January 2016
A publication supporting the rights, safety and freedom of all motorcyclists through education and legislation
VOLUME XXIV, ISSUE VIII
more from
Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Permit #1662 Phoenix, AZ
waco
Editor’s Note: This article was sent out on the MMA mailing list by Billy Larson. Here is his commentary: “And, if you read this story... It is absolutely put out by law enforcement to cover their own Asses!!! There are some HUGE Discrepancies..... All of which point away from them... And the training mission they were engaged in with the military and other LE agencies... “ Reprinted from http://www.msn.com By EMILY SCHMALL and SETH ROBBINS, Associated Press
abateofaz.org
ABATE of AZ. 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ 85020
FORT WORTH, Texas — Four of the nine people killed in a melee between rival biker gangs outside a Texas restaurant were struck by the same caliber of rifle fired by Waco police, according to evidence obtained by The Associated Press that provides the most insight yet into whether authorities were responsible for any of the deaths and injuries.
The latest trove of potential grand jury evidence reviewed by the AP depicts a chaotic, bloody scene in which police swarmed into the shootout between rival biker gangs on May 17 outside the Twin Peaks restaurant that left about 20 wounded and arrested nearly 200 people.
Hours of audio and footage and hundreds of documents including ballistics reports show
that four of the dead and at least one of the wounded were struck with bullets from .223caliber rifles — the only type of weapon fired by police that day.
Two of the four dead had wounds from only that kind of rifle; the other two were shot by other kinds of guns as well. The ballistics reports show that the rest of the people killed were shot by a variety of other guns.
It was not clear whether any bikers had similar guns to the police that day. Among the hundreds of weapons authorities recovered from the scene were 12 long guns, which could include rifles.
The Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, which conducted the ballistics analysis, declined to comment on its findings. Waco Police Chief Brent Stroman had said in June that officers shot a total of 12 rounds using the semi-automatic setting on their .223-caliber rifles. The AP has previously reported that evidence showed some of those shots struck bikers, but didn't indicate whether they were fatal.
Police and the district attorney's office declined to comment on the latest evidence, but have previously defended the officers' use of force, claiming that bikers had also opened
fire on police. Police have previously cited a gag order in the criminal case of one of the bikers. Media groups including the AP have fought the order, contending that it is overly broad and unconstitutional.
Investigators have offered few details publicly about what sparked the fight or how the gunfire played out. Much of the narrative has come from the evidence obtained by the AP, including the latest batch of documents, footage, autopsy photos and audio of 911 calls and biker interviews describing how a feud between the Cossacks and Bandidos motorcycle gangs turned deadly. Bikers have criticized the way police dealt with the incident and believe the ballistics findings prove that officers made the situation worse.
"I think they handled it badly," said John Wilson, who was at the shooting and is a chapter president of the Cossacks. "I think their first responsibility is to be a deterrent to crime, not to set up and hope they get to use their rifles." The gunfire had erupted shortly before a meeting of a coalition of motorcycle clubs that says it advocates for rider safety.
continued page 10
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MASTERLINK JANUARY 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............................Joe Ferrucci Vice Coordinator...................Jack Batty Secretary................................Dawn Steed Treasurer................................Deb Brunko Membership...........................Mike Shearhart Run Coordinator....................Vacant Safety Coordinator.................Jim Silk Sgt. At Arms..........................Richard Dalton P.A.C......................................Dawn Steed Communications....................Dawn Steed 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 JANUARY 2016
President’s Report
We are an all volunteer organization and as any such group we depend on our members to step up and fill officer positions and various chairman jobs etc. Without all the dedicate individuals who donate their time and talents, the great work we accomplish could not be done. So thank you to every member who has stepped up to fill an officer position in their chapter or who has volunteered to work a membership table at an event or made phone calls and sent emails etc. Without you we would cease to exist.
By Jim Butsback
Greetings Brothers and Sisters of ABATE of Arizona. First I would like to say how honored I am that you have elected me to represent you as President of ABATE of Arizona. I do not take this charge lightly. I promise to work hard to continue to keep ABATE the driving force in the motorcycle community of Arizona.
I would also like to take this time to congratulate Mary Kay and all the state officers who have worked so hard the past two years to turn things around and place our organization on firm ground. When they took over two years ago our organization was at a crossroads and they made some hard and much needed decisions and the turnaround has been nothing but amazing. Thanks guys you have done a Great Job!!!
For those of you who may not know me, I am originally from Chicago. I grew up on the northwest side of the city about 4 miles west of Wrigley Field. I made the move to Tucson in 1996 with my family. I live with my wife and two children on the northwest side of Tucson. I own a small pool and spa service company in Tucson. I started riding motorbikes we built from bicycles with Briggs & Stratton lawn mower engines mounted on them when I was in grammar school. I eventually moved up to a ’71 Honda CB350 and that was the start of my love of motorcycling. I presently have two bikes that I ride, a 93 Harley Heritage Softail Classic and a 97 Electra-Glide Ultra-Classic.
I joined ABATE in 2007 after picking up a Masterlink and reading an article on why ALL riders should join a SMRO. A group of us were out and happened upon a membership drive that the Tucson chapter was having and several of us signed up. I became active with the chapter, became Sgt-at-Arms and eventually was elected Coordinator when Ron Kool
moved on. I have been Coordinator for the past several years. I am now a life member of ABATE of Arizona and I am also a member of MMA, MMAA, AMA and the MRF. I have attended Best of the West and recently was at Meeting of the Minds in Milwaukee. I have represented ABATE at the ACMC meetings when they are held in Tucson. I would like to thank the members from around the state that encouraged me to take this position. Without your input I probably would not have taken the plunge. It is going to be a little bit of a challenge for me to fulfill the duties of the State President while living in Tucson. It is a 4 hour round trip to make it up to Phoenix for meetings etc., but now that the BOD has purchased the equipment for conference calls and a smart TV it should make it much easier for members from all over the state to participate in state meetings.
This is an exciting time for ABATE of Arizona. Our main fund raising event for the state, TOO BROKE for STURGIS, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This will be a HUGE event this year and the TBFS committee has already been hard at work making sure it will be an event we all can be proud of. This event is put on by US, ABATE of Arizona and as such we need everyone’s help to make sure it comes off as planned. I am encouraging all ABATE members from all around the state to plan on attending this year’s TBFS and supporting our organization. While you are there please step up and volunteer for at least one if not more shifts working the event. For the past couple of years I have
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worked the registration table at TBFS. I have to say that it has been the best part of the event for me. I get to meet everyone coming into the campground first, before they get in. I also am given the privilege of explaining to those who are not familiar with ABATE, who we are and what we are all about. It is a wonderful feeling when you explain the importance of our SMRO to a fellow motorcyclist and they decide right there to fill out the application and join.
The ABATE Officers training will be held on Saturday January 9th, 2016 at the Arizona American Italian Club, 7509 N 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ. I want to invite all members to attend this training. If you are not an officer of your chapter but would like to learn more about the different positions and what they entail this is the perfect opportunity to do that. It is also a good idea for every chapter to have more than one person familiar with the duties of the various officers. We are all volunteers and we all have families and other responsibilities that take our time and attention. By having someone familiar with the duties, you can have someone to fill in if other responsibilities take an officer away for a time. There will also be presentations on the new membership process that has been implemented, the treasury process, Too Broke for Sturgis and Motorcycle Day at the Dome (Freedom Rally). The BOD will also have a meeting and everyone is invited to attend. I look forward to seeing you there. Ride Free! Jim
13th Annual Barbie Hensler Memorial Toy Run
Chapter Reports
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East Valley Chapter
Welcome to the Holidays! The best weather riding time of the year, we just aren’t going to talk about the snow bird traffic that makes our adventures “extra special”. I hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving.
Well in all honesty as far as the Chapter goes it’s been a pretty quiet month. As far as the season of giving it’s been a crazy busy month. As I sit here writing this we have the ACMC toy run coming up in a week.
We will be voting on our Chapter Officers for 2016 at our December 27th meeting, which will also be our annual potluck.
