June 2015
A publication supporting the rights, safety and freedom of all motorcyclists through education and legislation
VOLUME XXIV, ISSUE II
abateofaz.org
ABATE of AZ. 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ 85020
Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Permit #1662 Phoenix, AZ
Once again, it’s official
Visit us on FaceBook facebook.com/AbateofAZ and facebook.com/pages/Too-Broke-For-Sturgis-Rally
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MASTERLINK JUNE 2015
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 2015
President………..............……Mary K Donnay Vice President.....……………Mike Schneider Secretary……………………Jean Cooper Treasurer…………………….Matt Brown Membership…………………Larry Keim Run/Events………………….Vacant Safety Coordinator………….Jim Silk Sergeant-at-Arms……………Vic Grady P.A.C………………………...Lynda ‘Handi’ Barnett Communications…………….Vacant Designated Lobbyist...............Vacant ABATE Products……………Vacant MasterLink Editor................ Eric Hampton TheMasterlink@abateofaz.org Office phone: 480-256-9237
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.
East Valley Chapter
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
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
209A E. Juniper St. Payson AZ 85541 Coordinator............................Wayne Slocum Vice Coordinator...................Billy Hensler Secretary................................Dee Schultz Treasurer...............................Debra Beda Membership...........................Debra Beda Run Coordinator....................Jim “Chiknbone”Mazzone Safety Coordinator.................John Lacey Sgt. At Arms.........................Ray Martinez P.A.C.....................................Woody Phillips Communications...................Mark “Griz” Matthews Merchandise..........................Jillian Hawkins
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
Phoenix-Shadow Mountain Chapter
P.O. Box 54041 Phoenix, AZ 85078-4041 Coordinator...........................Mike Schneider Vice Coordinator....................Jim Page Secretary................................Tara Rudometkin Treasurer................................OPEN Membership...........................Dee Grady Run Coordinator....................Joel “JR” Rosen Safety Coordinator.................Trauma Mama Sgt. At Arms..........................Jerry Davis P.A.C......................................John ‘Johnny D’ Dreyfus Communications....................Steve Palmer Merchandise...........................Sandy Hassinger
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
6888 N De Chelly Loop Tucson, AZ 85741 Coordinator............................Jim Butsback Vice Coordinator....................Don Boule Secretary................................Deborah Strong Treasurer................................Dawn Detelj Membership...........................Art Burke Run Coordinator....................Vacant Safety Coordinator.................Jim DeYoung Sgt. At Arms.........................Robert Guenther P.A.C......................................Sean Pinder Communications....................Vacant Merchandise...........................Vacant
Yavapai Chapter
P.O. Box 11319 Prescott, AZ 86304 Coordinator............................ Paul Pendergast Vice Coordinator....................Steve Beschner Secretary................................ Leslie Butitta Treasurer................................ Jalene Gathman Membership........................... Suni Sommers Run Coordinator......................Don Johnson Safety Coordinator..................Dan “44Dan” Lemond Sgt. At Arms...........................Mike Ruddell P.A.C...................................... OPEN Communications.................... OPEN Merchandise........................... OPEN
Yavapai Chapter Meets 2nd Sunday, 11:00 AM; VFW, 202 N Arizona Street, Prescott AZ 86301. 928-776-1125 FMI, contact Paul Pendergast at wizbangpaul@yahoo.com
Yuma Chapter
11316 S. Glenwood Ave. Yuma, AZ 85367 Coordinator............................ Frank White Vice Coordinator....................Vacant Secretary................................ Mikkie Melanson Treasurer................................ Virginia Nielsen Membership........................... Daniel Aldridge Run Coordinator.....................Jerry Allison Safety Coordinator..................Ray “PeeWee” Grier Sgt. At Arms...........................Terry “Gunner” Langworty P.A.C...................................... Gilbert Hernandez Communications.................... Vacant Merchandise........................... Lisala White
Yuma Chapter meets the second Tuesday evening monthly at 6:30 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:
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
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.
Maybe Prosecutors Need to Start Using Criminal Penalties to Keep Riders Safe
Mark Breyer, BREYER LAW OFFICES HusbandAndWifeLawTeam.com
It seems like when somebody is badly hurt on a motorcycle only half of the criminal justice system is available to them. Maybe it is time that our prosecutors start using Arizona laws that are in place for the safety of everybody who rides.
Let me explain, before I get into the specific law I am referring to, how our justice system works. There is confusion on
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
a regular basis in regards to what somebody who is hurt can or cannot do try to make sure justice is accomplished. There are two different parts to our justice system - a criminal portion and a civil portion. The criminal portion is what we hear and read about most often - people having criminal penalties, fines, probation, or jail/prison sentences for the actions they take. But none of us control whether or not somebody is prosecuted. Ultimately, the police do the investigation (in most cases) and the prosecutor decides whether to prosecute
somebody who has violated a criminal law. Neither you nor your own private attorney can force a prosecution to take place. Only the prosecutor can bring most criminal actions. For example, you will never see a criminal case that is entitled "John Smith v. Jane Brown" in a courtroom. Instead, it is always the State of Arizona v. Jane Brown or the City of Phoenix v. Jane Brown. In other words, it is a governmental entity that must bring criminal prosecution.
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.
Meeting Minutes
The other part of our justice system is the
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.
We will involve ourselves in fund raising to achieve our goal.
civil portion. When it comes to someone being hurt this is almost always a personal injury claim. Bringing a personal injury claim is the right of anyone who's been hurt as a result of the negligence of another. So, for stance, my office is contacted on an unfortunately consistent and constant basis because so many drivers in Arizona do not pay attention and end up seriously hurting (or unfortunately even
continued page 3 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:
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MASTERLINK JUNE 2015
Are you a Freedom Freeloader? AIM has set up two bank accounts for donations to help with attorney fees; #1-Mongols MC Trademark Defense Fund #2-Devil’s Disciples Trademark Defense Fund
Dave Zien, former Wisconsin State Senator and MK at NCOM
The 30th Annual National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) was held June 710, 2015 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. This event is sponsored by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) attorney Richard Lester. www.onabike.com It was attended by motorcycle clubs, riding associations, motorcycle ministries, and State Motorcycle Rights Organizations (SMRO’s) from across the United States. Several folks I’d previously met at Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) conferences. Arizona was represented by 10 freedom fighters from multiple organizations. The main topic of discussion was about the fed’s pulling the Devil’s Disciples MC trademark. They lost their court case but are appealing. The Mongol’s MC trademark court case starts June 2, 2015. Regardless of what your opinion may be of these clubs, if the fed’s get away with pulling their trademarks, it sets a precedence and they will pull more trademarks. Where will it stop? Did you know Australia has successfully outlawed ALL motorcycle clubs in their country?
Trademark Defense donations received by AIM will be split 50/50 between these two accounts, unless otherwise noted. Donations may be mailed to AIM/NCOM, 7334 Topanga Canyon Blvd., #200, Canoga Park, CA 91303 (800 ON-ABIKE). Have you ever been stopped on your motorcycle, but did NOT get a citation? YOU WERE PROBABLY PROFILED!
Motorcycle Clubs (ACMC) who is compiling this info. to make our case for upcoming proposed legislation. We can obtain a copy of the cops dash cam video and report, too. We need a pattern of evidence before we propose this legislation here in AZ. Annette Torrez, New Mexico Motorcycle Rights Organization Chairperson (www.thenmmro.org) told us that independents, patch holders and SMRO’s worked together to squash a proposed helmet bill this year. They used Facebook, dropped informative flyers in independent shops, and got word to the
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proposed a $697/year fee to ride lidless, or pay a fine if caught without a helmet. They defeated both bills. The “pay to play” NM bill was very similar to a bill proposed in AZ this year, which we squashed.
Rick Miera, former New Mexico Representative for 17 years, said a handwritten letter is still the biggest impact you can make to a legislator. He encouraged us to work with our local politicians. Find out who they are and what they stand for. Support them if you agree with their positions.
