A publication supporting the rights, safety and freedom of all motorcyclists through education and legislation
October 2015
VOLUME XXIV, ISSUE VI
Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Permit #1662 Phoenix, AZ
the waco mess continues
Reprinted from
https://motorcycleprofilingproject.wordpress.com
Interview Reveals Even Former Cops See Corruption in Waco
The Message of the interview is quite clearly that the suffering of the innocent outweighs the interest in persecuting the guilty.
2015-08-29_8-15-07Schilaro interviews nationally recognized spokesperson David “Double D” Devereaux and Jim Barr, the current Coordinator for Long Island ABATE. The interview is fair, balanced and reveals that even former law enforcement officers understand the huge problem with obviously over-broad arrests, lack of particularized suspicion, punitive bail, and the lack of information being released to the media and the public.
abateofaz.org
ABATE of AZ. 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ 85020
The following interview concerning the Waco incident took place July 26, 2015 on a Long Island News Radio (103.9 FM) program called “Eye On Crime”. The program is hosted by Tom Schilaro, a former NY police officer for 20 years and current criminal justice instructor.
Attachment-1This interview discusses only what we currently know about Waco and diverts discussion away from conjecture or
conspiracy. The message of the interview is quite clearly that the suffering of the innocent outweighs the interest in persecuting the guilty. We simply don’t sacrifice the civil liberties of innocent people to punish the guilty in a free society. Listen to the interview here: http://tinyurl.com/oll492o
============================== Reprinted from The Associated Press
WACO — The secrecy that enshrouds the investigation into a biker shootout in May that left nine people dead and led to the mass arrest of 177 people is hardly surprising in this city, where public scrutiny is rare and unwelcome.
On the banks of the Brazos River in Central Texas, Waco and the surrounding county are largely run by a close-knit circle of judges, prosecutors and law enforcement that defense lawyers complain leads local agencies to close ranks in the aftermath of this most recent calamity.
It's a city where a district judge and district attorney are former law partners, the mayor is the son of a former mayor, the sheriff comes from a long line of lawmen and Waco pio-
neers and the sheriff's brother is the district attorney's chief investigator.
Bikers and public watchdogs have criticized authorities here for how they've handled the investigation, citing the mass arrests in which people were held for days or weeks on $1 million bonds without sufficient evidence to support such actions four months after the shootings. No formal charges have been made, and it remains unclear whose bullets, including police bullets, struck the dead and injured, or when cases will be presented to a grand jury, which is currently led by a Waco police detective.
"I don't know of any defense lawyer who hasn't looked at the facts of this case and gasped," said Grant Scheiner, a criminal defense attorney in Houston not connected to the bikers' case. Waco police, McLennan County prosecutors and judges refused to comment — citing a gag order written by the DA — but law enforcement staunchly defend their actions, including the 12 shots that the police chief said officers fired into the melee after bikers allegedly opened fire on them.
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MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015
ABATE OF ARIZONA LOCAL CHAPTERS
A.B.A.T.E. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS FOR 2015 - 2016
Chairman..............................Sean Pinder
East Valley………………….Jack Batty High Country........................Forrest “Woody” Phillips Phx / Shadow Mountain…...Clyde Brooks Southern AZ.........................Sean Pinder Yavapai……………………..OPEN Yuma....……………………..Rick Breadwell Quarterly Board meetings are held on the first Sunday in January, April, July and October at 1:00pm @ the AZ American-Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th St, Phoenix. Please make sure your Chapter has representation.
A.B.A.T.E. State Officers For 2015
Phoenix-Shadow Mountain Chapter
P.O. Box 54041 Phoenix, AZ 85078-4041 Coordinator...........................Mike Schneider Vice Coordinator....................Jim Page Secretary................................Tara Rudometkin Treasurer................................Lyn Peterson Membership...........................Dee Grady Run Coordinator....................Joel “JR” Rosen Safety Coordinator.................Trauma Mama Sgt. At Arms..........................Jerry Davis P.A.C......................................John ‘Johnny D’ Dreyfus Communications....................Steve Palmer Merchandise...........................Sandy Hassinger
Phoenix/Shadow Mountain meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 10:30am at the AZ American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. FMI: Chapter Coordinator Mike Schneider, 602-549-1044, mike@squarepegpromos.com
www.abateofaz.org and www.toobrokeforsturgis.com
Mailing address 7509 N. 12th St, #200, Phoenix, AZ 85020. State Officers meetings are held the 1st Sunday of every month, 10:30 am at the AZ American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th Street Phoenix, AZ.- OR in conjunction with the quarterly BOD meeting.
Southern Arizona Chapter
6888 N De Chelly Loop Tucson, AZ 85741 Coordinator............................Jim Butsback Vice Coordinator....................Don Boule Secretary................................Deborah Strong Treasurer................................Dawn Detelj Membership...........................Art Burke Run Coordinator....................Vacant Safety Coordinator.................Jim DeYoung Sgt. At Arms.........................Robert Guenther P.A.C......................................Sean Pinder Communications....................Vacant Merchandise...........................Vacant
East Valley Chapter
c/o Jim Silk, 5722 E. Garnet Circle, Mesa, AZ 85206 Coordinator............................Joe Ferrucci Vice Coordinator...................Jack Batty Secretary................................Dawn Steed Treasurer................................Deb Brunko Membership...........................Mike Shearhart Run Coordinator....................Vacant Safety Coordinator.................Jim Silk Sgt. At Arms..........................Richard Dalton P.A.C......................................Dawn Steed Communications....................Dawn Steed Merchandise........................... Donna Batty
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
Yavapai Chapter
P.O. Box 11319 Prescott, AZ 86304 Coordinator............................ OPEN Vice Coordinator....................OPEN Secretary................................ OPEN Treasurer................................ OPEN Membership........................... OPEN Run Coordinator......................OPEN Safety Coordinator..................OPEN Sgt. At Arms...........................OPEN P.A.C...................................... OPEN Communications.................... OPEN Merchandise........................... OPEN
Yavapai monthly chapter meetings have been suspended due to lack of member participation. Anyone interested in re-establishing the chapter should contact the ABATE of AZ State President.
Yuma Chapter
11316 S. Glenwood Ave. Yuma, AZ 85367 Coordinator............................ Frank White Vice Coordinator....................Vacant Secretary................................ Mikkie Melanson Treasurer................................ Virginia Nielsen Membership........................... Tyrone (Runt) Gill Run Coordinator.....................Jerry Allison Safety Coordinator..................Ray “PeeWee” Grier Sgt. At Arms...........................Terry “Gunner” Langworty P.A.C...................................... Gilbert Hernandez Communications.................... David "Pastor D" Litts Merchandise........................... Lisala White
Yuma Chapter meets the second Tuesday evening monthly at 6:30 PM at the pm. The next meeting will be held at the Kountry Kitchen Café located at 11242 S Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. 85365. For additional information contact Frank White (Hound) at 209-327-0814.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
The Southern Arizona Chapter will meet the third Saturday. We will gather at the Kettle Restaurant, 748 W. 22nd St, Tucson. Breakfast will be available at 7:30 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 9 a.m. FMI contact Jim Butsback by phone at 520247-3051 or email abateofazsac@yahoo.com
If any of the Officers are listed here incorrectly, please send corrections to: TheMasterlink@abateofaz.org I will be sure everything is accurate for the next Issue and on the web site.
Arizona MRF Representative Wanted
Through the Motorcycle Riders Foundation State Representative Program, local motorcyclists are kept up to date on the MRF's legislative and training agendas. The MRF State Rep program allows information to pass quickly to the State Motorcyclists' Rights Organizations, as well as allowing information to reach the MRF concerning individual states. The men and women involved in the MRF's State Rep Program are dedicated
209A E. Juniper St. Payson AZ 85541 Coordinator............................Wayne Slocum Vice Coordinator...................Billy Hensler Secretary................................Dee Schultz Treasurer...............................Debra Beda Membership...........................Debra Beda Run Coordinator....................Jim “Chiknbone”Mazzone Safety Coordinator.................John Lacey Sgt. At Arms.........................Ray Martinez P.A.C.....................................Woody Phillips Communications...................Mark “Griz” Matthews Merchandise..........................Jillian Hawkins
High Country Chapter meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday at 10 a.m. at The Moose Lodge in Star Valley. Contact: azoutlaw66@hotmail.com
President………..............……Mary K Donnay Vice President.....……………Mike Schneider Secretary……………………Jean Cooper Treasurer…………………….Jim Silk Membership…………………Larry Keim Run/Events………………….Vacant Safety Coordinator………….Joel “JR” Rosen Sergeant-at-Arms……………Vic Grady P.A.C………………………...Lynda ‘Handi’ Barnett Communications…………….Vacant Designated Lobbyist...............Vacant ABATE Products……………Vacant MasterLink Editor................ Eric Hampton TheMasterlink@abateofaz.org Office phone: 480-256-9237
EAST VALLEY CHAPTER meetings are held the 4th Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) 1712 W. Broadway Road, Mesa AZ 85202 FMI contact Joe Ferrucci at 480-295-9488
High Country Chapter
volunteers from the membership ranks who are willing to give their time and energy to build, maintain and enhance the relationship between the MRF and all motorcyclists within their states. They must work closely with the State Motorcyclists' Rights Organizations, attending their meetings and events, keeping the SMROs abreast of national issues, international issues, and issues affecting motorcylists in other states. MRF State Reps promote the MRF by all
possible means, such as making presentations to SMROs and other groups. Writing articles for newspapers and newsletters, membership recruiting, and speaking to individual motorcyclists are other examples of promoting the MRF.
To become an MRF State Representative, candidates must submit two things to the Director of State Representative Program: (1) An MRF State Representative application, obtained from the Director of State Representative Program. (2) A written
Meeting Minutes
A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona, Inc. Board of Directors and State meeting minutes will no longer be printed and taking up space in THE MASTERLINK. They are available to view 24/7 on-line at www.abateo-
faz.org under the “Communications” tab. Thank you! MK
Mission Statement
We will lobby and educate the government and the general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image.
We will endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals who share
a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of
FREEDOM.
endorsement from your State Motorcylists' Rights Organization. If your state has more than one SMRO, an endorsement must be obtained from all SMROs in your state. For additional information regarding the MRF's State Representative Program, please contact Dave Condon, Director of State Representative Program. Dave036@aol.com
How to Reach Us
480-256-9237 For Advertising Rates Email Eric at themasterlink@abateofaz.org Or Mail Your Ads to: MasterLink, ABATE of Arizona 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ, 85020 MasterLink Advertising Rates:
Size Monthly Quarterly Yearly Business Card Size (3-1/2”w x 2”h): $20.00 $60.00 $200.00 1/8 Page (5-1/8”w x 4”h) $50.00 $150.00 $500.00 1/4 Page (5-1/2”w x 8”h) $70.00 $210.00 $700.00 1/2 Page (10-1/4”w x 8”h) $100.00 $300.00 $1,000.00 Full Page (10-1/4”w x 16”h) $200.00 $600.00 $2,000.00 Full Color Back Page (10-1/4”w x 16”h) $400.00 $950.00 $3,300.00
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015
President’s Report
body else is going to do it? Yet, nobody is volunteering?
