A publication supporting the rights, safety and freedom of all motorcyclists through education and legislation
November 2016
VOLUME XXV, ISSUE 5
Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Permit #1662 Phoenix, AZ
Open Dialogue
to share this month.
Mike Infanzon ABATE of AZ Designated Lobbyist
abateofaz.org
ABATE of AZ. 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ 85020
By the time most of you read this, the election will be over and we will know who are our representatives are at the state capital. I for one and really happy this election cycle is over. It’s been nasty. Now the time to get down to business is upon us.
I have had the opportunity to speak with a lot of the candidates for the state house of representatives and the state senate from districts all over the state. Such a diversity of people who, in their heart, want to make Arizona a better place for all. I may not agree with their politics, views or methodology in doing that, but that brings me to what I wanted
A few weeks ago, while preparing for this article, I began calling all the candidates who did not respond to our candidate questionnaire. As I wrote last month, I felt slighted by that. Again, being who I am, I decided to call them out on it. Starting with the incumbents I began to call and email. I then moved on to the challengers in the districts. You could almost hear the “Oh $%&%!” going through their brain when I introduced myself and explained that ABATE fights for the freedoms of over 192,000 motorcyclists in Arizona. I spoke to many of the candidates and most “did not realize they did not respond”.
Two conversations really stood out. The first one was with a candidate who did not respond because she thought her “answers would not be what you wanted to hear.” I went on to explain to her the reason for the questionnaire and maybe it could open a discussion on several topics. Within a few minutes I had her responses. We discussed the mandatory helmet laws in many states and she stated she agreed with that because she lost a friend in a bike accident. But she also stated she would not attempt to change the existing legislation either if elected. We spoke on a variety of issues and she
realized that there are issues that she would support and help with. I counted that as a huuuuuuge win. And I didn’t use my own server. OK enough joking about the two POTUS candidates.
The second candidate returned my call and we spoke for almost 20 minutes. She explained that she did not respond to ANY candidate questionnaires or surveys. She went on to state that she would rather speak to HER CONSTITUENTS and see where they felt on issues. Again, a win for that district if she wins.
I share this with you to not give a nod toward one candidate or legislator over another. I share this with you because this is just two examples of what can be accomplished when we open a dialogue with our elected officials. I am here for all of ABATE of Arizona but it is you and only you who can talk to what is happening in your neighborhood. Communication with our representatives is imperative in order to fight for our freedoms. Webster defines open dialogue as an exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue especially with a view to reaching an amicable agreement. Wouldn’t that be a good thing? Open dialogue! Hmmmm.
Visit us on FaceBook facebook.com/AbateofAZ and facebook.com/pages/Too-Broke-For-Sturgis-Rally
PAGE 2
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
ABATE OF ARIZONA LOCAL CHAPTERS
A.B.A.T.E. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS FOR 2015 - 2016
Chairman..............................Sean Pinder
East Valley………………….Jack Batty High Country........................Forrest “Woody” Phillips Phx / Shadow Mountain…...Clyde Brooks Southern AZ.........................Sean Pinder Yavapai……………………..Deborah Butitta Yuma....……………………..Rick Breadwell Quarterly Board meetings are held on the first Sunday in January, April, July and October at 1:00pm @ the AZ American-Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th St, Phoenix. Please make sure your Chapter has representation.
A.B.A.T.E. State Officers For 2016
President………..............……Jim Butsback Vice President.....……………Brad Cosby Secretary……………………Dawn Steed Treasurer…………………….Jim Silk Membership…………………Ben Martinez Run/Events………………….Vacant Safety Coordinator………….Teresa "Trauma Mama" McClelland Sergeant-at-Arms……………Vic Grady P.A.C………………………...John "Johnny D" Dreyfus Communications…………….Judy "Hooody" Brus Designated Lobbyist...............Vacant ABATE Products……………Vacant MasterLink Editor................ Eric”Spanky” 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............................Jim Silk Vice Coordinator..................Joe Ferrucci Secretary................................Dawn Steed Treasurer................................Deb Ferrucci Membership...........................Mike Shearhart Run Coordinator....................Jack Batty Safety Coordinator................Nolan Steed Sgt. At Arms..........................Richard Dalton P.A.C......................................Tami Keim Communications....................Vacant Merchandise........................... Donna Batty
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 Jim Silk FYI 602 312 1927
Thanks again to the A.C.M.C. and its members for supporting me at the 32nd annual mMeeting of the Minds on September 22nd thru the 25th held in Oklahoma City.
The event was at the Tower Hotel and hosted by A.B.A.T.E. of Oklahoma….the accomodations were fine and our hosts did an excellent job… including rides to and from the airport. The Arizona delegates represented the 4
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
High Country Chapter
209A E. Juniper St. Payson AZ 85541 Coordinator............................Wayne Slocum Vice Coordinator...................Billy Hensler Secretary................................Dee Schultz Treasurer...............................Forrest “Woody” Phillips Membership...........................CC Rider Run Coordinator....................Mark Fickel 2nd Run Coordinator....................CC Rider l Safety Coordinator.................John Lacey Sgt. At Arms.........................Justin Wilson 2nd Sgt. At Arms.........................Mike Basner P.A.C.....................................Woody Phillips Communications...................Snake Merchandise..........................Beth Lacey
High Country Chapter meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday at 10 a.m. at The Moose Lodge in Star Valley. Contact: azoutlaw66@hotmail.com
Phoenix-Shadow Mountain Chapter
P.O. Box 54041 Phoenix, AZ 85078-4041 Coordinator...........................Mike Schneider Vice Coordinator....................Jim Page Secretary................................Tara Rudometkin Treasurer................................Laura "Sunny" Sleemon Membership...........................Ben Martinez Run Coordinator....................Jeremy Kellim Safety Coordinator.................Trauma Mama Sgt. At Arms..........................Scott Gibbons P.A.C......................................John ‘Johnny D’ Dreyfus Communications....................Nichole Kirkpatric Merchandise...........................Judy "Hooody" Brus
Phoenix/Shadow Mountain meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 10:30am at the AZ American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. FMI: Chapter Coordinator Mike Schneider, 602-549-1044, mike@squarepegpromos.com
Southern Arizona Chapter
6888 N De Chelly Loop Tucson, AZ 85741 Coordinator............................Jim Butsback Vice Coordinator....................Darron Huntington Secretary................................Becky Garino Treasurer................................Dawn Detelj Membership...........................Bob Stewart Run Coordinator....................Bob Welton Safety Coordinator.................Robert Templeton Sgt. At Arms.........................Ruben Soto P.A.C......................................Annisa Huntington Communications....................Vacant Merchandise...........................Sean Pinder
Yavapai Chapter
1590 Swenson Street Prescott AZ 86305 Interim Coordinator................ Mark Kessler Interim Vice Coordinator........Dan Tumey Secretary................................ Suni Sommers Treasurer................................ Terri Lucontro Membership........................... Suni Sommers Run Coordinator......................OPEN Safety Coordinator..................OPEN Sgt. At Arms...........................OPEN P.A.C...................................... OPEN Communications.................... OPEN Merchandise........................... OPEN
Yavapai Chapter meets every second Wednesday at 6:00 pm at Addictions Bar and Grill, an ABATE business member. 1590 Swenson St, Prescott 86305. Just off Iron Springs Road. FMI ycabateaz@gmail.com
Yuma Chapter
11316 S. Glenwood Ave. Yuma, AZ 85367 Coordinator............................ David "Pastor D" Litts Vice Coordinator....................Gilbert Hernandez Secretary................................ Mikkie Melanson Treasurer................................ Virginia Nielsen Membership........................... Garrett "Buster" Gould Run Coordinator.....................Jerry Allison Safety Coordinator..................Ray “PeeWee” Grier Sgt. At Arms...........................Frank White P.A.C...................................... Gilbert Hernandez Communications.................... David "Pastor D" Litts Merchandise........................... Lisala White
Yuma Chapter meets the second Tuesday evening monthly at 6:00 PM at the pm. The next meeting will be held at the Kountry Kitchen Café located at 11242 S Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. 85365. For additional information contact Frank White (Hound) at 209-327-0814.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
The Southern Arizona Chapter will meet the third Saturday. We will gather at the Kettle Restaurant, 748 W Starr Pass 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.
Meeting of the Minds Report
SMROs... the A.C.M.C., M.M.A. , A.B.A.T.E. and M.M.A.A. and included myself, Jim Butsback, Mary K, Sky Pilot, Buddha, Bobbi Hartman, Dragonfly and Gynni… Deb Buttita rode her bike in.
The daily agenda started at 9am and finished around 6pm... there were so many seminars and work shops, we split up to cover as much as possible during the conference. Freedom fighters from 40 states were
there to exchange ideas and experiences to better protect our rights as motorcyclists, includind Double D, who was key in the anti-profilig bills passed in Washington state and Maryland.
The MRF held elections for officers and Doc D'Errico is replacing Dave Condon as MRF State Reps Rep... Glenyce Jackson has a two year term and Dave Monroe has a one year term as State Reps Representatives.
Meeting Minutes
A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona, Inc. Board of Directors and State meeting minutes will no longer be printed and taking up space in THE MASTERLINK. They are available to view 24/7 on-line at www.abateo-
faz.org under the “Communications” tab. Thank you! MK
Mission Statement
We will lobby and educate the government and the general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image.
We will endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals who share
a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of
FREEDOM.
We also voted on the legislative agenda items for next year's Bikers Inside the Beltway lobby day: - oppose all helmet laws - re-establish MC Advisory Council to include motorcycle club members - definition of a motorcycle…ours is a straddled seat, handlebars and hand/foot controls - E-15 ethanol increase needs more research to avoid mechanical damage
continued page 7 How to Reach Us
480-256-9237 For Advertising Rates Email Eric at themasterlink@abateofaz.org Or Mail Your Ads to: MasterLink, ABATE of Arizona 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ, 85020 MasterLink Advertising Rates:
Size Monthly Quarterly Yearly Business Card Size (3-1/2”w x 2”h): $20.00 $60.00 $200.00 1/8 Page (5-1/8”w x 4”h) $50.00 $150.00 $500.00 1/4 Page (5-1/2”w x 8”h) $70.00 $210.00 $700.00 1/2 Page (10-1/4”w x 8”h) $100.00 $300.00 $1,000.00 Full Page (10-1/4”w x 16”h) $200.00 $600.00 $2,000.00 Full Color Back Page (10-1/4”w x 16”h) $400.00 $950.00 $3,300.00
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
President’s Report
“RIDE LIKE YOU ARE INVISIBLE” because YOU ARE to these cages that do not respect your right of way.