Motorcycle filtering bills (lane sharing) continue to be introduced in more states. Oregon’s filtering bill is progressing through their legislature. It passed the State Senate 18 to 10 and is currently in the House. It is common practice Double D, Outsider’s MC in in Asia and Europe for motorWashington State is committed cycles and scooters to go to to assisting states pass antithe front of the line, between motorcyclist discrimination cars, at signal lights. Spike legislation. He can prepare a with Hessians MC in CA has a state-specific analysis and pro50-page University of pose legislative verbiage. He Berkeley statistical study that has professional materials and proves this is a safe practice. a step-by-step manual. They I’d love to see this here and is want to see state anti-discrimibeing considered for next nation laws as similar as possiyear’s legislative. ble, to help eventually get fedNCOM 2015 Arizona freedom fighters included (L to R) Billy Several states have already eral legislation passed. He Larson, Kat Grover, Sky Pilot, Nyx, Bobbi Hartmann, Muskrat, passed “Dead Red” bills. feels legislators across the Richard Lester, Joe Lester, Cindy Gates, MK, Cherie Dubrow and This is when you’re at a trafcountry are more open than fic light and the “left arrow” ever to anti-discrimination leg- Johnny D. doesn’t detect you. After 2 islation because of the abuses cycles, you proceed when safe to do so. motorcycle clubs and riding groups as of law enforcement officers who have Last year, we asked for a pattern of eviwell as through the MRF network to wrongfully profiled African-Americans in dence to support a bill here, but only got neighboring state SMRO activists. They multiple recent nationally publicized a couple of responses, so we didn’t purasked for hand-written letters to legislacases. tors. It worked! The legislators said they sue it. had NEVER received so many letters. If you feel you were profiled, document Funny enough, a proposed mandatory the date, time, place and experience and helmet bill didn’t receive as much public send it to me at president@abateofaz.org resistance as the “pay to play” bill that I’ll get it to the AZ Confederation of
continued page 9
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arizona MRF Representative Wanted
The men and women involved in the MRF's State Rep Program are dedicated
MRF State Reps promote the MRF by all
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
For additional information regarding the MRF's State Representative Program, please contact Dave Condon, Director of State Representative Program. Dave036@aol.com
Maybe Prosecutors Need to Start Using Criminal Penalties
killing) so many people in the motorcycle community.
When somebody calls our office - or any of the many excellent personal injury firms that help people who ride - our ability to help is limited to the civil justice system. In other words, we can sue the driver that caused the injury for damages. But you "cannot get blood from a turnip" in these situations. What happens where
the person who causes the injury has insufficient insurance? Because, I will tell you, that problem exists on a regular basis. And what happens if the person who has insufficient insurance also has no assets that are worth collecting. Again, it is extremely common that the person who - most often - turns left in front of a law-abiding rider at an intersection has insufficient insurance and no assets worthy of pursuing. What then?
Well, if you hire the right firm they will do everything they can to collect whatever money exists, try to pay off what are often massive medical liens, and perhaps try to put you in the best possible financial position considering those hurdles. But why are motorcyclists in this state always limited to pursuing civil claims? Why are riders who turn left in front of motorcyclists so often allowed to avoid
(continued)
any other penalty. And, for the purpose of this discussion, I am not talking about a ticket or traffic school for a few hours allows the person to get off the hook. What about criminal prosecution? What would happen if people in their cars knew that in addition to being sued for a personal injury lawsuit that turning left could
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Chapter Reports
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East Valley Chapter
East Valley Chapter gathered together at The Fraternal Order of Eagles 1712 W Broadway Mesa to hold our monthly meeting and enjoy some yummy breakfast. Long Live the Chorizo Breakfast Burrito. Things went much smoother with everyone remembering to put names on the tickets. Good job everyone.
“Motorcycles on Main” was a blast as always. We talked to a lot of wonderful people. It was the debut of our new fabulously awesome banners that our state vice president Mike Schneider created for us. Thank You so much Mike they turned out even better than we had imagined.
We all had a blast helping Jim present the Motorcycle Awareness Program at the high schools. We would love to get more people involved. I am curious. Is East Valley Chapter the only one doing this, and if so, why? We are looking into approaching private owned driver education courses & traffic schools with the MAP program, maybe if we approach them as a not for profit educational source.
We would like to give a big Thank You to Myron for donating a booth space to us at Arizona’s largest Motorcycle Swap Meet & Bike Show on Sunday May 10th at 11 mile corner. We reintroduce the red Support Our Troops shirts. It was my first time out there and it was awesome, I can’t wait to go back in October. We have some shirts left so anyone who may be interested please get a hold of Jack or Donna. We would like to Thank Wal-Mart store 1746 at 1380 W Elliot Tempe (Elliot & Priest, which happens to be the store I work at) for allowing us to have our Motorcycle Awareness booth on Sunday May 17th from 9 am to 1 pm.
We will be having The Annual Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser on June 6th from 6pm to 9pm.We will be prepping the meatballs after the meeting on May 24th. All you can eat Spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread, salad, and desert. Adults $10 and Kids $5 come on out and bring your appetites.
It was announced that there will be a flag ceremony at American Legion Post 2 on May 25 at 5 am.
Jim, Ron, and Nolan will do the Accident Scene presentation at the May 24 meeting. Looking forward to seeing what they learned. At the time of me writing this I know that Ron and Nolan have taken the Advanced Accident Scene Management class from Trauma Mama. Jim is looking for time with jet setting for a living to take it. Again I strongly urge everyone to take the classes. I will be taking it soon.
Can you believe the subject of Too Broke for Sturgis came up? Sign-up sheets for volunteers got filled out and given to Mike S. Jim let us know he has the honor of being water boy for the wet t shirt contest. Can’t wait to see how the Best Chest Contest turns out. This will be my first experience at the event, guess I’ll be the Too Broke for Sturgis Virgin just like when I was the Conference Virgin when we went to Meeting of the Minds.
Remember everyone it pays to attend. This month the 50/50 jar went to Donna winning $11. The Dollar jar would have gone to Chuck Green, who would have won $162. Don’t forget about the handlebar height rule being gone as of July 1st. Another one bites the dust, Woo Hoo!
Next meeting is on May 24, 2015 that’s the 4th Sunday of the month everybody. Everyone is always welcome the more the merrier. So until then Hydrate the Heat is sneaking up. Be safe out there enjoying the ride and as always keep it rubber side down. Here’s to Wind Knots in My Hair,
Dawn P SteedSec, PAC, and Comm.
High Country Chapter
Hello Brothers and Sisters.
As you know Wild in the Weeds has come and gone, and WOW what a great time it was. We had over 200 people attend this year, and I would like to thank them for their support. I had a lot of good feedback from people, telling me they had the best time and they really like the new location. We had more room for RV's, tent camping, games, and more room for vendors. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and said the bike and people games were awesome. I was so glad to see ABATE members from other chapters attend and support. Mary K, our State President attended as did former State President and former State Treasurer Joel Jackson, former State Membership Officers Ron Kool, and Sweet Pea, and Too Broke For Sturgis Committee Member Joel Rosen.
We gave away a $50 visa on Friday night and another on Saturday. Then we gave away a $500 visa at our main event, congratulations to John Gonsalves.
Let me take a moment to thank my staff and committee for all their hard work and dedication. All the hours of work and planning before the event even began, really paid off. Not to mention the work at the event itself. It was a huge success, THANK YOU. Also to Tonya, Harley, Rod and all the staff at Punkin Center Bar, thank you, because YOU ROCK. You all went above and beyond to make this happen. A special thanks goes out to Don Davis for the use of his Marine Corps Museum court yard. It was an excellent area for camping. I hope you had a chance to walk through his museum while you were there. If you didn't I recommend you stop in and check it out. I'd like to also thank Band-X and Plum Krazy for an excellent performance, these guys rocked the house. Thank you to the vendors that showed up as well, I hope you will join us again next year. To all our sponsors and those who donated silent auction and raffle prizes thank you for your contributions. Thanks to Leather Lady Joy for those awesome trophies. Now, I hope I haven't forgotten anyone because everyone deserves a standing ovation for kicking ass on this event. Our next event will be our Chili Cookoff October 17th at the Spur Bar in Star Valley. Get prepared to make your best Chili to enter.
