The
Motorcyclist's Post July 2010 issue is now online...
July 1,
2010, ©Copyright 2010, The Motorcyclist's
Post
Front Cover:
Intense Point Battle In the AMA Grand National Dirt Track
Championship...Henry
Wiles-129 Points, Joe
Kopp-129 Points
Click on the cover to go to online
issue of the MC Post or
click here.
Past
Issues
Up Coming Issues...
Indian Day Returns to Springfield! and the 32nd Annual
British Motorcycle Meet coverage.
Ayu photo
Motorcyclist's Post cartoonist sits down for an exclusive
interview with world-renowned custom bike builder and artist Shinya
Kimura in "The Motorcyclist's Post Sits Down With..." new
feature.
Coverage of the LA Calendar Dates Bike Show in Long Beach,
CA...The Motorcyclist's Post was there!
An excusive sit-down interview with Biker/Author Musician
Bill Hayes
Don't miss these and other upcoming
stories...Subscribe to the Post!
The
Motorcyclist's Post is
The Voice of American
Motorcycle Riders
To Comment on the Motorcyclist's Post or
this site, Click
here
MMA/MRF CALL TO ACTION - Mandatory Motorcycle Roadside Stops
From a press
release issued by
Massachusetts Motorcycle Association
The MMA has long opposed
motorcycle-only checkpoints such as those used last year in
Sterling, MA, and in neighboring states such as NY. For NHTSA
to propose using taxpayer money to propagate this is something
we should all be significantly concerned with.
Where the MMA is your
Motorcycle Rights Organizaiton here in MA, the Motorcycle Riders
Foundation (MRF) is our National Counterpart watching out for
your rights in Washington. The MRF Call To Action is something
we should all read and consider taking action upon. For
example:
Honorable Ray LaHood, U.S.
Secretary of Transportation
Dear Secretary LaHood,
I find it disturbing that
the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority would
consider using my tax dollars against law abiding citizens, yet
that’s exactly what I understand is being proposed in their
recent call for grant applications solely aimed against
Motorcyclists.
I’m one of those law
abiding citizens, and I urge you to intervene. The suggestion
that more Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints, which I consider a
violation of my civil rights, is not part of our system of
government, nor will it solve any problems.
There are many issues
facing motorcyclists on the road that could and should be
addressed – perhaps it’s time to work towards broader education
including right-of-way violations rather than Motorcycle-Only
checkpoints.
Sincerely,
<YOUR NAME>
Member, Massachusetts Motorcycle Association
For
More information, please see
http://www.massmotorcycle.org
or
contact Rick Gleason, MMA Legislative Director at
LegislativeDirector@MassMotorcycle.org
or Doc
D’Errico, MRF MA State Representative at
doc@derrico.net
MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 510 | Washington, DC
20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 (fax) |
http://www.mrf.org
“Going the Extra Mile Tour”
Lanier Lobdell is not letting her
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) slow her or her motorcycle down.
She’s traveling across the country this summer to offer
hope and inspiration for people living with this chronic
disease. Kicking off in her hometown of
Eugene, OR on July 10, Lanier will embark on the “Going
the Extra Mile Tour” on her six-cylinder Honda Valkyrie,
which is “road ready” thanks to just a few slight modifications
to her handlebars.
As a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast,
Lanier’s diagnosis over 20 years ago led to a specific set of
challenges when riding her bike. Affecting
more than 1.3 million Americans, RA is a chronic disease of the
immune system characterized by persistent and progressive joint
inflammation, causing pain, stiffness and functional disability.
Ten years ago, with the support of her rheumatologist,
she started a treatment that has proven to successfully manage
her RA and allow her to continue doing what she so much enjoys –
getting on her bike and riding.
After leaving Eugene, she will stop in
Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Portland, ME to raise awareness
about RA through “meet and greets” with local Arthritis
Foundation chapters, working in collaboration with Centocor
Ortho Biotech, Inc., the makers of her current treatment,
REMICADE®. Lanier hopes that her
story will inspire others with the disease to seek information
and find the proper treatment.
Follow Lanier’s journey on her Facebook
page,
www.facebook.com/extramiletour.
Join Wagner this summer for some Fun
in the Summer Sun
The BMW Demo truck will be arriving at Wagner on August 6-7
Always a great event and get a opportunity to ride the latest
bikes from BMW. Wagner will be Joining Ducati and
Penguin Riding School as we go to NJ to ride and celebrate
Ducati!!! All makes are invited, space is limited so reply
early. The Ducati Truck will also be coming to
Wagner on Sept 17-18 so save the date now!!!
Don't forget Summer is the best time to get a new bike and the
deals are great from special financing to accessories and much
much MORE!!!!
Thanks,
The Staff of Wagner MotorSports Int'l
508-854-1377
http://www.wagnermotorsport.com
700 Plantation Street
Worcester, MA 01605
BMW, Ducati, Indian, Moto Guzzi, Husqvarna Motorcycles and
Aprilia Scooters & Motorcycles
Sun & Mon: Closed
Tues, Wed & Fri: 9 to 6
Thurs: 9 to 7
Sat: 9 to 4
BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL – fascination with six
cylinders.
