A P ublication of the Modified Motorcycle Association of Arizona May/June 2014
May Is Motorcycle Awareness Month
Eagle District - Benefit for Tuffy Pictures on Page 10
Submitted by Snakebite
We all know as motorcyclists, that we are more vulnerable to crashes than other drivers. We also realize the fatality rates for motorcycle crash scenarios are much higher than for car drivers and passengers. It’s up to us as riders to help educate the larger vehicle-driving public how to share the road with motorcycles --and how easy it is to “Look out for Motorcycles.” The MMA has been working hard for over 7 years to place our well-known “Look Twice for Motorcycles” and “Share the Road” signs in local communities around Arizona. There is more we can do as individual citizens. It can begin by discussing the road awareness topic with coworkers, friends, relatives…and anyone who will listen. Think of a way you can help within your corner of the world. A short list of factual and helpful talking points with motorists include: •
Always make a visual check through mirrors and check blind-spots before entering or leaving a traffic lane.
•
Allow greater following distance when behind a motorcycle to allow for reaction time to prevent rearending or running up and over the motorcycle.
•
Be extra cautious in intersections. Most crashes occur when a driver fails to see a oncoming motorcyclist and quickly turns left to turn or pass.
•
Give a motorcycle the full lane width – never try to share a lane.
•
Stay off your cell phone -- and NO TEXTING in traffic! Both take a driver’s focus completely off the road and approaching vehicles.
•
Eat breakfast at home. Rearview mirrors are for watching the busy road behind you, not for applying mascara.
As motorcyclists we also have some responsibilities: •
Avoid riding in poor weather conditions if possible.
•
Ride in a position in the lane where you are clearly out of a motorist’s blind spot. As with following big trucks, if you can see their side mirror’s shiny side, they can usually see you. Take no risks, though.
•
Use turn signals/hand signals for every turn or lane change.
Continued page 5
AMSAF Continues to Help the Motorcycle Community
Motorcycle Day at the Dome Pictures on Page 10
AMSAF continues to grow and help the Motorcycle Community here in Arizona. One of the key areas that we want to get more involved in is getting riders trained because we believe it is so critical to the process of reducing accidents.
Issue: Im proper Licensing and Lack of Training Following a two year down-tick in motorcycle fatalities in 2009 and 2010 (primarily a function of fewer miles traveled by motorcyclists), motorcycle rider fatalities are again on the rise, as are motorcycle registrations in Arizona. Within the fatal motorcycle crash statistics in 2012, it was determined more than 21% of those involved in crashes were without motorcycle endorsement or proper licensing. 1 The proportion of motorcyclists who ride without an endorsement is unknown, and estimates vary from insurance providers who claim between 30-40% of riders are without proper endorsement. Furthermore, polling of rider training agencies determine that of the projected 22,000 endorsements obtained in Arizona2 per year, less than 10,000 of those endorsements are obtained through rider training programs. These same rider training programs cite the following objections from prospective riders to receive training:
If you would like the Motorcycle Patriot delivered to your home, fill out our membership form contained inside this issue.
• Distance to rider training facilities too great
Complimentary Issue
625 W. Deer Valley Road Suite 103-481 Phoenix, Arizona 85027
MMA of Arizona
Presorted Standard US Postage Paid Phoenix, AZ Permit No. 04619
• Unaware rider training exists
• Price too great
Conclusion: AMSAF concludes that with the substantial rider training resources currently available within the Arizona motorcycling community, it makes sense that AMSAF do everything they can to help get more riders trained. How does AMSAF support Rider Education? AMSAF works diligently to increase the number of properly licensed motorcycle riders in Arizona. AMSAF’s activities include, but not limited to: • Monthly Rider Scholarship Contest. (Website link: http://www.amsaf.org/?page_id+2) receives award winners from all over the State and from American Legion Riders, MMA, ABATE and many other motorcycle rights organizations.
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Inside This Issue: MMA of Arizona Listings ..................................2 State Membership Information ........................3 Chairmans report..............................................4 MMA of Arizona Event Calendar ...............6 & 7 Lobbyist Report ................................................8 Ride Tips............................................................8 Editor’s Space ...................................................9 Event Pics and Articles..........................10 & 11 Business Member Listing ..............................12 Horoscope .......................................................14 Dangerous Curves..........................................14 M.A.P................................................................15 Pet Corner .......................................................16 Biker Vittles .....................................................19
Motorcycle
Patriot
Modified Motorcycle Association of Arizona Publication
MAy/JunE 2014 PuBLISHER / EDIToR / LAyouT
Lee Gonzales editor@mma-az.org ADVERTISIng
For Ad info Lee Gonzales editor@mma-az.org
CALEnDAR
Cindy Gates activities@mma-az.org ConTRIBuTIng EDIToR
Amber Faith DISTRIBuTIon CooRDInAToR
Lee Gonzales AREA DISTRIBuTIon
District Volunteers MAILIng & MEMBERSHIP LISTS
Rhonda Holz PRInTIng & MAILIng
Signature Printing MoToRCyCLE PATRIoT 627 W. Deer Valley Road Suite 103-481 Phoenix, Arizona 85027 623-693-4932
Motorcycle Patriot is published every two months. All material is copyrighted 2014 and all rights reserved by Modified Motorcycle Association of Arizona (MMA of AZ). Reproduction of any kind without permission is prohibited. Motorcycle Patriot is produced solely from freelance and authorized material. All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable but published without responsibility for errors or omissions. Opinions expressed by authors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Motorcycle Patriot accepts advertisements from advertisers believed to be of good reputation but cannot guarantee the authenticity or quality of objects or services advertised.
DEADLInE FoR PuBLISHIng All materials for consideration in the next issue must be received June 10th. Any materials received after the deadline will be considered for a future issue. Submit materials to editor@mma-az.org
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MMA of Arizona State Officers Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Sergeant at Arms Membership Activities Communications Quartermaster ACMC Representative NCOM Rep/ACMC Rep AIL Representative Designated Lobbyist Authorized Lobbyist M.A.P Coordinator/ Legislative Consultant & Research Patriot Editor Webmaster
Ed "Hollywood" Holyoak Lee “Snakebite” Gonzales Patt Sortore Steve “Tuffy” Belzer Glen "Burg" Humbarger Rhonda Holz Cindy Gates OPEN Mark “Griz’ Matthews Gary Thurston Steve “Muskrat” Musgrave C.J. Swinford Billy Larson B. Paul “Skypilot” Price
928.978.1537 623-693-4932 928-978-9819 602.399.2325 623.322.9848
Bobbi Hartmann Lee “Snakebite” Gonzales Contract service provider
602-672-3531 623-693-4932
623.695.5659
602-909-0771 520.371.1735 602.788.2088 623.308.0586 623-221-1895
woodnvine@live.com justbiteme2010@yahoo.com secretary@mma-az.org treasurer@mma-az.org burg216@aol.com membership@mma-az.org activities@mma-az.org communications@mma-az.org quartermaster@mma-az.org smusblulgt@aol.com cj@mma-az.org lobbyist@mma-az.org alobbyist@mma-az.org bobbij2@earthlink.net editor@mma-az.org webmaster@mma-az.org
MMA of Arizona District Contacts Casa Grande District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Steve "Muskrat" Musgrave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .520.371.1735. . . . . . . . . SMUSBLULGT@aol.com Nicholos Brown 520-840-9141 Nick.HFFH @ Gmail.com Eagle District Cherie “Ruby” Dubrow 623.328.7255 cheriedubrow@yahoo.com Steve “Tuffy” Belzer 602.399.2325 tuffy_56@hotmail.com Leather District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cindy Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .623.635.5569. . . . . . . . . cgates0617@yahoo.com Lee “Snakebite” Gonzales 623.693.4932 justbiteme2010@yahoo.com Northern Arizona District . . . . . . . . . . . .Jim “Redneck” Blair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .928.660.0656. . . . . . . . . redneck@ourranch.com Red Mountain District . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joann Pilger-Letzin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .480-968-5644 . . . . . . . . jletzin@msn.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom “Teekay” Kartler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .480-832-0117 . . . . . . . . tkartler@cox.net Rim Country District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ed “Hollywood” Holyoak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .928.978.1537. . . . . . . . . woodnvine@live.com Becca “Vine” Holyoak 928.978.2850 woodnvine@live.com Verde Valley District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert Gomez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .928.821.5547 . . . . . . . . mmaverdevalley@yahoo Bob 'Sponge Bob' Gates 928.274.0508 bobgates@sedona.net White Mountain District . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carlene Hulsey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .928.245.8888. . . . . . . . . carlene1duda@hotmail.com Bill "Wild Bill" Hulsey 928.245.8888 wildbill4mma@gmail.com
MMA of Arizona Life Service Mike Bennett Tom and Lynna Buohl Fritz Clapp, Esq Tom Corr Dick “Turtle” Davis* Dave Deckwa Marysia Deckwa Mick Degn Bob Gates
Howard Gelman James Gonzales Lee Gonzales Mary Hart Bobbi Hartmann Ed “Hollywood” Holyoak Becca “Vine” Holyoak Joseph Hoodak Ray “Rayman” Huston
Tambria Kirk-Huston Teri Kelley* Butch Kirkham Carl Letzin Joanne Letzin “Pipe” Loomis Stony Monday Steve "Muskrat" Musgrave Janie Picciano
Tony Picciano Mike Shearhart Willie Shearhart Edward “Jersey” Smith Betty McDonald-Swinford CJ Swinford Wes Sellards
MMA of Arizona Life Membership Casa Grande District Tom Corr Eddie Davis Steve Musgrave Carol Myers
Edward Smith Ron Spirlock Garry Thurston Kris Wall Michael Wendt
Cochise District Jon V. Everett Kresent Gurtler Ernie Harris Thom Ihli David Leabo Phyllis Rimmer Betty Rodriguez
Northern Arizona District Larry Evans Joseph Harris Bill Justice Marie Justice Renee Lippert Steve”Limey” Lippert Eddie Lovato
Eagle District Julie Cissne Kimberly Cole Cherie Dubrow Billy “Desperado” Larson George Graham Ray Houston Eufemio Polanco Gene Mummet Earl Rigby Scot Williamson Wesley Strait Michael Vigorito
Phoenix District Mark Belden Mark Borato Tom Buohl Lynna Buohl Russell G. Cheetham Jr. David Deckwa Sr. Marysia Deckwa Lee Erceg* Tom Erhardt Victor Florio Jack “Yukon Jack” Fry Jeff Gordon Tracy Gruber Mary Hart Bobbi Hartmann Barbara Hatley* Roger Hurm Lee Irvine Butch Kirkham Judy Kirkham Karen Konley Keven Kullberg Chester Larson Sue Leggett Dean Lott Diane Malone Betty McDonald Larry Myers Fred Pascarelli Forrest Phillips Beverlee Simmons Waldo Stuart* Charles Swinford
Grand Canyon District Stephen Briggs High Country District Marlin Kussler Colin MacDiarmid* Stony Monday Leather Debbie Basher Richard L. Davis* Terry Engelking Cindy Gates James Gonzales Lee Gonzales Larry Griffith Dave “Stiffy” Hill Don Hill Joseph Hoodak Tambria Kirk Dave Kopp Henry “Skip” Mikolajczyk Tony Picciano Jane Picciano Deborah Riggs Gerald Riggs John “Skip” Sims
May/June 20 4
Red Mountain District Mike “Maddog” Bennett James Cionci Debra Donaldson Bob Gumfory Glen Koepke
Trish McElyea Mike Shearhart Willie Shearhart Carl Letzin Joanne Pilger-Letzin Michelle Wirth-Packer Rim Country District Ed “Hollywood” Holyoak Becca Holyoak Ruth Lewis Roger Ogborn Diane Schultz Wayne Slocum Jane Wilcox Salt River District James Best Mick Degn John Emerson Chuck Franklin Howard Gelman Bill Goodwin Bob Gumfory Sherry Harradence Gay Hayward James Hillyard William Hitze Wade Jackson Larry Jenkins Phyllis Kelley* Glen Koepke Elmer Myers Darline Olsen “Lady Jewells” Olson-Lentz Greg Oppedal Don “Sandman” Randolph Catherine “Kate” Rouse Larry Venteicher Tucson District Dennis Beye M. Juaregui Ralph Levon Pipe Loomis Kathy Marble Martin Minninger The Solano Family Verde Valley District Ken Cadigan Robert Dixson Rose Dixson Jessica Howell Bob Gates Bill Lyons Jr. Michael Mooney
Dale Vandermolen Westsiders District Deborah Blair Kimberley “Sunshiney” Cole George Graham Ray Huston Gene “Gobb” Mummert Wesley “T-Bone” Straight Michael Vigorito White Mountain District Tim Belous Randy Crider John “Oilcan” Fields* Bob Kirby Ben McLachlan Robin Pierce Randy Rahn Terry K. Rutherford Rich Tuminello Denise Hunter-Tuminello Buddy Zahnle Other District Mike Revere MMA State NCOM Bill Bish - Encino, CA Fritz Clapp Esq. Joe Eggleston* Tank Tiger Mike Revere Motorcycle Club Life Members Sober Riders since 08/2003 Limey Riders since 09/2005 VIII’s Society since 11/2006 Life Emeritus Members Roger "Priest" Hurm - Chairman Bill Justice - Chairman CJ Swinford - Chairman Colin “Cinders” MacDiarmidChairman* Tom Coor - Chairman Co-Founders of MMA-AZ Joe Eggleston, Esq.* AIM Attorney Richard Lester, Esq. AIM Attorney * In Memoriam
MMA of Arizona District Meeting Times & Locations Casa grande 3rd Sunday 11am Silver Bullet Bar 1401 N. Pinal Ave. Casa Grande, AZ Eagle 3rd Sunday at 9:30am Baca Loco (old Chuy’s) 5134 N. 95th Ave. Glendale, AZ
Red Mountain3rd Sunday at 10 am
Tri City Eagles 1712 W Broadway Mesa, AZ
White Mountain 1st Sunday at 1pm American Legion Post 30 825 East Main Street Springerville,AZ
Bring a friend to your meeting
Rim Country 2nd Sunday at 9 am Flying Grizzly 5079 AZ 87 Strawberry, AZ
Leather 2nd Saturday at 10 am Charley’s Place 4324 W. Thunderbird Rd. Glendale, AZ
northern Arizona Page, AZ Meeting times vary month to month. For next meeting Date, Time and Place Please call Jim 435-675-3728 or Renee 928-640-1168
Verde Valley 2nd Sunday at 11 am Nate’s Cowboy Cafe 1481 Highway 89A Clarkdale, AZ Come Early for Breakfast!