Come to our next chapter meeting to get the info on our up coming events. Our meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of every month, 10:00am at the Moose Lodge in Star Valley. Don't miss out on the delicious breakfast prior to the meeting at the Spur Bar starting at 8:30. "You've been invited". Keep wind in your face, sun on your back, fuel in the tank, and rubber on the road. Wayne Slocum Coordinator, H.C.C ABATE
Phoenix/Shadow Mountain Chapter
There was no May meeting in honor or Mother's Day.
Our next meeting will be held on June 7th, Following the June meeting we will be stuffing TBFS packets. Steve Palmer Phoenix-Shadow Mountain ABATE Communications Officer
Southern Arizona Chapter
The March meeting was held at the Kettle Restaurant on March 21st. The meeting started at 9:00 AM with the Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer for fallen Brothers and Sisters and those in harm’s way.
Officers Present were Coordinator Jim Butsback, Treasurer Dawn Detelj, Sgt-atArms Robert Guenther, Run/Events
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015
Officer Steve Spear, BOD/PAC Officer Sean Pinder. The minutes of last month’s meeting were approved.
The Treasurer’s report was read and approved.
Motorcycle Awareness Month is MAY!
We have been approached to co-sponsor a Awareness event with the owners & staff of Tommy’s on Stone. This came about after the memorial ride for Donkey. It will be held Sunday May 17th from about Noon until 6PM, at Tommy’s
There is also an event planned for MAY 30th at the Foothills Mall. Anything we can do to get the word out is important; the life we save may be ours! We will be getting “LOOK OUT FOR MOTORCYCLE” T Shirts made up to distribute at the events.
Breakfast with the Bones is held the 3rd Sunday of the month at Pappy’s Diner so everyone come out and support the Bones!!
Sign up for the ABATE forum on the State website so you will be kept up on all issues. Go to the State web page ( www.abateofaz.org ) and follow the link on the left side to sign up. You can also opt out of receiving the Masterlink hard copy by “going green” on the web site. Check the TBFS link on the web site for all information on the upcoming TBFS in June. Anyone who is not getting emails from the Chapter to 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
Yuma Chapter
The Yuma chapter met on May 12th at 6:00 pm at the Kountry Kitchen Café in the foothills to conduct our monthly business meeting. The meeting was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and normal reports were addressed. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month and one member, Gilbert, attended the Yuma City Council meeting to address motorcycle safety and awareness. There is an effort in the City of Yuma to pass a no texting while driving ordinance.
The Yuma chapter voted to cancel the June ABATE meeting, as Too Broke for Sturgis will be taking place the weekend prior to our next scheduled meeting. The Yuma Chapter will conduct an informal meeting in Mormon Lake at Too Broke for Sturgis. The Yuma ABATE chapter meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. There will be no meeting in June. The next meeting will be held on July 14th, 2015 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
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015 Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) NCOM CONVENTION HONORS FALLEN RIDERS; INVITES NAMES FOR TRIBUTE
With the 30th Annual NCOM Convention in Denver just weeks away, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists is requesting that MROs, motorcycle clubs, and riding associations submit the names of those members and supporters who have died since May 2014, so that we may honor their memories during the traditional “Ringing of the Bell” tribute to fallen riders during the opening ceremonies. Dedications can be hand-delivered at the Convention to “Doc” Reichenbach, NCOM Chairman of the Board, or emailed in advance to Bill Bish at NCOMBish@aol.com.
Attendees are also encouraged to bring an item on behalf of their organization for the Freedom Fund Auction, with proceeds benefiting the motorcyclists’ rights movement nationwide through Getting Our People Elected donations, NCOM Speaker Program, lobbying activities and other pro-motorcycling projects as determined by the NCOM Board of Directors.
The 30th annual NCOM Convention will be held Mother’s Day weekend, May 710, 2015 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, 4900 S. Syracuse St. in Denver, Colorado. This annual gathering will
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 $3,500 $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
draw bikers’ rights activists from across the country to discuss topics of concern to all riders, so reserve your room now for the special NCOM rate of $99 by calling (303) 779-1100.
Registration fees for the NCOM Convention are $80 including the Silver Spoke Awards Banquet on Saturday night, or $45 for the Convention only. All motorcyclists are welcome and encouraged to attend. Meetings, seminars and group discussions will focus on legislative efforts and litigation techniques to benefit our right to ride and Freedom of the Road. To pre-register, call the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 5255355 or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
AIM & NCOM FOUNDER RICHARD M. LESTER INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME
Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) and affiliated & supported groups and organizations, extend Congratulations to founder Richard M. Lester on his recent induction into the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame has announced their 2015 inductees into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame and one into the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame. Lester, a
California attorney who founded AIM & NCOM three decades ago and numerous subsequent motorcycle outreach groups, is the first national bikers’ rights attorney to be inducted. “The Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame is designed to recognize individuals or groups who have made a long term positive impact on the motorcycle community,” said museum Executive Director Christine Paige Diers. “The Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame recognizes the commitment and sacrifices individuals across the nation, and world, have made to protect the rights of motorcyclists, and who have made a significant impact through their work in grassroots rights efforts.”
Richard became an attorney at the ripe age of 45. While in law school he realized that motorcycle riders were an unrepresented group who didn’t have a voice. His love for the sport prompted him to focus on the need of a voice in the motorcycling community. In 1982 after passing the bar, his work for motorcycling began. It took him a couple of years to organize a team of attorneys who rode motorcycles, and who also had an understanding of what was needed in the motorcycle community and how to go about finding the voice that was needed. Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) was founded in 1984, and is a legal protection program that is free for all motorcycle
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 riders, providing free medical information and emergency contact of next-of-kin. To date, over 2 million cards have been distributed nationwide, with A.I.M. attorneys in every state providing legal services for riders and doing pro-bono (free) work within the motorcycle community. The following year, in 1985 Richard Lester founded the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) to provide a much-needed voice for the motorcycling community. Today NCOM is a national organization with over 2,400 motorcycle groups and organizations that have joined together as a whole to tackle the legal and legislative aspect of motorcycle riding.
Today, more than 30 years later, Richard is still working hard for the motorcycling community. He has attorneys in every state, and has also founded three (3) additional organizations so that every motorcycle rider has a voice. One program is the Confederation of Clubs, which is comprised of motorcycle clubs, from 1%ers to family clubs. The Christian ministry sector came together in 2005 to form Christian Unity to improve networking with both secular and Christian bike groups. And the newest addition is the National Sports Bike Association, the sport bike division of NCOM to have a clear and unadulterated voice directly
continued page 6
Motorcycle Awareness Program (MAP)
ABATE of Arizona has developed a program with the mission to provide motorcycle awareness training to all drivers and soonto-be drivers on the road in Arizona. Instructors provide a one hour program to students in driver education classes throughout the state.
MAP is available to be presented to civic organizations as well as most businesses that hold safety meetings. FMI: map@abateoJOIN ABATE NOW! faz.org ABATE Of Arizona provides a unified voice for all motorcyclists in Arizona. Please Tell us What Your Top Five Add your voice to ours. Join ABATE Motorcycle Issues, Matter to You: now, for the preservation of your abili· Distracted Driving – Motorcycle, Bicycle, Pedestrian ty to ride a motorcycle with the freeare Vulnerable Roadway Users dom that's your right!! · Right of Way Violations resulting in Injury/Fatality · Insurance Discrimination and claim denial · SAFETEA-LU Safety/Highway Funds ~2010 MSF · Discriminatory Profiling by Law Enforcement · Anti-tampering Regulations – Right to Modify · State/National Mandatory Helmet/Equipment · Transportation Exclusion of Intelligent Technology (IT), New Vehicle, Highway, Taxes and Fuel regarding Motorcycle Safety and Use · Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints · Accurate Stats & Research Study regarding Motorcycle Safety & Accidents · Off Road Trail Closing and Access · Tar Snakes & Median Cable wire · Intersection Engineering – Lights to Speed Limit, Leading Left Only, Increase Yellow & All Clear Red
© 2015 ABATE Of Arizona
7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ. 85020
Website: www.abateofaz.org To join our discussion group, send email to Abate-request@abateofaz.org
PAGE 6
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015
Maybe Prosecutors Need to Start Using Criminal Penalties
get them in trouble criminally? I am not suggesting people turn left in front of those who ride intentionally. I recognize it is negligence which very often is a simple mistake. However, perhaps if word spread that people were being held criminally responsible the general public would take more notice.