Since BMW Motorrad presented the concept study Concept 6 in
autumn 2009, the six-cylinder in-line engine featured in it has
captured the imagination of many motorcycle fans. With BMW,
six-cylinder in-line engines have stood for fascinating engine
technology in automobiles for over seven decades, in a way which
is unique among brands. In the near future, BMW motorcycles will
also be available with an internally developed six-cylinder
in-line engine.
With the BMW K 1600 GT and the BMW K 1600 GTL, BMW Motorrad is
penetrating a whole new dimension in the Touring world of
experience . Both motorcycles stand for a supreme, impressive
and equally distinctive appearance, arousing a desire to travel
at first sight.
This press release contains a range of information on all
aspects of BMW Motorrad's new touring bikes. Additional data and
background information will be added for the world premiere.
Click
here
for more info.
AMA Dragbike Ceases Operations
Effectively immediately, AMA Dragbike will
cease operations indefinitely.
Regretfully, today’s economic climate, rising costs and
decreasing revenue makes it fiscally irresponsible to continue
doing business. The final details are being worked out at this
time.
"Motorcycle Drag Racing has been a passion for both of us for
many years and we have given all of ourselves to this sport,"
said Brandi Neithamer, Vice President of AMA Dragbike. "We knew
this year would be very difficult given the economic conditions
but we never anticipated it would go downhill so quickly. Scott
and I have a tough road ahead of us to close the business, and
we hope to receive the support of the community during this
difficult time."
"If there are any parties interested in starting another
sanction that will carry on the professional level and values of
AMA Dragbike, please feel free to contact us," she continued.
"We will do everything in our power to help you succeed."
AMA Dragbike would like to thank all the racers, sponsors and
fans that have helped support the organization (formerly AMA
Prostar) over the last 21 years. We have always strived to hold
safe, fair and exciting racing events, and we appreciate all
that have helped us achieve that goal.
Best wishes to all in our racing community,
Scott Valetti
Brandi Neithamer
AMA Dragbike
Springfield
Mile and TT video clips
Watch the video highlights of the 2010
Springfield Mile Flat Track event courtesy of
Fast&Dirty.com...Click
here for video.
Some really cool old pics
Some really cool old pics from famed
Sacramento, CA racer and long-time Harley-Davidson dealer
Armando Magri.
Several
photos in the pile are of Babe
Tancrede and Ben Campanele...Click
Here
New
Hampshire's Own Scott Greenwood Win's the 87th Annual Loudon
Classic
LOUDON, NH (June 13, 2010) - Dunbarton, NH's Scott Greenwood
pulled into victory lane with a big smile on his face, winning
his second Loudon Classic event, his first one came in 2003.
Scott Greenwood, No. 4, passes Christian Cronin, No. 58, for the
win at the 87th Annual Loudon Classic.
Photo
courtesy of NHMS/White Owl Photos.
Greenwood led Loudon's own Christian Cronin, and last year's
Classic winner Shane Narbonne for most of the thrilling 20-lap
race, making it a New England Sweep.
"It's great being here in Loudon, it's kind of a family affair,"
said Scott Greenwood. "I ran a good consistent race, it was a
hard earned win and I hope we can come back and do it again next
year."
Greenwood takes home the purse of $750, with Cronin receiving
$350, and Narbonne $250.
The 87th running of the Loudon Classic wrapped up three intense
days of motorcycle racing and entertainment. For those two
wheeled enthusiasts who haven't had enough, Laconia Motorcycle
Week has just begun!
On behalf of everyone at New Hampshire Motor Speedway thank you
for another great
Loudon Classic weekend, see you for the 88th Annual Loudon
Classic in 2011!
|
Finish |
Name |
City |
State |
Laps |
Money Won |
|
1 |
Scott Greenwood |
Dunbarton |
NH |
20 |
$750 |
|
2 |
Christian Cronin |
Loudon |
NH |
20 |
$350 |
|
3 |
Shane Narbonne |
Tyngsboro |
MA |
20 |
$250 |
Click
here for official results
Charlie Brechtel
of Bikers Inner Circle
interviews MC Post columnist and long time biker-bights activist Bill
Gannon...click
here
Harley-Davidson. Moving Plants Out Of Wisconsin?
Published by Cyril Huze,
(http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com)
April 30th, 2010
Harley-Davidson may leave Wisconsin if costs don’t fall at 2 of
its plants. Yesterday, the company warned its employees that it
could move its Wisconsin manufacturing operations to another
U.S. state if it can’t cut millions of dollars in costs.
The Wisconsin plants at risk include: 1-Its powertrain
operations in Milwaukee with about 1,320 employees. 2-The
Tomahawk plant making components including motorcycle
windshields with about 375 workers.
While holding discussions with union leaders the company plans
to look at sites in other states but didn’t name them.
Harley-Davidson’s CEO Wandell said again that the company still
faces challenges from the still struggling economy and that he
can’t make no guarantees when it comes to the job security of
its employees. Every month the situation with Harley-Davidson
seems more eery. I expect Harley-Davidson to emerge from this
Great Recession a much smaller and very compact company.
