AMERICAN BIKERS

JOURNALThe Motorcycle Riders Foundation Reports Returns to its Roots - American Bikers Journal VOL. 23, NO. 5 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 IN THIS ISSUE SHADES 3 RIDER EDUCATION 17

UNDER SIEGE 18 FREEDOM RINGS AT 75 MPH: 6 BRING. IT. ON. MRFPAC NEWS 19

WE’VE GOT TO GET NEW PEOPLE 7 MRF SUSTAINING MEMBERS 20 INVOLVED THE VIEW PAST THE HANDLEBARS 24 BRING IT ON 8 JUST FOR THE LOVE OF IT

MEETING OF THE MINDS 11 STURGIS 25 FLYER NEWS FROM EUROPE (F.E.M.A.) 27 THE RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD 12 SWEDEN SUCCESSFULLY PROMOTES FOR DUMMIES: ETHANOL EXPLAINED ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES

MRF ELECTIONS 14 AROUND THE STATES 28

MRF TREASURER’S REPORT 15 MRF A&E SEEKS NEW OFFICERS 37

MRF SECRETARY’S REPORT 16 ON THE COVER: SSMRO REPORT 17 SPEARFISH CANYON, SD PHOTO BY: TIFFANY CIPOLETTI

This newsletter is the official publication of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, 2221 S. Clark Street, Arlington, VA 22202; phone: (202) 546-0983. All rights reserved. Portions may be reprinted with proper attribution.

MRF Reports is published six times a year and distributed nationwide. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent those of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, its officers or representatives.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation will not knowingly contract with or do business with any entity that discriminates against motorcyclists in any way, shape or form.

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YOU CAN OPT OUT OF THE PAPER MAILING BY CONTACTING THE OFFICE at (202) 546-0983 or [email protected]

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 2 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 SHADES Kirk “Hardtail” Willard MRF President

A while back, my oldest son had one of those goofy shirts on that kids seem to pop up in that you have no idea where it came from, but you can’t help chuckling just a bit. It said, “My Future Is So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades.” Coming home from my 35th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races, Black Hills Motor Classic, or whatever I am supposed to call it these days, I kind of felt like what was on my sons’ shirt all those years ago was referring to the potentially bright future of motorcycling. Because of the tremendous honor of being inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame, I broke a rule. The rule was that my kids don’t go to Sturgis until they are 18 and can ride. So along comes my youngest son who is 11 years old in a car with family friends for the ceremony. He’s a tough kid but not quite ready for a 900-mile day in the saddle at speeds somewhere between legal and not so much. As with my two adult children, he has always had an interest in riding motorcycles. Garrick started dirt biking when he was 5, began riding in the sidecar with his dog since being able to walk, and about every week after he hit 7 or 8 years old he came out to every bike I pulled out of the shop and jumped on to see if he could reach the foot pegs. A milestone that meant he could get out of the sidecar and onto the back of a Harley, yet another rule aimed at the care and feeding of the image of motorcycling with the public. After arriving in Central City, South Dakota, he comes out of the converted classroom at the old Schoolhouse that the Riba’s and Backlund’s generously share with us during the Rally wearing his biker boots, leather vest, and what else but a helmet with skulls on it to ride to the Sturgis Hall of Fame breakfast. We pulled in, and the number of bikers that came up and acknowledged him was amazing. Of course, all our ABATE and MRF people did, but even inside the Casino venue in Deadwood the likes of Rick Fairless; the tie-dyed bike builder, owner of Strokers Dallas, and reality TV personality came up and talked to my son and asked if he was having a good time at the rally. The cool thing is my son recognized him from his crazy tie-dyed shirts. A few other custom builders that I have met and worked with over the years also made it a point to include him in the conversation. He received a

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Motorcycle Riders Foundation 3 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 rousing ovation when I introduced him during my speech as my riding partner for the week, later he asked if all those bikers were clapping for him. Dave “DAD” Dwyer, my riding partner for many years to all things ABATE and MRF, brought over a couple motorcycle club guys for some pictures with just my son, again he was beaming from ear to ear because he has grown up seeing pictures and hearing about what these guys represent and how important they are to our freedom of the road and associated lifestyle. After that, he was on my bike for 400 miles of glorious riding through the Black Hills including Needles Highway, Vanocker Canyon, Nemo Road, through Custer State Park, Spearfish Canyon; all the greats. My wife was riding behind us on the back of “DAD’s” or “Reebs” bike, and she took several pictures of him turning around to wave with a huge smile plastered on his face. Even cooler was to see him biker up during the week. His vest now has several patches on it, several pins, and the best-ever he started his collection of biker rings with the flying wheel, an eagle, and a chain ring; like father like son, I guess. On to the famous Whitewood Social Hour where MRF Old Timer and all around most righteous biker I know, Gary Sellers, spent time with him. Something I am grateful for because as we know we aren’t as many we used to be, he even somehow found a patch and a pin from way back that my son said he would like to have and mailed it to him after the rally. So, we had an excellent time, I was stoked at the opportunity to share a bit of what has taken me away from my family 25-35 weekends a year at times with my son. He gained a brief but important look into what this movement is about and why it means so much that we spend a significant amount of time and energy to fight to protect it. Additionally, and importantly it illustrated to me that it needn’t be all doom and gloom over the future of motorcycling. If WE merely take the time to involve youngsters interested in motorcycles in what we do, we don’t have to have a brilliant marketing plan put together by an International Corporation to attract a rider into a “sport.” We can bring them into our lifestyle grassroots style which I’d say is right up any bikers alley. Got your shades on, I do.

Sturgis Museum Hall of Fame Freedom Fighter Winners Senator Dave Zien, Dick “Slider” Gilmore, Gary Sellers, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, Fred Harrell & Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 4 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 5 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 FREEDOM RINGS AT 75 MPH: BRING. IT. ON. Megan Ekstrom VP of Government Affairs & Public Relations

This is one of the most critical times in the 30+ year history of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Its not an exaggeration; in fact, it may be an understatement. Our MRF founders laid the groundwork for us in the 1970’s and 1980’s. They did so because they believed in the motorcycle lifestyle and the freedom of choice. At that time, they were being threatened with a national universal helmet law, so they fought back. And they won. We’re being threatened once again – but this isn’t about helmets, it’s about the very existence of motorcycles. That’s right, you’ve seen our new slogan: Your Rights…Your Lifestyle…Your Motorcycle… Under Siege. Its bigger than a helmet this time. There is a mounting flood of legislation, and threats from the media, government agencies and enemies abroad to end the very existence of motorcycles. These threats may not yet be direct in the U.S., but what we are seeing are indirect threats… The new federal program “Road to Zero” aims to eliminate all highway deaths by 2030. You know how they could eliminate several thousand? By not allowing motorcycles on highways. That’s what the originator of the European program suggested. Self-driving cars: as legislation and regulations are formed at the state and national level, we continue to see motorcycles left out. Is this a coincidence? And even if its not, how do motorcycles fit into a world where the computers are the drivers? And ethanol! As more and more ethanol enters into the nation’s fuel supply, how will we legally gas up our bikes? Using higher blends of ethanol in your gasoline is federally prohibited by the Environmental Protection Agency. Maybe you’re rolling your eyes reading this. But if you’re not and you are starting to see our rights, our lifestyle and our motorcycles fading away to history, we need you to step up and do something about it. We need you to continue to support us by signing up as a sustaining member and making a donation to the special “Freedom Fighters Fund” – a special account that goes directly to support our advocacy work in Washington. We need you to spread the word on our Calls to Action, letting our Senators and elected officials know that bikers vote and we care about our constitutional freedoms. We have endured over the last 30 years because of readers like you. Help us endure the next 30 and when bikers are demonized or ignored or divided, yell with me: BRING. IT. ON. Reinforcements are needed. You can help right now to preserve our freedoms and our lifestyle: RECRUIT ANOTHER MRF MEMBER If everyone reading this committed to this, we could DOUBLE our membership and start out 2019 with a bang. Or with the roar of an engine; a sound that we hope to continue to hear in the years to come. I’m proud to stand strong beside you and fight on behalf of riders all over the country. Help me and go out and recruit a new MRF member!

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 6 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 WE’VE GOT TO GET NEW PEOPLE INVOLVED Jay Jackson MRF Vice President

Here we go with the old broken record syndrome again. We must get some new people into the motorcyclists’ rights movement; preferably young people. We’ve made the comparison to World War II veterans before, in that our people are aging out and dying off.

There has been talk among our detractors that “the bikers are getting old and weak”. If we really are concerned about any “issue”, we better get serious now, because the other side is planning a strategy.

Motorcyclists don’t have the market cornered with regard to this “problem”. Pretty much any membership-based organization in existence is experiencing similar difficulties. Some to the extent of shutting down.

We have been able to hold our own so far and have fared much better than most other groups. We will certainly continue to fight until we take our last breath. Oh, and by the way, we ain’t weak.

However, we need to read the writing on the wall. We cannot continue into the future without fresh blood. We must recruit, nurture and mentor the next generation of freedom fighters so that this title does not die with us. To accomplish this, we need to be a little more welcoming and accommodating, otherwise newcomers won’t want to join us.

If everyone currently active in the movement brought in just one new member, we could double our size, along with our strength and effectiveness, immediately. If those new members were half our age, we could provide a foundation for freedom fighters for another 30 years.

Don’t let it end with us. Go out and find the next leaders.

Ride Safe, Ride Free, Jay Jackson

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 7 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 AND THE BEAT GOES ON Fred Harrell MRF Conferences Director

“When a nation goes down, or a society perishes, one condition may always be found; they forgot where they came from. They lost sight of what had brought them along.” -Carl Sandburg 1968… Steppenwolf -- Born to Be Wild; Johnny Cash -- Live at Folsom Prison; Cream – White Room; The Doors – Hello I Love You; Merle Haggard – Mama Tried; the Beatles – Hey Jude; the Rolling Stones – Street Fighting Man. The Tet Offensive; the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy; the births of Kenny Chesney, Will Smith, Daniel Craig, Tammy Duckworth, Larry Sanger, Barry Sanders. Green Bay Packers defeat the Oakland Raiders 33-14 to win Super Bowl #2 and 40 million viewers watched. Congress passes the 1968 Fair Housing Act. The Soviet Union invades Czechoslovakia; Elvis Presley makes a comeback special; Hair opens on Broadway; a beer and a double shot cost about the same as a haircut -- $3.00. 2001: A Space Odyssey; Bullet; The Savage Seven; a fully loaded 1968 Harley- Davidson King of the Road costs less than $3,000.00! Drag Specialties founded. The early stages of a national mandatory helmet law are being enacted by state legislatures, and by 1973 only two states refuse to capitulate to the federal blackmail. And Sonny & Cher’s record, The Beat Goes On, is still being played on the radio. A generation is coming of age, young men are either returning from military service, waiting to be drafted, already drafted, or hoping their college deferment last. Military service is questioned, and even with 3.5 million men and women on active duty, veterans are shown little appreciation. The total number of women serving in Congress – 12. 2018… And the beat goes on… Music from 50 years ago is still being played, but the music of today is “more relevant” than music from 1968, at least according to my 16-year-old daughter who was raised on everything from Cannonball Adderley to ZZ Top and appreciates all music, from rockabilly to hip hop. Of the musicians and bands listed above, only John Kay, performing as Steppenwolf, and the Rolling Stones still perform regularly. Assassins don’t seem to target nationally recognized figures. The Philadelphia Eagles defeat the New England Patriots 41-33 to win Super Bowl #52 with 104.4 million viewers watching. We’re still in a war half-way around the world, but no one has been drafted into military service since 1973. Even with 2.3 million men and women in active military service, we honor veterans today. Hair is worn any way imaginable, and if there are objections, they’re not spoken out loud. Haircuts still cost just as much as two shots and a beer – upwards from $25.00. Movies from the pages of comic books are today’s rage, plus ongoing series of remakes of any popular films from the 70s, 80s and 90s. A fully loaded 2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited – costs over $40,000.00. Drag Specialties is still in business. Helmet laws for all riders are only mandatory in 19 states and the District of Columbia. The total number of women serving in Congress – 107. Cher continues to entertain, and few remember the words to “The Beat Goes On.” Com·mon·al·i·ty kämnaldē/ Noun 1. The state of sharing features or attributes. “A commonality of interest ensures cooperation.” What does any of this have to do with the MRF? Look at the commonalities of 50 years ago, yes the U.S. went through a period of disunity during those tremulous time. However, witness the members of Congress in 1968. Even if they did not directly serve in the military during World War II, regardless of political party, those members of Congress had commonality in the fact that most, if not all, had shared

