AND SPORT BIKERS THINK THEY HAVE IT BAD

Back in the day. And yes I do mean back in the day. Believe it or not their was no such thing as a Sport Bike. At least a legitimate, made in a factory, out of the box sport bike. Some of us young uns (well young un's at the time and yes I can still remember some of it, though only some) had to make do with whatever ever we could beg, borrow, or steal. Notice I didn't say build. Primarily, because in my case anyway, whilst my buds was learnin how to wrench on things like cars and motorcycles I was trying to learn how to wrench their sisters and cousins. But this ain't about that so we will leave that one alone. Needless to say, even though there were builders, I was a beg, borrow or stealer. Hell even if I had tried to learn to build my mechanical aptitude leaves me looking for the instructions on a shovel.

But we did like to go fast and jump things and all to often go through things. Because of what we did I can pretty much bet that there are a few sportbikers around today that once/if they get my age will also be using a come-along to crank themselves out of bed in the morning.

Why one of my fondest memories was showin off for the sweet young thing (hey I was young once too ok) on the back of my buddies bike (that I was driving). Had her convinced that I could navigate that narrow strip between two rock pits that just happened to be covered with water.

You know it's hard to pull even a Honda 90 out of the bottom of a rock pit.

Hadn't thought about that in a long time until Chainsaw sent this video from B movie heaven.

To all you sport bikers, "at least they ain't shootin at ya (yet)." But there might be one or two of us ol geezers that have twinges of envy now and again.Add to Technorati Favorites

Georgia Bikers to stand for their Freedom Tomorrow

(would this Bike be legal n Georgia?)

We have some serious business to take care of with the Cruise-ade to GA State Capitol, tomorrow, Tuesday Feb 12th. As you are aware the State has revoked existing titles and refused to inspect and issue titles for newly built kit, custom bikes and automobiles. House Bill 950 has been revised but still has to pass through Committee. the House and the Senate. We need you all to join us tomorrow to pull your Representatives out of session and tell them the motorcycle, hot rod and custom auto industry is united in protecting our freedom to build and drive/ride the type of vehicle that we choose.

There are four starting locations or you can go straight to the Capitol.
At 10am we will begin assembling at Atlanta Harley-Davidson on the west side of Atlanta, to the south in Newnan at Great South Harley-Davidson, on the east side at Granite Mt Harley-Davidson and from the north at Earl Smalls Harley-Davidson. Don't think this is a Harley ride because of the starting locales; these folks have just generously allowed us to us their locations to show their support of this cause. EVERYONE IS INVITED REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU RIDE!

ALL RIDES WILL DEPART AT 11AM SHARP. Activities at the capitol are scheduled for NOON. Washington St will be closed for us to park and we will use the outside staircase for our press conference and speeches. We will show you at each starting locale how to go about getting your Representative out of Session and we will go over it again at the Capitol. When you get a chance to speak with them tell them that you support HB 950 and that you would appreciate their vote and support of it as well. Take the opportunity to tell them that this is not the only issue that you are concerned with. Specifically for the motorcycle community we have the red light sensor bill that will allow you to safely proceed through a red light that has not been activated by the sensors. Also, we want tougher penalties for right-of-way violators that cause an accident involving motorcycles.

For the Car Enthusiasts that are joining us the OTHER bill that affects you as well is the ability to stack uninsured motorists insurance.

I cannot stress enough how important it is for this community to turn out in big numbers. RAIN OR SHINE we will ride to the Capitol to support our freedom.

Randy Snyder
Editor
Southland's Full Throttle Magazine

GO GEORGIA- GIVE EM HELLAdd to Technorati Favorites

Stark County, Ohio-Just what is the law anyway?

Teen going to trial in Miracle Mile motorcycle death
By MARK CAUDILL
News Journal

MANSFIELD -- A 17-year-old boy charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular manslaughter for a June 16 accident on the Miracle Mile is scheduled for trial May 23.

Acting Judge David Stucki, of Stark County, set the trial date after a Friday pretrial conference failed to produce a resolution. Stucki is filling in for Richland County Juvenile Court Judge Ron Spon, who recused himself from the case. Spon's brother, John, is representing the Chase Kimes family for possible civil litigation.

Kimes, 18, of Ontario, was killed when his motorcycle struck the passenger side of a pickup driven by the suspect, whom the News Journal is not naming because he is a juvenile and the charges are misdemeanors. Kimes was westbound on a Suzuki GSXR 1000 when he struck the truck, which was headed east and had started to turn left into the Kroger lot on Park Avenue West.