Cyril Huze
(Bill
Griffith for The Boston Globe)
Variants
of the yellow "Motorcycles are Everywhere" label have been
around since 1982.
Bill Griffith
for The Boston Globe)
Variants of the yellow "Motorcycles are Everywhere" label have
been around since 1982. "Motorcycles
are Everywhere." That's what those ubiquitous yellow bumper
stickers (and signs) say. This spring, it's especially true.
Long stretches of nice early weather brought out motorcyclists
in droves, starting in late March.
It's the opposite of last spring when there was little nice
weather and a lot of motorcyclists didn't get riding until July.
"There are more bikes out on the road early this spring," said
Tim Smith, who has operated Seacoast Cycles in Newburyport since
1989. "The nice weather definitely has brought a lot of riders
out. That doesn't mean we won't have the usual last-minute rush
for stickers before the May 31 deadline though."
The early start to the riding season has motorcyclists thinking
safety, which brings us back to those yellow signs and bumper
stickers, which also warn "Check twice — save a life."
(Bill Griffith for The Boston Globe)
Paul Cote, a motorcyle safety advocate, may as well be the
Massachusetts bikers’ best friend.
Cote is the
Massachusetts bikers' best friend, an irrepressible spokesman
who lobbies for safety and fair insurance rates for riders and
against proposed restrictive legislation.
There were 182,215 motorcycles registered in the state as of
last September. The number sounds impressive until you realize
there are 4.3 million cars on the state's roads.
Those numbers make it easy for bikers to get overlooked on one
hand (safety programs, insurance rates) and singled out on the
other hand (restrictions on noise, passengers, and equipment).
Where most states designate May as a motorcycle safety awareness
month, the MMA has successfully argued that the last week in
March and all of April be designated in Massachusetts, and a law
enacted in 2002 calls for the governor to issue an annual
Motorcycle Safety Awareness proclamation. "Plus we continue to
support all those May programs, too," says Cote.
"We've already had three fatalities this spring (as of April 8).
That scares me," says Cote, who annually reviews accident
reconstruction reports and state data provided by the Registry
of Motor Vehicles to offer suggestions on following years'
safety messages.
Cote monitors government agencies, being the voice that cries,
"What about us?" Why does he do it?
"Everyone has a flicker of that flame inside them, but life
tries to extinguish it. There are times when you have to make
the decision to either live on your knees or die standing up.
When I find things worth fighting about, I try to rally people,"
says Cote. "I know that if you work the system, the system will
work. But sometimes you've got to light a fire."
"The Registry of Motor Vehicles is in charge of safety and
training," says Cote. "Two dollars from every motorcycle
registration is supposed to go into that fund, but it's subject
to legislative appropriation."
Cote urges cyclists to look at their insurance policies and make
sure they're sufficiently covered in Parts 3 (Bodily Injury
Caused By An Uninsured Auto), 5 (Optional Bodily Injury to
Others), and 12 (Bodily Injury Caused By An Underinsured Auto).
"Everyone wants lots of insurance after the accident," he says.
"Because when that accident happens, it's usually not good. It
only costs about $40 to carry an extra $100,000 of coverage."
Cote, Alan Kline of Lynn, and Betsy Lister of Medford, have
testified at insurance rate hearings since 2001, questioning
excessive rates insurers charged riders. Cote's research found
that in 2004 the insurance industry took in $48 million in
motorcycle premiums and spent less than $24 million in claims,
expenses, commissions, and other costs. "That's 100 percent
profit," he says.
In 2007 and 2008, Plymouth Rock Assurance gave the MMA a total
of $29,000 in safety grants to fund sign placement. "Roughly two
thirds of the state's 353 cities and towns gave us permission to
place signs and banners that first year," said Cote. "The
Plymouth Rock people said it was one of the most effective
campaigns, dollar for dollar, they'd ever had. If those signs
saved just one life and claim, they more than paid for
themselves."
While spreading the word.
According to the
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, an accident with a
motorcycle is more likely when:
- You are making a left turn in front of a rider.
- A motorcyclist is riding in your blind spot.
- There are hazardous road conditions. Potholes, wet leaves,
railroad tracks, and other obstructions may force a motorcyclist
to take an action you don't expect.
- You have an obstructed line of sight. Sport utility
vehicles, delivery vans, and large trucks may block
motorcyclists from your view.
www.boston.com/cars/newsandreviews/overdrive
Biker of Lesser
Tolerance Announces New Chapter in Massachusetts
(Boston, MA— April 19, 2010) Bikers
of Lesser Tolerance (B.O.L.T.), a national organization of
motorcycling activists announced their new Massachusetts Chapter
today. With this being Patriot’s Day in Massachusetts, the
organization wished to use the Holiday’s significance to draw
attention to B.O.L.T.’s goals and ideals that have proven popular
with hardcore motorcycle enthusiast throughout the country.
B.O.L.T. is known nationally as a “strike force” supporting
freedoms granted to motorcycling-citizens of the United States,
through the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill
of Rights.
B.O.L.T. fights police citations and discriminatory practices
against motorcyclists in the Courts, at State Houses and on the
Federal level, for Motorcyclist’s Rights and Freedoms.
