JUNE 2019
916.962.2896 | TRAVISBLACKLAW.COM
THE BLUE KNIGHTS RIDE TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
THE ROAD TRIP OF A LIFETIME
I’m part of a motorcycle club called the Blue Knights, an international organization of active and retired police officers. It’s a huge organization with hundreds of members, and in Sacramento alone, we have around 88 members. About once every year, our group comes together to plan a motorcycle trip across the United States, and this year we are riding to Washington, D.C. One of the members, a good friend of mine, got six of us together to start planning our 7,500 mile trip to the capital and back. We planned our route around what we wanted to see and do and chose the best roads to get there. Soon we will hop on our bikes and head out. I’ve gone on many trips before this — in 2007, I took a solo trip and traveled across the U.S., and it was fantastic. But I think this trip into Washington, D.C. will be the road trip of a lifetime. We’ll be on the road for nine days, not stopping for anything but fuel, sleep, and food. Once we get there, we’re planning to “I’ve gone on many trips before this — in 2007, I took a solo trip and traveled across the U.S., and it was fantastic. But I think this trip into Washington, D.C. will be the road trip of a lifetime.”
stay in D.C. for around 12 days and explore the city as much as possible. We have planned out where we’re going to go and what we’ll see every day. The six of us also had to go through a series of screenings, including a background check, so we can tour the Pentagon, the White House, and the CIA and FBI offices. I’m thrilled for this chance to visit some of the most important buildings in the United States, but of the four, I’m most excited to visit the White House. I’m also looking forward to seeing many other memorials around the city. The six of us will see the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, as well as visit the Smithsonian. Because my brother was a Navy pilot and part of the Blue Angels,
I’m excited to check out the Smithsonian’s Blue Angels display. I think the memorial I’m most looking forward to is the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Since the six of us are members of the Blue Knights as retired police enforcement, taking the time to visit this place is very important to us. Even though I’ve been to many different states and cities, this will be the first time I’ve been to the country’s capital. I can’t say how excited I am for this whole experience. In fact, by the time this newsletter comes out, we’ll have already returned from this amazing road trip. I don’t think anything will compare.
-Travis Black
CALL NOW! 916.962.2896 • 1
Riding season is finally here! Around this time of year, we get the itch to ride and start thinking about taking our motorcycles out for the weekend. But, before the rubber hits the road, I want to suggest thinking about safety first. My office handles a lot of motorcycle accident cases; many of the injuries my clients received could have been less severe or even avoided entirely if they had heeded the suggestions below. INVEST IN A MOTORCYCLE WITHIN YOUR RIDING ABILITY When you first start riding, you’ll need a motorcycle that fits your needs and experience level. What’s your reason for riding? If you plan to commute to work, ride on the weekends, or race in a closed track, a big touring motorcycle may not meet your needs. INVEST IN ATGATT ATGATT stands for All The Gear, All The Time . As a new rider, ATGATT should be more than a catchy acronym; it needs to be your new mindset. Your gear won’t help you if you go down while it’s hanging in your closet at home! MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM INJURY On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in the nation opened to eager and brave participants at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. In the years since the first riders climbed aboard the Switchback Railway 135 years ago, roller coasters and the amusement parks that house them have changed dramatically. But the thrill that attracted all those first participants still remains. Celebrate the nation’s love of heart-stopping adventure by visiting an amusement park this summer. Follow these tips to make the most out of your trip. I’M LOST! Before you head out, review park maps and ride descriptions. Create a list of the attractions everyone in your group wants to see and plan out your route ahead of time. While some spontaneity can be fun — it’s a vacation, after all — the sheer size of many parks coupled with high anticipation can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared. Planning ahead will save you a few headaches and disappointed family members. HOLD ON TIGHT! PREPARE FOR FAMILY FUN AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK THIS SUMMER
PACK THE ESSENTIALS Find an over-the-shoulder bag or strap on a fanny pack to carry your cash, keys, snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses. You’re spending the whole day outside, so make sure you’re considering the weather when you head out and always slather on a generous amount of sunscreen. Lastly, wear comfortable walking shoes to prevent blisters and aching heels. You’ll have more fun if you know you’ll be prepared for anything. WATER COSTS HOW MUCH!? Amusement parks are expensive, and when you spend a whole day seeking thrills, you’re eventually going to need sustenance. Check the park’s rules before you leave, but most will allow your family to bring in a few snacks, like fruits or granola bars, and a reusable, empty water bottle. Many parks will have a drinking fountain near the entrance where you can fill up before exploring. If you plan to eat or drink at one of the establishments in the park, peruse the food options on the park’s website ahead of time to get an idea of what is available and how much money you should bring. Adventure awaits this summer! Don’t let a lack of preparedness keep you from enjoying a 135-year-old tradition.
2,089 motorcyclists lost their lives by not wearing a helmet. Buy the best one you can afford.
Jacket A good motorcycle jacket can offer safety far beyond regular clothing, providing superior protection from the environment and to your person in the event of a fall. Consider it the second most important piece of gear to wear on the road. Gloves Gloves are crucial for protecting your knuckles from pebbles, large bugs, or other debris from the road. Additionally, they provide sunburn and windburn protection, and the added material provides additional grip for safer riding.
Boots Proper motorcycle boots will offer protection, comfort, and excellent tread between you and the road surface.
Pants Motorcycle riding pants offer comfort and protection for your lower body, and they can fit over a regular set of pants or shorts.