First Assistant Prosecutor Brent Robinson previously said the accident appeared to be a case of failure to yield. "One of the elements of vehicular manslaughter is you violate one of the traffic laws, which results in the death of another," he said.

The suspect was charged in September. Wearing a white dress shirt, red tie and dark slacks, he sat with family members in the courthouse lobby.

Police have said Kimes had a novice operator's license, meaning he was not allowed to ride after dark. The accident happened around 10 p.m. Mansfield police Lt. Mike Higgins previously said witnesses also reported Kimes was going too fast.

The suspect told police the light was yellow when he looked up and saw Kimes' motorcycle at Taco Bell. Police estimated the distance at 253 feet.

Robinson previously said speed is a moot point, according to the law. The first assistant prosecutor said the suspect still had a responsibility to yield.

mcaudill@nncogannett.com 419-521-7219

Just for giggles could the First Assistant Prosecutor define "failure to yield" for us again? AND THEN JUST FOR THE HELL OF IT could he call the Florida Attorney General and explain it to him?!?Add to Technorati Favorites

Bikers beware new date rape drug that works on men


Police are warning all men who frequent clubs, parties & local pubs to be alert and stay cautious when offered a drink from any woman. Many females use a date rape drug on the market called 'Beer'.

At times these unfortunate men are swindled out of their life's savings, in a familiar scam known as 'a relationship'. In extreme cases, the female may even be shrewd enough to entrap the unsuspecting male into a longer term form of servitude and punishment referred to as 'marriage.' Men are much more susceptible to this scam after beer is administered and sex is offered by the predatory females.

Please! Forward this warning to every Biker male you know. For some reason not yet understood Bikers are extremely susceptible to this ploy.

Click here for a demonstration as to just how insidious this drug can be.Add to Technorati Favorites

From Tallahassee PGR Ride Captain


Below is a press release sent out by the parade organizers. They are looking forward to having us:
Patriot Guard Riders to be in CGJ Parade
The Patriot Guard Riders are definitely not just another motorcycle group, and you will have the pleasure of seeing them in action on March 8th in downtown Carrabelle. This will be their first appearance at one of our parades and they are definitely worth watching.
The Patriot Guard Riders are a diverse group of individuals from across the nation. Other than motorcycles these people have one thing in common: “An unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security.”
These patriotic motorcycle enthusiasts attend the funerals of fallen American heroes—at the invitation of the family. Their mission is to show respect for the soldier, his family, and the community in which he or she lived. They also shield the families from protestors who came to the funeral to present a political agenda. They always do this in a nonviolent manner and with no disruption to the service or the family.
This past year the Patriot Guard Riders have assisted in placing wreathes on the graves at Arlington, as well as sending American flags to any soldier presently serving in Iraq, or any war torn country, who requests one. 359 flags had been sent as of the 14th of December, 2007.
These riders will be lining the parade route on March 8, at intervals, to show respect for America’s veterans. Show your patriotism and be there to show your respect as well!
Previous email info:
Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion:
Held on the 2nd weekend of March, the city of Carrabelle welcomes back these brave soldiers who trained at this important W.W. II training facility. The weekend events include a parade on Saturday morning in which the veterans as well as numerous civic, historical and cultural organizations participate. Static displays of W.W. II uniforms, equipment and weapons are displayed. The Camp Gordon Johnston Association cordially extends an invitation to come together in unity as we remember and honoring "Americas greatest generation. "
Mike Donohoe
Sr. Ride Captain, PGR
We’ll meet at 8:30a at the Texaco gas station at the corner of Blountstown Hwy and Capital Circle, Tallahassee, w/ KSU at 8:45a sharp and head for Carrabelle. When arriving in Carrabelle, we’ll meet up with a group of riders from Panama City before entering the parade staging area. After the parade, lunch is served to all participants.Add to Technorati Favorites

Update to Charges against Darcy Schehr as promised

Updating our last follow-up posted here

Follow up to 8-4-07 posting Drunk kills "biker" may get probation

Mike from GoldIron sends in the following:
Wisconsin - Darcy L. Schehr, 28, had originally pleaded not guilty in the death of 40-year-old Daniel D. Christ. But this week in Dodge County Circuit Court, she pleaded no contest to charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle and was found guilty.