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 8 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 wartime commonalities. And, when they had significant disagreements over the passage of legislation such as the Fair Housing Act of 1968, at the time “the most filibustered legislation in U.S. history,” regardless of the ensuing debate, those members of Congress at least talked. They talked, because, notwithstanding their political affiliation, they had the mutual shared experience of serving in the military and/or living through WW II. Perhaps the commonalities of shared experience are not as prevalent in Congress today as it was in 1968. Today, it’s seldom the case when two members from the House of Representatives from different backgrounds and political parties support the same legislation. However, H.R.5855, the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018, does just that. Authored by Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) and Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fl.), the legislation would require the EPA to revise the labeling requirements for fuel pumps that dispense E15. Plus, conduct a consumer education campaign to inform the public about the risks of improper use of E15 and the vehicles and equipment that are prohibited from using E15. Thanks to the MRF, the above legislation demonstrates a modicum of commonality and unity in Congress. However, the MRF has always been about unity. Looking for commonality and unity to strengthen our efforts to build the MRF and state motorcyclists rights organizations, this year’s Meeting of the Minds is offering nine different workshops and a wide selection of presentations covering such diverse subjects as legislative strategy, hosting a Meeting of the Minds, what you don’t know about NHTSA, shifting biker culture, a historical perspective on “the face of freedom”, and why you should care about the MRF Political Action Committee, plus, much, much more. Don’t be lulled into false security with all this talk about commonality and unity. Unity goes beyond cheap talk about biker rights over beers on Friday night. Your SMRO, your MRF, your motorcycle club leadership, and your riding buddy, who often bores you with talk about biker rights, can and have instigated significant feats of accomplishment in Washington, D.C., and state capitals. This year the MRF orchestrated the 10th Annual Bikers Inside the Beltway with over 150 freedom fighters attending to take our message to members of Congress. Yet, repeatedly we get “bro jobbed” worse than a room full of wannabes by the very riders on whose behalf we’re working to support. Thirty years ago, motorcyclists were unified and sometimes divided over mandatory helmet laws. Yet, the MRF grew and flourished because we were united in our commonality – motorcycles. What we are facing today, is more significant than helmet laws; even bigger than the attempt to outlaw sports bikes. Your rights, your lifestyle, your motorcycle are under siege. No, it is not some jackbooted attack by brown-shirted storm troopers. It’s a hell of a lot subtler than that, and it feeds and thrives on disunity. No, riding motorcycles and protecting your rights was never just about helmet laws. Your rights, your lifestyle and your motorcycle are under siege! And the MRF is in the vanguard to stop those attacks. Profiling motorcyclists, especially members of motorcycle clubs, along with the proliferation of driverless cars, should be unifying motorcyclists to join the MRF or a state motorcyclist’s rights organization. Yet, the warnings and calls to action are heeded by a limited few. Manufacturers, aftermarket distributors, and motorcycle customizers, all once staunch supporters of motorcyclists’ rights, should, without hesitation, be right here with the MRF as it endeavors to protect and promote the rights of all motorcyclists. Your MRF is making every effort to inform this group of the ongoing threats. And the beat goes on… The Road to Zero? It’s a feelgood program that came out of Europe and got picked up like a free beer by the National Safety Council and the Department of Transportation. The program goal is to have zero highway fatalities in the next 30 years. Great goal. The program includes 18-wheelers, bicycles, pedestrians, certainly your family car, and may even include joggers! You know

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 9 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 AND THE BEAT GOES ON... (continued) what they left out? Any mention or inclusion of the 8.4 million motorcycles in the United States! Being ignored or under siege? Just one more subtlety that should be a wake-up call to all 3.5 million motorcycle owners. Here’s another one that might cause a little knot to tighten in the back of your mind and tell you to start doing something to protect your rights, your lifestyle and your motorcycle. Cameras mounted at intersections, near toll booths, and God only knows where else; just another subtle attempt to go after your rights in the name of “public safety?” Right. You probably don’t have anything to worry about because you don’t run red lights, you don’t blast through toll collection points without paying, and you’re probably not a dealer of illegal drugs. However, the Drug Enforcement Administration has developed a program to photograph license plates and put them into a database to track drug dealers and criminals. You don’t have anything to worry about there, correct? However, just like those roadside police stops used to profile motorcycle club members can quickly be turned against all motorcyclists. The driverless cars being developed for highway safety without motorcycle recognition algorithms, the Road to Zero created to make highways safer and reduce highway related fatalities without including motorcycles, along with putting photographs of license plates into a database to track criminals, they all started with “good intentions” … maybe. Yet, without fail, the reality check is that they are subtlety being turned against the people who were not initially affected, and eventually, they will touch your rights, your lifestyle, and your motorcycle adversely. Your rights, your lifestyle, your motorcycle… under siege. The one organization that is doing something about all of this is the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and your support is needed to keep the subtleties from becoming realities. Your MRF has not forgotten where we came from. Nor have we lost sight of what brought us along. Yes, your rights, your lifestyle, and your motorcycle are under siege. However, if anything, that should cause you to immediately renew your MRF membership and encourage you to share with others what the MRF is doing to protect your rights, your lifestyle and your motorcycle.

Thank you for your support and membership in the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 10 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 11 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 The Renewable Fuel Standard for Dummies: Ethanol Explained First off, if you don’t know what the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is, you are not a dummy. Instead you are likely one of the 326 million Americans who aren’t following Washington, D.C. politics. And that’s okay. But we need to change that. Why? Because this affects YOU. Why? Because you (presum- ably) ride a motorcycle that runs on gasoline. So, let me give you the quick and dirty on this surprisingly complex and technical issue… The Background A dozen or so years ago, lawmakers passed a bill that would REQUIRE oil and gas companies to blend fuel with more ethanol in it to sell at your local gas station. Why did they do this? At the time, gas prices were on the rise and we were very dependent on foreign oil. So, adding more ethanol into the gasoline supply would help to wean us off foreign oil dependence and lower gas prices in our own back- yard. Do you know who LOVED the new law? Corn farmers. Corn producers. Ethanol distilleries. And that’s because the requirement would mean they would need to make more corn to produce and sell and distill. And that means more $$$$$$$$$$$$ in their pockets. But, here we are a dozen or so years later and we have groups that claim to be hurt by this policy…non- corn farmers, environmentalists, oil companies, and you guessed it, bikers! (and a lot more that I could name, but won’t to save the MRF money on ink) Why Bikers Aren’t Big Fans Though you may have already heard about this, it never hurts to hear something twice. Many, many people that own motorcycles are concerned over this policy. Why? Because the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supply is creeping up and up and up. And the result of this is that many gas stations are starting to carry gasoline with higher amounts of ethanol (the norm is gasoline containing 10% ethanol - though many bikers like their gas with ZERO ethanol). Because of the mandate, we are seeing instances where gas stations are carrying fuel with even higher than 10% ethanol. I’ve seen pictures of pumps that offer E15, E30 and E85 at gas stations across Ameri- ca. And what happens when you use that higher ethanol blend in your bike? Bad things. Don’t just take my word for it. You, as a rider, are FEDERALLY PROHIBITED from using any fuel contain- ing higher than 10% ethanol. Why? Its been studied to show damage to your bike’s fuel line, tank liners, carburetor and float needle. You can read it for yourself by going to the EPA’s website. You can also check your motorcycle’s manual – you’ll find that it warns you against using any fuel blend containing more than 10% ethanol. Now, lets complicate this issue even further. We know we can’t use this type of fuel in our bike. But, last I checked, there are over 8 million registered motorcyclists across America. Who wants to bet how many of them actually know everything I have outlined above? Well, you don’t have to guess, a recent study was conducted that showed that on average, 65% of Americans assume that any fuel sold at a gas station will be safe. If you apply that same formula to bikers, that’s almost 3 million riders that have no freakin’ clue not to use E15 or E85 in their bike. And there is NO WARNING SYSTEM to tell them this. Currently gas stations are only required to have a small notecard sized sticker saying higher blends of ethanol is not approved for use in certain types of vehicles and boats. No mention whatsoever of mo- torcyclists.

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 12 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 The Status Today There is no shortage of legislative proposals to “fix” the Renewable Fuel Standard. So far, in the current Congress alone, there have been 16 different measures that would address the use of ethanol blends in fuel. Some perpetuate the use while others try to turn over the law or at least slow down implemen- tation. And frankly, between you and me (and our thousands of other readers) none of these are going anywhere. That’s because it’s a politically divisive issue, pitting the oil lobby and the corn lobby against each other. Big oil spent $29.1 million dollars lobbying on this issue just last year. Big corn has spent $31 million last year. Holy shit, that’s a lot of money. To complicate things even further, it pits Republicans against Republicans and Democrats against Democrats. I don’t think I have EVER seen a staunch liber- al Democrat like Dick Durbin from Illinois play best friends with uber conservative Republican Chuck Grassley from Iowa. But guess what? On this issue, they do. Because they both represent corn states. Like I said….it’s a tough nut to crack. What Your MRF is Doing Of course, your MRF is never one to throw in the towel just because something is hard (hello helmet law repeal)! Instead, we have been trying to find an angle to carve out a scenario in which we protect OUR RIDERS and be damned everyone else. How are we doing this? First, find like-minded groups. We’ve been working the boat people, lawn mower people, snow mobile people and others who share similar concerns but aren’t as directly impacted like big oil and big corn. Through these efforts we have been able to introduce legislation, H.R.5855 – The Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018 - which will drastically improve the warning system about higher ethanol blends and would require the EPA to work directly with bikers to understand their concerns and improve labelling and warning systems at fuel stations. It would also require separate pumps for ethanol-laced fuels due to our concerns over remaining ethanol residue, I.E. no more blender pumps. We are also working direct- ly with retailers (think, QuikTrip, Sheetz, etc.) to ensure that they always continue to carry E10 or less at their fuel stations. We’ve spread that message through the Motorcycle and Boating Caucuses and a recent panel discussion that motorcyclists were asked to sit on. We think that these efforts can make a real difference and have a realistic chance of going somewhere. But, we need your help. We need you to write your Senators and Congressman and ask them to help make these common-sense changers for the riders and boaters in your state. We made it easy for you and wrote the letter on your behalf. All it needs is your signature and it will automatically be directed to your Senators and Congressman based from your zip code. You can do this on our website: www.mrf. org and then click on the Legislative Tab and then Legislative Action Center. Bottom line here is – if you ride a motorcycle that runs on gasoline, this affects you and we need your support. If you’re not a member of the MRF join and if you haven’t contacted your legislators about this important legislation, we need you to do so. Let’s make our voices heard on ethanol, TOGETHER. We may not have $30 million bucks to spend like the corn lobby, but last time I checked we are a pretty bad ass grassroots organization with deep connections to the motorcycle community. So, let’s get it done.

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 13 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 MRF DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS MRF Elections for 2018 Last call for Candidates BOD positions Glenyce Jackson MRF Elections Chair

The Meeting of the Minds (MOTM) conference is just around the corner and ELECTIONS will be one of the most important agenda items to keep our motorcycling freedoms intact. The Elections Committee for 2018 is: Chair Glenyce Jackson, and members Dave Cazel, Cindy Hodges, Lenny Holcomb, Dave Monroe, Russell Radke, and Todd Riba. You can contact any Elections Committee member for information about running for a position on the board. Their contact information is in the back of The MRF Reports or online at

All Motorcycle Riders Foundation Board positions are two-year terms with alternating election cycles.

