The Harley Demo Truck will be at the Tucson Harley Dealer on 9/24 – 9/25 10:00 – 4:00 offering free DEMO Rides. For further information click on link below.
Sep 162011
Jul 292011
Photos are posted in the “Photos” Section
OK I finally sat down and have written a report of what went on at the 2011 International Convention. The convention ran from July 17 – 22, 2011 in Chesapeake, Va. Hosted by VA V.
I arrived late on Sunday afternoon. The trip from Cincinnati to Chesapeake was a long 11 hours and 670 miles. Upon arrival there was a cookout from 4:00 – 6:00.
MONDAY
Starting on Monday and every day thereafter you were treated to a breakfast buffet. After breakfast was the BOG Meeting.
Those not wanting to attend the meeting or spouses could take the Yankee Candle Tour. There were also a lot of self-guided tours and other guided tours presented by the host chapter.
Below is a recap from Bob Seeyle.
Board of Governors: Voted to go to Hot Springs, Arkansas in 2013. The dates for the convention will be July 14 – 19, 2013We appreciate the presentation from TN 1 in Memphis and hope to have this option again. Koen Hutse, European Rep announced their plans for a bid to host International in Austria in 2014. Start saving up those air miles!
A proposal to have the Special Fund include other family members got a majority, but not the required 2/3’s vote for a by-law change. The main hang-up was that some prefer language that would include children.
We had an excellent presentation regarding the 2012 Int’l Convention in Tyler, TX hosted by the TX XXXIV chapter, July 22-27, 2012. The host hotel is filling fast. Info on the Int’l website. (See below)
A vote was taken at the General Membership meeting regarding a proposal to hold future Int’l Elections/vote counting at the Int’l Convention instead of in Bangor in January. Much discussion was about changing the method of counting the ballots and having this handled by a private company. (This is still being researched and finalized). After a vote, this proposal stands and is now in effect.
At the Board of Directors Mtg, a proposal was passed that will have the Conference in charge of “Members at Large”, instead of the Int’l Office. The Election Committee gave a report and they are getting close to a proposal that would have a private company handle of future Int’l Elections. A draft Sexual Harassment Policy was presented and will be forwarded to our attorneys for review. A proposal was passed that will allow Conferences to opt out of receiving mailed copies of minutes; a big cost savings.
BOG Awards: Roger Farris Award for best represented chapter (formula: number attending, divided by total chapter members, times miles via direct route) was the Edmonton Chapter with 5 of 29 members riding 2574 miles! The Horst Maier Award (same for UK and Europe) was the England IX chapter with 4 members present. The Frank Gillespie Long Distance award went to Bruce from Edmonton Metro with 4,475 miles, 2nd place Mike Cate, WA II President with 4,420 miles. The John Bartholomew award for the most (per members) donated to the Special Fund went to the FLA XVII Chapter.
We had many Distinguished Service and Life Saving Awards. Those present received their awards. All will be sent to the BK news to be published. BOG Vice-Chairman Lon Strayer held a raffle for a Motorcycle Communication set (value $300) that was donated with proceeds going to the Special Fund. $731 was raised. Thank you Lon.
That’s a brief recap until the complete minutes are published. Those traveling home had extreme heat and some heavy rain. So far, no accident reports. Was a great week, good seeing everyone. Thank you VA V….RWP
Bob Seelye, Chairman
Board of Governors
2012 International Host Hotel:
Dates of Convention July 22 thru 27 2012
It’s at the Holiday Inn in Tyler, TX. Room Rate 94.00/night POC reservations: Rebecca McLaughlin 903-561-5800
After the BOG Meeting there were a few vendors in the Host hotel parking lot. We had a guy doing pin stripping, a guy selling flags, the Hooter Girls offering photos of them with you and your bike, and a Nascar Simulator. You could try your hand a racing around a track.
At 13:00 there was the General Membership meeting.
That evening we had a fish fry at the local Shrine Avitities Building. Here we had live entertainment (a group called Everafter), free margaritas, and all the food you could eat. They were also raffling off a Henry repeating rifle.