I have been voted in and accepted the ABATE of Arizona State Secretary position therefore I have made a choice to only run for East Valley’s Chapter Secretary. I will be allowing others the privilege of being PAC and Communications Officers.
I would like to wish everyone a Blessed Merry Christmas (or respectfully whichever holiday you may celebrate) and a Happy New Year.
So until we meet again, be safe out there. Enjoy the ride and as always keep it rubber side down. Here’s to wind knots in my hair, Dawn P Steed
Secretary, PAC, and Communications
High Country Chapter
Hello brothers and sisters.
Well it has been one hell of a hectic month. With the weather being some where between fair to shitty up here, we have still been able to ride from time to time. With that being said, always prepare yourself for extreme weather conditions. Always pack for adverse weather conditions, maintain a safe speed, keep a safe following distance, and always assume that other drivers don't see you. Ride as though you are invisible to other drivers, because with the weather conditions, and this being the holiday season, other drivers are not thinking about what they should. Simply put; they just aren't paying attention.
Here in the High Country we have worked hard on Barbie Hensler Memorial Toy Run. When the 12th of Dec. rolled around and we knew we would be socked in with snow, and realized a couple days earlier that we had to adapt. So members were asked to pick up toys at specified locations prior to our event. Toys were delivered to the Moose Lodge in Star Valley the day before. I know this is not how things are normally done, but Knowing bad weather was coming, I really didn't want brothers and sisters on the road in these conditions. "Just not motorcycle weather".
We held a zero mile poker run so no one had to go out in the snow. Donations were accepted, cards were drawn, all had fun, and everyone stayed safe, warm, and dry. There was a silent auction with a lot of good stuff, from wine baskets to jewelry, to a night vision game camera. All proceeds from the silent auction were added to the donations for the kids. Two of the Old Bastards MC took high and low hand in the zero mile poker run, then graciously donated all back to the kids.
Thank you Coyote and Keeper.
I want to thank everyone for their hard work, especially CC Rider and Woody. With CC Rider organizing and running the event and Woody promoting, this was a good combination for success. All of our Business members and their patrons, for their continued support and generosity. Punkin Center for their Hand made hats, scarves, mittens, and overflowing boxes of toys. Also Pete & Christine Randall, Spencer & Marcy Scott for their generous cash donations. The Pour House and their patrons for the overflowing box of toys. Sidewinders for their box, hosting our event, and supplying us with DJ entertainment by KRIM FM "Low Power to the People".
In addition, Thanks should go out to the Rim Country District (RCD) Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) of AZ, and the drivers of AAA Medex for the Bicycles, toys and generous cash donations. Up here in the High Country Community, everyone seems to come together for a cause, and what better cause than the families in need of help during Christmas.
All toy donations were brought to the Moose Lodge 852 in Star Valley where they will be wrapped by the Women of the Moose, (WOTM) and distributed among the children at their party the following weekend. In addition, collectively all cash donations totaled $1752.00. These funds will help the Moose Lodge buy clothes, coats, and shoes for a lot of these children, in addition to buying food for the families. As the toys started rolling in to the meeting hall, some of the (WOTM) got started right away on Wrapping and sorting as per age and gender. They took a little time for a few photo opps and got back at it. They have a lot of work to get things ready for their party. While presenting them with the check some had tears and others almost fainted. I am honored to be a part of such a loving and caring community. HCC ABATE will be attending the party at the Moose Lodge to help in the distribution of the toys. It is amazing to watch these children as they sit on Santa's lap then receive their gifts. It touches the hearts of everyone involved.
Just a reminder HCC holds our meetings every 3rd Sun. of the month. 10am at the Moose Lodge 852 in Star Valley. We Meet for breakfast 8:30am at the Spur Bar prior to the meeting. All are welcome to come and join us. Keep wind in your face, sun on your back, fuel in the tank, and rubber on the road. Wayne Slocum Coordinator, HCC ABATE
Phoenix/Shadow Mountain Chapter
Great meeting and a beautiful day Sunday 13th. Our Safety officer did remind everyone that in the winter you can still get dehydrated in Phoenix and hypothermia in the higher elevations.. Also be sure to check you tire pressures.
Jonny D. (The future lawyer) informed us that the highway bill had passed both the house and senate. Now waiting for the President to sign. This includes provisions for no US Government funding of Motorcycle only checkpoints and a study on preventing crashes. We were also informed that the AMSAC had not completed their required meetings and were urged to call them before the year ends so
MASTERLINK JANUARY 2016
the registration funds collected go to motorcycle safety instead of the general fund. Vic Grady has made good progress on Day at the Dome and it is scheduled for April 18th from noon to 5 PM. We also held our chapter elections. Thanks to the new members who have stepped up for nominations. All of our positions are filled for next year. Steve Palmer Phoenix-Shadow Mountain ABATE Communications Officer
Southern Arizona Chapter
The November meeting, as always, was held at the Kettle Restaurant. The meeting started at 9:00 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. Attendance was low due to the Tour de Tucson bicycle event messing up traffic all over town. The minutes of last month’s meeting were approved as written, and the Treasurer’s report was accepted.
Bob is still working on setting up an event for February, but had a problem with the City on using Fort Lowell Park to hold the event. He is working with our business members to get a venue. He will have more to report at the December meeting. We are planning on working with the VA Hospital to raise funds for them. Chapter elections were held and I would like to thank all those who stepped up to take on a position. We only exist because of volunteers stepping forward. The officers for next year are:
Coordinator-Jim Butsback, Vice Coordinator-Darron “Radar” Huntington, Secretary-Becky Garino, Treasurer-Dawn Detelj, Membership-Bob Stewart, PAC-Anissa Huntington.
We are still in need of a couple of folks to fill open positions.
We are looking for a new Safety officer, a Communications officer, and a Run officer. If you have any interest or wish to learn more about what is involved please call Jim Butsback and he will be happy to explain it to you.
New officer training and the transition to the new State officers will take place January 9th, 2016 at the Annual Officer Training at The American Italian Club, 7509 N 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ. The time is set for 11:00AM – 3:00PM and this will also include the BOD meeting as well as State Officers meeting. All new officers are encouraged to attend and any other member wish to attend is always welcome. The Annual A.B.A.T.E. general membership meeting/officers elections were held November 8th. The list of new officers is on the State web site.
This year is the 25th Anniversary for Too Broke for Sturgis!! We are starting to sign up members for volunteer duties for this event. This is ABATE’S big event and we can’t e to do it without your help PLEASE plan on coming up to TBFS and step up and volunteer for a couple of shifts to help make this year’s event a HUGE success!! Sean reported on several issues including
The House passed the long-term Highway bill, and now the House and Senate will form a committee to blend the two versions of the bill.
There is once again a push for National Helmet laws.
Sean also gave an update on the Waco COC meeting at the Twin Peaks Restaurant. Now it seems revoking gun rights from Motorcyclists is on the rise across the country.
The DPS, Gang Task Force and Winslow PD were all involved in an operation for no discernible reason other than to conduct massive and visible surveillance on a local MC that has no felons etc. This is a gross mismanagement of public funds. There is a call for the State to look into this event.
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
The Yuma chapter met on December 8th at 6:00 pm at the Kountry Kitchen restaurant to conduct our monthly business meeting. The meeting was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and normal reports were addressed. No new business was addressed at this meeting. By the time this article is publish and being read, Christmas will have passed and we will have crossed over into a new year. May 2016 be a year of great accomplishments, many miles of carefree riding, and great adventure. We are looking forward to another year of fighting for the rights of motorcyclist in the State of Arizona and nationally. The Yuma ABATE chapter meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. The next meeting will be held on January 12th, 2016 at the Kountry Kitchen Café located at 11242 S. Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. We would love to see you there. For the love of freedom,
Pastor D Communications Officer Yuma ABATE Chapter
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 JANUARY 2016 NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
CONGRESS MOVES TO DE-FUND MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINTS
On November 5, the U.S. House of Representatives approved their version of the federal Highway Bill which, like the Senate companion measure, contains provisions of importance to motorcyclists, most notably the ban on federal funding of motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints.