By Mary K. “MK” Donnay
Greetings fellow freedom fighters, In this edition, you will find a ballot for the STATE OFFICER positions for the 2016-2017 term. I sure wish we had as many interested candidates as the Republicans running for President, but we don’t. In fact, not one person has expressed interest in taking on the role as A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona State President, or State Vice President. The same goes for State Run Coordinator, State Communications and State Merchandise. I’m not sure what’s going on. Does everybody think some-
Most of you know that my partner has had 3 brain cancer surgeries, leaving him disabled. I leave him alone every day to work, and being self-employed, I work a lot of hours. Then there are lots of meetings and events that I attend alone. During my tenure, I’ve cut our time together very short. It’s time for me to take time for us, and that’s why I will not be running again. Please take some serious consideration about why you joined A.B.A.T.E. of AZ and the importance of our mission; protecting AZ motorcyclists’ rights, rider safety education, and public awareness. With the use of tele-conference available, you do not need to live in or travel to the Valley of the Sun (Phoenix) to be a State Officer or State President. This is an all-volunteer organization that doesn’t exist WITHOUT VOLUNTEERS! WE NEED YOU! Our BY LAW and P&P Committee has updated the language of both the By Laws and P&P’s. State law mandates that any changes to our By Laws requires a vote of acceptance by the
majority of the voting members.
Because there were changes on almost every page, we’re not printing them in this paper. Please review them on-line and vote accordingly by mailing in the enclosed ballot, or in person at the annual member meeting to be held Sunday, November 8th. A.B.A.T.E. ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING/ STATE OFFICER ELECTIONS Sunday, November 8th 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tumbleweed Inn Bar & Grill, 3815 W. Frontier Street, Eloy, AZ 85131 (520) 466-9972
Our YAVAPAI CHAPTER (Prescott) has been suspended due to lack of member participation and sufficient officers. It will remain in a suspended state until two (2) annual chapter election cycles have passed without the necessary officers installed. Anyone interested in reviving the chapter should contact me at president@abateofaz.org.
PAGE 3
for DESIGNATED LOBBYIST. This is a Board of Director’s appointed position. The B.O.D. interviews interested candidates, appoints them, and gives legislative direction. Interested candidates may contact me.
By the time this paper is out, the ONLINE STORE should be up and running. We’re offering State merchandise and TOO BROKE FOR STURGIS merchandise. Check it out at www.abateofaz.org KMH Kreations is the vendor we hired to process new and renewed memberships. I’m pleased to announce that we have completed the transition and they are now sending out all of the membership renewals, new member welcome packets and renewed members patches and membership cards in a timely manner. Our chapter membership officers can now focus on acquiring new members, instead of chasing down expired members. Until next month ~ UNITED WE RIDE, DIVIDED WE DRIVE!
We are currently accepting applications
Accepting Applications for Designated Lobbyist
We are currently accepting applications for Designated Lobbyist of A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona, Inc. This position is appointed by the Board of Directors. The Designated Lobbyist interacts with the state legislature and motorcycle safety
and awareness organizations, develops A.B.A.T.E.’s legislative plans, formulates plans to circumvent negative motorcycle legislation, drafts positive motorcycle legislation, keeps officers informed, and writes an informative article each month
for publication in The Masterlink. This person needs to be personable and have a full understanding of the workings of both state and federal government, be an articulate speaker and writer, familiar with local, state and federal laws, and be
proficient in legal research methods. Interested applicants may submit their application with background information to president@abateofaz.org
State Officers Election Ballot
Please, review the proposed revised By-Laws on the ABATE Website. The language was updated throughout the document to more accurately reflect today's business practices, such as using email and other techology. ABATE of Arizona membership approval is needed for the revisions to be adopted. So, please take this opportunity review the By-Laws as they have been revised by the ByLaw Committee and vote your approval or disapproval on the annual election ballot. Please contact the State Secretary with any comments. Thankyou.
Your ABATE Membership Number ________
Chapter Reports
PAGE 4
East Valley Chapter
East Valley Chapter met on August 23rd at the Fraternal Order of Eagles on 1712 W Broadway in Mesa.
Since we last met we have attended Muskrats memorial to celebrate an incredible man and life. It was incredible.
Woo Hoo! It is starting to cool off. Even as I wrote those words I am amazed at how we adapt. The high is just under 100 but yet still under it for more than 1 day and we celebrate. Some people even start digging out the cold weather clothes.
Motorcycles on Main is back. We were there with our booth and had a great time. We reached out to many people and passed out Hard Ass Run flyers. We will be back there on October 2nd.
We had a blast with our booth during the grand opening of the Biker’s Mall, “Arizona’s first biker mini mall”. There is a ton of super cool items to choose from. With the Biker’s Mall being an ABATE of Arizona East Valley Chapter business member we were there to present them with a framed business member certificate. We ran out of Hard Ass Run flyers and had 1 membership turned in. We had a booth at Hot Summer Nights on September 11th. The firemen did some really incredible presentations of repelling and using the Jaws of Life. We handed out a pile of colored Motorcycle Awareness “Look out for Motorcycles” bandanas to kids in the crowd. The planning for the Hard Ass Run is coming together smoothly. Muhahaha
I will miss our next chapter meeting because I will be in Wisconsin at the Meeting of the Minds
Our next meeting will be on September 27th 2015 at 11 am.
Until we met again, be safe out there. Enjoy the ride and as always keep it rubber side down. Here’s to Wind Knots in My Hair,
Dawn P Steed Secretary, P.A.C., and Communications.
breakfast, 8:30am at the Spur Bar across the street. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Keep wind in your face, sun on your back, fuel in the tank, and rubber on the road. Wayne Slocum Coordinator, H.C.C. ABATE
Phoenix/Shadow Mountain Chapter
NO REPORT
Southern Arizona Chapter
The August meeting was held at the Kettle Restaurant on August 15th. The meeting started at 9:10 AM with the Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer for those in harm’s way and fallen Brothers and Sisters.
Officers Present were Coordinator Jim Butsback, Vice-Coordinator Don Boule’, Secretary Debbie Strong, PAC/BOD Sean Pinder, Sgt-at-Arms Robert Guenther.
The minutes of last month’s meeting were approved as written, and the Treasurer’s report was summarized as she was not in attendance.
Steve “Muskrat” Musgrave passed away on August 9th. Muskrat was a Charter Member of the Southern Arizona Chapter and a true icon in the world of motorcycle rights. He will be greatly missed.
As for membership the chapter has one new member and 7 renewals. We now stand at a total membership of 129. There are 97 regular members and 16 business members with two memberships each. PLEASE support our Business Members! The online membership project is coming along fast. Larry is working with Leo our web master to get the last bugs out. This will alleviate at lot of the problems and work for the chapters. Please make sure that your email address is correct and current on the State records. All renewal notices will now be sent out via email from the state.
High Country Chapter
Hello Brothers and Sisters.
Well Summer is coming to a close and Fall is nipping at it's tail lights. Which means cooler riding weather, especially up here in the high country. The days will be nice, but the nights will be cold, so make sure to pack warm clothes for your journey.
Our next upcoming event is our 10th annual Chili Cook-off. We are holding this event on October 17th at The Spur Bar in Star Valley Az. Entries needs to be in by noon, entry fee is only $5.00, judging starts at 12:30. $5.00 allows you to taste and judge the best chili. Once a winner is chosen.all you can eat. Winner receives 100.00 + entries. last years winner took home $165.00 plus an awesome trophy. So come and enter to win or just taste, judge, and fill your belly with some delicious chili. Here in Payson, High Country Chapter has been attending Bike Night events that are held at various locations around town and surrounding areas. These events are put on and run by our local chapter of the Old Bastards Motorcycle Club. We are proud to to have them as H.C.C. members and support them in their efforts as a club. Bike Night is held every other Thursday, locations and times can be found on ABATE-High Country Chapter, or Old Bastards MC Payson facebook pages. If you happen to be in the area on these Thursday nights please come and show your support and meet some of our locals, and check out the bikes.
Remember, our chapter meetings are held the third Sunday of every month, 10:00am at the Moose lodge 852 in Star Valley. Prior to the meeting is a delicious
The chapter still has about 40 T shirts left. These are the safety yellow/green “Look Out for Motorcycles” shirts. WE have sizes L, XL, 2XL. We are asking for a donation of $5 each just to cover our costs.
The highway bill passed the Senate by a 65-34 vote. It includes wording to prohibit federal funding of motorcycle only checkpoints. It also includes funding for recreational trails etc. The house still needs to pass it. Current funding expires in October.
The state is looking into adding “survey monkey” to the website so we can complete the legislative surveys online and much faster.
Sean will send out info on what is happening in the Waco case as he gets it. He will also let us all know what we can do to help this situation. Due to things like the Waco incident, it is recommended that everyone download Mobile Justice to their smart phones so you can record any incident you are involved in.
The Annual A.B.A.T.E. general membership meeting/officers elections will be held November 8th, and this year it will be held in Eloy, AZ. This will make it much more convenient for all Southern Arizona members to attend. It will be held Sunday Nov. 8th, at 11:00AM – 3:00 PM at the Tumbleweed Inn Bar &
MASTERLINK OCTOBER2015
Grill, 3815 W Frontier Street, Eloy, AZ 85131.
We will be holding our road clean-up on Saturday September 19th after the Chapter meeting.
As always please keep promoting our Business Memberships to those you do business with. We have been doing Great on this so let’s keep up the good work. Anyone who is not getting emails from the Chapter to please send your email address to abateofazsac@yahoo.com. There is also a group page at Yahoo Groups. All Chapter members can sign up there and receive all emails from the Chapter through the group.
It is abateofazsac@yahoogroups.com. We are trying to save the Chapter some money by cutting down on postage. Please make sure the State Membership Officer has all your current information as well, this includes phone numbers, email addresses, address changes etc. You can email him at membershipofficer@abateofaz.org. Ride Free, Ride Safe
Yavapai Chapter
The A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona Yavapai chapter has been suspended due to lack of member participation. Members interested in revitalizing the chapter should contact A.B.A.T.E. of AZ President at president@abateofaz.org or call the office at (480) 256-9237. The chapter may be dissolved if two annual chapter officer elections pass without the necessary officers installed.
Yuma Chapter
The Yuma chapter met on September 8th at 6:30 pm the Kountry Kitchen restau-
rant to conduct our monthly business meeting. The meeting was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and normal reports were addressed.
The main topic of discussion was a distracted driving and hands free cellular phone usage city ordinance for the City of Yuma. ABATE member Gilbert has been attending the Yuma City Council meetings and advocating for the proposed distracted driving ordinance. There is a hearing scheduled on September the 15th were the Yuma City Police Chief will be introducing the proposed ordinance, a public forum held on the proposed ordinance on September 16th, and it will be voted on October 7th. This ordinance will include no texting while driving and require the use of hands free devices while driving!
