A publication supporting the rights, safety and freedom of all motorcyclists through education and legislation
February 2016
VOLUME XXIV, ISSUE IX
Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Permit #1662 Phoenix, AZ
Invisible Gorillas
Reprinted from http://timbuche.com/
abateofaz.org
ABATE of AZ. 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ 85020
I recently read a fascinating Mind and Matter column by Alison Gopnik in the Wall Street Journal. She reported on a study published in Psychological Science about how researchers, as part of an experiment, asked radiologists to look for abnormalities in a series of slides, something they routinely do as part of their profession.
What the radiologists didn’t know is that the researchers added an image of a gorilla to some of the slides. The radiologists were asked by the experimenters if they had seen anything unusual and 83% of them replied they had not. The researchers also used an eye
tracking machine which revealed that, even when looking straight at the gorilla, they didn’t see it.
motorcycle even though they may have been looking straight at it.
This gives a whole new perspective when a motorist says, “I never saw it” after they’ve collided with a motorcyclist. Perhaps, in fact, they really did see the motorcyclist but what actually happened was “inattentional blindness.” They weren’t thinking to look for a motorcyclist, so they didn’t see the
But we need help to accomplish this, namely significantly more state and federal public education funds and campaigns to eliminate motorist inattentional blindness of motorcyclists.
To quote the Journal: “This study is just the latest to demonstrate what psychologists call ‘inattentional blindness.’ When we pay careful attention to one thing, we become literally blind to others – even startling ones like gorillas.”
This doesn’t surprise me at all. I’ve long considered motorcyclists to be the “invisible gorillas” in the daily driving life of most motorists. We’ve understood for years how critical it is to get into the consciousness of motorists so they are thinking about us and looking for us while they’re driving so we’re not invisible to them.
Visit us on FaceBook facebook.com/AbateofAZ and facebook.com/pages/Too-Broke-For-Sturgis-Rally
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MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
ABATE OF ARIZONA LOCAL CHAPTERS
A.B.A.T.E. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS FOR 2015 - 2016
Chairman..............................Sean Pinder
East Valley………………….Jack Batty High Country........................Forrest “Woody” Phillips Phx / Shadow Mountain…...Clyde Brooks Southern AZ.........................Sean Pinder Yavapai……………………..Deborah Butitta Yuma....……………………..Rick Breadwell Quarterly Board meetings are held on the first Sunday in January, April, July and October at 1:00pm @ the AZ American-Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th St, Phoenix. Please make sure your Chapter has representation.
A.B.A.T.E. State Officers For 2016
Phoenix-Shadow Mountain Chapter
P.O. Box 54041 Phoenix, AZ 85078-4041 Coordinator...........................Mike Schneider Vice Coordinator....................Jim Page Secretary................................Tara Rudometkin Treasurer................................Laura "Sunny" Sleemon Membership...........................Ben Martinez Run Coordinator....................Jeremy Kellim Safety Coordinator.................Trauma Mama Sgt. At Arms..........................Scott Gibbons P.A.C......................................John ‘Johnny D’ Dreyfus Communications....................Nichole Kirkpatric Merchandise...........................Judy "Hooody" Brus
Phoenix/Shadow Mountain meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 10:30am at the AZ American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. FMI: Chapter Coordinator Mike Schneider, 602-549-1044, mike@squarepegpromos.com
www.abateofaz.org and www.toobrokeforsturgis.com
Mailing address 7509 N. 12th St, #200, Phoenix, AZ 85020. State Officers meetings are held the 1st Sunday of every month, 10:30 am at the AZ American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th Street Phoenix, AZ.- OR in conjunction with the quarterly BOD meeting.
Southern Arizona Chapter
East Valley Chapter
6888 N De Chelly Loop Tucson, AZ 85741 Coordinator............................Jim Butsback Vice Coordinator....................Darron “Radar” Huntington Secretary................................Becky Garino Treasurer................................Dawn Detelj Membership...........................Bob Stewart Run Coordinator....................Vacant Safety Coordinator.................Vacant Sgt. At Arms.........................Robert Guenther P.A.C......................................Anissa Huntington Communications....................Vacant Merchandise...........................Vacant
c/o Jim Silk, 5722 E. Garnet Circle, Mesa, AZ 85206 Coordinator............................Jim Silk Vice Coordinator..................Joe Ferrucci Secretary................................Dawn Steed Treasurer................................Deb Ferrucci Membership...........................Mike Shearhart Run Coordinator....................Jack Batty Safety Coordinator................Nolan Steed Sgt. At Arms..........................Richard Dalton P.A.C......................................Tami Keim Communications....................Vacant Merchandise........................... Donna Batty
Would you like to receive The Masterlink digitally? It is posted monthly on the ABATE website www.abateofaz.org. Opt out of the receiving the The Masterlink? Please contact the ABATE Office if you would like to no longer receive a hard copy of The Masterlink. 480-256-9237 or keim.larry@gmail.com
The Southern Arizona Chapter will meet the third Saturday. We will gather at the Kettle Restaurant, 748 W. 22nd St, Tucson. Breakfast will be available at 7:30 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 9 a.m. FMI contact Jim Butsback by phone at 520247-3051 or email abateofazsac@yahoo.com
Yavapai monthly chapter meetings have been suspended due to lack of member participation. Anyone interested in re-establishing the chapter should contact Deborah Butitta at deb@mrf.org
Yuma Chapter
11316 S. Glenwood Ave. Yuma, AZ 85367 Coordinator............................ Frank White Vice Coordinator....................Vacant Secretary................................ Mikkie Melanson Treasurer................................ Virginia Nielsen Membership........................... Tyrone (Runt) Gill Run Coordinator.....................Jerry Allison Safety Coordinator..................Ray “PeeWee” Grier Sgt. At Arms...........................Terry “Gunner” Langworty P.A.C...................................... Gilbert Hernandez Communications.................... David "Pastor D" Litts Merchandise........................... Lisala White
Yuma Chapter meets the second Tuesday evening monthly at 6:00 PM at the pm. The next meeting will be held at the Kountry Kitchen Café located at 11242 S Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. 85365. For additional information contact Frank White (Hound) at 209-327-0814.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
If any of the Officers are listed here incorrectly, please send corrections to: TheMasterlink@abateofaz.org I will be sure everything is accurate for the next Issue and on the web site.
Arizona MRF Representative Wanted
Through the Motorcycle Riders Foundation State Representative Program, local motorcyclists are kept up to date on the MRF's legislative and training agendas. The MRF State Rep program allows information to pass quickly to the State Motorcyclists' Rights Organizations, as well as allowing information to reach the MRF concerning individual states. The men and women involved in the MRF's State Rep Program are dedicated
P.O. Box 11319 Prescott, AZ 86304 Coordinator............................ OPEN Vice Coordinator....................OPEN Secretary................................ OPEN Treasurer................................ OPEN Membership........................... OPEN Run Coordinator......................OPEN Safety Coordinator..................OPEN Sgt. At Arms...........................OPEN P.A.C...................................... OPEN Communications.................... OPEN Merchandise........................... OPEN
209A E. Juniper St. Payson AZ 85541 Coordinator............................Wayne Slocum Vice Coordinator...................Billy Hensler Secretary................................Dee Schultz Treasurer...............................Debra Beda Membership...........................CC Rider Run Coordinator....................Mark Fickel 2nd Run Coordinator....................CC Rider l Safety Coordinator.................John Lacey Sgt. At Arms.........................Justin Wilson 2nd Sgt. At Arms.........................Mike Basner P.A.C.....................................Woody Phillips Communications...................Snake Merchandise..........................Beth Lacey
High Country Chapter meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday at 10 a.m. at The Moose Lodge in Star Valley. Contact: azoutlaw66@hotmail.com
President………..............……Jim Butsback Vice President.....……………Brad Crosby Secretary……………………Dawn Steed Treasurer…………………….Jim Silk Membership…………………Ben Martinez Run/Events………………….Vacant Safety Coordinator………….Teresa "Trauma Mama" McClelland Sergeant-at-Arms……………Vic Grady P.A.C………………………...John "Johnny D" Dreyfus Communications…………….Judy "Hooody" Brus Designated Lobbyist...............Vacant ABATE Products……………Tina "Sweetpea" Benoit MasterLink Editor................ Eric Hampton TheMasterlink@abateofaz.org Office phone: 480-256-9237
EAST VALLEY CHAPTER meetings are held the 4th Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) 1712 W. Broadway Road, Mesa AZ 85202 FMI contact Joe Ferrucci at 480-295-9488
Yavapai Chapter
High Country Chapter
volunteers from the membership ranks who are willing to give their time and energy to build, maintain and enhance the relationship between the MRF and all motorcyclists within their states. They must work closely with the State Motorcyclists' Rights Organizations, attending their meetings and events, keeping the SMROs abreast of national issues, international issues, and issues affecting motorcylists in other states. MRF State Reps promote the MRF by all
possible means, such as making presentations to SMROs and other groups. Writing articles for newspapers and newsletters, membership recruiting, and speaking to individual motorcyclists are other examples of promoting the MRF.
To become an MRF State Representative, candidates must submit two things to the Director of State Representative Program: (1) An MRF State Representative application, obtained from the Director of State Representative Program. (2) A written
Meeting Minutes
A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona, Inc. Board of Directors and State meeting minutes will no longer be printed and taking up space in THE MASTERLINK. They are available to view 24/7 on-line at www.abateo-
faz.org under the “Communications” tab. Thank you! MK
Mission Statement
We will lobby and educate the government and the general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image.
We will endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals who share
a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of
FREEDOM.
endorsement from your State Motorcylists' Rights Organization. If your state has more than one SMRO, an endorsement must be obtained from all SMROs in your state.
For additional information regarding the MRF's State Representative Program, please contact Dave Condon, Director of State Representative Program. Dave036@aol.com
How to Reach Us
480-256-9237 For Advertising Rates Email Eric at themasterlink@abateofaz.org Or Mail Your Ads to: MasterLink, ABATE of Arizona 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ, 85020 MasterLink Advertising Rates:
Size Monthly Quarterly Yearly Business Card Size (3-1/2”w x 2”h): $20.00 $60.00 $200.00 1/8 Page (5-1/8”w x 4”h) $50.00 $150.00 $500.00 1/4 Page (5-1/2”w x 8”h) $70.00 $210.00 $700.00 1/2 Page (10-1/4”w x 8”h) $100.00 $300.00 $1,000.00 Full Page (10-1/4”w x 16”h) $200.00 $600.00 $2,000.00 Full Color Back Page (10-1/4”w x 16”h) $400.00 $950.00 $3,300.00
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
President’s Report
active and is interested in how the legislative process works. It entails working with others in the motorcycling community and with local, state and federal elected officials. If you would like more information on this position and what else is involved send an email to president@abateofaz.org.