Executive Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) to be elected this year will be President and Treasurer, since 2018 is an even-number year. Current President, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, plans to seek re- election. Treasurer, Frank Carbone is looking for a successor.

Administrative positions to be filled this year are: Director of Motorcycle Safety, and State Reps Program Director. The current Directors are expected to continue in their positions. Jay Jackson is the incumbent Motorcycle Safety Director and Doc D’Errico fills the State Reps Program leader,

The Elections Committee is tasked with finding MRF member candidates to fill these positions when needed. These board members are nominated and elected by the BOD at their meeting before the MOTM.

The MRF Board has seven At-Large positions elected by YOU the members of the MRF by ballot. You must be a member in good standing for at least one year before being seated at the January BOD meeting. (“Good standing” means that your dues must have been current for that year and for the current year.)

Two Member Reps are the MEMBERS’ VOICE, YOUR voice to the Board. They carry your concerns and ideas to the BOD. All Members of the MRF are eligible to vote by mail for these Reps. This year Cindy Hodges is seeking re-election to her position. There were no Candidacy papers filed by the July 31, 2018 deadline. Still, if you wish to challenge Cindy’s position you can collect signatures from 50 members in good standing and give them with your letter of intent to a member of the Elections Committee before the end of the MOTM 2018.

Two Reps’ Reps are elected to the MRF Board by the State Reps during their meeting at the MOTM, one each year. A state Rep who has filled that position for at least one year prior to January 2019 and who is in good standing is eligible to fill this position. You must also file Candidacy papers with the MRF Office by August 20, 2018 so copies can be mailed to all state Reps by September 1, 2018. This year the position held by Glenyce Jackson is up for election. She is NOT seeking re-election.

One Sustaining Motorcycle Cub Representative to the MRF Board. This person represents the Sustaining Club Members on the Board. They are nominated by the Clubs at the MOTM during their meeting and is then elected by the BOD. Russell Radke, the current “Club Dude”, was elected last year.

Two Sustaining State Motorcycle Rights Organizations Representatives on the Board connect the SSMRO’s concerns to the MRF and back. This year the position held by Lenny Holcomb is up for election. Lenny has stated his candidacy to fill another term. If you want to run for this position you must submit your Candidacy papers to the MRF office by the first Friday after MOTM, September 29, 2018 so that ballots with the Candidacy papers can be mailed to the SSMRO’s by October 7, 2018. The ballots must be returned to the office by December 15, 2018.

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 14 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 The MRF bylaws state:

“Each Supporting State Motorcycle Rights Organization shall have one vote for each position which will be cast by its highest officer. Any organization open to membership on a statewide basis may choose to participate in the election of SSMRO Board Members. State organizations wishing to do so must meet the following criteria: A) having previously been recognized by the MRF as a supporting SMRO, or B) having existed as a viable functioning entity for at least two years prior to the time of voting; be in support of the MRF’s purposes and be a sustaining member of the MRF for the year in which they choose to vote. If the MRF BOD questions the status of a viable functioning entity for at least two years, articles of incorporation shall suffice. Recognition once given may be withdrawn only by ¾ votes of the members of the Board of Directors….”

It is very beneficial to the financial health of the MRF if candidates for MRF Board positions have support from their SMROs or are self supporting for MRF related travel and lodging expenses. The MRF holds three BOD meetings every year. The first is in January by teleconference, the second is in May the day before Bikers in the Beltway, lobbying day in Washington, D.C., and the third is before the Meeting of the Minds conference in September. Board members are expected to keep in contact with each other by email and telephone calls during the time between meetings. Board members do pay all costs of attending the MOTM, including registration, hotel, and meals. The BOD appreciates interest and constructive input from Members.

All the other Board positions will be up for election next year.

Email is the preferred method of submission of candidacy papers. Please note “Candidacy Paper” in the subject line. The address is [email protected]. You may submit your candidacy papers for any of these positions by postal mail if you desire to do so. The address is Motorcycle Riders Foundation, 2221 S. Clark Street, Arlington, VA 22202. Please mark “Candidacy Paper” on the outside of the envelope. Your candidacy papers should include which position you are declaring for, your SMRO experience, positions currently or previously held, and any other pertinent information you feel may help your chance for success.

Treasurer’s Report Frank Carbone MRF Treasurer

The calendar says the year is half gone, but with Sturgis and MOTM still on the hori- zon, as I write this, it feels like there is still a ton of the year left. To my way of think- ing, this is when I start to get a gut feeling about how the financial year is shaping up. I will say it looks okay in total. My first barometer reading is always membership. This is sort of a good news/bad news scenario. New mem- bership is ahead of last year and budget. Unfortunately, renewing membership is behind last year by just a bit over 4%. I sure hope that is only a timing problem. On the other hand, we are ahead of budget in all membership categories. Another great thing is Freedom Fighter donations are 80% higher than last year. It warms my heart when I see the financial commitment of our great members - the treasurer thanks all of you. As of the end of June, registration for MOTM in Denver is 32% less than last year which gives me cause for con- cern. Hopefully, it is just a bit of procrastination on the part of those going to attend. You must make it a point to see me tending bar in the hospitality room (my dream job). continued on pg 16

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 15 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 TREASURER’S REPORT (continued) On the expense side of the ledger, we are lower than last year and budget in every expense category with a few very minor exceptions. I can assure you that the board and staff are wholly committed to keeping our spending to an essential minimum. What does my gut say after just shy of ten years as treasurer? It is telling me that if we keep growing member- ship and if MOTM is a rousing success, we could end the year in a very favorable financial position. Two big ifs! Now I am going to get my bike ready for the trip to Sturgis and pay tribute to our fearless leader as he receives a much-deserved award. If I don’t see any of you in the Black Hills, I sure as hell hope I see you in Denver. Secretary’s Report Paulette Korte MRF Secretary

I hope everyone has had a great riding season, and is still out riding. When I look back at all the wonderful and great minds of the riding organizations state and nationally, I think of the saying about how there are “Old Timers and there are Some Timers”. We have folks who have been around for what feels like hundreds of years, who know a lot and share their knowledge with up and coming new members and officers. These “Old Timers” also listen to the new folks joining in and hear their new ideas. In return the new folks listen to the old. Keep in mind there can always be resistance because that is the nature of the beast but that does not mean that nothing is being heard. If we shut off the lines of communication, then there is no movement at all… only stagnation. Folks on both sides can show disinterest or brush off the information offered. We need to remember that while we need to move along, we also need to be careful to not shove folks to the side. Some Timers, that definition can also be interpreted in many ways. Many old folks work and do what they say. When a suggestion is being offered, a plan of action needs to be implemented to make it happen. This doesn’t always mean that if the first attempt doesn’t happen that it should just be dropped. Try another plan if it is worth the effort. Sometimes the Old Timers, when a new person brings something to the table, may want to consider that just because it didn’t work 20 years ago, doesn’t mean it can’t work today. In reverse, something new can be scary, but if shared with enough - and with a plan in play - you just never know what greatness may come from it! Bottom line is listen, utilize the resources you have and don’t cut folks off just because someone else’s ideas seem to be better. Listen, analyze, learn, form an action plan, and THEN execute. Make sure to follow up. Old and new stay engaged; there is always something to learn from both sides of the fence. We joined these organizations to make a difference. Whether state or nationally involved, we do it because we believe in motorcyclists and the rights we share on the road. I hope to see everyone at MOTM in Denver; it is always great to see and talk with everyone.

MRF DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 16 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 SSMRO REP REPORT Lenny Holcomb SSMRO Rep

If I’ve got my timing right, it should be early September. Hopefully, you are reading this while on the way to Denver, to join many of your like-minded Freedom Fighters at the world’s premier motorcyclists rights conference, The Meeting of the Minds. Shelly & I are probably in southern California or maybe Arizona by now. We decided to take the scenic route and started heading west on August 15th. But, that’s a story for the hospitality room! Another big event in the Freedom Fighter world that took place this summer was the induction into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame of our very own Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. There has been a lot of controversy over the last year’s failure to induct a Freedom Fighter. Well, they finally got it right and I can’t think of a more deserving candidate. Anybody that has worked in this movement knows what kind of sacrifices we’ve all made. Mostly it involves time away from family and monies taken from the piggy bank. Sometimes, as in Hardtail’s case, you also have a paying job that requires the same kind of time and dedication. You ever try to get in touch with him? There’s only one president I know of that is busier that he is! Anyway, Congratulations to Hardtail and the MRF on a much deserved honor. Shelly & I would have loved to have been there but, it wasn’t in the cards. I hope a lot of you did though. Lastly, I would like to thank all of the State Execs (coordinators, presidents, etc) that have gotten back to me with their updated contact info. You have been a great help. Dave (Cazel), Megan & Tiffany have been working on updating our data bases. This will make it a lot easier to get info out to the states in a timely manner. Also, thank you to those states that were able to renew their SSMRO memberships. We’re glad to have you back. Because as we all know, there is strength in numbers!

Rider Ed THE MRF’S ROLE REGARDING RIDER EDUCATION Jay Jackson MRF Rider Education

Nationwide, rider education has seen numerous changes in the past few years, and the changes aren’t done coming.

With the creation of the Model National Standards for Entry-Level Motorcycle Rider Training from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), we have seen states recognize- cur ricula outside those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). While this provides more options for training, it also allows for some confusion and inconsistency; specifically, questions regarding reciprocity related to states allowing courses to be used for license waiver. Of course, there was always something controversial, as reciprocity was not absolute even when there was essentially only one curriculum.

We are also seeing a more “commercial” approaches to training courses. This is not all bad, nor all good. Who is authorized (or allowed) to conduct training (or issue a license waiver) varies from state to state.

In representing all street motorcyclists, the MRF will continue to monitor all aspects of rider education and maintain a dialogue with SMROs, state programs, rider education professionals and governmental agencies. And as requested, we will assist SMROs in addressing motorcycle safety issues in their state.

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 17 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 MRF DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS UNDER SIEGE

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Siege as “a persistent or serious attack”.

. The Romans laid siege to Carthage in 148 B.C. . General U.S. Grant laid siege to Petersburg/Richmond in 1864 . The Nazis laid siege to Stalingrad in 1942 . The Viet Cong laid siege to Hua in 1968

. The EPA, the DOT and CDC are laying siege to you, the American motorcyclist in 2018

Motorcyclists throughout the U.S. have been struggling against the edicts of the federal government since the universal helmet law was introduced in the 1970’s. We beat that one down through the concerted efforts of the SMRO’s throughout the nation. This resulted in the formation of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation in the 1980’s. In the 1990’s the helmet laws were being overturned by the SMRO’s and this continues today. The states with helmet laws are being confronted by freedom minded motorcyclists who think wearing a helmet should be an adult rider’s choice. Those states without a mandatory helmet law for adult riders are fighting constantly to maintain that freedom of choice. Helmets are only one issue. There are a multitude of other issues we as motorcyclists are facing: profiling, motorcycle modification, artificially intelligent motor vehicles (driverless vehicles), noise restrictions, ruinous bio-fuels (E-15 and higher), distracted driving and more.

I’m asking the leaders of all the SSMRO’s throughout the U.S. to engage their members and encourage them to join the movement spearheaded by the MRF to stop the federal government from laying siege to motorcycling. “How do they do this?” you ask. My answer is, by asking them to join the MRF. We all have representatives in Congress and we all have Senators in the Senate back in D.C. We need a concerted voice of MRF members to rattle those Congressional cages and get their attention. There is no better way than to speak with a bigger voice. More members do just that. We’re here because you asked us to do the job and we have done just that. Now we have to move forward and do more and to do that we need more. We need the membership of each and every SMRO member in the U.S. of A.