MMA of Arizona Membership Information Join and support the Modified Motorcycle Association of Arizona use the membership form and mail it together with your check or money order. Make payable to MMA of Arizona and send to the address below. you may also fill out and print our membership form online or use our electronic registration service and a credit card at www.mma-az.org.
What is the MMA MMA is a Motorcyclists Rights Organization (MRO) comprised of motorcyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts who are concerned with the future, safety, and welfare of motorcycling. We are a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to improving the social atmosphere that surrounds motorcyclists, and protecting the individual freedoms of citizens. We are an association that lobbies and educates the government and the general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image. When you become a member of the MMA of Arizona, you make a difference in the ongoing mission to protect your right to ride and enjoy the motorcycle of your choice, your choice of riding apparel, and when and where you can ride a motorcycle. These issues are real and present in today’s “protect yourself from yourself” political environment. This holds true for all levels of government. At the state level we have a lobbyist who regularly visits our state capital to lobby our legislators on the issues concerning the motorcyclists in Arizona. On the national level we are aligned with the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and several other motorcycle rights organizations. Memberships are open to anyone regardless of what type of motorcycle you ride, if any. All memberships include: The Motorcycle Patriot Newsletter, Membership Card, $3000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefit, Event Updates, Voting Guides, and the ability to interact with some of the most politically active motorcyclists in the state of Arizona. The MMA of Arizona needs the support of all motorcycle riders and we hope you will consider joining this dedicated organization.
Please join us in the cause to protect your rights.
May/June 20 4
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From Our Chairman MMA of Arizona Chairman Ed “Hollywood” Holyoak Chairman’s comments relative to motorcycle rights and the MMA of Arizona
Greetings Brothers and Sisters! I wanted to take a minute to thank all of you who attended Motorcycle Day at the Dome on March 12th in Phoenix. Turn-out was light, mainly because it’s held on a weekday – and most of us have regular jobs. If this was a weekend event, all the masses could show…but then there would be no Legislators. A Catch-22 -- but those that could show up did. People who were able to meet with their Representatives had a positive impact in regards to our wants, needs and desires as Arizona motorcyclists. I did hear that one of our Reps is very interested in perusing the ‘Handlebar Heights’ bill. Our Reps were fed a nice lunch of assorted wraps, salad and a drink until about 1pm and then the rest of us were turned loose on the food. All in all, it was an event-filled day at the Capitol. Thanks again everyone. I would like to remind everyone that May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. Let’s take time to inform our family, friends, co-workers and the communities of the basic rules of Motorcycle Safety on the road. Let’s try to educate the youth of Arizona to watch out for motorcycles. This can be accomplished by setting up a simple booth in a shopping center and handing out pamphlets or flyers in addition to the products provided by the Governor’s office, ADOT, the AIM Attorneys and Richard M. Lester’s office. Gain attention in a positive, upbeat manner. Balloons and MMA Safety and Awareness coloring books appeal to children and their families. “Look out for Motorcycles” bumper stickers and “window clings” work for just about everybody. And don’t forget copies of the MMA Patriot newspaper to show people what we are about. You can obtain helpful AIM info by calling Steve (Muskrat) Musgrave at 1-520-371-1735. Speaking of Safety and Awareness there is something else I would like to remind everyone of. The Modified Motorcycle Association has the proud heritage of being the founding sponsor of the Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation (AMSAF), who have been at our side promoting safety and awareness. They are responsible for many billboards and a riders training course. AMSAF also won a grant from Allstate Insurance Company for their AMSAF 20 under 20 Program. AMSAF opted to promote motorcycle safety to young riders under 20 yrs. of age, and there will be 20 winners selected from many entries to receive a free basic riders training course from TEAM AZ. This will help young riders learn early the correct habits to ride with skill and confidence in the future. We thank AMSAF for your continuing support and support you in all of your endeavors. The Jester Run is coming up on May 17th in Verde Valley. This event honors all of the Brothers and Sisters lost this past year. In my eyes, it’s one of MMA’s most important events. I hope many of you come to show support and respect. Today only comes once. Use it wisely.
nCoM BIKER nEWSByTES Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com. u.S. SEnATE ACTS To SToP MoToRCyCLE-onLy CHECKPoInTS Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to prohibit the use of federal funds in establishing motorcycle-only checkpoints. S.2078, the "Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act," sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) on Wednesday, March 5th, and is similar to H.R. 1861, introduced last year in the U.S. House by Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI). The bill would prohibit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from issuing grants to states to set up checkpoints where motorcycle riders are targeted by police to check that their vehicles meet state standards for noise, tire condition and other requirements, and are also checked for safety gear during the roadside checkpoints. Over the past few years, such roadblocks have been conducted in New York, Georgia, Virginia and Utah during large motorcycle rallies. The senators argue that these types of checkpoints are discriminatory and unnecessary since motorcycle riders are already subject to state registration, inspection, licensing and helmet laws and must stop at sobriety check points like all other drivers. One co-sponsor, Sen. Manchin, former governor of West Virginia, says the checkpoints are a waste of taxpayer funding that can have an adverse effect on states’ economies. “Requiring bikers to drive through motorcycleonly checkpoints is not only an ineffective use of taxpayer dollars, but it also raises legitimate questions about discrimination against motorcyclists. In West Virginia, bikers travel near and far to drive on our winding roads and enjoy the beautiful scenery, which attracts tourism and helps boost both our local and state economies,” Manchin said. “As a Harley owner myself, I am pleased to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation that simply would prohibit yet another senseless and unreasonable federal regulation which could harm states’ economies.” The states of California, Illinois, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Virginia have all passed legislation to bar such checkpoints. CDC TASK FoRCE RECoMMEnDS HELMET LAWS The Community Preventative Services Task Force, a panel operating under the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), has reported its findings for improving motorcycle
MMA Safety Alert: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Suzuki GSX-R Brake System Recall The Modified Motorcycle Association of Arizona, would like to share with all riders that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published information detailing a recall issued by Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. pertaining to its GSXR motorcycles. The recall relates to 210,228 GSXR motorcycles produced from 2004 to 2013 citing a brake defect. Years and models affected by the recall are 2004-2013 GSX-R600 and GSX-R750 and 2005-2013 GSX-R1000 motorcycles. In combination with older brake fluid, corrosion of the brake piston inside of the front brake master cylinder generates gas that may result in a reduction of fluid pressure transmission to the front brake. As a result, front braking power may be reduced increasing the risk of a crash. Suzuki told NHTSA the problem was first reported from Germany in May 2009, but the company was unable to reproduce the problem until October 2012. Suzuki said it confirmed the problem in August and September of this year after examining dealer vehicles, including some used for display and test drives, and long-term unsold units. Suzuki began notifying owners of these models in November of 2013. Suzuki will replace the front brake master cylinder free of charge.Suzuki reported that no injuries have ben reported in the U.S. as a result of this defect.Owners are urged to contact their local Suzuki dealer.
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rider safety, recommending that states and the federal government focus on passing helmet laws. In its first-ever findings statement on motorcycle safety, the group of mostly medical professionals emphasize that motorcyclist fatalities have nearly doubled since 2000, but ignore the fact that motorcycle registrations have likewise multiplied over the same time period. Members of Congress have written the CDC requesting that they back off from helmet propaganda, but the federal health agency feels justified in pursuing all preventable injuries. FuRTHER EPA ACTIonS RESTRICT E15 FuEL Following passage of the Farm Bill, which hampers the availability of E15 (gasoline containing 15% ethanol) by restricting blender pumps necessary to dispense the fuel, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent move to reduce for the first time the amount of ethanol required to be blended into U.S. gasoline supplies, two new EPA regulations are expected to further limit E15 availability. In action taken March 3rd, the EPA decided against adopting E15 as its standard test fuel, and in other regulatory action refused to waive E15 vapor pressure limits, which will effectively reduce its distribution to gas stations during summer months. Previously, the EPA approved E15 for use in cars and trucks built since 2001, but has not approved the fuel for use in any motorcycles or ATVs, and manufacturers have warned that E15 can damage engines and even inadvertent fueling can void warranties. PEnnSyLVAnIA LIMITS MoToRCyCLE LEARnERS PERMITS State Representative Seth Grove introduced HB 892 in this session of the Pennsylvania State Legislature in an effort to curb the practice of “serial permitting” by novice riders in the state, and the bill was just signed by the Governor and becomes effective immediately. The new law restricts the number of times someone can reapply for a motorcycle learners permit to three times in a 5 year period. Prior to this law, there was no restriction on the number of times an individual could reapply for a learners permit and thereby skirting the need to take the full motorcycle license written and riding test. “We have been dealing with individuals who continually violate the restrictions of motorcycle permits because they treat permits like actual licenses,” Grove said. ABATE of Pennsylvania also supported the bill and provides free student motorcycle safety training, with an opportunity to obtain a class “M” license upon completion of the course.
FLoRIDA LAWMAKERS MAy MAKE DRIVERS WATCH ouT FoR MoToRCyCLISTS
a grave with the ’67 Harley he bought new and rode around the country through 49 states.
Safety rule number one for motorcycle riders is to watch out for car drivers, but a proposal in Florida could make it state law for drivers to watch out for motorcycles.
