From the
Executive Director
From the |
|
February 28, 2008
Every story has a beginning, middle, and an end. I didn’t think the end would come so soon for me, but sure enough here it is. I’ve accepted a job that requires permanent relocation, so I must resign as Executive Director.
Though I won’t be around anymore, I hope my message sticks. So as a parting gift, here are some pearls of wisdom I’ve learned along the way...
• There is only one helmet statistic that matters: 51 Delegates, 21 Senators, and 1 Governor. Get that, and all other debates become meaningless.
• Helmet laws only come from the state capitol, and that’s the only place they’ll go away.
• Get ABATE allies elected, and helmet law reform becomes inevitable. The better we get at doing this, the sooner we’ll be free to choose.
• Campaign work is the most effective and direct way to beat the helmet law. Nothing else even comes close.
• Safety bureaucrats and insurance parasites don’t do campaign work. And the only way they can beat us is when we don’t do campaign work either.
• Recruit new members that are already convinced on the helmet issue, and willing to do something about it. Debating with fence-sitters and motivating do-nothings is a waste of time.
• Don’t criticize volunteers unless you’re volunteering to do the job yourself. Instead ask them how you can help.
• Don’t depend on undependable people.
• Mean people suck. Don’t be one of them.
Many thanks to all the ABATE members who’ve kept the candle burning. When Virginia is again a free state, it will be because of you.
From the |
 |
December 14, 2007
Make your plans now to be in Richmond for our annual Lobby Day. On Sunday VCOM representatives will help prepare everyone to speak to our delegates and senators about pending motorcycle legislation.
We need to have as many enthusisats present as possible. If you've never been before, dont' worry - there are plenty of lobby veterans who are glad to work with newcomers. On Monday morning we head to the Capitol and split into groups to meet with our legislatures and explain which proposals we are in favor of and which bills we are against. It's a terrific oppourtunity that every American should experience. Remember we are Of the people..by the people... for the people!
January 20 & 21, 2008
CAPITOL OF RICHMOND
Sunday, January 20 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, there will be a Legislative Briefing, and Lobby Training Session.
Sunday evening 7:00 til we will have a BBQ Social (details TBA).
Monday, January 21, 8:00 AM SHARP we roll to the Virginia Capitol to meet with our elected representatives followed by FREE LUNCH compliments of Tom McGrath.
Host Hotel: Holiday Inn Crossroads
2000 Staples Mill Rd, Richmond, VA 23230
http://holidayinn.com/ric-westend
For Room Reservations Call (804) 359-6061 and ask for the "VCOM rate."
For other info call VCOM at (800) 437-9434
From the |
 |
|
 |
January BoD meetings start upon the conclusion of Lobby Day training.
Due to BoD adoption on Nov 18, 2007 of the current By-Laws, all former sitting Chapter Coordinators are now Chapter Directors, and are therefore also members of the Board of Directors. Chapter Directors who can't attend this meeting are urged to provide representatives by proxy.
The Board of Directors normally meets 11am the 3rd Sunday of every odd-numbered month at the Best Western Hunt Ridge at 25 Willow Springs Rd, Lexington, VA. (Location subject to change.) Open to all members.
If you have agenda items, please send them to your Chapter Director, or send them directly to the Sharon Keaton, State Secretary, at CulpeperSharon@gmail.com.
|
 |
February 28, 2008
Well, the primaries are over, hope everyone had a chance to get out and vote! The weather wasn’t very nice up here, but I hade it. And we may not have had a good session so far in the VA Congress, but keep on working; someday we’ll beat this helmet thing!
Since Zen has taken a job in sunny California, Sharon Keaton has graciously stepped up to the plate to take over until a new Director is found. Thank you Sharon!
Chapter reports ... there are some chapters who consistently "forget" to send in their reports for the newsletter. This does not reflect very well on your jobs. Just send a note telling us what’s going on with your chapter. Are you having meetings? What do you discuss? Are there any swap meets/runs/ activities in your area? Tell us about them! How does your membership know what’s going on if you don’t step up to the plate and tell them? You were voted in as Director – please do your job.
Newsletter Editor
|
 |
December 14, 2007
We’ve updated the membership list. This newsletter is going out to everyone on the current list dating back to January 2007. Your expiration date is on the label on your newsletter. If you are an expired member, this will be your last newsletter. Please send your completed membership application to the address on the back of this newsletter to continue to receive Free Wheeling and keep in touch with the motorcycling community.