The SEIGE never ends thus the battle continues. If we quit, motorcycling as we know it will parish. Your rights, Your Motorcycle, Your lifestyle will be lost.

Dave Cazel MRF SSMRO Rep

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 18 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 MRFPAC NEWS Ryan Hubbard MRFPAC Chairman

Brothers and Sisters, Your MRFPAC is here to help you attend candidate fundraisers in order to highlight motorcyclist issues and to bet- ter get to know your federal politicians. It works this way: You have a candidate running for the Federal House or Senate and they are having an event. You need to fill out the Donation Request form, which you can request from any MRFPAC committee member, and send it to [email protected]. The MRFPAC Chairman will review the application and ensure the SMRO is on board with donating to the speci- fied candidate. If all is good there, then have Chairman will verify that the campaign will accept donations from a PAC, and the correct way to address the check. When all information is reviewed and questions answered, the request and information collected will be sent to the committee for action. If the committee passes a motion to donate, the campaign, or requester (if so indicated), will receive the check and a letter from the MFRPAC. To better educate you on the MRFPAC, there will be as session at the Meeting of the Minds in Denver covering donating to, requesting donations from, and collecting funds for the MRFPAC. For now, if you have questions regarding MRFPAC or the distribution of funds, please contact me or any one of the committee members. Also, before collecting any donations for MRFPAC, please contact one of the committee members so all the rules can be properly followed. Additional information on Political Action Committees is available on the Federal Election Commission web site at http://www.fec.gov.

Ride Safe – Ride Free, J. Ryan Hubbard MRFPAC Chairman [email protected] (309) 267-0606

Contributions are only being sought from members of the MRF who are U.S. citizens, or those who have been lawfully admit- ted for permanent residence under applicable federal law. Foreign national contributions are prohibited. Contributions are not tax deductible. Any contribution from non-MRF members will be returned. Contributions to MRFPAC are voluntary, and you may refuse to contribute without reprisal. A copy of our report, filed with the Federal Election Commission, is (or will be) available on the FEC’s website (www.fec.gov).

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 19 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 MRF SUSTAINING MEMBERS ALABAMA District 10 ABATE of CO Freedom By Choice ABATE of IL Dixie ABATE of Alabama District 11 ABATE of CO Freedom Riders ABATE of IL Alabama COC District 14 ABATE of CO Freedom Valley ABATE of IL Kris Cook District 16 ABATE of CO Freeport ABATE of IL Matthew Schroeder District 17 ABATE of CO Heart of Illinois ABATE of IL Rider Ed ABATE of CO Heritage Trail ABATE of IL ALASKA Torch & Sue Barr Iron Riders ABATE of IL ABATE of Alaska, Inc. Dave Christy Kaskaskia Valley ABATE of IL Juneau ABATE, Inc. Scot & Trish Locke Kishwaukee Valley ABATE of IL Craig Breshears Dale “Bear” Meade Liberty Chap ABATE of IL Bob & Donn Heflin Will & Eduarda Rutledge Lincoln Land ABATE of IL Frank Marineau Mid State ABATE of IL Boyd McFail CONNECTICUT Northern IL ABATE of IL CT Motorcycle Riders Association Old River ABATE of IL ARIZONA Open Roads ABATE of IL ABATE of Arizona, Inc. FLORIDA Piasa Gateway ABATE of IL Modified Motorcycle Association ABATE of Florida Shawnee Hills ABATE of IL AZ Confederation of MC Daytona Beach ABATE of FL Shoal Creek ABATE of IL High Country ABATE of AZ Richard F Bogert So. Dupage ABATE of IL Phoenix-Shadow Mtn ABATE of AZ Peter McManus Southern IL ABATE of IL Soldiers for Jesus MC Havasu Spoon River Riders ABATE of IL Tinners MC Scottsdale, AZ GEORGIA St Clair County ABATE of IL Michael Amon ABATE of Georgia Starved Rock ABATE of IL Deborah Butitta District 6 ABATE of GA Thunder Rock ABATE of IL Ron Kool District 11 ABATE of GA Twin Rivers ABATE of IL Richard Montgomery Will County ABATE of IL Sean Pinder HAWAII American Harley Express MC Street Bikers United Hawaii Illinois Motorheads MC ARKANSAS Satan Brigade MC – Oahu Steel Justice MC ABATE of Arkansas Barb & Rich Amling District 1 ABATE of AR IDAHO Shane Bice District 18 ABATE of AR ABATE of North Idaho Dave Conner AR Widow Sons ICMS II Kat Conner AWSMRA Widows Sons Freeborn Hoodoo ABATE of N ID Dr. Dennis Farrell USA Promotions Kootenai ABATE of N ID Scott & Kerri Gerke Elaine & Randy Hutcheson Charlie’s Acres Fall Swap Meet Pib Knebel Bruce E Larson Floyd’s Sport Stop Larry Lieb Eric Turman David Cazel David & Lee Martin Helen Wesson Justin “Kid” & Jennifer Crawford Bob Myers & Kathleen Frank J Daniels Skelton CALIFORNIA Roy E. Fisher Dan Paulsen ABATE of California Ronald Fryer Larry Schab Keith Ball L Paul & Susan Riess Richard Gierak Glen Wessel INDIANA Richard Mansfield ABATE of Indiana Kelvin Martin ILLINOIS Johnson County ABATE of IN Bob White ABATE of Illinois LaPorte Co ABATE of IN Blackhawk ABATE of IL Morgan Co ABATE of IN COLORADO Central ABATE of IL Region 1 ABATE of IN ABATE of Colorado Chicago ABATE of IL Region 2 ABATE of IN Colorado COC Crossroads ABATE of IL Region 3 ABATE of IN District 1 ABATE of CO DuKane ABATE of IL Region 4 ABATE of IN District 3 ABATE of CO Eastern IL ABATE of IL Region 7 ABATE of IN District 5 ABATE of CO Freebird Chapter ABATE of IL Region 9 ABATE of IN