The Yuma chapter will be voting in a new Chapter Vice-Coordinator during the October ABATE meeting. Two candidates volunteered to fill the vacant position. We also have a few upcoming events in the Yuma area. The Sons of Hell MC 6th Annual Charity Run will be held on October 10th and sign ups are at Bobby’s Territorial Harley Davidson from 9 to 11. On October 30th the Sons of Hell MC will host the All Hallows Eve Party at their clubhouse located at 2881 S. Ave 2 ½ E Yuma and doors open at 7pm. The Yuma ABATE chapter meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. The next meeting will be held on October 13th, 2015 at the Kountry Kitchen Café located at 11242 S. Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. We would love to see you there. For the love of freedom, Pastor D Communications Officer Yuma ABATE Chapter
The ACMC’s Riot on the River
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015 NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS
As part of the annual Sturgis Rally festivities, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame hosts an Induction Breakfast to honor the new class of HOF inductees, and for 2015 Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) are proud to Congratulate founder Richard M. Lester on his induction into the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame.
Lester, a California attorney who three decades ago founded AIM as a free nationwide legal protection program for motorcyclists & NCOM as a voice for the motorcycle community, has also started numerous subsequent motorcycle outreach groups, such as the Confederation of Clubs, Christian Unity and the National Sport Bike Association.
“Each year the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame recognizes the sacrifices that individuals across the nation, and the world, have made to protect the rights of those who ride,” said museum Executive Director Christine Paige Diers. “Their names are engraved into the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame, a growing list of exemplary and tenacious
ABATE IS:
· A Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO) · For Bikes & Riders, regardless of Race, Creed, color, sex, age, machine or gear · For all Motorcycles regardless of Fraternal or club affiliation, as well as Independents · For people interested in motorcycle safety · For People interested in rider education · For people interested in motorcycle awareness PSAs directed to non-Riders · For people interested in protecting and promoting motorcycling · A volunteer, not-for-profit grass-roots organization · For Motorcyclist who enjoy the ride $50 $8-20 $3,500 $3,000 $10 $3 $1,000 Priceless Priceless Priceless
$7,583 Value
Masterlink, Patch, Memb card TBFS Disc Entry, RV, Cabins AD&D Benefit 60% Discount Health Child Safe Kits White Bandana Leadership Training Motorcycle Awareness Rights Rider Education
ABATE of Arizona Serves to:
· Collaborate with other organizations to
Coast to Coast
men and women who serve diligently, humbly and quietly so that we may enjoy the liberties that many of us take for granted.”
Emceed by longtime rider and billionaire businessman John Paul DeJoria, the breakfast ceremonies held at The Lodge in Deadwood, S.D. were attended by a huge crowd of supporters and prior inductees, there to recognize the newly inducted HOF members, which also included: champion racer Everett Brashear, Sturgis Police Chief Jim Bush winner of the J.C. “Pappy” Hoel Outstanding Achievement Award, EagleRider rentals founder Chris McIntyre, celebrity bike builder John Shope, chopper pioneer Sugar Bear, racing sponsor and Harley dealer Don Tilley (posthumously), and famed custom bike builder Eddie Trotta.
WASHINGTON CONFEDERATION OF CLUBS & ABATE PREVENT MOTORCYCLE PROFILING PATROLS
The Washington State Traffic Safety Commission and Washington State Patrol were planning targeted motorcycle safety patrols from July 31 thru August 16. These patrols would be in direct violation of RCW 43.101.419, the law prohibiting motorcycle profiling. Through the unified efforts of the Confederation of Clubs, ABATE, and the U.S. Defenders, these planned patrols
WILL NOT HAPPEN and an alert has been issued to participating agencies to help ensure profiling does not occur.
In response to a letter outlining these grievances from COC attorney Mike Myers, the WSTC claimed the original press release announcing the patrols was a mistake. They apologized, reversed their position, and even issued an alert to all participating agencies outlining the state prohibition on motorcycle profiling. The following retraction was posted on the WSTC Its a Fine Line site:
"Update: A draft press release was mistakenly distributed earlier this week which raised some questions about our motorcycle safety campaign. Motorcycle safety patrols are beginning this Friday, July 31, and running through August 16 in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties. Motorcyclists are over-represented in crashes that result in serious injuries and death. These patrols are focused in areas where there are a high number of motorcycle rider fatalities. These patrols will be focused on all motor vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders who commit traffic safety violations. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission and participating law enforcement agencies condemn profiling. Trained and commissioned law enforcement officers will be conducting these patrols enforcing traffic violations as defined by Washington State laws. An updated press release will be distributed
Join A.B.A.T.E.
monitor and support funding for practices that do not discriminate against motorcycling. · Encourage political involvement of its membership. · Promote and present motorcyclists and motorcycling in a positive and safe manner. · Help prevent motorcycle crashes and promote crash survival through rider education, and · · · · · Public awareness campaigns. · Encourage ongoing federal research programs such as use of E15 fuel in motorcycles, inclusion of motorcycles in ongoing transportation emerging technologies, and improvements in safer roadway design strategies. · Promote rider skills training through ABATE’s · Rider Advantage (ARA) scholarship program and tax-deductible entity ABATE accomplishments:
· Motorcycle Lobbyist at the State Legislature · 2013 Eliminated yearly motorcycle emissions testing in Maricopa County · 2007 Remove Motorcycle Safety Fund cap · 2007 Eliminated yearly motorcycle emissions testing in Pima County · 2004 Veteran’s plates for motorcycles · 2002 Arizona Motorcycle Safety Council established · 2001 Motorcycle Safety Fund established · 1997 Handlebar height raised to shoulder · 1993 Helped prevent mandatory helmet legislation in Arizona · 1992 Opened HOV lanes to motorcycles
PAGE 5 to the media and posted on this website on Friday, July 31, 2015."
“The Washington State Motorcycle Rights movement continues to provide an exemplary model for the fight against profiling and the advancement of our rights base,” said Double D, Chair of the Confederation of Clubs of Washington, and Lyle Coyle, State Coordinator of ABATE of Washington, in a joint statement. “Simply put, the motorcycle profiling law in Washington State has the power to reverse discriminatory policymaking conducted by state agencies and reinforce the regime of protection legally enjoyed by motorcyclists in our state.” “STOP MOTORCYCLE CHECKPOINT FUNDING ACT” ADVANCES IN CONGRESS
The U.S. Senate passed a six-year Federal Highway Bill on July 30 with a bipartisan vote of 65-34, and the measure now moves to the House for further action, but Congress also passed its sixth short-term funding extension in six years to move the bill off the front burner until late October. The Senate-passed version of the highway bill contains the following bill text, on page 539 of S.1647, the DRIVE act;
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
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or Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy act: PART II—STOP MOTORCYCLE CHECKPOINT FUNDING ACT SEC. 34121. SHORT TITLE.
This part may be cited as the ‘‘Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act’’.
SEC. 34122. GRANT RESTRICTION.
Notwithstanding section 153 of title 23, United States Code, the Secretary may not provide a grant or any funds to a State, county, town, township, Indian tribe, municipality, or other local government that may be used for any program -(1) to check helmet usage; or
(2) to create checkpoints that specifically target motorcycle operators or motorcycle passengers. MOTORCYCLE “ROAD GUARDS” TO PATROL MINNESOTA ROADWAYS Certified motorcyclists known as “road guards” are hitting Minnesota roads as of August 4th, and they’ll be able to stop and control traffic for large motorcycle group rides throughout the state. The new state law requires road guards to:
· Successfully complete a driving record review and a training course to receive a motorcycle road guard certificate.
· Meet safety and equipment standards outlined in the law. · Only act as a flagger for group rides with 20 motorcycles or more.
· Notify each statutory or home rule charter city through which the ride is traveling.
· Receive consent from the chief of police of city of the first class through which the ride is traveling.
Drivers stopped by a certified road guard must obey the flagger's instructions and stay stopped until they are given the "all clear" signal from a flagger or police officer. Road guards are not allowed to hold
10/2 {Fri} Motorcycles on Main Bike Night in Downtown Mesa from 6-10pm. Beer Garden, Vendors, & more. Live Music by ‘Poppy’ & the ‘Usual Suspects’. Park & show your bike. Eateries open. Vendors call Cori 480-890-2613 https://facebook.com/MotorcyclesOn Main
10/16-17 {Fr-Sat} Run to the Rez #12, based at Apache Gold Casino Resort in Globe, AZ. Includes music by ‘Grey Wolf’ & ‘Los Lobos’, Saturday Ride to San Carlos, & more. Room reservations at 1-800APACHE-8, ask for ‘Run to the Rez’ rate. FMI: On FB @ /runtotherez
10/16-18 {Fr-Su} Southern AZ Harley Riders MC 21st annual Biker
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015
Coast to Coast (continued)
traffic for longer than 10 minutes.
LEGISLATORS DEFINE AUTOCYCLES
Part car, part motorcycle, it’s an AutoCycle. Three-wheel vehicles like the Elio, or Polaris Slingshot, Campagna TRex, Tanom Invader, Morgan, and Toyota’s new i-Road all definitely drive differently than motorcycles but currently, because these vehicles are technically motorcycles in the U.S., drivers are required to wear a helmet in many states and are also required to obtain a motorcycle license.
North Carolina most recently passed a bill signed by Governor Pat McCrory to define an autocycle as a “three‑wheeled motorcycle that has a steering wheel, pedals, seat safety belts for each occupant, antilock brakes, air bag protection, completely enclosed seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride, and is otherwise manufactured to comply with federal safety requirements for motorcycles,” meaning drivers won’t need a special license nor will they need to wear a helmet.
In May, the 84th Texas Legislature pushed through SB 449, which similarly defines an autocycle which can be operated without a motorcycle license, and requiring no motorcycle training, but requiring a helmet (helmet requirements and exceptions for autocycles are the same as those for motorcycles).
In Indiana, as of March 12 autocycles are defined as “a three-wheeled motor vehicle in which the operator and passenger ride in a completely or partially enclosed seating area that is equipped with: (1) a rollcage or roll hoops; (2) safety belts for each occupant; and (3) antilock brakes; and is designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and pedals.” Helmets and goggles are not mandatory, but a motorcycle license is needed to drive them, and at the same time autocycles are not included in the “dead red” law allowing motorcycles to run a red traffic light after waiting two minutes without a signal change.
With these three-wheelers currently classified as motorcycles by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and various conflicting laws across the
country that regulate them, on March 12, 2015, U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-LA) introduced the Autocycle Safety Act (S.685 / House companion H.R.2892 by Rep. John R. Moolenaar (R-MI), which creates the new classification “autocycle” for enclosed motor vehicles with three wheels and aims to set a single standard for all three-wheeled road vehicles, hopefully making it easier for companies to bring autocycles to mass market.