ARS 28-672 prescribes a criminal penalty. Unfortunately, in my experience the criminal penalty is usually not utilized. Under ARS 28-672 "A person is guilty of causing serious physical injury or death by a moving violation if the person violates any one of the following (statutes) and the violation results in an accident causing serious physical injury or death to another person. Among the listed statutes is ARS 28-772.
from the Sport Bike Community on issues that directly affect them.
“Richard has dedicated his life to the lifestyle of motorcycling and has contributed so much of his time and effort, not to mention the financial investment he has donated to the cause,” reads his nomination for the Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame. “He is the only attorney who has always, and continues, to give back to the motorcycling community by creating five (5) FREE and useful national programs, and by hosting many conventions and seminars to educate and inform all motorcyclists of their right to ride.”
Individuals chosen for induction into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame will be honored at the annual induction breakfast ceremony on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at The Lodge at Deadwood during the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This event is open to the public and tickets are available at www.sturgismuseum.com/hall-offame/freedom-fighters, or by calling (605) 347-2001. SOUTH DAKOTA RAISES SPEED LIMITS IN TIME FOR STURGIS
South Dakota became the latest state to kick up the speed limit, as an amendment to Senate Bill 1 passed on March 24, 2015 changing the speed limit on the state’s two interstate highways. The new law took effect on April 1 (no joke), so you’ll legally be able to travel at 80 mph on the I-90 and I-29, meaning that motorists and bikers going to the 75th Anniversary Sturgis Rally will arrive a little bit faster.
States across the country have been raising their speed limits as lawmakers argue that roads and cars are safer. Idaho, Wyoming and Utah have already raised their limits to 80 mph; on one toll road in Texas, it’s 85. CONGRESSIONAL MEASURE WOULD CREATE “AUTOCYCLE” VEHICLE CLASS
With a growing number of 3-wheeled vehicles hitting the marketplace, Congress seeks to create a new classification of vehicles to be designated as “Autocycles”. Previously, these types of vehicles have been classified as motorcycles, so Senator David Vitter (R-LA) has introduced the Autocycle Safety Act, S.
This is the "left turn statute" that makes it a violation of Arizona law to turn left when a vehicle is approaching the intersection and is so close "to constitute an immediate hazard."
So, here we have a criminal statute written into Arizona law that would allow prosecutors to not only have negligent motorists face a personal injury lawsuit but also to have them face criminal penalties. Is this statute the answer to the ongoing problem of people turning left in front of riders? Of course, not. And I'm not suggesting that it is. In fact, the penalties under this criminal statute are particularly light. Somebody who violates this statute is generally only guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and the penalty is limited to $1,000.00 even in the case of a death. But it is something. It is better
than the "nothing" we usually see in terms of prosecution after these repeated incidents.
I am not suggesting that the use of this statute is going to eliminate the problem. And I am certainly not suggesting that people who are hurt should not utilize the best personal injury lawyers they can find (there are many phenomenal lawyers in this state that do exactly what I do to help people who are hurt) but I do believe that the more education we get out there about the need for motorists to look for motorcyclists before they turn left the fewer of these incidents we will see. And the more training we get to our motorcycle community the more times we will be able to avoid serious collisions as a result of people turning left in front of motorcyclists at intersections. But one more
Coast to Coast (continued)
685, to create their own new category and require the new class of three-wheeled enclosed vehicles to meet both motorcycle safety standards as well as certain passenger vehicle standards.
3-wheelers are currently exempt from many state and federal rules that dictate safety and emissions standards that apply to cars, but the new category created under S.685 would impose many rules on manufacturers by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): including automotive standards for seating systems, seat belts, child restraints, air bags, roof crush resistance, and flame-resistant interiors; as well as motorcycle standards covering brakes, lights, rims and tires, controls and displays, and glazing materials. NEW JERSEY BANS MOTORCYCLEONLY CHECKPOINTS
On March 23, 2015 New Jersey Governor Christie signed into law a piece of legislation (A-2316/S-1614) prohibiting law enforcement agencies from conducting roadside checkpoints or systematic inspections that focus only on motorcycles. It will not prevent any other type of road block or checkpoint that is for a valid law enforcement purpose, but it must include vehicles of all types, not just motorcycles-only. This law goes into effect immediately.
ABATE of the Garden State, worked with the legislators from District 1 (Cape May) and was successful in getting the bill introduced in February of 2014. In February 2015 it passed both houses of the legislature with unanimous votes from both chambers.
Many NJ motorcycle riders wrote, called and emailed their legislators to ask for their support on this important legislation. “This new law will prohibit the unlawful practice of profiling a whole class of motorists simply because of their chosen, and legal mode of transportation”, says Jim Parker, Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of the Garden State. RED LIGHT LAW PASSED IN KENTUCKY
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed HB 370 on April 2nd that allows a motorcycle to proceed through a red light if it fails to operate after 2 minutes or 2 cycles
of the light with no other oncoming traffic.
The Kentucky Motorcycle Association pushed for the legislation, which it says is needed because the lower weight of motorcycles sometimes means that traffic light sensors embedded in roads don’t detect them, meaning lights do not change.
House Bill 370, sponsored by Rep. Johnny Bell (D-Glasgow) and Rep. Wilson Stone (D-Scottsville) creates an affirmative defense against a traffic violation for entering or crossing an intersection against a steady red light for a person operating a motorcycle. An affirmative defense is “a defense in which the defendant introduces evidence, which, if found to be credible, will negate criminal or civil liability, even if it is proven that the defendant committed the alleged acts,” which in this case applies if a motorcycle is brought to a complete stop, the traffic control signal shows a steady red light for two minutes or if the traffic control signal completes two lighting cycles and if the traffic control signal appears to be malfunctioning or doesn’t detect the arrival of a motorcycle. Another condition of the defense is that no person or motor vehicle is approaching the intersection or that any approaching person or motor vehicle is so far from the intersection that it does not constitute an immediate hazard. Jay Huber, president of the Kentucky Motorcycle Association, said the longer motorcyclists remain at a light, the longer they are a target for inattentive drivers. “It becomes an issue of safety,” he said. BILL WOULD REQUIRE MOTORCYCLE LICENSE IN ALABAMA
Legislators in Alabama, the only State in the Union that doesn’t require a motorcycle license or endorsement, are considering legislation to end that distinction. An oversight in the 1990s led to a gap in the law that allows anyone 16 and older with a regular driver’s license to also operate a motorcycle in the state. If enacted, the new law would require operators to pass a knowledge test to obtain a Class M endorsement, and the bill also authorizes police officers to write a ticket if you are riding a motorcycle without a license. 40 states require a skills test for a motorcycle license,
(continued)
piece to that is this one - let's let people go back and talk about being prosecuted for turning left in an intersection. And perhaps because then people will have "skin in the game" they will look a little bit closer and be a little more careful the next time they sit there at an intersection waiting to turn left while someone in our community is coming towards them.
There is a reason our justice system includes both a civil and criminal division. The civil division is used regularlysomebody who is badly hurt seeks compensation for what they have been through. It is time for prosecutors to start using ARS 28-672 so that there is a criminal aspect to injuring motorcyclists in Arizona.
according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, but that’s not likely to happen anytime soon in Alabama.
Political insiders indicate the bill is likely to reach Governor Bentley’s desk, who is expected to sign it into law. TEXAS BIKE BILL REQUIRES 3FOOT CLEARANCE FROM DRIVERS
A new bill could mean new rules for Texas drivers. House Bill 2459 states that drivers would have to give pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists three feet when passing or turning. HB 2459 was heard in the Texas House Transportation Committee for "unprotected road users," and if passed a violation would be a Class B Misdemeanor.
“At this point, I'm excited with three feet, anything is better than zero feet. We're just waiting to see whether or not Governor Greg Abbott ratifies that bill," cyclist Les Akins told Newschannel 6, adding that he hopes HB 2459 will raise awareness. CALIFORNIA HIT-AND-RUN BILL PASSES COMMITTEE
A “Hit & Run” bill supported by ABATE of California has passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee. The measure would authorize the use of the existing Emergency Alert System communication equipment to notify and alert law enforcement and the general public when a serious hit and run traffic event has occurred. Prompt public distribution of this important information could help prevent further incidents and accelerate apprehension of involved parties.