By now the “Hard Ass Run”, the “Moon Mullins Run”, the HCC “Chili Cook Off” and Swap Meet up in Yavapai are all in the books for this year. I hope all of these events came off well and all participants had fun.
By Jim Butsback
Hello to all my fellow Freedom Fighters! As this article reaches everyone it is the beginning of November and we just celebrated Halloween and I hope everyone had a good time and arrived home safe from any of the parties that you attended. I am writing this on the 15th of October and in just the last couple weeks we have suffered the 9th & 10th motorcyclists to die on the streets of Tucson so far this calendar year. This is just way too much mayhem to stand idly by and not take notice. The reports are not all in on these but I know one was the result of someone turning left into the motorcycles right of way. PLEASE folks
By Mary K
Hello fellow freedom fighters,
ABATE of AZ sponsored me to attend Meeting of the Minds last weekend. Below is my recap of my experience. It'll print with pictures in the next edition of THE MASTERLINK. THANK YOU, MK
----------------------------I arrived at the hosting hotel at 11:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22nd. After checking in, I headed over to the hospitality suite, hosted by ABATE of OK. Just outside the door was a familiar face – Animal, Tinners MC Scottsdale Founder and Past President & AZ Confederation of Clubs Lobbyist, chatting with another freedom fighter. He proudly announced that he had been endorsed as the new MRF AZ State Rep. Way to go Animal – CONGRATULATIONS!!
Friday morning started at 9:00 a.m. with a General Session, MRF’s Financial Position, which is better than it was a few years ago and well in the black, thanks in part to not having the expenses of a lobbyist for several months. Then the introduction of MRF’s new V.P. of Governmental Affairs & Public Relations (Lobbyist), Megan Ekstrom, a fellow Arizonan. She took the reins on Monday, May 9th. Two days later, bikers descended upon Washington, DC for the annual Bikers Inside the Beltway event. She quickly became immersed in all of our legislative and regulatory issues and got a taste of the biker culture. Since then, she’s been working with MRF members and partners to further the MRF agenda in Washington.
That afternoon, I attended the “Who Controls Your Safety” seminar presented
I have been asked several times about the State meeting and elections for this year. Well just so everyone knows all the State Officers that were elected last November were elected to a two year term. We will serve until the end of 2017. In past years we elected State officers one year for a two year term and the next year we elected BOD members to a two year term. A few years ago the process of electing BOD members was changed from a state wide election to each Chapter electing their own BOD representative. Because of this change we do not need to have a State wide election this year. If your Chapter has not elected your BOD representative yet it should be done ASAP.
Because we are a registered corporation we are required by law to hold a general membership meeting once each year. This was always done in conjunction with the election in the past. Because we do not need an election this year the State officers have decided to hold our Annual Membership Meeting on the Fist Sunday in December, which is the same date as the State Officers meeting. This will be followed by a Holiday/Christmas Party and Social event. Location is at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1712 W Broadway Rd., Mesa, Arizona.
This is a family friendly event so bring the kiddies. I have it from a good source that SANTA may make an appearance. Also feel free to bring any non-member you know who may be interested on joining, as there may be a membership incentive available!(maybe?). ABATE of AZ will be providing Good Eats and Deserts but feel free to bring anything you may wish to share! (That is a subtle hint to all you bakers out there). There will also be a 50/50 and raffle prizes. We will also host a “White Elephant” gift exchange for all who wish to participate. It is not mandatory but if you want to play bring wrapped gift with a $10 value LIMIT (not minimum). This is a fun gift exchange so come and have fun.
We will have a Chili Cook Off at this party. After HCC’s Chili Cook Off several folks want to take on the challenge! It would be GREAT if each Chapter had a few entries to make this fun and establish bragging rights for future events. Any member can enter, bring your pot of chili and it takes $5 to enter. All who wish to partake in the tasting and judging of this event can do so for $5 each. ALL the monies collected will go to the winner in the eyes (or mouths) of the judges! SO depending on the number of entries and tasters it can add up. More of the details are being finalized and we will send out more info as soon as we can. The primaries are over and we are entering into the final couple weeks of the political campaign season. I really want to encourage everyone to get out and vote! Last month we published the results of the candidate survey that Woody put together and if you are like
MRFs Meeting of the Minds Recap by Ron Braaksma. Ron stressed the fact that you are in control of your own safety. While events occur we cannot control, there is plenty we can and should do to ensure we arrive safely; Perception (of a threat or situation, look as far ahead as possible and scan sides) Reaction (how are you going to get around or through it?) Stopping distance (how long will it take you to stop on pavement vs. gravel?) Ron suggested maintaining a 4-second distance whenever possible. That should be sufficient to stop a bike at 70 m.p.h. or less on pavement. Allow even more stopping time if going faster or on gravel.
Make being safe a conscious thought BEFORE you get on your bike. Go over your bike, check tire pressures and oil, loose nuts, bolts and belts. It’s simple stuff that if not done, can ruin your ride or even cause an accident. I know some folks that safety check each other’s bikes before they ride.
Stay within your limits. If others are riding faster than you feel comfortable, back out of the pack. Practice patience on the road, practice fast stopping in a safe place. Learn what ABS brakes feel like before you have to use them and exercise your sphincter.
Friday evening, I took advantage of the free ABATE shuttle to the OK City bombing memorial. The domestic terrorist bombing occurred on April 19, 1995 and destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown OK City. Carried out by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, the bombing destroyed one-third of the building, killed 168 people and injured more than 680 others. The inscription on the front of the memorial reads:
WE COME HERE TO REMEMBER
THOSE WHO WERE KILLED, THOSE WHO SURVIVED AND THOSE CHANGED FOREVER. MAY ALL WHO LEAVE HERE KNOW THE IMPACT OF VIOLENCE. MAY THIS MEMORIAL OFFER COMFORT, STRENGTH, PEACE, HOPE AND SERENITY.
The memorial has a large wall at each end and reflection pool in between. “9:01” on one end is the minute before the bombing, and “9:03” on the other end is the minute after the bombing, when life had changed forever.
On a hill on one side of the reflection pool stand 168 brass chairs with lighted glass pedestals engraved with each victims’ name. The smaller chairs represent children, as there was a child care on the bottom floor of the building.
We started up again Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. with another general session, some awards to MRF State Reps and SMRO’s (State Motorcycle Rights Organizations, like ABATE), and informative talk given by Matt Danielson, with the Motorcycle Law Group, “Know your rights at a traffic stop”. Being an expolice officer, Matt knows the tricks cops use to get you to incriminate yourself. “Shut the fuck up” is his best advice. You must present your ID, registration and proof of insurance. You must exit the vehicle, if asked. Be polite, don’t argue, don’t answer questions or admit guilt. Politely decline - “Officer, if you have a ticket to write, write it and allow me to leave.” Do NOT engage in casual conversation, they are not trying to be your friend. You can argue the ticket in court. Some other good advice is don’t give them a reason to pull you over in the first place. Make sure all your lights operate, don’t drive impaired, don’t be rude, obey traffic laws.
PAGE 3
me, I am sure you were also disappointed in the number of candidates that did not respond to our survey. Mike Infanzon, who is ABATE of Arizona’s Designated Lobbyist, was also, shall I say, PISSED! He has diligently sat and called the candidates and staffs of those who did not take the time to answer 4 simple questions. Well congratulations to Mike! He has got the attention of many of the DNRs (did not respond) and NOW they are answering our 4 little questions and they are now paying more attention to ABATE and the subject of Motorcycle Rights & Safety. Thank You Mike!!
As I write this Mike was also working on putting out an updated list and we authorized him to print up a voter’s guide to pass out at various events just prior to the elections. This is a great step and one we will really try to expand upon in future elections. If you are not a member of the MRF I would like to encourage you to join. They do for us on the national level what we try and do here in Arizona on the state level. The information on the MRF and the MRF Awareness & Education can be found here in the Masterlink or go to www.mrf.org. Also each Chapter should be a Sustaining Member of the MRF so please check with your Chapter officers to see if you’re Chapter has stepped up. If your Chapter is not a Sustaining Member please ask your Chapter leadership to see what it takes to do so. Until next month! Ride Free!! Ride Safe!! Ride ENDORSED!! Jim
If you feel you’ve been profiled or unjustly harassed, file a police complaint and copy your State Representative and State Senator. Forms and more advice can be found on the ACMC website; www.azcmc.org under Resources, Forms and Know Your Rights.
Oklahoma State Senator Anastasia Pittman attended the general session and offered advice as grass roots activists. If you are not able to get a bill sponsor, ask for an interim study. It’s a request for a panel to discuss the issue and allows you to make a presentation to the applicable committee, i.e.: transportation, and get the issue put into the state record. Legislators can reserve conference rooms and allow meetings to discuss issues without calling it an interim study, too. Send a 3-4 sentence request to your legislator. If they see 5+ requests, you should get their attention. They are accountable to us, ask politely for a response to your inquiry.
A lot of bills are amended by legislators as they go through the legislative process. Don’t be upset that you don’t get everything you want, or as originally proposed. Baby steps are sometimes required and the best you’re going to get passed at that time. Some bills won’t be the main subject in a proposed bill. Sometimes they’re tagged onto another existing bill going through the same committee.
Saturday afternoon, I attended a seminar called “MC Profiling, Bridge the Gap” moderated by Todd Riba, ABATE of MN’s Legislative Director and MRF Board Member and Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, MRF President. A panel discussion was held with Frank Ernst, NCOM National Legislative Director, David “Double D” Devereaux, with Outsiders MC-WA and host of the website the
continued page 10
PAGE 4
East Valley Chapter
By the time you read this the beloved craziness that we all live for “Arizona Riding Season” will be in full swing. Along with the “snowbirds” meaning be extra aware and careful out there.
This is also the time of the year that we start brewing our coffee with “Red bull” instead of water to play pin the tail on the donkey, throw darts or however you may wish to decided which event you will grace with your presence. We become more focused on toy runs, charity rides, and fundraisers along with the mounting excitement of the multiple holidays.