B.O.L.T.’s mission statement reads, “B.O.L.T. is the “NO
COMPROMISE” biker rights collective. We oppose discrimination
against bikers and other motorcyclists. Known, primarily, for
opposition to government-mandated motorcycle helmet laws, we
lawfully fight discrimination on all fronts, including legislative
buildings, courtrooms, and the streets. Membership is limited to
proven freedom fighters who become known to us as a result of
their actions.”
Two of Massachusetts’ prominent motorcycling activists that
have proven their commitment and effectiveness as advocates for
motorcyclist’s freedom have been inducted into the elite National
B.O.L.T. organization.
National B.O.L.T. President, Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo, welcomed
Bill Gannon of Quincy and Paul W. Cote of Massachusetts to its
“invitation only” ranks today.
“Our members know of Bill’s long-time history acting and
advocating for biker’s rights, since the 1970’s,” said Pan. “And
Paul’s history of standing up for riders the past 12 years, at the
police scenes, in the Courts, at his State House and in Congress,
while donating his time assisting families of riders in need,
meets our high level of” invitation only” membership into B.O.L.T.
Pan explained that B.O.L.T. members nationally have been
watching Cote, Gannon and other Justice Riders that filed a
lawsuit against the City of Boston last year, seeking to strike
down the $300 fine Ordinance for not having a “readily visible”
EPA stamp on motorcycle exhaust systems. After nominating the
pair, Pan stated, “We need to get these long time activists into
B.O.L.T.”
“We extended an invitation to Paul and Bill to establish a
Massachusetts Chapter of B.O.L.T.,” Pan continued, “and to begin
enlisting other “NO COMPROMISE” riders in Massachusetts, to stand
up to unfair, discriminatory policies in Massachusetts affecting
motorcyclists.”
Bill Gannon was appointed Director of B.O.L.T. of Massachusetts
and Paul Cote will begin a process of “biker rights basic
training” to conscript fellow members of the Justice Riders into
B.O.L.T. of Massachusetts.
“We have zero tolerance for selling out Motorcyclist’s Rights,”
Gannon roared. “We reject the EPA Ordinance enacted in Boston and
we are using the Courts to abate that ordinance. We reject current
calls for mandatory rider training advocated by others in
Massachusetts. One of our national war-cries has always been,
“Educate, Don’t Mandate.”
“We reject bureaucrats that sell out and raid Massachusetts’s
Motorcycle Safety Fund that I was involved in establishing in
1986.” Gannon continued, “And we will always reject any attempts
by others to make novelty helmet use a criminal offense based
solely upon the value judgments’ of police officers, and
legislative language mandating increases in insurance company
profits and any compromise on full adult helmet choice. Our battle
lines are drawn and we will not ever compromise or sell out our
fellow riders.”
Paul Cote` will develop B.O.L.T. of Massachusetts’
“motorcyclists’ rights basic training program,” that will ease
some Justice Riders, and others, into B.O.L.T. Said program will
seek a selective commitment to B.O.L.T.’s goals rather than to
obtain a large amount of members. B.O.L.T. does not recruit.
B.O.L.T. recognizes and accepts accordingly.
“B.O.L.T. of Massachusetts” will seek out those who can meet
set standards for performance while advocating at the local, state
and federal levels to effect change for riders” claimed Cote.
“We are not a ‘membership based organization’ but more an
‘ownership’ based organization, like a co-op or condominium
community, where owners are held to standards of performance. It
won’t be for everyone. ”
Bill Gannon ended by stating, “We will be, as our Justice
Riders Committee has shown, ‘hard-core’ advocates for bikers’
rights on the streets, in the Courts, in the State House and
Congress.”
For more information, see
www.JusticeRider.com and watch for upcoming BOLT of MA web
site information. In the meantime all are welcome to log on to
http://boltusa.org/ to learn more about B.O.L.T. and their “No
Compromise” principals that has kept B.O.L.T. consistently
successful in advocating for motorcyclists’ freedoms across our
nation.
|
Seth Enslow
breaks world record for longest jump on a Harley
US
motorcyclist Seth Enslow has broken the world record for the longest
distance jump on his Harley Davidson.
Watch here
The Motorcyclist's Post online guide
Here are a
couple of screen shots and quick primer to help you navigate...
This is full page
view...
Try different arrows and
areas...It's pretty easy to navigate.
Let us know what you think.
Congress reacts with
outrage to administration plan to take public lands without public debate
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Bipartisan reaction was swift following the
publication by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and others of
an internal Department of Interior (DOI) document that revealed the
agency's plan to designate without public debate as many as 13 million
acres of public and private land in the West as National Monument areas.
According to DOI documents obtained by the AMA, the administration is
considering new National Monument designations totaling 13 million acres
in 11 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New
Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
"The Obama administration continues to put the needs of environmentalists
who want to keep the public away from public lands above the needs and
desires of Utahns," Sen. Robert Bennett (R-Utah) said.
Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wash.), ranking member of the U.S. House Natural
Resources Committee, echoed Bennett's thoughts that the administration is
bowing to anti-access groups.