AB 8 sponsor Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) “Personally thanked US for our support,” said ABATE Lobbyist Jim Lombardo who testified in support of the measure. “Nice Victory, and good for us/ABATE to testify in committee on behalf of a safety measure.”
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Liberty is always dangerous, but it is the safest thing we have.” Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969), American pastor
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015 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
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 Brewer’s Truck Repair, Inc Willcox 520-384-2846
Brown & Little, P.L.C., Attorneys at Law 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 Back Alley Chiropractic & Massage Oro Valley 520-877-2666
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
Sidewinders Tavern and Grill Pine 928-476-6434
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 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
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
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 Phoenix Vulcan Riders www.phoenixvulcanriders.com
The Pour House Star Valley 928-478-6979
Sacred Bones Society M/C http://www.sacredbones.org/
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 Historical Journigan House Payson 928-474-2900
The Maverick Saloon Phoenix 602-943-5680
Tonto Silkscreen & Embroidery Payson 928-474-4207
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
NHTSA had a "lets end distracted driving campaign" one Thursday in May. So they hosted a campaign with the only medium to share and receive information via Twitter, which is largely consumed by its users via mobile devices! This is not a prank story in the Onion, life is stranger than fiction... Government ineptitude rears it’s ugly head once again.
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 Chapter Meets 2nd Sunday, 11:00 AM; VFW, 202 N Arizona Street, Prescott AZ 86301. 928-776-1125 FMI, contact Paul Pendergast at wizbangpaul@yahoo.com
Yuma Chapter Yuma Chapter meets the second Tuesday evening monthly at 6:30 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 JUNE 2015
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015
By Handi, S.R.M.C. & A.B.A.T.E. State PAC
Hello all, what an amazing couple
PAC Report
of weeks in the motorcycle political world. There have been events, rides, NCOM, Motorcycle Riders Foundation’sBikers InsideThe Beltway in Washington D.C. and today Southern Arizona Chapter of A.B.A.T.E.’s Event at Tommy’s Saloon in Tucson.
PAGE 9 I have been privy to one on one conversations with several of Arizona’s representatives and congressmen and congresswomen. I walked the halls of our forefathers and made Capitol Hill my “home” for a day. Johnny D took me under his wing and I joined him in a sit down, face to face with Kyrsten Sienma, Dave Swiegart and others of Congress. I felt welcome in all of the Arizona offices. I will be able to tell more next month but this is late now and I hope you get the drift through the pics.
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
ARE YOU A FREEDOM FREE LOADER? Do you belong to a State Motorcycle Rights Organization? If you don’t, you’re relying on others to fund the fight for your right to ride free. There are lots of proposed bills every year, targeting YOUR freedoms. Want
President’s Report (continued)
to be an ostrich and let others, who don’t ride, decide what’s best for you? Even if you don’t want to go to meetings or our events, don’t be an ostrich. Support A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona! Remember FREEDOM ISN’T FREE. Sign up online at www.abateofaz.org click on the membership tab.
A warm WELCOME to our newest A.B.A.T.E. of AZ business members; A to Z Mobile Repair (gas or diesel vehicles, Tucson and surrounding areas) Brewer’s Truck Repair, Willcox Brother’s, Sons and Pop Motorcycle Shop, Tucson Cowpony Bar, Tucson D&G Paint & Body, Willcox Great Lakes Properties, Tucson (House rentals) MAACO East Grant, Tucson The Back Alley Chiropractic, Tucson The Pour House, Star Valley
TOO BROKE FOR STURGIS is just around the corner, June 11-14th (www.toobrokeforsturgis.com). Listed below are the dedicated members on the TBFS planning committee. Be sure to thank them for all their efforts to make this a fun, safe and profitable event for
A.B.A.T.E.: Mike Schneider (TBFS Committee Chairman) Clyde Brooks Jim Silk Jim Page Joel “JR” Rosen MK Vic Grady Paul & Sandy Hassinger Dan & Lyn Peterson Ben & Trauma Mama
Our event promoter, 2 Gals Events Planning, LLC is sponsoring a “Men’s Best Facial Hair” contest Friday afternoon. Sorry ladies, the “Men’s best chest” contest concept didn’t fly!
Mormon Lake Lodge (MLL) will be offering their Steak Dinner Saturday night 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the concessions booth in the arena. $13 includes: Steak, baked potato, corn-on-the-cob, beans, salad and garlic bread. Purchase tickets in advance at MLL Reservations, MLL Restaurant, or MLL Store. Arizona Biker Information Guide (www.arizonabikerinformationguide.com) and Arizona Rider Motorcycle News
(http://azridersouthwest.com) are both featuring TBFS 2015 on their current publication covers. THANK YOU for supporting our event. Other sponsors are; Brown & Little, P.L.C. Chuck Franklin Law Chester’s Harley-Davidson Grand Canyon Harley-Davidson Aid to Injured Motorcyclists Discount Biker Supply Thomas Bishop Automotive Square Peg Promotions
East Valley chapter’s annual spaghetti dinner will be held Saturday, June 6th, 69 p.m. See flyer in this issue. FMI: Joe Ferrucci at (480) 295-9488. Redbone and The Bonettes make the best meatballs west of the Mississippi. You don’t want to miss it. Check out the “Give Where You Live” UNITED FOOD BANK Raffle flyer in this issue. $40/ticket or 3/$100 gives you a chance to win a 2015 H-D Road Glide Special provided by Chester’s H-D. This
continued page 11
PAGE 10 Bobby’s Territorial Harley-Davidson became the newest business member of ABATE in March 2015. The Yuma chapter of ABATE would like to give a special thanks to Bobby and his staff for partnering with ABATE and supporting the biker community in the Yuma area. We have featured Bobby’s Territorial HarleyDavidson in this month’s issue of the Masterlink to give you a little insight on why Bobby’s Territorial Harley-Davidson is so special to the bikers and motorcycle enthusiast of Yuma.
Bobby’s Territorial Harley-Davidson just might sell one of the most well known motorcycles of all time, but within the shop itself is a treasure trove of so much more. According to owner, Bobby Erxleben, the 20,000 square foot building, located at 2550 E. Gila Ridge Road, is what is known in the industry as a fulltime dealership. In addition to selling new and used motorcycles, Bobby said the dealership also offers a wide variety of HarleyDavidson merchandise, clothing, and accessories such as T-shirts, boots, jeans, gloves, jackets, caps, vests, and jewelry. Anything a Harley owner may want or need, they can get it here. Bobby added that the dealership also has a service department with top factory
Featured Business Member
trained technicians on duty during all business hours. Whether a customer needs a basic service, custom electronics added, custom engine building, or welding and fabrication, he said, they can do it all. Some of the amazing restorative work coming out of the shop rivals that of popular reality television shows. Bobby said, “We can take a customer’s motorcycle and completely rebuild it to match their ideas, dreams, and fantasies. We can also do any kind of maintenance that needs to be done.”
Bobby himself can still be found in the shop turning wrenches. Bobby is a quite, unassuming man. He is dressed in the same uniform as his technicians each day and works shoulder to shoulder with them in the bike shop. Employees and friends will tell you, he is just a guy who loves working on bikes. His passion is evident in the quality of work that comes out of his shop.
Bobby, a long time Yuma resident moved to the area when he was just a toddler. Bobby’s long history with the dealership began in 1971 when he started to hang around the motorcycle shop. Nine years old and too young to drive, he rode his bicycle from his home every day after school and every Saturday to work at the shop. When asked what he did at the shop at such a tender age, Bobby replied, “I
washed bikes, cleaned the floors, wiped off tools, anything to get greasy. That was where all the fun was!”
Bobby remembers the company’s name sake and then owner Jim Siemens telling him, “You are just gonna hang around here until I pay you, aren’t you?” And hang around he did for the next 10 years as a part time employee. In 1981, after attending Kofa High School, Bobby went to work full time at the dealership. Over the years watching, learning from Siemens, and teaching himself, Bobby became a full-fledged motorcycle mechanic and welder.