After dinner the hospitality room opened starting @ 7:00 pm and ending ??:?? Playing this night was Mitch Foutz.
TUESDAY
I meet a group from NJ XVII and we went on the self-guided poker run. You had all week to complete the poker run. You just had to get your brochure stamped so they knew you went to all the locations. Once you completed the poker run you brought your brochure back, drew seven cards for the best hand. Winning hand got $500.00. The poker run took you all around the Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk area. We did stop at the Ocean View Restaurant which has the longest Pier in North America. Ocean Pier is located in Norfolk, VA.
That evening the hospitality room had a Woman singing Patsy Cline songs. She sounded just like her. Later in the evening it was “Karaoke time.”
Wednesday
Wednesday morning started out with our morning breakfast buffet. From there we staged for the parade through Chesapeake and Virginia Beach areas. We had over 600 bikes of all makes and types in the parade. We had a police escort through town where residents actually stopped in the opposite lanes to observe our parade.
After the parade I and the members of NJ XVII finished our last three stops of the poker run. After we returned and drew our cards one of the NJ members drew a full house.
In the afternoon there was the motorcycle skills competition. This was similar to the Motors Competition that is held in Tucson each year. Not as elaborate but just a fun to watch. We even had the police escort guys run the competition with our Blue Knights.
Wednesday evening we went back to the Shrine Activities Building where we had a “Southern Style” bar-be-cue cookout. We even had the remnants of the pig to partake in. We had Cam & The Riverboyz as entertainment.
In the Hospitality room we had a local artist Dave Derring to sing.
Thursday
After our morning breakfast on Thursday we took off on bikes in a group for the tour of the Norfolk Naval Base. Once on the base we boarded tour buses for a trip around the base. We could not get off the bus for the tour and were not allowed to take close-up photos of the ships that were in port. The Enterprise was there for refueling. We found out that in order to refuel they have to cut a hole in the ship to refuel her. Also in port was the Yorktown, The New York, which was made from steel from the WTC, and the Arlington, which was made from steel from the Pentagon. We were allowed to take photos of the ships from a distance. Many of the ships you can see from the photos I took that are posted in the Photos Section.
Thursday evening we had an hour social hour before dinner where there was an ice sculpture of a motorcycle. Within the motorcycle was a tube. You could purchase “shots” which were poured through this tube and cooled as they came out the back of the bike.
The banquet dinner started @ 19:00 where we had a buffet consisting of seafood pasta, chicken, roast beef, vegetable medley, roasted red potatoes, and an assortment of desserts.
Friday
Friday was the day of farewells and “See You Next Year.” Everyone is looking forward to next years International Convention in Tyler Texas.
UPDATE
I will post the information for the 2012 International Convention on our Web Page in the days to come. Keep watching ;the “Categories” Section under Conventions.
RWP
RoN Friend
Secretary/Treasurer
BK AZIX
May 212011
Some Harleys have been plagued by a mysterious “Death Wobble.”
May 072011
Have you ever heard of ICE, In Case of Emergency? ICE is a contact name you put in your cell phone. What you do is create a contact with the name ICE. Then you put in the phone number of someone who knows your medical history and someone who you would want called in the event you were injured in an accident, whether it be in a car or on a motorcycle.
Now comes the Utag ICE digital Dog Tag available from UTAGICE. This system has three options, a credit card, bracelet, or ID chain. All incorporate a jump drive with a USB port so you can enter all your vital information, ie, allergies, medications, doctors names, and all your medical information. In the event you are in an accident the EMTS/doctors can get the help you need immediately.
As well as all medical information there is a security area where I have details of Passport, Mot, Insurance and Driving Licence details.
May 062011
EMSWorld.com News
The new Rider Alert program offers free identification data cards that help first responders provide rapid and accurate medical assistance to motorcyclists involved in serious accidents.
The waterproof cards are placed inside the lining of riders’ helmets.