In addition to curbing the controversial roadblocks, the House bill also authorizes a motorcycle crash prevention study; revives the federal Motorcycle Advisory Council; continues off-road trails funding; and makes highway safety grants more accessible.
Approved by a bipartisan vote of 363-64, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 (HR 3763) provides $325 billion in transportation funding over the next six years, corresponding to similar legislation passed by the U.S. Senate earlier this year.
Unfortunately, the House highway bill does not include similar Senatorial language that would ban the U.S. DOT from lobbying local, state and federal governments on policy issues such as mandatory
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:
· Collaborate with other organizations to
Coast to Coast
helmet laws, so it is important to contact your federal representatives to adopt such a compromise when the House and Senate convene a conference committee to iron out the details. WACO INFO
One hundred seventy-seven people were arrested and held on million dollar bonds following the melee in Waco, Texas in May that left nine bikers dead and nearly twenty wounded, and on November 10th prosecutors announced 106 felony indictments charging defendants with engaging in organized criminal activity.
“The Waco Grand Jury indictments on 106 individuals for engaging in organized crime are not convictions,” explains David "Double D" Devereaux of the Motorcycle Profiling Project (www.MotorcycleProfilingProject.com), “The Grand Jury only determines whether the prosecutor has sufficient evidence to indict. The Grand Jury only hears from the prosecutor, no defense attorneys are allowed, and does not make a determination on guilt.”
“Double D”, who is also a member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists’ Legislative Task Force (NCOM-LTF), says that as examining trials have made clear, the basis of the prosecutor’s argument in many of these case relies solely on an individual’s association with a motorcycle club that had members
accused of committing a crime on May 17th. “These indictments based solely on association, particularly the cases where the prosecutor admits that there is no evidence that the individual participated in any crime or violence, flies in the face of recent Federal Court precedent.” A U.S. District Court decision in Coles v. Carlini, 9/30/2015, relying on Supreme Court precedent, concluded that the government may not impose restrictions on an individual solely because of their membership in a MC, including a 1% club that the government labels as a gang or criminal organization. “The criminal activity of others does not justify denying rights and privileges solely because of association with an unpopular organization,” according to Devereaux. “Although I agree with many that are concerned about the seemingly broken Waco criminal justice system, recent Fed decisions seem to say that the underlying assumptions of an indictment based solely on association are unconstitutional,” said Devereaux in a prepared document titled “Understanding the Waco Grand Jury Indictments.”
“The decision by the Waco Grand Jury comes as no surprise to many considering the obviously over-broad arrests, excessive bail, and unsuccessful challenges to probable cause during examining trials,” he concludes, adding that an overly-broad indictment affords the prosecution the
Join A.B.A.T.E.
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 ability to offer plea deals, shield themselves against lawsuits, and pressure defendants to testify.
IDAHO MOTORCYCLE CLUB WINS SETTLEMENT OVER CLUBHOUSE RAID
Ten members of the Brother Speed MC, along with the club itself, will be splitting a $16,500 payment from the United States government, to settle their lawsuit over a 2013 raid on their Nampa clubhouse that yielded no charges.
The club and its members sued numerous federal agents and the United States, saying their civil rights were violated when federal agents serving a search warrant broke down the door, set off flash-bang grenades, and sent dozens of heavily armed SWAT team members into the small home. The club members were detained for up to three hours while agents forcibly removed their personal property, including their clothing, and confiscated club memorabilia, according to the club’s attorney, Craig Durham. “These were regular guys minding their own business that night,” Durham told The Spokesman-Review newspaper. “They were not a threat, and there was no call for the use of terrifying, militarystyle tactics to serve a simple search war-
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
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PAGE 6
rant.”
The government admitted no wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement, under which the club will receive $4,000, and the individual members will receive payments ranging from $500 to $2,500. “This was never about money,” said chapter president Daniel Bugli. “It was about standing up for our rights as citizens and members of this community. Law enforcement officers shouldn’t be able to run roughshod over people’s rights based on speculation and assumptions.”
BIKERS’ LAWYER FILES CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT AGAINST VEGAS POLICE
A Nevada lawyer who represents motorcycle clubs has filed a federal civil rights, false arrest and negligence lawsuit against Las Vegas police after he was acquitted in March of a misdemeanor obstruction charge.
Southern Nevada Confederation of Clubs (COC) attorney Stephen Stubbs alleges that a Las Vegas practice of harassing motorcycle club members led to his arrest in November 2013, and that being found not guilty by a local judge showed the arrest was improper. Stubbs told the Associated Press (AP) that he was prevented from representing a member of the Bikers for Christ motorcycle ministry who was being questioned by police, and who is a plaintiff in a recent lawsuit seeking at least $75,000 in damages from the department.
Stubbs is representing members of biker groups, including the Mongols, Vagos, Stray Cats and Bandidos in a federal civil rights complaint filed in June 2012 alleging harassment by Las Vegas and other area police. The lawsuit is pending in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas. It was filed a day after a meeting of Mongols national leaders in Boulder City was monitored by hundreds of local and state police and federal agents. ANTI-PROFILING LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN PENNSYLVANIA
On November 13, 2015 Pennsylvania Senator John Wozniak (D-Johnstown) introduced Bipartisan Bill SB1058: An
MASTERLINK JANUARY 2016
Coast to Coast (continued)
Act providing for motorcycle profiling prohibited, and the measure has been referred to Law and Justice.
“No police officer or police department may engage in motorcycle profiling in this Commonwealth,” states the bill, and calls for police instruction on “what constitutes motorcycle profiling in patrol procedures and other police department operations and the duty to refrain from engaging in motorcycle profiling.”
As defined in this legislation, "motorcycle profiling" means “the use of the fact that an individual rides a motorcycle or wears clothes or possesses paraphernalia that a reasonable person associates with such individuals as a factor in a decision to stop and question, take enforcement action against, arrest or search the individual or motorcycle in violation of Federal or State law.”
Such violations by law enforcement “may bring a private right of action in a court of competent jurisdiction against any police officer or police department that engages in motorcycle profiling in violation of this section. In the action, the victim may be awarded injunctive relief, actual damages, punitive damages and reasonable attorney fees and costs.”
A companion measure, House Bill 1580, “prohibiting motorcycle profiling and establishing a private right of action” was introduced October 1st by Representative Garth Everett (R-Muncy) along with 46 bipartisan cosponsors and was referred to the House Judiciary committee. 72 TYPES OF AMERICANS CONSIDERED “POTENTIAL TERRORISTS”
Are you a conservative, a libertarian, a Christian or a gun owner? Support states’ rights? Belong to “The Patriot Movement”, or display a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag? Are you opposed to abortion, globalism, Communism, illegal immigration, the United Nations or the New World Order? Anti-establishment? Do you believe in conspiracy theories, or ever visit “extremist” websites? Are you a veteran? If you answered yes to any of those questions, or a vast array of others, you may be an “extremist” or a “potential terrorist” according to official U.S. government documents.
At one time, the term “terrorist” was used very narrowly, explains the alternative website www.activistpost.com, but says now the Obama administration is removing all references to Islam from terror training materials, and instead the term “terrorist” is being applied to large groups of American citizens, which it delineates in an article on their website; “72 Types of Americans That Are Considered ‘Potential Terrorists’ In Official Government Documents,” by D.C. attorney Michael Snyder. The “list” covers much of our country’s demographics and most of its citizenry, but if you belong to a group of people that is now being considered as “potential terrorists” by the government, the author warns that you should not take it lightly.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FUND PROVIDES SIGN-LANGUAGE FOR DEAF RIDERS
The National Motorcycle Safety Fund (NMSF), a 501(c)(3) charitable community organization created in 1980 to augment the work of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, has created a new grant program to help rider training sites cover the costs of hiring sign-language interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing students.
MSF-recognized Rider Training Sites regularly receive requests to accommodate students with physical disabilities, so in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state laws, the NMSF grants will help defray the cost of sign-language interpreters.