In exchange, a second charge of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle with a prohibited alcohol concentration was dismissed.

According to the criminal complaint, a deputy found Christ lying in a roadside ditch without a pulse on the morning of July 15. Witnesses told investigators that Schehr's vehicle crossed the highway's centerline and struck Christ head-on.

Schehr had said she was driving home and fell asleep behind the wheel.

Prosecutors say her blood-alcohol level was 1 1/2 times the legal limit.

She faces up to 25 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Source: AP

WILL JUSTICE BE SERVED?Add to Technorati Favorites

The Ride to and From Pensacola, thanks to some good folk

(Papa John at the memorial to downed brothers and sisters)

Initially I thought I was going to have to make the ride to Pensacola and the ABATE state meeting by myself. However Red and Cowgirl offered to make the ride and I was glad for the company knowing how long, boring and inconsequential those meetings can be.

I also want to thank Papco for offering to shut his business down for a day and riding, thinking I might need some back up (considering talk that has reportedly come out of the ABATE presidents mouth). Knowing that this is not a good time of year for any business to shut down for a day, but most especially in Papcos line of work, we agreed that "Doc" is "talk" and "back up" wouldn't be needed. But thanks bro, the offer was a good as being there.

The day started off chilly but soon warmed up to the perfect riding day and we made good time getting there just in time for the opening of the meting (oh joy). Which went on and on and on (see post below for details). But I did get to see some folk I hadn't seen in awhile and was glad of it.

In fact the meeting was still going on when Papa John who had recently had some surgery decided he had to leave due to pain. So Red, Cowgirl, Tattoo Larry, Mouse I figured he didn't need to be riding alone and decided to escort him to his homestead.

And then almost immediately lost them on the road. What wasn't lost on us however, was how damn cold it had turned off and we probably did not adequately prepare. On second thought take the "adequately" out of there. It was freaking cold.

We had earlier discussed the possibility of crashing for the night at Papa Johns Barn or driving straight back to Tally. The decision was pretty much made at the first "pee" stop where I loaned Cowgirl an old thermal undershirt I had in the bottom of my bags. I say loaned. She could have kept it. We did agree though that it did made a nice dress on her. Quite the fashion statement. So the decision was made. A quick bite at the Waffle House and then on to Papa Johns.

If you have not met Papa John you have missed a unique piece of Americana. He is an original to say the least and been involved in this Freedom fighting stuff awhile.

Let me see if I can describe him. Nah I can't, except to say that I have seen him hold a baby and know of the folk that had nowhere to go that he has put up and seen his tears at a memorial service. And Papa John, I'll say it to your face. Behind that crusty, old, tough exterior is a softee. Yeah I know he will deny it and many that think they know him would never believe it. But it's true.

Um let me qualify the above with the statement that there is at least one bird that would argue that and probably has anxiety attacks every time a phone rings (only Papa can tell this story).

So we sit up till about 4:30 am solving various and sundry problems and sharing everything Papa John had to drink (mountain dew for me please) and crash. Waking up to Papa John apologizing for not having anything in the house for breakfast other than toast and tequila. Um coffee will be fine.

As it is in Florida the day turned off perfect and the ride back was a stark reminder of why we ride to begin with. Clear skies, temp just right, long road ahead and the only music coming from your pipes allowing your head to empty the garbage if just for a few hours.

This is why we ride. And it is why we fight to ride free.

We parted ways in Quincy back to reality. I felt somewhat apologetic to Red and Cowgirl riding all that way to sit through 4+ hours of long. But I was also right glad they rode along. Thanks.Add to Technorati Favorites

Highlights from ABATE of FLorida State meeting-ABATE will support hands free exemption cell phone bill

Leaving out of Tallahassee and hot footing it to Pensacola Red, Cowgirl, and I arrived at the Abate of Florida state meeting just as it was about to begin. None of us members, our primary mission was to hear what Lopez-Canterea had to say as it had been announced that he would be there. But you can see his letter thanking "Doc" for his invitation to speak here.

I must preference these notes by stating that we sat in the back and at times it was difficult to hear. Statements that I could not hear or discern the meaning of will either be noted as such or left out.

Before I go further I wish to report what in this writers opinion is a major if not unsurprising development. ABATE of Florida has switched positions and voted to support the cell phone ban being proposed with a hands free exemption.