A Star of Life decal alerts EMS personnel about the existence of the Rider Alert card.
Rob Lawrence is adamant that he’ll never ride a motorcycle. With his oldest brother killed in a motorcycle crash and another seriously injured in a separate accident, there’s just too much personal tragedy. But he’s equally adamant and passionate about making sure those who do choose to ride are as safe as possible.
Lawrence currently serves as chief operating officer of the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) in Virginia. He moved to the United States from his native United Kingdom a few years ago and brought with him knowledge and familiarity of the CRASH Card program, a motorcycle safety initiative developed by the Ambulance Motorcycle Club that has flourished in the UK since its introduction about two years ago. To date, more than 325,000 motorcyclists in Europe ride with CRASH Cards.
A similar program, the Rider Alert program, was just launched in Richmond by RAA and Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in partnership with Motorcycle Virginia, Inc. The Rider Alert program offers free identification data cards that help first responders provide rapid and accurate medical assistance to motorcyclists involved in serious accidents.
The waterproof cards, placed inside the lining of riders’ helmets, contain vital, life-saving information such as contact name, emergency contact, medication allergies, physician information and other important medical data. A separate decal of the Star of Life is included and can be affixed to the outside of the helmet to alert EMS personnel about the existence of the Rider Alert card. The sticker also warns bystanders not to remove the helmet.
“The program was just launched April 12, 2011” says Lawrence. “Already it’s gone viral. We ran out of Rider Alert cards within the first 48 hours and we’re getting another 20,000 printed.”
The good word is spreading and other EMS agencies are quickly following suit. Med Star, Forth Worth, Texas, plans to roll out its Rider Alert card program soon and another agency in Maryland isn’t far behind. Lawrence was also invited to be a guest speaker on a talk radio show in Florida promoting the program.
Promote Safety Discussions
While the card itself won’t literally save a rider’s life, Lawrence indicates the initiative promotes safe riding discussions. “Yes, the card can identify a victim,” he notes. “But the card itself is not a cloak of protection. It is a badge of awareness. A lot of the cards in the UK were handed out at dealerships and shows. It provided a moment to connect with riders to encourage and promote safety. A rider who picks up the card will start to think about his or her riding style and the equipment he or she is using.”
Lawrence is also hoping the media attention garnered thus far for the US program will raise awareness from other motorists on the road. “Motorcycles are a third narrower and a third harder to see than an automobile,” he says. “Motorists in general need to be aware of motorcyclists around them.
“When you look at motorcycle statistics its eye-watering,” he continues. “There were in excess of 4,000 road deaths in the US last year. That’s 7.5 jumbo jets full of motorcyclists crashing, and not surviving. There would be outrage if we lost that many jumbo jets in a year. That statistic is very sobering. Even in Virginia, the average for the last five years is 75 motorcycle road deaths each year.”
Start Small; Think Grand
Lawrence indicates the program can be easily adopted by other agencies. “I’m on a safety crusade,” he admits. “I hope what we’ve done in Richmond can turn into a grand motorcycle safety initiative for the entire country. That would be phenomenal. We don’t want to stop in Virginia.”
With that being said, Lawrence indicates the hard work has already been done. “We can’t produce cards for the entire US,” he says. “But we have worked out how to make and reproduce the cards. We’ve done the research into what type of paper to use, what type of glue to use, etc. That’s been the backroom work.
“The key is gaining sponsorship,” he continues. “We’ve had amazing and generous sponsorship from Bon Secours and Motorcycle Virginia. In Texas, law firms have expressed interest. We’ve designed the card to include space for sponsors to customize the cards.
“Our goal is to have everyone be able to walk into their DMV and get a Rider Alert card, but we have to start somewhere. We hope it will make a difference to riders. Every biker we’ve talked to says they ‘get it.’ It’s so simple and so brilliant. It’s a little extra insurance policy that fits inside a helmet.”
For more information about the Rider Alert program, visit:
May 062011
Apr 292011
It is time to win a 2011 Police Officers Special Edition Harley-Davidson, It could be you!