By Jim Butsback
Greetings Brothers and Sister of ABATE of Arizona. This has been a very busy month for me. As I write this it is the middle of January, the weather has been colder and wetter than most recent years due to the “El Nino” effect in the Pacific and this has had a big effect on motorcycling here in the Grand Canyon state.
Many of our winter visitors who come for the weather are a little disappointed, and many of us who love that we can enjoy riding all 12 months have had to endure caging it more than we wish. I hope by the time this reaches you in February the weather is better and you have been able to get out and put it in the wind.
ABATE of Arizona is still actively seeking candidates for Designated Lobbyist. This is an appointed position by the Board of Directors. This would be a great position for someone who is politically
Date Sat Jan 09, 2015 Location AAIC 7509 N. 12th St, #200; Phoenix, AZ 85020 Description Quarterly Meeting
Quorum Attendance: At-Large, Deborah Butitta, Present East Valley, Jack Batty, Present High Country, Forrest “Woody” Phillips, Present Phoenix/ Shadow Mountain, Clyde Brooks, Present Southern Arizona, Sean Pinder, Chair, Present Yuma, Rick Breadwell, Present Secretary, Dawn Steed, Present Guests Mike Rudd, PHX Sh Mtn chapter
Topic: I. Call to Order: 1:34 PM by Sean Pinder, Chairman. II. Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence by Sean Pinder III. Prior Meeting Minutes: Minutes of last BOD meeting: A.A. Motion made to waive the reading of last meeting minutes made by Jack 2nd by Clyde; A.B. Discussion: none A.C. Action: Vote - All in favor. Reading of the minutes waived.
On January 9th ABATE of Arizona had our officer training for all the chapter officers throughout the state. It was great to see everyone there. There were many familiar faces of folks who have once again stepped up and volunteered their time and talents for the benefit of all of us, and there were also a lot of new faces in the crowd of those who have taken the plunge and became officers for the first time. It is very heartwarming to see that this great organization is in such capable hands. During the training sessions we had a presentation on the new membership system that is finally in place and working excellently. Outgoing membership officer Larry and Leo from KHM Kreations, who is our vendor for this system, gave a very informative explanation of how this new system works and how it will make all the membership officer’s jobs easier. This should then make it so our membership people can spend more of their valuable time on recruiting new members and business members and a lot less on the mundane paperwork that always seems to go along with membership.
JR gave a very spirited update on Too Broke for Sturgis. Thing are coming together quickly. We have many sponsors who have stepped up to support us as well as vendors being lined up etc.. There are two bands for the weekend – Rhythm Dragons and Skarlett Fever will be enter-
taining the masses. This is the 25th Anniversary for TBFS so please save the dates – June 9th – 12th at Mormon Lake Lodge up in the beautiful Coconino Forest. There will be all the usual distractions so for more information please go to www.toobrokeforsturgis.com and check it out. This is OUR event and how well it comes off reflects on ALL of US. In order to make it as great an experience as possible for all those folks who come up and drop their hard earned dollars to support US, we need YOUR help! Please plan on being one of those who rides up and supports motorcycle rights here in Arizona, and while you are there please volunteer to work at least one shift to help make this event be as great as it can be. Vic our State Sgt at Arms gave an update on Motorcycle Day at the Dome. Due to some changes in the way the state is handling groups at the state capitol we are not having a traditional MDATD in February as we have in the past. This year we have reserved the capitol lawn on April 18th for our annual MDATD. This will more like the Freedom Rally type events that were held in the past. It will be later in the day and on a Monday so maybe we can get more folks down to the capitol after work etc. There will be much more on this as it gets closer to the day of the event but keep the date on your calendars. I am not sure how many of our members take the time when they are on-line with their computers (goofing off at work) to check out the ABATE of Arizona web site. There have been many improvements to the site and it is a great tool for all our members. We also have the ABATE on line store up and running. You can buy merchandise etc. and even pay for a new membership or renew an exist-
PAGE 3
ing membership. So next time your boss isn’t around and you’re tired of playing games, check out www.abateofaz.org and see what you have been missing.
I would also like to bring up one simple way that all of our members can help ABATE of Arizona keep expenses down. As you may or may not know the Masterlink is available digitally! It is posted monthly on the ABATE website at www.abateofaz.org so if you opt out of receiving the Masterlink in hard copy form you will help save the cost of printing and mailing the paper to you. This is one of our larger expenses for the year so if you can opt-out it will help us and you won’t have another paper you need to recycle.
It is also important that everyone remembers the Masterlink is not just ABATE of Arizona’s newsletter, it is YOUR newsletter too! Please feel free to take photos and write up a little article of the events that you and your fellow riders attend. It helps spread good will with the organizations hosting these events and runs and lets them know that they are appreciated. It will also let folks know what they missed and may help get the word out for the next time the event is held. Send the information to TheMasterlink@abateofaz.org. Our editor is always looking for news and stories affecting the motorcycling community. If he cannot fit it in one month he may carry it over until space allows. So let’s all fill the pages with what’s happening here in the Arizona motorcycling world. Until next time! Ride Free! Jim
Board of Director Meeting Minutes IV. Report/ Updates: A.A. President – Jim Butsback unavailable due to Officer Training. Sean relayed there had been a discussion about rotating the State and Board of Director meetings to different locations to include inactive areas. 2016 Jan Officer Training AAIC in Phoenix or EV Apr Yuma July High Country (Push to July 10th from Ind Day weekend?) Oct Tucson (aka S. AZ) Nov Elections AAIC in Phoenix or EV 2017 Jan Officer Training AAIC in Phoenix or EV Apr Yuma or Mohave (at large) July High Country or Yavapai (at large) Oct Tucson (aka S. AZ) or Flagstaff, Yavapai, Mohave (at large) Nov Election AAIC in Phoenix or EV
A.B. Secretary - Dawn Steed None A.C. Treasurer Report – Jim Silk Tabled unavailable due to Officer Training. A.D. Lobbyist – Vacant
V. Old Business Agenda Items: A. Clyde completed purchasing the
Conference call phone, State Office Flat Panel TV/ Monitor, and Printer.
VI. New Business Agenda Items: Tabled A. Budgets due Review & Approval 1 East Valley 2 Phoenix-Shadow Mountain 3 Yuma
VII. Open Discussion: 1. Deb made a motion for Johnny D to continue to be the MRF Rep. Rick 2nd motion carries unanimously. Masterlink will need to remove MRF Rep needed article. 2. Discussion to look for a new location for TBFS for 2017. The need for a criteria outline was brought to JR (chair of the TBFS committee). There is a need to conform to the bylaws concerning bids. There is a critical time frame must have bids by April. 3. Discussion about expanding merchandise and finding other avenues for fundraising. 4. Discussion about reaching out to all riders EX. Sport bike rider clubs. AZ Riders Expo coming up Jan 23. 5. Discussion about marketing. Clyde is going to contact 2 gals about PR exposure and PSA announcements. We need someone with organizational marketing skills.
VIII. Next Meeting: A. Conference Call TU 02 FEB at 7:00 PM https://www.freescreensharing.com/meetings/792-874-119 Dial-In: (559)546-1200 Code: 792-874119# B. Conference Call TU 02 Mar 2016 at 7:00 PM https://www.freescreensharing.com/meetings/792-874-119 Dial-In: (559)546-1200 Code: 792-874119# C. Quarterly Regularly Scheduled SU 03 APR 2016 2811 S Ave 2 ½ E Yuma, AZ 85365 Board Meeting 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM IX. Adjourn First Clyde Second Woody No Discussion, All were in favor. Time 3:04 pm Submitted by: Dawn Steed Secretary
Sean Pinder BOD, Chairperson
PAGE 4
East Valley Chapter
Well let’s see now. It is the first chapter report of the New Year. It is going to be a positively productive Happy New Year everybody. The East Valley Chapter met on Dec. 27th. We voted and had our annual potluck. Oh my goodness so much yummy food.
Results from the voting are as follows:
Coordinator: Jim Silk Vice Coordinator: Joe Ferrucci Secretary: Dawn Steed Treasurer: Deb Ferrucci Membership: Mike Shearhart Run Coordinator: Jack Batty Safety Coordinator: Nolan Steed Sgt. at Arms: Richard Dalton P.A.C.: Tami Keim Communications: Vacant Merchandise: Donna (Jack) Batty
I expressed my thanks and excitement for Tami taking P.A.C. I will now only be holding East Valley Chapter & State Secretary. YEAH! Cheryl announced her engagement to David. Woo Hoo Congrats!
Congrats to our new Coordinator Jim Silk for winning the 50/50 and then being awesome and donating it back. Steve Arcas missed out on $143 from the Dollar jar pays to come to the meetings.
On Jan. 9th we had Officer Training. It was awesome. Welcome to all the new and continuing officers. My Deepest thank you to all the outgoing officers, we, new officers can only pray to come close to filling your shoes. Also YES we will need a lot of guidance. I got my first taste of being secretary for the Board of Directors. Can you say nervous? It was pretty cool.
This would be my last Chapter Report (for now), but since the communications officer position is vacant it has been suggested that each chapter officer takes a turn writing it.
So until we meet again, be safe out there.
Chapter Reports
Enjoy the ride and as always keep it rubber side down.
Here’s to Wind Knots in My Hair,
Dawn P Steed East Valley Chapter & State Secretary
High Country Chapter
Hello Brothers and Sisters.
I hope all of you had a great New Years, and are keeping to your resolutions. I know I'm keeping to mine, because I resolved to not make any more resolutions. It seems to be the only one I can keep. I thought about making mine; To ride more, but honestly, is that really a resolution? Naw, that's a necessity!!
With this being a new year, I'm sure a lot of new officers have stepped into their positions, and by now have held their first meeting. It can be a little bit hard at first but I'm sure you will all do a great job. With the help of the former officers and the support from your chapter members it will get easier. I just wanted to say thank you all for stepping up. It's new people and new ideas that allow us to progress.
That being said, the new officers of High Country have already begun to discuss and make plans for our next event. Yeah you guessed it "Wild in the Weeds" is just a few months away. As you know, or maybe you don't know, but last year we moved this event to Punkin Center. We had a great turn-out and a great time, and "I aint punkin ya" ha ha. So keep the first weekend in May open for a trip to Punkin Center. You are gonna hear me talk more about it in future months.
Here in the High Country riding has been a little tricky with the snow and ice. If you are riding up this way, please be careful.
If you happen to be up here on the 3rd Sunday of the month, you have an open invitation to join in on our meetings. 10am at the Moose Lodge in Star Valley. Or join us for Breakfast at the Spur Bar, 8:30am also in Star Valley. Come see what we're about.
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
Keep wind in your face, sun on your back, fuel in the tank, and rubber on the road. Wayne Slocum coordinator, H.C.C. ABATE
Phoenix/Shadow Mountain Chapter
NO REPORT
Southern Arizona Chapter
The December meeting, as always, was held at the Kettle Restaurant. The meeting started at 9:14 AM with the Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer for those in harm’s way and fallen Brothers and Sisters. Officers Present were Coordinator Jim Butsback, Treasurer Dawn Detelj, PAC/BOD Sean Pinder, Safety Jim DeYoung, Secretary elect Becky Garino and Sgt at Arms Robert Guenther. The minutes of last month’s meeting were approved as written, and the Treasurer’s report was accepted.
