Riding a Waverunner in the Chesapeake Bay—Here’s How to Avoid a Ticket

Given that summer is the time for watersports, I just wrote a post about waverunners. Definitely check it out to see the hottest new Yamaha VX Series, and, of course, stop by Pete’s Cycles to see the other models we carry.

For all those with jet skis, there’s a good chance you will be riding on the Chesapeake Bay this summer, if not riding on it exclusively. People are always wondering what the rules and regulations are for riding on the Bay. Well, here you go. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Personal Watercraft Safety (PWC) Regulations are:

YOU MUST...

·         Be at least 16 years of age to operate.

·         Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.

·         Carry a certificate of boater safety education if born on or after July 1, 1972.

·         Maintain 6 knots or slower within 100 feet of another PWC, vessel, shore, pier, piling, bridge structure, abutment or people in the water

·         Have PWC equipped with an operating self-circling device or kill switch.

YOU MAY NOT...

·         Operate above idle speed in water less than 18 inches in depth

·         Operate between sunset and sunrise.

·         Jump, or attempt jumping, the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of that vessel.

·         Operate within 300 feet of people in the water or surf fishing activities in the Atlantic Ocean.

·         Disturb waterfowl and wildlife.

·         Operate in a reckless and/or negligent manner.

Also, the Department of Natural Resources states that, “In Maryland, all registered PWC must display a Maryland PWC Regulations Sticker on their craft. An individual may not operate or give permission to operate a PWC unless this sticker, approved by the Natural Resources Police, is attached properly.”

Visit the page here to learn more. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/safety/pwc.asp

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Pete’s Cycles of Maryland Set to Carry the New 2014 Yamaha VX Series Waverunners

Pete’s Cycle is proud to announce that they will be carrying the all-new 2014 Yamaha VX Series Waverunners. According to Yamaha, it is their “most affordable, high-performance watercraft today.”

“These are some excellent machines, and really show why Yamaha is a top producer of waverunners,” says John Leach of Pete’s Cycles of Maryland, a top seller of motorcyles, atvs and waverunners. “Yamaha has been making quality machines for decades, and the VX Series merely continues their tradition of matching high-performing machines with reasonable prices.”

While summer is the time for scenic motorcycle cruises through the mountains and valleys, it is also the time for water sport as well. Whether you are on the bay or on the ocean, a waverunner is without question the most fun way of getting around on the water. Even more, waverunners are strong enough to pull water skiers behind them, which makes them perfect for anyone with a home on the water.

Pete’s Cycles will be selling all three models, the VX Cruiser, Deluxe and Sport. Let’s start with the Cruiser. Seating one to three persons, it has an 18.5 fuel capacity and its engine is a 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 1.8 L High Output Yamaha Marine Engine. It can come in Black Metallic or Crimson Red Metallic. Yamaha has also gone to great lengths to make the machine lighter, hence their introduction of NanoXcel, which has allowed them to drop the weight of the machine significantly from previous years.  

But what about its ride? According to BoatTest, “The ride of the VX Cruiser is smooth and controlled with plenty of kick off the line. Turns are precise and forgiving. For that reason it's hard to get in trouble. The hull throws the spray low and out to the sides, even in wind. At speed the ride is firm and not loose in any way.” See also Boating Magazine’s video review here.

Pete’s Cycle will also be carrying the Sport and Deluxe versions as well. Pete’s Cycle has three locations—Baltimore, Bel Air and Severna Park—and welcomes you to stop by and see the 2014 Yamaha VX Series.

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Maryland ATV Trail Updates

While Maryland does have some good off-road trails for cycles and atvs, they are not plentiful. This means that it is important to know where the good ones are, and how to go about finding them. That said, this is the first of two posts that will help you locate the best trails in the region.

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the following trails in Western Maryland are open for ORVs. There’s a ton of excellent camping in the region, and it makes a great weekend, especially before the summer heat. Although it does stay a bit cooler in the mountains in the summer. And of course, stop by Pete’s Cycle to pick up the latest gear.

Snaggy Mt. Road and ORV Trail 
Potomac-Garrett State Forest1431 Potomac Camp RoadOakland MD301-334-2038

This includes the following trails:

·         Snaggy Mountain ORV Trail

·         Piney Mountain ORV Trail

Potomac State Forest ORV Trails 

Potomac-Garrett State Forest

1431 Potomac Camp Road

Oakland MD

301-334-2038

 This includes the following trails:

·         Wallman/Laurel Run ORV Trail

·         Wallman Road ORV Trail

·         Backbone Mountain/Burkholder Road ORV Trail:

Savage River State Forest

127 Headquarters Lane

Grantsville, MD 21536

301-895-5759

 This includes the following trails:

·         Meadow Mountain Trail

·         Margraff Plantation Trail

Also, the state has permanently closed three of the State’s off-road vehicle trails; the Green Ridge Trail at Green Ridge State Forest, Chandler Trail at Pocomoke State Forest, and Poplar Lick Trail at Savage River State Forest. Click here for more information, such as maps and more trail details.

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Come and Take the 2014 Triumph Thunderbolt Lt for a Spin, from Now till June 5th

Where else but Pete’s Cycles can you take a free ride on a brand new 2014 Triumph Thunderbolt Lt? This bike is made for cruising, and we dare you to take it for a spin. Our guess is that you will want to take it home. Yes, from now till June 5^th you can take it for a demo cruise at our Baltimore location only (7511 Belair Rd.).

So, what makes the Triumph Thunderbolt Lt so special? Just about everything. In addition to the latest theft protection (a data chip in the key that makes it impossible to copy), the Thunderbird’s engine is a liquid cooled, six-speed 1597cc parallel twin. The bike is heavy and sturdy, with that in-control feel that all cruisers aim for.

About its style, their website says it best when they write, “We made sure that the Thunderbird's authentic classic style lives on. With a long, low stance, fat rear tyre, teardrop tank and high bars. By keeping it pure, uncluttered, clean and elegant, with plenty of chrome, it still looks exactly how a cruiser should look.”

As a cruiser, it is gas friendly too. The bike has a 22 litre tank, and at an average speek of 56 mph it will give you 67 miles per gallon.

Give us a call (410-663-8556) or stop by Pete's Cycle to learn more about the bike.

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