It all started 18 years ago when Standley joked with his kids about who would inherit his motorcycle; “I’ve got two sons, only got one bike,” and one of his daughters offhandedly quipped, “Oh dad, just be buried with it.”
The bill covers what Senator Greg Evers (R-District 2) calls "vulnerable road users." That includes motorcyclists, pedestrians, road workers, scooter and bicycle riders, farm equipment operators, carriage drivers and those in wheelchairs. If a driver commits a moving violation that results in bodily injury, it would become a second-degree misdemeanor. If it causes death, it would become firstdegree, with the potential for license suspension. ABATE SEEKS To ALLoW oFF-RoAD VEHICLES on CounTy RoADWAyS Indiana state law bans driving off-road vehicles on public streets, but ABATE of Indiana, a motorcycle advocacy group, is asking Tippecanoe County commissioners to exercise a clause that allows county officials to allow allterrain vehicles, gators and various other off-road machines, including snowmobiles, to use county roads in unincorporated areas. “We’re just requesting that they at least evaluate this; look at what other communities have done with this -- what other counties have done with this” said Jay Jackson, executive director of ABATE of Indiana. “We’re not aware of any significant ramifications as a result, so we don’t see a downside to it.” Jackson told commissioners that 45 Indiana counties currently allow off-road vehicles on public roads. The vehicles still must comply with state laws governing offroad vehicles. State law requires the rider or driver be 16 years old and licensed, and also requires that the vehicle be registered, much like a boat. WEIRD nEWS: BIKER BuRIED WITH BIKE An Ohio biker was granted his last wish to be buried astride his beloved Harley-Davidson, but it took one custom Plexiglas casket, three extra burial plots, five embalmers and six years of planning and preparations for 82-year old Bill Standley of Mechanicsburg, Ohio to share
Six years ago, Standley went before the Champaign County Board of Health to get permission for the bizarre burial, and was informed that he would need a special vault and he’d have to drain all of the fluids out of the bike. He and his two sons then custom built a see-through casket from a modified septic tank, reinforced with wood and steel, and on January 31st family and friends took him on his last ride to the cemetery, where a crane lowered him and his bike to their final resting place in full riding gear, forever in the wind.
May Is Motorcycle Awareness Month Continued From Front Page • Remember you are invisible in traffic. Do what you can to make yourself more visible, especially when riding at night. Black bike with small lights, black clothing without glow-in-dark safety tape and riding in the dark of night…you just blend into the scenery. Preoccupied or impaired drivers will simply plow through you. Use this beautiful bike-riding May as an opportunity to open up the dialog with friends…then use the rest of the year encouraging more Arizona motorist to be everyday partners in motorcycle safety, perhaps even becoming MMA members.
nCoM ConVEnTIon HonoRS FALLEn RIDERS; InVITES nAMES FoR TRIBuTE With the 29th Annual NCOM Convention in Dallas just weeks away, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists is requesting that MROs, motorcycle clubs, and riding associations submit the names of those members and supporters who have died since May 2013, so that we may honor their memories during the traditional “Ringing of the Bell” tribute to fallen riders during the opening ceremonies. Dedications can be hand-delivered at the Convention to “Doc” Reichenbach, NCOM Chairman of the Board, or e-mailed in advance to Bill Bish at NCOMBish@aol.com. Attendees are also encouraged to bring an item on behalf of their organization for the Freedom Fund Auction, with proceeds benefiting the motorcyclists’ rights movement nationwide through Getting Our People Elected donations, NCOM Speaker Program, lobbying activities and other pro-motorcycling projects as determined by the NCOM Board of Directors. The 29th annual NCOM Convention will be held Mother’s Day weekend, May 8-11, 2014 at The Intercontinental Hotel - Dallas, located at 15201 Dallas Parkway in Addison, Texas, so reserve your room now for the special NCOM rate of $99 by calling (877) 317-5786. This annual gathering will draw hundreds of bikers’ rights activists from across the country to discuss topics of concern to all riders, and ALL motorcyclists are welcome and encouraged to attend. Meetings, seminars and group discussions will focus on legislative efforts and litigation techniques to benefit our right to ride and Freedom of the Road. To pre-register, call the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 525-5355 or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
Help Wanted. The MMA Motorcycle Patriot Needs You!
We are looking for reporters, writers and photographers to contribute to our non-profit MMA newspaper. We cannot pay, but can guarantee you a by-line and give you credit. Would you like to write helpful articles for the Patriot? Send us your ideas. Repair tips, interviews, Arizona day rides and anything motorcycle-related will be considered. Photos of Arizona motorcycle events or MMA feature stories are always needed. If you are out of regular writing practice, it’s okay. Your wisdom and MMA opinion is the important issue. If you can work with deadlines, and our need to proofread and carefully edit or shorten articles, we’ll be grateful. Our friendly editorial staff is here to help. It takes a lot of volunteer time, journalistic effort and articles to create 20 pages of informative content for each edition of the Motorcycle Patriot. Your fresh ideas and input will always be considered. Please send all submissions, enquiries, photos and ideas to the editor@mma-az.org. This is your paper -- tell us what you want to see or not see. Thanks for your continued support.
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MMA of Arizona Calendar of Events
Sat - Aug 2nd 2nd Annual B ikers 4 P aws R ide to B enefit the Anim als Museum Club on Route 66 in Flagstaff This will be the 2nd annual event to benefit homeless animals at Second Chance Center for Animals(SCCA) located in Flagstaff , AZ. SCCA rescues from the rescues, working with 37 organizations to save the lives of adoptable companion animals that may be at risk due to space and time constraints. SCCA is not subject to these constraints and will keep an animal until a “Forever Home” can be found. Bikers 4 Paws, a poker run will tour through the cool mountain high country with stops at Snowbowl and Morman Lake . Sign in 8:30-9:15 am at the historic Museum Club on Route 66 in Flagstaff , AZ $25 per rider and $15 passenger. T-shirts & pins for the first 50 riders, 50/50 raffle, prize raffles, door prizes and lunch. F
MMA State Fund Raiser Announcement! MMA State Activities will be raffling a $500 Visa Gift Card at the Annual Camp and Jam held Labor Day Weekend August 29th, 30th and 31st in Tonto Village. Need not be present to win! Please help us spread the word by talking to your fellow district members, friends, neighbors, coworkers and then go to your next district meeting and buy some raffle tickets. Tickets are just $3 each and only 1000 tickets will be sold so your odds of winning are GREAT! Proceeds from the raffle tickets go towards helping MMA with Motorcycle Rights, Safety and Awareness along with the State Lobbyist Budget.
To submit event information please contact MMA of AZ State Event Officer by phone at 623.695.5659 or Email activities@mma-az.org
Sat -May 17th 19th Annual Jester R un Verde Valley District proudly presents 19th Annual Jester Run for Lost Brothers and Sisters. Proceeds benefit motorcycle safety and awareness. Registration starts at 9am @ Auto Motion- 595 S. 6th St. Cottonwood, AZ. Ceremony starts at 10am with kickstands up at 10:30. End Party starts at 1pm at The Bar @ Strombolli's. Music, Raffles, 50/50 and the Dirty Verde Roller Derby 2nd annual Bike/Car Wash. Don't miss this great event and ride thru Verde Valley!!! $20 per Rider and $25 with Passenger.
Sun - May 18th B owling with E agle District
Send in events for listing by February 5th to activities@mma-az.org. Paper will cover March and April Events!
Eagle District meeting at Glenfair Lanes 6110 M 59th Ave Glendale 9am-12 pm Early-bird bowling Sundays Lanes $1.50 per game Shoes $2.50
Sat -May 31st Thunder Fest Desert Thunder MC will be having Thunder Fest on May 31 2014 starting at 5pm @ the DTMC clubhouse - at 3101 W Thomas #104 Phoenix, AZ. They will have 2 live band and great food. $10 per rider $15 per couple. Raffle prizes and a 50/50.
Sat- June 7th Farkle R un Eagle District Farkle Run to benefit NCOM Funds BAJA LOCO MESQUITE GRILL & CANTINA, North 95th Avenue, Glendale, AZ $10 per Rider/$15 with Passenger
Sat/Sun - June 13th – 14th R un With The Wolf American Legion 835 East Main St., Springerville, AZ 85938 White Mountain District Run With The Wolf: $10 per person - Bike Games, Bead Run, Food, Vendors, Belly Dancing, Friday Night Fish Fry. Proceeds benefit local food banks in Apache County. FMI or to reserve vendor space 928-337-4833
Fri-Sun - June 19th – 22nd Too B roke for Sturgis Mormon Lake, AZ -Abate of Arizona 23 Annual Too Broke For Sturgis 2014. NEW DATE!!! June 19th-22nd 2014. Mormon Lake, AZ. 18 years and older, proof of age required with or without parent/guardian. ADMISSION: $35 per person for weekend pass, $25 per person Saturday pass. ABATE members get $5 off per person for weekend passes. ***An additional $20 for ALL RV’s, tow behinds & trailers, except motorcycle trailers. Mormon Lake Lodge Log Cabins, Camping, RV Spaces w/hookups, General Store, Coin Operated Showers, Horseback riding, Live Music Fri & Sat Nites, Bike Show, Event Pins to the first 1500 • Poker Run/Walk, MS. Too Broke, Wet T-shirt Contest, Tattoo Contest, People and Bike Games.
Sat - July 12th R CD B ike Wash Journigan House 202 W Main, Payson, AZ Bikini Bike Wash - Vendors Welcome! 50/50, Raffle and a lot of Fun times! Music by The MODs. FMI or vendors call Pat at 928-970-0007
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Lobbyist Update
AMSAF Update Mick Degn Chairman www.amsaf.org info@amsaf.org
Legislative Updates from our Motorcycle Lobbyist Billy “Desperado” Larson MMA-AZ Designated Lobbyist
Ride Tips • AMSAF 20 under 20 Contest awarded by Allstate Insurance to provide rider training scholarships to 20 individuals under 20 years of age.
Legislative / MDATD Report ABATE, MMA-AZ and ACMC, want to thank the 38 Legislators and the 100+ Riders who were able to join us for our 2014 "Motorcycle Day at the Dome". We missed the 52 Legislators who couldn't make it this year.
• Raffle’s for Basic Rider Courses at Arizona Bike Week and Phoenix BikeFest
This was an amazing event this year. We had a very productive day with a great turnout. The legislators who were able to join us had a good time having some lunch and visiting with our riders. The many riders who had the chance to discuss our and their issues with their legislators were very respectful and did the whole event with class and decorum. As the Designated Lobbyist for the Modified Motorcycle Association Lobby Team, we want to thank you all for your help and cooperation. It was a very good showing that helped us make a statement to the Legislators that we work with on every bill we run. This is a Lobbyist Event, and you all helped us immensely by making appointments with your legislators and being courteous while at the capital. We have had very positive comments from those we work with.
• AMSAF posts on a weekly basis some great Safety tips on their Facebook page.
Also, Bobbi Hartmann, our lobby team’s researcherconsultant, had a very productive discussion with her Representative Karen Fann. Karen Fann happened to be head of the Transportation Committee this last session. Rep Fann personally talked to Bobbi regarding the legislative process the MMA lobby team uses when running their Bills, and how that gives the legislators like herself, what is needed to better support our efforts. She specifically told Bobbi to do what she does best regarding any Handle Bar Height Bill for 2015, and then to approach her, as her Rep, when the 2015 session gets nearer. So that is exactly what we will be doing. For those who were not able to make it this year, you are encouraged and welcome to be there next year. Stay in touch with your legislators. This is an election year let them know that WE have a voice and that WE VOTE! Enjoy your summer riding and be safe out there.
H & H Plumbing and Drain 16772 W.Bell Rd.Ste,110,#233 Surprise,Az.85374 623-322-9100 & 602-533-3053, www.HandHPlumbingAz.com.
How does AMSAF Promote Motorcycle Safety?