We are asking everyone to feel free to take photos and write up a little article on any of the events that you attend so we can submit it to the editor of the Masterlink. Eric will use what he can if there is room; these stories help show what we do in the motorcycle community and everyone likes to see if they made the paper.
This year is the 25th Annual Too Broke for Sturgis!! We need everyone to plan on attending. This is our one main fund raiser for the state and we need all of our members to support it. The dates are June 9-12. VOLUNTEERS , that’s all of us, are needed to make this event a success. Please sign up to work for at least one 4 hour shift, more would be better. Thursday evening there will be a special showing of the film, Dead in 5 Heartbeats! This is based on the book by Sonny Barger. Bob is still working on an event for February. We will be sponsoring a Poker Run to support the Arizona Fisher House at the VA Hospital. It will begin and end
Officer Training 2016
at the Bashful Bandit, one of our business members. There will be stops at Big Sky, the VFW, Renegade Classic and the American Legion with the final event back to the Bashful Bandit. It will be on February 20th with registration from 911. We will need everyone to come out and support this event. We will also be needing volunteers to work, and raffle prizes so if you can help us obtain some it would be most appreciated. We are putting this together rather quickly in order to show support for this worthy cause. The VA will be holding the dedication for the new Arizona Fisher House on Thursday February 18th. As always please keep promoting our Business Memberships to those you do business with. We have been doing Great on this so let’s keep up the good work.
Anyone who is not getting emails from the Chapter, please send your email address to abateofazsac@yahoo.com. There is also a group page at Yahoo Groups. All Chapter members can sign up there and receive all emails from the Chapter through the group.
It is abateofazsac@yahoogroups.com. We are trying to save the Chapter some money by cutting down on postage. Please make sure the State Membership Officer has all your current information as well, this includes phone numbers, email addresses, address changes etc. You can email him at membershipofficer@abateofaz.org. Ride Free, Ride Safe
Yavapai Chapter
YAVAPAI CHAPTER has been deactivated due to lack of member participation. Anyone interested in reviving the chapter, please contact Deborah Butitta, ABATE of Arizona Board of Directors representative for Yavapai County. The chapter is required to have a Chapter Coordinator, Secretary and Treasurer. You may contact Deborah at deb@mrf.org or the State President at president@abateofaz.org
Yuma Chapter
NO REPORT
Accepting Applications for Designated Lobbyist
We are currently accepting applications for Designated Lobbyist of A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona, Inc. This position is appointed by the Board of Directors. The Designated Lobbyist interacts with the state legislature and motorcycle safety
and awareness organizations, develops A.B.A.T.E.’s legislative plans, formulates plans to circumvent negative motorcycle legislation, drafts positive motorcycle legislation, keeps officers informed, and writes an informative article each month
for publication in The Masterlink. This person needs to be personable and have a full understanding of the workings of both state and federal government, be an articulate speaker and writer, familiar with local, state and federal laws, and be
proficient in legal research methods. Interested applicants may submit their application with background information to president@abateofaz.org
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016 Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
HIGHWAY BILL SIGNED INTO LAW
Passed by the House 359-65 on Thursday afternoon, December 3rd, and approved by the Senate 83-16 later that same day, a long-awaited long-term highway funding bill has been signed into law by President Barack Obama, marking big gains for the nation’s infrastructure and America’s motorcyclists, among others.
Overwhelmingly approved by Congress a day before current funding expired, the 1,300-page five-year $305 billion measure increases federal money for transportation infrastructure projects around the country, addressing our aging and congested highways and bridges after years of stymied efforts. The legislation, dubbed “Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act”, takes effect immediately and represents a 25% increase in federal funds committed to surface transportation infrastructure.
In addition, the good news for motorcyclists is that the new Highway Bill prohibits the Department of Transportation from awarding grants to local and state governments for motorcycle-only checkpoint programs, effectively preventing such discriminatory roadblocks; Reinstates the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) to advise the federal gov-
ABATE IS:
· A Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO) · For Bikes & Riders, regardless of Race, Creed, color, sex, age, machine or gear · For all Motorcycles regardless of Fraternal or club affiliation, as well as Independents · For people interested in motorcycle safety · For People interested in rider education · For people interested in motorcycle awareness PSAs directed to non-Riders · For people interested in protecting and promoting motorcycling · A volunteer, not-for-profit grass-roots organization · For Motorcyclist who enjoy the ride $50 $8-20 $4,000 $3,000 $10 $3 $1,000 Priceless Priceless Priceless
$7,583 Value
Masterlink, Patch, Memb card TBFS Disc Entry, RV, Cabins AD&D Benefit 60% Discount Health Child Safe Kits White Bandana Leadership Training Motorcycle Awareness Rights Rider Education
ABATE of Arizona Serves to:
Coast to Coast
ernment on infrastructure issues of concern to motorcyclists; Funds motorcycle safety grants and distracted driving programs, and makes it easier for states to qualify; Establishes privacy and security measures in infrastructure technologies and data retrieval; and Continues funding for off-highway recreation. FEDS INCREASE ETHANOL LEVELS
The federal government has substantially increased the mandated amount of ethanol to be used in America’s gasoline next year, from 16.93 billion gallons in 2015 to 18.11 billion gallons in 2016, harkening widespread availability of higher-ethanol fuel blends, such as E15, which can damage motorcycle engines and void manufacturer warranties.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the increase as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which mandates the volume of renewable fuels that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supply each year.
E15, which is a fuel blend of 15% ethanol, has not been approved by the EPA for use in any of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and ATVs in the U.S., and Congress has considered measures calling for further study of ethanol and its effect on internal combustion engines. Meanwhile, many motorcycle and auto-
mobile organizations, among others, continue to lobby against ethanol, not just because its unapproved use can damage fuel systems and internal engine parts, reduce power and mileage, and invalidate warranties, but opponents also argue that ethanol pollutes more than the oil it’s meant to replace, takes more energy to produce than it delivers, drives up cost and scarcity of food resources, doesn’t reduce our oil-dependency, and the government subsidies being paid for ethanol production diverts funds that could improve our highways, bridges and infrastructure. HONDA AND BMW PLEDGE TO ADDRESS GLOBAL WARMING
As 150 Heads of State and Government convened in Paris, France at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, with a goal to “reach a new universal climate agreement that is applicable to all,” the hope is that some arrangement can be reached to help reduce carbon emissions worldwide and keep global warming from exceeding a two degree Celsius rise in the coming years.
Emissions legislation and the transition to cleaner energy, both of which are included as strategies toward curbing climate change, have obvious impacts on the motorcycle industry. Europe, for example, has set some of the most stringent
Join A.B.A.T.E.
· Collaborate with other organizations to monitor and support funding for practices that do not discriminate against motorcycling. · Encourage political involvement of its membership. · Promote and present motorcyclists and motorcycling in a positive and safe manner. · Help prevent motorcycle crashes and promote crash survival through rider education, and · · · · · Public awareness campaigns. · Encourage ongoing federal research programs such as use of E15 fuel in motorcycles, inclusion of motorcycles in ongoing transportation emerging technologies, and improvements in safer roadway design strategies. · Promote rider skills training through ABATE’s · Rider Advantage (ARA) scholarship program and tax-deductible entity ABATE accomplishments:
· Motorcycle Lobbyist at the State Legislature · 2013 Eliminated yearly motorcycle emissions testing in Maricopa County · 2007 Remove Motorcycle Safety Fund cap · 2007 Eliminated yearly motorcycle emissions testing in Pima County · 2004 Veteran’s plates for motorcycles · 2002 Arizona Motorcycle Safety Council established · 2001 Motorcycle Safety Fund established · 1997 Handlebar height raised to shoulder · 1993 Helped prevent mandatory helmet legislation in Arizona · 1992 Opened HOV lanes to motorcycles
PAGE 5 emissions standards on motorcycles with further restrictions forthcoming. Further changes are likely to be seen in the U.S. as well, in part because of the pledges two motorcycle companies have made in accord with strategies outlined by the White House in Paris. American Honda Motor Company and the BMW Group are now involved in efforts to address global warming, both companies signing the American Business Act on Climate Pledge.
In a press release issued November 30, 2015, by the White House, 154 companies are cited as having signed the pledge, each offering company-specific strategies to combat climate change. American Honda and BMW are currently the only two motorcycle OEMs to sign the following pledge: “We applaud the growing number of countries that have already set ambitious targets for climate action. In this context, we support the conclusion of a climate change agreement in Paris that takes a strong step forward toward a low-carbon, sustainable future. We recognize that delaying action on climate change will be costly in economic and human terms, while accelerating the transition to a lowcarbon economy will produce multiple benefits with regard to sustainable eco-
continued page 6
Motorcycle Awareness Program (MAP)
ABATE of Arizona has developed a program with the mission to provide motorcycle awareness training to all drivers and soonto-be drivers on the road in Arizona. Instructors provide a one hour program to students in driver education classes throughout the state.
MAP is available to be presented to civic organizations as well as most businesses that hold safety meetings. FMI: map@abateoJOIN ABATE NOW! faz.org ABATE Of Arizona provides a unified voice for all motorcyclists in Arizona. Please Tell us What Your Top Five Add your voice to ours. Join ABATE Motorcycle Issues, Matter to You: now, for the preservation of your abili· Distracted Driving – Motorcycle, Bicycle, Pedestrian ty to ride a motorcycle with the freeare Vulnerable Roadway Users dom that's your right!! · Right of Way Violations resulting in Injury/Fatality · Insurance Discrimination and claim denial · SAFETEA-LU Safety/Highway Funds ~2010 MSF · Discriminatory Profiling by Law Enforcement · Anti-tampering Regulations – Right to Modify · State/National Mandatory Helmet/Equipment · Transportation Exclusion of Intelligent Technology (IT), New Vehicle, Highway, Taxes and Fuel regarding Motorcycle Safety and Use · Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints · Accurate Stats & Research Study regarding Motorcycle Safety & Accidents · Off Road Trail Closing and Access · Tar Snakes & Median Cable wire · Intersection Engineering – Lights to Speed Limit, Leading Left Only, Increase Yellow & All Clear Red
© 2015 ABATE Of Arizona
7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ. 85020
Website: www.abateofaz.org To join our discussion group, send email to Abate-request@abateofaz.org
PAGE 6
nomic growth, public health, resilience to natural disasters, and the health of the global environment.” CHILDRENS ADVOCATES DENIED ACCESS TO COURTHOUSE OVER CLUB COLORS
The New Mexico Motorcycle Rights Organization (NMMRO) is helping address an issue where a group called the Guardians of the Children, a nonprofit organization of child abuse advocates comprised of motorcyclists, is being denied access to the courthouse unless they remove their motorcycle vests as instructed by the Bernalillo Sheriffs Department. The patches on these vests help identify themselves to the children and families they are supporting. Along with this, many of the members have received rude and uncalled for treatment by several of the officers.