Click to Enlarge
Harley-Davidson® has done it again! For the fifth year in a row, Harley-Davidson® Motor Company has donated a Peace Officer Special Edition motorcycle to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to support the National Law Enforcement Museum. Tickets are on sale now for just $25.
As a result of Harley-Davidson’s leadership, you have an opportunity to win a brand new Harley-Davidson®. Not just any motorcycle, a 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® Peace Officer Special Edition motorcycle.
This beautiful Harley-Davidson® motorcycle has an MSRP of $21,747 and features an air-cooled, Twin Cam 96™ engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), cruise control, and standard 28 spoke cast wheels with independent front and rear 4-piston braking system.
Purchase your $25 raffle tickets today by calling 1-877-622-BIKE (2453) or 202-737-3402. Raffle tickets can also be purchased in person at the Memorial Fund’s Visitors Center & Store located at 400 7th Street, NW, in Washington, DC.
All proceeds from the raffle go toward building the National Law Enforcement Museum. The winning ticket will be drawn on May 15, 2011, National Peace Officers Memorial Day. The raffle winner need not be present to
Raffle tickets are just $25 each, and only 4,000 tickets are being printed. Don’t hesitate, get your tickets today by calling 1-877-622-BIKE (2453) or 202-737-3402. Tickets by phone are available Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM (EDT). And if you’re not able to get through on your first call, please keep trying. Thank you, and good luck.
Don’t miss out on the chance to win a brand new 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® Peace Officer Special Edition motorcycle. Call for your tickets today or, if you’re in DC, stop by our Visitors Center & Store.
Fraternally,
John E. Shanks
Director of Development & Law Enforcement Relations
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
202-737-8529 (Direct)
202-737-3405(fax)
202-253-4516 (cell)
Law Memorial – john@nleomf.org
“It’s not how these officers died that made them Heroes ~
It’s how they lived”. ~ Vivian Eney Cross, Survivor
Help Build the National Law Enforcement Museum
“It’s A Matter of Honor”
Law Enforcement Museum
National Police Week 2011
May 15th – 21st, 2011
23rd Annual Candlelight Vigil
Friday, May 13, 2011
www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek
Apr 182011
Now here are some relics of olden times. There are some really nice Harleys & Indians that one can only appreciate today. We have come a long way baby.
A Country For Old Men & Their Bikes
Apr 132011
International Female Ride Day Rides Around the World for the 5th Year on Friday 6 May!
Toronto, February 17th 2011 – This year International Female Ride Day celebrates its fifth year of women riders getting on their motorcycles to JUST RIDE. With four years of history bringing awareness for women riders, the force created and expected for the fifth year of this globally synchronized action will be nothing less than phenomenal! More women, and more countries are including themselves in the campaign and those already participating are bumping up the game plan with expanded actions for Friday May 6th.
Countless women riders participate year after year delighting in their role to “just ride” on International Female Ride Day. For them, this annual occasion is unlike any other motorcycle event and has become the activity “not to be missed in women riders” agendas. “The growth and dedication each year of proud and enthusiastic participants who have supported the concept from the get-go, is wonderful. The excitement and enthusiasm for being part of the only global campaign for women riders continues to catch on like wildfire! Women devotedly prepare to ride and unite on this synchronized day around the world” says Vicki Gray, the founder of the International Female Ride Day and of MOTORESS. “For the 5th year we’ve included an image of the world to the yearly icon. This of course signifies the campaigns global action. It will also be the design on our very sought after collectible International Female Ride Day t-shirt”.
Since its introductory year in 2007 International Female Ride Day has experienced spectacular growth along with endorsement by key motorcycle industry leaders, renowned female rider clubs and international governing bodies such as Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). “We here at BMW Motorrad Canada are very proud to be a supporter of International Female Ride Day”, states
Norman Wells, Director of BMW Motorrad Canada. “For many years now we have deployed our own initiatives for female riders as we recognize this segment as a growing and very important one to overall success of the motorcycle industry. We wish all participants a great day and hope that MOTORESS will continue to experience growth with the event here in Canada and globally”, he adds.