• AMSAF has put up nine(9) Billboards to promote Motorcycle Safety and Awareness • AMSAF helped MMA to get “LOOK OUT FOR MOTORYCLES” Signs put up in Page, AZ • AMSAF has been part of Arizona Centennial, Arizona Bike Week, Phoenix Bikefest, Westgate Bike Night and Motorcycle Business Grand Openings. • AMSAF has been involved in the Arizona Strategic Highway Plan related to Motorcycles Why is this so important to AMSAF? As Board members we have all seen the number of accidents increase and we’ve all lost someone to a Motorcycle Accident. We want to not only talk about Motorcycle Safety and Awareness but we want to try and help reduce accidents. That is why it is so important to the Board of AMSAF that we put in place programs or a process that is going to help accomplish our goals. Many of our Board members are key individuals within the state who take Motorcycle Safety and Awareness seriously. That includes our Sponsors. We recently had a booth at Phoenix BikeFest and what a great event. We probably had close to 1000 people stop by our booth. Many to stop and thank us for what we were doing and also to sign up for our raffle drawings. A number of our Basic Rider Contest winners stopped to thank us and that meant the world to us. Here are the questions. What are you doing to help reduce Motorcycle Accidents? Are you a Sponsor of AMSAF and if not, Have you considered it? Remember, we’re a 501c3 and everything we raise goes to Motorcycle Training courses, promotion of Motorcycle Safety and Awareness. If you’re a Sponsor, are you promoting AMSAF and doing what you can to help AMSAF help the motorcycle Community more? Please, don’t just complain about the accidents, get involved. THANK YOU for what you do to help the Motorcycle Community be a safer place and THANK YOU for your support of AMSAF. The Motorcycle Community does so much to help people with different events, fund raisers, kids and Charity. Let’s help keep that going by helping make it a safer place. Have a great summer and ride safe.
Intersection u=Turn Magic Intersections. On average, three motorcyclists are killed every day in the U.S. as a result of multi-vehicle crashes at intersections. For this very reason, we want to discuss an activity we may perform rarely, or for some riders, almost daily: the u-turn.
Adding R isk To The R ide Performing a u-turn is a fairly common occurrence for motorists. On a motorcycle, this seemingly innocuous driving tool can present some challenges. Even for the most skilled, most experienced rider, a u-turn represents exposure to increased risk on the roadway. The risks may be obvious, but let’s pinpoint them: • Rider will be reversing direction, going against the flow of traffic • Multiple lanes of traffic converging requiring attention to be split among several key areas • Motorcycle will be traveling slowly, requiring balance as the handlebars are turned and the motorcycle is leaned These three primary challenges mean we have increased risk. We know that as risk increases, anxiety for a rider may also rise. More anxiety means a decreased probability of performing a successful u-turn maneuver. So how do we decrease our risk and lower our anxiety?
Vision Is K ey BEFoRE performing a u-turn maneuver, we can use our vision in several key ways to reduce our anxiety: • Find a visual reference point behind you to focus upon when performing the u-turn. By locating a reference point. BEFORE you initiate the u-turn, you are giving your brain a “point B” to which it will help you travel. The brain aids you by calculating the necessary motor skill needed when going from one point, “point A”, to another point, “point B”. When targeting a reference point in advance, the brain helps us in automatically making throttle adjustments, lean angle adjustments, and handlebar turn corrections DURING the u-turn. • Visually clear the intersection of risks by checking all four directions around you. Provide yourself with the most time and space (safety margin) possible. Are you clear 4 seconds ahead? How does 12 seconds look? • Identify roadway conditions like slope and camber that may present balance issues, plus any hazards like gravel, debris, oil, and more. BEFORE performing the u-turn, we can also make sure we: • Position ourselves so that we give ourselves the most room to perform the turn (start from the outside) • Give ourselves room for take off to go straight so that we can establish momentum and a good entry speed for the u-turn
How Do You U-Turn To Get Into Carnegie Hall? Practice your slow speed technique BEFORE you get onto the road, so that you know how to use your vision before you go on the road. Make sure you’re comfortable turning the handlebars and leaning the motorcycle at low speed. Duck walking your motorcycle through a u-turn demonstrates a lack of skill or confidence in low speed maneuvering and is a major clue that parking lot practice is necessary. Don’t know what to practice? Check out this article from TEAM Arizona: Slow Speed Turning Technique Better yet, come out one of our Confident RiderCourses or see us at our Low Speed Maneuvering skills practice nights. We’d love to see your smiling face! MotorcycleTraining.com
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MRF news CDC Task Force P ushes Universal Mandatory Helm et Law The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports that a task force that is funded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued its findings statement for motorcycle safety, with the singular solution being universal mandatory helmet laws. The task force, known as the Community Preventative Services Task Force, is a 15 member, non-federal, independent group that utilizes CDC staff and resources to develop “Findings and Rationale Statements.” The statements make recommendations that run the gamut of topics from asthma control to work place safety. The recommendations have included motor vehicles in the past focusing on seat belts, child seats, and alcohol use. This is the first time the task force has recommended anything to do with motorcycling. Task force members are appointed by the Director of the CDC and serve five-year terms. All current members are doctors, with one exception. The CDC asserts that fatalities have nearly doubled since 2000 while failing to take into account the increase in registered motorcycles. In fact, in 2000 there were 2,862 fatal crashes for 4.9 million registered motorcycles. That means in 2000 .058% of all registered motorcycles were involved in a fatal crash. In 2010 there were 4,502 fatalities for 8.4 million registered motorcycles, which puts just .053% of registered motorcycles, a slight decrease in the ratio of registered motorcycles to fatalities with 3.5 million more motorcycles on the road. These are just some of the facts about the CDC research that have been presented in all four MRF conferences going back to fall of 2012. The Task Force report claims that they used data from 69 studies, but only lists seven in the reference section of the finding statement. The MRF is investigating this and is in talks with the Task Force staff about how they came to the conclusion that enacting universal mandatory helmet laws is the only way to save lives.
the resolution. She even spoke to the General Assembly in strong support of the resolution. The non-binding resolution has some other very troubling issues with regards to motorcyclists. For instance, one of the directives claims that there are insufficient policies in place to protect motorcyclists. The idea that one type of policy would work for every country in the United Nations is beyond fantasy. Our diverse global motorcycle community cannot exist under a one-size fit all approach. Another section of the resolution recognizes and commends The UN Economic Commission for Europe and the World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations to modify vehicle regulations to increase safety. This is essential in the UN calling for global harmonization of policy that could include helmet laws and universal vehicle anti-tampering measures. Both of these would devastate the motorcycle community and aftermarket industry in America. It is a clear picture of the mindset of the UN to support such an over-reaching resolution. By muddying the waters with controversial policies, the UN loses support for some very good ideas concerning distracted driving and Good Samaritan policies. The MRF is engaged on this and will keep you informed about this issue.
AMA news Driver P rivacy Act am ended to secure m otorcyclists' info April 09, 2014
“It is deeply troubling that some of our brightest researchers refuse to acknowledge rider education and awareness campaigns as effective means to saving lives,” said Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relation and Public Affairs for the MRF.
A proposed change in the language of the Driver Privacy Act in the U.S. Senate would expand the bill's scope to protect all information recorded by event data recorders installed on all "motor vehicles," including motorcycles, the American Motorcyclist Association reports.
Also of note is why the CDC would only focus on head injury. J. Lee Annest, the Director of Statistics and Programing for the CDC, informed the motorcycle community that the CDC does not keep information on motorcycle fatality by body part and that in motorcycle fatalities there are usually multiple injuries, with the primary body part affected difficult to determine. Yet the only solution that the CDC has ever presented in its history is universal mandatory helmet law..
The substitute amendment was offered in committee by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) to S. 1925, which deals with information collected by event data recorders, sometimes referred to as "black boxes."
The MRF worked with the House of Representatives to send a letter to the CDC asking them to not focus on motorcycle safety, but rather leave that to the relevant transportation agencies. The CDC’s response was that they needed to be involved in all preventable injuries, because they have the newest research available. Use the MRF’s latest “Fact or Fiction” piece, which was made public at this past year’s “Bikers Inside the Beltway” event in D.C. in May of 2013 to educate your legislators. The one page document has information about the CDC and the misconception related to the effectiveness of helmet laws. You can view the “Fact or Fiction” piece at http://www.mrf.org/pdf/MRF_FactOrFiction2013.pdf
United Nations General Assem bly Calls For Global Mandatory Helm et Law Recently the 68th session of the United Nations voted to approve a non-binding resolution entitled “Improving Global Road Safety,” which sounds innocent enough, but when closely examined, has some very disturbing ideas concerning motorcyclists, motorcycles, and helmet laws. The most disturbing directive is “to encourage Member States (countries participating in the UN) to enact comprehensive legislation on key risk factors for road traffic injuries including the non-use of helmets.” Or in other words, universal mandatory global helmet law. Keep in mind this is a non-binding resolution, but many countries and legislative bodies take the UN’s suggestions very seriously. This is the warning shot across the bow. The United Nations is coming for motorcyclists. That is why it is so unfortunate that Americas own Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and a member of President Obama’s Cabinet voted in support of
Editor’s Space
While the government does not require the installation of event data recorders on motorcycles, some current models are equipped with the devices. "The American Motorcyclist Association supports the Klobuchar amendment and believes that all information collected by event data recorders belongs to the owner of the vehicle or the person leasing the vehicle -- whether they are on two, three or four wheels," said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. "Access to that data should come only at the discretion of the vehicle owner or lessee." Allard thanked Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Klobuchar for working with the motorcycling community to make this needed change. The bill: As originally introduced, S. 1925 would have granted privacy protection only for data the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires to be collected (49 CFR Part 563) -- passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks and buses, which must be equipped with event data recorders. What changed: The substitute amendment extends privacy protection for data collected by devices installed on all motor vehicles, including motorcycles. Similar legislation: A more sweeping bill, H.R. 2414, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in June 2013, by U.S. Rep. Michael E. Capuano (D-Mass.). That bill states that "any data recorded on any event data recorder in an automobile or motorcycle shall be considered the property of the owner of the automobile or motorcycle." Under the House bill, no one but the owner could access the data without the permission of the owner or a court order.
Comments relative to the content, current affairs or anything that is on my mind at the time of this publication. Lee “Snakebite” Gonzales Editor, Motorcycle Patriot MMA Vice Chairman May has arrived. Weather thus far in 2014 has been unseasonably warm in Arizona; we can only hope this is NOT a continuing trend leading into the summer months. Needless to say the coming months will bring hot and hotter temps and now is a good time to get in the hydration habit. This issue contains a very good article with info for riding in hot temperatures. May is a bustling spring month with lots going on. Graduations, weddings, gardening and vacation planning are some things at the top of the list. Folks are pretty busy with everyday life and a bit distracted. May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness month and a good time to remind our friends and family to look for us in traffic, give us a little room and share the road. The beautiful spring weather prompts many more motorcycles to be on the road for both recreational and commuting purposes. May was chosen for Safety and Awareness month for just that reason. So take the time and strike up a conversation with folks regarding the subject. Not a talkative kind of person? Take a Motorcycle Patriot and give to a friend and encourage them to read and pass it on or pick up a couple extra issues from a local business member. This issue is full of Safety and Awareness articles and issues that we face daily. MMA Districts will be out doing safety and awareness events in May around the state in front of stores and in parks. Stop by and pick up free Motorcycle Safety items to take to your workplace. Either way we are spreading the word. At the end of May, Memorial Day arrives. It is much more than a barbeque in the backyard or too much beer on the beach. For proud Americans everywhere, it’s a solemn time to reflect on those veterans who sacrificed so much in the name of our Constitutional freedoms through the past 238 years. Some gave all, and many veterans are still struggling with bitter memories from the past. This Memorial Day, be extra kind to a veteran near you. In June, we have a day set aside to honor our Dads. Hmmm what might dad want? A tie, Old Spice, a big new BBQ grill? Noooo. I’m thinking a new motorcycle, new accessories, more leather and the old fail-safe -- a new tshirt from Dad’s favorite motorcycle shop. New camping equipment might be nice as he could try it out and put it to good use at this year’s ‘Too Broke for Sturgis,’ an annual event put on by our brothers and sisters of ABATE. This year, the event has a new date -- June 19 through 21st at Mormon Lake AZ. If you have never been, you are truly missing a great biker event and a weekend of camaraderie in the High Country for our motorcycle community. See flyer on Page 10. Also in June, we celebrate Flag Day, a day to honor the flag of our country. Many flag ceremonies take place on that day with Boy Scouts and many veteran organizations. Ceremonies are held regarding proper flag retirement, folding and displaying of the flag. Flags used to be separated stripe be stripe in preparation for burning then burial of the ashes. However, currently most flags are just buried due to the toxic fumes emitted by the synthetic nylon materials many flags are made of. It’s always been my practice to buy an American-made flag. Most are made of cotton materials; stars are embroidered on many flags and wear very well. In February 2014, a ruling was passed that our military and Pentagon can only buy and display American-made flags made from America-sourced materials produced by Americans. It will come at a cost because an Americanmade flag is more expensive. But, why would you buy an American flag made in China? Take pride in America. We have included an article in this edition explaining the meaning of the traditional flag’s folds and directions of proper folding. We hope you enjoy this latest issue of the Motorcycle Patriot. Please take a moment to read our Help Wanted ad on Page 5. We can always use a little extra help… and it might be you! As always, I welcome all comments or letters to the Editor, but, no one ever writes me. Until next time, Happy Trails and be safe out there!