GOC President Frank Montano and NMMRO Chairperson Annette Torrez (also a member of the NCOM Board of Directors) met with Sheriff Manny Gonzales along with several officers to discuss the matter. “Sheriff Gonzales received us well, listened to our concerns and apologized for the treatment of the deputies,” reports Torrez. He asked them to report any negative actions from the deputies to their internal affairs division and he will see the issue is addressed.
As for the removal of the vest, the Supreme Court says; individuals have the first amendment right to wear clothing which displays writings or designs in a courthouse. There are several cases specific to motorcycle club colors, states the NMMRO. Recent Federal Case Law confirms motorcycle organization patches and club colors as a protected expression. A U.S. District Court this past September, relying on Supreme Court precedent, concluded that the government may not impose restrictions on an individual solely because of displaying membership in a motorcycle club. Citing 1985 and 1971 U.S. Supreme Court cases on First Amendment rights states it is not reasonable to prohibit speech in courthouse hallways merely because it may offend someone. “Sheriff Gonzales suggested we now make an appointment with the Chief
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
Coast to Coast (continued)
Justice where we will address the violation of our 1st Amendment concerning this issue or any ban on motorcycle patches and attire in the court house,” said Torrez, who also told TV stations KRQE Channel 13 and Channel 7 KOAT in interviews that; “It is the people's court and our house and the government may not impose restrictions on an individual solely because of displaying membership in a motorcycle club or organization.”
MORE FEMALE RIDERS THAN EVER
Motorcycle ownership by women has doubled over the past decade, and female ridership is now at an all-time high. Today, women riders account for 14% of all U.S. motorcycle owners, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council’s latest Motorcycle Owner Survey, well up from the 8% reported in 1998.
“Women continue to embrace motorcycling like never before,” said Sarah Schilke, national marketing manager of BMW Motorrad USA and chair of PowerLily, a group consisting of female motorcycle industry professionals. “Of the 9.2 million owners, more of them are women than we’ve ever recorded. In fact, the number of female owners better than doubled from 2003 to 2014. And, among the more than 30 million Americans who swung a leg over a motorcycle and rode at least one time in 2014, a quarter of these riders were women.”
Among younger generations of owners, the percentage of women is even higher. Slightly more than 17% of Gen X owners, and 17.6% of Gen Y owners, are women. Among Boomer owners, women make up 9%.
The Owner Survey also revealed what type of bikes women prefer. Cruisers are the choice of 34% of female riders. Scooters rank a close second at 33%, followed by sport bikes at 10%. In the survey, of some 48,000 American households, women were also asked to share their top three reasons for riding motorcycles. They answered “fun and recreation,” followed by “sense of freedom” and “enjoy outdoors/nature.” When it comes to purchasing a motorcycle, women rate “Fuel Economy” and “Test Rides” as the most important decision-making factors.
The study revealed that female riders are safety-conscious. While 60% of women took a motorcycle safety course, only 42% of men had any formal training. In some state motorcycle safety training programs, women make up 30% of the student population. Other key survey results: The median age for female motorcyclists is 39 versus 48 for males; 49% are married; 47% have a college degree; New bikes are preferred over used by 57% of female riders; and 49% of women motorcyclists take care of their own maintenance. WEIRD NEWS: SAUDI PRINCE “GAMER” HAS WOMEN RACING MOTORCYCLES
Although the women of Saudi Arabia are not authorized to take the wheel, in a new video game designed by Arab royalty, they ride motorcycles as they race through destroyed and corrupted lands.
The smartphone game called “Saudi Girls Revolution” (SGR) was created by His Highness Prince Fahad Al-Saud, the grandson of the Saudi Arabia king’s brother. He’s got an occidental culture, studied at Stanford University, worked at Facebook on the launch of the Arabic version and has lived in Los Angeles and London and has founded several companies including NA3M Games, the company behind “Saudi Girls Revolution.”
Will a video game help the fight for more relaxed laws for all women living in the Arabic world? Saudi Arabian women have been fighting for their right to drive for decades, but now they can at least imagine being one of the 8 ladies of the game riding at full speed under dark clouds in a post-apocalyptic Kingdom through hostile landscapes, fighting against brutal tyrants with their abayas in the wind.
NCOM CONVENTION ROLLS INTO ATLANTIC CITY
The 31st annual NCOM Convention will be held Mother’s Day weekend, May 5-8, 2016 at Harrah’s Resort, located at 777 Harrah’s Blvd in Atlantic City, New Jersey, so reserve your room now for the special NCOM rate of $109 by calling (888) 516-2215.
The largest gathering of motorcycle rights activists in the world, this year’s NCOM Convention will draw over a thousand concerned bikers from across the country to “America’s Playground” to engage in serious discussions on topics of concern to all riders. All motorcyclists were welcomed and encouraged to participate in the many meetings, seminars and group discussions that focused on legislative efforts and litigation techniques to protect our riders’ rights and preserve Freedom of the Road. Topics will range from Anti-Profiling Laws to “SMRO Effectiveness,” with Special Meetings for Veterans Affairs, Women in Motorcycling, Clean & Sober Roundtable and World of Sport Bikes, as well as the Christian Unity Conference and Confederation of Clubs Patch Holders Meeting.
NCOM has successfully outreached to numerous segments of the motorcycling community in an effort to unite for our rights, both legal and legislatively, and has become a unifying voice amongst North America’s motorcycle rights organizations (MROs), motorcycle clubs, women riders, religious riding organizations, touring groups, trikers, sportbikers, and minority motorcyclists.
The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is solely sponsored by the Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) nationwide legal services program and serves as an umbrella organization for more than 2,000 NCOM Member clubs, organizations and associations worldwide, representing well over a quarter of a million politically active motorcyclists. To pre-register for the 2016 NCOM Convention, contact the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 5255355 or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “There's really no such thing as the 'voiceless'. There are only the deliberately silenced or the preferably unheard.” Suzanna Arundhati Roy (b. 24 Nov 1961, India) political activist and author
A.B.A.T.E Stands for American Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education respond to emergency situations on a motorcycle and give you a chance to try out your new skills in a controlled environment. Taking a motorcycle safety course prepares you to hit the road safely and with more confidence.
Become a Lifelong LearnerMotorcycle Safety Courses are not just for beginners! Classes will teach you about the traffic safety laws that apply to motorcycles in your state, how to
CPR & Accident Scene Management Courses- Highly recommended motorcycle trauma education for everyone, especially Road Captains, Road Guards and Club Officers and carry a Medical kit. (www.accidentscene.org) If your Chapter would like to host a CPR or ASM class let me know. I’m all for a Road Trip!
Educate Your Passengers- Your passenger has a part in keeping both of you safe. They should wear the same pro-
tective clothes. Make sure your passenger knows not to distract you and what to expect like stopping and turning on a bike so they won’t panic.
Leave Enough Space-Leave enough stopping distance. Anti-lock brakes are still relatively new on many bikes and older models don’t have them. Practice stops on your bike in a safe environment and know how much space you need. Then, make sure you give yourself that much space in traffic. Leave a generous following distance between your bike and the vehicle in front of you and try to keep an escape route open to the side if you can’t stop in time.
Wear the Right Gear- Motorcycle rid-
ers are exposed many road hazards. Small rocks, bugs and cigarette butts at 60+ mph can sting. You don’t have to look like a reject from “Easy Rider” to ride a motorcycle. A lot of companies specialize in gear that keep you cool while keeping you safe with lightweight, breathable material. Even if you aren’t in a crash with another vehicle on your bike, you could simply lose control and lay the bike down. Road rash sucks so prepared.
Until next time, ride safe! Teresa “Trauma Mama” McClelland MSN RN A.B.A.T.E of Arizona State Safety Officer
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016 A to Z Mobile Repair Services of Tucson 520-304-6078 AZ Differential Specialists Phoenix 602-462-5367 Big Sky Motorcycles Tucson 520-886-7388
Biker’s Mall Mesa 623-335-1000
Bill Alexander Flight-Line Mazda Yuma, AZ 928-314-3400 Bob’s House of Hair Marana 520-797-6566
Bobby’s Territorial Harley-Davidson Yuma 928-782-1931 Boston’s Common House Payson 928-474-2900
Brewer’s Truck Repair, Inc Willcox 520-384-2846
Brown & Little, P.L.C., Attorneys at Law Tempe 480-299-2093 Breyer Law Offices, P.C. Phoenix 480-505-2160
Brothers, Sons and Pop Motorcycle Shop Tucson 520-370-7788
Buchanan Construction 928-978-3291 Buffalo Bar & Grill Payson 928-474-3900
ABATE of Arizona Business Members Butcher Hook Tonto Basin
Independent Motorcycles Chandler 480-785-4888
The Bashful Bandit Tucson 520-881-9706
The Chaparral Bar Cottonwood 928-634-2131
Joeta’s Leather Mesa 480-827-1868
Punkin Center Bar Tonto Basin 928-479-2627
Coyote Auto Payson 928-472-1100
La Gitana Cantina Arivaca 520-398-0810
CCA Scottsdale 480-985-6764
Cowpony Bar Tucson 528-721-2781
D & G Paint & Body Willcox 520-384-2933 Desert Thunder MC
Dr. Gear Phoenix 602-263-8484 Payson 928-978-4027 Eclectic Cafe Tucson 520-885-2842 El Rancho Restaurant Payson 928-474-3111
Evil Twin Custom Cycles Mesa 480-784-0040 Great Lakes Properties Tucson 520 203-2323
Greater Payson Moose Lodge #852 Payson 928-474-6212 HDBitchin http://hdbitchin.com
Herman’s Automatic Transmissions Tucson 520-294-8717
From the MRF A&E
First, I have a proposal that everyone will like. One of the best ways to improve is to practice, so it makes sense, if we want to be better riders... RIDE MORE!
Seriously, I do want to reemphasize the need to always try to enhance our safety. I will keep advising all riders to get more training, and practice, practice, practice. I just spent a great weekend with Freedom of Road Riders in Missouri. They are focusing their efforts on the ways we can ALL share the road. Please be reminded that we need to do our part to help other highway users see us.