After our September Chapter meeting some of us adventured over to Gypsy’s Roadhouse to play pool and enjoy some good eats. Bill and Jen Jen did an awesome job taking real good care of us. If you need somewhere to watch football or just hang out I would definitely suggest dropping in there.
October 1st Mike & Willie Shearhart got to have a blast visiting with people while hosting the East Valley booth at the MMA Bike and Car Show.
October 2nd we had the State Officers and Board of Directors meeting in Tucson at the Kettle Restaurant. It was my first experience riding in rain like that. Holy Crap!! It was a soggy, beautiful day spent with our extended A.B.A.T.E. family. Now let me tell ya the next time we are down there we will definitely be doing that buffet again.
October 7th Motorcycles on Main went great with it being the day before the Hard Ass Run we were extra excited to tell everyone about it and to start handing out TBFS 2017 cards.
October 8th finally arrived and we had the Hard Ass Run. Woo Hoo what a ride from what I am told. Unfortunately our rear bike tire decided to rudely pick up a large staple the night before that we discovered flat just before it was time to head out on the run. So we got the pleasure of experiencing registration and the final destination. I have heard from many people that it was a great ride. We had 55 people turn out that I would like to thank because I know the list of events that were happening that day to choose from and you chose us. THANK YOU. Also thank you to everyone who helped put on the run without you there would have been no run. I hope you all realize just how important each and every one of you is.
Looks like it is time to get work out of the way so we can do the Moon Mullins ride tonight, it will be my first one.
Until next month, be safe out there.
Enjoy the ride and as always keep it rubber side down. Here’s to Wind Knots in my Hair
Dawn P Steed East Valley Chapter & State Secretary
High Country Chapter
NO REPORT
Phoenix/Shadow Mountain Chapter
The Phoenix/Shadow Mountain Chapter met on Sunday September 11, 2016 at the AAIC. Scott, our Sgt at Arms opened the meeting with a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence. Mike, our Coordinator, led the meeting and among other things the following was discussed.
Teresa’s Safety report included statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHSTA) 2015 data concerning motor vehicle crashes and the increase in motorcyclist fatalities. The stats are an important reminder for riders to pursue opportunities such as AMSAF motorcycle training scholarships, or attending Accident Scene Management classes, which she instructs. Details for the AMSAF scholarships can be found online, and Teresa McClelland can be contacted for her current class schedule and what discounts are avail-
Chapter Reports
able for ABATE members.
Don’t forget to Vote! Johnny’s PAC report encouraged us to stay involved, be aware of who won the primaries and to know who is pro-motorcyclist when you’re voting. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2016.
Mike reminded us of the need to show up and represent at the upcoming EagleRider event on March 31st and April 1st 2017. We need 20-30 volunteers for Friday and Saturday to help with event duties and promoting ABATE. A sign-up sheet is circulating to assist with ticket booth, parking/traffic, security/backstage and vendors. Any ABATE members that are interested in volunteering are encouraged to bring friends to help out with the event. Coordinate with Jeremy Kellim for more information and to sign up to volunteer. Please plan on attending this important fundraiser for our Chapter.
The donations that are collected at our monthly meetings for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) were combined with an additional Chapter contribution, all totaling $250.00. This amount was included with other Arizona Chapter donations and presented by ABATE of Arizona to the MRF at the 2016 Meeting of the Minds; which was hosted by ABATE of Oklahoma this year. Additionally, the members at the Chapter meeting voted on sponsoring Jim Butsback, Southern Arizona Chapter Coordinator and President of ABATE of Arizona, to attend the Meeting in place of Johnny, who was not able to attend. This motion was approved contingent upon the Chapter getting a full report of the meeting when Jim returns from Oklahoma.
2017 Officer nominations for the Chapter have been made and the nominees are as follows: Mike Schneider nominated for Coordinator; Jimmy Page for Vice Coordinator; Tara Rudometkin for Treasurer; Jean Cooper for Secretary; Scott Gibbons for Sgt. at Arms; Teresa McClelland for Safety; Ben Martinez for Membership; Jeremy Kellim for Run Coordinator; Robb Felder for Communications; Sandy Hassinger for Merchandise; John Dreyfus for PAC; and both Cherie Dubrow and Mark Million have been nominated for Chapter Board of Director. Final nominations and voting for the Chapter Officers & BOD will be done at our November meeting. Chapter Officer & BOD duties can be reviewed in the “Policy and Procedures Manual” (page 9, 18-20) found on the www.abateofaz.org website, under the “Resource Library” tab.
Who wants an ABATE Hoodie? We are putting together a design that will be specific to the Phoenix/Shadow Mountain Chapter and the cost is estimated to be about $30 each. Please attend the upcoming meeting to get the final details. If you decide you want to purchase one or more hoodies, they will need to be paid for in advance at the meeting held on Sunday, November 13th.
To everyone that joined us at our annual Moon Mullins Run, THANK YOU very much for supporting our Chapter. Your participation and contributions help fight discriminatory legislation, promote motorcycle awareness, rider education and help protect the freedom of the road.
Keep in touch with our Chapter by joining us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shadowmountainabate
Please subscribe to our Chapter email list to keep informed about events, bulletins and other announcements. All are welcome to join by sending an email request to: ABATEPhxShdwMtn@gmail.com or by visiting: https://groups.google.com/d/forum/phx-smforum
Meetings for the Phoenix/Shadow Mountain Chapter are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month. You are invited to attend our next meeting on Sunday November 13th at the Arizona American Italian Club (AAIC) 7509 North 12th Street, in Phoenix. Breakfast is available for $5 at 10:00am and the meeting starts at 10:30am.
Robb “Double B” Felder Communications - Phoenix/Shadow Mtn. Chapter
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
Southern Arizona Chapter
NThe season of Elections is upon us. In many cases for many people, the topic of politics causes and acute pain in the back that shoots to the neck and sometimes creates a debilitating migraine. Many people also believe Politics and religion are not proper or polite conversation and should be avoided. That is THE problem. The conversation often does not happen. When the Media sensationalizes campaigns and politics and the establishment Parties nurture the notion to kill the conversation, we eventually get the vitriol of polarized Politics in America that exists today. We the People are not engaging in a conversation or spirited debate. Instead we defer to Partisan operatives. America is shouting past one another to preach to their respective choir of those we identify with, while demonizing the “other side”. The culture of Politics in America today is neither healthy nor productive. The United States is in jeopardy of losing what IS great about America. America has been and is great because We the People enjoy the of the protection of free speech to dissent and protest, but also to celebrate and promote the value diversity with competing ideas. To be American is not just our right to challenge authority and assumptions, since the government is by The People it is our Patriotic duty. The false narrative of either/or is often the propaganda spin. There is often a third way or an all of the above approach to move forward. We will not grow as “congregation” by preaching to the choir. We do not need to agree or condone THEM, but we can at least understand or accept that what is right for me may not be right for everyone. Don’t take my word for it, Matthew 5:46 reads “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?” There is no reward or growth for a person to simply engage with the likeminded. So, the “Impolite” conversation is both American and Christian.
This is also true for the Motorcycle community. Motorcyclists need to engage in our communities. We need to have conversations with THEM, until we all become US in a greater sense of community where there is no right or wrong, just different. In my opinion, High Country Chapter is successful because they have great community ties beyond ABATE and the MMA. Last Year, Southern AZ made an important step with an event to benefit the VA Fisher House in Tucson, and another event in planning promises to continue those efforts. I am encouraged by the potential of what ABATE can be to promote and protect motorcycling when THEM is now US having a conversation to dispel misconceptions of each other and seek a consensus.
However, the promise ABATE of AZ to grow its congregation requires a Preacher and Choir. Lately, Chapter attendance has dipped in Southern AZ, and the Church of ABATE to educate legislators and THEM needs believers to step up and have those impolite conversations with Choir and THEM to grow the congregation to promote and protect motorcycling through conversations to educate our own and others in regards of Rights and Safety. ABATE of AZ is an all volunteer organization, so every member and officer, or Congregation and Choir needs to exits for the ABATE to exist.
As I said, election season is upon us and not just the Presidential and down ballot elections in November. ABATE of AZ needs the Congregation to step up to be the Choir, or the music could be silenced regarding Motorcycle Rights and Safety. ABATE needs Officers and Board members. If you care about Motorcycling and Saving a life that can your own, then I am asking the Congregation, all members to engage by stepping up as an Officer, attending meetings, attending events, responding to Calls to Action, or simply becoming a member of ABATE of AZ. Volunteering is the most rewarding experience, but we all need to respect that fact that both the Congregation, Choir and our Preacher are all volunteers. The first step is to show up. If you care about motorcycling, please show up.
During the next few months, ABATE of AZ needs to nominate and elect Chapter Officers and their respective Board members. These leaders need their support by members attending meetings events so we can be an effectual organization. So, please show up and lets’ keep the conversation going among ourselves so we may realize
the promise to engage our communities to expand our impact to protect and promote motorcycling. To borrow a line based on Governor Huey P Long, “If you don’t vote you don’t matter.” I may add in regards to an all volunteer nonprofit, like ABATE of AZ, that if you do not show up, then that tree will fall without a sound because no one was around. We then shall mourn the passing of motorcycling.
Also, be sure to vote in November. I will close by deferring to the eloquence of G.K Chesterton who said, “I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on men unless they act “
So, vote & show up, or forever hold your peace.
Sean C Pinder (520) 841-3830 Sean_Pinder@yahoo.com
ABATE of AZ http://abateofaz.org/ | Southern AZ Chapter BOD
MMA & MMAA of AZ Member | MRF & AMA Member
Yavapai Chapter
Hi Everyone, from Yavapai County!
Our Swap Meet was held at Addictions Bar and Grill on October 15. We are pleased to announce it was a rousing success! We hope to make this one an annual event.
We have two new officers, Mark Kessler and Dan Tumey as Interim Coordinator and Interim Vice-Coordinator. They have been VERY enthusiastic members since joining last year. We are very happy to welcome them to their new positions. They are also involved in the Prescott Trail Riders with their off-road bikes. They, and longtime member Reed Wilson, were instrumental in making our Swap Meet the success it was.