There are many deaf and hard of hearing car drivers and motorcyclists on the road today. To compensate, drivers and motorcyclists typically employ risk-reduction strategies such as Search/Evaluate/Execute (SEE), maintain longer following distances, make better use of peripheral vision, and check their mirrors more frequently. STUDY INDICATES MOTORCYCLE RIDERS’ INJURIES DIFFER WITH HELMET USE
Helmet-wearing motorcycle riders are less likely to hurt their heads in accidents, but end up with more injuries to other parts of their bodies, suggests new research. Researchers suggest in JAMA
Surgery that the results may be due to helmeted riders being more likely to survive high-force crashes, and ultimately end up with more extensive injuries.
The authors write that loosening restrictions on helmets in some U.S. states allowed them to study how wearing head protection may influence other injuries. For the study, they used national data from 2007 to 2010 on almost 86,000 people with some sort of motorcycle-related trauma, paying particularly close attention to the number and extent of injuries to people's heads and necks, torsos, spines and extremities. Overall, the researchers found helmeted motorcycle riders were about half as likely to end up with head injuries, but helmeted riders were more likely to have injuries to the chest and extremities than riders who weren't wearing helmets. One explanation for increased injuries to other body parts could be that helmeted riders feel more secure and end up driving at higher speeds, wrote the Indiana University researchers. There was no difference in the time people spent in a hospital regardless of whether they were helmeted.
CALIFORNIA DMV OFFERS “VETERAN” DESIGNATION ON DRIVER LICENSES
Veterans in California can begin applying to receive the word “VETERAN” on their driver’s license or identification (ID) card starting November 12, 2015. In accordance with the legislative language contained within Assembly Bill 935, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires veterans to first obtain a Veteran Status Verification Form and to pay an additional one-time $5 designation fee to apply for the special Veteran designation.
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Tous pour un, un pour tous.” (All for one, one for all.) ~ Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) French author; “The Three Musketeers” Vive la France!
MASTERLINK JANUARY 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
PAGE 7
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
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 JANUARY 2016
MASTERLINK JANUARY 2016 January
01/01/2016 {Fri} Motorcycles on Main Bike Night in Downtown Mesa from 6-10pm. Beer Garden, Vendors, & more. Live Music by ‘Hillbilly BarBQue Band’. Park & show your bike. Eateries open. Vendors call Cori 480-890-2613 https://facebook.com/Motorcycles OnMain
Events Calendar
Live music by Rob West. 922 S Country Club in Mesa, AZ. FMI/register with Missi 480-8940404, www.desertwindhd.com
1/16 {Sat} Skin & Steel Tattoo & Motorcycle Show, held at American Legion Post 2 ~ 2125 S Industrial Park Ave, Tempe. FMI: info@skinandsteelaz.com | http://skinandsteelaz.com/
1/9 {Sat} Chili Cook-off for Colon Cancer at Desert Wind Harley-Davidson, from 11a-3pm.
1/16 {Sat} HAMC Cave Creek Smoker Party, 9th annual smoker party, same location as all previ-
It was a little chilly the morning of the Run and I was pulling on my boots and pow, broke a shoestring. Well, I thought about just wearing my hiking boots then decided my riding boots would be warmer and better protection so I swapped the laces. Don and Mike rolled up and we had a cup of Java, mounted up, and split for Joeta’s. Riding with my new ¾ helmet, that I scored from Headkase in Tempe was a bit different than my half helmet; the wide ear pieces of my shades rubbed the edges of the helmet, but plenty of shades to choose from at Joeta’s. We left out of the sign in for the Space Age Diner in Gila Bend. Had a fun time, some chow, and meeting up with friends (as in Teresa taking pics and posting on Facebook, lucky for me I had wiped the Gravy from my beard). Even saw Billy D there!
OUCH!! Sarge, from East Valley, was airlifted out one year. Saw some Tattoo’s I would never forget in some interesting places (you know who you are). Upon leaving the Rose, OK, it’s called the Co Op Grill now, Navy Mike’s bike wouldn’t turn over. We decided it was the Security Fob chingaso. He went inside and exchanged the battery with another fob, but to no avail. So we decided to check the obvious stuff like starter relay, battery cables, voltage. A rider even showed up with a voltmeter. Don gave it his best, but it wouldn’t go. After almost 2 hours we were done, and we didn’t see any chase vehicles, except for Shorty and we couldn’t get the Road King in the back seat of his bug. Sometimes the newfangled stuff ain’t so cool. If it was Rich’s shovelhead we would have hot wired the points and or pushed started it down on the road. Mike called his neighbor to bring the trailer. I called Jean to plead with Dawn and Nolan for the last stop location. They finally gave it up and Don and I split for the Boulders on Southern.
PAGE 9 ous smoker parties. Food, drinks and entertainment. Croatian American Club
1/23 {Sat} HOOLIGANS MC ANNIVERSARY PARTY on Jan 23rd 2016. 6pm-???. $10 single $15 couple, food, live music, 50/50 raffle, plenty of vendors to browse and ALWAYS GREAT TIME TO BE HAD!!!! HOOLIGANS MC Deer Valley ClubHouse
Hard Ass Run 2015 Abbreviated
On to Arlington. Riding that old bridge over the Gila River was a memory from the past when we used to hold the April Fools Rally at the Desert Rose. Folks would ride from all over - AAHH YESS the Rose cooked a pig in the ground, Bike Games in the Arena, Dancing and Tattoo Contest in the Ballroom, as they called it. I remember Kramer doing a burn out on a piece of concrete and when he was winding down the bike slipped over a little bit caught, the edge of the slab, and popped a hole in the primary.
Phone GPS is a wonderful thing, if you remember to bring your reading glasses. Don led to the final destination and upon turning across the street I fell over. .First time down in forever! Lost the front wheel in a little gravel and moving to slow for momentum, over I went, land-
ing on my left butt cheek and left palm. I rolled over got up killed the motor, grabbed the left handlebar and saddlebag bar and remembered how much this thing weighed, especially when it goes all the way over; I was barely able to even budge it. Don parked and ran over and a Bro from the front porch ran out of the bar, where everyone was watching. We picked that pig up and I rode into the parking lot. Assessing the damage, it was mostly my pride. So check it out, I had a scrape on my left boot and a sore left ankle, scraped my shin and scuffed up the palm of my left glove. Found a small gravel divot in the back of my new lid. Glad I decided to change that shoelace, score the new helmet and wear the double leather palm gloves. Remember dress for the crash! I was lucky, even if it was just a slow fall. I was sore and bruised for the next week. Oh yeah, we went to Mikes to get the bike off the trailer and of course it fired right up. That’s why they call it the HARD ASS RUN.
Ride Fast and Take Chances, see ya at the 25th Too Broke for Sturgis Rally, June 9-12., Clydeman
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.
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
PAGE 10 Waco police assigned 16 officers to watch over the gathering, and state police were present.
Police dashboard video shows a tight group gathered in front of the Twin Peaks patio. A biker can be seen striking others with a chain. Twenty seconds later, the biker is shot in the leg and the hip, staining the grass with blood. One biker shoots while running backward away from the parking lot while another fires from the patio. The group quickly disperses, with many taking cover behind cars and trucks. Department of Public Safety video shows one of the men who was killed, Jesus Delgado Rodriguez, tackling another biker brandishing a gun. The two wrestle on the ground until another biker
More from Waco
approaches and appears to stomp on Rodriguez's head. The biker with the gun then shoots Rodriguez in the head and walks away.
In separate police video of the aftermath, several dead bikers are seen slumped on the ground, blood streaming from their wounds. Hats, sunglasses, knives, guns, cigarettes, and a hammer litter the pavement, while rock music can be heard playing loudly in the background.
Inside the restaurant, blood pools in the sink and floor of the men's bathroom, and a baton and handgun are dumped into separate toilets. "They got people shooting at people," a man reports in a call to 911. During another 911 call, a man can be heard urg-
ing people to get in the cooler. In the background of that call, police can be heard saying, "Hands up! Everybody keep your (expletive) hands up!"
Authorities recovered more than 430 weapons, including 151 guns, knives, brass knuckles, clubs and a chain, according to a 724-page police incident report reviewed by the AP in September.
A grand jury indicted 106 people in November on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity. McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna has said the grand jury will consider charges against the other 80 bikers arrested on identical charges. The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, but Reyna has declined to say whether the rest of the cases will be presented that day.