Thanks Ride Safe Ron Braaksma
PAGE 7
Jakes Corner Bar Payson 928-474-0679
Kitty For Tax Camp Verde 928-567-0224
Law Tigers 888-529-8443
Lucky 13 Synthetics Sahuarita 619-647-4895 Maaco Tucson 520-495-5411
Marc Victor, P.C., Attorney Chandler 480-455-5229 Monkey Butt Radio Scottsdale 602-399-7787
Mormon Lake Lodge Mormon Lake 928-354-2227
Motorcycle Safari Online www.motorcyclesafari.com Old Bastards MC
The Pour House Star Valley 928-478-6979
Renegade Classics Tucson 520-647-9312
Sacred Bones Society M/C http://www.sacredbones.org/
Sidewinders Tavern and Grill Pine 928-476-6434 Sons of Hell MC Yuma
Spur Bar Star Valley 928-472-7787 Square Peg Promotions Phoenix 602-549-1044
Steel Horse Motorsports Rio Rico 520-281-1962 The Maverick Saloon Phoenix 602-943-5680
Tonto Silkscreen & Embroidery Payson 928-474-4207
Phoenix Vulcan Riders www.phoenixvulcanriders.com
The Back Alley Chiropractic & Massage Oro Valley 520-877-2666
ABATE of Arizona Chapter Meeting Times and Locations
East Valley Chapter EAST VALLEY CHAPTER meetings are held the 4th Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) 1712 W. Broadway Road, Mesa AZ 85202 FMI contact Joe Ferrucci at 480-295-9488
High Country Chapter High Country Chapter meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday at 10 a.m. at The Moose Lodge in Star Valley. Contact: chicknbone@live .com or 928-970-1134
Phoenix / Shadow Mountain Chapter Phoenix/Shadow Mountain meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 10:30am at the AZ American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. FMI: Chapter Coordinator Mike Schneider, 602-549-1044, mike@squarepegpromos.com
Southern Arizona Chapter The Southern Arizona Chapter will meet the third Saturday. We will gather at the Kettle Restaurant, 748 W. 22nd St, Tucson. Breakfast will be available at 7:30 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 9 a.m. FMI contact Jim Butsback by phone at 520-2473051 or email abateofazsac@yahoo.com
Yavapai Chapter Yavapai monthly chapter meetings have been suspended due to lack of member participation. Anyone interested in re-establishing the chapter should contact Deborah Butitta at deb@mrf.org
Yuma Chapter Yuma Chapter meets the second Tuesday evening monthly at 6:00 PM at the pm. The next meeting will be held at the Kountry Kitchen Café located at 11242 S Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. 85365. For additional information contact Frank White (Hound) at 209-327-0814.
ABATE of Arizona
PAGE 8
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016 February
2/7 {Sun} Alma MC Westside Presents: "Alma MC Westside\'s Annual Super Bowl Party." February 7th, 2016. 1050 N Eliseo Felix Jr Way Ste 105, Avondale. More details to come... ALMA MC Westside Clubhouse 1050 N Eliseo Felix Jr Way Ste 105 Avondale, AZ 2/13 {Sat} Devils Disciples/Sons of Odin VD PARTY, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Cadillac Chaparral Steakhouse Mile post 102 Highway 79 2/14 {Sun} Red and White Arizona presents 33rd Annual Florence Prison
Events Calendar
Run. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Red and White Arizona presents February 14th, 2016, 33rd Annual Florence Prison Run. This is a 21 and over event open to the public. The first 1200 riders receive run pins. The cost is $20 at the run sight or presale at the various departure points of the Arizona Charters. For details of times and places go to : onepercenter@hotmail.com or contact your nearest R/W charter.Charles Withrow Rodeo Grounds; 4 miles South of Florence Florence, AZ
2/27 {Sat} 11th annual Hearts to Heroes Ride. Sign-in 9-11a at Desert Wind H-D, 922 S. Country Club Drive, Mesa. $25/sgl, $45/cpl includes b’fast &
PAGE 9 lunch. Last stop @ Buffalo Chip in Cave Creek. Emcee Jack Schit & music by Scarlett Fever. Benefits Packages From Home + their ‘Bones From Home’ & ‘Packages For Hope’ programs. Donate items on the online ‘wish list’ & get xtra raffle tickets. FMI: http://twogalsevents.com
2/27 {Sat} Good bye to winter LCMC AJ & HMC CG, 4:30 pm – 11:30 pm, Slow cooked pig, Live music, Good times, Raffle, Come help us say F U to winter, Loose Cannons MC AJ clubhouse 1503 E Junction Apache Junction, AZ
Motorcycle Riders Foundation Awareness & Education (MRFA&E) was established to promote motorcycle awareness and education due to an everincreasing rider population. No one is more concerned with rider safety than riders themselves, and obviously those best suited to educate newer riders are veteran riders.
First group to show up at opening day at the legislature 2016
Promote awareness and education in the motorcycle community to improve rider’s safety. Please donate, we are a 501C3 Corporation. Your donation is tax deductible. To donate go to our web site listed at the bottom.
Motorcycle Riders Foundation Awareness & Education (MRFA&E) 1325 G Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 546-0983
Representative Sonny Borelli meeting with bikers representing the Legislative Veterans Caucus
Senator Judy Burges meeting with biker community to discuss the biker profiling bill
PAGE 10
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
Hello my fellow freedom fighters. It is now 2016, time for a revolution, what is commonly called an election. My advice is to find candidates that you can support and help them get elected.
We recently had opening day at the legislature. A few dozen bikers showed up to the capitol to support our causes. One is a helmet law that was put into play. It would require every rider or passenger to wear a helmet or pay a fee when registering the motorcycle, ATV, or motor driven cycle. Failing to do either would result in a $500 fine, $200 of which would go to the state spinal cord injury fund. I see this as an attempt to extort money from the motorcycle community. We need to kill this bill.
Another fun bill is John Kavanagh’s SB 1054. This would make it illegal to videorecors a police officer within 20 feet. It is not clear who is responsible to bring a tape measure to determine the precise distance of the camera. Nor is it apparent if police officers will have a device implanted into their eyes that can accurately measure the distance for purposes of evidence. What is obvious is that they believe they can override the supreme court rulings that supposedly settled this matter twice. I spoke with a learned friend that some of you also know. His take is that Kavanagh may have written the bill to appease his LE petitioners.
JohnnyD’s PAC Report
When I told him that the bill was so poorly written that it would not ever be upheld in court, his reply was that the senator may have written it in that poor form knowing it would never fly. Attributing a method to his madness is generous of my friend. John Kavanagh also pushed a bill to criminalize pushing a walk button at a traffic light if the intention is to stop traffic for the purpose of begging money from drivers stopped at a light. When he was advised that most of those buttons have no purpose other than to change the status of the pedestrian walk or stop symbol, he was undeterred. He truly believes that a beggar can control traffic at freeway entrances in one of the largest cities in the United States. I believe he wrote the bill at his level of capability. Regardless, we need to kill this one as well. On the bright side I have an authorized lobbyist for The ACMC. Animal from the Tinners MC is on board and ready to jump into the Fray. Kong From the Leathernecks MC is also ready to come on board. He will be useful in working with the legislature’s Veteran Caucus. They are a powerful group and a large part of our community is comprised of veterans. I believe that all of our motorcycle rights efforts should reflect on how issues affect vets.
The new highway bill has grant money for states’ efforts on motorcycle safety and awareness. GOHS will be applying for that money. We need to stay on top of this, we can’t allow them to simply hand our money over to the legislature as they have in the past.
COIR has approached me to coordinate their efforts with the Defenders Program. They have been meeting with JD. Dan from Sons Of God MC has also been working with JD. It would have been nice to have the program up and running before now, but better late than never. We have had the framework for several years now but it has never operated in the manner for which it was designed.
I have been asking ACMC members from the Yavapai County area to consider joining ABATE in order to reconstitute the chapter up there, we’ll see how well it works.
As you may have inferred by now, I have a lot of irons in the fire. Left to my own devices, and given the time, I generally spread my interests to many endeavors. One such is my starting college this in January. If you have not heard by now, I found a way to go to law school and get it paid for. They also bought me a new laptop. The one I got is F’n great. Windows 10, Microsoft Office, 1TB hard drive, 16GB DDRE memory, and super fast. Of course, within months of use, I will fill it with a ton of stuff. It’s like an artist with a blank canvas, except this time it will be used to create a law degree. I am ecstatic over this new adventure. My journey is scheduled to take seven years, my girlfriend says I can cut it down to five and a half if I attend summer school. She has also laid down the law that I must maintain a near straight A average or she will make my life hell. While I appreciate the threat of the whip is very real, I would prefer positive reinforcement as a general rule. I will see what type of agreement we can reach. In the end, my goal is to become an attorney to help with our seemingly endless conflict with law enforcement and our government. Anyone who understands what is happening in Australia will agree. While it would take a major shift in law and our constitution for us to fall to their level, it is possible. We have to fight to ensure that we will always have the rights
PAGE 11 to assemble, to ride free, and to petition our government for redress of grievances.
I was speaking to a police officer a couple of months ago who truly believed that national gun registration was “only common sense”, and that the response of Australia to their last mass shooting was appropriate. I replied that in these United States, you will never see citizens marching their happy asses up to pile their guns in front of trucks to be destroyed. Most Americans are just not wired that way. I doubt that any bikers at all are wired that way. We are more apt to point guns at any official who would demand that we hand them over. I cited the San Francisco example. When Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk were killed, Diane Feinstein became mayor. She pushed a city ordinance that banned the ownership of handguns. They saw two percent compliance of owners handing over their guns. As the city had a gun registration list, she ordered the chief of police to start sending officers door to door to confiscate the weapons. He publicly refused stating that he would not compromise the safety of his officers at the hands of armed citizens who did not wish surrender their weapons. At the time, I laughed my ass off. The city rescinded the law and I am not sure if those who complied ever had their guns returned. That is a rabbit hole of research someone else can climb down. Until next month, be safe out there. I will have more news in March John P Dreyfus Johnny D ALMA MC Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs Designated Lobbyist American Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education- Arizona PAC Officer ABATE Phoenix-Shadow Mountain PAC Officer National Coalition of Motorcyclists Region 9 Representative
Would you like to receive The Masterlink digitally? It is posted monthly on the ABATE website - www.abateofaz.org. Opt out of the receiving the The Masterlink? Please contact the ABATE Office if you would like to no longer receive a hard copy of The Masterlink. 480-256-9237 or keim.larry@gmail.com
3870 E. Highway 260 Star Valley, AZ 85541 928-478-6979
PAGE 12 Will Three Times Be The Charm For Buell?
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
BuelllogoThursday, Walworth County Circuit Judge Phillip Koss approved the sale of Erik Buell Racing to Liquid Asset Partners for $2 million. The Grand Rapids, Mich., firm won the bidding for the motorcycle company that employed 130 people in East Troy until it ceased operations in April. It was the third auction for the Buell manufacturing assets after two previous auctions failed.
Now, Liquid Asset Partners says it wants to develop a plan that could put Erik Buell Racing back in the business of making high-performance motorcycles. “We will not be manufacturing motorcycles, as Liquid Asset, but we will be working to put together a plan with a team that can be successful in doing that,” said Liquid Asset owner Bill Melvin Jr. “There are no guarantees. A portion of our business is that we are liquidators, but we are also power players in the motorcycle industry,” Melvin said. Founded in 1974, Liquid Asset Partners has worked with motorcycle manufacturers, including Indian Motorcycle Co., before Indian was acquired by Polaris Industries. It liquidated the assets of the Buell factory, in East Troy, when HarleyDavidson Inc. dropped the Buell brand in 2009. Liquid Asset Partners will be seeking investors, or a buyer, for Erik Buell Racing.