Membership Info:
|
 |
December 16, 2007
For the first time in my memory we are the only State Motorcyclist Rights Organization in Virginia that is submitting a bill to amend the helmet law. This is fitting and proper since ABATE was formed primarily for this purpose.
We began working on this year’s initiative back in the spring of 2007, and in July the membership, through the Board of Directors (BOD), voted unanimously to approve a proposed ABATE bill. Other than very minor edits suggested by our House patron, the final bill is unchanged. We had planned this bill to be a companion to whatever other “repeal” bills were submitted, but no others have been put forward so here we are riding on the front seat.
Even before the ABATE BOD had approved the proposed bill we had set to work. We contacted sitting legislators and candidates and developed a strategic plan. Our field work started in April, included the June primary elections, and ended when the polls closed on general-election day in November. ABATE members put up thousands of campaign signs, worked phone banks, distributed literature and worked the polls. Our friends and supporters spread the word that we were there to assist others who were with us and several additional candidates contacted us for help. We even got a call from a candidate for the United States House of Representatives.
After all of the dust settled, four of the most adamant opponents of our personal freedom were gone and we had a very influential new friend in the Virginia Senate. We also made allies of some helpful and interested non-political people who may figure very prominently in this years vote and in the years to come. Once again it has been shown how effective a small but dedicated group can be. We believe that the ABATE bill has a greater chance of passage than any submitted in the last 10 years. Its success will only depend on the coming together of all Virginia motorcyclists. After all is said and done, the political landscape will be clear for the future.
Last month, ABATE met in Manassas with Jim Cannon and Matt Danielson of the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists (VCOM) to go over plans for the upcoming legislative session. VCOM plans to introduce a bill to make a $25 fine the only penalty for riding without a helmet (the same as that for not wearing a seat belt). VCOM is taking the lead on this bill and will have talking points ready for all on Lobby Day. This came close to passage last year and with 3 of the “no voters” gone through electoral defeat we put its chances of success at “high.” ABATE strongly supports this bill.
See you all on Lobby Day and hang onto your dew rags folks - you might just need them next summer!
|
 |
December 16, 2007
Hopefully everyone is enjoying the holiday season. This is a time for friends and family, which is probably a good idea ... given how hard many of you worked during the 2007 campaign season. Tend the home fires now, and keep them warm and bright.
I've recently updated the Take Action page at www.ABATEofVA.com. Gone are the meet-up dates/locations for campaign work. Instead we have a short list of "Take Action" tasks.
Some of the Take Action tasks are for anyone … whether a member or not. These are for anyone and everyone who wants to make a difference by doing something productive today.
I've made it a top priority to keep our website contact list totally up-to-date, and for good reason. If there's every any doubt, you can always count on our website being correct. So let me know if you see anything out of whack, and I'll fix the problem asap. (This includes any cancelled chapter meetings due to the holidays, too!)
Webmaster,
ABATEofVA.com
ABATEofVA@gmail.com
|
 |
| Director: Wayne Stephens, 540-937-5568, ABATE@earthlink.net. 7pm every 2nd & 4th Thu at Al's Garage, 15315 Gibson Mill Rd, Culpeper VA 22701. |
|
December 14, 2007
Here in Culpeper, we’ve been staying busy. Legislatively, our district is sewed up with Delegate Scott and Senator Houck on our side. We’ve been watching neighboring races and helping the Northern Virginia activists with a few campaigns. Get out there and work the polls if you can!
Wayne Stephens, our fearless leader, suffered a knee injury after a tree branch fell directly in front of the path of his motorcycle a few weeks ago. Wayne rides his bike to work pretty much every day and his commute includes some scenic back roads. The sound of the crack before the branch fell didn’t allow time to stop. Luckily he laid his Suzuki duel-sport down gently enough to only sustain a knee injury, no broken bones this time. After recovering from infection, he’s healing well and we’re thankful that he’ll be back up on two wheels again soon.
Our horseshoe tournament went well and there was a good turnout, despite changing locations again. The Sons of the Culpeper American Legion were an easy group of guys to work with; it was a pleasure to be their guests. I’d like to thank the many chapter members who helped us get the pits in order and worked the event as well. A special thanks to our scorekeeper, Tim Dalman – he had the toughest task in keeping track of the competitions and he did a great job.
