See these? They're called motorcycles. Watch out for them (7 photos)

As motorcyclists hit the road again after a long winter, Gerry Rhodes says riders have plenty on their minds.

“My riding skills are rusty after a long off-season so I’m paying more attention to what I’m doing - the road conditions, the potholes, the sand, the debris from the winter that’s left on the roads,” said Rhodes, chairman of the Sault chapter of Bikers Rights Organization. “I have to pay a great deal of attention to that.”

One danger Rhodes wishes he didn’t have to worry about is other motorists.

“Other drivers have not seen motorcycles on the road for several months now and it’s like there’s a mental block, despite headlights on and the size of the vehicle,” he said.

BRO says between 25 and 45 percent of annual motorcycle collisions and fatalities in Ontario are no fault of the motorcyclist.

Rhodes and his fellow Bikers Rights members say the motorists at fault all too often offer the following excuse: ‘I didn’t see him.’

Which is why Rhodes and dozens of other bikers did what they have been doing for the last 31 years: Take to the streets of Sault Ste. Marie in unison to let the driving public know they’re around, and that drivers have no excuse not to be aware of them.

Dozens of bikers made their way through the city this morning  under police escort, following a memorial ceremony at Strathclair Field for those who have lost their lives on the road.

Participants in the Motorcycle Awareness and Memorial ride were to have made their way to Stobies Family Restaurant in Desbarats for a barbecue.

All proceeds from the ride go to The Animal Assistance Group.

(PHOTO: Motorcyclists ride along St. Mary's River Drive this morning as part of an annual awareness ride. Michael Purvis/SooToday)