"There are special interest groups whose sole purpose is to lock up land
without any consideration given to the importance of wholesome outside
family recreation," Hastings said. "While they are entitled to that view,
it's deeply troubling that the President's administration is seemingly
eager to help turn that view into reality by unilaterally imposing new
monument designations without the consent of the people and communities
who will be directly impacted."
Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus,
and ranking member of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on National
Parks, Forests and Public Lands, noted that people from around the world
visit the West to take advantage of broad-ranging recreational
opportunities.
"Unfortunately, the current administration seems intent upon locking up
much of the public lands throughout the West from recreational use, as
witnessed in the documents that recently surfaced from the Department of
Interior outlining new areas for potential national monument
designations," Bishop said. "I commend the American Motorcyclist
Association for its continued advocacy on behalf of not only motorcycle
enthusiasts but all outdoor recreators, who are an important component of
the West's tourism industry."
Interior Department spokeswoman Kendra Barkoff told the Salt Lake (Utah)
Tribune that the documents that created the uproar were simply the result
of a "brainstorming session" at the department.
But Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah) remained concerned: "Given the lingering
frustration felt by many Utahns following the 1996 'stroke of the pen'
monument designation (of the Clinton administration's 1.9 million-acre
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument), it is totally inappropriate
for this federal agency to even have preliminary discussions without
involving the stakeholders on the ground."
"It remains incumbent upon the government to responsibly protect our lands
for the people, not from the people," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president
for government relations. "And that means proposals for land-use
designations must be fairly debated. This proposal is not only an end-run
around Congress, but also around the individuals and communities who would
be directly impacted by this type of administrative maneuver.
"We are pleased to hear that there is bipartisan, bi-cameral support for
an open dialogue on the long-contentious issue of public-land
designations," Moreland said. "We hope that this issue will serve as a
catalyst for bringing together both sides of the debate to work out any
differences and preserve opportunities for responsible recreation on
America's public lands for all Americans."
To take action on this issue, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights >
Issues and Legislation. To receive e-mail alerts, sign up in the "Get
Involved" section of the Rights page.
Charlie Brechtel
of
Bikers Inner Circle
interviews MC Post cartoonist Paul Jamiol on his new children's book
Bikers are Animals
Click here for interview
Gift Ideas
The
Motorcyclist's Post introduces Post support gear plus the new MCP
Motors Collection© Series
items.
buy unique Motorcyclist's Post
gifts
at
Zazzle
Support you favorite motorcycle newspaper
with Motorcyclist's Post
T-shirts and mugs. Wear the Post logo or enjoy your beverage in a Post
mug.
We are also introducing
the MCP Motors Collection© T-shirt and the
MCP Motors Collection© Mug.
The MCP Motors Collection©
items feature classic
motorcycle engines of days gone by. This first-of-the
series t-shirt and mug sports
a 1927 Indian Scout motor. Photos are in classic black and white with the
Post logo emblazoned above in color on the t-shirt and
on opposite sides of the mug. A distinctive design you can wear
or display or drink from proudly.
buy unique Motorcyclist's Post
gifts
at
Zazzle
On Sale Now!
from Motorcyclist's Post Cartoonist Paul Jamiol
On Sale Now!
Available at
www.bikersareanimals.com
"Bikers are animals," a term that adults
might use in the pejorative sense, has been turned by writer and artist Paul
Jamiol into a book for children that brings joy and amusement while
promoting safe riding... Jamiol's community of
motorcycle-riding fauna will keep young readers enthralled. It answers
some of the questions about motorcycles that their parents may not be able
to answer.
Ed Youngblood - Ed Youngblood's
Motohistory
BIKERS are ANIMALS - A Children’'s
Book on Motorcycling by Paul Jamiol is a children's
book on animals, motorcycling and motorcycle safety...
Paul creates a dozen colorful, unique, lovable critter characters riding
various kinds of very colorful, detailed bikes. Each character has a
personality and little story, and are as diverse as the bikes. Delightful
and entertaining! At the end of the book there are pages of his characters
that kids can color.
His love for biking and the open road really comes through.
It's a perfect gift for your child or
grandchild.
Jen Grady - TheZoo
www.boardsillyonline.com
BIKERS are ANIMALS is
available in Maine at Board Silly
Puzzles & Games, 44 Old Orchard St.,Old
Orchard Beach, ME 04064. If
you're in the area, stop by and check out the really cool
BIKERS are ANIMALS
jigsaw puzzles and also their great selection of puzzles and games!
www.larzanderson.org
BIKERS are ANIMALS is
available in Eastern Massachusetts at the
Larz Anderson Auto Museum,
15 Newton St., Brookline, MA 02445. If
you're in the area, stop by and visit
the home of
"Americas oldest car collection". For over 75 years, the
Larz Anderson Auto Museum has been
supporting the collector car community through a variety of educational
programs, exhibits, and lectures.
Coming this Fall...
First Review...