This unusual fall weather has given our chapter the opportunity to ride together nearly every weekend. Let’s see, we rode to Quantico Marine Base to see the stone marker in place for our brother Jim Orange, we’ve had two rides to Mountain Hog and scenic Charleston, West Virginia, and last weekend we got together to ride for Keith of Madison Motorcycle and Repair Shop’s poker run. Tomorrow a good number of us will get out and ride together too.
On the calendar for us next will be the Dalman’s annual Halloween party October 27th, and our 6th annual (I think) birthday bowling trip set for November 10th. Tim and Theresa Dalman throw a howlin’ bash at their Brandy Station home on Halloween – the costume and pumpkin carving contest net great prizes and the treats and eats can’t be beat! The bowling party in celebration of Joe Cejka’s birthday is always a blast. When you get 20 to 25 competitive bikers together trying to bowl, you know it’s a good time!
May I take this opportunity to welcome some new members to our chapter – Dan Call, Preston Carter, Steve Dilbeck and Dave Harting. And it’s always a re-confirmation of my faith in our cause (ride free) to enjoy the company of our long-time members who faithfully show up to chapter meetings and support our events. Let’s keep the ball rolling, together we can make a difference.
Chapter Treasurer
|
 |
| Director: Steve Stacy, 276-935-2484, sstacy@eqt.com. 3rd Sat at 7 at the Little Big Horn Steak House, Deel Fork, Grundy, VA. |
|
|
 |
| Director: Gene Spare, 757-903-6541, jespare@verizon.net. 1st Sun at 9am at Moose Lodge 757, 5429 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA. |
|
|
 |
| Director: Tony Tronco, 434-993-3197, EvoTronco1@wmconnect.com. 1st Tue at 7 at Mary Jane's Café, 826 Kemper St, Lynchburg, VA. |
|
December 14, 2007
First of all, we want to thank everyone who continues to support ABATE in and around Lynchburg. We held our elections. Tony Tronco is Chapter Coordinator, and Jeff Martin is Assistant Coordinator. Donut Dunaway is elected to be Sergeant-at-Arms, Brian crews is Chapter Treasurer, and Marlene Diaz is Chapter Secretary.
For now we're working hard on the elections to support Delegate Watkins Abbitt, who's always been there to defend our rights in Richmond . Last weekend at the fundraiser for Danny Scott, we put out 150 flyers, distributed stickers, and put pamphlets on bikes. Will also be helping at the polls on Election Day, helping to hand out pamphlets and stickers to voters.
Don't forget about our Christmas party on December 15 at Marilyn's Hot Rod Café. We've got the whole basement to ourselves. And that means everyone in IHC and ABATE is welcome to attend. This is going to be a great year, with more to news to come next issue.
I hope everyone got out there and voted!
Chapter Director
|
 |
| Director: Shag Meade, 276-565-4541, ShageDawg@hotmail.com.
1st Tue at 6:30 at Mosby's Restaurant, 205 Ridgeview Rd, Wise, VA. |
|
December 14, 2007
Hello from the "Trail of the Lonesome Pine"
I hope everyone has had much FUN this summer and ridden many trouble free miles.
If you haven`t heard by now the Lonesome Pine is celebrating it`s 10th year as a Chapter and to that end we finally got around to celebrating it Oct.6th at Harley Dave`s place.
Lobby Day is coming......MAKE PLANS.
I hope we got many Biker Friendly Legislators this election.
I sincerely hope you voted.........NO EXCUSES.
This is just a short test report to see if it gets printed, and if it does THANK YOU to everyone that pulled it off.
Shag....
.....Breakin` out the Cold Gear on the "Trail of the Lonesome Pine."
|
 |
| Director: Bob Seoane, 703-206-0571 or 703-309-6605, NightTommy2@yahoo.com.
2nd & 4th Tue at 8, John's Place, 11104 Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA. |
|
December 14, 2007
Hello Folks
It’s been awhile, but then again, it’s been a quiet summer. It has also been an absolute crack head experience dealing with my local dealership for the last 5 months. They would rather throw parts at the problem instead of fixing the problem. But that’s just Harley for yah. Ended up going out of state to get it fixed. Haven’t a clue as to why my local shop is rated number 1 in customer service.