To date, 26 states have enacted or are currently developing classifications for enclosed, three-wheeled vehicles as autocycles at the state level, requiring individual states to determine helmet and motorcycle endorsements for these vehicles, so enacting federal legislation will provide consistency across the country. The legislation provides that autocycle manufacturers must immediately meet certain safety standards until such time as the NHTSA can promulgate final safety regulations covering autocycles. To be eligible for the new classification of autocycle, the vehicle must qualify as meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) -- not limited to, but including most standards for passenger vehicles under 10,000 lbs. Some of the requirements will be FMVSS for seat belts and seat belt anchors, child restraints, roof crush and meet upper interior impact standards. Autocycles also must have front and side curtain airbag protection. In addition to numerous safety standards needed for qualification, autocycles must meet FMVSS for motorcycles as well. The legislation also requires the continued investigation of additional standards appropriate for autocycles, developing additional safety standards for these vehicles. Automotive fuel standards also apply to autocyles. U.S. STATES WITH THE WORST ROADS
U.S.Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx is fed up with Congress' inaction to pass a long-term transportation funding measure, and in a July 9 blog post, Secretary Foxx once again called out Congress for their lack of action, followed by statistics of American roads and bridges by state. Altogether, 65% of roads in the United States are in "less-than-good" condition, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers
Events Calendar
Rodeo, at Arena Bar, 250 S. Prickly Pear Ave in Benson. Bands, Bike Show, Biker Games, Charity Auction, Have a Clue ride, vendors, Free onsite dry camping. CMA b’fast Saturday & Sunday morning for donation. $20/sgl, +$15/2-up. FMI: 520-678-5319, www.sahr.us
10/17 {Sat} 7th Annual BACA Awareness Event, benefits Bikers Against Child Abuse. Taking place at Chester’s Harley Davidson, 922 S. Country Club Dr.; Mesa, AZ 85210. Sign in 9-11am for Poker Run, $10/pp for ride. Day includes Classic Car Show, Bike Show, Dunk the Biker, Kid Games from 9a-3pm, Disney Characters & HEROs dressed up for the kids to dance with & they can get their pictures taken with them. There
will be food & merchandise vendors, raffle, 50/50, DJ, Silent Auction, & Six Bands lined up. The event itself is FREE during the day. From 4pm on it's only a $5 donation. FMI: nytro1baca@gmail.com 10/17 Evil Twin Customer Appreciation Day party!!!! Free food, FREE BEER, door prizes, live music, swap meet, vendors, strippers, everything a biker party should have and be. Party starts at 10am and goes till we are done. Located at 433 W Main, Mesa; 480-784-0040, www.eviltwincustomcycle.com 10/17 ABATE High Country Chapter’s Chili Cook-off at Spur Bar 3964 E Hwy 260, Star Valley, AZ from noon-5pm, $5/entry. $5/pp all-
2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.
These are the 10 states with the worst roads: 10. Oregon, 9. New Jersey, 8. Washington, 7. California, 6. Rhode Island, 5. Colorado, 4. Oklahoma, 3. Wisconsin, 2. Connecticut, and coming in at #1 is Illinois with 73% of their roads in poor/mediocre condition. RINGS LIMITED IN CALIFORNIA
The following was distributed via social media within ABATE of California and the Confederations of Clubs from Pastor Tom, who writes; “Family, this is the penal code being used to harass and arrest Bikers who wear rings on all of their fingers. It has been suggested that we only wear 3 rings on each hand, maximum.” 4 RINGS Apply to this, 3 is max…
California Penal Code section 21810 defines metal knuckles as:
"...any device or instrument made wholly or partially of metal which is worn for purposes of offense or defense in or on the hand and which either protects the wearer's hand while striking a blow or increases the force of impact from the blow or injury to the individual receiving the blow. The metal contained in the device may help support the hand or fist, provide a shield to protect it, or consist of projections or studs which would contact the individual receiving a blow." THAI STUDENTS PROTEST BAN ON MOTORBIKES
College students in Thailand are protesting having to walk to class. According to the Bangkok Post, about 1,000 students from Naresuan University in Phitsanulok province recently gathered in front of the president's office to protest a "green university" project that prohibits them from using motorbikes on campus.
QUOTABLE QUOTE: "It is not the function of the government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error." ~ U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Parker, Chief Prosecutor for the U.S. at the Nurnberg Trials
U-can-eat Chili. Winner wins all entry fees + $100. Live music, silent auction, raffle, & more. FMI: CC 928476-1955 10/24 {Sat} American Legion Post 58 in Fountain Hills hosts 6th annual Bike & HotRod Show. Benefits the Patriot Guard Riders & American Legion Legacy Fndn. 16837 E Parkview Ave, Ftn Hills. $15/entry in show ~ reg 9a-noon. Vendors, music, bikini bike wash, raffles, games… FMI: alr58.org | 480-390-7714 | jweedo14@gmail.com | 773-339-7813 | gypsytj7@gmail.com
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015 A to Z Mobile Repair Services of Tucson 520-304-6078 AZ Differential Specialists Phoenix 602-462-5367 Big Sky Motorcycles Tucson 520-886-7388 Biker’s Mall Mesa 623-335-1000
Bill Alexander Flight-Line Mazda Yuma, AZ 928-314-3400 Bob’s House of Hair Marana 520-797-6566
Bobby’s Territorial Harley-Davidson Yuma 928-782-1931 Boston’s Common House Payson 928-474-2900
Brewer’s Truck Repair, Inc Willcox 520-384-2846
Brown & Little, P.L.C., Attorneys at Law Tempe 480-299-2093 Breyer Law Offices, P.C. Phoenix 480-505-2160
Brothers, Sons and Pop Motorcycle Shop Tucson 520-370-7788
Buchanan Construction 928-978-3291 Buffalo Bar & Grill Payson 928-474-3900
PAGE 7
ABATE of Arizona Business Members Butcher Hook Tonto Basin
Independent Motorcycles Chandler 480-785-4888
The Bashful Bandit Tucson 520-881-9706
The Chaparral Bar Cottonwood 928-634-2131
Joeta’s Leather Mesa 480-827-1868
Punkin Center Bar Tonto Basin 928-479-2627
Coyote Auto Payson 928-472-1100
La Gitana Cantina Arivaca 520-398-0810
Sacred Bones Society M/C http://www.sacredbones.org/
CCA Scottsdale 480-985-6764
Cowpony Bar Tucson 528-721-2781
D & G Paint & Body Willcox 520-384-2933 Desert Thunder MC
Dr. Gear Phoenix 602-263-8484 Payson 928-978-4027 Eclectic Cafe Tucson 520-885-2842 El Rancho Restaurant Payson 928-474-3111
Evil Twin Custom Cycles Mesa 480-784-0040 Great Lakes Properties Tucson 520 203-2323
Greater Payson Moose Lodge #852 Payson 928-474-6212 HDBitchin http://hdbitchin.com
Herman’s Automatic Transmissions Tucson 520-294-8717
Jakes Corner Bar Payson 928-474-0679
Kitty For Tax Camp Verde 928-567-0224
Law Tigers 888-529-8443
Lucky 13 Synthetics Sahuarita 619-647-4895 Maaco Tucson 520-495-5411
Marc Victor, P.C., Attorney Chandler 480-455-5229 Monkey Butt Radio Scottsdale 602-399-7787
Mormon Lake Lodge Mormon Lake 928-354-2227
Motorcycle Safari Online www.motorcyclesafari.com Old Bastards MC
Phoenix Vulcan Riders www.phoenixvulcanriders.com
The Pour House Star Valley 928-478-6979
Renegade Classics Tucson 520-647-9312
Sidewinders Tavern and Grill Pine 928-476-6434 Sons of Hell MC Yuma
Spur Bar Star Valley 928-472-7787
Square Peg Promotions Phoenix 602-549-1044
Steel Horse Motorsports Rio Rico 520-281-1962
The Historical Journigan House Payson 928-474-2900
The Maverick Saloon Phoenix 602-943-5680
Tonto Silkscreen & Embroidery Payson 928-474-4207
The Back Alley Chiropractic & Massage Oro Valley 520-877-2666
ABATE of Arizona Chapter Meeting Times and Locations
East Valley Chapter EAST VALLEY CHAPTER meetings are held the 4th Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) 1712 W. Broadway Road, Mesa AZ 85202 FMI contact Joe Ferrucci at 480-295-9488
High Country Chapter High Country Chapter meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday at 10 a.m. at The Moose Lodge in Star Valley. Contact: chicknbone@live .com or 928-970-1134
Phoenix / Shadow Mountain Chapter Phoenix/Shadow Mountain meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 10:30am at the AZ American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. FMI: Chapter Coordinator Mike Schneider, 602-549-1044, mike@squarepegpromos.com
Southern Arizona Chapter The Southern Arizona Chapter will meet the third Saturday. We will gather at the Kettle Restaurant, 748 W. 22nd St, Tucson. Breakfast will be available at 7:30 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 9 a.m. FMI contact Jim Butsback by phone at 520-2473051 or email abateofazsac@yahoo.com Yavapai Chapter
Yavapai monthly chapter meetings have been suspended due to lack of member participation. Anyone interested in re-establishing the chapter should contact the ABATE of AZ State President.
Yuma Chapter Yuma Chapter meets the second Tuesday evening monthly at 6:30 PM at the pm. The next meeting will be held at the Kountry Kitchen Café located at 11242 S Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. 85365. For additional information contact Frank White (Hound) at 209-327-0814.
ABATE of Arizona
PAGE 8
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015
What are YOU Doing to Increase Your Safety?
Here are some tips:
1. Take a class that will challenge your skills . 2. Practice proper cornering. 3. Practice good braking techniques. 4. Try to have an escape route.
All these things will help you have a safe ride. I think the most important advice I can give you is...Give yourself plenty of
space, and make sure you ride so other people can see you. I see too many riders completely unaware that they make themselves invisible to fellow travelers. We spend a lot of time in our Share the Road programs telling drivers how to look for us. Too few of us remember our part in the Share the Road process.
Always be aware of your visibility. One of the big advantages of keeping your
focus 12 seconds ahead is that if YOU can see that far, chances are good that everyone else can see you.
If you practice good habits, you should have a safe ride.
See you on the highway. Thanks Ron Braaksma MRF A&E
Stop the Decade of E15 Misinformation
The first 10 years under the Renewable Fuel Standard, established in 2005, represent a decade of misinformation from the ethanol lobby concerning safe fuel for your motorcycle.
To protect your access to safe fuel, urge your representative to cosponsor the RFS Reform Act of 2015 (H.R. 704). The American Motorcyclist Association needs your help to pass this bill. You can send a prewritten email to your representative immediately by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information. The AMA encourages riders to personalize their message by drawing on their own personal riding experiences.
In an effort to prohibit the spread of E15 fuel, which contains up to 15 percent ethanol
by volume, the AMA supports H.R. 704, sponsored by U.S. Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Peter Welch’s (D-Vt.). The bipartisan bill would amend the Renewable Fuel Standard to recognize market conditions and realities. It also would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from allowing any station to sell gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol by volume and require those already selling it to stop.
In other words, the sale of E15 will not be permitted if this legislation becomes law.
The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and all-terrainvehicle fuel systems and engines from the inadvertent use of E15. Allowing the high-
er ethanol blends to become more readily available greatly increases the chance of misfueling.
In October 2010, the EPA approved E15 for use in model year 2007 and newer light duty vehicles (cars, lightduty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, it added model year 2001-2006 light duty vehicles to the approved list.
Passing H.R. 704 will help protect the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles currently in use on America’s roads and trails that are not approved to use E15, and the riders who depend on safe fuel for their operation.
Preventing inadvertent misfuelings has been one of the AMA’s top priorities, because
motorcycles and ATVs are not designed to run on ethanol blends higher than 10 percent, and many older machines favored by vintage enthusiasts have problems with any ethanol at all in the fuel. Using fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol can void the manufacturer’s warranty, potentially leaving motorcyclists with thousands of dollars in additional maintenance costs. Please join the AMA in the fight for access to safe fuel. More members means more clout against our opponents, and your support will help the AMA fight for your rights – on the road, trail, racetrack, and in the halls of government. To join, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/m embership/join.