Motorcycling
cartoonist Paul Jamiol has done it again with “Bikers Are Animals
2,” a sequel to his “Bikers Are Animals” published in
November, 2009. Sub-titled “The Rest of the
Crew,” Jamiol brings us another dozen endearing creatures who like to ride
motorcycles, including Classik, a coyote who loves antique motorcycles,
and Craig, an alligator who would rather ride than hang around a hot swamp
all day. As with the first “Animals,” there is a coloring section with
all the characters in line art. Jamiol's basic message is one of
inclusiveness, joy, and the absence of prejudice. Every motorcyclist with
small children or grandkids should gift them this book. It is fun and
character-building in an entertaining way that children can enjoy. To
read our review of Jamiol's first “Animals” book, go to Motohistory News &
Views 7/10/2009.
Ed Youngblood -
Ed Youngblood's
Motohistory
Efforts to fight
distracted driving move into high gear
American Motorcyclist Association
President Obama's administration and federal lawmakers are
making it clear that they are serious about reducing distracted driving on
the nation's roads.
In October alone, Obama signed an executive order banning
federal workers from text-messaging on cell phones while driving
government vehicles, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told federal
lawmakers at hearings that he will work to "raise the awareness (of the
dangers of distracted driving) and sharpen the consequences," and U.S.
House and Senate committees held hearings on the issue.
"One motorcyclist killed on our highways is one too many,
so it's encouraging to see that decision-makers at the federal level are
taking the dangers of distracted driving seriously," said Ed Moreland, AMA
vice president for government relations. "The AMA has adopted a position
statement that endorses enhanced penalties for those who injure or kill
others while operating a motor vehicle when distracted or inattentive
operation is involved. But the goal must be to prevent the crashes from
occurring in the first place."
To read the AMA's position statement on distracted and
inattentive driving, please go to
AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/positions/distracted.asp.
LaHood hosted a distracted-driving summit involving
transportation and other experts from around the nation Sept. 30-Oct. 1 to
gain insights into how to battle the problem. The AMA was an invited guest
to the summit and strongly urged that motorcyclists be considered in all
future discussions about the impacts of distracted driving.
The AMA also attended hearings held by federal lawmakers
on the issue.
The U.S. House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing on Oct. 29,
"Addressing the Problem of Distracted Driving." At the hearing, LaHood
said education and awareness campaigns are essential for getting people to
stop texting or engaging in other distracting activities while driving.
"We are still researching the effectiveness of combining
high-visibility (law) enforcement with outreach campaigns in the
distracted-driving context," LaHood said. "But we are hopeful that such
efforts may prove effective in the same way that we've been able to use
them to reduce drunk driving and increase seatbelt use."
He also said that while cell-phone texting gets a lot of
attention, there are many distractions for drivers.
"I think any distraction is a problem," he testified. "I
think eating a hamburger, putting your makeup on, shaving, texting,
talking on a cell phone, these are all distractions. But the epidemic is
really with people texting. But all of these other things are distractions
too."
LaHood also mentioned Greg Zaffke II, who is taking steps
to educate Americans about distracted driving after his mother, Anita
Zaffke, was killed in May on her motorcycle. She was stopped at a
stoplight in Lake Zurich, Ill., when a woman driver allegedly painting her
fingernails while driving crashed into the back of Anita, killing her.
"Now he has an organization called the Black Nail Brigade
where he paints the fingernails on one hand and wears a T-shirt called the
Black Nail Brigade and travels all over the country trying to persuade
people not to text, not to paint your nails, not to shave, not to put on
makeup, not to eat a McDonalds hamburger," LaHood said.
Legislation Filed to
Increase Fines, Penalties and Insurance
Requirements for Massachusetts’ Motorcyclists
(October 2, 2009--- Boston, MA)
Legislation filed this year will increase fines and add further
penalties, including probation, for motorcyclists operating in
Massachusetts wearing so-called “unapproved” or “novelty helmets,” or for
not wearing a helmet at all, with a portion of those fines being
appropriated for deposit into the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust
Fund. Said fines would also apply if the rider
was not wearing “approved” eye protection.
This
proposal also calls for Massachusetts’ Motorcyclists to carry $50,000.00
in Medical Payments insurance coverage at an additional cost of between
$316.00 up to $400.00 annually based on rate changes effective January 1,
2009.
A hearing
will be held on this proposal at the Massachusetts State House before the
Joint Committee on Transportation this Tuesday, October 6, 2009 in Hearing
Room B1 commencing at 11:00 AM.
Senate No. 2017, filed by Senator Stephen
Brewer (D-Worcester), states that any motorcyclist will be fined
“not less than $125, placed on probation or granted a continuance without
a finding for operating a motorcycle, or permitting another person to ride
as a passenger, without a helmet” and that said helmet meet “the
American National Standards Institute's standards for protective headgear”
(i.e. D.O.T. approved).
Presently the penalty for not wearing a
helmet, or wearing an “unapproved” helmet in Massachusetts is a Civil
Violation with a $35 fine plus an insurance surcharge.
Section 1, Subsection (h)
of Senate #2017 not only raises that fine by $90 but also calls for it to
become a Criminal Penalty by including “probation” or “continuance without
a finding” penalties for those convicted.
Subsection (h)
goes on to authorize “that a person may be
sentenced to a correctional facility in
the commonwealth” regarding penalties outlined therein.