Our Steak Run back in June was a success, you all missed a good one. But a sad note, that was our last time at Sharon and Andy’s place. I wish to thank them for all the years that they were gracious enough to allow us there. Next year we will have the run, just a little farther down the road towards Culpeper at Gary and Maryann’s place. See you then.
This newsletter may come out in time for me to let you know, YOU’VE got to vote!! If you did, then good for you. If not, then don’t complain to the management. Up in Fairfax, we are helping with Chap Peterson’s election, pounding signs and other general help. He has always been a friend to bikers. He’s running against Davis who always shows up at the last second to vote down our proposals. Go Chap.
My last item is a pretty sad one. Two friends of mine were going to Myrtle Beach this fall, but didn’t make it. Riding in tandem on Rte 509, Brad was hit by a pick-up pulling a golf cart. He died instantly. His riding buddy and girl friend, Nancy, stopped and ran to help him. She was hit by another car and died later the next morning. Nancy was cremated and her ashes were spread along side of her father in their flower garden in the back yard. I will miss her. Brad was former Special Forces in Vietnam and also, lately, a Patriot Guard Captain. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on January 11, with full military honors. I will guarantee you, that if there is no ice on the roads, you will see hundreds of bikes there for Brad. I will miss him also.
Be Cool and Cruise Safe,
Chapter Director
|
 |
| Director: Tank Fortner, 703-309-7197, KeviRF80@aol.com.
1st Mon at 8 at JV's Restaurant, 6666 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA. |
|
December 14, 2007
The Old Dominion chapter has been busy. In conjunction with the Mason-Dixon chapter, and volunteers from the local motorcycle community, they were able to spend a few hours over a few weekends putting up campaign posters for “Chap” Peterson. He is a candidate for the Virginia Senate in the 34th district, and should be a great ally for us once elected.
Since I have been handed the reigns, so to speak, for the Old Dominion chapter I am trying to increase our membership. There are a lot of riders in this area, and I hope to bring in some new members that will add to our numbers, and our clout. I have some big shoes to fill. Thanks to Nick Mursin, my predecessor, and everyone in the chapter for all of the efforts that they are putting forth.
Chapter Director
|
 |
| Director: Steve Skeens, 804-743-2038, Hawgske@msn.com.
3rd Sun at 5 at Talon's Restaurant, 11800 Hull Street Road (Rt.360), Midlothian VA. |
|
December 14, 2007
Good Job
I’m glad to see the Freewheeling up and going again. Kudos to everyone involved. I’m not sure how many members take the time to read it, but I think it’s an important tool for spreading the word about what we’re trying to accomplish.
Since this will be the last issue of ‘07 I’ll go over what River City has been up to.
The First Aid Program in the Spring was a success. We had over 150 bikers attend and most agreed they learned some valuable lessons. Our committee, Scott, Jolie and Tammy did a fantastic job of getting everything organized. We sold most of the remaining first aid kits, maybe a dozen left. If anyone wants one you better call me before the end of the year.
We attempted a ‘Toll Booth Ride’ in September to showcase the hazard to motorcycles. Unfortunately, of the 130+ people who agreed to attend, only 13 bothered to show up. The other 100+ just felt it necessary to give me sorry excuses for not keeping their word and then ask me moronic questions about the ride. My standard answer was, and will continue to be, No Comment!
The 6th Occasional Chili Cookoff was our largest ever, thanks to Outkasst Cycles. Our 4 judges, Senator Steve Martin, Zen, Richmond HOG Road Captain Todd Koch, and South Richmond HOG Road Captain Gus Guzman spent nearly two hours carefully tasting all 15 chilis before choosing the winners. Thanks for a job well done gentlemen.
Delegate Bill Janis’ Birthday Party went very well. Thanks to all the volunteers that showed up and impressed the many delegates and senators (and Attorney General) with bikers’ ability to get things done. Several said they’ll be calling in the future.
I’ll end this report by announcing my retirement as Coordinator of River City ABATE. I’ve had this job over 5 years now and it’s time to let some new ideas lead. My last day will be Lobby Day, Jan. 21, unless someone wants to take over before then. At this writing only two people have shown interest. Both are intelligent, friendly, strong young ladies that I think will do a great job for ABATE.
