro Motorsports and New Sponsor Chuck Franklin Law.
Click Here for Photos From Last Week.
 
April 30th will feature motorcycle displays by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson, Ridenow Metro Motorsports, Matt Risley Innovations and Saxon Motorcycles. There will also be motorcycle programming and music on the Huge 30'x50' LED screen located in events plaza. 
What to do:
6:00 pm - 10pm: Displays of Custom Baggers and Bikes From Arrowhead Harley-Davidson.
Sport Bikes, Cruisers, Rhinos and Spyder From Ridenow Metro Motorsports.
Custom Baggers from Matt Risley Innovations
Custom Bikes from Saxon Motorcycles.
Come park on Coyote Blvd. and enjoy the music or eat at one of the restaurants.
7:00 pm - Live Music with Gal and 16 year old singing sensation Sara Robinson. Music and Videos all night.
Every Half Hour: Music and Performances by the 6 million dollar Dancing Fountains. 
 
The weather will be beautiful at night for the next several weeks. Take a ride to Westgate, located on the SE Corner of the Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. Enjoy this beautiful venue that is offering a night just for motorcyclists every Thursday for the next 5 weeks starting April 9th - May 14th. Get something to eat or drink on one of the many outdoor patios in events plaza, watch the video presentations or just join in the fun and view the display of bikes lined up on Coyote Blvd. in Westgate. ALL MOTORCYCLES WELCOME. Click Here for photos of Westgate. Westgate City Center is located at the SE Corner of the Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. Enter Coyote Blvd. from the West next to Jobing.com Arena. 

April 30th - May 2nd
Arizona HOG Rally. Join your fellow H.O.G. members for a third year in downtown Tucson to make great memories and share your passion for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Guided rides, Live Music, Parties every night, Large Vendor area, Bike Show. For more information www.azstatehogrally.com .
 
Saturday, May 2nd
Renegade Classics Anniversary Bash! Renegade Classics is the best motorcycle store in the Valley for finding all of your riding needs and those hard to find accessories all in one place. If you haven't checked out their huge selection of touring gear, travel bags, luggage, boots, helmets, glasses, jackets etc., Saturday, May 2nd from 11am - 3pm would be the time to do it. To celebrate their one year Anniversary, RENEGADE IS OFFERING A 25% STOREWIDE SALE! That's Right! Grab that touring bag or leather you have been wanting today. And while you are there, enjoy a FREE BBQ Lunch, Bikini Bike Wash with the Dirty Dogg Girls and a Bikini Contest sponsored by Beyond Bodyz. Renegade Classics is located at 3102 East Cactus Rd. in Phoenix, AZ. 602-595-9597.
 
Saturday, May 2nd and 3rd
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Tent Event. Join us on May 2nd & 3rd for our Huge Motorcycle Tent Event & Indoor Sidewalk Sale. Come see the huge selection of 2009 and pre-owned Harley-Davidsons at our Tent Event May 2nd & 3rd! Great selection of Pre-Owned and Rental Fleet Bikes. Free Hot Dogs, Money Machine, Raffles, Prizes, Bikini Bike Wash and More! Sign up for a chance to win a garage full of Toys! Want to know how well your bike is running??? Arrowhead HD is offering a FREE 4th Gear Dyno Pull. Event Times on Saturday are from 8am - 8pm. Sunday from 9am - 6pm. Arrowhead is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Drive, Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542.
 
Sunday, May 3rd
W. Steven Martin's Memorial Law Ride 2007. Salute the Men and Women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety by joining in the Police Memorial Law Ride. Proceeds benefit Police Week and Arizona Memorial Programs. The ride begins at Chandler Harley-Davidson, 5600 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler and ends in downtown Chandler. Check in from 9:00 to 11:00am at Chester's. $10 donation for each person gets you a poker card. Each additional card is $10. One additional card to improve your hand, $2. Donations to support Police Week, Family Services and Police Toy Drive. 
 
Sunday, May 3rd
Runnin for the Hounds. Poker Run to benefit the Phoenix Greyhound Rescue. The run starts at Against the Wind Leathers Phoenix located at 15005 N. Cave Creek Rd. 602-992-3438 for information. Registration from 9 a.m. till 11 a.m. Door Prizes, 50/50 raffle, Best Hand/Worst Hand Last bike in at 4 p.m. to Qualify for prizes Stop #4 at Galivan Peak will have a food special for all to enjoy. Last stop and party at the Steel Horse Saloon - 1818 W. Bell Road #100 with Whiskey Dogz as the entertainment. This is Approx. a 75 mile run.