“There are still a lot of options on the table for a new owner to come in and continue making EBRs. The company is not a start-
News from the Net
up; this is an established brand with a huge following across the globe,” Melvin said. While the East Troy company, founded in a Mukwonago barn more than 30 years ago, has struggled in the marketplace, it has been a feisty competitor in motorcycle racing.
“Their (EBR) bikes, out of the box, can go head-to-head with the top Italian race bikes. Our sale process will enable the proper exposure of the company and price flexibility that may better fit a new owner,” Melvin said.
The next step for Buell could involve crowdfunding, a private investor or another motorcycle manufacturer. Melvin said he hopes that company founder Erik Buell and the rest of the Buell management team will remain part of the process.
“Our hope is that someone will continue to make these amazing motorcycles,” Melvin said. =========================
Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride Seeks Sponsors Alisa Clickenger of WomensMotorcycleTours.com has several sponsorship opportunities available for the Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride, July 3-24, 2016. A cross-country motorcycle ride for women, the event commemorates the centennial of Adeline and Augusta Van Buren’s historic ride across the United States from New York to San Francisco in 1916.
The Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride will be the largest women’s motorcycling event of 2016. With a plan to lead 100+ women across the United States, the threeweek event will stop in 17 different markets. A full-time photographer and PR per-
son are on ride staff, and press releases plus images will be uploaded daily to media outlets, social media sites and sponsors. The event’s Launch Party in Brooklyn and the Grand Finale Celebration in San Francisco are in the largest media markets in the U.S. Sponsorship opportunities range from hosting individual events to sponsoring ride staff riding specific machines and wearing custom-branded apparel. Press Release announcements, event banners, social media boosting and company mentions in radio and television stories are among the many sponsorship offerings. Cash contributions and in-kind contributions of $2,500 or more receive a logo on the support vehicle, which will be with riders at all times.
Sponsors will benefit from reaching a target audience of riders 30-75 years old with disposable income and plenty of time to ride. The Motorcycle Industry Council has just announced that female ridership is at an all-time high, with women accounting for 14% of all U.S. motorcycle owners. The number of female riders has doubled since 2003, making sponsorship of the Sisters’ Ride an unparalleled opportunity not only within the motorcycle industry, but also outside the industry as the group travels across the country gathering national media attention. The extended family of the Van Buren sisters has joined forces with Clickenger to promote the event, which will launch from the east coast with at least 100 women riders, including Adeline’s great-granddaughter, Sofié Ruderman, and Sarah Van Buren, great-great-niece of Adeline and Augusta. The riders will follow the Van Burens’ 1916 route as closely as possible, often along the Lincoln Highway. Combining scenic routes, community events, and important stops along the Van
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016 Burens’ own journey, the route will allow for great motorcycle riding and promote women as role models by visibly demonstrating their courage and capability as cross-country motorcycle riders. ===========================
There is No Room for EGO in the Motorcycle Rights Movement
There is no room for ego in the motorcycle rights movement. In a community full of alpha male personalities this makes things difficult. But every one of us learned what we know from somewhere and most likely from someone. And what we all know, even if we seem to forget, is that successful grassroots people-powered movements are the result of an entire community’s efforts. I understand this reality firsthand. I am a Spokesperson for numerous motorcycle rights groups and therefore I am more visible than many. But the fact remains, every amount of success I may have achieved has only been possible because of the hundreds of unified bikers always standing with me. The Washington State Confederation of Clubs and ABATE have always stood with me and trusted me to represent the voice of our movement. I humbly recognize this reality and will never take it for granted. Although it is true that it takes everyone, it is also true that there are usually a few obvious stand-outs in any successful effort that create a strategic foundation for the entire movement. In Washington State, we were lucky enough to have a handful of highly motivated and capable individuals. Donnie “Mr. Breeze” Landsman
Donnie was our single point of contact, our feet on the ground, for legislators. Donnie developed and implemented a
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
cooperative strategy combining the legislative process knowledge of active independents and the massive manpower of an increasingly involved club contingent. I worked closely with Donnie including daily communication and constant and absolute collaboration on every issue that arose. Jeff “Twitch” Burns
Twitch took responsibility for all public information requests and video documentation. Jeff’s contribution to Washington State’s success cannot be overstated. Filming the movement for over two years resulted in the award winning documentary “What It’s All About”, an invaluable tool for mobilizing the community and providing a “how to” for the rest of the country. Lucky Les
Lucky Les keeps our movement in Washington State connected, maintaining our US Defenders program through countless hours of contact information changes and integrating new organizations into the network. Without Les’s contributions our coordinated calls to action would not have been effective and passing the profiling law would not have been possible. Robert “Pigpen” Christopher
Pigpen was critical to the formation of the Washington State COC and my involvement in the movement. Before anyone knew my name, my brother Pigpen put his own credibility on the line to vouch for me
On December 13th 2015 the Sun Riders MC in Tucson hosted their 34th Annual Toy Parade. The Sun Riders host this event every year to benefit children in the Tucson area. This year’s event was held for the benefit of Youth On Their Own and also the U.S.M.C. Toys For Tots program. The Toy Parade started at Freedom Park in Tucson in and ended at Hot Rod’s Old Vail. There was a large party with ven-
News from the Net (continued)
with literally everyone he talked with. He saw something in me I don’t think I even saw in myself. It’s been over a decade and we all still recognize and thank him for having the vision and belief that we could unify motorcycle clubs to protect our culture.
Finally, the real unseen heroes are our families that support the massive time and energy commitment that is required to be successful as a movement. I can speak for myself when I say that I will never be able to repay the patience and support that my wife and two children have unconditionally given me. I truly respect you all at the deepest level and understand that everything I do means very little without all of your support and hard work. Thank you.
David “Double D” Devereaux
===========================
Chopper Fest rumbles into Ventura County Orlando Holguin was greeted with stares when the 7-year-old rode into Chopperfest on a Schwinn Pixie from the '60s that his dad modified to the max with chrome, whitewall tires and a candy root beer colored finish.
"It was awesome," Orlando said of his ride into the festival that pays homage to the motorcycle lifestyle at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on Sunday. "I have the coolest
dad in the universe."
The modified Schwinn Pixie was among two on display built by his dad, Michael Holguin, who works as an industrial painter for Department of Defense at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Hueneme Naval Base.
The other bike, named "Baby Steps," was crafted from a Schwinn Lil' Tiger, model which were made from 1955 to 1962. The bike is cobalt blue and features intricate engravings borrowed from the style found on antique Western rifles. The foot pedals were modeled from an exact etching of Orlando's foot when he started walking, and the rearview mirrors were engraved to look like Orlando's footprint when he was born. "Orlando inspired the whole thing," said Holguin, of Port Hueneme. "Even the training wheels have real spokes."
The bikes were on display in McBride Hall, where artwork of the late David Mann was also on exhibit. Mann, a former Oxnard resident, was known as the Norman Rockwell of the motorcycle world. As such, the 12th Annual Chopper Fest Motorcycle Art and Culture Show was a celebration of the art and culture of the motorcycle, and a tribute to Mann who captured this lifestyle in his paintings. "David Mann pretty much inspired my work," said Martin McLaughlin, of Anaheim, who brought a sparkling lime
Sun Riders Toy Parade 2015
dors, food, music and a silent auction. The vendors were set up out in the parking area, and the silent auction items were displayed on the patio for all to view and decide what they wanted to bid on. There was a DJ playing music and making announcements and then the Garcia Bros band provide live music. The Sun Riders also had their traveling Memorial Wall which has name plates for the fallen riders of the Tucson area. There
was a solemn ceremony and prayer before the mounting of the latest name plates on the Memorial plaque. It was a very moving event and it is sad to see how many names are on there. The Sun Riders MC graciously invited A.B.A.T.E. to set up an information and membership table at the event. We had a great response and signed up several new members. We also passed out copies of the Masterlink and “Look Out For
PAGE 13
green "little sportster digger" that he spent $3,000 modifying a frame he bought on Craigslist. "I would sell it if somebody gave me $6,000," McLaughlin said. "I like the building process more than anything so I would double up and get two of them and build more."
Jason Clifford, who lives in Oregon, brought two custom-built bikes, including a metallic orange design that features a metal oil tank that he painted to look like a globe with a mushroom cloud on top. "That's Iraq getting blown off the planet," said McLaughlin, noting the bike took seven months to build. It also features forward foot controls made from a solid brass casing topped with real bullets. The design was influenced by Jerry Graves, a custom bike builder; Indian Larry, a motorcycle builder and artist; and Billy Lane, a builder of custom motorcycles.
"They were the three big guys that I really thought were the cat's meow," McLaughlin said. "Then Billy got in trouble and went to prison. Indian Larry died and Jerry Graves killed himself. I wanted their bikes but I couldn't afford them, so I decided I would build one myself." Chopperfest also featured dozens of vendors, as well as live demonstrations by artists working in mediums including acrylic, airbrush, pinstripe, watercolor and metal.
Motorcycles” bumper stickers, along with information on membership. There were “Look Out For Motorcycles” t-shirts for sale and information on our upcoming 25th Anniversary “Too Broke For Sturgis”.
We would like to thank the Sun Riders MC for inviting us to participate and for all the good work they do for the youth of the Tucson area. It was a great turn out and we look forward to next year.
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Long Beach resident Jessi Combs, a motorcycle rider, ambassador and fabricator, did live welding demonstrations, as well as pin-striping and airbrushing.
"There's an empowerment that comes when you can build your own stuff and go out and play with your own stuff," she said. "There's a whole level of freedom. It's self reliability; it's creativity; it's inspirational." Mona Seligman was in attendance with her husband, who plays guitar with Tattooed Song Bird, a blues band from Nashville that performed.
"This is our first time at Chopperfest, and it's awesome," said Seligman, of Memphis, Tennessee, who came with 21 family members and friends. "I'm not really a biker person. But the people here are so nice. The biker community just seems to be a close-knit group of people. We're having such a good time." ===========================
Putin’s Favorite Biker Club Gets Millions of Rubles to Put on Kids’ Show The group’s leader is Putin’s old friend
Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded a nationalist motorcycle club about 9 million rubles ($128,000) to put on children’s shows, the Kommersant newspaper reported Thursday. The Night Wolves biker club was given the presidential grants to organize the New Year’s show at their club, according to the newspaper. It will “explain the historical and spiritual heritage of Russia and Russia’s challenges in a clear, fairytale manner for children,” the Night Wolves’ grant application said. The show is already sold out.