Now the owner, Bobby’s small town dealership is making a mark in the motorcycle world. In fact, the dealership was recognized for the services it offers to its customers and was recently awarded Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s prestigious Platinum Bar & Shield Circle of Distinction Award for 2014. Having a local dealership receive such a prestigious national award is a testament to Bobby and his amazing staff that work at the dealership. Bobby explained the award is presented each year to the top six Harley Davidson dealerships in the United States and that this was the second consecutive year Bobby’s won the coveted award. It is
Ride to Work Day – 2015
It’s coming. June 15th. The Annual Ride to Work Day. Do you know what it’s all about?
Some of you may remember the “Work to Ride – Ride to Work” t-shirts and bumper stickers that were produced back in the late 80s and early 90s. It was created by the Aero Design and manufacturing Company based out of Minnesota. Because of these materials, in 1992 motorcycle magazine editor Fred Rau wrote an article calling for a national ride to work day.
According to "Ride to Work Day" (2015), “The first annual Ride to Work Day event was proposed in Road Rider magazine (now titled Motorcycle Consumer News) in the May 1992 issue. This is an excerpt from that "Ride to Work" editorial: "You may remember several months ago when Bob Carpenter, commenting in his 'Two Up' column, mentioned how neat he thought it would be if there was one day a year when everyone who owned a motorcycle used it to ride to work. That comment was prompted by a T-shirt produced by Aerostich RiderWear that simply said, 'Work To Ride, Ride To Work.' Everyone seemed to think that a national 'Ride To Work' day was one heck of a good idea."’
The Ride to Work Day charity is devoted to “increasing awareness of motorcycling as a transportation alternative” ("Ride To Work Day", 2015). This is not something new to us. Who wouldn’t want to be able
to ride their bike to work everyday? With May being Motorcycle Awareness Month, the ABATE and other MRO lobbyists, officers and members around the country have done a pretty good job about getting the word out. Did you help?
I had a conversation with one of my neighbors about looking twice for motorcycles. I explained to her the dynamics of acceleration, stopping and the illusions that our eyes play on us when seeing motorcyclist on the road and we try to judge distance and speed. There is a video out there in cyberland that uses a quarter and a dime to illustrate the point. I will post it on the Monkey Butt Facebook page for you to see. But I showed that to her and she was shocked to know how she could potentially but others in harms way just based on a lack of a look. Now I doubt she will ever ride a bike or even attempt to be a passenger but we have one more on our side. When you Ride to Work on June 15th, use the
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015 almost unheard of for a small town dealership to win the award two consecutive years. “There are only six dealerships in the country that can get this,” Bobby said. “So out of over 600 dealerships, we are one of six. This was made possible by the greatest customers in the world; past, present, and future.” After visiting just one time, it’s easy to see why people from other communities flock to the Yuma dealership. It’s just a great place to hang out. The employees at Bobby’s are all diehard bike lovers. There is also a dedicated area for local bike clubs to hold meetings. On any day you can find a group of guys and gals just hanging out and talking bikes. It’s a motorcycle lover’s Disneyland! Bobby’s Territorial Harley-Davidson is located just off I-8 at exit 3. If you are passing through or visiting Yuma for a while please stop in and check out our newest ABATE business member, Bobby’s Territorial Harley Davison. BOBBY’S TERRORIAL HARLEYDAVIDSON 2550 E. GILA RIDGE RD. YUMA, AZ 85365 (928) 782-1931
day to share with those who have to cage it how hard we fight for basic rights and freedoms. And ask them to drive safely not only for them but for all the motorcyclists out there. Remember, Ride to Work Day is the Monday after Too Broke for Sturgis. Be safe on the way up to Mormon Lake. See you there. Be good to one another, Grumpy
Ride to Work Day. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.ridetowork.org/
Monkey Butt Radio is an independently produced internet show dedicated to educate, inform and entertain the motorcycling community in Arizona and beyond. For more information go to www.monkeybuttradio.com
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015
PAGE 11
High Country’s Wild in the Weeds
This is the pic of our Wild in the Weeds $500 Visa gift card winner
President’s Report (continued)
is a really great organization to support. Think global, act local … help the UNITED FOOD BANK raise the funds they need to feed the homeless and those struggling to put food on the table in OUR community. www.unitedfoodbank.org
National “Ride To Work Day” is Monday,
June 15th. If at all possible, ride your motorcycle to work and show the public what a difference it can make in reducing traffic congestion and saving our precious resources, while having FUN! If you haven’t been to our website lately, check out the new look. We’re working to appeal to a wider motorcycle audience,
sport biker riders, off-road riders, etc. www.abateofaz.org United we ride, divided we drive. “MK” Mary K. Donnay ABATE of Arizona, Inc. State President president@abateofaz.org
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
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Events Calendar
MC Tucson hosts Heatstroke 11:00 am until 6:00 Pm. at SIR Raceway. 6/5 {Fri} Last night of 6/13 {Sat} Rollin Knights Motorcycles on Main Bike 6/11-14 {Th-Su} Too Broke MC Tucson Party. Rollin Night in Downtown Mesa For Sturgis #24 at Mormon Knights MC Tucson Order before summer break. From Lake Lodge. Hosted by 2nd Annual Party. Saturday, 6-10pm. Music by ABATE of AZ. Adults-only June 13th. Come Party W/ ‘Collateral Damage’. Beer The Knights. 8pm-2am. $10 [18yrs+] party. Music by Garden, Vendors, & more. Phat Bastard. Games, riding, w/Colors & $15 w/Out Park & show your bike. Colors.50/50 Raffle. Food & vendors, contests, & more. Eateries open. Vendors call FMI: www.toobrokeforstur- Drinks Available. The Club Cori 480-890-2613 House @ 3385 N Winstel gis.com https://facebook.com/Motorc Blvd 85716. FMI: Contact yclesOnMain 6/13 {Sat} Tucson Garcia Messenger @ 729-8494 Bros Benefit. Tucson 6/6 {Sat} Spaghetti Feed Garcia Bros Benefit & 6/19-21 {Fr-Sun} 3rd hosted by ABATE’s East Annual Biker Bash & South Tucson Street Fair Valley Chapter at FOE 1712 (Date Tentative). Wounded Warrior W Broadway, Mesa from 6Fundraiser at the Cabin in 9pm. $10/adult, $5/kid ‘all Overgaard [located at 2763 6/13 {Sat} Old Bastards U can eat’ spaghetti, meatHwy 260]. Games, Vendors, MC Running w/Pups. Old balls, salad, bread, dessert. Poker Run [$10/sgl, $15/2Bastards MC Payson on DJ music, kids activities, & June 13th hosts Running up], Music, Silent Auction, more. FMI: Redbone 480with the Pups. Our 1st annu- Good times! FREE Dry 326-7656 Camping on site. Free al ( proceeds goto Humane Society of Central Arizona). Vendor space w/ donation. 6/6 {Sat} All Clubs Poker We will have Food and FMI: 928-535-6117 Run Tucson R&W. All Drinks, live band, 50/50 , Clubs Poker Run Tucson auction and raffle prizes. At 6/20 {Sat} LMC Arizona R&W Support Run. SOH 4pm will raffle off a Custom Anniversary. Arizona MC SV Clubhouse. Leathernecks MC hosts our lifted golf cart. Entry Fee $15.00 per person or $25.00 Anniversary Party on June 6/6 {Sat} The Huns for a couple. Gates open at 20th at the Hooligans Deer MC Heatstroke. The Huns June 2015
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015
Valley Clubhouse. Start time is at 7:00 pm. $10 single. $15 Couple. There will be food, Music and 50/50 raffle. 6/20 {Sat} LDMC Doin It In The Dark. Lost Dutchman MC " Do It In The Dark" will be on Saturday, June 20th. It will start at "The Steelhorse" in Phoenix and cut across Fountain Hills to end at the Queen Creek clubhouse. More details will follow.
6/28 {Sun} Sun Riders MC Scavenger Hunt. Sun Riders M/C Scavenger Hunt on May 9th at Territorial Bar 3727 E Palo Verde rd. Tucson, Az 85713 Come out and party with the Sun Riders M/C and have fun in the scavenger hunt. Registration from 8-10 am. $10 single $15 couple. Cash prize, raffle items, 50/50, dunk tank and much more. Please contact us if you have someone to add to our Memorial wall.