Doc's lead up to this was that there are many studies that demonstrate driving with hands free devices doesn't make a difference and that there are some studies the it indicate that it does. That each member must make up their own mind and there are studies that demonstrate other points of few. A comment was made that you can find a study to support whatever your point of view may be. The delegates then voted to have the lobbyist “Doc” support the bill with the hands free exemption.

As the meeting began the President of ABATE of Florida announced that Lopez-Cantera had sent a letter stating that he would have to decline “Doc's” invitation to speak at the meeting due to other engagements. That he would be happy to speak at another meeting. This letter was included in the delegate packets that we did not receive as we were not members. We were however able to obtain a copy of the letter and sent it also.

In attendance Were Rep Clay Ford and Rep Gregg Evers.

Rep Evers reported that Lopez-Canterea had been told to change the bill to read all motor vehicles and that the bill would be passed. He went on to say that he supports the right to bear arms to include carrying arms onto your workplace and is against confiscation of private property.

He poked fun at Lopez-Canteras bill and then when on to solicit ABATE member support and help in any bid for re-election.

I could not hear what Rep Ford had to say.

Members took the the mike and Jimmy Less president of southeast chapter asked Doc (ABATE president and lobbyist) if the Lopez letter was accurate. I did not make out a short response.

HB 137 was discussed at great length and the membership voted not to support it in any form. Much praise was given Doc for his testimony against the bill. Doc stated the only thing Wynn Peoples had to testify about the bill was that “ it will hurt motorcycle sales” (Writers note: this statement is not true and can be verified by obtaining a disc of the meeting from the state). Doc did not mention the testimony that was given by Dara. In other words he claimed full credit.

After the vote Doc stated “let this go out to all e-mail cowboys that this is ABATES decision”.

He did go on to rant about how “internet cowboys” offering support from outside of the state were hurting our cause and upsetting legislators. He mentioned, one nasty letter received from California that upset some politicians. Doc stated that “California needs to get their own act together” in regards to the helmet law.

(writers note: in watching the hearing on C-span Rep Evers read what he stated was the one e-mail he received that solidified his opposition to the bill by a police officer that appeared almost word for word to be from a frequent contributor to Bruce and Ray's forum, Rusty, who lives outside of the state. I do not know if the letter was in fact from Rusty).

Doc reported on the results of the IRS investigation which found they had failed to pay back taxes on motorcycle giveaways to the amount of $14,000.00 which they paid and $600.00 fine.

ABATE will now file suit against their accountant for $20,000.00

Discussion was held regarding chapters that had requested they be exempt from attending the state meeting so that they may save money for their anniversary parties. They were not exempted.

V.P. DOC Fish spoke, thanked everybody for coming, encouraged people to communicate more and improve their vocabulary

When Doc Riechenbach regained the mike, he spoke of bumpers stickers, magnetic signs, other signs and license plate holders that say ABATE on them that ABATE has purchased with the money that the “morons” said they never received . He mentioned morons twice but never identified who he was referring to.

Legislative Representative Jeff Baxla next took the mike.

Significant comments, why take the word of Lopez-Cantera instead of ABATEs since we pay somebody to look out for our interest.

He also referred to an ABATE site where people could report “non factual” items as it is “spam” a federal offense and they could report it.

He reiterated that ABATE would support Rep Evers Bill HB 503 allowing person to carry their firearm to their work place in their vehicle,.

Doc again to the mike, the following comments were made:

He again referenced the discrepancies in cell phone research

Stated he was tired of what liars put out, “talks cheap ABATE takes the action”.

Stated they tried to place a helmet law on HB137 which he stopped. (Again that flies in the face of the facts).

He then went on to report how ABATE of Florida led the charge in Delray Beach and went on to talk of ABATE of Florida accomplishments re the repeal of the helmet bill in 2000.

Jimmy Less from Southeast Chapter took the mike and gave the Enforcers some credit for helping with Delray. But followed it with “ABATE is winning on Delray”

Nominations were taken for Board of Directors and other than a few minor changes the players will remain the same.

It has been my attempt to describe the highlights of the meeting that could be substantiated. In light of many peoples opinion that it is my only goal in life to dis Doc I have done my best to report what was said and not editorialize. It has been my intention during the past 2 years to present the truth in a field of lies. My only regret is that I believe I have only presented the tip of the iceberg.

Remember, people danced and sang while the Titanic sank. Afterall, it couldn't sink could it. rcAdd to Technorati Favorites