Stay tuned for information on our Spring Event - now in the planning stages. We are thinking about a local overnight event. Come to our next meeting and give us your ideas.
Now is the perfect time to be spending some day trips into Yavapai County. Daytime temperatures are nice - come up and see us before the evenings get too chilly! ABATE business member Addictions Bar and Grill has a wonderful menu with a long list of local beers; is laid back, has a great patio, and just a nice all around atmosphere. It's just off Iron Springs Road. Come up via Skull Valley and check them out.
We are seeking members and non-members alike to bring ideas and opinions to our monthly meetings. If you can't attend, please send us an email!
We meet at Addictions Bar and Grill on the second Wednesday of each month, at 6 pm. The address is 1590 Swenson St, Prescott. For more information, contact ycabateaz@gmail.com.
Suni Sommers Secretary, Yavapai Chapter ABATE
Yuma Chapter
The Yuma chapter met on October 11th at 6:00 pm at the Kountry Kitchen restaurant to conduct our monthly business meeting. The meeting was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, guests were introduced, and normal reports were addressed.
The Yuma Chapter continued planning for our “Welcome Back Snow Bird Run” that will be held on 29 October 2016 in Yuma. We nominated chapter officer for the November election.
The Yuma ABATE chapter meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. The next meeting will be held on November 8th, 2016 at the Kountry Kitchen Café located at 11242 S. Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. We would love to see you there.
For the love of freedom, Pastor D Coordinator & Communications Officer Yuma ABATE Chapter
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016 Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
PROSECUTOR DROPS EFFORT TO SEIZE DEVILS DICIPLES TRADEMARK ‘COLORS’
As Motorcycle Clubs continue to fight to save their patch, federal prosecutors have dropped a controversial bid to seize the trademark owned by the Devils Diciples MC, though the move does not end trademark challenges involving club colors.
In filings made on August 29, 2016 in federal court in Detroit, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan filed a notice dismissing the DDMC Trademark forfeiture, which states; “The government hereby provides notice that it is not seeking to forfeit the DDMC Trademark in this criminal proceeding and hereby dismisses it from the First Forfeiture Bill of Particulars.”
Most law enforcement asset-forfeiture efforts target conventional property, but prosecutors began trying to seize the Devils Diciples’ trademark as a byproduct of a criminal case in which prosecutors in October 2014 itemized property they wanted to seize, from guns to slot machines, and at the end of the 32-page property listing prosecutors included the club’s trademark. “These trademark cases are important to
ABATE IS:
· A Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO) · For Bikes & Riders, regardless of Race, Creed, color, sex, age, machine or gear · For all Motorcycles regardless of Fraternal or club affiliation, as well as Independents · For people interested in motorcycle safety · For People interested in rider education · For people interested in motorcycle awareness PSAs directed to non-Riders · For people interested in protecting and promoting motorcycling · A volunteer, not-for-profit grass-roots organization · For Motorcyclist who enjoy the ride $50 $8-20 $4,000 $3,000 $10 $3 $1,000 Priceless Priceless Priceless
$7,583 Value
Masterlink, Patch, Memb card TBFS Disc Entry, RV, Cabins AD&D Benefit 60% Discount Health Child Safe Kits White Bandana Leadership Training Motorcycle Awareness Rights Rider Education
ABATE of Arizona Serves to:
Coast to Coast
the clubs, whose free association has been threatened by the attempts by (prosecutors) to enjoin use of their membership (marks) by non-indicted persons,” Devils Diciples attorney Fritz Clapp told the McClatchyDC news site, adding that such cases have established important precedents regarding forfeiture of collective membership marks and the implications of free speech and association.
The prosecutor’s decision now to leave the Devils Diciples’ trademark alone does not put the brakes on other attempts to seize clubs’ colors as, most notably, the government is still taking aim at the Mongol Nation, whose intellectual property has been sought by federal prosecutors since 2008. A federal appellate court is now considering the Mongol Nation case. OREGON BIKER SCORES A WIN IN DISCRIMINATION CASE
After 14 years of spotless service, Ron Godwin was fired from his job as an Oregon youth corrections officer because of his club patch. A Grants Pass, Oregon police officer saw Godwin on his bike, wearing his club patch, called his boss and said Godwin was a member of a “criminal gang.” After a brief, so-called investigation, Godwin’s boss fired him.
Oregon’s AIM (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) and COC (Confederation of Clubs) Attorney Sam Hochberg took
up the case and filed suit in Federal Court in Medford, with assistance from lawyer Chris Bottoms. Depositions were taken, and with the help of ACLU volunteer lawyer Sara K. Staggs, the case was thoroughly briefed. The trial court ruled that, based on statements in depositions, Godwin had no case under the law. The case never got to the jury, but the ruling was appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and argued by ACLU volunteer lawyer Cody Hoesly.
On August 10, 2016, a three-judge panel from the Ninth Circuit issued a 17-page Memorandum opinion, including one dissent, and reversed that decision, sending it back to District Court for trial.
The panel analyzed cases about government employees’ rights of free speech and association, and found the State showed no legitimate interest that outweighed Ron Godwin’s First Amendment rights. As a Memorandum decision, the “unpublished” ruling can be cited in any Federal Court, so it’s useful nationwide.
“This is an important decision for the free speech and free association rights of all bikers, and club members in particular,” says Hochberg, now “Of Counsel” to Christopher Slater, the new Oregon and Washington AIM and Oregon COC Attorney. The case of Ronald Godwin v. Rogue
Join A.B.A.T.E.
· Collaborate with other organizations to monitor and support funding for practices that do not discriminate against motorcycling. · Encourage political involvement of its membership. · Promote and present motorcyclists and motorcycling in a positive and safe manner. · Help prevent motorcycle crashes and promote crash survival through rider education, and · · · · · Public awareness campaigns. · Encourage ongoing federal research programs such as use of E15 fuel in motorcycles, inclusion of motorcycles in ongoing transportation emerging technologies, and improvements in safer roadway design strategies. · Promote rider skills training through ABATE’s · Rider Advantage (ARA) scholarship program and tax-deductible entity ABATE accomplishments:
· Motorcycle Lobbyist at the State Legislature · 2013 Eliminated yearly motorcycle emissions testing in Maricopa County · 2007 Remove Motorcycle Safety Fund cap · 2007 Eliminated yearly motorcycle emissions testing in Pima County · 2004 Veteran’s plates for motorcycles · 2002 Arizona Motorcycle Safety Council established · 2001 Motorcycle Safety Fund established · 1997 Handlebar height raised to shoulder · 1993 Helped prevent mandatory helmet legislation in Arizona · 1992 Opened HOV lanes to motorcycles
PAGE 5 Valley Youth Correctional Facility, et al, now goes back to the trial court, absent further appeal or settlement.
TRAFFIC STATISTICS SHOW RISE IN FATALITIES, FEDS ISSUE CALL TO ACTION
Statistics compiled by the U. S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that 35,092 people died in traffic crashes in 2015, ending a five-decade trend of declining fatalities with a 7.2% increase in deaths, reflecting 2,348 more fatalities from motor vehicle crashes than in 2014.
Fatalities increased from 2014 to 2015 in almost all segments of the population— passenger vehicle occupants (+6.6%), passenger cars (+5.7%), large trucks (+11%), SUV occupants (+10.1%), van occupants (+9.3%), pickup truck occupants (+4.7%), pedestrians (+9.5%), bicyclists (+12.2%), motorcyclists (+8.3%), alcohol-impaired driving fatalities (+3.2%), male (+7.0%) / female (+7.4%), daytime (+7.2%) / nighttime (+7.1%). The estimated number of police-reported crashes increased by 3.8%, from 6.0 to 6.3 million, and there were 105,000 more people injured in motor vehicle crashes.
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
According to NHTSA, job growth and low fuel prices were two factors that led to increased driving, including increased leisure driving and driving by young people. More driving can contribute to higher fatality rates.
In 2015, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) increased 3.5 percent over 2014, the largest increase since 1992, nearly 25 years ago, though the fatality rate per 100 million VMT increased to 1.12 from 1.08 in 2014 which was the lowest since NHTSA began collecting fatality data through the Fatality Analysis Reporting System in 1975.
Upon releasing this new data, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a Call to Action: “We are calling on data scientists, public health experts, students and researchers -- even if you have never thought about road safety before -- to dive in to these data and help answer these important questions, especially on tough issues like pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities.” Interested organizations, companies and concerned citizens can download and analyze the data (ftp://ftp.nhtsa.dot.gov/fars/2015/) and share your insights at opendata@dot.gov.
CALIFORNIA ENACTS MOTORCYCLE TRAFFIC SCHOOL
A bill to give motorcyclists the option of attending a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course to satisfy the requirements of traffic school passed its final legislative hurdle on August 22, 2016 after passing unanimously through both houses of the state legislature with strong bipartisan support, and now awaits Governor Jerry Brown’s signature.
Traffic schools are approved and licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and allow drivers
Coast to Coast (continued)
who attend to avoid having points added to their record when they receive an eligible violation. While traffic school can be educational for car operators, the information presented is not always applicable to those who received a violation on a motorcycle. The CMSP offers safety courses for new and experienced riders that are more appropriate for motorcyclists, but until now, these courses have not been allowed to double as traffic schools.
Assembly Bill 1932 by Assemblyman Jay Obernolte’s (R-Hesperia) fixes this by updating California law to allow CMSP providers to become licensed traffic violator schools pursuant to DMV curriculum requirements.
These new courses would offer riding instruction in addition to education on the state’s traffic laws, which would better equip motorcyclists to ride safely on California roads.
“AB 1932 makes our roads safer and provides motorcycle owners with an educational option for removing a point from their driving record in the event that they receive an eligible moving violation,” Assemblyman Obernolte said. “The more training opportunities that we can provide for motorcyclists, the safer both riders and drivers in California will be.” GEORGIA EXTENDS HANDLEBAR HEIGHT
Affective July 1, 2016 legislation in Georgia has modified the state’s handlebar height law to allow for taller bars. Signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal, House Bill 166, the "Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act" increased the maximum measured height of a motorcycle’s handlebars from 15 inches above the seat to 25 inches.