State Safety Article
By Joel “JR” Rosen State Safety Officer
I know this article is sure to piss off a lot of our members, but I don’t care, it's got to be said. Yes, I know this should be about motorcycle safety, but there is something else I need to address. Those of you who don’t know me, let me tell you a little about myself. I have worked in health care since 1976, starting my career working on an ambulance, and then 7 years working nights at Westminster Community Hospital in California. I have also helped with security and first aid at the last 14 Too Broke for Sturgis’, and let’s say in my life I've seen my share of mayhem and tragedy from mass shootings to suicides. Another
fact about me is I have had a concealed weapons permit since 1992, and have been carrying for longer than that, and some of our friends and I compete to see who is better armed (you know who you are). Before I hear from you all, I’m not for taking anyone’s gun, and I will also defend your right to be able to carry and defend yourself. But, I also think we all have the right to not be killed by poor judgment, or need to perform lifesaving first aid because someone made bad decisions. This past Too Broke, we had 2 gun incidents perpetrated by people who were shit-faced. Luckily no one got killed, but we just got lucky, plain and simple. Owning a gun is a cherished right. With that right, comes a great responsibility. The gun owner is obligated to always be safe and responsible with their gun. There are three things you should never touch after drinking alcohol or using drugs; motorcycle keys, car keys, or a gun. Bad things can happen. When you drink or use drugs, your judgment, reflexes, balance, coordination, manual
PAGE 9
dexterity, and vision all become impaired, while your emotions become both enhanced and distorted. When a gun is added, this is a very bad combination that I have personally seen the very sad end result of. If you have not gotten your hands bloodied or have not seen the reaction when someone is first told their loved one is dead and won't be coming home, you have not walked in my shoes, or know how I feel, if you have been there with me, I hope you are okay.
Now is the time to take a stand, not only is it okay to tell your friend “we are going to get crazy, let’s stow our weapons and party hardy”, it is our duty as responsible gun owners. We all have the responsibility to protect the people we love. Sometimes we need to protect the ones we love from themselves. I hope you will join me in helping save someone's life.
I have agreed to chair the 2016 Too Broke for Sturgis planning committee and need some help. ABATE really needs someone to step up and take on this state safety officer position for the 2016-2017 term, someone please step up and take this on, elections are coming up in November.
Respectfully, J.R.
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 When I was in my first semester (and also my last) of college, I had a psychology professor who gave us a question to answer as a mid-term exam. We had an entire weekend to write the paper. The question was: “WHY?”
I listened to the reaction of the class; moaning and groaning. It was then that I decided that since I was going to fail this class anyway, WHAT THE FUCK! THAT ISN’T EVEN A COMPLETE SENTENCE, LET ALONE A QUESTION! As the rest of the class was leaving for a weekend of work and soul-searching, I wrote on a piece of paper, “BECAUSE”, and handed it in. The professor watched me walk up to his desk and deposit the paper and never said a word. The look on his face, I thought, was saying it all. The following Monday, frustrated-looking students turned in reems of paper and I knew I was done for. When the grades
WHY?
came out, everyone received an “F” except this lone smart-ass kid who couldn’t be bothered with such mundane tasks as taking tests in college. The Prof. explained that “The Test” was not THE test but rather A test. He wanted to see how much bullshit his students were in position of. He added that he had weighed the paper which was remitted and determined that his class had forty seven and a half pounds of it. The class was then given a four page hand-out that had to be completed before they could leave which would be counted as their mid-term grade. He excused one guy to whom he had awarded an “A” on his original paper and who just barely passed that class due only to his mid-term grade. The Moral:
Think for yourself.
When you watch the evening news or a political speech, remember that you are only hearing the side of it that they want
you to hear. There are always at least two sides and often, more. Listen to all the arguments and make up your own mind. According to Occam's razor, the simplest explanation is probably the right one....FOR YOU.
Search your own heart and make a decision. To Hell with what other people think. We are ALL different and that is what makes us who we are.
The only thing that we should all do the same is register to vote and exercise our right to do so. If you think your vote doesn’t count, you’re wrong. One quarter in a jar doesn’t amount to much but if you put one in every day, before long it gets pretty big. I read in an article on the internet that 93% of Americans are dissatisfied with Congress but 86% of incumbents are reelected. Hmmmm. Make sense? I
Loctite is Your Friend
your bike? And your "ex" doesn't qualify! Think about it. How would you react if you were some of these people who answered that question? Rico: Right front brake caliper, hanging by the hose. Came off in a downhill sweeper.
Harley-Davidson motorcycles have their idiosyncrasies, and you, and I have heard the jokes. "Harleys don't leak; they mark their spot." My bike drips. No idea why. I've changed every seal, O-ring and gasket imaginable. I was talking to a friend recently who told me about how he was riding down the freeway and said the bike next to him sounded a little funny. Well, it seems it wasn't that bike but his bike. Seems he lost one of the baffles out of his exhaust pipes while riding down the road.
I know. We've all heard those stories about that one person's bike that always loses parts while going on a ride. What is the most stupid thing you've had fall off
Looney: Battery cover fell off, luckily I found it on the side of the road.
Todd: Had the shifter come off but was able to find it and get home. Then had the headlight dangling by wires one time.
Loner: Tail light lens and the bolts to my 2002 883R the one that came with a 2-1 pipe, the muffler bolts broke off.
Red: Last winter my kickstand fell off at 80mph! It kept up alongside me for a couple seconds. Made all kinds of racket. Four weeks ago my shifter peg was mysteriously gone on my way home.
Kevin: License plate fell off at a stop sign. Sheriff drove by while I was picking
it up, stopped and said "I was wondering if someone was going to come back for that!"
Austin: Had a few quarts of oil "fall" out of the bottom of the bike when I forgot to put the drain plug back in Threat: On the freeway, the gas cap rattled out, slid straight down the tank, and hit me in the nuts. True story.
Now some of those are humorous, and some could have been dangerous. I've heard of brake pads just falling out, gas tank mounts breaking and one side of a fat bob tank falling off, and even the rider bolts falling out. Let me give you all a little advice... LOCTITE IS YOUR FRIEND!!!
Make sure you use at least blue Loctite and torque the bolts, nuts, etc. to the proper spec for your bike. If you don’t know what that is, look it up or just give us a call. We will help. Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 is
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015 think not.
If you don’t like your present situation, DO something. I know that most ABATE members are voters so talk it up. But don’t try to tell others who to vote for, try to get them interested enough to look and listen and decide for themselves. That is how our system is supposed to work. I have been with ABATE since we were “Against Totalitarian Enactments”. I have seen some great people do some even greater things. I think that we’re on the right track here in Arizona so keep up the good work brothers and sisters. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “I love bikers”. Be Safe
Redbone
designed for the locking and sealing of threaded fasteners that require normal disassembly with standard hand tools. The product cures when confined in the absence of air between close fitting metal surfaces. It protects threads from rust and corrosion and prevents loosening from shock and vibration. Loctite® Threadlocker Blue 242 is particularly suited for applications on less active substrates such as stainless steel and plated surfaces, where disassembly is required for servicing.
And if you are not going to use my friend, then at least have chrome parts. It makes it easier to find them on the side of the road. Be good to one another… Grumpy
Monkey Butt Garage has a mission to help motorcyclists stay on the road through maintenance, education and product knowledge. They do this thru Monkey Butt Radio YouTube channel and Monkey Butt News blog.
MASTERLINK OCTOBER2015
Thoughts from JohnnyD
come along and claim that those were the only rights the people had. When Robert Bork was being considered for the Supreme Court, Dean Paul Bender of ASU School of Law, said that “Bork was that idiot”.
Welcome to October. At some point this month the riding weather will be perfect. Soon we will be going to Winkelman to party for a few days undisturbed by cops, preachers, or those to whom fun is a four letter word. I will turn 56 this month. There are many who have lost bets with each year of age I attain. One thing we all have in common is that having rode those “death machines” for years, we are all still alive. We have all left patches of our hide on the various roads that proved more than a match for our bikes or our skills. If you are reading this, it also means we are not in the custody of the city, county, state, or federal government. Not all who ride are fortunate enough to enjoy the limited freedom we still enjoy.
There is a place called Waco in Texas. There the liberty we own, that which was enshrined on parchment some 226 years ago, is merely a work of forgotten fiction. On June 8,1789, James Madison submitted 39 amendments to the House of Representatives. He was opposed to a “bill of rights” because he believed, firstly that the constitution should include the limitations on government. And secondly, he feared that one day some idiot would
I doubt even Robert Bork could have envisioned the atrocities and mayhem towards human rights and justice as have occurred in that black hole in the Lone Star State. As of the date this article is written, it has been 121 days since that terrible day. The first examining trial was held. The couple, whose only actual crime was showing up to a meeting , stood before a retired judge who was brought back to feign impartiality. He ruled that the police had reasonable cause to arrest and hold them because they wore little patches that showed support for the Bandidos. They were members of a small club that was unknown to law enforcement prior to that day. A detective testified that, although neither had any criminal record, the fact that they wore those three square inch patches was sufficient to indict them for participating in organized criminal activity that led to homicides. That is a charge that could possibly render a death sentence.
I had a meeting with Lyle Mann, the director of Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training. Among the various topics discussed was this clusterfuck in the hometown of the Branch Davidian disaster. His take on it is that it was a massive police cover-up of police misconduct that has no comparison. At the
same time, LE all over the country are watching closely to learn from the situation. A reasonable mind might believe they are searching for ways to avoid such terrible consequences. Having studied their training curriculum and dealt with police many times in my life, I believe they are watching to see how far the charade continues and how to best minimize financial liability in the event they are able to perform their own massacre. I don’t trust the police. “Under the pressure of fanaticism, and with the mob complacently applauding the show, democratic law tends more and more to be grounded upon the maxim that every citizen is, by nature, a traitor, a libertine, and a scoundrel. In order to dissuade him from his evil-doing the police power is extended until it surpasses anything ever heard of in the oriental monarchies of antiquity.” H. L. Mencken
Back in our world, our elections are approaching. I have entered my name to be considered for state PAC officer. Somewhere in this issue will be published a speech I wrote of my qualifications. We do not, as of yet, have a candidate for state president. We do need a full council. I read with some grief of the shuttering of the Yavapai Chapter. We cannot afford to shrink at this time. I hope that situation is soon remedied.
I can tell you all with certainty that a helmet law will reappear in 2016. There will also be elections in about a year. It is time for our controlled revolution. We will
PAGE 11 elect a new President. All members of the House of Representatives will be on the block. One third of the Senate will also be subject to the voters’ decisions. Our state legislature, both houses, will be begging for our votes. Any number of the various county officials will be soliciting your consideration. I hope you all vote, I hope you take the time to examine the candidates and their records. Some of you will even be gracious enough to volunteer for their campaigns. This is the best way to lobby elected officials. When you attend their campaign events and make phone calls, stuff envelopes, knock on doors, or just bring stuff to their campaign office, they remember. They give you a pass to their office and an ear to your issues. Appointing a lobbyist is important to our cause, but if we all have a personal relationship to our elected officials it’s like grease on the wheels. I will see all of you around the various events. ABATE has a long and proud history, let us not fail those who have fought for the freedoms we now enjoy. Let us not fail those to come who will enjoy the freedoms we will pass to them. John P Dreyfus Johnny D ALMA MC Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs Designated Lobbyist American Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education / Phoenix-Shadow Mountain PAC Officer
ADOT Enhances Security of Driver's License Application Process
Ahwatukee Foothills News July 22, 2015
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is taking an active role in curbing identity theft and fraud by implementing facial recognition technology in the application process for state-issued credentials.