What is next: H.R. 2414 is being considered by the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations. S. 1925 is being considered by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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Benefit for Steve “Tuffy” Belzer
Bike Show at Sage and Sand.
Submitted by Snakebite
Bike Show was Done by MMA Eagle and Leather District
On Saturday March 29th, friends, family, and the brothers and sisters of MMA-AZ gathered at Baja Loco to do what we do best in a time of need…raise money. Tuffy has been battling throat cancer for awhile and the bills are piling up. Tuffy has his own business and was unable to work awhile so he and Eileen were in need of extra help. Many raffle items were collected and folks bought tickets to win the wares. This was a Chinese raffle where you drop a ticket in a bag by the items you want. Then a ticket is drawn from each bag to determine the winner. At least if you win, you only get stuff you really wanted. I like it! I did win some of the things I wanted…but wanted more. I should have bought more tickets. A DJ was spinning some 50s, 60s and 70s tunes on the patio, and folks were dancing, drinking and, importantly, buying lots of tickets. The end total raised was $1800. Not bad for an afternoon of fun with good friends – and each little bit helps. Eileen and Tuffy were touched by everyone’s generosity, and send thanks to all involved.
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Motorcycle Day At The Dome Pics by Aloha and Snakebite
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MMA of Arizona Business Member Listing - listed by city
At Large
Sober Riders MC, Inc Organizations and Clubs Business Life Member
Apache Junction
American Legion Riders Post 27 Organizations and Clubs 1018 S Meridan Rd Apache Junction, AZ 85220 602-541-2441 Business Life Member
Captain’s Bars & Restaurants 300 W Apache Trail #118 Apache Junction, AZ 85217 480-288-2590 Business Life Member
Fat Rabbit Tattoo
Services and Miscellaneous 936 W Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120 480-570-0632
Phoenix Vulcan Riders Organizations and Clubs Apache Junction, AZ 602-696-8064
Superstition Harley Davidson Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Accessories 2910 W Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85220 480-346-0600
Avondale
Airepros Air Conditioning & Heating Services and Miscellaneous 2022 N 106th Lane Avondale, AZ 85392 623-547-5992
Dart Cycle Worx Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Accessories 1060 N Eliseo Felix Way Ste 10 Avondale, AZ 85323 623-925-5503 Business Life Member
Casa grande
Silver Bullet Bar Bars & Restaurants 1401 North Pinal Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520-836-1363
Clarksdale
1012 Lounge Bars & Restaurants 910 Main St Clarksdale, AZ 86324 928-639-0800
nate’s Cowboy Cafe Bars & Restaurants 1481 Highway 89A Clarkdale, AZ 928-639-3838
Cornville
old Corral Bar Bars & Restaurants 11375 E Cornville Rd Cornville, AZ 86325 928 649-9495
grasshopper grill Bars & Restaurants 1130 S Page Springs Rd Cornville, AZ 86325 928-649.9211
Cottonwood
The Bar at Stombollis Bars & Restaurants 321 S. Main Street Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928 634-3838
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Chaparral Bar Bars & Restaurants 325 Main Street Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928-254-1307 Business Life Member gunners BBQ Pit Bars & Restaurants 1030 S Hwy 260 Home Depot Cottonwood, AZ 86326 A Touch of Class Custom Trikes Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Accessories 1421 E Birch St Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928-254-0957 Business Life Member Seitz Architectural Design Services and Miscellaneous 782 Cove Parkway Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928-646-1788 Business Life Member My Dobro grill, Spirits and Music Bars & Restaurants 1100 Hwy 260 #21 Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928-634-3800
Coolidge
Tag’s Café Bars & Restaurants 156 N. Arizona Blvd. Coolidge, AZ 85128 520.723.1013
gilbert
Team Arizona Motorcyclist Training Center Services and Miscellaneous 36 N William Dillard Dr Gilbert, AZ 85233 480-998-9888 Business Life Member gilbert American Legion Organizations and Clubs 206 N Gilbert Rd Gilbert, AZ 85212
glendale
Baja Loco Bars & Restaurants 5134 N 95th Ave Glendale, AZ 85305 623-772-8839 Business Life Member Charley's Place’ Bars & Restaurants 4324 W Thunderbird RD Glendale, AZ 85306 602-439-1668 Business Life Member Limey Riders M/C Organizations and Clubs Glendale, AZ 85311 623-930-9165 Business Life Member
goodyear
AZ Battery Store Services & Micellaneous 560 N Bullard Ave Ste E50 Goodyear, AZ 85338 623-853-3321
Mayer
Smokin’ Harley’s Steakhouse & Seafood Bars & Restaurants 10456 SR 69 Mayer, AZ 86333 928-632-4255 Business Life Member
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Mesa
Mainstreet Motorcycles Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Accessories 9750 E Apache Trail Mesa, AZ 85207 480-357-7595 Business Life Member VIII Society M/C Organizations and Clubs 7930 E 1st Ave Mesa, AZ 85208 480-227-2690 Business Life Member America's ultra Clean Services and Miscellaneous 738 E Dana Suite A Mesa, AZ 85204 480-206-4003 Business Life Member
new River
Roadrunner Restaurant & Saloon Bars & Restaurants 47801 N Black Canyon Hwy New River, AZ 85087 623-465-9903 Business Life Member
Page
Ranch House grille Bars & Restaurants 819 N Navajo Box 3491 Page, AZ 86040 928 645-1420 Business Life Member Windy Mesa Bars & Restaurants 800 N Navajo Dr Page, AZ 86040 928-645-2186 Business Life Member Blair’s Trading Post Clothing 626 N Navajo Dr Page, AZ 86040 928-645-3008 Business Life Member Page Boy Motel Lodging 150 N Lake Powell Blvd Page, AZ 86040 928-645-2416 Business Life Member Page Honda Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Accessories 915 Coppermine Rd Page, AZ 86040 800-432-6923 Business Life Member Classic Auto Body Services and Miscellaneous Box 2756 Page, AZ 86040 928-645-9023 Fred's Liquor Store Services and Miscellaneous 902 N Navajo Dr Page, AZ 86040 520-645-3575 Business Life Member
Payson
The Historical Journigan House Bars & Restaurants 202 W Main St Payson, AZ 85541 928-478-8324 Business Life Member Landmark at the Creek Bars & Restaurants 1177 E. Highway 260 Christopher Creek Loop, Payson, AZ1 928-478-4587
Lil Joe Leathers Services and Miscellaneous
PO Box 839 Payson AZ 85547 Toll Free Voice (800)643-3321 Jakes Corner Bar Bars & Restaurants 57564 N Hwy 188 Payson, AZ 85541 602-359-1068 Mazatzal Casino Bars & Restaurants PO Box 1820 Payson, AZ 85547 800-777-7529 Business Life Member All-Clene Carpet Cleaners Services and Miscellaneous 609 W Bridle Path Lane Payson, AZ 85541 928-468-1358 Business Life Member Amon Builders, Inc Services and Miscellaneous 903 E Hwy 260 #6 Payson, AZ 85541 928-474-0689 Business Life Member Miller Auto Works Services and Miscellaneous 600 W Main St Suite A Payson, AZ 85541 928-468-8855 Business Life Member Mountain Top Brewing Company Bars & Restaurants 401 N Tyler Pkwy Payson, AZ 85541 928-474-9228 Payson Packaging Services and Miscellaneous 106 E Bonita St Payson, AZ 85541 928-474-5260 Tonto Silk Screen & Embroidery Services and Miscellaneous 403 W Frontier St Payson, AZ 85541 928-474-4207 Woodys Performance Motorsports Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Accessories 405 W Main St Payson, AZ 85541 928-478-7169
Peoria
CJ Creations Clothing 10348 W Cashman Peoria, AZ 85383 623-412-2110 Business Life Member
Phoenix
Renegade Classics Motorcycle Apparel & Accessories 3102 E Cactus Rd Phoenix, AZ 85032 602-595-9598 Business Life Member Bellone CPA-PLC Services and Miscellaneous 3420 E Shea Blvd #140 Phoenix, AZ 85028 602-765-6111 Business Life Member Breyer Law offices Services and Miscellaneous 15715 S 46th St Ste 100 Phoenix, AZ 85048 480-505-2162 Business Life Member
Skinny Dipping Pools Services and Miscellaneous 18635 N 35th Ave Suite 110-163 Phoenix, AZ 85027 623.465.7600 Business Life Member H & H Plumbing and Drain Services and Miscellaneous 16772 W.Bell Rd.Ste,110, #233 Surprise,Az.85374 623-322-9100
Business Life Member
greer Wilson Funeral Home Services and Miscellaneous 5921 W Thomas Rd Phoenix, AZ 85033 623-245-0994 Business Life Member
Strawberry
gila County Chopper Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Accessories 7803 Ralls Drive Strawberry, AZ 85544 480-789-2933 Windmill Corner Inn Lodging 5079 N AZ Hwy 87 Strawberry, AZ 85544 928-476-3064
Surprise
Arizona Dragon Slayer Exterminator Services and Miscellaneous 26307 N 157th Ave Surprise, AZ 85387 602-526-1312 Business Life Member
Tempe
Law Tigers Services and Miscellaneous 362 N 3rd Ave Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-516-0000 Business Life Member
American Legion Riders Tempe Post #2 Organizations and Clubs 2125 S Industrial Park Ave Tempe, AZ 85282 Business Life Member
Pine
Aflac Services and Miscellaneous 6197 S Rural rd Ste 103 Tempe, AZ 85283 480-838-9020 Business Life Member
Pine Creek Smokehouse Bars & Restaurants 3885 N Hwy 87 Pine, AZ 928-476.6577
Rimrock
Tonopah
Vintages grill Bars & Restaurants 5155 N Dave Wrigfield Rd Rimrock,AZ 86335 928-592-9220
Tonopah Joe’s Family Restaurant Bars & Restaurants 41101 W Indian School Rd Tonopah, AZ 85354 623-776-5554 Business Life Member
Scottsdale
Tonto Basin
Southwest Trikes Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Accessories 7430 E Butherus Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480-951-7171 Business Life Member
Sedona
olde Sedona Bar & grill Bars & Restaurants 1405 W Highway 89A Sedona, AZ 86336 928-282-5670
Show Low
native new yorker #12 Bars & Restaurants 391 W Duece Of Clubs Show Low, AZ 85901 928-532-5100 Business Life Member Days Inn - Show Low Lodging 480 W Duece Of Clubs Show Low, AZ 85901 928-537-4356 Business Life Member
Springerville
American Legion Post #30 Organizations and Clubs 825 E Main Springerville, AZ 85938 928-339-4475 Booga Red’s Bars & Restaurants 521 E Main St Springerville, AZ 85938 928-333-2640
St Johns
El Camino Restaurant Bars & Restaurants 277 White Mountain Dr St Johns, AZ 85936 928-337-4700
Harleyannes Smokin BBQ 270 S Old Highway 188 Tonto Basin, AZ 85553 928-479-3100
ATTEnTIon MMA BuSInESS MEMBERS Please review your business listing on page 12 and 13. It is possible that the information we have on file has changed, or we entered something incorrectly. Submit any corrections right away so we can update our database by the next edition. Email to membership@mma-az.org or mail to MMA of Arizona, 625 W. Deer Valley Road, Suite 103-481 Phoenix, Arizona 85027 Help us support you by providing any information you may have regarding discounts for MMA members. Consider placing an ad in our newsletter – your ad is published for a two-month period, and we can help you design it! We also offer web advertising.