Georgia is among 30 states that limit the
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
height of handlebars. Without a federal standard, the regulation of handlebars on motorcycles rests with the states. Currently, 11 states limit the height of handlebars to 15 inches above the saddle. Five others require the handlebars to be below the height of the shoulder. Last summer, South Dakota, which hosts the annual Sturgis Rally became the most recent state to repeal its shoulder level statute, legalizing so-called “ape hangers” just in time for the 75th annual rally. Discriminatory in nature, handlebar height laws have no impact on rider safety, and most were adopted by states decades ago to provide police with an excuse to pull over bikers on choppers. VULNERABLE ROAD USERS COMPONENT ADDED TO ACT DRIVER’S LICENSE TESTS Young drivers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) around Canberra, Australia’s capital city, will have to be able to prove they can share the road safely with cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians before they'll be granted a license, the ACT government has announced.
People applying for learner permits or provisional licenses must demonstrate they can drive around vulnerable road users or risk failing their test, the ACT's Road safety Minister Shane Rattenbury told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"It's really exciting that more and more Canberrans are choosing to walk and cycle around Canberra,” he said. “However, it's important that we ensure that our road rules can accommodate all road users safely, and that all road users are aware of these rules."
Twenty extra questions will be added to the road rules knowledge test. Applicants must score 100% on this section to gain their learner's license. During their practical driving test, learners going for their “Ps” (Provisional P1 license) must demonstrate they can navigate roads with bicycle lanes and move through areas of slow traffic where motorcyclists may be lane-filtering. Applicants will be tested in areas frequented by cyclists and pedestrians, including shared zones, town centers, group centers, aged-care facilities and school zones. HANOI PLANS MOTORCYCLE BAN
The city of Hanoi, Vietnam, has announced a plan to completely ban motorcycles by 2025. The plan is based on an effort to reduce traffic congestion
by promoting public transportation.
The proposal may have been prompted by a recent decision in Paris, France to ban motorcycles made before 1999.
Hanoi now has an estimated 4.9 million motorcycles and scooters on the roads, so a total ban seems extreme and may prove a difficult matter to successfully employ. Last year, the monthly motorcycle registration figures ranged from 8,000 to 20,000. Officials estimated that within the next four years the city would have nearly 7 million two wheelers on Hanoi streets.
Hanoi’s air quality has been regularly listed as Unhealthy by the Real Time Air Quality Index, and officials say the plan is to encourage bikers to use public transportation instead. Currently Hanoi has a fleet of some 1,000 buses, accounting for 27 million passenger rides each month. The new plan would create six more metro lines, three Bus Rapid Transit Lines and 18 new bridges within the next 14 years. DO YOU TRUST YOUR NEWS SOURCE?
When Gallup pollsters recently asked the question: “How much trust and confidence do you have in the media?” respondents cited “Great Deal / Fair Amount” by only 32%, the lowest number on the subject in Gallup’s 34 year history.
In contrast, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) has been disseminating timely and accurate motorcycle news and information for over three decades, and the AIM/NCOM Motorcycle E-News Service now reaches over a million motorcyclists across the country and around the globe with each monthly edition of NCOM Biker Newsbytes, Calls-To-Action, and important news releases of interest to ALL motorcyclists in the riding community. Concerned clubs, organizations and riders’ rights activists are encouraged to subscribe to this free biker news service at www.ON-A-BIKE.com or by calling AIM/NCOM at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE.
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “The law will never make men free, it is men that have to make the law free.” ~ Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American naturalist, poet and philosopher
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 Jim Silk FYI 602 312 1927
High Country Chapter High Country Chapter meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday at 10 a.m. at The Moose Lodge in Star Valley. Contact: chicknbone@live .com or 928-970-1134
Phoenix / Shadow Mountain Chapter Phoenix/Shadow Mountain meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 10:30am at the AZ American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. FMI: Chapter Coordinator Mike Schneider, 602-549-1044, mike@squarepegpromos.com
Southern Arizona Chapter The Southern Arizona Chapter will meet the third Saturday. We will gather at the Kettle
Restaurant, 748 W Starr Pass 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 every second Wednesday at 6:00 pm at Addictions Bar and Grill, an ABATE business member. 1590 Swenson St, Prescott 86305. Just off Iron Springs Road. FMI ycabateaz@gmail.com
Yuma Chapter Yuma Chapter meets the second Tuesday evening monthly at 6:00 PM at the pm. The next meeting will be held at the Kountry Kitchen Café located at 11242 S Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. 85365. For additional information contact Frank White (Hound) at 209-327-0814.
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016 A to Z Mobile Repair Services of Tucson 520-304-6078
ABATE of Arizona Business Members
Addictions Bar & Grill Prescott 978-237-9029
Brothers, Sons and Pop Motorcycle Shop Tucson 520-370-7788 Buchanan Construction 928-978-3291
ALMA MC
American Family Insurance Peoria & Glendale 623-225-7299
Big Sky Motorcycles Tucson 520-886-7388
CCA Scottsdale 480-985-6764 Chuy’s Mesquite Broiler Tucson 520-722-5117 Coyote Auto Payson 928-472-1100
Biker’s Mall Mesa 623-335-1000
D & G Paint & Body Willcox 520-384-2933
Bobby’s Territorial HarleyDavidson Yuma 928-782-1931
El Rancho Restaurant Payson 928-474-3111
Brewer’s Truck Repair, Inc Willcox 520-384-2846
Brown & Little, P.L.C., Attorneys at Law Tempe 480-299-2093 Breyer Law Offices, P.C. Phoenix 480-505-2160
PAGE 7
Great Lakes Properties Tucson 520 203-2323
Greater Payson Moose Lodge #852 Payson 928-474-6212
Gypsy’s Roadhouse Phoenix
HDBitchin http://hdbitchin.com
HeadKase Motorcycles Tempe 480-557-5223 Herman’s Automatic Transmissions Tucson 520-294-8717J Joeta’s Leather Mesa 480-827-1868
La Gitana Cantina Arivaca 520-398-0810
Lucky 13 Synthetics Sahuarita 619-647-4895 Maaco Tucson 520-495-5411
Marc Victor, P.C., Attorney Chandler 480-455-5229 Monkey Butt Garage Phoenix 602-456-2453
Old Bastards MC
Pappy’s Diner Tucson 520-408-5262
Punkin Center Bar Tonto Basin 928-479-2627 Renegade Classics Tucson 520-647-9312
Sacred Bones Society M/C http://www.sacredbones.org/
Sidewinders Tavern and Grill Pine 928-476-6434 Spur Bar Star Valley 928-472-7787 Territorial Bar & Grill Tucson 520-514-9035
The Maverick Saloon Phoenix 602-943-5680
Tonto Silkscreen & Embroidery Payson 928-474-4207
Meeting of the Minds Report (continued)
- support R.P.M. act for mc modifications - support H.R. 831, the national anti-profiling bill resolution, currently endorsed by two congressmen, needs more support in house to be passed
Our D.C. lobbyist, Megan Ekstrom, was present to insure proper wording and legalities after some intense discussion on these issues.
I was honored to accept the MRF award to Arizona, 2nd place for Sustaining Motorcycle Club Memberships.
I credit Still Ray for his years of work to achieve this recognition, thanks again Still Ray, love and respect from myself, Tinners MC and all the members of the Arizona motorcycle community. I am officially your Arizona MRF
Representative. My reports to the MRF will include all the Arizona SMRO's issues. United we stand. Please feel free to contact me with ideas, questions and concerns regarding state and national motorcycle rights.
The main message for anti-profiling was to document even the smallest of harrassment or profiling by law enforcement, this is what won the cases in two states
already.
Love and respect, always, ride safe and ride free. Dale “Animal” Dedrick Tinners MC Lobbyist, A.C.M.C. AZ State MRF Rep.
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 ABATE of Arizona
PAGE 8
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016 November 2016
11/4 {Fri} Motorcycles on Main Bike Night in Downtown Mesa from 6-10pm. Music by The Unknown Associates. Beer Garden, vendors, & more. Park & show your bike. Eateries open. Takes place every first Friday between September & June. Vendors call Courtney 480890-2613 https://facebook.com/MotorcyclesOnMain
11/5 {Sat} Evil Twin Custom Cycles of Mesa hosts Bike Night at Arlie’s Bar & Grill 2155 E University Dr, Ste 116, Tempe, 85281 from 6-10pm. Music & sit-in jam session hosted by Unknown Associates. Games, specials, & more. Every 1st Saturday. FMI: Robert 480-7840040, http://tinyurl.com/zmwtqsg | robert@eviltwincustomcycle.com 11/5 (Sat) Spartan Riders MC Glendale 2nd Annual Map Run. Sign-in 9am at Glendale Clubhouse. $10 single ,$15 couple. Raffles , Hi and Low hands ,50/50, drink and food specials. Come take a ride and have a good time. Clubhouse -43rd Avenue and Keim Drive Glendale
11/5 (Sat) 3rd Annual Bikers Against Childhood Cancer, presented by Red Iron MC Tucson and Leathernecks MC Tucson, $15 single/$20 couple. Food provided with admission. Red Iron MC Tucson clubhouse 3255 E. 36th St. Tucson, AZ 11/5 (Sat) 3rd annual Shake Rattle & Roll for
October 3, 2016 Federal Guidance Released on Autonomous Vehicles; Questions Remain About States’ Role
Events Calendar
Parkinson's Ride. Run starts & ends at Desert Wind Harley-Davidson, 922 S. Country Club Drive Mesa, 85210. Check-in & b’fast from 911am. $25/sgl, $45/cpl includes B’fast- LunchGift Bag. Scenic East Valley route, live music by Skarlett Fever, people games, indoor poker walk, a HUGE raffle! FMI: www.twogalsevents.com | Twogalsamy@hotmail.com
11/5 (Sat) Bob’s Biker Blast hosted by HD of Scottsdale & GoAZ at HDoS 15656 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale 85260. Music includes Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan & Kellie Pickler. Benefits Phoenix Children's Hospital. I Ride 4 PCH run sign-in @ 11a @ PCH in Phoenix. Motorcycle giveaway & more. FMI: 480-905-1903, www.hdofscottsdale.com | https://www.facebook.com/events/61769517504 4258 11/6 (Sun) TINNERS MC 2ND Annual Meals on Wheels Poker Run, details to follow.