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 20 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 Region 11 ABATE of IN MAINE Karen Forsberg Region 12 ABATE of IN United Bikers of Maine Detroit Hank IHCB44 Region 13 ABATE of IN Hancock Co U B M Mike Poel Starke County ABATE of IN Daniel Sagataw Tippecanoe Co ABATE of IN MARYLAND White County ABATE of IN ABATE of Maryland MINNESOTA ABATE Legal Calvert County ABATE of MD ABATE of Minnesota Gino & Wendy Johnson Charles Co ABATE of MD St. Croix Valley Riders Rod Taylor Mountain Chap. ABATE of MD Buffalo Ridge ABATE of MN Washington Co. ABATE of MD East Central ABATE of MN IOWA Edgar Cheetham Flatlanders ABATE of MN ABATE of Iowa Lynn Oldenburg Glacial Ridge ABATE of MN District 5 ABATE of IA Douglas Thorne Heart of the Lakes ABATE of MN District 6 ABATE of IA Jack Pine Riders ABATE of MN District 7 ABATE of IA MASSACHUSETTS Lake Chapter ABATE of MN District 8 ABATE of IA Mass Motorcycle Association Metro ABATE of MN District 10 ABATE of IA Dave Condon & Kelly Mississippi Valley ABATE of MN District 11 ABATE of IA Ferguson North Star ABATE of MN District 12 ABATE of IA David & Susan Corey North West ABATE of MN District 15 ABATE of IA Douglas Cutler Northeast ABATE of MN District 17 ABATE of IA Doc D’Errico River Valley ABATE of MN District 20 ABATE of IA Laurie Horn Rolling Prairie ABATE of MN District 24 ABATE of IA South Central ABATE of MN McCubbin Trophy & Engraving MICHIGAN Southwest ABATE of MN The Biker Lawyers, P.C. ABATE of Michigan Straight River ABATE of MN Chris Andersen MI Confederation of Clubs Tri-County ABATE of MN Ron Braaksma Region 1 ABATE of MI Up North ABATE of MN Mad Dog & Lady Kitty Region 3 ABATE of MI Way West ABATE of MN Michael Mesenbrink Region 5 ABATE of MI Assoc. of Independent Riders Eric Ross Region 6 ABATE of MI Prometheus MC Mark & MJ Winslow Region 7 ABATE of MI Mack & Michelle Backlund Region 8 ABATE of MI Mary & Mike Berger KANSAS Region 9 ABATE of MI Tim Edgar Burke ABATE of Kansas Region 10 ABATE of MI Jim Dahling KS Confederation of Clubs Inc Region 11 ABATE of MI Charles & Sarah Fletcher District 2 ABATE of KS Region 12 ABATE of MI Katie Gilloffo District 3 ABATE of KS Region 13 ABATE of MI Jill Kielblock District 4 ABATE of KS Region 14 ABATE of MI Karen May & Buzz Plante District 5 ABATE of KS Region 15 ABATE of MI Mike Pesta District 8 ABATE of KS Region 17 ABATE of MI Michael P. Pharr District 9 ABATE of KS Region 18 ABATE of MI Dawn & Todd Riba District 11 ABATE of KS Region 19 ABATE of MI Scott Steinhoff District 12 ABATE of KS Region 20 ABATE of MI Nemesis MC Region 21 ABATE of MI MISSOURI Sledge HammerRepair, Inc. Bikers United MC Freedom of Road Riders, Inc. William Mabry Eagle Riders/Royal Oak District 4 FORR Guilty Girlz RC Local 3 FORR KENTUCKY Hell’s Our Home MC Local 5 FORR KMA/KBA Leathernecks MC Michigan Local 24 FORR Ed Matheny Milan Road Angels MC Local 26 FORR Northern Knights MC Local 33 FORR LOUISIANA Outlaws MC -Detroit Local 35 FORR ABATE of Louisiana Proud Veterans Motorcycle Club FEW Seminar FORR Louisiana Coalition of Clubs Scorpions MC Milford Oakland Lynne Adkins Union Parish ABATE of LA Steel Horse Riders MC James Duyck Chris Colbert US Military Vets MC of MI Steve “Wildman” Howard Cecil Crawford Farmer’s Tavern Stephen M Morris continued on pg 22 Motorcycle Riders Foundation 21 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 NEBRASKA Alamance Co. CBA/ABATE of NC North Coast ABATE of OR ABATE of Nebraska Buncombe Co CBA/ABATE of NC River City ABATE of OR District 2 ABATE of NE Central Dist. CBA/ABATE of NC ROADBROTHER MC OR Chap. District 7 ABATE of NE Charlotte CBA/ABATE of NC Brian Stovall District 12 ABATE of NE Chatham Co CBA/ABATE of NC District 15 ABATE of NE Davidson Co CBA/ABATE of NC PENNSYLVANIA Brad Christian Eastern Dist. CBA/ABATE of NC ABATE of Pennsylvania Alan Fosler Gaston Co. CBA/ABATE of NC Bald Eagle Mtn ABATE of PA Granville Co. CBA/ABATE of NC Blair County ABATE of PA NEW HAMPSHIRE Raleigh CBA/ABATE of NC Blue Mountain ABATE of PA NH Motorcycle Rights Org. Smoky Mtn CBA/ABATE of NC Butler County ABATE of PA Western Dist. CBA/ABATE of NC Cambria Summit ABATE of PA NEW JERSEY Charlie Boone Centre Line Riders ABATE of PA Scott Knoff David Gore Chester County ABATE of PA Denise Hicks Crawford County ABATE of PA NEW MEXICO Vinny Neumann Delaware Valley ABATE of PA New Mexico Motorcycle Rights James Tuthill District 1 ABATE of PA Organization District 2 ABATE of PA Central NMMRO NORTH DAKOTA District 3 ABATE of PA Western NMMRO ABATE of North Dakota District 6 ABATE of PA Freedom Riders MC District 9 ABATE of PA NEW YORK Glen Ullin MC Endless Mountains ABATE of PA ABATE of New York Jeremy Francis Erie County ABATE of PA Long Island ABATE, Inc. Bruce Rime Fayette County ABATE of PA Albany ABATE of NY God’s Country ABATE of PA Buffalo/Erie ABATE of NY OHIO Indiana County ABATE of PA Cayuga Co. ABATE of NY ABATE of Ohio Jack’s Mt Riders ABATE of PA Columbia County ABATE of NY Ohio Coalition of Clubs Keystone #56 ABATE of PA Cortland/Chenango ABATE of NY Region 8 ABATE of OH Lawrence Co ABATE of PA Monroe Co ABATE of NY Region 9 ABATE of OH Lehigh Valley ABATE of PA Onondaga Co ABATE of NY ABATE of OH Foundation Liberty Riders ABATE of PA Ontario County ABATE of NY H.O.G. Springfield Chapter Mason Dixon ABATE of PA Orleans County ABATE of NY Tom Bloomer Mon Valley ABATE of PA Oswego County ABATE of NY Jim Bown Monterey Pass ABATE of PA Schoharie Co ABATE of NY Kolman Fuzy Montgomery Co ABATE of PA Chai Riders MC Joe & Robin Pickens North Pittsburgh ABATE of PA East Coast Riders, Inc. Philadelphia Ch.62 ABATE of PA Melchizedeks Motorcycle Club OKLAHOMA Somerset County ABATE of PA Lou Bruno ABATE of Oklahoma South Mountain ABATE of PA Susan Buck Sooner State ABATE Tri-County ABATE of PA Corky Edwards Chisholm Trail ABATE of OK Washington Co. ABATE of PA Robert Friedrich NW 69 ABATE of OK Westmoreland Co ABATE of PA Don Gomo Tulsa ABATE of OK Frank Carbone Prospector-MRF Rep Lotus Elayne & Quentin Dunn Tom & Tracy Christofes, Jr Jim Schuyler Skip Moon Dave Evans Sarah Stevens Charlie & Bernadette Williams John Garner James (Jeddy) Tranquill Joseph Gibson OREGON Andy Kelly NEVADA ABATE of Oregon Roberta Kelly Ironcrossmen MC BikePAC of Oregon John Kruger Red Riderz of Las Vegas Central Oregon ABATE Bill Minium Hub City ABATE of OR Carol Umbenhauer NORTH CAROLINA Josephine ABATE of OR Charles Umbenhauer CBA/ABATE of North Carolina Lincoln Co ABATE of OR Lenny Young MRF SUSTAINING MEMBERS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 22 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 Terry Young Nashville CMT/ABATE Region 1I ABATE of WI Steve Zurl Upper Cumberland CMT/ABATE Region 1J ABATE of WI Region 2A ABATE of WI RHODE ISLAND TEXAS Region 2B ABATE of WI Rhode Island Motorcycle Assoc. Texas ABATE Confederation Region 2D ABATE of WI Arlington ABATE Region 2E ABATE of WI SOUTH CAROLINA Texoma ABATE Region 2H ABATE of WI ABATE of South Carolina Mark Alsop Region 2J ABATE of WI SC Motorcycle Rights Assoc. Dad & Kim Region 3A ABATE of WI Ace Basin ABATE of SC Robert Lee Hall Region 3C ABATE of WI Barnwell Co. ABATE of SC Brenda Shea Region 4A ABATE of WI Barrier Islands ABATE of SC Andy Stoody Region 4C ABATE of WI Chapin-Irmo ABATE of SC Bearpup Thornton Region 6A ABATE of WI Charleston Co. ABATE of SC Region 7A ABATE of WI Columbia Riders ABATE of SC VERMONT Region 7B ABATE of WI CWC ABATE of SC ABATE Green Mountain State Region 7D ABATE of WI East Cooper ABATE of SC Monty N Springer Region 7E ABATE of WI Greenville ABATE of SC Region 8A ABATE of WI Hell Hole ABATE of SC VIRGINIA Region 8D ABATE of WI Jasper-Beaufort ABATE of SC ABATE of Virginia ABATE of WI Safe Rider, Inc. Lake Murray ABATE of SC Virginia Bikers Association AMA District 16 Council Lexington ABATE of SC Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists Road Runners MC Low Country ABATE of SC Lonesome Pine ABATE of VA ABATE of WI Office Mice NWSC ABATE of SC Mason Dixon ABATE of VA Pingel Enterprise, Inc. Oconee ABATE of SC Motorcycle Law Group Barb & Dan Batker Pickens County ABATE of SC Matt Danielson Marlene Bautch Motorcycle Awareness Alliance Rob Griffin Boyd & Sally Doxtator Ralph & Stephanie Bell Tom McGrath Dave & Sue Dwyer Eric Mastin Ken Swartz Thomas Fox Paul Seidelson John Ward Todd & Linda Fox Ronald Troia Theresa Gilliland Walter & Vicky Truesdell WASHINGTON Tracy Gilliland ABATE of Washington Mike & Jo Halvorson SOUTH DAKOTA Cowlitz County ABATE Carolyn Kittredge ABATE of South Dakota Key Peninsula ABATE of WA Jesse James Kittredge Black Hills ABATE of SD North Kitsap ABATE of WA Gary & Shawn Klinker Lake ABATE of SD Pacific Co ABATE of WA Wendy Lasko Lewis & Clark ABATE of SD Tri Cities ABATE of WA Donnie Liegeois North Star ABATE of SD Bikers for Christ M/M Dave “Twit” Linberg Oahe ABATE of SD John Bolin Dennis Manke Rushmore ABATE of SD Jo Breneman & Mark Colling TJ Oman Sioux Falls ABATE of SD Glenyce & Jay Jackson Richard C Porto Sioux River ABATE of SD Julia Merkel Seven RRMC & Cathy Dial Southeast ABATE of SD Dale Parsons Paul Reblin Those Guys ABATE of SD Ken Ray Stan Rygh Windriders ABATE of SD Scott Stears Pat & Cheryl Sheridan Clark County Riders Matthew M Stevenson Jiggs Cressy WEST VIRGINIA Grant R Thomas Phil Hohm West Virginia Motorcycle Assoc Paul & Lynn Vita Susan & Wayne Lettau Neal Wegner Auggie Minzlaff WISCONSIN Grant Wilkinson Sunshine Minzlaff ABATE of Wisconsin Kirk “Hardtail” Willard Steve Rohde Region 1A ABATE of WI John & Chris Steele Region 1C ABATE of WI WYOMING Bill & Janelle Wellnitz Region 1F ABATE of WI ABATE of Cody Region 1G ABATE of WI TENNESSEE Region 1H ABATE of WI CMT/ABATE of Tennessee Motorcycle Riders Foundation 23 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 THE VIEW PAST THE HANDLEBARS

Just For The Love Of It When was the last time you did something just for the love of it? In our world of fighting for motorcyclists’ rights, it can be all too easy to lose sight of the love. After all, we don’t fight for our rights because we love the act of fighting. We fight because we’re given no other choice, because we get backed into a corner by others who are determined to tell us how to live and why. And if we let our guard down even for a moment, we lose. We spend so much time on the defensive that it can be easy to lose touch with the simple love of the motorcy- cle, the ride, the people. Take a step back and ask yourself when you last appreciated the simple love of being on two wheels. Sights, smells, feelings—all the things that someone locked behind a driver’s wheel cannot under- stand nor would choose to. Riding in the rain, for example. I actually love it. The clean smell of the raindrops or of ozone from a lightning strike somewhere in the far distance. The sting of the drops at highway speeds and their heavy embrace when you’re riding slower. That feeling of being alive, knowing that it’s up to you and your riding skills to bring you safely home. How about the love of wrenching on your own bike? The feeling of clean oil, the satisfaction of knowing that those primary case bolts are properly torqued, the pride of work done well and the assurance of not having to rely on someone else’s word that the repair was done correctly. Even if it’s just an oil change, there’s a love in the basic mechanics of it, a bond that’s created between you and your machine. Ever been out on a solo ride on a crisp fall day? If so, you know what I mean when I say there’s a moment of real love in that experience. The flash of rich gold as ripening fields flow past, the crunch of leaves and the soft smell of earthy decay that signals the coming cold, the cool air that makes you bundle up just a bit more—these are the sensations that remind us of why we ride in the first place. If we’re not careful, the fight can consume the love and we end up forgetting what we’re fighting for in the first place. Those moments of pure joy and wonder can slip through our fingers just as surely as the turning of the world, and suddenly all we’re left with are old scars from battles long fought and a vague sense of wondering if it was all worth it. So take time out to embrace the love of a twisted throttle, the thrill of leaning into a perfect curve, and the glint of sunrise in the mirror that reminds us that there are more days behind than there are ahead, so we best make everything we can out of the here and now. In his book, Mostly Tailfeathers, the great American outdoor writer and humorist Gene Hill wrote, “Remember when time was cheap? The songs we sang about it told us that we had time on our hands, that time stood still, that tomorrow would be time enough. And now we find it was not. Suddenly times to come have become times past, and we must hoard it and spend it cautiously as the tag ends of a small inheritance . . . which is what it really was all along—except no one told us.” Here’s to spending that inheritance one wonderful moment at a time, planted in the saddle and leaning into the turns, just for the love of it. The Ghostrider

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 24 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 Sturgis Todd Riba MRF Member Rep

Wow, What A Trip! My wife Dawn and I just returned from the Great Biker Get Together known as The Sturgis Rally, Races, and Hill Climbs. We have made this trip a combined fifty plus times. Now I know large biker rallies like Sturgis aren’t for everyone, so if you are one of those folks, please hang in there, this article has a motorcycle rights and freedom theme. We had the opportunity to ride with some cool people, and we had a great trip. Our good friend Tiffany from the MRF office flew into Minneapolis, and she rode our “spare bike,” a 1992 HD Fatboy and we met up with an old high school friend and his wife. A group of five people and four bikes was just perfect, we only encountered one small mechanical issue, but we made it to the old school house in Central City where we stay for the rally. Eventually, MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, his wife Becky, and their youngest son showed up along with former MRF board member Dave Dwyer and other friends. The highlight of our week was the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast on Wednesday. As many of you already know, Hardtail was inducted under the “Freedom Fighter” category. He made a great speech at the ceremony, and he gave credit to the motorcycle rights movement and the riders involved in the movement. A message that needs to be in front of the attendees at this event frequently. There were some very influential people from the motorcycle world in the room like bike builders, manufacture reps, aftermarket people, racers, Sturgis Hall of Fame board members, past inductees, and many more. Most of those in attendance know very little about our movement, or they choose to ignore it. I was disappointed to see some attendees ignoring Hardtail’s genuinely inspirational words, but some riders choose to take their freedom for granted, and they don’t want to do anything to protect it. Therefore, we need to continue to get in front of people at this event and spread our message. Hardtail’s induction was well deserved and long overdue, but he is not the only deserving member of our movement. There are more out there, and we need to get them in front of the people that don’t get to hear our message or don’t want to listen to it. So, look at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame website and start thinking about who you want to nominate. Wednesday was a great day for our group! It was followed up with A.B.A.T.E. of South Dakota’s Social in Whitewood on Thursday. This event brings motorcycle rights people from all around the country together for a few hours, and it’s been going on for 30 some years thanks to A.B.A.T.E. of South Dakota. I love this event, it’s an continued on pg 26 Motorcycle Riders Foundation 25 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 opportunity to talk to like-minded brothers and sisters away from the rat race known as Sturgis, and it was great to reconnect with old friends. The Hall of Fame breakfast, the fun at the school, and the Whitewood event were all great experiences, and I will never forget them, but the highlight of the week was all about the ride. Our vacation started when the kickstands went up in the garage, and it wasn’t over until the kickstands went down a week later in the same garage. The journey to and from and the scenery and the fun in the hills were all a part of the experience but in the end, it was all about the ride. When I start that ride home from the Black Hills, I have a habit of glancing at the hills in the mirrors as they gradually disappear as I ride east. I reflect on the new memories and look back at many of the old ones. Right around a little town called Enning when the hills finally go out of site in the mirrors, and I start looking forward to the next trip, the next ride. Reflecting on our past in the motorcycle rights world is something we need to do but we need to make sure that we are looking ahead as well, we need to focus on the road ahead of us because quite frankly, there are some serious potholes and roadblocks up ahead. We can get around those obstacles, and we can move the pile if we all work and fight together. There are a lot of Old West museums in and around South Dakota, and when you go to those museums, there is a point in time when the history stops. There isn’t an official end to the “Old West,” there isn’t a date but the history, the stories, the artifacts just come to a stop. Is that the future of our lifestyle? Will the motorcycles and memorabilia at the Sturgis Museum just come to an end? Let’s fight together to ensure that doesn’t happen. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or complaints. It is my job to bring the voices of our members to the MRF board, so I need to hear from you. I look forward to seeing many of you at Meeting of The Minds in Denver, ride safe and ride hard. Todd

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 26 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 NEWS FROM EUROPE

SWEDEN SUCCESSFULLY PROMOTES ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLING The Swedish government started a scheme on 1 February 2018 to financially support people that buy an electric bicycle, moped or motorcycle. The premium is maximum €1,000 (only once per person).