Senate #2017 was filed, and strongly supported
by, the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA).
They have been actively lobbying and thus far have gained 17 legislator
co-sponsors for Senate #2017.
Senate #2017, entitled the “Helmet Choice
Bill” would also modify Massachusetts Helmet Law to allow those riders
that allows riders their choice on helmet use if rider is “at least 21
years old, had successfully completed a motorcycle safety course” provided
that they carry the expensive $50,000 in Medical Payments coverage on
their motorcycle policies.
While the MMA calls Senate #2017 the “Helmet
Choice Bill”--- most motorcycle riders find little choice with
increased penalties and compulsory $50,000 Medical Payments insurance
coverage trade-off.
Howard Segermark, long-time Washington D.C.
Lobbyist and co-founder of the Motorcycle Rider’s Foundation states, “
as far as my reading is concerned, Senate 2017 is an anti-freedom bill
which has nothing to do with choice. The author’s
assumption of a causal relationship between wearing a helmet and public
dependency is total fabrication and a fallacy that any legislator lawyer
is required to understand.
The trade-off requirement that motorcyclists
to carry $50,000 in medical insurance coverage sets a dangerous precedence
as this language is an admission that the MMA agrees that motorcyclists
are a burden on society.
Massachusetts Motorcycling Activist Bill
Gannon said, “The MMA is actually admitting that motorcyclists need higher
coverage than other vehicle operators because we must be “social
burdens” by filing this language.
Anti-choice advocates will have a field day with such a documented
admission from the MMA.”
Motorcyclists also see this language as blatant discrimination.
$50,000 Medical Payments coverage is not being required for
operators of other vehicles and motorcyclists being singled out to carry
such policies is concrete discrimination.
Currently Medical Payments coverage is an
option and currently is the only no-fault coverage left in Massachusetts.
A change effective January 1st, 2009 saw that option’s premiums
increase significantly and will be approximately $316.00 up to $400.00
annually. When purchasing that option, one must
specify “passenger coverage” or passengers will not be included.
Motorcyclists are also concerned that they
would need to carry proof of insurance to show law enforcement that they
are compliant. The riders fear increased police
harassment through “probable cause” stops to check for proof of insurance.
Out-of-State Motorcyclists would automatically
be opened up to probable cause for “proof of insurance” stops and
ticketing since their states presently do not require such compulsory
insurance.
Subsection (h)
calls for the $125 fines collected to be deposited by the court with the
treasurer into the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund--- more
inference that the MMA admits motorcyclists are “social burdens.”
The Head Injury Foundation consistently
lobbies against motorcycling and promotes helmet laws in all 50 states.
Serious motorcycling activist consider Senate
#2017 is a bad bill that sets a dangerous precedent as well as
discriminates against all motorcyclists.
All motorcycle riders are urged to attend
Tuesday’s public hearing and ask the Committee to kill Senate #2017 and
insist that the MMA DOES NOT SPEAK FOR
YOU and that you are NOT a “Social Burden!”
Insist that you are opposed to higher fines and higher insurance
coverage limits! Insist that Senate #2017
discriminates against motorcyclists!
Ask your legislator to contact Chairpersons of the Joint Committee on
Transportation and say Senate #2017 SHOULD NOT PASS!!!
Instead, motorcyclists are urged to ask the
Committee to support Senate # 1944 filed by Senator Morrissey entitled, “
An Act relative to the modification of the helmet law.”
Senate # 1944 states that riders over the age
of twenty, and riders over the age of seventeen that pass the Motorcycle
Safety Course can make their own choice on helmet use without any silly
trade-offs. Last session Senate # 1944 was the ONLY
helmet repeal language that stayed alive throughout the entire legislative
session, unlike MMA’s repeal bills that died in committee early on.
OnTheThrottle.tv posts video of Cornerspeed
OnTheThrottle.tv has posted an in-depth video highlighting
Cornerspeed during a school and track day at VIR. This video
has rider testimonials, plenty of track shots, and
commentary by Aaron Stevenson, owner and chief instructor of
the school. The video can be found by copying and pasting
the following link:
http://www.onthethrottle.tv/pages/page/cornerspeed_profile_08/280_1651
Or on YouTube at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTu9kX13G_8
Cornerspeed is entering its 10th season as the official
motorcycle school for V.I.R. (Virginia International
Raceway). Cornerspeed is a comprehensive motorcycle skills
school that covers the major aspects of motorcycle control.
For more information visit the website at
www.cornerspeed.net Call: (704) 332-3147 or Email:
Cornerspeed@carolina.rr.com.