11/12 (Sat) Happy Endings Run, Sho Ryders / Sober Riders - Tucson chapters ... more info to come.
11/12 (Sat) Loners MC NV 10th Annual Old School Bike Show/Rat Rod Show & Motorcycle Swap Meet, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Swap Meet starts at 7:00 AM, Live Band, Food & Drink Specials, Chicken Shit Bingo. Road Runner Restaurant & Saloon 47801 N. Black Canyon Highway New River, AZ 85087
PAGE 9
Celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday with the Leathernecks MC! There will good food music and a 50/50 raffle!Mpre to follow.
11/13 (Sun) CaveCreek Hells Angels Bikers & Bulls, Rodeo Parade Ride starts at Steel Horse Saloon 1818 W. Bell Rd. Phx, Sign in 8:00am pack pulls out at 10:00am, RoadRunner Saloon I-17 & New River Rd.
11/19 (Sat) Loose Cannons 123rd Arizona presents Hills Have Eyes Poker Run, First stop @ the Shamrock in Miami, other stops TBD, ends at Clubhouse... Find us on Facebook.Starts at Shamrock Bar in Miami 4169 E Hey 60 Miami, A 85539 11/19 (Sat) 3rd Annual Ride for Ryan House with Breathe Life Riders, Starting Point - Ryan House - 110 West Merrell Street, Phoenix, AZ 85013 Registration starts at 9:30am with the last bike out at 11am., This will be a poker run, with the end party at the Road Runner; New River, AZ. Price: $15.00 Single Rider / $25.00 Double Rider
11/20 (Sun) ALMA MC Eastside & Cultura CC Phoenix are uniting to bring you "High Bars, Low Cars" Motorcycle and Car Show. Gate Opens to the Public at 11am, $10 per person, 12 & Under Free, FMI https://m.facebook.com/127EASTSIDE/
11/12 (Sat) Operation Infidel, Come out and
News from the MRF
WASHINGTON, DC – Over the last several months, an influx of companies have announced plans to pursue the creation and manufacture of self-driving cars. GM, Daimler, Volvo, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Audi and BMW are only a fraction of global automakers that have already announced their intention to pursue technology making some vehicle models fully or partially autonomous. And as they often do, the federal government has had to play catch up in taking a position on this emerging technology and where they fit in to facilitate the entry of autonomous vehicles onto American roads.
Recently, the Department of Transportation gave good indication of where they stand with the issuance of federal guidelines released on September 20. The guidance included a 15-point safety assessment for automakers to design, develop and test self-driving cars. The framework also includes options for federal transportation regulators to authorize automated vehicles under existing law, as well as lists legislative or regulatory changes that could be needed "as the technology evolves and is deployed more widely." In addition, automakers will have to document to federal regulators how they're addressing ethical considerations like whether to program a car to hit another vehicle rather than a pedestrian.
Importantly, the policy did make clear that federal and state roles needed to be clearly defined and insisted that the goal was to avoid fifty individual state standards thus creating a “patchwork” of autonomous vehicle laws. Instead, the guidance suggested that the state’s role should focus more on traditional functions as they have in the past; specifically licensing and liability.
A number of states, however, have already begun taking steps to address the technology. According to the National
Conference of State Legislators, Nevada was the first state to authorize the operation of autonomous vehicles in 2011. Since 2012, at least 34 states and D.C. have considered legislation related to autonomous vehicles. As more and more automakers announce intentions to also utilize the technology, the number of states pursuing legislation on the issue will likely grow.
Critics of the guidance say that the Department of Transportation (DoT) needs to establish formal and enforceable regulations governing self-driving vehicles. However, DoT countered saying that going through the traditional rulemaking process to establish federal regulations would not keep up with new technology and they needed to remain flexible to address new concerns as they emerge. Supporters of the guidance agreed, saying that the policy gives automakers the green light to be innovative, but still keeps safety at the forefront through its recommended safety assessment. In addition, DoT announced that it intends to update the policy each year in order for it to remain up-to-date and reflect the current technology and environment.
It appears through the issuance of guidance rather than regulations that the role of the federal government may lean heavily on oversight and enforcement. In fact, the guidance suggested that DoT may ask Congress for more oversight powers to achieve this. Just how and to what extent the federal government will be involved with this technology still very much remains to be seen. The question will be more closely examined over the course of the next few months with congressional hearings already in the works likely taking place during the lame duck session of Congress which kicks off after the general election in November.
Many people consider autonomous vehicles to be a significant part of the future of the automotive industry. For motorcycle riders, they too understand that selfdriving vehicles will be on the road in the future, but have started to voice con-
cerns from the perspective of concern for their safety. While not opposed to autonomous vehicles, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) maintains that federal authorities must require robust testing with regard to motorcycle recognition and responsiveness. Given their smaller profile on the road, it’s a valid concern for many bikers. In addition, the MRF insists DoT must ensure that electronic security systems have strong standards to ensure safety and security precautions eliminate risks to motorcyclists. In addition, clear liability of fault must be established when it comes to crashes, and in doing so, motorcyclists should not face unfair advantages. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation plans to file comments on the DoT guidance echoing their concerns voiced above. To see the DoT announcement and review the federal guidance and fact sheets, click on the following link: https://www.transportation.gov/AV
========================== October 5, 2016
Department of Transportation Unveils ‘Road to Zero’ Sets Lofty Goal of Achieving Zero Traffic Deaths by 2030
WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, over 75 organizations dedicated to highway safety gathered to hear details about a new initiative from the Department of Transportation called, “Road to Zero.” Officials from the Department of Transportation (DoT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Safety Council unveiled details of the initiative touting its commitment to eliminate all traffic-related deaths by the year 2030.
continued page 13
Motorcycle Riders Foundation Awareness & Education (MRFA&E) was established to promote motorcycle awareness and education due to an everincreasing rider population. No one is more concerned with rider safety than riders themselves, and obviously those best suited to educate newer riders are veteran riders.
Promote awareness and education in the motorcycle community to improve rider’s safety. Please donate, we are a 501C3 Corporation. Your donation is tax deductible. To donate go to our web site listed at the bottom.
Motorcycle Riders Foundation Awareness & Education (MRFA&E) 1325 G Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 546-0983
PAGE 10
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
MRFs Meeting of the Minds Recap (continued)
Motorcycle Profiling Project, Lenny Holcomb with ABATE SC, and Russell Radke, with Bikers for Christ-NV.
They discussed positive experiences of forming effective working groups between motorcycle clubs and independents. A better understanding of why it is important that many bikers and riders come into the effort to end motorcycle discrimination and profiling by law enforcement. The value of communicating often and communicating everything, stick to talking points, document L.E. infractions by using incident reporting forms and get copies to Double D at www.motorcycleprofilingproject.com The next breakout session I took was “How to Be an Effective Grassroots Advocate” presented by Megan Ekstrom, MRF VP of Governmental Affairs & Public Relations and Tiffany Cipoletti,
As I sit here stumbling to think of the proper words to describe probably one of the most fun events that I whole heartedly hope takes hold as an annual event. I know that bowling has been an annual East Valley Chapter event for a while, but it is my understanding that this was the first time that we have really officially challenged Phoenix Shadow Mountain Chapter. Or as I prefer to say it, “we glove slap challenged them to a bowling duel!”
MRF Office Manager. Tiffany got her feet wet lobbying on behalf of the MRF after Jeff Hennie left last year. Since that time, her interest in motorcycling & motorcycle rights has increased ten-fold.
Megan told us that there is $250,000,000 in Federal grant monies available for motorcycle training and safety programs. She can email requirements to anyone interested in applying for grant money.
When lobbying your legislators, Megan encourages us to; Tell your story Share your opinion Educate lawmakers on how laws and regulations effect you. One phone call may increase the chance of a positive support vote on legislation by 11%. Attend social events and fund raisers with your elected officials. MRF PAC has
funds to support such events, all you have to do is fill out a form with details and submit to MRFPAC@mrf.org. SMRO’s must pre-approve. $200-$500 Checks are promptly sent by MRF and may be used for re-election campaigns. Federal congress recess is in August, and may offer an opportunity to meet them in their home state. Meeting with one of their staffers can yield great results. US Reps and Senators have 15-30 staffers each, depending on how they budget and length of service. Hand out flyers, make phone calls, stuff envelopes for your local reps. – they will remember your service and break the ice. Invite legislators to our charity events and chapter meetings Use social media, post pics and messages to legislators, “like” them on FaceBook or “follow” on Twitter. Only post relevant, informative, true articles. Subscribe to their e-newsletters
Biker Bowling
After our monthly Chapter meeting at the Eagles on August 28, we adventured to Fat Cats in Gilbert where Jack had made arrangements for our bowling duel. We knew thru Facebook and email that we had some interested people, but truly had no idea how many would show up. My first response is to say a crap load showed up. Now with that not being proper I will put it this way. We were pleasantly surprised if not even a little shocked to see 30 to 50 people show up. About 30 bowled. We had as many people as possi-
ble autograph the bowling pin trophy.
Kudos is to be given to Fat Cats in Gilbert they did a wonderful job of accommodating us. Luckily to even the scores (for those of us with less bowling talent) they serve drinks to those who choose to indulge and yet be responsible adults. I can personally tell you that the chicken finger strips are pretty good too. It was a couple of hours of good spirited competition. We do have some technicalities to work out, but like anything else it
If you don’t get a response, go up a level, i.e.: Legislative Director or Chief of Staff Official tours of your state capital helps eliminate fear of lobbying and familiarizes you with offices. Contact local AMA District to meet up and join forces, form a coalition Groom SMRO members to become more involved and reliable to react when grass roots help is needed
In closing, if you’re an ABATE member, you need to also be an MRF member. Your membership of both organizations is critical to protecting your right to ride free on the local and national levels. Go to www.mrf.org and JOIN TODAY!!
THANK YOU A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona for sponsoring my attendance to this annual conference. It always fuels me to continue fighting for our rights.
will only get smoother with time.
In the end, East Valley Coordinator and State Treasurer, Jim Silk brought the autographed bowling pin trophy home to East Valley Chapter.
I know that I can hardly wait until next year’s duel.
Here’s to wind knots in my hair, Dawn Steed East Valley Chapter and State Secretary
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
PAGE 11
Biker Bowling
# #
%
# * *
$ % !& $ % $ % $ % $ %
' + +
%
!" !" " !"