The campaign’s growth continued even amidst a struggling world economy that heavily affected the motorsport industry at large. For this 5th edition, Vicki Gray observes the continuous recognition of the event. “The popularity of this event comes from the concept that it invites women riders of all ages, styles and forms of motorcycling to take lead and play a role. Plus it’s a lot of fun!
The campaign is a reality and it’s obvious by it’s participated numbers, it’s here to stay! adds Vicki.
Sport bike, cruiser, scooter, off-road, touring or competition, regardless of what type or style of motorcycling interest, International Female Ride Day makes one simple request of women – Just Ride! Get on your bikes, be out there and be visible. The concept has assembled its power and participation in this simple, worldwide-synchronized theme linking a chain of women through the shared activity of motorcycling. It’s one day to celebrate and highlight the many numbers of women who share their passion for the sport. The fact that every female rider participating on May 6th is a role model for others not yet taken the step to enjoy motorcycling, has added to the event’s intentions and participation.
International FEMALE RIDE DAY “fever” significantly magnifies each year and 2011 expects to host and welcome more riders and participants than in year’s prior.
Canada, United States, Australia, England, The Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Poland, Israel, Qatar, Denmark and Russia as well as other countries will again be contributing to the campaign in compelling numbers. In 2010, International Female Ride Day was recognized by the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
For more online information about International Female Ride Day, visit:
Apr 102011
The Patriot Riders: Guest Post by Miles Walker
http://roadcaptainusa.com/2011/04/09/the-patriot-riders-profile-by-miles-walker/
Posted on April 9th, 2011 by Jay Green
Overview
The Patriot Riders, also known as the Patriot Guard Riders, are more than members of a motorcycle club. They have a deep respect for American veterans who have passed away. Their missions are to go to the funerals of these fallen heroes and protect the families and other mourners from protesters. Comprised of a reported 220,000 members, the Patriot Riders also attend deployment ceremonies and welcome home ceremonies for troops coming back from overseas. The Patriot Guard Riders website http://www.patriotguard.org/ clearly states that they’re “standing for those who stood for US.”
History
In August of 2005, the American Legion Riders of Mulvane, Kansas were shocked to find out that a group of religious zealots from the Westboro Baptist Church were regularly protesting military funerals. When five of the riders realized that the protesters were preparing to rally at the funeral of Sargent John Doles in Chelsea, OK, they formed a group to strategize against the upcoming protest in Chelsea. Succeeding at the Chelsea mission, the riders convinced other motorcycle riders and veterans across the nation to organize against these protests. The group quickly launched a website, which got nearly 556,000 hits in the first two weeks alone.
Expansion
In addition to shielding grievers at the infamous 2005 funeral protest in Chelsea, the Patriot Riders have protected veterans’ families and friends across the country. With their motorcades, the riders have physically shielded the mourners against fervent protesters. These traveling defenders have since expanded to Minnesota, Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Wisconsin and a host of other states. They are not simply bodyguards, though; they drown out the chants of protesters by revving their engines and singing patriotic songs.
Today
Since 2005, the Patriot Riders’ duty has been to serve and protect, just like the fallen heroes for whom they have a wealth of respect. Communicating with each other in large part through the Internet, they’ve gone on to attend funerals for police officers, firefighters and first responders. They volunteer for veterans’ organizations, visit military hospitals and assist families with financial troubles. The Patriot Riders don’t care about political affiliation; nor do they make judgements about race, religion or sexuality. They simply wish to honor the departed in a legal and nonviolent way. Their website is decorated in letters of appreciation. These letters say that the riders conduct themselves in a variety of ways: “with kindness and support,” “professionalism and honor” and with “selfless acts.” This is not a typical riding club; it’s a group of white knights on bikes.
The above post was written by guest writer Miles Walker who is a freelance writer who normally writes feature articles for Car Insurance Comparison. He recently wrote about Car Insurance California