I’ll do what I can to help out who ever takes over, but Tammy and I want to travel more and running this organization sometimes feels like a full time job. Just fending off all the ‘members’ and representatives of various charities who think that donating our hard earned treasury would be a “great way to give back to the community” has sent my aspirin bill through the roof. We are trying to give back to the community you pests, we’re giving them FREEDOM!
Freedom Ain’t Free,
Chapter Director
|
 |
| Director: Donald Cournoyer, 757-723-2019, RDevilsDlite@verizon.net.
1pm every 1st and 3rd Sunday at Moose Lodge # 1119, 2307 60th St, Hampton VA 23661. |
|
As the cold weather becomes a daily occurrence and the mornings get frosty, it's again time to winterize. No, I'm not talking about your motorcycle - because you're already on top of that, right? Right now I'm talking about winterizing ABATE.
For most riders, winter simply means that the riding season is over. Time to change the oil, put fresh gas in the tank, and take care of all those little projects that accumulated while riding was top priority. And for year-round riders, it means checking tire pressure, chains, belts, and cold-weather riding gear.
But ABATE needs winterizing, too. Virginia delegates gather in Richmond during the coldest time of the year, and the regular session of the General Assembly lasts only a couple of months. This means we have work to do, regardless of whether our bikes are in the garage or out in the back yard sprouting icicles. Sure it's cold - about as cold as the hearts of people who want to keep bikers down. I guarantee you, they'll be in Richmond.
VCOM is sponsoring Lobby Day again, which includes a training session on Sunday, January 14, and a trip to the State Capitol on the following Monday morning. All the hot scoop is on the ABATE Events Calendar, of course. And speaking of hot scoops, ABATE River City chapter is putting on a chili cook-off on the preceding Saturday - call Steve for details at 804-743-2038 or 804-389-8293.
How do we prepare for Lobby Day? If you haven't already, put in for time off from work on Monday, January 15. This isn't just any day – it's the most important single day of the year for every biker in Virginia. And it's more important than all our poker runs and cook-outs combined. Because this is the one day we meet our delegates, share our wisdom, discuss our issues, and show our strength. If you only make it to one event next year, make it Lobby Day 2007.
We all joined ABATE for a variety of reasons. But all these reasons have one thing in common. When we stand together and speak with a unified voice, we have more power than the thousands who sit still and remain silent. And just like on the highway, bikers should be seen and heard. With leadership from VCOM, and solidarity with our fellow SMROs, we'll have some seasoned veterans there. But we need more than just them – we need you as well.
This will only be my fourth trip to the Capitol, but it's my top priority for 2007. If biker's rights are important to you, I'll see you there, too.
Members of the Culpeper Chapter suffered a devastating loss in the untimely death of our brother, Jim Orange. Jim’s life ended on September 20, 2006, while doing what he loved – riding his new Ultraglide when a deer caused him to crash.
Jim was an old-school biker who loved the blues, a Viet Nam Vet, formerly a Marine and then a member of the National Guard. The week before Jim’s fatal accident, he had time off from work to take – use it or lose it from the Culpeper Post Office where he was the building manager. He had ridden many miles with a number of his friends in those days previous to the accident.
He was a past chapter coordinator and Board Rep, he attended many lobby days and HLRC meetings. He was a dependable member of our chapter and his friendship was cherished by us all. He loved to ride and believed in our fight for freedom.
For the past 10 years there weren’t many events our chapter pulled off without his help.
So many of the successful activities we’ve enjoyed over the years -poker runs, bike shows and rodeo games, every Steak Run, many horseshoe tournaments and so many adventures with our old school bus. Trips on the Magic Bus trips just won’t be the same without his help and his company.
Andy and I were fortunate in that Jim lived close by our Amissville home and he spent a lot of time here with us. Now there is just Andy and Caleb and me, cooking big meals was so much more fun when Jim could join us. We won’t sing out the announcement “Jim’s here!!” any more. He came by for darts on Friday nights, many Nascar races and football games on Sundays and often just stopped by after a ride to tell us what he’d been up to. Jim was always ready to go for a ride.
When I think of Jim, I see his smile and I hear his laughter. May you ride free my brother, now in peace on that great highway in the sky.
I’d like to thank everyone for the great time Bernie and I had at the ABATE Rally/Rodeo in mid July. As always, the First Capitol Chapter put on a fine event and it was wonderful to spend time with our brothers and sisters of ABATE.