&
(
&
) !" !" !"
& &
! #$%&&&
' %+
' &
, +" / & /
%,
& " -
+
&
& " -
%
% "
% & " %
& &
1 + & 1
1
"
*#
+ &-
&
+ 3
()& -
+ .0
/ & 2
. 1& . & % .
"
& + %
4 "
# *
$% &
3
4
" % *
& '
:
2
! -
.
)
"5
0
,6 7 -
1 11 . 4
5
4 1 11 .
)
. 7 '
( ) * +,
) .
0
' ! (
;
8 3$<
. 9
.
))= (! =
$ 3$ >
PAGE 12
MASTERLINK NOVEMBERâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;2016
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
Officials spoke about ‘losing ground’ when it comes to lowering death rates on the nation’s roadways and pointed to the recently published statistic of a 7.2% increase in traffic deaths in 2015 which accounted for over 35,000 lives lost. Even more troubling were preliminary numbers for the first half of 2016 which shows a potentially even greater increase, currently projected to be 10.4%. Note that these numbers are for all traffic related deaths; not just motorcyclists.
Specifics of the initiative were still in development with DoT authorities projecting a 12-18-month time frame for developing details of the long term plan. However, NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind laid out three areas that he expected the initiative to center around which included the following:
1. Proactive Vehicle Safety: Ensuring that DoT and automakers have the tools necessary to ensure vehicle safety such as the ability to issue recalls and proactive safety measures like automatic emergency braking and lane infiltration detection
News from the MRF (cont)
systems.
2. Focus on Automotive Vehicle Technology: This area would center around a framework for self-driving vehicles and vehicles with automated driving technology ensuring that the technology continues to advance in a way that will help to eliminate driver error resulting in “untold potential” in saving lives on the nation’s roadways.
3. New Solutions to Human Behavior: Referencing the statistic that 94% of crashes are due to driver error, the Road to Zero initiative would make this a key area of focus looking at concerns like distracted and drowsy driving as well as driving under the influence. According to officials, the key to making progress in these areas is to create a culture in the U.S. that engaging in these behaviors are unacceptable.
With the general parameters laid out, the conversation shifted to who and what groups would participate in developing the specifics of the long-term plan in
achieving Road to Zero’s objectives. There is currently a steering committee of 12 groups which included auto and equipment manufacturers, researchers and other entities such as the Governors’ Institute for Highway Safety. In addition to the steering group, authorities proposed a role for all interested parties to play a role in the coalition which is likely to meet quarterly over the next 18 months. It was unclear if any motorcycle presence or viewpoints would be taken into consideration though generally the consensus was that DoT was interested in participation from all interested parties. After the long-term plan is developed, additional activities will take place including funding for grants for organizations that aim to achieve the objectives laid out as well as a road map for policy, legislative and regulatory decision makers to incorporate into new or existing laws and regulations. In addition to the steering committee and broader coalition, the point was made that Road to Zero would also engage with
PAGE 13
partners with similar objectives; namely Europe’s ‘Vision Zero’ embraced by some U.S. cities and states as well as ‘Towards Zero’ which employs similar objectives. It should be noted that when Europe’s own Vision Zero was introduced some years ago, motorcycles were a controversial subject with some suggesting that had no place in modern traffic systems.
Understanding that this initiative will be a major area of focus for regulators and policymakers over the next year, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) will continue to be engaged in the coalition ensuring that motorcycles, biker rights’ and a focus on motorcycle crash prevention remain a part of the dialogue as this initiative moves forward. In addition, the MRF will pay particularly close attention and seek unbiased answers as to how the initiatives under this program have played out in Europe and ensure these communications are made to policymakers in the U.S. as this program gets underway.
Arizona at Meeting of the Minds 2016
PAGE 14
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
Do You Know Who AMSAF is and What They Do?
If you’re a motorcycle rider or potential rider, you should.
Did you know that in 2015 and 2016 we’re seeing an increase in motorcycle crashes? At the same time we’re seeing an increase in Motorcycle registrations. AMSAF is concerned about this and has been since the start of AMSAF about six (6) years ago. AMSAF is a nonprofit 501c3 and our goal from day one has been to help reduce motorcycle crashes, injuries and fatalities.
Here’s how we’ve been trying to help the Motorcycle community:
We feel education is the best way to help reduce crashes and one big way to do this is to promote motorcycle training. We do that through Scholarships that we give out every month to get folks into a Motorcycle Basic Rider Course (BRC) that is classroom and riding on the course for two plus days. Our scholarship process helps get you into a motorcycle training school of your choice that is Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certified and at a reduced price. http://www.amsaf.org/scholarships/ Since the start of this we’ve given out over 1500 Scholarships from age 15 ½ to 70. 51 % male and 49% female. We’ve
A.B.A.T.E. of AZ, East Valley Chapter 14th Annual Hard Ass Run 2016 By Mary K. “MK” Donnay
On Saturday, October 8th, the A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona East Valley Chapter hosted the 14th Annual HARD ASS RUN. This annual chapter fund-raiser is traditionally a 300+ mile mystery poker run on scenic by-ways. Show up ready for any weather climate, because you don’t know where you’re going to until they tell you! Run shirts are “awarded” at the end stop, if you follow directions and make it to the end stop!
I did a safety check and washed my H-D Road Glide the night before. Hey, it’s still new to me and I’m proud to own it, so I keep it in tip top shape. Had my bike filled up with gas and ready to go, so left her in my driveway over-night, ready to ride. Lying in bed about 5 a.m. Saturday morning, I heard rain start, it poured hard for about 20 minutes. No big deal, just wiped ‘er down before I mounted and
given out scholarships to individuals in all 14 counties here in Arizona.
Many of our scholarship winners had never ridden before, some had experience and some had been riding for a long time without an M endorsement. Now their riding legal.
Every Tuesday we give out Motorcycle Safety tips on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/AMSAF.ORG/ You can also find crash statistical information, weekly safety tips from the past and many other great information related to Motorcycle safety on our website, www.amsaf.org
All of this is possible through Grants from the State, wonderful Sponsor’s and donations in support of Motorcycle Safety. http://www.amsaf.org/contributevolunteer/
Monday, August 1st was an exciting time for Arizona Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Foundation (AMSAF) as we roll out Motorcycle Training Scholarship's again. This time we offer the Basic Rider Course (BRC) and Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2). Go to: http://www.amsaf.org/scholarships/
Help us reduce Motorcycle crashes, injuries and fatalities here in Arizona by taking one of these courses. There are seven (6) Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Certified schools here in the State. Check out one of them and get signed up. Here's a definition of these two: Basic Rider Course (BRC) Prerequisites: Ability to ride a bicycle. Full protective attire is required. Must be of legal age to operate a motorcycle on the street. Depending on State, participants may need a driver's license and/or motorcycle permit.The Basic Rider Course is a complete entry-level, learn-to-ride class that consists of at least 15 hours of formal classroom activities and on-cycle riding exercises conducted over two or three days. About five hours are devoted to learning activities in the classroom, and around 10 hours of hands-on practice are included. Training motorcycles are provided. Successful completion may lead to a waiver of the motorcycle license skill test and an insurance discount.
Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC 2) Prerequisites: A valid motorcycle permit, license, or endorsement. Riders must provide their own street-legal and safe motorcycle.
We started the run at The Trough Bar & Grill at 9303 E. Apache Trail, Mesa (just east of Ellsworth). $20 donation per person, $30 for 2-up. 55 people signed in. I drew my first poker card, a 7of Spades (damn it) and got instructions to stop #2, Buffalo Bar & Grill at 311 S. Beeline Hwy., Payson, 77 miles.
When I found out we were headed to Payson, I text a few brothers and sisters from our High Country Chapter so they might meet up with us. Wayne and Dee showed up – that was a delightful highlight to my day. They are true friends and freedom fighters. Pulled card #2, 8 of Hearts (another crappy card).
Next stop instructions directed us to The Cabin Bar & Grill at 2763 AZ Hwy. 260 in Overgaard, 56 miles. I’d never been there, but know MMA has had a few events there, so I am glad to know where it is now and that they’re biker friendly.
If you know of someone riding or thinking about riding, tell them about AMSAF. Help us be proactive and get as many folks into Motorcycle training here in the State. Together let’s do what we can to save a life or prevent a crash. TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT
Mick Degn Chairman Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation (AMSAF) info@amsaf.org www.amsaf.org
A one-day course for riders with basic
14th Annual Hard Ass Run 2016
packed my rain gear.
skills, this class provides more in-depth riding techniques and procedures than practiced in the BRC. The course consists of activities that emphasize personal risk management and self-assessment strategies, and on-cycle exercises with emphasis in cornering, braking and swerving. For permit holders, this course may be used as a license waiver course, if permitted by state regulations. Riders in this category would be required to successfully complete a knowledge and skill test. For riders already possessing a license or endorsement, the testing portions of the course are optional.
Pulled card #3, 7 of Spades again (hey, got a pair!).
The instructions given for stop #4 sent us to Jammerz, 598 N. Broad Street in Globe, 119 miles, via Show Low and the Salt River Canyon. We stopped at a scenic overlook of the Salt River Canyon, what a beautiful view. Still no rain yea!!
Jammerz is a small dive bar with a nice back patio, plenty of group seating and outdoor band stage. Being October, they’d decorated for Halloween, complete with a coffin in the bar and goule inside. I decided to find out how it feels to be in a coffin, so got in and crossed my hands over my chest and took a short rest. It actually didn’t creep me out at all. I drew a 6 of Spades (not looking good). The instructions to the final stop took us to a family-oriented western joint called the Hitching Post at 2341 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, for a grand total
of 314 miles. The group I was with had stopped at Los Hermanos in Superior for Mexican food, so we got to the final stop a bit after the 6:15 p.m. deadline. None of us had a good hand going anyways and it’s all about the ride and comradery.
We watched a spectacular lightning show from the back patio at the Hitching Post, coming towards us from Globe. We lucked out and rode ahead of the storm.