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015 Hello again freedom lovers. We just attended the 30th annual NCOM convention in Denver. It was a great experience and I recommend that everyone should attend these types of events. There is something exhilarating about being in a place that is totally overrun with bikers that doesn’t normally cater to us. The Marriott Denver Tech Center is a sprawling complex with meeting rooms and a courtyard bar and eating area that was wall to wall leather and chains. There were many ABATE members from different states that we met and spoke with. MMA groups from all over the country. There were a number of MCs there as well. The one unifying theme was fighting for the rights of bikers to mainly be left alone to enjoy our lifestyle without interference or harassment from the government or law enforcement.
I was amazed to see all the different women’s motorcycle clubs. I counted 9. They also had a meeting covering women in motorcycling. There was a sport bike seminar. There was a R.I.C.O. discussion that had Roadblock telling us how he was sentenced to 40 years for conspiracy under the law on a charge that would only have had a three year presumptive sentence. The upside is that he learned to be an attorney during that time and was able to reduce his sentence by ten years at the end. They aren’t fucking around. The one thing government hates most is organized resistance. Since 2001, bikers have been put under the classification of terrorist organizations. GIITEM in Arizona, the Gang Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission
Thoughts from JohnnyD
sees no difference between us and drug smugglers who cross the border illegally. There is an East Valley Fusion Center where they compile all the data they collect on us and our friends. If you are ever found in the company or area of any organization that has motorcycles in common, you have a file there. The AZ Police Officers Standards and Training curriculum lists the primary type of gangs in Arizona as “Motorcycle”. I am working to change that but progress is slow.
The main topics discussed were issues each state has, actions taken by various SMROs, best practices, and what progress has been made. We have very similar issues in many states. I had the chance to announce that our handlebar height limit will be gone after July 3. This was met with a round of applause. South Dakota repealed their law as well. While Nevada is fighting to get theirs 6 inches above shoulder height. Nevada is also fighting a helmet law and a new twist has occurred recently. Nevada police are confiscating helmets they claim do not meet standards and threatening to tow bikes unless the rider has someone bring them a compliant helmet. Bad news, Nevada needs some freedom. Their GTF arrested a lawyer for standing with his client while an officer was attempting interrogation. The biker had requested his right to have an attorney present during questioning and when one showed up he was arrested. That is a chunk of money that Nevada will have to hand over. New Mexico beat two helmet laws that
were really bad. They were similar to the one that was dropped here. It was a lot harder for them for some reason. We have a more freedom friendly legislature and maybe that is the difference. I had the chance to talk with Double D, the guy who spearheaded the Washington Antiprofiling bill. We spoke of our upcoming legislation and other states’ attempts. I was given a magazine that contained a story about Maryland’s attempt at an antiprofiling bill. It seems that they learned from our hearing. I laughed a bit remembering that day that our capitol was overrun by bikers. The hearing room had standing room only and the corridor was packed. We learned a lot from that day but we also gained a great deal. The legislators saw us as a community, not a bunch of gangs. They saw all different groups getting along with a common interest; FREEDOM. That led to the reduced LE presence at the Prison Run. It also helped our handlebar bill. Changing minds is not easy, but showing up to fight for rights should be. Now we have the ear of our legislators, we need to step up the pace of demanding our rights.
PAGE 13 tives to co-sponsor HR 1861 and HR 21, The first to prohibit states from using federal money to create motorcycle only checkpoints. The second is to require the EPA to study the effects of E-15 or greater alcohol blends on small engines and fuel systems before allowing it to be offered for sale nationwide. We started the day at Cannon Office building where we had an appointment with Ann Kirkpatrick’s chief of staff, Carmen. We spoke of our bills and she said that since Ann had co-sponsored 1861 in the last session she would do it again. The other bill, she said, would be studued but more than likely sponsored.
continued page 15
On Saturday evening it started to snow. By Sunday morning there was 6 inches on the ground. My original plan was to ride to Denver then on to DC for Bikers Inside The Beltway. The rain would not have stopped me, but my leg injuries from the hospital did. So I flew into DC. Handi, our state PAC officer, went there and we met up. After we got to the staging area, it was our assignment to try to convince our congressional representa-
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 14 Washington Weekly Updates April 20, 2015
From Jeff Hennie Motorcycle Rider Foundation, Vice President Government Relations and Public Affairs
Congress came back this week amidst a flurry of highway bill talk. The House introduced a bipartisan bill to attempt to solve the highway bill problems. Representative Jim Renacci (R-OH) and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) have introduced a bill aimed at tackling the Highway Trust Fund crisis once and for all. The RenacciPascrell bill would index the gas tax to inflation and then form a sort of Highway Trust Fund supercommittee to find a long-term funding solution. It is a bold stab at a big problem. Even the bill's sponsors are not that optimistic about the bill's prospects. Renacci, a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, was asked if he had the support of his fellow committee members, his answer was, "They know about it."
Something needs to be done, but it's nearly impossible before this round of funding expires, which is just about 40 days away. My prediction is that we will have another short term extension of no more than a year, and hopefully with that, this drawn out legislative and funding punting will be over.
Hopefully you saw the release announcing HR 1861 entrance back into the world. Congressman James Sensenbrenner has reintroduced the legislation once again. The language is exactly the same as years past. That’s not the only similarity; the bill number should also sound familiar, because it’s the same as last congress. The bright minds that are Team Sensenbrenner reserved the bill number in the early days of Congress to, as they put it to the motorcycle community, "make your lives easier." We thank
News from the MRF
Mr. Sensenbrenner and his staff. Get on the phone and start collecting co-sponsors. Write about it for your state and local papers and websites. Should you need anything from me, just ask.
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Bill Shuster (R-PA) was in the hot seat this week. Shuster is negotiating a major Federal Aviation Administration overhaul, which has been very complicated and controversial with a lot of strong opinions, and millions upon millions of dollars spent lobbying the members of the committee. This is the definition of Washington D.C. high stakes poker. It was a little alarming when Shuster was found to be dating a high power aviation lobbyist who represents every major airline. Her firm alone has spent millions on this issue. Shuster issued a statement saying that his office has a strict policy that his girlfriend cannot lobby him or his staff. She is still free to lobby the other 58 members of his committee though. Like father like son, you see, Shuster is the second Shuster to chair the committee. It’s sort of the family business. Bill's father, Bud, chaired the committee prior to his son. And even more father like son, Bud had a questionable relationship with one of his staffersturned-lobbyist. Her area of lobbying? Transportation. You cannot make this stuff up!
Bikers Inside The Beltway is under a month away. Are you ready? 5.14.15 WDC.
============================
HD recall http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStor y/harley-recalls-46000-motorcycles30559287 Harley-Davidson is recalling nearly 46,000 motorcycles in the U.S. because they could stay in gear due to clutches
that won't fully disengage.
The recall covers certain Electra Glide, Ultra Limited, Police Electra Glide, Street Glide, Road Glide and Road King models from the 2014 and 2015 model years.
Harley-Davidson Motor Co. said in documents that gas bubbles can cause the clutch master cylinder to lose its ability to fully disengage the clutch, especially if the bike has been parked for a long time. This could cause a rider to lose control of the motorcycle if it's started in gear. The problem was found through customer complaints. Harley reported 27 crashes and four minor injuries.
Dealers will flush the clutch and rebuild the master cylinder. The recall was to start April 23 ============================ MRF, ABATE & NHTSA discuss the Autocycle May 1, 2015
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation along with ABATE of Illinois recently met with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to discuss certain three-wheeled vehicles currently being included in the motorcycle vehicle category. Three-wheeled vehicles are nothing new. Trikes, sidecars and the Can-Am Spyders are commonly seen on the road and even fit in at most motorcycle events. The problem is that other new forms of three-wheeled vehicles mainly emulate a car in many more ways than they do a motorcycle. Yet, this new breed wants to wear a motorcycle license plate. This type of vehicle is definitely an emerging form of transportation, and it is likely that it will grow into a notable per-
Bikers Inside the Beltway 2015
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015 centage of the vehicles on the road. The Polaris Slingshot, the Elio and the Toyota iRoad all combine different aspects of a motorcycle and passenger vehicle into one vehicle, leaving it without the worthy class of vehicle that this mode of transport needs. Autocycle perhaps?