MASTERLINK JANUARY 2016 Among other evidence reviewed by the AP are more than 100 police interviews with bikers who were arrested, several of whom attested to simmering tensions between the Cossacks and the Bandidos beforehand.
One Cossack told police the Bandidos had been trying to force his group to join the confederation of clubs in order to profit from $30 per month in dues each biker paid, and that this caused the animosity leading to the shootout.
In a separate interview, a Bandido who was shot in the leg claimed the Cossacks had long refused membership in the confederation. He denied that membership or dues were being forced on anyone.
Renewable Fuel Standard Mandates Announced by EPA Increase Ethanol Risk for Motorcycles, ATVs
From the AMA
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The Renewable Fuel Standard volume requirements announced today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency increase the risk of inadvertent misfueling for motorcyclists and all-terrain-vehicle owners by mandating the widespread availability of higher-ethanol fuel blends, such as E15, the American Motorcyclist Association reports.
Although the EPA Renewable Volume Obligations under the RFS are lower than the statutory requirements, the EPA's decision still means more ethanol must be blended into the nation's fuel supply during the coming year.
The EPA set the renewable fuel standard for 2014 at 16.28 billion gallons. For 2015, the standard is 16.93 billion gallons. And for 2016, the total increases to 18.11 billion gallons.
Those volume obligations are higher than the EPA's initial recommendations issued in May, when the EPA proposed setting the renewable fuel standard for 2014 at the levels that were actually produced and used, which totaled 15.93 billion gallons; for 2015 at 16.3 billion gallons, and for 2016 17.4 billion gallons.
"We are extremely disappointed that the EPA bowed to pressure from the ethanol industry and agreed to foist more ethanol onto the backs of American consumers," said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. "Any increase in the amount of ethanol required in our fuel supply, coupled with America's decreasing demand for gasoline, is going to result in higher-ethanol blends, such as E15, at more pumps and stations. And the widespread availability of E15 and higher-ethanol fuels increases the risk that motorcyclists will inadvertently misfuel their bikes." E15 fuel is a blend of 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent ethanol and represents a 50 percent increase in ethanol over the common E10 blend most Americans currently use in their vehicles.
None of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in use in the United States is approved by the EPA to operate on ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Using higher-ethanol blends in those vehicles is illegal and may cause engine and fuel system damage and void the manufacturer's warranty.
By increasing the amount of ethanol in America's gasoline, the EPA will severely strain the fuel marketplace by exceeding the blend wall by hundreds of millions of
Phoenix /Shadow Mountain Officers 2016 L to R-John "Johnny D' Dreyfus -PAC, Judy "Hooody" Brus- Merchandise, Jimmy Page -Vice Coordinator, Mike Schneider-Coordinator, Tara Rudometkin -Secretary, Jeremy Kellim-Run Coordinator, Scott Gibbons-Sargeant at Arms, Laura "Sunny" Sleemon-Treasurer, Teresa "Trauma Mamma" McClelland-Safety, Ben MartinezMembership. Nichole Kirkpatric-Communications, absent Thanks to all for stepping up and to you repeat offenders, for making our Chapter Full Throttle for next year.
gallons. The blend wall is the point at which no more ethanol can be blended without forcing consumers to use higher blends, such as E15, E30 and E85. The AMA also is concerned that forcing higher-ethanol fuel blends into the marketplace will cause E10 - which most Americans currently rely on for their vehicles - to become less available, and that gasoline with no ethanol may become virtually unavailable. The amount of E0 will go from 9.2 billion gallons to just 130 million in 2016 per the rule.
"Owners of vintage motorcycles already have trouble finding E0," Allard said. "What are they supposed to do if ethanolfree fuel disappears entirely?"
In addition to the RFS mandate, the spread of E15 and higher-ethanol fuels is being augmented by a $100 million matching grant program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture that is funding
the purchase and installation of blender pumps at service stations in 21 states.
These pumps dispense several blends of fuel and can retain as much as a quart of fuel in the delivery hose after fueling. That amount of E15 or higher ethanol blends in a motorcycle's small tank creates a real risk for the vehicle owner.
During the EPA's comment period on its proposed RFS rule, which ended July 27, the AMA collected 29,379 signatures on an online petition opposing the higher ethanol mandate and asking the EPA to lower, rather than increase, the standard. The AMA forwarded those signatures, along with its comments, to the EPA. The EPA's proposed standards include cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuels and traditional cornbased ethanol. The corn-ethanol volumes would be about 12 billion gallons for 2014, 12.2 billion gallons in 2015 and 12.4 billion gallons in 2016.
MASTERLINK JANUARY 2016
Well friends, we have reached 2016. In my high school days in the 1970s, I predicted I would be rich by now. I fell a bit short on that prediction. I am rich in some ways, I have children and a small herd of grandchildren. I have many good friends and acquaintances who care about me. I live a life that I choose. I ride a motorcycle. And I am a member of a community of motorcycle riders who believe in unity, brotherhood, and freedom. Money won’t purchase a position in this community, it is earned.
The new highway bill that recently passed includes language that prohibits federal funds from being used for motorcycle only checkpoints. That is a big win since we have been trying to pass a stand alone bill for about four years. It also includes language that will force NHTSA to study ways to avoid motorcycle crashes rather than push helmet laws as a means of survival.
This new year takes us into full election mode. We are going to vote on candidates for President of the United States, the entire House of Representatives, one third of the United States Senate, also our entire state legislature. We have county
JohnnyD’s PAC Report
offices on the ballot, the most controversial is the Maricopa County Sheriff. As many know, Joe Arpaio has been in that office since 1994. The latest total on what he has cost county taxpayers is $150 million in lawsuits and legal fees. When he took office Maricopa County was self insured. The biggest problem they had then was rocks falling off of county trucks and cracking windshields and county vehicles in collisions. Now we pay $12 million a year for insurance with a $5 million deductible. We max out that deductible every year. For full disclosure, I am suing Maricopa County for more than $2 million. Property taxes in Maricopa County have just been raised by 4.6% to cover the latest mess in which he has become entangled. While I am sure I will collect a large sum of money, I would trade that for never having had to suffer due to the policies of this sheriff. I cannot tell you how to vote, but I will tell you that voting this clown out of office will save a lot of money and our county can go back to normal business.
While we are at it, Ann Kirkpatrick is on the House Transportation committee and has supported our legislative efforts for years. She is running against John McCain for the Senate. Many believe that McCain is long overdue to retire. I am one. I am also tired of seeing senators in office so old that they can only show up
to vote if pushed in a wheelchair and their hand put on the button by an aide.
Statewide, all legislators are having volunteers circulate petitions to put their names on the ballots. If you want to get to know a candidate this is a good place to start. You need to be a member of their party or registered without a party affiliation. Then there will come phone banks, going door to door with literature, and public events where they try to get people to gather. When you help them get elected, they remember and are grateful. This goes a long way when we need to get bills passed or stopped.
The Arizona Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council has only had one meeting in 2015 as of this writing. By law they have to have at least three. There is some confusion as to what happens if they don’t. One former member believes the result will be that our registration derived funds will revert to the state’s general fund and that any federal grants will also. In previous years, GOHS was applying for and receiving more than $200,000 a year and giving it to the legislature to fill holes in the budget. I estimate that they stole more than $1 million from us. The only way to recoup that money is to sue them. As we saw with the education funding, that would cost a fortune and lead nowhere as our courts cannot force our legislature to do anything.
If any of you have not heard, I have registered for college. My goal is to attend law school and become an attorney. I found a way to have it paid for and have a number of friends supporting me in this endeavor. Ultimately I hope to be a low cost advocate for the biker community. My hope is that I can afford to live and pay bills while keeping the cost of my services in the range that our people can
PAGE 11 afford. Who can really afford to pay $350 or more an hour for representation in traffic court over a bullshit ticket? How many of us can afford to take two mornings off of work to fight a ticket in court?