An applicant for a new or duplicate driver's license or state ID card at an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division or authorized third party office will have their photo taken at the beginning of the
process. Facial recognition during the "Photo First" review process occurs seamlessly and without delay as the customer continues through the application process.
In 2012, ADOT Motor Vehicle Division implemented a Photo First approach to aid in the detection of and prevention of fraud, forgery and identity theft. In 2014, ADOT Motor Vehicle Division implemented Central Credential Issuance, eliminating credentials being issued at the MVD or authorized third party offices. Both processes have con-
tributed to a more comprehensive review of applications along with providing more time to identify possible fraudulent submissions.
The technology provides an effective screening method to identify errors in customer records in the state driver's license database and to prevent fraudulent attempts to obtain an Arizona driver's license or identification card. It also allows ADOT to develop the new federally compliant Voluntary Travel ID according to the requirements outlined in the federal REAL ID Act of 2005.
When a credential application record generates an alert resulting from the facial recognition technology, the system will automatically perform an additional review of the record to identify and correct any possible file errors. If the system verifies it is not a file error, the record will then undergo a comprehensive review by personnel in the ADOT Office of the Inspector General. For more information about applying for an Arizona driver's license or ID card, visit azdot.gov/driverlicenseinfo.
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 12
Christian Unity Assists Waco Families NCOM Press Release
The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) requests your kind assistance in disseminating the attached press release and request for assistance in helping to aide the Waco families, beset by tragedy since many heads of households have remained under arrest since the shooting and others who're released but constrained by strict anti-association stipulations, some losing jobs and even kids to CPS in the horrific aftermath.
Your help by printing this information in your publications, and/or forwarding it out through e-blasts or to your social network contacts, would be much appreciated by NCOM, Christian Unity and those most affected by the Waco travesty. CHRISTIAN UNITY OFFERS SHIELD OF FAITH TO WACO VICTIMS
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015
It’s Wednesday morning and the bikers with Christian insignias on their vests are in a café downing coffee. This is their weekly meeting to share news and go over applications for assistance for the victims and families of the Waco tragedies. “This one is getting ready to have their electricity shut off,” says Duane. “I think we need to pay the bill”. The applicants are from motorcycle groups and clubs from all over the state. Whether they were veterans, 1% club members, independent riders, chaplains, or claimed religious or political affiliations, it didn’t matter. What did matter was that they were victims who were detained, deceased or wounded at the Confederation of Clubs meeting at Twin Peaks and they needed financial help. Many have lost their jobs for an unusual charge of ‘engaging in organized crime.’ The loss of health insurance coupled with paying large bonds out of their savings and strapped with monthly lawyer and leg monitor fees put their budgets into a tailspin. The situation for them has become desper-
ate.
Decisions made, Frank hands out another $4000 in gift cards for gasoline, groceries and other necessities. Shield of Faith, an Assembly of God Church non-profit, has volunteered to receive and disburse monies donated to assist the families. The AG also financially supports Honorbound MM, a motorcycle ministry of ordained chaplains. After a time of prayer, they leave for another day of disbursing the assistance. Honorbound Chaplain, Duane, who is also an NCOM Christian Unity Council member, meets Soldiers for Jesus MC member, Billy the Kid, halfway to San Antonio and gives him some gift cards for the families there. Frank counts out the cards to go to Preacher in Dallas. Preacher is the Chaplain for the DFW COC. Louie, The NCOM board liaison for Christian Unity and certified grief chaplain, heads to the McClennan County Jail to visit with and teach an anger management class for the detainees who haven’t made bond. Then it’s an overnight stay with a biker who has invited him to stay at his home each week as he travels from Conroe 160 miles away.
This is the NCOM (National Coalition of Motorcyclists) Christian Unity Motorcycle Resource Team in action. Since the founding of NCOM 30 years ago, it was recognized that there were a great number of Christian motorcycle groups and independent riders across the nation. Many of them were involved with NCOM and their local Confederation of Clubs as well as attending yearly NCOM conventions. NCOM Christian Unity was born 10 years ago out of the need to network with them in their work to better serve the motorcycle community. The MRT or Motorcycle Resource Teams were developed 5 years ago to respond to needs in the motorcycle community with certified and skilled members in areas such as chaplaincy, first aid, EMT, and vehicle transport. Requirements must
be met to meet their mission statement. "The purpose of the NCOM Christian Unity Motorcycle Resource Team is to provide a unified response to the needs of the biker community within their COC area and NCOM region with effective and credible service." There are Christian Unity MRTS are in 7 of the 11 Confederation of Clubs in Texas.
It’s now Thursday. Louie’s wife Denise updates him in the morning. “The Alabama COC sent $4,000, someone who sells Innocent Biker t-shirts will be sending Shield of Faith their profits,” she says. Denise spends hours each day making Facebook posts, making appeals to potential donors and doing what she calls ‘search and rescue’ to locate and speak with some of these victims. “Offering ‘free money’ has never been so difficult. Some of them are worried to contact us and apply because they have a non-association with bike clubs stipulation as terms of their release. Our attorney has assured us that we do not fall into that category because we are all certified chaplains in ministerial associations that have 501c3 status, she says; “We have to persuade some of them to apply for the help. Some of them have never had to ask for help before and it is humiliating to do so. Some folks don’t even know we exist. Non-association with their motorcycle community has compounded the problem.” This special education teacher is not getting much of a summer break.
Denise shares some of the contact info for Louie so he can make two separate stops before he heads back to Conroe. One person he will meet up with is Drama, from nearby Mart. Sandra (Drama) Lynch is the Legislative Strike Force State Co-Director of the US Defenders; a part of NCOM. She was one of four women that was detained and released with a large leg monitor on her ankle, usually reserved for dan-
gerous criminals like sex offenders and murderers. Because she is not allowed to speak to any of the members of the motorcycle group she belongs to, she has made phone contact with a friend of relatives. They will then go through an intermediary to get the much needed assistance to members who had also been detained. Louie gives her $700 in gas and grocery cards, gives Drama a hug and moves on to his last stop.When he walks into Denny’s, Louie sees the mother of four little ones at the table. The mama is holding an infant no more than 4 months old. As he sits down and gives $400 in Walmart and gas cards to her, a rosy cheeked daughter says, "Thanks Mr. Louie, now we can go to Walmart and get some food." Louie was really moved by the little girl and said, "Maybe your mom will be able to buy you a little something." The mom said, "It will have to be a real little something because we need groceries." Louie prays with the family and gives specially made Biker bibles for the husband and wife. He heads out of Denny’s with tears in his eyes and an imprint on his heart. Mission accomplished for this week. Denise Nobs Executive Coordinator NCOM Christian Unity ncom.christianunity@gmail.com 218.929.7931
UPDATE: Initially, our first goal was to raise $50,000, but now that we are past our halfway mark, we are beginning to raise back-to-school funds. We estimate about 30 children of the victims who need school supplies and clothing and shoe vouchers. When parents are paying monthly costs of $500 for lawyer fees, and $275 monitor fees, not to mention paying back loans for their bonds, there is no money left for clothes or school supplies. One mom said she’s been so caught up in the daily survival that she hadn't even thought about the kids going back to school.
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015
Kawasaki Recalls Vulcan Models Due to Ignition Failures
Kawasaki has filed a recall notice with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 11,836 motorcycles because of ignition wires chafing on the fuel tank, potentially resulting in a short-circuit and possible engine stall. Motorcycles affected by the recall include Vulcan 1700 Voyagers from 2009-2015 and Vulcan 1700 Vaqueros from 2011-2015.
Kawasaki dealers will fix the problem by adding extra shielding and padding to the wire as a preventative measure. Any ignition switches with frayed wiring will also be replaced. Kawasaki is still in the process of devising a notification schedule. The NHTSA
Washington Weekly Updates September 7, 2015
From Jeff Hennie Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Vice President Government Relations and Public Affairs
Its August, in Washington DC, which basically means the city comes to a grinding halt. Its so boring that most people decide to spend the day chasing a little white ball around with a stick on manicured lawns. I am not one of those people FYI. Congress is in recess and the agency folks all take summer vacations. August recess exists because August in DC can see weather that is 99% humidity and 106 degrees. Thats not a lot of fun, even on a motorcycle. Congress sat through a handful of August work sessions and then realized they would rather be at home. Its the one thing that every Republican and every Democrats agrees on, August in DC sucks! It can get so bad that asphalt on K street, home to most lobbyists, becomes soft and sticky from the heat. Some people think the roads melt because K street is just a little closer to Lucifer's hangout than the rest of the country. Right now it is unclear what will happen with the highway bill when the Congress gets back to work in a couple weeks. They will have just about 6 weeks to draft a House bill, conference it with the Senate bill, reach an agreement and send it to the
requires that owners be notified of a safety defect within 60 days of the date the NHTSA is notified of the recall. Vulcan and Vaquero owners may call the company’s customer service number at 1-866-802-9381 for more information about recall number MC15-10:
Report Receipt Date: Sept. 1, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V550000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Potential Number of Units Affected: 11,836 SUMMARY:
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain model year 2009-2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager and 2011-2015 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero motorcycles manufactured February 2, 2009, to March 20, 2015. In the affected vehicles, an ignition wire may chafe due to contact with the fuel tank, resulting in a short circuit and possible engine stall.
CONSEQUENCE: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
REMEDY: Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will install additional shielding
News from the MRF
President for approval. That is a lot for the Congress to tackle in one sitting.
Sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction. In all my various searches for motorcycle related news and information I occasionally come across something that is to bizarre to not pass a long. I found a story in a Nigerian newspaper with the headline of "vigilante group shoots police officer for riding motorcycles. The story, not surprisingly, brought up way more questions than answers. Why was there a ban on motorcycles? Who feels so strongly against motorcycles that shoot at the rider? There is a Nigerian vigilante group that is actually standing up for government rules? Aren't vigilante groups supposed to go against the law, not help enforce it? It is a mad world out there. Here is the story for your reading pleasure. A member of a vigilance group on Thursday shot dead a policeman for allegedly violating the ban on use of motorcycles in Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa. The Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa, DSP Othman Abubakar, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Saturday in Yola.
Abubakar said the police corporal, who was returning from his farm in mufti, was shot by the vigilance group member ostensibly in the bid to enforce the ban on the use of motorcycles.
He said the suspect had been arrested and was now with the Criminal Investigation Department investigating the matter. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 23rd Amoured Brigade, Yola, had last week declared a ban on the use of motorcycles in the entire state for security reasons.
Jeff Hennie Vice President Government Relations and Public Affairs Motorcycle Riders Foundation Office-202 546 0983 ==========================
House Subcommittee Improves Motorcycle Safety with Amendments to Highway Bill September 11, 2015
United States House of Representatives Subcommittee Improves Motorcycle Safety with Amendments to Highway Bill, Reports the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
The Science Committee, Subcommittee on Research and Technology, approved two amendments that both greatly benefit motorcyclists. The first amendment halts the federal funding of motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints and then assigns a study to the National Academy of Sciences to determine the best methods of prevent-
PAGE 13
and padding to prevent the ignition wire from shorting. Any ignition switch that has damaged wires will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866802-9381. Kawasaki’s number for this recall is MC15-10.
NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-4249153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
ing motorcycle crashes.
The amendment sponsor, Representative Randy Hultgren (R-IL) had this to say: “If the federal government is providing grants to improve motorcycle safety, these grants should be focused on ways that actually improve the safety of motorcycle riders.”
The second amendment would prohibit the Federal Department of Transportation from lobbying for actions at the federal, state or local levels of government. Currently the lobby ban is only applicable at the state level. Hultgren added, “I do believe that we can be doing more to improve the safety of motorcyclists on the road, and there are reasonable laws that motorcyclists should all follow. But before the federal government casts down another top-down mandate on local law enforcement officers, we should be sure that we are not wasting valuable police time, while singling out and infringing on the rights of law abiding motorcycle riders, unless there is a compelling safety related reason for doing so.” The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to thank Mr. Hultgren for his dedication to motorcyclists. We also cannot thank enough the Chairman Emeritus, the Honorable James F. Sensenbrenner, for his tireless work improving the lives of motorcyclists across the country
Would you like to receive The Masterlink digitally? It is posted monthly on the ABATE website - www.abateofaz.org. Opt out of the receiving the The Masterlink? Please contact the ABATE Office if you would like to no longer receive a hard copy of The Masterlink. 480-256-9237 or keim.larry@gmail.com
PAGE 14 Reprinted from https://www.washingtonpost.com
CULPEPER, Va. — Sandy Hall’s white trike is screaming down a suburban Virginia road.
It can hit 160 mph. But with no doors, two seats inches above the asphalt and a high-performance engine howling above 10,000 rpm, accelerating to even half that is a neck-whipping catapult ride. “You wouldn’t feel this in your regular family car,” Hall said after slowing down enough to be heard over the din of his new fusion motorcycle-car, which looks like the spawn of a Suzuki and a Formula 1 racer.
A new class of vehicle, dubbed the “autocycle” by an increasing number of state legislatures, has driven through a gray area of federal law and onto U.S. roads,
Trikes Unbound
with manufacturers hoping to sell tens of thousands of them in the coming years. They are being marketed to gear heads and green-leaners, the well-to-do and discount shoppers.
The vehicles have steering wheels and gas pedals, but only three wheels, so the federal government classifies them as motorcycles, which have fewer regulations. That has allowed a burst of innovation. It has also left drivers and passengers traveling in mash-ups that may feel like cars but which aren’t required to meet automobile safety standards.
As America ages, Hall and his partner Dave Young, a former defense contractor who helped build biometric databases for troops in Iraq, have made a $10 million bet that their new Tanom Motors Invader can appeal to a pair of disparate demographics: adrenaline junkies hooked on terrifyingly fast sport bikes, and baby
boomers and others hunting for some of the thrills with fewer of the risks.
With a pair of wheels up front and a single fat racing tire in the back, the entrepreneurs’ low-slung “high performance reverse trike” was designed to hug curves that might defeat less-experienced (or more arthritic) motorcycle riders. The side-by-side bucket seats liberate spouses from being hangers-on staring at the back of a helmet. Fuel economy is in the “upper 20s,” the company says. The vehicle comes with cup holders.
Starting at $54,899, the Invader is among the priciest autocycles on the market, on par with the T-REX, a model made by long-established Canadian competitor Campagna Motors. Tanom executives say that a lower-performance model at about half that price is planned. In November, power-sports behemoth Polaris jumped in, selling its open-topped Slingshot in the $20,000s.
And after a series of delays, partially crowdfunded Elio Motors has promised its utilitarian, eco-commuter version will start production in Louisiana next year — and sell for $6,800. When Doug Grzegorczyk was in his 20s, he fell in love with a sound that almost killed him.
Entranced by the high-pitched wail of his Suzuki GSX-R750 sport bike, he sped off at a stop sign in his central Michigan neighborhood and smashed into a car at 50 mph, crushing his right leg and breaking the hinges of his jaw. He slurped goulash and tiny pieces of French toast through a syringe during the six weeks he couldn’t chew. Later, his motorcycle slid on a gravelly overpass, throwing him across two lanes of traffic and under a guardrail, leaving him with a snapped leg. Nearby was the backpack that held a rose for his date.
Partly out of self-preservation, but mostly to ease his mother’s terror, Grzegorczyk ditched his motorcycle. That was nearly a decade ago. Then last month, the 37year-old sky diver and telecom repairman tapped his savings to hear that roar again.
The Invader he bought is powered by a 196-horsepower engine harvested from a Suzuki Hayabusa, touted as “the world’s fastest production sportbike.” As he drove it nearly 400 miles home the first time, he kept the radio off because he
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015 didn’t want to disturb the noise.
“I liked hearing those rpms,” he said. “It really feeds into me.”
His mother keeps repeating the same question: “Is this going to be safer than a motorcycle?” “I just keep telling her, ‘Yes,’ ” Grzegorczyk said. The lure of Virginia The vision started small.
Hall thought he might design a sharp new body to bolt around the innards of another trike. But then, he started to wonder, why not try to build an even better machine, and a motor-sports company?
“Those wheels started turning in his head, and once they start, you just let him go. You can’t stop it,” said Hall’s brother, Chris, who now oversees the Invader production line.Sandy Hall, an off-road racing champion and construction company chief, and Young, who was working in real estate after selling his defense firm, initially based Tanom in Detroit to tap into the area’s well of experienced auto workers and suppliers. But trying to manage the complex operation remotely proved too costly and was unworkable, they said.
So they came home to Culpeper, in the heart of Virginia Civil War country, where Hall and Young had been working on redevelopment projects in the historic downtown. They took over an old raccoon-infested industrial plant and built an assembly line to test the boundaries of what makes a car a car. Beyond design, engineering and development, they had to persuade state legislators to allow their manufacturing process and then pass federal safety and emissions tests.
“It’s exciting,” said Young, who became the company’s main test driver, but “it’s a tough business when you spend six years getting ready before you sell.” Competition is fierce and the market is uncertain.
Minnesota-based Polaris Industries, which sold $4.5 billion in snowmobiles and other recreational vehicles last year, sees an opportunity.
“It’s starting out as a niche, but we’re looking for it to go more mainstream over
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015
PAGE 15
ABATE Election Campaign Speches
Vic Grady running for State Sgt. at Arms
Hello, my name is Vic Grady I am currently the state Sgt. at Arms, and I would like to nominate myself for the position of Sgt. at Arms for the 2016-2017 term. I was the chapter Sgt. at Arm for 2years,chapter coordinator for 2years,designated lobbyist for 2years and to date the state Sgt at Arms, I would like to continue serving A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona for the next 2 years as Sgt at Arms. V.M.Grady State Sgt at Arms
John P Dreyfus running for State PAC Officer
To the members of A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona ,
As many of you know I have been the PAC officer of the Phoenix Shadow Mountain chapter for nearly two years. Except for the several months I was in the hospital I have endeavored to report dutifully on political events affecting motorcycle riders. I believe my strongest asset is my ability to interact with elected officials of all levels and persuasions. I can evaluate legislative movements and report in a comprehensible manner to the membership. I am a member of the MRF, ABATE, the ACMC, and will soon restart my membership in MMA. I am not intimidated by law enforcement or politicians. I count many state and federal representatives and senators as friends. I am well acquainted with mayors, councilpersons, county supervisors, and municipal department heads. A PAC officer is supposed to keep the members aware of issues with government officials affecting the motorcycle community, I spend a great deal of time researching the many actions that all levels of government devise that affects us. I have the time to do this. It is actually something that I enjoy doing. I have been to Washington DC twice to lobby for motorcycle related issues. I am regularly at the capitol in Arizona lobbying for biker freedom. In the aftermath of the Waco Massacre, someone who is able to compile and sift through all of the information coming from the many sources is valuable to the biker world. Having communicated with people all over the nation and around the world since May 17, I am in constant communication with MRO representatives. I have had my picture on a police training video that all law enforcement officers in Arizona are required to watch and discuss. I have worked with the director of Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training bureau to rewrite the organized crime and gang criteria to de-emphasize motorcycle clubs. Our recent handlebar height limit repeal was an idea I pursued starting in 2013. The Arizona Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety are giving money for motorcycle safety scholarships since 2014 and that was partly due to my efforts. I work well with nearly every lobbyist that represents the interests of the biker community. As we see many great freedom fighter who are tiring of the constant battle and trying to keep their lives on track, I believe it is time for me to step up and serve the membership of ABATE in this position. I hope you will have the confidence to vote for me to be your State PAC officer for the next two years. Thank you, John P Dreyfus Johnny D ALMA MC Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs Designated Lobbyist American Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education / Phoenix-Shadow Mountain PAC Officer
time,” said Craig Scanlon, vice president for the firm’s Slingshot division. “Does that mean it’s a 10,000-unit market or a 100,000-vehicle market? We don’t know that yet.” The company touts the appeal of its muscular-looking entrant in a series of breathless marketing-video declarations: “It’s like surfing asphalt! It’s like playing chicken with a hurricane!” Scanlon said he has seen the Invader, “but I wouldn’t view them as a player, so to speak.”
Chris Hall, who has “Believer” tattooed on his forearm, isn’t cowed. He has tested the competitors. “I’m a little partial ’cause I work here,” he said. “I drove them. Hard. And hands down, ours just got them beat.” Tanom recently challenged other owners to show up at a West Virginia speedway to resolve the issue amicably. Rules issues
The rules for autocycles remain in flux, in part because of the promised rollout of the Elio.
Trikes Unbound (continued)
Company founder Paul Elio said this summer that his engineers are nearing their grail: a safe three-wheeler with a front and back seat that gets 84 miles to the gallon and starts at $6,800.
“As we said previously we are currently about $500 over budget and approx. 81 MPG. We will continue to work to hit our targets but as you can imagine it may go the other way,” Elio wrote in a July session with questioners on Reddit. He said funding problems caused delays, but they are slated to launch next year. More than 44,000 have been reserved. That prospect spurred Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) to introduce legislation this year to create nationwide autocycle standards.
Under laws in many states, would-be autocycle owners must take a motorcycle driving test, even though those skills are irrelevant. Other states require helmets to be worn inside the cabin. A couple of states have taken a hard line. Maryland authorities said riders must sit astride their motorcycle, and vehicles that don’t allow that aren’t streetlegal. The legislation would help smooth some
of those rough spots and replace barebones motorcycle standards with more automobile-like safety rules. Elio, which pushed for the changes, touts its “uncompromised safety,” including air bags.
But Tanom, Polaris and others are pushing to keep the looser motorcycle standards they say better fit their recreationoriented vehicles. Vitter’s aides said the legislation has been tweaked to make clear that the new rules address “fully enclosed” vehicles, meaning the Elio and not its racier cousins.
Invaders are more stable and visible than motorcycles, Tanom said. They weigh three times as much, but stop just as fast. A tubular steel cage offers protection, executives said, although they did not conduct crash tests.
Polaris cited a safe design but said it puts a disclaimer on its vehicles to satisfy Canadian rules.