This year the various SMROs of Virginia have come together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that impresses me more than I can say. I don’t mean to imply we have not gotten along and worked together in the past, but I do feel that things are different this year. I really must give credit where credit is due, and I attribute much of this to Steve Stacy and his leadership. Steve comes to the table with years of experience as a bikers’ rights advocate and he demonstrates that most excellently in his understanding that we will accomplish more if we actively join forces across the Commonwealth. As an ABATE member, I respect that greatly. As an officer of the VFR, I appreciate that immensely.
I look forward to continuing to work for our rights and freedoms in Virginia as a member of every SMRO we have in this great state. Each organization brings something to the table. While the structure of these organizations varies, the goals, heart, and passion of them does not. We are brothers and sisters bonded together in the love of our lifestyle, our state, and our country. We stand shoulder to shoulder to protect these things that we love, and restore the liberties that have been taken from us. I am proud to stand with each and every one of you.
Yours in Liberty,
Virginia Freedom Riders - Legislative Officer
[For more info on VFR, please visit www.VFR-RACE.com. -Zen]
January 20 & 21, 2008
CAPITAL OF RICHMOND
Sunday, January 20 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, there will be a Legislative Briefing, and Lobby Training Session.
Sunday evening 7:00 til we will have a BBQ Social (details TBA).
Monday, January 21, 8:00 AM SHARP we roll to the Virginia Capitol to meet with our elected representatives followed by FREE LUNCH compliments of Tom McGrath.
Host Hotel: Holiday Inn Crossroads
2000 Staples Mill Rd, Richmond, VA 23230
http://holidayinn.com/ric-westend
For Room Reservations Call (804) 359-6061 and ask for the "VCOM rate"
For other info call VCOM at (800) 437-9434 or visit VCOMonline.org for more information
We have had maybe the most exciting election I have experienced in my lifetime for this midterm episode. The American public for once exercised freedom of choice this year, loud and clear. We are sick and tired of non-performance by our elected officials in the Congress and House of Representatives, regardless of the party. Now, let’s see what takes place. It’s high time in my mind that our elected representatives do the job they were hired to do. GET THE JOB DONE or we will speak again.
Joe Laurance, recent ABATE of Oregon State Coordinator, was elected as a Douglas County Commissioner. Joe won with 53% of the vote against a well-known local businessman. In a phone conversation with Joe, he credited Oregon’s ABATE and BikePAC for teaching him the skills and giving him the desire to serve in an elected government office. Just goes to show, when you volunteer to work for organizations on issues close to your heart, like bikers rights, something good comes back to you!
Joe was our ABATE State Coordinator for two years. He also traveled to Washington DC to lobby on behalf of Oregon during the formation of the current highway funding statute. Joe has gone to MRF conferences and NCOM conferences, and proudly labels himself a biker as well as commissioner-elect. Joe will continue to work for motorcyclists’ interests not only in Douglas County, but also at the State and Federal levels.
Your Gunny, and AIM Attorney Sam Hochberg, both want to congratulate Joe in his win. This is another milestone in our quest for motorcyclists in elected positions in our state and federal levels. Good luck Joe, you have a host of folks applauding your success.
Motorists are more likely to be at fault in accidents with bikers, according to the SC Dept of Public Safety, in findings released in September examining a rise in motorcycle fatalities that show MORE deaths among men over 35 years old. They found that the average age of a motorcycle fatality victim, during the time period studied, was 41 years old. The SCDPS formed a task force to examine the facts behind each motorcycle fatality investigated by the Highway Patrol in 2005 and the first half of 2006. The committee analyzed 114 motorcycle fatalities. Of the number studied, they found that 103 (90 percent) of those killed were men; 75 (66 percent) were over the age of 35; 73 (64 percent) were not wearing helmets; 61 (54 percent) involved speeding. The SCDPS attributes the rise in motorcycle fatalities to the fact that men over 35 years old are increasingly buying high-end, luxury cruiser motorcycles but failing, in many cases, to get the necessary training or licensing to ride such a motorcycle. And hasn’t the motorcycle community been preaching that for years?