When the Swedish government presented the initial proposal, motorcycles were excluded. Swedish FEMA member SMC talked to the ministry and sent in a proposal which also included motorcycles. The lobby work from SMC gave results. When the proposal was amended in December 2017, motorcycles were included.

For SMC the decision was a success! Now we can see that it is also a huge financial benefit for the Swedish riders who decided to buy an electric motorcycle. Until the middle of August, 1,340 owners got €1,000 each, which is a substantial bonus.

The number of electric motorcycles in use in Sweden has increased with 73 percent since December 2015.

READ MORE ABOUT FEMA AT http://www.fema-online.eu Motorcycle Riders Foundation 27 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018

ALABAMAAROUND THEwill have ourSTATES meeting on the level where one-off parts Kris Cook are fabricated, which is fascinating to me. I hope they are working when we are there, so we can see how it’s MRF State Rep done. I wonder if they have a 3D printer! Our meeting room also has an excellent view of turn 9 on the racetrack. There will be cars running that day instead Greetings Freedom Lovers, of motorcycles, but it will still be good fun to watch from such a close vantage point. If any of you come to We’re busy scheming about what legislation we’d Birmingham to see this fascinating place, please know like to pursue in the great state of Alabama when that you have friends here that you can call on. It’s our legislature reconvenes next year. At this time, we worth the trip to come and see it, even if you DO have are thinking we’ll take another shot at a Dead Red to put on your lid when you hit the state line. bill, as well as a law that will allow us to travel in the emergency lane to the next exit on the highway when ARIZONA traffic is stopped. We have heard Tennessee has a Dale “Animal” Dedrick law like this, but I have not been able to find out for MRF State Rep sure. I’d be glad to hear from any state that has a law like this, to get the exact wording and find out how and when you managed to get it passed. I’ve had some pushback from first responders, but I can’t see Greetings from the “Copper” State. a scenario where a motorcycle or two running up the Last week temperatures reached 117 degrees in shoulder would be a problem for very long on a very Phoenix, so we ride early and after sundown when cold, rainy, or hot day. possible to avoid heat stroke. It is the price we pay for having 300 days of I keep getting packets in the mail from the AMA, asking me to join, with a note stating that the AMA is the sunshine and Winter months in the 70s in the ONLY organization in the nation looking out for the Desert. Per my Marine Corps brothers, you interests of motorcyclists. This puzzles me. ADAPT and SURVIVE.

By the time this goes to print, we will have had In my last report, I stated that our Governor Doug our August meeting on the off-limits-to-the-public Ducey. (running for re-election) failed to appear at Restoration Level at the Barber Vintage Motorcycle Museum, here in Birmingham. This is a world-class our Day at the Dome, an event sponsored by the museum, housing the largest collection of vintage State MROs which is a lunch with our lawmakers motorcycles, all in running condition, in the world. We on the lawn at the State Capitol Building.

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 28 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 On June 23rd, Mike Infanzon our ABATE Lobbyist IDAHO was contacted by the Governor’s Office to present Dave Cazel Motorcycle Safety Month Proclamation. ABATE MRF State Rep of Arizona also gave the Governor a “Look out for Motorcycles” t-shirt at his campaign rally. Thanks to Mike and his team for a great presentation. The riding season is coming to a close. Hardtail was inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame and the Meeting of the Minds is this month in Denver. As the Freedom Fighters gather at the Meeting of the Minds in Denver, the riding in Idaho gets a little chilly- actually, down right cold within 6 weeks. We bring out the battery chargers and clear space in the shops for the winter storage. We begin to hunker down and formalize our agendas for motor- cycle rights and the upcoming legislative sessions. This fall we will be focused on the upcoming state legislative and executive elections along with the election of one of our two Congressional seats in D.C.

The Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety (ICMS) COLORADO and ABATE of North Idaho have written and mailed Dale “Bear” Meade a survey of questions to all the candidates on the MRF State Rep ballot for the November election. All 105 seats in the statehouse are up for re-election so we have With the possibility of a lot of new lawmakers our work cut out for us. We have to think motorcy- being elected, we need to stay on top of who cles not donkeys or elephants. is running against whom, and also what party affiliation the candidates have. As the summer Now we are also focused on the necessary efforts to reintroduce an anti-profiling legislation in the has progressed, Stump, ABATE of Colorado’s next session of the Idaho legislature that will con- Legislative Director has been busy keeping up vene in January 2019. We have to get it right this with the Transportation Legislative Review time. You don’t get too many chances and the ef- Committee (TLRC), which convenes during the fort failed last session. If we have done our home- summer months. The TLRC goes around the state work and gathered sufficient evidence of profiling, eyeballing roads, bridges, and infrastructure in we’ll be successful. I’ll report more on this as the Colorado. They also have a lot of pull during the session draws near. next legislative session as to some of the bills that will be addressed. Stump does a great job making Bikers in Idaho are also starting to get their hack- les up about distracted driving. In July, on a rainy, sure they know what laws we at ABATE would like stormy, Monday afternoon there was a gathering of to see proposed, such as possible lane splitting or over 250 motorcyclists. At the drop of a hat, after red light bills. Always good to work with the ones only two days’ notice, they came together to show who make our laws. their displeasure with the enforcement of distract- ed laws in Idaho. This season the fatalities from ABATE is hard at work organizing everything for collisions with other vehicles and motorcycles is on the Meeting Of The Minds in Sept. If you haven’t the rise. There will be more to report on this issue signed up yet-- GET CRACKIN!! On top of an in the future. I hope to see all of you at the Meet- incredible lineup for the MOTM, Colorado has ing of the Minds in a couple of weeks, to meet new Freedom Fighters, exchange ideas and formulate some amazing riding destinations. Join us!! new strategies to keep our lifestyle intact.

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 29 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 ILLINOIS We were able to use courtroom presence to Dennis Byron assist the family of Justin Heath last year when he MRF State Rep was killed by an individual who had no business driving. She ended up with an increased sentence, and I believe that an enhanced sentence was due to the activity of the motorcycle community in Is Your Life Worth More Than $60? that case. Greetings from Fulton, where I’m attending the annual Bi-State ABATE Bike Rodeo. The event is On another note, I’d like to thank State Senator put on by Big River Chapter ABATE of Illinois and Andy Manar for coming out to our last chapter Iowa ABATE District 21. meeting. Senator Manar announced that he would be filing anti-profiling legislation in the As I look around this event to see the wide November veto session. I look forward to working range of people involved in motorcycling, I with Senator Manar on this issue. start to contemplate the impact of each one of these people have on their communities, on The above is from our State Legislative their families, and just life in general. It is an Coordinator, Josh “Ski” Witkowski. unfortunate reality of what we do that some of these lives will be cut short. All too often these But it rings true on so many fronts. We allow lives are cut short by the careless actions of ourselves to be marginalized to some degree. I others. Distracted driving, drunk driving, and have been involved in a couple of these instances, those who are driving on suspended or revoked and every time there is a show of concerned licenses have been increasingly involved in fatal citizens, the time for the crime goes up. collisions with motorcyclists. Remember it does not have to be for somebody you know to show support. Wouldn’t you like In Peoria County, a driver who has been on a other to be there for your family if needed? revoked license for several years due to multiple DUIs pulled out in front of a motorcyclist killing Other than that the summer has been kind of slow them. This driver was let go on a $600 bond. He legislatively. As the riding season starts to wind only had to pay $60 to be released from jail. The down and our legislators head back to work, I am only charges he faces are traffic offenses. I’m sure we will have a lot to discuss in the future. sorry, but I’d like to think the value of human life is worth more than $60. INDIANA We see similar incidents with distracted drivers Roberta Meyer who turn left in front of motorcyclists. The MRF State Rep motorcyclist ends up dying, and the driver gets a failure to yield ticket. Has this been an odd summer or what? The I have heard from many of you who are concerned weather started out extremely hot but by the time about these increasing trend. I am working with members of the transportation committee to The Boogie rolled around, the weather was pretty start formulating legislation that may address decent. Were you at The Boogie this year? We these issues. If you have potential solutions to (Mike and I) were able to make it up on Friday. this problem, please get a hold of me as soon as Even though I was only there for a day, I had an possible. MRF booth set up under the “big top”. It was a quiet time and I had many visitors stop by. I handed out membership brochures and asked In the meantime, without appropriate legislation, each to consider joining the MRF. I had a few stop we will begin to look at courtroom demonstrations by that had heard of the MRF but most said they to show that our lives are worth more than $60. had not. Much more work to do! AROUND THE STATES Motorcycle Riders Foundation 30 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 It has been quiet on the legislative side in Indiana. MOTM is right around the corner, and I look But the campaign ads are running full force for the forward to the ride out to Denver. I have family Indiana US Senate race. Former Indiana Rep. Mike out there that I neglect to visit so this trip will Braun is in the running against incumbent Joe entitle me to catch up with them while I’m in the Donnelly. This is one to watch. It sure is hard to mile-high city. tell who will come out on top, so far. Make sure you go out and recruit new members for your SMRO and for the MRF our strength is in IOWA numbers so let’s increase our members!!! Eric Ross MRF State Rep MINNESOTA Mike Berger MRF Asst. Rep Greetings from the Hawkeye state! ABATE OF IOWA just finished our 34th. Annual Freedom Rally. It started out a little damp but the When it comes to the future of legislation, 2018 rains let up, and we once again pulled off a very is a big year in Minnesota. All of Minnesota’s successful party attended by many thousands executive officers are up for election as well from around the Midwest and beyond. Our as all the seats in the Minnesota House of volunteers put in very long hours before, during Representatives, several judicial seats, a U.S. and after the rally to make sure that our guests Senate seat, Minnesota’s eight seats in the United had the best party atmosphere and are kept States House of Representatives, and a whole safe while they partake in the various events or slew of local offices. What does this all mean for listening to one of our many concerts on our main motorcycling rights? A lot! stage our in our Beer Barn stage. With so many offices up for grabs, it’s Our legislators are not in session, so we are busy more important than ever to know where sending out and going through surveys that we the candidates stand on issues that affect send to all of our elected officials so that our motorcyclists. To that end, A.B.A.T.E. of MN will members know where they stand on issues that once again be publishing a voter’s guide in its impact the motorcycle community. We are also October 2018 edition of its monthly publication, busy attending county sweetcorn feeds and events Road Noise. This guide will show the results like that where our Congress critters show up of our candidate survey, and by reading those at so that we can get some face time with them results, you’ll be able to quickly see where your and they know what we care about and that they candidate stands on motorcycling issues when you know that WE VOTE! hit the ballot box in November. And in the event that someone other than a motorcycle-friendly ABATE OF Iowa’s Rider Ed Program is in full swing candidate wins, you’ll know what issues to work teaching classes all over the state of Iowa making on with them to hopefully turn them to our side. sure that everyone who rides a motorcycle has the opportunity to do it correctly and safely and Looking forward to 2019, Minnesota will once with an endorsement. Last week we broke ground again be hosting the MRF’s Meeting of the on a permanent rider Ed building on our range Minds national conference. The seven Heartland at Freedom Park in Algona. A lot of dreams came S.T.E.A.M. states (Minnesota, South Dakota, North true when those first scoops of dirt were dug from Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois) the ground. have all committed to helping with the Friday- night fundraiser during the conference, and we’re Our Share the Road presenters have been busy excited to have such a great group involved with and last year set a record by presenting to over the event. 14000 students. We are very proud of those individuals who take time out of their busy S.T.E.A.M. is an acronym for Seminar to Educate schedules to teach these classes and ask for and Motivate, and each year these seven nothing in return. states rotate hosting a regional motorcycling