The Night Wolves was founded in Moscow in 1989 and hosts motorcycle festivals and rock band performances in the country, according to Putin’s office. The gang made headlines in May when they rode their bikes from Moscow to Berlin to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. =============================
(AUS) Lawyer fights practice ban after swearing in court
High profile Rockhampton lawyer Doug Winning is facing eviction from the profession after uttering profanities in court during a trial. Winning is now battling to keep his practicing certificate after calling prosecutor
News from the Net (continued)
Danny Boyle a ‘f***ing idiot’ in court and with the jury present, three years ago. According to The Courier Mail, Winning has pleaded guilty to two disciplinary charges brought by the Legal Services Commissioner.
He didn’t admit to the statements but says he won’t deny it because he can’t recall. He did admit to accusing Boyle of dishonesty and misleading the court 17 times during the hearing. The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal heard that the comments, including calling the proceedings a ‘f***ing joke’, were recorded on the court audio and heard by an observer in the gallery, Boyle claiming that the remarks were deliberate and aimed at him.
“It’s not fanciful that Mr Winning cannot recall precisely what was said,” Winning’s lawyer said, claiming the comments were ‘thoughts out loud’ and merely mutterings. The tribunal heard that he may have sworn out of ‘frustration and anger’. Two silks have pledged support for Winning, Elizabeth Wilson QC and Peter Davis QC reportedly stating that they would consult with him.
It’s the second time Winning has been before the tribunal after being officially reprimanded back in 2008 for a series of offensive remarks, the Courier Mail reported.
In 2004, Winning, who has represented notorious bikies, admitted to tipping off his bike client about a police raid, telling him to get rid of cash and drugs. He was cleared of professional misconduct. The tribunal has reserved its decision on whether Winning should be struck off or allowed to keep working under certain restrictions. =========================
Seventh indictment unsealed in Twin Peaks case
Eight of nine bikers named in sealed indictments two weeks ago for their alleged roles in the Twin Peaks shootout have been taken into custody, while the last one remains at large. The nine were among 106 bikers indicted Nov. 10 on first-degree felony engaging in organized criminal activity charges. The nine were indicted under seal because they had not been arrested before the grand jury session. On Wednesday, McLennan County District
Clerk Jon Gimble unsealed the indictment charging Cory McAlister, 36, of Ore City. McAlister was taken into custody last week, but his indictment was not unsealed until Wednesday.
Gimble said an eighth man was arrested in Tyler this week and remained in the Smith County Jail on Wednesday. His indictment remains sealed, along with his identity, Gimble said.
Others booked Others named in sealed indictments who have been booked into the McLennan County Jail or other jails include Christopher Carrizal Sr., 50, of Dallas; Jerry Edward Pierson, 49, of Dallas; Paul Russell Miller, 39, of Gholson; Ray Asbary Nelson, 42, of Waco; Jeffrey Veillon, 53, of Wylie; and Clifford Pearce, 52, of Waco. The first six taken into custody turned themselves in. Sheriff Parnell McNamara said a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force and his deputies have been rounding up the bikers named in the sealed indictments. A McLennan County grand jury is scheduled to meet again Wednesday. McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna said the remaining 80 cases arising from the 177 arrested May 17 will be considered by a grand jury “in some form or fashion.” He declined to elaborate. Nine bikers were killed and 20 others were wounded in the clash of rival groups during a Sunday noon-hour meeting of bikers at the now-defunct restaurant. Last week, six bikers filed civil rights lawsuits against Reyna, Waco Police Chief Brent Stroman, Waco police Detective Manuel Chavez and an unnamed Texas Department of Public Safety employee. The suits were filed in federal court in Austin. ==========================
Tackling Indiscipline, the U.S. Army Way
Here’s a word you don’t see very often: Indiscipline. But its meaning has such incredible power, especially when it comes to the goal of eliminating motorcycle rider injuries and fatalities.
I saw the word recently in a press article disseminated by the defense department. It was written by Chris Frazier of the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center. The focus of the article was the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s updated Basic RiderCourse. Army officials hope its more robust behavioral component will help tackle rider indiscipline by its Soldiers. All military personnel are required to complete an MSF course to ride a motorcycle both on and off an installation.
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Edens, director of Army Safety and commanding general, USACR/Safety Center, said in the article, “Speeding and other forms of reckless riding, neglecting to wear personal protective equipment, failure to complete required training and operating a motorcycle while under the influence are among the most common indiscipline-based errors Soldier riders make.” He continued to say, “The loss of a Soldier to a preventable accident that was his or her own fault is devastating, so rider indiscipline is a problem we must confront.”
Dr. Ray Ochs, vice president of training systems for MSF, said in the article, “Safe riding is more of a skill of the eyes and mind than the hands and feet. So it’s more important to get to the behavioral aspects of what it takes to be a safe rider. Instead of just emphasizing skill, which we still do, we must get into what people think about when they ride. We want to try to get them to see the value of making safety a priority.”
Field testing of the updated BRC was conducted at a West Virginia Army National Guard facility, and recently, Fort Rucker became the first active-duty installation to host the training.
The MSF believes the newest BRC will not only benefit novice riders, but more experienced motorcyclists as well – both in the military and the general public.
“There has to be something more substantial than passing a knowledge test about how a motorcycle works,” Ochs said in the article. “So the course itself goes way beyond any license testing that most motor vehicle departments require, and that’s something we feel is a responsibility. At the MSF, we take our middle name seriously, that ‘safety’ part of it. We’re going to do everything we can to keep riders safe.”
The MSF is extremely thankful to the Army for the opportunity to test the updated BRC. Because of its aggressive commitment to eliminate indiscipline, the newest BRC also will be available to the general public very soon. ============================
Reigniting a Passion I had not ridden in nearly 20 years.
I raced enduros, hare scrambles and motocross back in the early to mid 70’s prior to moving to California from Atlanta. I met my late husband of 25 years, Jim Lewis, right after moving to California, and continued riding for many years. While working for Rider Magazine I toured quiet a bit in the USA and Europe, but my real
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016 passion was always off-road riding…the San Bernardino Mountains and Baja. I LOVED riding in Baja. My husband knew the roads, the trails, the ranchers that had gas and the dives with the best tacos. Those were great riding days for me. Then it all stopped. Work, travel and launching several start-up companies took me in a different direction. I drifted far away from motorcycling.
A few years ago I was driving up Highway 1 and the drive triggered a flood of memories of riding a bike on that road so many times in the past. Then it occurred to me – I’m retired, I have time, I have my health – why am I not doing this road on a motorcycle?? Immediately upon my return, I purchased a BMW 800ST. However, it sat in my garage for several weeks – I was too petrified to ride it. It had been such a long time since my last ride, and even when I did ride, it was mostly off-road. My thinking? Street bikes were too dangerous! I immediately took the MSF Basic RiderCourse, The Streetmasters Precision Cornering worshop at Willow Springs and promptly put 10,000 miles on my BMW the first year – mostly solo. I have since added a BMWG650GS dual-purpose bike to my collection and plan to go adventure riding soon. I have been amazed to learn in my long absence the huge influx of women riders…and that there is actually riding apparel designed specifically for women!! Motorcycling had come a long way during my absence.
I recently rode for 3 weeks in Nepal with a German group of 8 on a Royal Enfield this past fall, and I am riding The Golden Triangle in Thailand this coming fall. The best part of coming back to motorcycle riding is the people. It was the same when I was riding as a young woman, and it’s the same now that I’m rediscovering the joys of riding as I enter retirement. Motorcycles have changed, riding gear has changed – all for the better – but the people have remained the same. Enthusiastic, fun-loving, caring people - all sharing a bond – a mutual passion for riding. Motorcycling has come a long way over these last 20 years… and it is so good to finally be back!! Debbie Lewis has worked for Cycle News and Rider Magazine. She has launched several successful industry businesses,
News from the Net (continued)
including The Action Motorsports Trade Show, Lewis Communications, Inc., and Hotrod & Restoration, a national trade magazine and trade show. She retired in 2007 and has been enjoying her return to riding ever since. ============================ My First Ride By David Strickland
David Strickland, NHTSA Administrator
Now that I have looked at motorcycle safety from behind the handlebars I have to admit that my perspective has expanded. As Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am well used to looking at motorcycle safety as a critical part of our mission to reduce motor vehicle injuries and fatalities. In fact, in recent years motorcycle safety has been particularly critical to our mission since numbers for nearly every other road user were declining and motorcycle deaths continued to increase. But after having taken the MSF Basic RiderCourse recently, I now see this part of our mission from several directions. I signed up for the Basic RiderCourse because I wanted to experience rider training in the same way as those half-million or so others who make this choice every year. I felt that if motorcycling is that important to my mission, I should understand it from every angle. Basically, I wanted to walk a mile in their motorcycle boots. What I found was a course that gave me a real sense of accomplishment and pushed me out of my comfort zone. And I was encouraged to see that the course was not only physically demanding but also mentally challenging.
I was most impressed by the quality of the trainers. In the classroom, they continually reinforced the importance of wearing proper protective gear, riding unimpaired, obeying traffic laws, respecting the traffic and pedestrians around you, and making safe decisions on the motorcycle. The instructors were very skilled, not only with teaching the technical aspects of riding, but also in caring for an eclectic group of new riders – including several like myself who had never been behind handlebars – and helping us decide whether we and motorcycling were a good match. Taking the BRC gave me a new appreciation for the motorcycle training communi-
ty, and their dedication and patience in introducing students from all walks of life – and varying levels of anxiety and selfdoubt – to safe motorcycle riding. I was also surprised by just how challenging it is to ride a motorcycle. Riding safely is much more difficult than it looks and I now understand why the safety fundamentals, like wearing a quality helmet that meets federal standards and riding sober, show up so clearly in our crash data. But moreover, spending a weekend on a bike gave me an appreciation of why riders are so passionate about motorcycling. =========================== Lingering Red Lights
You’re on your motorcycle. It’s late at night. Very little traffic. You’re at a red light, waiting for it to turn green. But it doesn’t. It just stays red. You glance over at the pedestrian crosswalk signal to see if it will start flashing the “don’t walk” warning light. Nope. Just the same happy “walk” light shining bright in the night. Should you get off your bike and go hit the crosswalk button? Maybe just drive through the red light since it’s obvious your bike hasn’t tripped the sensors? Do you consider the light inoperative, which in some states allows you to proceed with caution? Do you even know what the law is in your state? Recently, a colleague attended a motorcycle law enforcement workshop and the consensus among the officers was that they would most likely cite the motorcyclist proceeding through a red light and let the individual work it out with a judge, unless they witnessed the motorcyclist “stuck” at a red light for more than one full cycle. Bills allowing motorcyclists to proceed in these situations have been introduced in many states and some have been enacted into law. For example, a bill was introduced in Indiana a few weeks ago that would allow motorcyclists to proceed through a steady red light if they come to a complete stop for two minutes and ensure it’s safe to proceed. Sometimes light sensors seem to “say” what too many drivers who pull out, or turn in front of us, say…”I didn’t see him/her.” What do you do in these situations?