"Between 1990 and 2003, motorcycle ownership rates among baby boomers increased 44 percent," according to the SCDPS report. "Middle-aged consumers are responsible for the fastest growing segment of motorcycle registrations.” In South Carolina, registrations have risen from 56,000 in 2001 to 85,000 in 2005, a 65% increase in riders and not all of them are over 35. Rider training needs to be in the forefront of the public’s eye. Otherwise, we will continue to lose people who are ill equipped to handle their bikes, and to deal with traffic. The only way to make roads safer is for people to be more attentive and observant and realize that they're not the only ones out there. That includes those folks driving cages.
The towns of Carefree and Cave Creek are posting signs asking bikers to throttle down, in an effort to hold down the noise. Some see this as a joke, and others say MAYBE it will work. The point I see, is Joe Citizen is starting to make a lot of noise about noise. We want the communities we ride in to let us be and let us ride our bikes, but on some level we have to take their feelings into the equation. Maybe we could take it a little easier on the noise by not revving our engines just for the hell of it. Most factory mufflers are pretty quiet and straight pipes don’t give us that much more power if ya really take a good look at it.
Stats suggest that their helmet law here is saving lives. They say the 74 people killed in motorcycle wrecks last year indicates a 7.4 per cent drop in deaths from 80 the year before. Now, we all KNOW stats can be manipulated. Overall highway deaths from drunk driving fell 42%. Personally, I think the drop in Louisiana’s POPULATION from the hurricanes and flooding has had more to do with the drop in accidents and fatalities than helmet laws.
In October, the motorcycle community lost one of the finest people this Gunny has ever known and had the privilege of calling my personal friend, Karen Bolin. As many of you already know, Karen lost her fight with cancer. She served for many years as president of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and she was also one of the best lobbyists for bikers rights that the State of Washington has ever known. She also served as secretary for the NCOM Legislative Task Force. Her many accomplishments in the interest of the motorcycle community are countless. Our welfare was her life. She was a Legislative Warrior who has left huge footprints for us to fill. She will be sorely missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, especially her husband John.
Avoid that crash altogether, no matter your years on your scoot, and TAKE a rider ed course. You won’t believe how much you DIDN’T know, I guarantee it. And for safety’s sake, make sure all your people carry that AIM CARD in your wallet. It won’t bind you to using our AIM Attorneys, but it CAN be a lifesaver, with all your medical info available to the ambulance people. And, you’ll always have the number for ACCESS to AIM Lawyers, if you need ‘em, bike wreck or otherwise. They’re always 24/7 at 1-800-On-A-Bike, and www.On-A-Bike.com!
Keep the round side on the bottom.
Gunny, Oregon AIM Chief of Staff
And that's all the news that fits!
THE AIM/NCOM Motorcycle E-News Service is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at www.on-a-bike.com.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation today announced its opposition to H.R. 984, a bill introduced into the 110th congress by United States Representative Henry Waxman. Mr. Waxman’s bill is referred to as the "Executive Branch Disclosure Act of 2007." This bill would require certain federal executive branch officials to make a record of and file a report to the Office of Government Ethics of any "significant contacts" between the executive branch official and any private party relating to any government action.
In announcing its opposition to the Waxman bill, MRF Vice President of Government Relations Jeff Hennie had this to say, "Communication with executive level officials is a cornerstone of our lobbying efforts. We believe that having the government create a database of citizens of who exercise this right will have a chilling effect on our ability to mobilize our members and the motorcycling public to contact the Secretary of Transportation for example, on issues that effect motorcycles."
The bill goes on to define a significant contact as "oral or written communication (including electronic communication) that is made by a private party to a covered branch official in which such private party seeks to influence official action by any officer or employee of the executive branch of the United States."
In section 602 of this bill it states that the Director of Government Ethics shall make "a publicly available list of all private parties who made a significant contact; and computerized systems designed to minimize the burden of filing and maximize public access to reports filed under this title." Thus our employer, local elected officials, or even a nosy neighbor may have easy access to our views on issues and with which executive level federal official we chose to communicate.
This legislation is increasingly being referred to irreverently as "H.R. 1984" in reference to 1984, George Orwell’s classic novel depicting a horrific totalitarian state.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation encourages our members, our Sustaining State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization partners and all concerned Americans to contact your member of the United States House of Representatives and express opposition to H.R. 984, the Executive Branch Disclosure Act of 2007. Ride Free Forever
MRF Vice President
To subscribe or unsubscribe from this mailing list, visit http://www.mrf.org/subscribe.php
Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983
Ride Safe. Ride Free. Ride Today.