For more info click here
Check out
Wagnermotorsport.com
Wagner MotorSports Int'l
508-854-1377
700 Plantation Street
Worcester, MA 01605
BMW, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Husqvarna Motorcycles and Aprilia Scooters &
Motorcycles
Sun & Mon: Closed
Tues, Wed & Fri: 9 to 6
Thurs: 9 to 7
Sat: 9 to 4
Leo's trusty sidekick
Rumpy
For more photos
click here
KYMCO
USA
Support
Sponsors
Team Motorcyclist's Post is proudly sponsored by:
The Motorcyclist's Post
Orville Sheldon of N.F. Sheldon Harley-Davidson/Buell
Bruce Lyskawa of Bruce Transportation Group
Snedeker Racing
Barnett Tool & Engineering
Fuchs-Silkolene Powersports Lubricants USA
Esjot Sprockets
Brisk Spark Plugs
Mad Dog
G2 Ergonomics
Tiger Skins Number Plates
Nology
Digatron USA
Baer Racing Products
Mark Bremer/Ontrack Systems
Seymour Investigative Services, LLC
Arai Helmets
John Rossi
VivaDUCATI's founder, John M.
Rossi is a contributing writer to the Motorcyclists'
Post
VivaDUCATI.com
P.O. Box 400582
Cambridge, MA 02140
JRossi@VivaDUCATI.com
This Just In:
Team Motorcyclist's Post and Logan
Myers are very pleased to announce that
Fuchs-Silkolene USA will be back on board as a product
sponsor for 2008. Team Engineer Mark Bremer reports; "The Silkolene
line of high performance lubricants is second to none.We've been
running their products in all of our own engines and transmissions
with great success. If you have an engine you
really care about, it's worth running the best.
Their ability to produce extremely high quality
products specifically tailored for the severe demands of professional
competition is why more Grand National level XR750's are running
Silkolene's Castorene R40S than anything else.
The XR750 only carries about a
quart and a half of oil which reaches
temperatures well over 250 degrees running
mostly wide open during a 25 lap main event on
the mile; there's not many more severe duties for an air-cooled engine
than that. We've been running Silkolene's
Comp 4 10w-40 in the Honda 450 based machines
and engine builder Joe Maney reports he's found
little wear characteristics. We also use Silkolene's Synthetic Gear
oils, Synthetic Brake Fluid, Pro RSF fork
oil, Brake Cleaner, and also their Pro Cool
product for the liquid cooled single engines. In every case the
Silkolene products perform consistently well despite tough racing
conditions. For more information on the entire Fuchs-Silkolene
product line, check out
www.silkolene.com
.
In addition, we are pleased to announce that long time
Team Motorcyclist's Post sponsor Ontrack Systems
will be providing the team a new XR750 racing
chassis for the 2008 season. The new chassis will be
the latest in design from J&M Racing Products, tailored to fit team
rider LoganMyers. Team Rider Logan Myers
reports; "I want to thank
Ontrack Systems (
www.get-ontrack.com
) for stepping up to the plate with the
new chassis this year; now we'll be able to have two completely
competitive XR750's for the 2008 season. I'm working with Mike
Owens at J&M to make the frame fit me in specific areas. It should
really be a great base on which to build."
In Action
Logan at the Monticello
Team Motorcyclist's Post Racer Logan Myers gets it
on at Monticello Raceway, Monticello, NY.
|
Logan Myers - Ready to Rumble at Rochester, NH in
June 2007
Logan being interviewed in the Winner's Circle
Jamiol's World 'toon for July 2010
For past MC Post Jamiol's toons
click here
For a complete Tailgunner Exhaust review
click here
Tailgunner Exhaust
P.O. Box 1265
West Tisbury, MA 02575
Ph: 508-693-1944
www.tailgunnerexhaust.com
Tiger Skins joins
forces with national number 24 Logan Myers for 2007
Team Motorcyclist's Post is proud to
announce that national number 24 Logan Myers
will be running Tiger Skins number plates for the 2007 AMA
Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship season. Tiger
Skins number plates are a product of
Imaginations Run Wild Graphics; a leading custom
powersports graphic design and manufacturing firm based out of
York, PA.
The cutting edge firm produces vinyl
graphics and decals for a wide range of
applications including; photo and logo decals, vehicle/trailer
lettering & graphics, full-color banners &
signs, complete bike wraps, custom license
plates, custom T-shirts and sports apparel, and Tiger Skins
polycarbonate number plates.
Tiger Skins principal Deanna Graham
reports; "My brother, Paul Crumling
(#2A), was a professional dirt track rider and the true pioneer
of what number plates are today. After his
passing from a lengthy illness in 1999, I
made memorial decals to raise money for the AIR Fund and some of the
local riders asked if I would make their plates. We've been
making vinyl graphics and number plates for
5 years, mostly for amateur riders, and now
we're growing with them into the PRO level
of the sport. When I talked toLogan and Leo I knew I wanted to get
involved with their program. What appealed
to me about these guys is the fact that they are one of the smaller
teams out there with a very promising rider in Logan Myers.
They've had their
share of bad luck and have shown great perseverance by staying in the
game through it all. On top of that, their ability and
willingness to provide an advertising return
through The Motorcyclist's Post publication on my
sponsorship investment really made it a no-brainer from a
business perspective. I now look forward to
the start of the AMA GNC Season more than
ever."
For more information on Tiger Skins, go
to:
www.tigerskins.net
|
|
Jamiol's World 'toon for January 2009
|
Tech Page Articles and Reviews
Spark Plugs by the Professor
Laminar Lip Review by the P. Jamiol
Click Here for Mark Bremer's "At the Flicks"
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Send your name and
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