Issues that STILL affect BIKERS

It was 28 degrees when Claude and I headed towards Ft. Myers for the ABATE of Florida state meeting. Claude wears all that high tech gear so he's like riding just fine. I on the other hand still have this thing for leather and at 28 degrees you would have to wear a cow to keep warm. The whole cow, not just it's skin. Top it off with a side limp into Gainseville because my carburator messed up on me and we are talking a long ride. I have got to thank Gainseville HD though. They got it going on. Was in an out of there with the problem fixed at a reasonable price. PLUS they fixed my mirrors at no charge. No attitudes or anything, they seemed as concerned about us reaching our destination as we were. Thanks Guys.

To briefly outline the issues that continue to haunt us (more indepth at a later date): Sen. Lautenberg now heads up a transportation committee that holds some purse strings on highway funding. He is a manical helmet advocate. Now this site isn't anti-helmet. But we are pro choice.

The right to repair bill which gives independent shops the right to access manufacturer code so they can work on your bike is being fought hard by the big Motorcycle companies. They want all your bucks.

The HIPPA bill that corrects the loophole insurance companies use to avoid paying for accidents having to do with motorcycles, horseback riding, jet ski's, and snowmobiles remains in committee as there does not seem to be any politicians with guts enought to take on the insurace companies.

Cell phone use while driving is increasing as are motorcycle fatalities related to cagers driving while "cell phone" impaired. ABATE of Florida is considering seeking legislation to address this issue.

ABATE will also be tryng to find out why the stiffer penalties enacted in Florida (which still are not stiff enough) for performing a hit on a biker are not being enforced. Really now folk, killing a biker with a cage is cheaper than hiring a "hit man".

And most alarming of all recent statistics are demonstrating that we are killing ourselves at an increasing rate due to lack of experience, speed and use of alcohol while riding.

I remember a safety meeting on a construction site one time where the supertindent said, "people this walking off of buildings is stupid and has to stop".

The body bag companies are making a killing off of us. Now I understand that more often than not it's some cager that takes us out and then gets away with a slap on the wrist. But we aren't helping matters much by taking ourselves out. Lighten up on the booze if your gonna ride ok, it's a no brainer. And don't let pride get in the way of common sense. If you ain't use to having 1100cc's between your legs, take the time to get used to it so you can enjoy it without being dead. rc

Tally and Taylor County Toy Runs

Hey ya'll......just a little bit about the area toy runs we were able to make. Uwe and I were blessed enough to be able to participate in 3 of the 4 area toy runs, and they were all alot of fun. I just get a kick out of running red lights and stopping traffic!! The first one was the Wakulla county run and participation was awesome! There were alot of bikes and alot of needy kids will have a Christmas. The food, friends, and the entertainment down at outz's made for an all around fun day. We had to miss the Marinna run because we were forced to stay home and watch the college football conference championship games at home where it was warm, they were some great games too!! I thank you 4 brave ones that took on the cold for a couple hundred miles that day for the kids.( My Razorbacks lost to Florida, probably my fault for not going to the toy run).

This weekend we did the Tallahassee toys for tots and the Taylor County run.....as far as riding goes, the Taylor County run was the best for me. we bundled up as it was 26 degrees when we started up our bikes and headed over to Perry. Surpisingly enough I did not get cold the whole way over there, thanks to a pair of gloves that biker bill talked me into getting that come up over my jacket sleeves, and we got there early enough to visit with friends and watch the bikes and cars roll in with the toys. There were quite a few bikes, but I think the cold kept alot of the participants in their cars, which is way cool that they all came and donated toys!! Abate was well represented, I believe there were 7 of us at least. At 10 it had warmed up some and we rolled thru and out of Perry to Wacissa. We took 59 down to 98, and took 98 back over to Econfina Fishing Resort where we ended up. That was a good ride and it had warmed up pretty nice. The food and music were good and about 2:30 we headed back to Tallahassee which was also a nice ride. I love it when I am not left wishing I had more bike time that day. Good run Taylor County!!

The Tallahassee run was impressive! There were a ton of bikes which is always such a site to see and be a part of. I believe the cold kept some people home but not too many, and there were quite a few in thier cars at the Moon with gifts for the kids. The food was really great, especially the sliced pork, and we hooked up with some really fun friends of ours and had another great time.

These toy runs are just great, and such a blessing for the needy kids...... and for any of you that did not get the opportunity to participate..... I know many have to work on the weekend, especially with Christmas right around the corner for your own families and I sure hate ya'll had to miss them!!! How often can you go out and have a flat out good time and go home feeling good about yourself too? Happy Holidays!!! Cheryl. (Big Bend Chapter)