ATTEnTIon MMA MEMBERS Have you visited an MMA business member’s establishment lately? Have you ever recruited one of your favorite hangouts to join as an MMA business member? Help us recruit businesses that are biker friendly! Ask your preferred businesses to consider a membership, or suggest that we can help them design an ad to place in our newsletter and/or on our website. If you have any questions, contact your District Manager, Board Member, or Editor of the Motorcycle Patriot.
Tonto Village
The Double D Bars & Restaurants 354 Johnson Blvd Tonto Village, AZ 85541 928-978-2058
youngtown
Curly’s Customs Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Accessories 12040 N 111th Ave Youngtown, AZ 85363 623-764-6562 Business Life Member
Winslow
Pt’s Bar Bars & Restaurants Winslow, AZ 86057 928-587-0708
other
Law offices of Richard M. Lester Servicing and Miscellaneous 21054 Sherman Way 3rd Floor Conoga Park, CA 91303 800-521-2425 Business Life Member
Support our Business Members They Support us May/June 20 4
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The Bikers Code Author Unknown It used to be that all bikers shared a common bond, an unspoken code of ethics and behavior that transcended words and was built on actions. There was never a bible written on this Biker`s Code of the Road and there was no need for such a tome. But the times they are a changin and there seems to be a lot of new riders out there. Note: Summer lucky colors are not just to wear – they may indicate a lucky choice. Aries: Flexibility = Survival. Juggling home life with multiple work gigs – need for play! Relocation issues are happily resolved. Change is the only sure bet in Life. Lucky summer color: Turquoise. Taurus: That answer arrives. Crazy luck and perfect timing are your blessings. Be on guard for thefts and scams from upbeat strangers. They find you. Play hardball. Lucky summer color: Sage green. Gemini: The recent Full Moon brought serious truths in focus. Life is too short to be a constant struggle. Your talents are rewarded. Keep your eyes on the eastern horizon. Lucky summer color: Blood red. Cancer: A secret history is discovered. Springtime’s scene is slowing down. Legal papers need completion in order to start a new chapter. Slow ride summer— take it easy. Lucky summer color: White. Leo: The time has come—make the first move. Plain talk works. Luck is on your side if you play fairly and close to the vest. Success in personal life brings financial reward. Lucky summer color: Vintage aqua. Virgo: Somehow the mess is straightening itself out. The stars are on your side again. Trust deeper instincts. Throw a party--invite the quiet ones who always have your back.
These days the riders you see blastin down the tarmac are just as likely to be clad in shorts and sneakers as jeans and engineer boots. And the roughest, toughest looking biker you pull up next to could be your doctor or lawyer and may be wearin a Rolex watch under his leathers. There’s nothing wrong with that, so long as these new riders learn the Code of the Road just as us old schoolers did. Being a biker used to be about using your creativity to take a basket case old hawg and, using only grit and ingenuity, turning it into a one-of-a-kind eye dazzler, then risking your life on the asphalt on a bike you made yourself out of pride. Bikers wore leather and grease because they knew cagers would just as soon run them down as look at them, so they had to be intimidating. We were a breed unto ourselves with no union, no support group, and in many cases, no family (they threw us out). We had to make it in the world on our own, against all rules against mainstream society, and against all odds. You know, we survived and prospered because of the Code of the Road and we never took shit from anybody. As an old scooter tramp named Mo once said. It`s every tramp`s job to school the young. How else are they gonna know a Panhead from a bed pan. Overcoming the stigma and misconceptions fostered by the media and sometimes over zealous law enforcement is a daily chore and a cross we have chosen to bear for our beliefs. The next time you get harassed by the law, illegally searched or detained, etc. remember that there is probably a biker fighting for his (and your) rights. Remember that we help feed the hungry, clothe the unfortunate, brighten the holidays for children and heal the wounded. All groups have their rough edges. In general when you see a biker you are seeing a good person who could be doing more for you than you think.
Lucky summer color: Faded black. Libra: Cool heads rule. Work arrives in strange ways and how you least expect. Mental discipline improves. Romance? Open up, speak your truth, keep it real & just ask.
Dangerous Curves Lady Rider Report Comments and tips written specifically for our female motorcycle riders and passengers. Val “Shorty” Bunce Leather District ADM & Activities
Wom en On Wheels – Wom en’s MR O’s Although I am not a huge fan of gender-based organized groups, because women motorcyclists are a very unique group, I felt it was about time I wrote an article about women’s MRO’s. The one I am most familiar with is Women On Wheels. I had the (dis)pleasure of being WOW’s Arizona ambassador back when I started riding and it was not my cup of tea (drama), but I think groups like WOW have their benefits. Women On Wheels’ Mission: “To unite all women motorcycle enthusiasts for recreation, education, mutual support, recognition, and to promote a positive image of motorcycling.” I think the mission is fantastic, as long as the members can stick to it. About WOW: Women on Wheels was founded in California in 1982 by a group of female motorcyclists. The organization now has close to 2000 members in the United States and abroad. You don’t have to be a certain age or ride a certain make of motorcycle to be a member of WOW and men and kids can even join as “support” members. The purpose of the group is to unite female motorcyclists. Some of the things the organization and local chapters do are volunteer work, an annual national mileage contest, and an annual ride-in for all members at a different location. Membership: Membership is at a national level, but WOW also has local chapters -- The Copper Cruisers in Phoenix and Tucson Roadrunners in Tucson. You do not have to join a local chapter. Some of the benefits of your $40 annual membership include educational materials, newsletter, and discounts at certain motorcycle retailers. Below is a list of some of WOW’s goals. Check them out at womenonwheels.org.
Search and Find AZ May-June Fun
1. Assist the motorcycling community and the public at large in becoming aware that women are serious motorcyclists and deserve r2.
Lucky summer color: Lime green.
2. Encourage further development within the motorcycle industry to meet women's needs for equipment, clothing and accessories.
Scorpio: Money issues improve this summer as you reconnect with an old gig. Ever cautious, you question the agenda and look for lies. Keep a window open for Love. Lucky summer color: Hot pink.
3. Make available information on safe riding techniques, and encourage participation in motorcycle safety courses.
Sagittarius: You are a double-edged sword – reliable in work and edgy in play. Dark secrets, dangerous passions and ex-playmates return to haunt you. Truth wins.
4. Promote a positive image of motorcyclists, and of women as motorcyclists, through educating the news media and the general public, thereby challenging the untrue stereotypes that are commonly presented.
Lucky summer color: Lemon yellow.
5. Enhance the sheer enjoyment of motorcycling, and encourage women by showing them they have limitless potential and can accomplish any goal or dream.
Capricorn: Expect a windfall from out-of-state. When you feel your career has hit the ceiling, there is a step up! Skills learned years ago come to the rescue. Social life = yes. Lucky summer color: Earth tones. Aquarius: Crybaby Alert! You want to help them and micro-manage, but just step away. This isn’t your job. Income improves; just do your best. That loneliness factor vanishes. Lucky summer color: Electric blue. Pisces: Recovery is essential after combat. Lost in a social fog? Focus on old friends right now. Adult children need your time and wisdom – be generous. Expect a miracle. Lucky summer color: Vintage peach. © Amber Faith 2014
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BARBEQUE BONFIRE BURRITO CAMPING CUT DINER FLIPFLOP GHOSTTOWN GRADUATION HISTORIC JESTER LAKE LEMONADE MAYPOLE MOUNTAINS MOVIES PARTY
May/June 20 4
PICNIC POKER POOL RAFTING RALLY ROADTRIP SAGUARO SHADES SOLSTICE SUMMER SWAMPCOOLER SWIMMING TANLINE TUNE TURQUOISE WRENCHER
Motorcycle Awareness Program (M.A.P.) Bobbi Hartmann MMA MAP Coordinator 602-672-3531 bobbij2@earthlink.net
I have to take a minute to talk about one of our MAP presenters that works with Skypilot in the Phoenix Metro area. It was a few years ago that Mark Weiss, former AMSAC member for first ever council and MSF instructor for TEAM AZ for quite some time, contacted me and told me about Bruce Officer. He stated that due to a red light runner, Bruce was no longer able to ride a motorcycle, but was very interested in working with our MMA MAP presentations. Bruce has been a biker for 56 years, owned over 16 bikes and road over 1,000,000 miles on bikes in USA, Canada and Mexico. He was a MC Safety Instructor for 22 years, 9 of which were here in AZ, a test rider for Polaris(Victory) for 2 years, with his MC career ending by a distracted driver. Bruce also participates in Run for the Wall, Road Guard Riders Course Trainer, Remedial MC instructor for various police departments and AARP Smart Driver Program instructor You’ve been seeing Bruce’s name as a ‘presenter’, along with Skypilot for Phoenix Metro presentations, and EVIT big event for the last 2 years. The reason I want to give Bruce special recognition this month is that he has recently taken the time to revise our Power Point presentation, making it the best ever. Students comment on the 'color' and 'large font' in certain places and its overall professionalism. The teachers are also struck with it as well. I personally cannot thank Bruce enough for making this happen and giving us a Power Point that we can be proud of. My last step in completing our presentation process will be to have Steve Leonard in Payson, imbed the video we use, directly into the Power Point. This will eliminate the use of any additional disks we now need to complete our presentations. Below are Student Comments, which are taken directly from the evaluation sheets we collect after each presentation, from most recent MMA MAP Presentations: 3/14/14 - A-1 Driving School Prescott Valley – 15 students - Bobbi Hartmann Student Comments: • The examples she gave being never on a motorcycle, she had it all make sense as well as put you in the seat of the motorcycle. She was serious but yet made it fun and very understandable. • I like how Bobbi brought in things and applied them to real life situations. • It was pretty cool dude.... I enjoyed myself so I guess that's good. • All the facts improved the presentation. There were god points and very well presented. • It informed me about motorcycles. Stuff I've never learned and now I know - very interesting. • I liked how Bobbi explained things very well, plus the video was a really good description of helping me to learn. I think maybe bring in some more bikers, but overall the presentations was really good. 3/31/14 - Desert Winds Elementary – 25 students Skypilot, Bruce, Billy, Shawn, Steve Teacher Comment: • Excellent revised Power Point presentation. Up to Date, students like it! Like the video as well - good message. I know our students will be much more aware of motorcycles on the road from this presentation. Student Comments: • The video gave a lot of information and a lot of examples of how easy you could get in an accident. The outside presentation showed how you can't really tell how fast a motorcycle is going. • We got to see the bikes in action and the different kinds of bikes. My best friends mom rides a bike and we always worry about her. And now I know how to be a safer driver and keep her safer on the road.
• It was absolutely Stupendous! My friend's family is super into motorcycles and like the epitome of a biker family. I just thought this presentation was really interesting.
Make a Difference Leave your Mark
• I liked that you took us outside and showed us the motorcycle. Also how you shared your stories and what can happen.