“Slingshot is a three-wheeled motorcycle. It is not an automobile,” the disclaimer reads. “It does not have air bags, and it does not meet automotive safety standards. Three wheel vehicles may handle differently than other vehicles, especially
in wet conditions. Always wear helmets and fasten seat belts.”
Rolling with a rocker
Rock musician Sammy Hagar — who owns six Ferraris, including the one he blasted past police in the video for his 1984 hit “I Can’t Drive 55” — has a promotional deal with Tanom, which plans to build 55 “Red Rocker” Invaders, branded with Hagar’s nickname, to appeal to his fan base. When Sandy Hall showed him his personalized trike, Hagar kept it low-keyed at the track. “You’ve got to give it a little respect before just jumping in and going crazy like I normally would do,” Hagar said. “It feels like a slot car, it grips so well.”
He also has mellowed a bit on the highway.
“When I was at the peak of my rock-star era . . . I didn’t consider other people as much. I’d cut people off,” said Hagar, 67.
Driving like that was fun. Not anymore. “I hate to admit it,” Hagar said. “It’s probably one of the good things about growing up.”
PAGE 16
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015
PAGE 17
House Roster
Senate Roster
PAGE 18
Rider Ed Courses in AZ
Locations Zip County Email Phone Site Website City Motorcycle Rider PHOENIX 85012 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 979-1839 View Training RIDE SMART M/C PHOENIX 85023 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 877-5425 View TRAINING T.E.A.M. Arizona GILBERT 85233 MARICOPA Click Here (480) 998-9888 View Chandler/Gilbert GILBERT PUBLIC View GILBERT 85234 MARICOPA (480) 894-0404 SCHOOLS (PARKING LOT) T.E.A.M. Arizona View SCOTTSDALE 85260 MARICOPA Click Here (480) 998-9888 Scottsdale CHANDLER View TEMPE 85283 MARICOPA (480) 496-6800 HARLEYDAVIDSON T.E.A.M. Arizona View GLENDALE 85302 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 939-9888 Glendale DEER VALLEY View GLENDALE 85308 MARICOPA (623) 247-5542 HIGH SCHOOL LUKE AIR FORCE LUKE AFB 85309 MARICOPA (623) 975-6264 BASE Motorcycle Rider PEORIA 85345 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 979-1839 View Training VEHICLE SAFETY View YUMA 85367 YUMA Click Here (928) 376-7489 INSTITUE T.E.A.M. Arizona FT 85613 COCHISE Click Here (520) 733-9888 View HUACHUCA Sierra Vista Pima Community View TUCSON 85707 PIMA (520) 206-3981 College T.E.A.M. Arizona View TUCSON 85714 PIMA Click Here (520) 733-9888 Tucson RIDE NAZ -View BELLEMONT 86015 COCONINO (928) 443-0111 FLAGSTAFF Ride Northern PRESCOTT 86301 YAVAPAI Click Here (928) 443-0111 View Arizona - Prescott T.E.A.M. Arizona View PRESCOTT 86301 YAVAPAI Click Here (928) 771-2500 Prescott MOHAVE View KINGMAN 86401 MOHAVE (928) 757-0825 COMMUNITY COLLEGE MOHAVE LAKE View (928) 505-3321 COMMUNITY HAVASU 86403 MOHAVE COLLEGE CITY MOHAVE JB'S 86440 MOHAVE Click Here (866) 668-6462 View VALLEY RESTAURANT
ATTENTION - ALL RIDERS: =======================
It has come to our attention that business establishments in Arizona may still be discriminating against motorcyclists. Please carry copies of this form with you at all times. Discrimination can range from a sign stating "No Colors" or "No Motorcycle Parking" or "No Motorcycle Attire" etc., to simply being asked to leave a place of business, just because you are on a motorcycle or because of your riding apparel. If anything like this happens to you, PLEASE fill out this form in its entirety and send it to the address noted. Your lobbyists cannot get sponsorship for "equal access" legislation, without evidence of this type of discrimination. Documentation of Discrimination DATE: ______________
Business Phone _______________
NAME OF ESTABLISHMENT: __________________________________ BUSINESS PHONE (with area code): __________________________________ BUSINESS - FULL ADDRESS: ___________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ NAME / POSITION OF PERSON ENFORCING POLICY: ________________ ________________________________________________________ WRITTEN STATEMENT OF DISCRIMINATION (use back if needed): _____ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ YOUR NAME (please print): ______________________________________ YOUR PHONE (with area code): __________________________________ YOUR SIGNATURE: ____________________________________________ *** INCLUDE ANY PICTURES OF DISCRIMINATING SIGNS POSTED *** Mail To: Ray Fitzgerald 1634 West Pine Cone Way Prescott, Arizona 86303
MASTERLINK OCTOBER 2015
Important Phone Numbers
Aid to Injured Motorcyclists - A.I.M. - (800) 521-2425 24-Hr. Legal Assistance for all accidents
Aid to Incarcerated Motorcyclists A.I.M. - (800) 235-2424 24-Hr. Legal Criminal Defense National Legislative Hot Line - (800) 300-NCOM 24-Hr. Motorcycle Legislative Alerts
National Coalition of Motorcyclists NCOM- (800) 525-5355 Fighting for Bikers Rights Confederation of Clubs. - (800) 531-2424 Motorcycle Clubs Fighting Against Discrimination Motorcycle Riders Foundation Washington D.C. Office (202) 546-0983
MASTERLINK SOCTOBER 2015
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Biker’s Mall Grand Opening
Classifieds
2009 HD Sportster 1200 Low style.
like new with 5000 miles, kept in AC garage, Stage 1 kit with Vance and Hines shorties, forward foot controls, all service down by Chester's in Mesa. Limited HD factory root beer brown color. $8750 obo. call or text 480-338-1965 in Gilbert AZ. For pictures email to; steve@arcasmachine.com My bike is one of the only STAMPED limited edition bikes that Harley ever made. There were 2800 made. It is a 1993 celebrating their 90th year. Some facts and features: Odometer reading 10,543. 5.1 gallon gas tank and is a softail, ported heads, oversized pistons, adjustable lifters, Andrews E-27 low duration cam, converted to SINGLE FIRE ignition, S & S Carb, Deluxe Saddleman saddle, New HD Battery, Almost new wide whitewall tires. This Harley is a 'head turner.' Loaded with performance extras: ported heads, oversized oistons, Andreqs 27 high torque cam. Fishtail dual exhaust. LOUD and FAST.. PLUS new battery, brakes and wide whitewall tires. Under 11,000 miles. First $11,759 drives her home .
Call Jim at 480-600-9449
Your Classified Ad
could be here... It’s Free to ABATE Members. submit your ad online at www.abateofaz.org 2004 Waltz Hardcore special constructed soft tail Custom Chopper, Vin # AZ262741, Vehicle is garage kept, and customized. Chopper has a 145 Horse Power TP polished Engine, a 3" Primary and 6 speed Transmission. The Vehicle is built on a Waltz Hardcore Soft Tail Frame. All sheet metal work, paint job is Custom. Custom Chrome wheels and brand new Tires. All Mechanical components are in good working order. Engine runs awesome. Has less than 4000 miles. This baby is worth way more than I'm asking! Just need money now! Waltz Hardcore Frame $6,500, TP 124" Cubic Inch Polished Engine $7,500 3" Open Primary and 6 speed Transmission $3,000, Custom Sheet metal Work $3,000 Custom Paint $3,000, Wheels & Tires $2,500, Progressive Airtail Suspension, Brakes, Starter, Charging System, $4,000, Labor $4,500 Asking $18,999 obo, For more information call or text @ (480) 385-8947
ATTENTION ALL 30 YEAR OLDS!!
I have your year Softail-- 1984.1 owner, 1st yr. Softail, 1st yr. Evolution Kick and electric start PLUS all orginal parts. $9,500 Call 970-420-6675
One-Piece DayTripper motorcycle seat
New - never used - In box Retails for $359 model 76189 fits Honda VT 750 Spirit 2001-2006 & VT 750DC 2007-2009. The detailed stitch work in the highly durable, synthetic glove-leather makes the DayTripper a show winner. $150.00 Call Bob @ 602-463-0544
AzTech Flatbed Trailer (Car/ATV Hauler) $2200 obo 2008 STS Cadillac for sale, 23K miles $28,000 obo Call 928-718-6296 Cell 928-716-7289
For sale 2012 Subculture hard tail
93 Soft tail engine and transmission in rigid frame, big cam, S&S super E carb, 8mm 1 3/4belt primary, chain final drive. 200-17 rear wheel , 21 front, wide glide front end, black lowers. Much more - 602-300-4115
FINALLY!! A motorcycle themed paperback book for the young reader. The Adventures of Olive Pearl and Hammy Davidson features Olive Pearl; a green and black motorcycle and Hamrietta (Hammy) Davidson her stuffed piggy passenger. They experience the joy of motorcycling on a 1700-mile road trip to meet new people, see new things, and learn life lessons along the way. Their adventures are wrapped inside the love story of husband and wife characters, “The Man” and “The Lady”. Sprinkled throughout with pictures, social observations, and humor, adults will also enjoy reading this story to younger children and are sure to get a laugh or two themselves. Get more info and place an order at: www.OliveandHammy.com Let’s Ride!!
2000 HD Custom (623) 374-5510 $15K OBO Motorcycle Hearse
COPD diagnosis forces SALE! $50,000.00 www.eagleswingscarriages.com visit this website to view complete set of equipment. Equipment included: 1999 Harley Davidson Road King Trike (6045 miles) modified with reverse gear & fifth wheel hitch, detachable 18th Century styled Hearse Carriage, full size casket with full cover flag, cherry wood Urn Ark with panoramic glass & folding stand, Encased Memorial Flag, 2007 22ft. flatbed transportation trailer with winds/bug shield, Honor Flags, pre-printed magnetic Carriage name plates & misc office supplies. Call Bill or Phyllis 623-386-8281
2006 H-D Dyna Street Bob 11,000 miles, $22,000 invested, selling for $16,000. Contact Pete @ (602) 315-6950 FOR SALE:
2008 Harley Davidson Road Glide- 6,240 miles-lowering kit-travel packageAM/FM/WB/CD- 6 speed-Dark Blue Pearl-Corbin Solo and Stock Seat- asking $17,000. e-mail serious inquiries to: momac99@yahoo.com.
Wreaths Across America Ceremony
*Sponsored wreaths are placed on the grave markers at state, national veterans cemeteries as well as local cemeteries each December. Wreaths may be purchased online at www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org
Name:_________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________ City:___________________________________________________ State:___________________________ Zip:___________________ Phone:_________________________________________________ Email:__________________________________________________
On behalf of Wreaths Across America and the Old Guard Riders Phoenix please join us at the Phoenix National Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, December 12th 2015 at 10am for the Wreaths Across America ceremony, a beautiful, live bough wreath laying event and ceremony, held simultaneously all across America, and coordinated to be held at the same date/time as the ceremony held in Arlington. The Old Guard Riders Phoenix are very excited to be the location hosts once again and to honor our veterans at this special time of year. Be sure to mark your calendar!
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Freedom is never more than one generation om extinction. away fr We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be foughtand for,handed protected, on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling d our our children's children anchildren what it was once like in the United States where men were free.
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For more info: Tarra 602.487.0970 or tarramatyas2@gmail.com 7