High Hand $100 winner was Jerry, Low Hand $50 winner was Lil Bit (former Ms. Too Broke for Sturgis 2015) and we raised $104 in the 50/50 – sorry they didn’t get that winners name. Special thanks go to Dawn West for coordinating the run, Tim Zemnick for creating the run shirt design, Tombstone Brewing Co. for sponsoring the t-shirts, and all the East Valley Chapter members who manned stops. Another Hard Ass Run in the history books without any break downs or issues … or rain!!
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
By Johnny D ALMA MC ACMC Designated Lobbyist ABATE State PAC Officer
Hello again, it is near the end of October as I write this. By the time you read it, Riot on the River will have been a great party in Winkleman. Picture about 2,000 bikers doing what we like to do the most. Friends, bikes, games, and fun happening in a campground that is secluded. I hope that you went. There is a great deal going on.
I get to go to Irvine, CA for an NCOM board meeting this month. There are several bills being considered at the federal level. One of them is a house resolution recognizing that biker profiling is an
ABATE PAC Report
issue in every state. Being a lobbyist has me involved on all levels of government. I am in contact with lawmakers at every level of the government. This year ABATE is supporting Kyrsten Sinema in her reelection bid. She has been with us for four years in congress on every bill we had in play. MRF is supporting her as well. MRF is also supporting Ann Kirkpatrick in her senate bid. Ann is a friend to bikers as well. This election will be pivotal. The animosity on the campaign trail is palpable.
Our governor has tried for two sessions to expand private prisons by 2000 beds. The marijuana legalization effort could scuttle his plans for good. If they can’t prosecute for possession or cultivation of pot, the prisons will be closing rather than expanding. Do you want a tax cut? Would you like schools to be funded fully? The extra money left after the legalization of weed will go a long way. The tax money from legalized MJ will fund schools longer than the land trust scam.
Whomever wins the presidential election will leave many on the other side disheartened and angry. I would like to remind everyone that our nation has sur-
Hard Ass Run 2016
vived much worse in its history. In my life time one president was assassinated, one likely president was murdered, one was nearly killed, and one resigned in disgrace. One president we had was never elected by the people. I hope that we can all remember that after the dust has settled, we are all American bikers and our true goal in life is to live free. To that end, the ACMC is running a biker profiling again this year. We will be getting help from the Motorcycling Profiling Project, AKA David Devereaux. We will also receive input from Maryland, Washington, and California SMROs. This year we need everyone on board. Some people want to run a lane sharing bill but our community is mixed on that. Many do not want to see this legalized in Arizona fearing backlash from cagers stuck in traffic. One idea was to allow motorcycles to split lanes and use shoulders to exit heavy traffic. There are those who have their minds set on a full lane sharing law. Law enforcement opposes this, of course, because they claim their ability to pull over speeding bikes in traffic will be limited. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) will have input as well as our Governor’s friend,
PAGE 15 the head of the DPS. I don’t expect that law to pass during this state administration.
The Motorcycle Safety Fund is on another bill. The new version will not include a board to advise and consent as to appropriations from the fund, but Alberto Gutier, director of GOHS has promised to use the majority of the money to fund AMSAC scholarships. I hope this happens. Since the beginning of this practice, motorcycle deaths are lower than prior to it. We still have too many people going don carelessly, or hitting fixed objects. More than 50 in 2015. I hope to see this number decrease in this year. The ADOT publishes records in June after the year recorded.
In August I was hospitalized for a month. When I got home I wasn’t up to writing, or anything for that matter. I appreciate the love and well wishes from the entire ABATE membership. I thank you all for caring. My family is huge. Our community is solid. I am working on making it larger. I will see you after the election. Ride safe, ride free.
Moon Mullins Run 2016
Would you like to receive The Masterlink digitally? It is posted monthly on the ABATE website - www.abateofaz.org. Opt out of the receiving the The Masterlink? Please contact the ABATE Office if you would like to no longer receive a hard copy of The Masterlink. 480-256-9237 or keim.larry@gmail.com
PAGE 16
MASTERLINK NOVEMBERâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;2016
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
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 (623) 975-6264 LUKE AFB 85309 MARICOPA BASE Motorcycle Rider PEORIA 85345 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 979-1839 View Training VEHICLE SAFETY View YUMA 85367 YUMA Click Here (928) 376-7489 INSTITUE FT T.E.A.M. Arizona 85613 COCHISE Click Here (520) 733-9888 View HUACHUCA Sierra Vista Pima Community View TUCSON 85707 PIMA (520) 206-3981 College T.E.A.M. Arizona View TUCSON 85714 PIMA Click Here (520) 733-9888 Tucson RIDE NAZ -View BELLEMONT 86015 COCONINO (928) 443-0111 FLAGSTAFF Ride Northern View PRESCOTT 86301 YAVAPAI Click Here (928) 443-0111 Arizona - Prescott T.E.A.M. Arizona PRESCOTT 86301 YAVAPAI Click Here (928) 771-2500 View Prescott MOHAVE View KINGMAN 86401 MOHAVE (928) 757-0825 COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAKE MOHAVE (928) 505-3321 View HAVASU 86403 MOHAVE COMMUNITY CITY COLLEGE MOHAVE JB'S 86440 MOHAVE Click Here (866) 668-6462 View VALLEY RESTAURANT
ATTENTION - ALL RIDERS: =======================
It has come to our attention that business establishments in Arizona may still be discriminating against motorcyclists. Please carry copies of this form with you at all times. Discrimination can range from a sign stating "No Colors" or "No Motorcycle Parking" or "No Motorcycle Attire" etc., to simply being asked to leave a place of business, just because you are on a motorcycle or because of your riding apparel. If anything like this happens to you, PLEASE fill out this form in its entirety and send it to the address noted. Your lobbyists cannot get sponsorship for "equal access" legislation, without evidence of this type of discrimination. Documentation of Discrimination DATE: ______________
Business Phone _______________
NAME OF ESTABLISHMENT: __________________________________ BUSINESS PHONE (with area code): __________________________________ BUSINESS - FULL ADDRESS: ___________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ NAME / POSITION OF PERSON ENFORCING POLICY: ________________ ________________________________________________________ WRITTEN STATEMENT OF DISCRIMINATION (use back if needed): _____ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ YOUR NAME (please print): ______________________________________ YOUR PHONE (with area code): __________________________________ YOUR SIGNATURE: ____________________________________________ *** INCLUDE ANY PICTURES OF DISCRIMINATING SIGNS POSTED *** Mail To: Ray Fitzgerald 1634 West Pine Cone Way Prescott, Arizona 86303
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
Important Phone Numbers
Aid to Injured Motorcyclists - A.I.M. - (800) 521-2425 24-Hr. Legal Assistance for all accidents
Aid to Incarcerated Motorcyclists A.I.M. - (800) 235-2424 24-Hr. Legal Criminal Defense National Legislative Hot Line - (800) 300-NCOM 24-Hr. Motorcycle Legislative Alerts
National Coalition of Motorcyclists NCOM- (800) 525-5355 Fighting for Bikers Rights Confederation of Clubs. - (800) 531-2424 Motorcycle Clubs Fighting Against Discrimination Motorcycle Riders Foundation Washington D.C. Office (202) 546-0983
Your Classified Ad
could be here... It’s Free to ABATE Members. submit your ad online at www.abateofaz.org
MASTERLINK NOVEMBER 2016
ABATE of AZ Featured Business Member
This month’s featured Business Member is The Maverick Saloon Located at 9605 N 19th Ave in Glendale just north of Dunlap is owned by Stan Corbin and Sue Kierman. Their business hours are 8 am to 2 am daily with kitchen options until 9pm weekdays to 1am on Friday & Saturday.
Inside this biker friendly place the space is large but cozy. The bar is positioned dead center surrounded by pool tables, pinball machine and jukebox.
The Maverick serves excellent homemade comfort food like wings and burgers for reasonable prices as well as daily drink and food specials. You can enjoy a game on the pool tables or watch a game on one of their 10 tv’s. Stop by the Maverick on Friday or Saturday to take in a band, drink a cold one and enjoy the atmosphere of great wonderful people….a friendly, colorful, vibrant crowd. For you early weekend risers take advantage of the $3.00 breakfast and watch an NFL game with
PAGE 19
Sunday NFL Ticket.
I am not a smoker but this appears to be the last bar (besides private clubs) where you can still smoke actual tobacco products INSIDE. Most of you probably forgot how it feels to sit inside a building, sitting on a stool with a drink in one hand and smoking a cigar/cigarette while listening to rock n roll on a jukebox. Stop by the largest air conditioned patio on Taco Tuesday for Junior’s Badass carne asada tacos, get 3 for $4 or 4 for $5 or sing away on Thursdays for karaoke.
The Maverick will be our final stop on this year’s Moon Mullins Run on October 15th has it has been in the past. Be sure to visit and support our ABATE Business Members Ben Martinez – ABATE State Membership Officer
Classifieds
2009 HD Sportster 1200 Low style.
ITS FOOTBALL SEASON!! I have a grill trailer for tailgating, camping, parties, etc. NEW, never used. Three burner Char Griller gas grill with side burner can be converted to smoker with addition of fire box available from Char Griller. 9 foot bistro umbrella stores in tube in middle of trailer. Folding rear table extension. 3-D powder coated frame. Locking cage holds most 2000 watt inverter generators. (generator pictured not included but is for sale also) Small flat screen TV mount clamps to umbrella post. Two coolers; ice down beer in the big one; keep burgers, dogs, steaks or ice cream on dry ice in the smaller one. Lots of table space for food, satellite receiver, DVD player, you name it. Tongue locks in upright position to save space and prevent theft. Three point leveling legs. Uses 1 7/8" hitch ball. Be the envy of everyone in the tailgating lot. I also have one of these trailers that I use at TBFS every year. Price reduced. $2000 OBO Cash Only Call or text Redbone any time and leave message. (480) Three Two Six - Seven 6 5 Six
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. $7500 obo. call or text 480-338-1965 in Gilbert AZ. For pictures email to; arcasmg42@gmail.com
For sale 2012 Subculture hard tail
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!!
93 Soft tail engine and transmission in rigid frame, big cam, S&S super E carb, 8mm 1 3/4belt primary, chain final drive. 200-17 rear wheel , 21 front, wide glide front end, black lowers. Much more - 602-300-4115 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
Your Classified Ad
could be here... It’s Free to ABATE Members. submit your ad online at www.abateofaz.org
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.