The weather has been great for months; we never really had a winter, but again, that’s why we live here. We are very fortunate to live in a state where you can ride year around.
• I enjoyed the look of the presentation with huge font and pictures. I like the energy from the presenters and the quiz given as well as some of the funny comments from the presenters and sharing their experiences. • I enjoyed the video as well as the presenter. It was all very entertaining to me and it kept my attention. Very good and applicable information. • I liked the video and that some of you have been in crashes so they know first hand what can happen. Also getting to look at the bikes and hearing all the personal stories. • I liked how in the video it actually showed stuff from the drivers point of view. It made me think more. • I liked how we got to see the bikes and what you need to do when your put in a situation. Overall it was very good and educational. • The best part was the physical demonstration on the motorcycle speed. It allows for a better understanding of the concept given. • I liked the information provided. IT was very informative and I learned a lot more about why the motorcyclists move about the lane, and how to respect them more. • This was very informative about the dangers that motorcyclists have on the road and why they do some of the things they do when they ride. It also is very difficult to share the road with drivers and so we should always be mindful of motorcycles. The motorcycle demonstration was great. 4/8/14 - Desert Winds Elementary – 25 students Skypilot, Bruce, Billy, Shawn, Steve Student Comments: • I liked the motorcycle demo and the PowerPoint. I also like the personal stories and the street names. • I liked the video and the different colors on the presentation. The fact that they called on people to answer a question. • I liked everything about the presentation. The example using actual motorcycles was one of my favorite parts. The slideshow with Bruce was very informational and I learned a lot about driving with motorcycles on the road. • I liked the seriousness but also humor when trying to relate how we would be on the road as drivers. Also the examples on the power point and live. • The presentation taught me from the motorcyclists point of view. I learned where/why accidents happen the most. • The presenters were pretty cool and I enjoyed the presentations and demonstrations. Plus the classes or types of bikes and how some of them are for touring. Since I might get a motorcycle or since I'll be driving soon, this definitely helps.
Submitted by James Gonzales
Motorcycles are more popular now than ever before. With a still slow economy and outrageous gas prices, motorcycles and scooter purchases are on the rise. Scooters are the number one choice for high school and college students and even adults with low finances. Both motorcycles and scooters get great gas mileage and contribute fewer pollutants to the already horrible city air. With this influx of motorcycle and scooter sales, there are now many more inexperienced riders on the road. It’s hard to tell how many riders even have a motorcycle endorsement as many of them think “I have a license, I can drive anything”. Unless their ride is under 50cc and classified a moped, they need a motorcycle license, it is the law. A harsh reality will happen if they are involved in an accident as there is a very good chance the insurance won’t pay off. Another concern with these new riders is safety. Education is a good place to start, by taking a beginning or advanced motorcycle riding class. Classes will help you to ride safely and be aware of your surroundings and it’s a good way to get that motorcycle endorsement and more affordable insurance rates. For many that have rode since they were kids and even riders my age in the over 45 world, classes will help you to lose the bad and lazy habits we have all picked up. The one I see most is when a motorcyclist comes to a stop not having the bike in first gear. That’s the first rule if you need to get out of the way in a hurry. Hearing screeching brakes and seeing a car coming at you in the side view mirror there is no time to be trying to find a gear. Education is knowledge, and if you’re going to ride, be knowledgeable and do it safely. Just in case you may have forgotten, May is “Motorcycle Safety and Awareness” month. Although that is something we should practice every day, it’s that time of the year we can spread the word to the non motorcycle riding masses any way you can to “Look Twice For Motorcycles”. We can educate motorists to be more aware of their surrounds when making left hand turns or changing lanes. This is the best time to get involved and leave your mark in trying to save a life. Even if it’s just one life it is worth it to say “I tried to make a difference”. This is a perfect time to attend a City Council meeting in your city see how things are done. Get to know your City Council members as many are business owners in your town. Approach your City Council/Mayor to see if you can get them interested in promoting “Safety” for the motorcyclists in their community and for those who commute threw their city. We are still trying to get “Look Twice For Motorcycles” signs up all over the state, and we could always use the help in getting this done. Those who live in the community have the best chance of doing this and perhaps you have some contacts that can move the process along. Sometimes all it takes is asking. If you would like to try and get these signs up in your city and make a difference, please contact me about how to get started. It’s not as hard as you think. The life you save could be your own. James Gonzales Aka Sign guy Life Service Member Leather District james.g.gonzales@hotmail.com
• The demonstration was interesting. They made us aware of what to look for on the road while driving. They made us aware of how many motorcyclists there are in Arizona. They told us the most common types of motorcycle accidents. I liked how the video gave us a real insight to motorcycle related accidents and what to do to prevent them from occurring. I like the video best out of everything in this presentation. Very interesting to see you perspective as a motorcyclist. • I liked how well it went along with the PowerPoint and how the PowerPoint was clear and not loaded with too much writing. • It was entertaining. It also made me less scared of hitting motorcyclists. The outdoor presentation was pretty cool. I also like that it was more personal not just some random video. • I like the presenter’s enthusiasm the best, because a presentation is no fun when the presenters do not make the presentation fun to listen to. These guys did.
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Planning a great Road Trip Motorcycle Touring 101 Motorcycle trips demand far more planning than the equivalent journey in a car. Though riding provides an inherent sense of freedom, practical limitations require motorcyclists to think ahead when choosing to hit the open road.
don't have saddlebags or tank bags, you should consider using bungee nets to secure loose items. If you must travel with items secured by a bungee net, ensure that they are snug and will not get loosened by winds or gforces. Again, placing heavier , wider, and more stable items at the bottom will provide an anchor for looser, floppier pieces (like sleeping pads or pillows.)
For starters, most motorcycles are limited in their storage capacity. Though all-out touring bikes such as the Honda Gold Wing and the BMW K1200LT offer numerous hard cases for the storage of extra clothes and gear, long distance riders are often forced to make tough decisions about the details of their trips, and how much of what items they need to pack.
Finally, equip yourself well. Always wear a full-face helmet for maximum protection – not only against accidents, but also from the elements. Full-face helmets can provide a shield from rain and cold winds, and if constructed with ventilation, can also provide a certain level of comfort in warm weather. It may feel constricting in heat, but the overall benefits of choosing safety over style are vast when considering your long-term health and well-being.
Important Points to Consider
Plan, Plan, Plan...
The first questions you'll want to ask yourself when planning a trip pertain to how long you plan on being gone, where you intend to go, and what you have in mind for lodging.
Though it's tempting to hit the open road and simply follow your nose, don't forget that you're more vulnerable to the elements, fatigue, and potentially serious injury on a motorcycle. Prepare yourself with clothing appropriate for the weather. Plan a route and, if you don't have a portable GPS system, do whatever it takes not to get lost – even if it means taping directions to the top of your fuel tank. Err in the direction of filling up with gas too frequently; because of their relatively low cruising range, most bikes will barely make it across some of the North American stretches of highway that are sparsely populated. When in doubt, fill up.
First on your list of "must pack" items is a safety and repair kit, which we've covered in a separate article. Unless you're riding a fully-fledged touring motorcycle, you'll probably need to invest in some type of storage bags; backpacks don't count. Options include saddlebags (which rest straddle the seat and rest on either side of the rear wheel, and are also known as panniers,) and tank bags, which sit directly atop the fuel tank (and often have handy clear plastic windows for displaying maps.) While hard bags offer more weather protection than soft bags, they are also costlier, add more weight, and require more involved installation. Centrally positioned tail bags are another option if you need even more storage. Inspect Your Bike
...But Don't overplan!
While more detailed inspection and maintenance practices can be found in our motorcycle maintenance section, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's T-CLOCS method is an efficient way to inspect your bike before traveling: T: Tires Make sure both tires are properly inflated, using an air pressure monitor that you bring with you on rides. Don't risk riding on tires that might need replacement; if suspect a tire will not last long enough for a ride, have it replaced. C: Controls Are your cables (clutch and brakes) and controls intact and working? L: Lights Make sure your headlights (high & low beam), turn signals, and brake lights work. o: oils & fluids Check everything from engine oil and coolant to brake fluid. C: Chassis Ensure that the frame, suspension, chain, and fasteners are all secure and intact. S: Stands Make sure the center stand and/or side stand isn't cracked or bent, and that springs properly hold the assembly away from the pavement when stowed. For a more detailed, downloadable inspection checklist, go to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's website. Packing Tips Packing for a long distance motorcycle ride is a delicate balance between bringing enough items to ensure comfort, and not overloading yourself with unnecessary weight and bulk. After you've planned your route, you'll want to check the weather forecast and get an idea of what to expect in terms the elements. A good touring suit is an excellent investment; Aerostich is highly regarded for their line of touring clothes, which strike a good balance between crash protection and comfort. When choosing your clothes, consider packing several thin layers of clothing, rather than a few thick ones. Flexibility is the key to staying comfortable; it's far better to have the option to stop and shed or add layers as necessary, than to shiver or sweat your way through what would otherwise be an enjoyable, scenic route. Be sure to bring energy bars or trail mix and water; if hunger or thirst strikes while you're far from convenience stores or gas stations, the nourishment will come in handy and keep your riding skills sharp. When loading up your bike, always put heavier, more solid items on the bottom and sides closer to the bike (to centralize weight.) Lighter items should go on top. If you
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Pace your travels realistically. Don't try to ride so many hours in a day that it might affect your reflexes or decision making ability; after all, most of the fun is in the journey, not simply in reaching a destination. While riding, be sure to stop whenever necessary – whether for a snack, a stretch, or a nap. The simple act of taking a breather will make the ride all the more enjoyable.
Once you've prepared sufficiently, enjoy the possibility of the unexpected. Riding requires a certain amount of discipline and logistical planning, but part of the joy of the journey is the process. Be open to re-writing your plans when necessary and you'll have a blast no matter where you end up. Source: http://summer.about.com/
Hot Weather Riding Tips Removing clothing is about the worst thing you can do when riding in hot weather. Riding with skin exposed will quickly dehydrate you. The sweating process is designed to cool you by building a film on your skin, which is cooled by air moving across it... but not tearing across it at highway speeds. The moisture is gone before it can do its job. Covering sweaty skin with apparel that allows for controlled air circulation has the same effect as a swamp cooler. It regulates your body temperature while protecting you from sunburn (a classic way to ruin a tour) and the fatiguing effects of heat and turbulence. When it's really hot, you can exaggerate this airconditioning process by wetting your clothes every time you stop for gas. Most of the time wetting a long-sleeved cotton shirt is the way to go. If you cool your torso, where most of your body's blood supply is at any given time, it will quickly lower your overall body temperature. A drenched cotton bandanna worn around the neck has a great cooling effect, too. Ideally, you want a jacket that's ventillated, but not so airy that the moisture on your skin dries before it has a chance to thoroughly cool you. It's really important to monitor your physical status on hot rides. Heat exhaustion occurs when your core temperature reaches 102 degrees, and heat stroke occurs at 105 degrees. If you start to feel even slightly dizzy or sick to your stomach, you need to stop immediately! The best way to avoid heat exhaustion it to drink plenty of water-more than you think you need. The evaporative effect makes it impossible to tell how much fluid you're losing. In the worst of conditions, leaving a couple of hours before dawn can get you to your destination before peak heat gets to you. Do whatever it takes to cool your heels. Like extreme cold, serious heat will slow your pace, but it doesn't have to ruin your ride. Think! We all love to see the yellow DOT sign alerting us of upcoming turns, but if we don't know the degree of turn it could be hazardous. Especially when the sign says 20 MPH and the road is posted at 50! A rider enters a corner a little hot, instead of leaning the bike over harder, he/she brakes, which stands the bike up and increases the turning radius. As the rider goes wide he fixates on an an object he definitely doesn't want to hit. Instead of avoiding the object, he runs right into it! This is
May/June 20 4
known as Target Fixation, a leading cause of accidents. This is very common in decreasing radius turns. A decreasing radius turn gets sharper as you go through it. It is best described by Keith Code as "a turn that invites you in faster than it lets you out." To avoid this and to enjoy the road better: Set cornering speed early, dont rush in, better a little slow than sorry. Look where you want to go. Use all of of your lane while cornering; stay to the outside and turn in late. This gives you more time to brake while upright, see through the turn, and execute a late apex allowing the bike to come upright sooner and apply the gas earlier. Do not ride next to the center line in the event an oncoming vehicle crosses it. The center line should act as a gauge; if you cross it, you did something beyond your limits. It is possible you read the turn wrong, entered too fast, or are not in complete control of your bike. To let it go without consideration can someday bite you hard. Motorcycling is one of the best things to enjoy on the planet, but it can also punish harshly or fatally for a mistake. Know your favorite roads; not only where the cops sit, but the condition and the possible scenarios. Notice where the gravel and water accumulate during and after a storm. The places other vehicles are known to pull out or cross the center line. On the straight and normal roads; look down the road, this slows eveything down, minimizing the suprises. Always scan the road in front and back of you. Watch for possible scenarios and patterns. If a series of brake lights come on, it could mean more than the obvious traffic ahead. Debris can be in the road; make sure you are in the wheel lines, back off, and watch for cars swerving. Be aware of your position, never get between a vehicle and an exit. Use all of your senses, if you smell gas or deisel, look down and make sure you not riding in, or into it. Notice whats happening on a section of road so that when you come up on a similiar section of the same road you know what to expect. An example follows: You are riding and smelling deisel, around a right hander you notice a streak of the fuel on the ground. You handle it and ride on. As another right hander approaches you know what position to be in just in case. Finally you pass a truck and notice the left fuel tank's cap is hanging off, still attached to the safety chain, and fuel is spilling out. You try to tell him he is cutting down his mileage considerably and ride on. Know your limits and how the bike reacts to different inputs. In a parking lot or on an empty road, try some things(on wet and dry): •
While turning apply the brakes (softly at first). Notice how the bike wants to stand up and go wide.