continued on pg 32 Motorcycle Riders Foundation 31 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 AROUND THE STATES MINNESOTA (continued) NEW MEXICO Ray “Wraith” Gallegos rights conference and fundraiser for the MRF. MRF State Rep (Minnesota hosted it this year.) The conference (held in March or April of each year) is an excellent opportunity to meet and brainstorm Congratulations you have survived to the halfway with fellow motorcycling freedom fighters from point of the 2018 riding season. There are still the Midwest. plenty of days remaining, to enjoy our great roads As a result of this year’s event, A.B.A.T.E. of MN and highways. Please continue always to ride will be presenting a donation of $10,000 to the safely and encourage others to do the same. At MRF on behalf of the Heartland S.T.E.A.M. states. every opportunity, each one of us should also Interested in starting up your own regional group strive to educate those around us about the sport in your part of the country? Talk to any of the fine and lifestyle we love so much. Take a friend riding, folks from the participating seven states, and they show them what it means to “Ride Free” and would be happy to help you get started. always promote safety by raising awareness to the dangers we face on Our New Mexico roads. MISSOURI Amy “Sunshine” Allmon Along with promoting safety and awareness to MRF State Rep the public, we also work very hard to protect the rights and privileges we have. Not only bikers but as US citizens. There have been a few cases Greeting from the Show Me State, recently in which we feel those rights may have We are busy here even though veto session does been infringed. I strongly encourage you to know not begin until September. Planning and set-up is your rights. Don’t just take hearsay and words in full swing for our State PAC Fund Raiser at the or advice from a friend. Pick up a copy of the end of August. We are supporting our candidates of choice, United States Senate, Congress, State constitution or go to the local library and looks up Senate and Congress, County and Local. I have some of the laws that govern our lives. tremendously expanded my circle of contacts and that is never a bad thing. In those cases, we found clear examples of motorcycle profiling and have initiated action in FORR is preparing for our trip West to Denver the interests of our community. We have notified and bringing our largest group ever. Then a week the Bernalillo County Sheriff these incidents and after I return we have our 35th Annual (sort of) Oktoberfest Rally in the Western Central area of are hoping for a favorable resolution to stop this Missouri (near Kansas City), drag races, games and practice going forward. In that letter we stated the music. Let me know if you are interested and I will following: provide you with info. Well the fun never ends “Simply being a member of any group or and I will have much more to share next time. organization does not meet the reasonable suspicion criteria for a legitimate traffic stop. Stopping an individual to inspect them for “Gang Colors,” questioning, documenting, photographing, recording or checking for warrants is not a legitimate stop under the 4th amendment, and is a clear example of Motorcycle Profiling.”

In the event you are stopped by police and feel that it is in violation of your rights, please

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 32 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 remember that this is not the time to resist or H.B. 831 would allow Motorcycle processions to to become combative. That will only encourage follow the same rules as a Funeral procession. more illegal stops and place yourself in jeopardy The Senate adjourned for the summer without of being assaulted or arrested. Our best consideration on this bill. recommendation is for you to cooperate with the officers at that time. Always keep in mind your H.B.1239 has penalties for individuals who do not 5th amendment rights. You do not have to answer possess the proper endorsement on their license questions that are not relative to the traffic to ride a motorcycle. ABATE of PA has high hopes stop or your membership in any organization. this bill will make it through the Senate before the Document the date, the time, the officers end of the session. involved, a description of the officers, their vehicles and any other relevant information such as what questions you were asked the officers RHODE ISLAND demeanor with you and the reason you were Lou Petrucci stopped. Keep that information is a safe place and MRF State Rep notify us as soon as possible. We can review it with you and recommend legal representation if The state of Rhode Island, as for the you feel that you want to pursue the matter. We motorcycling legislative is concerned, has had will also use each incident to highlight this activity a quiet session. A House Bill was introduced and take it to our lawmakers. Fortunately, in most by a new Representative to put helmets on cases, simple courtesy and mutual respect will all motorcycle operators. The bill, which was speed along any traffic stop that results in a traffic D.O.A., did not stand a chance due to a lack of citation and will not give the officer any cause to co-sponsors. However, a hearing on the bill harass or to exert authority over you. was held, and the Rhode Island Motorcycle Association made sure to have a strong presence. Again, there have only been a few incidents most Testimony was given by many of the present RIMA recently, but we are aware of it, and we have members along with written statements by others reached out to the local authorities so that they opposing the bill. The bill was held for further are aware that we are monitoring these types of study that usually stops the legislation, but it can incidents and will defend the rights of all riders in be resurrected during the session. Our session our state. adjourned for the year in June and the bill never saw the light of day. PENNSYLVANIA Andy Kelly Another bill that has been introduced for the past MRF State Rep five years or so has, due to the lack of input by motorcyclist and motorcycle vendors, has died By now our Legislators should be back from their a quiet death once again. This bill, known as the summer vacation. As a person smarter than trade-in bill, seems to get little attention from myself said “it’s great work if you can get it” being motorcyclists yet many complain about the law a Legislator. The State Senate is holding up three when trading in a motorcycle for a new one. This bills that have the support of ABATE of PA and bill allows a new motorcycle purchase to be taxed only ten working days left of this session, so we on the difference of the value of your trade-in to will have to see what happens in the election. the new one. Why do so many people complain H.B. 74 would add Motorcycles to the Automotive about an issue and when given a chance to Lemon law. This Bill is stuck in the Consumer change it, they sit back and do not take action? Protection and Licensure Committee. You would think with the name “Consumer Protection” that OK, let’s get on a rant. How many of you that it would come out of committee fast, but the are reading this have taken a refresher rider Ed Dealers Association has different ideas. course? Motorcycle Riders Foundation 33 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 RHODE ISLAND (continued) ABATE is busy working on our annual lobby day We talk about how we are for safety and yet so and looking at new ideas to make this event few of us take a refresher course. I have been better. I am sure with everyone’s input lobby day an Instructor for over 33 years, and I just took a will be successful. refresher. I actually got a group of 11 riders to take a refresher at our local college. Our state offers Lenny and I continue to make our way around the them for in-state residents at no cost. What a state on our 2018-2019 tour discussing MRF and deal. Something for free that may save your life. any issues members may have that we need to address on a national forefront. This has been a So I dare you, all of you out there. Take a course great way to keep everyone updated and to keep and post it on the RIMA web site. MRF news flowing to the members. We continue to recruit. It has been a good experience for us, and we enjoy doing it. As soon as we determine what our issues will be for the next session, I will SOUTH CAROLINA make sure you know. Shelly Holcomb MRF State Rep TENNESSEE Since we are not in session there really Ed Domine is not much going on here. We are preparing MRF State Rep for the next legislative session by reviewing and discussing issues we feel may need to be I’m not sure this newsletter will be out in time, addressed legislatively. The distracted driving but if it is, our next State Board Meeting is in a bill 4480-DUI-E did not make the crossover. This new location: September 9th at Brooks Shaw’s was not our bill but of course, ABATE is behind Old Country Store in Jackson, TN. We’re moving distracted driving, and it keeps our face up at the it around a little bit, and this time it’s a bit easier statehouse. I am sure some type of distracted on the folks at the western end of the state. If driving bill will be once again introduced and you don’t get this until afterwards, I hope I saw a hopefully pass this next session. Distracted bunch of you there. driving is a huge issue here in South Carolina. This will be an important meeting since it includes S456 - Learners permit bill -has been the elections for several positions on the state implemented. The only issue is that after three board. We are also actively looking for ideas for times of attempting to get your license you must our next grant request to the state. We were able go take the course. You cannot get a license until to recapture a significant amount of money from you have successfully passed the course. The the state for our “Don’t Ride Fried” program, and issue is that if you take the course and the person want to expand this, but we also would like to has had a permit three times. Are they able to go develop new programs, and need your input into back to the DMV to get another permit to practice this. until the class is retaken? It seems that there is not an answer, but it looks like it may be no. I had By the time you read this, the primary elections an ABATE member come to me at a recent chapter will be long over, and we’ll know who is facing off meeting and said he had a learners permit and it in the general election on November 6th. I hope expired. When he went to the DMV, the clerk told you all made good choices and were successful in him he has to wait 90 days before he can even putting nominees in place that will support and apply for a new learners permit. It seems that this protect our freedoms. It would be wonderful needs to be clarified with the DMV. if the candidates from both parties agreed with AROUND THE STATES Motorcycle Riders Foundation 34 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 our viewpoints regarding motorcycling. Then As some may remember, the Texas Department we could cast our votes strictly based on other of Public Safety (TxDPS) is the agency responsible issues dear to our hearts. However, that is a rare for requesting and administrating the motorcycle situation, and it is far more likely only one, or safety and education fund (0501) in our state. On possibly even none, of the candidates feels our May 25th, the Texas Department of Public Safety passion for freedom. This is when you need to was under review by the Texas Sunset Review understand just where the candidates stand on Commission. The Sunset staff evaluates the the issues important to you as a motorcyclist. Go agency and issues recommendations for a positive back and read the comments in the legislative change--and the Commission identified several column of the state newsletter. Send a letter to areas where “positive change” is necessary! We the candidate asking for their positions. Ask them attended the public testimony and testified as an directly at an event or at their campaign office. advocate for our motorcycle safety fund! The DPS Whatever source you use, this is information has never been very transparent, and the agency critical to making your decision. With the right has never treated being administrator of the fund information, we can make the right choices, as something “special”. The DPS Board admitted and raise our chances of moving into the next to the Commission that they never considered year with better support from our elected that the required basic rider course was intended representatives. And the proper support helps to save lives! We believe that will change. The ensure we can continue to . . . Ride Free. Sunset Review Commission will decide on which agency should administer the (0501) fund account TEXAS in late August—and will then prepare to present “Skee” Dodson it to the full legislation. Whatever the Commission MRF State Rep decides, we know that Texas cannot afford to have fewer riders take the Basic Riders Course! If fewer riders take the course, fewer riders will be It certainly feels like Summer in licensed—and Texas can’t afford that! Texas--as the temps are reaching some record highs! I believe we only had 5 days below On July 26th the Texas Motorcycle Safety “normal” temps (in my hometown) during the Coalition (TMSC has members from the Texas entire month of July! Whew, it was hot! I want A&M Transportation Institute, TxDOT, TxDPS, and to remind everyone that we are in the middle of others) held a forum in College Station to address the 100 deadliest days of the year; the time from issues that affect the motorcycling community. Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered to be Issues like motorcycle safety, and licensing the 100 deadliest days on our nation’s highways! If vs. training. It was announced that the TxDOT you are reading this, good job—and keep it up! grants have been officially awarded, including the Motorcycle Safety Outreach grant that helps With the lazy days of summer, I guess, come the sponsor the TMSC. That’s awesome! Many lazy legislative days of summer. However, a few updates were made to the “looklearnlive.org” of us are starting to get the word out for the 86th website, which looks great! Looklearnlive.org even legislative session, which starts in January ‘19. The has interactive riding maps that show statistics Texas Legislature meets in regular session only for motorcycle accidents on popular Texas routes, every other year—each odd-numbered year. In and which curves caused them! The coalition’s Texas that’s a big deal, and for Texas bikers it’s a motorcycle outreach campaign has also been very big deal! Our “Texas Biker Legislative Day” is on active, with visibility at many public and “rider January 28th, at the State Capitol in Austin; and centric” events in Texas. The TMSC, by the way, is everyone is encouraged to attend! The staging for looking for volunteers! our motorcycle parade will begin at 8:00 AM, and we will depart for the Capitol at 10:30. Bikers in Texas are hopeful that the 86th legislative session will be a productive one for motorcyclists! continued on pg 36 Motorcycle Riders Foundation 35 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 AROUND THE STATES TEXAS (continued) The Texas ABATE Confederation (ABATE) is hosting On the state level we made progress on the our 22nd Annual State Rally on September 7th – anti-profiling of motorcyclists as well. The ABATE 9th. This is also our annual General Membership meeting with the Dodge County Sheriff, to discuss Meeting, so make plans now to attend. Live the profiling that is going on in that area, seemed bands, chapter challenges, fun run, field games, to help as it appears to have settled down for bike show, and lots more! The rally will be held now. We will continue to monitor the situation in Bells, TX (Dad’s farm), and it promises to be a but need the help of all motorcyclists to report great weekend; camping is free, and everyone is if this is happening. Thanks to Mike Hupy and welcome! Hupy and Abraham, S.C., David “Double D” Devereaux traveled to the Wisconsin to explain Also coming up in Texas, on November 16th - what motorcycle profiling is and what you can 19th, is our annual COC&I State Rally & Chili Cook- do about it. A little background on Double D; He Off. This year’s rally will be held in Georgetown, is a club member from Washington state and he Texas—stay tuned! Don’t forget to stay hydrated! founded the Motorcycle Profiling Project. He was part of the group to get anti-motorcyclist profiling legislation passed in Washington and Maryland. WISCONSIN By doing so he created a template for all states Joe Stanek to use when they are fighting the same issue. We MRF State Rep thank Hupy and Abraham for bringing Double D in to talk with us. The meeting was very informative and helpful. Success in Washington, D.C.! Sometimes we don’t see immediate results after we meet In that meeting he explained that the most with our Federal Legislators, but instead we important tools needed to pass anti-profiling lay the groundwork for the Motorcycle Riders legislation is proof and to work together. ABATE Foundation (MRF) to follow up. This year was of Wisconsin has been asking motorcyclists to let a perfect example of that. When we met with us know if you feel that you have been profiled. Congressman Sensenbrenner’s staff we discussed On the home page of our website (www.abatewis. H.Res.318: Promoting awareness of motorcycle org), under popular links, is a form that you profiling and encouraging collaboration and can print out and complete. That information is communication with the motorcycle community completely anonymous. There is a website and and law enforcement officials to prevent instances address for you to send this to so we can collect of profiling, and how important this issue is to the information and develop a pattern that should the motorcyclists in the state. Well…it worked. help in this endeavor. On the form we ask for Congressman Sensenbrenner signed on to your name, address and phone number - but it is H.Res.318! Why is this so important? He is on the optional for you to fill that part out. I encourage House of Representatives Judiciary Committee you to do it because if we need someone to step which is the committee that needs to pass this. up to testify, and probably will, someone willing While we did a great job presenting our position to do that will be needed. We will only use your (pat on back to everyone for all the hard work), personal information with your permission. Megan from the MRF held follow up meetings and closed the deal. Wisconsin has bipartisan support On to other things….The Governor’s Steering on this resolution with 3 congressmen signed Committee on Autonomous and Connected on. Thanks to Congressmen Sensenbrenner, Vehicle Testing and Deployment has completed Grothman and Pocan. its work and has been dissolved. Our Legislative