On January 16, I begin this new chapter in my life. I know all of you wish me well. This will not interfere with my political duties for at least three years. I have a new Authorized Lobbyist for the ACMC. Animal, the president of Tinners MC has joined the effort and has already made a friend with Kyrsten Sinema at a public event she sponsored. Congresswoman Sinema is a long time friend of mine and has been supportive of our legislative efforts as well. Arizona ABATE is looking for a designated lobbyist. Please consider applying.
I will keep everyone up to speed on political events through my articles. January 11, 2016, is the opening day of the legislature. My dream is to see hundreds of bikers at the capitol. I know that if we show up in force, they will listen to us. They will have to. It starts about 9 am. Many groups that have interest in legislation will show up. Television and radio stations will have crews there. A hundred or so motorcycles will make the evening news as will the reasons we are there. I will be in attendance. I hope as many of you as can come will also. Until next month, bundle up, keep the rubber side down. John P Dreyfus Johnny D ALMA MC Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs Designated Lobbyist Arizona ABATE PAC officer American Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education / Phoenix-Shadow Mountain PAC Officer NCOM 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 CONGRESS BUYS MORE TIME TO PASS HIGHWAY BILL November 21, 2015
In an effort to allow more time to pass a long-term highway bill, Congress has passed an extension that allows for more negotiation time for this important piece of legislation. The extension, signed by President Obama via autopen on Friday, November 20, renews the government's authority to keep highway and transit funding flowing to states through December 4 and gives Congress until then to iron out any differences in the long-term spending bill. As previously reported by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), the highway bill contains key issues of vital concern to motorcyclists. First, the bill ends the federal funding of motorcycle-only checkpoints. It re-convenes the National Motorcycle Advisory Council (NMAC), a group that advises the Secretary of Transportation on how infrastructure issues affect motorcyclists. It maintains the ban that prohibits the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from lobbying states to pass mandatory helmet legislation, and it allows for funding of a study to determine the best ways to prevent motorcycle crashes. Both the House and Senate have already passed separate versions of the bill. The House version calls for spending $261 billion on highways and $55 billion on transit over six years, but only if Congress can find a way to pay for the final three years. In contrast, the Senate’s version contains only three years of funding, with the extra three years as conditional. In order to maximize funding for roads and transit projects, transportation groups and some lawmakers are urging the highway bill’s conference committee to allow for more money over fewer years. “As you
News from the MRF
begin conference negotiations to reconcile House and Senate proposals for a multiyear surface transportation reauthorization bill,” wrote a group of 26 senators in a letter to members of the conference committee, “we urge you to consider the urgent need for an increase in infrastructure investment around the country, and report a final proposal that can best address these needs by maximizing annual investment levels for all surface transportation programs over a shorter authorization period.” The MRF will keep you apprised of developments as the conference committee continues its work on the highway bill. ============================ Legislative Strategy Agenda 2016 December 6, 2015
At the 2015 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) 31st annual Meeting of the Minds Conference held in Milwaukee, WI, a Legislative Strategy Session was hosted by the MRF’s Legislative Committee. As has been done for the past several years, the MRF requested that it be attended by Sustaining State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organizations (SSMRO) Legislative and/or Executive Officers. We welcomed several representatives from our Sustaining Motorcycle Clubs and Organizations as well. The goal was to set the MRF’s Federal Legislative Agenda for the 2015 Meeting of the Minds to the 2016 Meeting of the Minds annual cycle.
The MRF’s SSMRO partners responded once again with a majority attendance that resulted in a healthy dialogue focused on motorcycling. The MRF Legislative Committee remains extremely pleased at the aligned and clear direction we experienced again this year from our SSMRO partners. This level of agreement continues to allow for solid action plans to be devel-
oped by our Legislative Committee and our Board of Directors that can be effectively employed by our Government Relations Department and our SSMRO partners while in Washington D.C. and in working federal issues in their home states. Additionally, we continue to see productive gains in state legislative activities that support our federal efforts when it comes to protecting on-road motorcyclists, motorcycling, and its associated lifestyle.
The MRF Legislative Committee continued the practice instituted five years ago of recording one vote per SSMRO in attendance. A full breakdown of each vote will be printed in the upcoming issue of the MRF Reports. The session this year was moderated by MRF Vice President, Jay Jackson, with support from MRF Vice President of Government Relations & Public Affairs, Jeff Hennie, and MRF President, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. FAST reauthorization (the Highway Bill) – work to include Motorcycle 2010 type Grant Funding, continuation of the NHTSA Lobbying Ban, pursue reinstatement of the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) to advise the FHWA, oppose any motorcycling related federal blackmails or federal sanctions contained in the highway bill; closely monitor for any action that would negatively impact motorcycles, motorcycling, and motorcyclists; seek to include HR1861 type language to ban motorcycle specific roadblock grant funding; seek to clarify ownership of “black box” data
SAE Motorcycle Roadside Sound Test – The MRF to NOT promote the use of the SAE Sound Test as a National enforcement standard, majority considered this a state issue Continue monitoring the Federal Crash Causation study and the MSF Naturalistic study
MASTERLINK JANUARY 2016 Strongly oppose any federal standard proposing stamping and certifying of motorcycle exhaust systems
Work to discourage ALL forms of distracted driving, and oppose all forms of funding blackmails or withholding of funds as related to motorcyclists, watch this issue closely for motorcycle specific discriminatory language
Continue participation at the federal level where the definition of a motorcycle is under review taking advantage of any opportunity available to enhance and further clarify
MRF will oppose any motorcycling, motorcycle, or motorcyclist-based discriminatory legislation or rules proposed by the U.S. Congress or by a federal agency MRF to seek a legislative vehicle to include motorcyclist anti-profiling language this upcoming session
Continue participation in motorcycle related activity in the European Union, United Nations, and Canada
MRF to fiercely oppose any mandatory helmet or apparel standards
MRF directed by our SSMRO’s to not support the use of ethanol fuels higher than E10 or any other newly developed fuel blends including alternative renewable fuels without further testing on motorcycle engines and obtaining specific recommendations from motorcycle manufacturers approving their use MRF to continue to ensure the inclusion of motorcycles in ongoing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) emerging technologies Pursue safer roadway design strategies at the federal level
MASTERLINK JANUARY 2016
Continue to promote our theme of crash avoidance versus safer crashing, using the principles of House Resolution 1498 urging NHTSA to focus on crash prevention and rider education MRF to pursue limiting funding in a relevant legislative vehicle of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for their increasing involvement in motorcycling safety issues
MRF to monitor private organizations that oppose the legislative agenda or mission of the MRF and investigate their funding sources to make certain they are not receiving federal tax dollars
MRF to monitor public organizations for funding sources when in opposition to our legislative agenda or mission, respond appropriately if they receive federal tax dollars
MRF to monitor and report on nontransportation federal agencies becoming increasingly involved in motorcycling such as the Government Accountability Office (GAO) MRF to continue to closely monitor the federally mandated Affordable Health Care Act for potential motorcyclist and motorcycling discrimination MRF to fully engage the EPA on upcoming activity on motorcycle emission regulations and motorcycle drive train mandates MRF to support the Black Box Protection Act to regulate black boxes in motorcycles, seek to clarify the rights of the vehicle owner to ownership of the recorded data
MRF to monitor fair tolling concepts on federally funded roads and roads supported by federal bonds MRF to seek to add clarification of an “autocycle” as third class of vehicle at the federal level
Lane splitting was discussed and decided it should remain a state by state issue with the MRF providing resources, there is no federal lane splitting initiative at this time Federal Agency Motorcycle Design Standards – MRF to oppose non motorcycle manufacturer mandated specific design
The Buell Saga Continues…
A judge on Monday declined to approve the sale of the manufacturing assets of Erik Buell Racing to a liquidator, leaving open at least the possibility that the shuttered motorcycle maker might be started up again under new ownership.
Court-appointed receiver Michael Polsky had sought approval of the $1.6 million sale to Liquid Asset Partners LLC, which made the offer before an auction held Thursday. The auction, the second in the case, attracted no other bids.