TAKE A MOTORCYCLE COURSE When you first start riding, it can be overwhelming to master the controls and the flow of traffic. Rather than try to learn the basics on the fly, we suggest you take a riding course to help perfect your riding skills before you hit the open road. I’m a member of a motorcycle club, and we put on 2–3 motorcycle riding classes a year for our members. Even our most veteran riders benefit from safety riding courses; it’s amazing how much better you’ll ride when you routinely take these courses and practice what you’ve learned.
Helmet The helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment for riding a motorcycle. According to the NHTSA, in 2016,
2 • WWW.TRAVISBLACKLAW.COM • PROUDLY SERVING CALIFORNIA’S PEOPLE
ANCIENT INVENTIONS LOST TO THE AGES WE STILL DON’T KNOW HOW THEY WERE MADE Even as the modern world becomes more technologically advanced, we still haven’t been able to uncover all the secrets of some ancient civilizations. From waterproof fire to unbreakable steel, these carefully guarded inventions were taken to the grave and have never been recreated or rediscovered. Like the civilizations that birthed them, they have been lost in time. GREEK FIRE There’s a reason the Byzantine Empire ruled the land and sea in Eastern Europe for seven centuries. That reason was Greek fire, an incredibly flammable, petroleum-based substance that the Byzantines used to incinerate their enemies. It was unique from other incendiary materials because water purportedly did not put out the fire. Some even reported that water helped it spread. Its composition was carefully guarded by the Byzantines, and with the decline of their empire, the secret ingredients for Greek fire were lost. SAKSAYWAMAN BLOCKS On the other side of the world, the ancient Incans built an awe- inspiring citadel outside Cusco, the capital city of their empire. It was
called Saksaywaman, and it functioned as a fortress, temple, and storage depot. However, it is not the function of the citadel that is mysterious, but the architecture. The walls of Saksaywaman are made with large stones, some weighing 200 tons, that are cut so precisely that mortar was not necessary to hold them together. The technique the Incan stonemasons used to fit the variously shaped stones is still unknown, but its construction allowed the citadel to withstand earthquakes for centuries. Middle East. It was said that their blades could cut through a feather midair and that they were stronger than any other metal. “Damascus steel” was named for Damascus, Syria, the city where the steel was supposedly created. However, the secret to creating the blades was in the steel ingots from India used to make them, called Wootz steel. The technique for creating Damascus steel was lost in the 18th century, and though many have tried, no one has been able to replicate Wootz or Damascus steel. DAMASCUS STEEL In 500 A.D., superior swords and knives began to appear in the
INSPIRED BY NATURE
ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH TOASTED HAZELNUTS
INGREDIENTS • 3 small zucchini (3/4 lb.) • 1/2 tsp lemon zest, grated • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped • Mint leaves, for garnish • Parmesan cheese,
preferably Parmigiano- Reggiano, for garnish
DIRECTIONS 1. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into extremely thin, wide ribbons. 2. Arrange zucchini ribbons on a plate, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with juice. 3. Drizzle oil over zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss. 4. Scatter hazelnuts over the top, garnish with mint and cheese, and serve.
CALL NOW! 916.962.2896 • 3
Inspired by Food & Wine magazine
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1839 Iron Point Rd. #160 Folsom, CA 95630 Phone: 916.962.2896 travisblacklaw.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 7,500 Mile Trek Cross-Country PAGE 1 Amusement Park Trip Tips PAGE 2 Be Safe Out on the Road PAGE 2 3 Ancient Inventions That Puzzle Historians PAGE 3 Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts PAGE 3 Local Events PAGE 4
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
AND HAVE A FANTASTIC SUMMER!
HISTORIC FOLSOM TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES WHERE: Folsom Historic District Amphitheater WHEN: Every Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ADMISSION: Free! WEBSITE: www.HistoricFolsom.org/ events-schedule Get ready to have an exciting evening of dancing and fun in Folsom’s Historic District every Thursday! You can enjoy the sound of regional bands as they serenade the crowd with their lively tunes. Attendees who haven’t had a chance to eat yet are welcomed to bring a picnic to share with family and friends. Be sure to bring your low beach chairs or blankets to rest on while you sit back and watch the concert.
SATURDAY FARMERS MARKET WHERE: Folsom Historic District Plaza WHEN: Every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. ADMISSION: Free! WEBSITE: www.HistoricFolsom.org/ farmers-market Why not get an early start to your weekend by attending your local farmers market? You can explore the District’s plaza, which will have over 40 vendors offering trinkets, fresh local produce, and mouth-watering baked goods. While browsing their wares, guests can listen to live music and mingle with other early risers. Grab a few friends or take your whole family to enjoy the morning at your local farmers market!
ARTWALK WHERE: Baygreens Salad & More WHEN: Daily ADMISSION: Check website for details WEBSITE: www.BaygreenSalad.com Eager to engage in local healthy eating and art? Now you can at Baygreens Salad & More! Health-conscious eaters can sit at ease in this local restaurant, enjoying a nutrient-filled meal while examining an aspiring Bay Area artist. Art will be displayed around the restaurant where diners can read more about the artist, learn about their upcoming shows, or purchase an art piece. Visit Baygreens Salad & More to view their full menu.
4 • WWW.TRAVISBLACKLAW.COM • PROUDLY SERVING CALIFORNIA’S PEOPLE
MY PERSONAL PROMISE TO YOU
As a valued client, I want you to be 100% SATISFIED with your decision to hire me as your lawyer. You should know within 90 days whether or not I am the right lawyer for you. So I offer you a RISK-FREE PROMISE, NO-QUESTIONS-ASKED GUARANTEE!
If you are NOT 100% SATISFIED with my services, you can fire me and NOT OWE ME ONE PENNY!
CALL NOW! 916.962.2896 -Travis Black
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5Made with FlippingBook HTML5