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 36 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 Committee Chairman, Steve Panten, has a copy of as a different color license plate or it could be a the final report that will be sent to the governor flashing light. and you can clearly see the influence that our Are you ready for the state election? Are you very own Ric Mellon had on the results. He was ready to vote to support your lifestyle? Do able to get some very important language in the you know the candidate’s position? Your first bill that will be to our benefit including getting chance to shape the legislature in Wisconsin and them to recognize that Wisconsin has a variety of Washington, D.C. is August 14th. Vote informed. road users including motorcyclists, snowmobiles, horse riders and bicycles. He also made sure that Are you also ready to attend ABATE of Wisconsin’s motorcycles were named in regard to testing. One Grassroots Lobby Training days? Mark your calendars more thing is Truck Platooning (which we talked for the date/location that works best for you: about before) is referred to as rolling roadblocks. District 1 – November 4th in Jefferson We thank Ric for all his efforts, but he is still District 2 will be joining training sessions in other not done. Ric has accepted a seat on the newly regions formed State Working Group on Connected and District 3 – October 8th in Oconto Autonomous Vehicles. Having Ric in the heart of District 4 – September 8th at ABATE Acres (stay for these conversations is putting motorcyclists in the Board meeting the next day) position to make sure that Wisconsin roads will be District 5 will be joining training sessions in other safe for all legal users. regions District 6 – November 3rd in Cameron While we have been relying on Ric to keep us District 7 will be joining training sessions in other informed on this issue we need to stay vigilant regions and support his efforts. This is an important topic District 8 – September 29th in Monroe to talk to your Legislative Candidates about when you see them this summer. Don’t forget to ask Please let your Regional Rep or District Director them about their thoughts on having driverless know that you will be attending so we can plan and connected vehicles on Wisconsin roads with enough food. The training will take about 5 hours little to no regulation. Ask them why vehicles and Steve guarantees you won’t regret it. that can operate in autonomous mode should not have some sort of designated marking so we will know that this vehicle may not operate as we would expect. That designation could be as simple

WANTED! MRF AWARENESS & EDUCATION IS SEEKING A NEW SECRETARY & TREASURER.

CONTACT DEB BUTITTA FOR MORE INFORMATION. [email protected]

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 37 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018 MRF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT CONFERENCE DIRECTOR MRF PAC DIRECTOR Kirk “Hardtail” Willard Fred Harrell Ryan Hubbard (715) 421-0717 (702) 257-9486 (309) 267-0606 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT SSMRO BOARD REPRESENTATIVE STATE REPS PROGRAM DIRECTOR Jay Jackson Lenny Holcomb Doc D’Errico (317) 422-8040 (443) 398-1193 (508) 954-8881 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

VP of GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS SSMRO BOARD REPRESENTATIVE STATE REPS BOARD MEMBER Megan Ekstrom Dave Cazel Glenyce Jackson (202) 725-5471 (208) 771-1774 (253) 884-1909 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

SECRETARY MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE STATE REPS BOARD MEMBER Paulette Korte Cindy Hodges Dave Monroe (618) 980-5622 (919) 630-8886 (907) 360-0517 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

TREASURER MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE SUSTAINING MOTORCYCLE CLUB Frank Carbone Todd Riba REPRESENTATIVE (412) 760-7108 (952) 239-0929 Russell Radke [email protected] [email protected] (702) 280-7663 [email protected] COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR MOTORCYCLE SAFETY/RIDER ED Dawn Riba Jay Jackson DC OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR (952) 239-0928 (317) 422-8040 Tiffany Cipoletti [email protected] [email protected] (202) 546-0983 [email protected] MRF BOARD ASSISTANTS Tiffany Cipoletti Paulette Korte Dave Condon Assistant to the President MRF PAC Treasurer Reps Program Assistant Assistant to Communications Motorcycle Safety Assistant [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Todd Riba Helen Wesson Carol Downs Reps Program Assistant Assistant, Products Assistant to Conferences [email protected] [email protected] Assistant to the Treasurer [email protected] Polly Schoeller EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Membership Assistant Mike Berger Mark Buckner, Colorado [email protected] Assistant to Communications (303) 833-3195 [email protected] [email protected] Bob Letourneau Motorcycle Safety Assistant Lenny Holcomb Deborah Butitta, Arizona [email protected] Assistant MRF PAC Treasurer (928) 308-1117 [email protected] [email protected] Keith Ball Assistant to Aftermarket [email protected]

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 38 American Bikers Journal - September/October 2018

COMMITTEE LIST AS OF MAY 2018 FUNDS STEERING: Cindy Hodges (Chair), Michelle Holcomb, Glenyce Jackson, Duane Justus, Andy Kelly AFTERMARKET: Fred Harrell (Chair), Keith Ball, Frank Carbone, Jay Jackson, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE: Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (Chair), Dave Cazel, Dave Dwyer, Megan Ekstrom, Lenny Holcomb, AUDIT COMMITTEE: Lenny Holcomb (Chair), Frank Carbone, Deb Craig, Tiffany Cipoletti, Carol Downs, Glenyce Jackson, Ryan Hubbard, Jay Jackson, Andy Kelly, Boyd McFail, Paulette Korte, Dawn Riba Todd Riba Dave Cazel (Chair), Tiffany BY-LAWS: Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (Chair), Carol Downs, MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Cipoletti, Fred Harrell, Cindy Hodges, Lenny Holcomb, Paulette Korte, Jay Jackson Michelle Holcomb, Glenyce Jackson, Russell Radke, Dawn COMMUNICATIONS: Dawn Riba (Chair), Mike Berger, Riba, Polly Schoeller Deborah Butitta, Jim Cannon, Tiffany Cipoletti, Doc D’Errico, Megan Ekstrom, Fred Harrell, Cindy Hodges, MRFHOF COMMITTEE: Jay Jackson (Chair), Doc D’Errico, Michelle Holcomb Marc Falcetti, Dick “Slider” Gilmore, Todd Riba, Gary Sellers, Woody, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard CONFERENCE AND EVENTS: Fred Harrell (Chair), Joey Breneman, Deborah Butitta, Tiffany Cipoletti, Frank Carbone, MRFPAC: Ryan Hubbard (Chair), Megan Ekstrom, Lenny Carol Downs, Megan Ekstrom, Cindy Hodges, Lenny Holcomb, Holcomb, Andy Kelly, Jim “Legs” Korte, Paulette Korte, Dave Michelle Holcomb, Paulette Korte, Dawn Riba, Todd Riba, Monroe, Todd Riba Gary Sellers MRF REPS & GROWTH GROUP: Doc D’Errico (Chair), Dave Cazel, Tiffany Cipoletti, Michelle Holcomb, Glenyce Jackson, CORPORATE RESUME: Dave Monroe (Chair), Doc D’Errico, Paulette Korte, Dawn Riba Andy Kelly, Dave Monroe Jay Jackson ELECTIONS: Glenyce Jackson (Chair), Dave Cazel, Cindy NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COMMITTEE: Hodges, Lenny Holcomb, Dave Monroe, Russell Radke, (Chair), Jim Cannon, Doc D’Errico, Carol Downs, Megan Todd Riba Ekstrom, Paulette Korte Frank Carbone (Chair), Carol Downs, Cindy FINANCE: Dave Cazel (Chair), Deborah Butitta, Frank PRODUCTS: Carbone, Doc D’Errico, Carol Downs, Paulette Korte, Hodges, Dawn Riba Helen Wesson Dawn Riba RESEARCH & STATISTICS: Doc D’Errico (Chair), Matt Danielson, Jay Jackson, Paulette Korte, Bob LeTourneau, Dave Monroe

MRF REPORTS EDITOR Please mail all correspondence to: Tiffany Cipoletti 2221 S. Clark Street [email protected] Arlington, VA 22202 or Send all submissions to: [email protected] Phone: (202) 546-0983 Email: [email protected] Deadline The 1st of every even number month Website: www.mrf.org NEXT DEADLINE: October 1, 2018

Motorcycle Riders Foundation 39 Motorcycle Riders Foundation Attention Postmaster: Time Dated Material NON-PROFIT ORG. 2221 South Clark Street U.S. POSTAGE PAID Arlington, VA 22202 SPICER, MN. Permit No. 3

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