========================== == Victory Motorcycles’ Combustion
News from the MRF (continued)
standards
SSMRO’s by discussion and vote requested the MRF engage with multiple partners to draft federal anti-profiling language specific to motorcyclists and work to include it in the upcoming Congressional session
Request for MRF Sustaining Member Motorcycle Club Committee to lead an effort to provide resources to clarify the usage of the terms gang, club, known associate, associate when referring to motorcyclists There was agreement that there would be an effort by the MRF and SSMRO’s to get non-motorcycle powered two- and three-wheelers such and mopeds, scooters, and the various cabin-based steering wheel type vehicles removed from motorcycle crash statistics.
There was discussion on the novelty helmet educational promotional campaign by NHTSA to the Law Enforcement Community and it was decided the SSMRO’s should be educating their members on the definition of a helmet as practically used in their states With the current U.S. Congress, combined with our comprehensive and aggressive legislative agenda, the MRF Legislative Committee strongly encourages our SSMRO partners and our MRF members to actively engage in a lively motorcycling dialogue with their U.S. House of Representative and U.S. Senate Members as an immediate priority. We will need our strong presence to continue with this Congress. If your SSMRO needs any assistance in planning a trip to Washington D.C. to begin or strengthen the dialogue with your members of Congress, contact the MRF Washington D.C. office at 202546-0983. We would also like to encourage you to finalize your plans to attend our national biker lobby day event in Washington D.C., Bikers Inside the Beltway, on Thursday May 12th, 2016. See our website at www.mrf.org for more details. MRF Legislative Committee Members:
Dave “DAD” Dwyer, George Gorman, Lenny Holcomb, Ryan Hubbard, Jay Jackson, Jim “Legs” Korte, Boyd McFail, Bob Myers, Todd Riba, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (Chair)
Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, MRF President, kirk@mrf.org ==========================
MAC Membership & NHTSA Ban December 7, 2015
MAC Membership and NHTSA Ban Targets on the MRF Radar
As previously reported by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), the U.S. Senate approved the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act within a few hours of the U.S. House voting in favor of the same legislation. Now that the bill is in front of the President for his signature, it’s important to note two very important issues on which the MRF will be working vigorously.
The language within the FAST Act that reestablishes the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) to advise the U.S. Department of Transportation on motorcycling infrastructure issues does not, unfortunately, spell out the motorcycling organizations that will make up the membership of the Council. Instead, organizations that wish to be included now need to lobby the Secretary of Transportation to be a member. The MRF had been a member of the original incarnation of the MAC, and we will be actively lobbying to be once again included in the MAC membership. The MRF already has the commitment of several members of Congress to support our efforts of inclusion, and we will work diligently to ensure that the voice of motorcyclists is included in the Council’s makeup. While the MRF was not successful in our effort to include language within the FAST Act to expand the ban on lobbying States (without invitation) using taxpayer dollars to all of the DOT, the ban that prohibits NHTSA from doing so remains intact. The MRF will continue to closely monitor NHTSA to ensure that they adhere to the limits of the ban and that your tax dollars are not used against you, and we will be working to expand the ban to include all of the DOT. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to thank our supporters within Congress for their upcoming efforts to have the MRF included as a member of the MAC, and our members who tirelessly support the cause to defend motorcyclists’ rights.
News from the Net
Hits The Big Apple
Last night, Victory Motorcycles revealed the final installment in their 1200cc concept series with the Combustion. Powered by the production version of the engine that made its debut last month at EICMA in Milan, the Combustion is the work of Zach Ness. The Combustion will be on display at Victory booth at the IMS show in New York City
“Our family has a long-standing relationship with Victory Motorcycles, customizing many Victory production bikes in the past,” says Zach Ness, third generation custom builder and grandson of Arlen Ness. “It’s always fun to look into the future – so to have the trust of Victory to create a more conceptual bike has been
great. Also, as one of the first to ride this new engine it absolutely rips!”
========================== ==
Hells Angels Buy Out Entire Walmart Bike Supply For Christmas Charity
For most of the last two decades, the Hells Angels motorcycle club in California has been a major sponsor of a Christmas charity for needy children.
Over Thanksgiving weekend, one intrepid Reddit user witnessed the angels purchasing a California Walmart’s entire stock of children’s bicycles.
PAGE 13
===========================
EPA Raises Ethanol Blend Levels December 8, 2015
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports that the Obama administration, along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), last week raised the amount of ethanol and other renewable fuels that must be blended into the nation's gas supply, announcing that 18.11 billion gallons of renewable fuels must now be blended into the nation's gasoline supply in 2016. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), as directed by our Sustaining State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organizations (SSMRO’s), does not support the use of ethanol fuels higher than E10 (10% ethanol) or any other newly developed fuel blends, including alternative renewable fuels, without further testing on motorcycle engines and obtaining specific recommendations from motorcycle manufacturers approving their use. This increase comes as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard, a mandate that was meant to encourage the use of domestic ethanol in U.S. gasoline supplies, and supporters claim it helps reduce carbon pollution and cuts American dependence on foreign fuel. Higher ethanol blends, however, void new motorcycle warranties and have been reported to cause damage to motorcycle fuel systems and other engine components. Interestingly, while the EPA announcement of the 18.11 billion-gallon figure is significantly above the 17.4 billion gallons initially proposed in May, it falls far below the 22.3 billion-gallon amount laid out by Congress in 2007 legislation and raises new questions about the viability of the controversial Renewable Fuel Standard moving forward. As part of its 2016 Legislative Agenda, the MRF will continue to call for further motorcycle engine testing with these blends and seek manufacturer recommendations regarding their use, and as always, the MRF will continue to keep its members apprised of any actions regarding the ethanol issue.
The 200+ plus bikes will go straight to the Poverello House, a California based-charity for the homeless and impoverished.
In 2010, the secretary for the Hells Angels opened up about why the group supports Poverello House.
“People read what they want to read, and believe what they want to believe, we believe in these kids. We want to make sure to bring these toys here for these kids to have a great Christmas,” Merl Hefferman told KMPH.
“You got Wind and Fire, you got Screamin Demons, you got just the regular Joe riding his motorcycle. It’s everybody coming together to make this come together.”
PAGE 14
MASTERLINK JANUARY 2016
Obama’s EPA Ignores Congressional Mandate for Ethanol in Gasoline Reprinted from http://www.washingtontimes.com
The Obama administration backed off its so-called ethanol mandate Monday, dealing a blow to President Obama’s promise of a green energy revolution just as he and other world leaders opened a new round of historic climate change talks in Paris.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s latest round of ethanol mandates — known as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and initiated during President George W. Bush’s time in office — came under fire from all sides, with proponents of ethanol blending saying the rules fall far short of what the nation needs to continue cutting greenhouse gas emissions
On November 22nd the Tucson Chapter of the Loner’s MC presented their “STUFF THE BUS” charity event! This event started and ended at The Cowpony Bar, which is a Business member of ABATE of Arizona and the folks at the Cowpony are always willing to help with a charity fund raiser!!
This was a Poker Run with 6 stops along the way which had everyone riding all around town. The Loner’s mixed it up by having games at the stops where you got you card like a golf game and dart throws
and from critics who say the entire system is flawed and must be scrapped.
The regulations call for at least 18.11 billion gallons of renewable fuels to be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply in 2016, significantly above the 17.4 billion gallons initially proposed earlier this year but far below the 22.3 billion-gallon requirement set by Congress in 2007 legislation.
Blending homegrown ethanol into gasoline, supporters say, helps reduce emissions and cut American dependence on foreign fuel. But the standards have run into practical problems, most notably the fact that most automobiles and gas stations aren’t equipped to handle fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol — a
problem commonly referred to as the “blend wall.”
Inability to overcome that blend wall is the main reason EPA has been unable to meet the congressionally mandated ethanol levels and, at this point, is essentially ignoring federal law.
Still, EPA says its most recent figures will require the blending of more than 10 percent ethanol into gasoline, and administration officials are confident that can be done.
“We think there will be increased availability of fuels … that can increase the amount of renewable fuel that gets into the system,” Janet McCabe, EPA’s acting assistant administrator in the Office of Air
Loners MC Tucson - Stuff the Bus!! to make it a little different than just pulling a card.