ABATE of Illinois has already begun to address this by passing legislation to create an autocycle category. That legislation was signed into law in 2014. All of these new types of autocycles are different, but they do have one similarity; they are not motorcycles. But because of the loose definition of a motorcycle at the federal level these vehicles can technically be categorized as a motorcycle. But therein lies the rub; some of these new vehicles have airbags, steering wheels, the powertrain of a passenger car, sideby-side seating, windshield wipers and seat belts. “This is going to be a long, difficult road to create a new class of vehicle, but it must be done,” said Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. “Opening a dialogue is the first step to address what is sure to be a big issue in the motorcycle community.”
The NHTSA team agreed that we do need to address this issue head on before it is too late. Keeping these vehicles out of the motorcycle class will ensure that inaccurate fatality and injury will be reduced.
Creating a new class of vehicle brings many challenges. Training and licensing will have to be modified, helmet laws will be blurred, and expert crash reporting will be crucial, but it’s only fair that they get their own class of vehicle, because they are clearly not motorcycles or passenger cars.
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015
Thoughts from JohnnyD (continued)
We then went to David Schweickert’s office. When we walked in he recognized me and jumped up from a table surrounded by well dressed people and ushered us into his actual office and introduced us to his dog. He had a staffer bring Handi some coffee and we sat down to discuss our issues. It turns out that he opposes corn fuels entirely and has n problem with our issue. The checkpoint bill is a problem in that he says that soon all those federal grants are going away. His position is that our country simply needs to stop spending money on things like that. What really stunned me was his readiness to drop what he was doing to talk with Arizonans. Then we went to Paul Gosar’s office. He wasn’t in but a staffer took our folders and assured us that Paul would get the information. Our next stop was at the Longworth Building. We first went to Martha McSally’s office where we left the information with a staffer. Then to Ruben Gallego’s office. As we rounded the corner he was stepping out of his office with several women he had met with to take pictures. Outside of a con-
gressional office is an American flag, a state flag, and the seal of office with the official’s name. As we walked up they had just finished and Ruben saw me and we hugged. He took out folder and listened to our pitch. He said there would probably not be a problem with either bill but that when he got back to Phoenix he wanted to see me at one of his events. We took pictures and said goodbye. We went to Raul Grijalva’s office and dropped the folder and were able to sit for a while and drink some water. Then we began walking down 3rd Street SW. We were on our way to meet with Kyrsten Sinema at the Dem Club. She had a lunch meeting and our appointment would be after that. As we walked down the sidewalk I noticed a group of policemen standing in the street. Just then a motorcycle rolled down the sidewalk right next to me. It was a Harley but with a police officer riding it. He came within inches of me. Handi asked if he hit me. We walked a little more and there was an officer turning around with an M-4. He turned and looked at me. I guessed that they had seen my patch and
were not happy that we were there while they were celebrating police officer week. Then we got to where we were going and Kyrsten was happy to see us. She jumped up and hugged us then had her assistant get us water while she finished her meeting. The she came to sit with us and said that last session it took her some time to get her name on the bill because of a miscommunication. She said that as soon as her district director told her about the bill coming out again she had her name put on it and our other bill would be co-sponsored as well and that we could just talk about what is going on. She had her assistant drive us to Rayburn after the meeting and we went to Trent Franks office but weren’t treated very well but were able to leave the folder. Then we stopped at Matt Salmon’s office. His legislative aid recognized me from two years ago and we talked for a bit. He assured us that Mat would co-sponsor this bill again and they would more than likely co-sponsor the ethanol bill as well. After all, Matt Salmon is a rider. After that we went to our group meeting with Jeff Hennie and
How Well do you Curve Baby?
all go thru them but are you in the groove or looking to go down?
The number one accident is cars turning left in front of us but did ya know the number two is a biker failing to handle a curve in the road??
By Jim Silk State Safety Officer
How well do you know your curves? We
To avoid this type of crash, find your bike's lean limits under controlled conditions. Practice turning ever tighter circles in a parking lot until you get comfortable leaning your bike until the pegs or boards scrape the ground, then practice making wider turns in both directions at speeds above 15mph. Keep your head and eyes UP and look well ahead of the bike. Never look down or anyplace you don't want the bike to go. Remember, at speeds
above 15mph, you're counter-steering. Push left to go left, push right to go right. In other words, if you need to turn sharper in a left turn, push harder on the left grip. It's the same to the right.
Never, ever, focus on the bike directly in front of you!!! Instead, focus on the end of the turn. Do your braking before you enter the curve then release the brakes and roll on the throttle. This will cause the bike to rise up on its suspension and give it more lean angle before any hard parts hit the tarmac. That's all there is to it. It just takes a little practice of the proper techniques. If you wait until you're in the middle of a curve on a winding road with water, guard rails, or even a cliff off the shoulder, it's too late
PAGE 15
were addressed by several representatives who assured us that our issues were important to them. We learned that there is a motorcycle caucus in the House of Representatives. It was a pretty good day and despite my limping along slowly we managed to visit every Representative’s office. We met a lot of great people and I highly recommend that everyone go to DC to see our representatives. They really love to see people from home. They are able to arrange tours, give gallery passed, and basically treat us like royalty. Your best bet is to get to know them here so that they will recognize you. Beside that, it is a hell of a lot cheaper to ask them questions in Arizona than traveling to DC to do that. John P Dreyfus Johnny D ALMA MC Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs Designated Lobbyist American Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education / Phoenix-Shadow Mountain PAC Officer
to practice.
You can either rely on dumb luck to get you through a tricky situation or you can rely on skill. It's up to you.Glad you said skill,,no go out and practice.
Hope you all had a good time at Too Broke,and I can't say thank you enough for joining our organization. Where else can bikers go to learn more about riding? We have our ABATE riders advantage program still in effect,,sign up ten people and get the class for free!! Whadda waiting for? -Jim
PAGE 16
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015
MASTERLINK JUNE 2015
PAGE 17
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 LUKE AFB 85309 MARICOPA (623) 975-6264 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 T.E.A.M. Arizona FT 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 PRESCOTT 86301 YAVAPAI Click Here (928) 443-0111 View Arizona - Prescott T.E.A.M. Arizona View PRESCOTT 86301 YAVAPAI Click Here (928) 771-2500 Prescott MOHAVE View KINGMAN 86401 MOHAVE (928) 757-0825 COMMUNITY COLLEGE MOHAVE LAKE View (928) 505-3321 COMMUNITY HAVASU 86403 MOHAVE COLLEGE CITY 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 JUNE 2015
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 JUNE 2015
East Valley Chapter at the MAP & Chester’s H-D
TBFS Special Motorhome for sale. 1981 Dodge Sportsman, C Class, 22', sleeps 6 440 cu. in. fresh top end, good gas mileage everything works, 86000 miles, $3500 call Jerry D. 602-459-4302
Classifieds
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
PAGE 19
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 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic
Super nice 800cc V-twin cruiser. brand new black cherry paint. 43K miles, Lowered 1-1/2 inches in the rear, K&N air intake kit, Vance & Hines Straightshot exhaust, very loud, jetted for such performance upgrades, 60 HP and 50LBS torque, lots of tread left on Metzler tires, lots of chrome, custom headlight, drag bars and custom forward controls, no leaks, Also includes bike cover, windshield and mounting hardware, service manual, extra saddlebag, lots of extra parts, one half-helmet, Has won first place in six bike shows and trophies are included.. $3000. 602.367.9524
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.
Sponsor:
ADMISSION:
ay pass $35 per person for weekend pass $25 per person Saturd Saturday ABATE members get $5 off per person for weekend passes ABATE ad d itional $20 for ALL RV’s, R V’s, tow behinds b ehind s *** An additional & trailers, except motorcycle trailers N o Cash Bar in the Arena BYOB No Lod ge Bar & Store Package Liquor available at the Lodge
AAVAILABLE V AIL ABLE ON ONSITE SITE MORMON LLAKE AKE LLODGE ODGE
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