What’s your opinion? Should states require devices to detect motorcycles? Is that a safer solution? Motorcyclists are 23% of the registered vehicles, but are we
PAGE 15 getting 2-3% of the consideration?
============================
Secret plan to put remote kill switch in every European car revealed
All police chases eventually come to an end, but we may soon see the end of all police chases.
A secret plan requiring that every car that entering Europe be fitted with a system that would allow them to be tracked and disabled remotely by law enforcement has been revealed, The Daily Telegraph reports.
Documents obtained and leaked by civil rights group Statewatch outline a program being developed by the European Network of Law Enforcement Technologies that would “work on a technological solution that can be a ‘build in a standard’” for all automobiles.
If enacted, it would give law enforcement officers working from a computer terminal the ability to press a button to kill the engine on any car equipped with the technology within the European Union, essentially eliminating the need to use force to bring the cars to a halt.
According to documents, the stated goal of the proposal is to end the need for dangerous high speed car chases, but the director of Statewatch, Tony Bunyan, sees the potential for abuse. "We all know about the problems surrounding police stop and searches, so why will be these cars stopped in the first place," he said.
While implementing the system across the dozens of nations that make up the European Union could prove to be a challenge, the sort of technology behind it is already available to private customers in the United States and elsewhere.
General Motors’ OnStar telematics system, which is standard on most of its vehicles today, can track and disable the cars and trucks if they are stolen, whether they are stationary or being pursued by police. The company reports that it executes five to seven of these slowdowns each month, but requires the vehicle owner's consent to do so.
Would you like to receive The Masterlink digitally? It is posted monthly on the ABATE website - www.abateofaz.org. Opt out of the receiving the The Masterlink? Please contact the ABATE Office if you would like to no longer receive a hard copy of The Masterlink. 480-256-9237 or keim.larry@gmail.com
PAGE 16
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
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House Roster
Senate Roster
PAGE 18
Rider Ed Courses in AZ
Locations Zip County Email Phone Site Website City Motorcycle Rider PHOENIX 85012 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 979-1839 View Training RIDE SMART M/C PHOENIX 85023 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 877-5425 View TRAINING T.E.A.M. Arizona GILBERT 85233 MARICOPA Click Here (480) 998-9888 View Chandler/Gilbert GILBERT PUBLIC View GILBERT 85234 MARICOPA (480) 894-0404 SCHOOLS (PARKING LOT) T.E.A.M. Arizona View SCOTTSDALE 85260 MARICOPA Click Here (480) 998-9888 Scottsdale CHANDLER View TEMPE 85283 MARICOPA (480) 496-6800 HARLEYDAVIDSON T.E.A.M. Arizona View GLENDALE 85302 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 939-9888 Glendale DEER VALLEY View GLENDALE 85308 MARICOPA (623) 247-5542 HIGH SCHOOL LUKE AIR FORCE (623) 975-6264 LUKE AFB 85309 MARICOPA BASE Motorcycle Rider PEORIA 85345 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 979-1839 View Training VEHICLE SAFETY View YUMA 85367 YUMA Click Here (928) 376-7489 INSTITUE FT T.E.A.M. Arizona 85613 COCHISE Click Here (520) 733-9888 View HUACHUCA Sierra Vista Pima Community View TUCSON 85707 PIMA (520) 206-3981 College T.E.A.M. Arizona View TUCSON 85714 PIMA Click Here (520) 733-9888 Tucson RIDE NAZ -View BELLEMONT 86015 COCONINO (928) 443-0111 FLAGSTAFF Ride Northern View PRESCOTT 86301 YAVAPAI Click Here (928) 443-0111 Arizona - Prescott T.E.A.M. Arizona PRESCOTT 86301 YAVAPAI Click Here (928) 771-2500 View Prescott MOHAVE View KINGMAN 86401 MOHAVE (928) 757-0825 COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAKE MOHAVE (928) 505-3321 View HAVASU 86403 MOHAVE COMMUNITY CITY COLLEGE MOHAVE JB'S 86440 MOHAVE Click Here (866) 668-6462 View VALLEY RESTAURANT
ATTENTION - ALL RIDERS: =======================
It has come to our attention that business establishments in Arizona may still be discriminating against motorcyclists. Please carry copies of this form with you at all times. Discrimination can range from a sign stating "No Colors" or "No Motorcycle Parking" or "No Motorcycle Attire" etc., to simply being asked to leave a place of business, just because you are on a motorcycle or because of your riding apparel. If anything like this happens to you, PLEASE fill out this form in its entirety and send it to the address noted. Your lobbyists cannot get sponsorship for "equal access" legislation, without evidence of this type of discrimination. Documentation of Discrimination DATE: ______________
Business Phone _______________
NAME OF ESTABLISHMENT: __________________________________ BUSINESS PHONE (with area code): __________________________________ BUSINESS - FULL ADDRESS: ___________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ NAME / POSITION OF PERSON ENFORCING POLICY: ________________ ________________________________________________________ WRITTEN STATEMENT OF DISCRIMINATION (use back if needed): _____ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ YOUR NAME (please print): ______________________________________ YOUR PHONE (with area code): __________________________________ YOUR SIGNATURE: ____________________________________________ *** INCLUDE ANY PICTURES OF DISCRIMINATING SIGNS POSTED *** Mail To: Ray Fitzgerald 1634 West Pine Cone Way Prescott, Arizona 86303
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
Important Phone Numbers
Aid to Injured Motorcyclists - A.I.M. - (800) 521-2425 24-Hr. Legal Assistance for all accidents
Aid to Incarcerated Motorcyclists A.I.M. - (800) 235-2424 24-Hr. Legal Criminal Defense National Legislative Hot Line - (800) 300-NCOM 24-Hr. Motorcycle Legislative Alerts
National Coalition of Motorcyclists NCOM- (800) 525-5355 Fighting for Bikers Rights Confederation of Clubs. - (800) 531-2424 Motorcycle Clubs Fighting Against Discrimination Motorcycle Riders Foundation Washington D.C. Office (202) 546-0983
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
PAGE 19
Military developing stealth motorcycle to let forces travel fast and silent
Motorcycle enthusiasts love the sound of a roaring chopper, but the U.S. military isn’t among them. What the Armed Forces need is a cutting-edge motorcycle that – among other things – is fast, stealthy and silent. And they may have one soon – a twowheel-drive hybrid that will give American soldiers a huge advantage downrange.
DARPA – the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency – recently awarded a small business innovation research grant to develop a military-use, hybrid motorcycle that will operate nearly silently in electric mode.
The partnership between two small innovative American companies, Logos Technologies and BRD, leverages the former’s expertise in hybrid power projects and the latter’s in creating state-of-the-art electric motorcycles.
BRD’s tagline may put it best: “Welcome to the future of fast.”
The hybrid motorcycle advantage Combat troops would get a whole lot of use – and a whole lot of fun – out of the rugged, lightweight, two-wheel-drive offroad motorcycles DARPA is looking for.
Speed and stealth are crucial when approaching the enemy, and current motorcycles are less than ideal because of the noise they generate. DARPA expects the hybrid to be silent in electric mode and very quiet when operating on fuel. (A typical motorcycle 25 feet away produces 90 decibels, about four times as loud as the proposed hybrid.)
Soft soil and narrow, steep trails can be difficult to navigate, and that’s why DARPA is calling for two-wheel-drive vehicles, which will be able to travel substantial distances on challenging terrain more easily.
And as warfare continues to require deploying small units to remote and extreme terrains, technology like this hybrid will allow U.S. forces to do more with less.
In addition to special operations work, it could be useful for a range of other purposes, including scouting, convoy control and military policing. And it will provide more than a way to travel; the hybrid will be a portable electric power source, thus reducing the need to lug heavy batteries into the field. Taking motorcycles to another level Commercially available motorcycles don’t make sense for the military.
For starters, they tend to use gasoline, and most American and NATO military machines use JP-8, a formulation of jet fuel similar to kerosene and diesel fuel.
DARPA wants the vehicle to be electric-
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only for short periods of time and to run on JP-8 or diesel when it isn’t.
In addition to being heavy fuel compatible, the hybrid will have more than 10 percent better fuel consumption than the military motorcycles currently in use.
The features that the military would like – heavy fuel capability, two wheel drive and hybrid powertrains – have all been achieved independently, but this will be the first time all these capabilities are combined.
Hybrid-electric power is already finding its way into lots of commercial applications, from construction equipment to cars and buses.
Research has been underway to bring hybrid motorcycles like Yamaha’s GenRyu and HV-X concepts to the consumer market. But the military requires hybrid tech capable of more.
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like new with 5000 miles, kept in AC garage, Stage 1 kit with Vance and Hines shorties, forward foot controls, all service down by Chester's in Mesa. Limited HD factory root beer brown color. $8750 obo. call or text 480-338-1965 in Gilbert AZ. For pictures email to; steve@arcasmachine.com For sale 2012 Subculture hard tail
93 Soft tail engine and transmission in rigid frame, big cam, S&S super E carb, 8mm 1 3/4belt primary, chain final drive. 200-17 rear wheel , 21 front, wide glide front end, black lowers. Much more - 602-300-4115
FINALLY!! A motorcycle themed paperback book for the young reader. The Adventures of Olive Pearl and Hammy Davidson features Olive Pearl; a green and black motorcycle and Hamrietta (Hammy) Davidson her stuffed piggy passenger. They experience the joy of motorcycling on a 1700-mile road trip to meet new people, see new things, and learn life lessons along the way. Their adventures are wrapped inside the love story of husband and wife characters, “The Man” and “The Lady”. Sprinkled throughout with pictures, social observations, and humor, adults will also enjoy reading this story to younger children and are sure to get a laugh or two themselves. Get more info and place an order at: www.OliveandHammy.com Let’s Ride!!
2000 HD Custom (623) 374-5510 $15K OBO Motorcycle Hearse
COPD diagnosis forces SALE! $50,000.00 www.eagleswingscarriages.com visit this website to view complete set of equipment. Equipment included: 1999 Harley Davidson Road King Trike (6045 miles) modified with reverse gear & fifth wheel hitch, detachable 18th Century styled Hearse Carriage, full size casket with full cover flag, cherry wood Urn Ark with panoramic glass & folding stand, Encased Memorial Flag, 2007 22ft. flatbed transportation trailer with winds/bug shield, Honor Flags, pre-printed magnetic Carriage name plates & misc office supplies. Call Bill or Phyllis 623-386-8281
2006 H-D Dyna Street Bob 11,000 miles, $22,000 invested, selling for $16,000. Contact Pete @ (602) 315-6950 FOR SALE:
2008 Harley Davidson Road Glide- 6,240 miles-lowering kit-travel packageAM/FM/WB/CD- 6 speed-Dark Blue Pearl-Corbin Solo and Stock Seat- asking $17,000. e-mail serious inquiries to: momac99@yahoo.com.