All the proceeds from this worthwhile event went to the Gospel Rescue Mission in Tucson. Those folks help many, many families and needy people especially during the Holidays.
As the bike were arriving and the food donations started coming in, all the food items were loaded in the Cowpony’s Bus for transport to the Mission. It was really heartwarming to see the generosity of the
motorcycling community of Tucson come together like this.
After the poker run when all the riders gathered back at the Cowpony the brothers of the Loner’s MC cooked a full Turkey dinner for all those attending. They served Deep Fried Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, gravy, bread & butter and even pumpkin pie with whipped cream! It was quite a feast and they did an excellent job.
and Radiation, told reporters.
The standards are a key piece of the administration’s broader climate agenda and have helped the U.S. reduce its emissions. In Paris this week Mr. Obama is both pushing governments worldwide to adopt an unprecedented international deal to fight global warming while also touting the U.S. pledge to cut its overall emissions by at least 26 percent by 2025.
“Over the last seven years, we’ve made ambitious investments in clean energy and ambitious reductions in our carbon emissions. We’ve multiplied wind power threefold and solar power more than twentyfold, helping create parts of
continued page 17
There also were several raffles and a 50/50, but the highlight of the afternoon was the “Turkey Shit Bingo” game. If you can imagine a large gathering of bikers standing around cheering on a live turkey to poop on their number to win the prize!! It was hysterical! Thank you to the Loner’s MC for hosting this event and helping those in need especially during the Holidays, and also thank you to the good folks at the Cowpony for all they did to support this fund raiser!
MASTERLINK JANUARY 2016
Old Bastards MC Tucson - Burgers & Beers Event!
The Tucson Chapter of the Old Bastards MC hosted their Burgers & Beers event at the Mid-Town Bar & Grill in Tucson on November 21st. The Old Bastards are a club member of ABATE of Arizona, and held the event to collect food and raise money to help those in need as the Holidays approach. There was a $15 entry fee per person and at least 1 non-perishable food item. All pro-
ceeds were for the benefit of Tucson area food banks.
There was also a raffle for a Dirt Bike and club members were cooking burgers for all attendees. The entertainment was provided by The Garcia Brothers who are well known around Tucson and play many of the events put on by the motorcycle community here. There were sev-
eral vendors and some GREAT raffle items as well as a 50/50.
It was really great to see the good turn out and the motorcycling community coming together to help those who are less fortunate especially at this time of year. There were Old Bastard members from all their Chapters as far away as Apple Valley CA as well as Tucson
PAGE 15
Payson etc.
Thanks Again to all the Old Bastards for a great event and for supporting a good cause helping our needy brothers and sisters in the community have a Happy Holiday Season!
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 JANUARY 2016
MASTERLINK JANUARY 2016
PAGE 17
Obama’s EPA Ignores Congressional Mandate (cont)
America where these clean power sources are finally cheaper than dirtier, conventional power,” Mr. Obama said at the outset of the climate change conference Monday.
“We’ve invested in energy efficiency in every way imaginable. We’ve said no to infrastructure that would pull high-carbon fossil fuels from the ground, and we’ve said yes to the first-ever set of national standards limiting the amount of carbon pollution our power plants can release into the sky,” he said.
But in Paris and at home in the U.S., critics launched a coordinated attack on both Mr. Obama’s broader climate change agenda and the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Of the RFS, key lawmakers and oil-andgas industry groups, among others, said the standards have failed miserably.
“The Renewable Fuel Standard as a whole is remarkably flawed. The premise of this program was based on a number of assumptions that no longer reflect reality, like gasoline demand,” said Sen. James M. Inhofe, Oklahoma Republican and chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, pointing out that the EPA has failed to meet numerous congressionally mandated deadlines.
The agency, for example, only retroactively finalized the 2014 ethanol figures Monday.
Fossil fuels sector groups say the EPA is
off-base in assuming more ethanol can be blended into gas supplies. Meanwhile, Mr. Obama’s opponents are taking concerted steps to fight the administration’s environmental agenda as the two-week Paris conference kicks off.
On Capitol Hill the House this week will vote on resolutions disapproving of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, which sets the first national limits on carbon pollution from power plants and forms the basis of the president’s broader global warming agenda.
In addition, the American Petroleum Institute on Monday launched a new website, climatechangeandenergy.com, which focuses on the fact that the U.S. energy sector has been able to lower greenhouse emissions significantly without federal mandates.
The conservative advocacy group the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow announced Monday it will hold a screening of a new documentary, “Climate Hustle,” in Paris on Dec. 7. The organization says the film focuses on the “propaganda” of climate change claims.
Also, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy over the weekend penned an op-ed for Reuters saying that Mr. Obama is wrong to push a new global climate change deal and should instead focus on the fact that the U.S. oil-and-gas industry has created millions of jobs in recent continued page 19
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 JANUARY 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 JANUARY 2016
Obama’s EPA Ignores Congressional Mandate (cont)
years, lowered its own emissions and helped America move toward true energy independence.
“President Barack Obama is poised to repeat his history of weak-handed negoti-
ations on the world stage when nearly 200 countries gather in Paris on Monday to consider an international response to climate change. According to the president, rejecting the Keystone XL oil pipeline and piling regulations on the fos-
sil fuel and power industries in the United States are necessary to preserving America’s credibility as a leader on the world stage,” Mr. McCarthy wrote. “But by doing this, Obama ignores the
Classifieds
PAGE 19
strongest card in America’s hand as he steps to the table: the advances our energy sector has made to reduce carbon emissions while simultaneously acting as the lone bright spot in our economy,” he said.
2009 HD Sportster 1200 Low style.
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 My bike is one of the only STAMPED limited edition bikes that Harley ever made. There were 2800 made. It is a 1993 celebrating their 90th year. Some facts and features: Odometer reading 10,543. 5.1 gallon gas tank and is a softail, ported heads, oversized pistons, adjustable lifters, Andrews E-27 low duration cam, converted to SINGLE FIRE ignition, S & S Carb, Deluxe Saddleman saddle, New HD Battery, Almost new wide whitewall tires. This Harley is a 'head turner.' Loaded with performance extras: ported heads, oversized oistons, Andreqs 27 high torque cam. Fishtail dual exhaust. LOUD and FAST.. PLUS new battery, brakes and wide whitewall tires. Under 11,000 miles. First $11,759 drives her home .
Call Jim at 480-600-9449
Your Classified Ad
could be here... It’s Free to ABATE Members. submit your ad online at www.abateofaz.org 2004 Waltz Hardcore special constructed soft tail Custom Chopper, Vin # AZ262741, Vehicle is garage kept, and customized. Chopper has a 145 Horse Power TP polished Engine, a 3" Primary and 6 speed Transmission. The Vehicle is built on a Waltz Hardcore Soft Tail Frame. All sheet metal work, paint job is Custom. Custom Chrome wheels and brand new Tires. All Mechanical components are in good working order. Engine runs awesome. Has less than 4000 miles. This baby is worth way more than I'm asking! Just need money now! Waltz Hardcore Frame $6,500, TP 124" Cubic Inch Polished Engine $7,500 3" Open Primary and 6 speed Transmission $3,000, Custom Sheet metal Work $3,000 Custom Paint $3,000, Wheels & Tires $2,500, Progressive Airtail Suspension, Brakes, Starter, Charging System, $4,000, Labor $4,500 Asking $18,999 obo, For more information call or text @ (480) 385-8947
ATTENTION ALL 30 YEAR OLDS!!
I have your year Softail-- 1984.1 owner, 1st yr. Softail, 1st yr. Evolution Kick and electric start PLUS all orginal parts. $9,500 Call 970-420-6675
One-Piece DayTripper motorcycle seat
New - never used - In box Retails for $359 model 76189 fits Honda VT 750 Spirit 2001-2006 & VT 750DC 2007-2009. The detailed stitch work in the highly durable, synthetic glove-leather makes the DayTripper a show winner. $150.00 Call Bob @ 602-463-0544
AzTech Flatbed Trailer (Car/ATV Hauler) $2200 obo 2008 STS Cadillac for sale, 23K miles $28,000 obo Call 928-718-6296 Cell 928-716-7289
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.