•
Experiment with counter steering. If you want to go right; push the right bar.
•
Doing your average cruising speed, (look behind you to make sure nobody is there) hit the brakes. Notice how long it takes to stop. Try with just the front, back and both brakes applied.
Image: How we appear to other people is important. Motorcycling is not always viewed positevely. If we can do something to improve the image, why not just do it. Giving a person the right of way can go a long way. At lights; if you have a habit of winding your way up to the front, make sure you pull away quickly. To get in front of everybody then delay them is rude. In traffic: don't ride tucked in on the straights or hang off in the corners, it doesn't accomplish much on the street and draws alot of negative attention. There are plenty of times we can let loose - just use your brain! Learn from your mistakes - don't make excuses for a crash, figure out what really caused it so it can't happen again. Special Weather Cold, wet, and other conditions effect you and the way certain things respond. The weather poses many challenges. With tire traction lessened and visibility reduced you need to be an extra step ahead at all times. Other vehicle operators are not expecting motorcycles to be around. To compound the difficulties, your reactions are slowed the longer you are exposed to the lower temperatures. Traction is not as good as it could be either. The best way to battle the elaments is to be prepared. This is one time being an optamist is not advised. There are certain products designed for these adverse weather conditions. They can actually increase your riding time or season. These products can be found by talking to our parts staff or going to our parts page-just click HERE . One product that is a must is the Fog City Facesheild insert. Another way to prevent fog is after cleaning your faceshield, use ONE drop of dish detergent on a towel and rub it on the inside until it disapears. This lasts a couple of days and less in the really cold weather.
District Updates Red Mountain
Submitted by Joanne Pilger-Letzin - District Manager Hello All, The Red Mountain District will be holding our May and June meetings at the Tri City Eagles, at 1712 W Broadway in Mesa, AZ 85202. The phone number is 480967-7948. They do serve food, and it is tasty. As we all know, May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. After some trials and tribulations with Corporate America, we will be having our event Friday evening, May 2nd in Mesa at Motorcycles on Main Street. We’ll have a spot on the sidewalk and a couple of tables with our Motorcycle Safety information, plus free cookies and cold water. I hope to have a smaller table for the kids to enjoy our coloring books. In addition, we’ll provide a motorcycle safety Word Search puzzle for the older kids who outgrew coloring (I never out grew that!) There will be all sorts of people coming by to see what we are all about, and we hope to touch everyone about the utmost importance of Motorcycle Safety Awareness. So please feel free to come on out and have a most enjoyable evening with us at Motorcycles on Main Street. It’s a great neighborhood for great food, people-watching and music.
Pet Corner Information brought to you by Julie Cissne
Going Off Leash? B e On Guard Off-leash dog parks are becoming increasingly popular in cities across the nation, & for good reason; they’re a great place to let you dog run around, play & socialize! But keep in mind, dogs will be dogs---which is why owners need to be extra vigilant about common dog parkrelated injuries & diseases.
Dog PARK SAFETy TIPS
1. Sprains: Playful, dogs are prone to accidents at the park—they can trip in a hole while running or maybe play a little too enthusiastically with a pal, resulting in sprained joints. Be sure to keep a watchful eye on your dog to avoid these types of incidents.
Verde Valley Submitted by Trish Gomez - Secretary Wow! What a ride it has been since Robert has taken over as DM and I have been assisting with Secretarial Duties (miss you already Deb.) We have experienced what a commitment it is to hold a position in the MMA, and we are still searching to fill the Secretary position permanently. So if you have great organizational skills and enjoy being part of the MMA, you might just be the one. As Robert and I have found out, you’ll get support from the other members and everyone is willing to help. Thank you all. The Jester Run is the best chance for all of us to spread the word about motorcycle awareness and safety. As we reflect on brothers and sisters lost, I think we all have that thought in our heads -- “that could have been me.” When we gather in a large group that day, the public can’t help but notice us then and maybe look twice for us. We can only hope. The town of Jerome has still not made a commitment to post our Look Twice for Motorcycle signs but maybe you all can help. Next time you are in Jerome and see our friends in uniforms (yes, they can be our friends), mention that it would be nice to have a sign posted in the area. Add that you are aware that the sign post to support it is already up, and we have the new sign ready and waiting. Perhaps if more than one or two people spoke up, we can get the sign up. My dream is to also have one entering Oak Creek Canyon and Page Springs Road. We can give it our best shot. At our March meeting we had Steve Weston stop by. Many of you know him as a big part of MMA in the past. He is here in Arizona to get Stem Cell treatment for his heart condition. Robert and I were not MMA members when he was active in this district but we do remember Steve from runs. It was nice for him to visit, and several of us rode out to Old Corral afterwards to support Steve and his family in raising funds for the medical costs. It was an afternoon of good food, music and prizes all for a good cause -- helping out another biker. Our next meeting will be the first Sunday in May, due to the usual second Sunday being Mother’s Day. At that meeting we will be finishing up any last-minute details for the Jester Run, and also planning some after-meeting runs as a group. Ideas that have come up include meeting with our friends in Strawberry from Rim Country District, or taking a ride up to Page and try out the food at the Glen Canyon Steak house with our Northern Arizona MMA friends. Who knows? If you like to ride with groups and have some ideas for group rides, please come join our meetings and let us know. Or just come join us -because we are some of the most amazing people we know!
2. Lacerations: Sometimes even the friendliest wrestling match between dogs can turn into a tussie. Cuts & scratches are common dog park injuries, so keep your pooch away from aggressive dogs & look out for foreign objects like fallen branches that could cause harm while dogs are at play
3. Toxins: Be aware of any chemicals used by park maintenance crews, like fertilizers, snail bait or pesticides. If these chemicals are in use, visit another park of return another day. If you suspect that your dog has been in an area where chemical treatments have been used, clean his feet & legs thoroughly with soap & water, & watch carefully for signs of exposure.
4. Invaders: Regular flea & tick preventive treatment is critical for every dog, especially those that frequent dog parks. Also, be a good park patron by picking up after your dog & reminding others to do the same: internal parasites, viruses & bacteria can be easily transmitted by contact with fecal matter from other dogs
5. Overheating: No matter what time of year, always have plenty of water on hand to quench your dog’s thirst & prevent overheating. Be sure to take frequent water breaks so your dog can stay hydrated. If your dog shows any signs of overheating such as excessive panting, vomiting or sluggishness, contact a veterinarian immediately.
If you think your pet has ingested any of these plants, call Pet Poison Helpline Immediately at 800-213-6680. For a more complete list of poisonous plants, visit petpoisonhelpline.com
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on the Lighter Side The Heart Surgeon and the Motorcycle Mechanic A mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a motorcycle when he spotted a well known heart surgeon in his shop. The surgeon was there waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his bike. The mechanic shouted across the garage, "Hey Doc, can I ask you a question?" The surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So, Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take valves out, fix 'em, put 'em back in and when I finish, it works just like new. So how come I get such a small salary and you get the really big bucks, when you and I are doing basically the same work?" The surgeon paused, smiled and leaned over and whispered to the mechanic ... "Try doing it with the engine running!" A very, very difficult question for Abby to ponder: Dear Abby, I've never written to you before, but I really need your advice on what could be a crucial decision. I've suspected for some time now that my wife has been cheating on me. The usual signs...phone rings, but if I answer, the caller hangs up. My wife has been going out with the girls a lot recently, although when I ask their names she always says, "Just some friends from work, you don't know them." I sometimes stay awake to look out for her cab coming home, but she always comes walking up the drive as I hear the sound of a car leaving, around the corner, as if she has gotten out and walked the rest of the way. Why? Maybe she wasn't in a taxi at all? I once picked up her cell phone, just to see what time it was. This caused her to go completely berserk. She quickly snatched the phone out of my hand and cursed me hysterically, screaming that I should never touch her personal property, then accused me of trying to spy on her. Anyway, I have never broached the subject with my wife. I think deep down I just didn't want to know the truth, but last night she went out again and I decided to really check on her. I decided I was going to park my Harley Davidson Lowrider next to the garage and then hide behind it so I could get a good view of the street around the corner when she came home. It was at that moment, crouching behind my motorcycle that I noticed a small amount of motor oil leaking through the gasket between the rear head and rocker arm cover.
CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATION COMPLAINT FORM Name of complainant:____________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Phone:________________________________ Email:__________________________________ The Law: “Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State …subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or other person … the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law…” 42 USC § 1983. The wearing of colors by members of motorcycle clubs is a means of identifying Club Members and symbolizes their common interests and beliefs. Prohibiting speech of this nature constitutes an attack on a particular viewpoint. Sammartano v. First Judicial District Court, in and for the County of Carson City, 303 F.3d 959, 971-72 (9th Cir. 2002). In Sammartano, the Carson City courthouse enacted a rule to prohibit admission of those with “clothing, attire or ‘colors’ which have symbols, markings or words indicating an affiliation with street gangs, biker or similar organizations,” because “such clothing or attire can be extremely disruptive and intimidating, especially when members of different groups are in the building at the same time.” 303 F.3d at 964. The Ninth Circuit reasoned that the rule singles out bikers and similar organizations for the message their clothing is presumed to convey, and held that the rule impermissibly discriminates against a particular point of view – the view of biker clubs as opposed to garden clubs and gun clubs. Id. at 971-72. Complaint Information Provide names, address, phone number, organization, business, or any other identifying information of the PERSONS ACTING UNDER COLOR OF LAW to violate your rights. (Example: Officer Dom Foke, Small Town Police Department, badge #0666). ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Describe in detail what the person acting under color of law (the police or their agents such as business proprietors) did and said regarding your wearing colors or being present at the location wearing colors. State date, time, location, names of persons present and what they might be able to testify to. Be prepared to make a truthful, accurate statement under oath. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Complete and mail to: MMA of Arizona PMB 138 P.O. Box 30280 Phoenix, Az. 85046-0280
So...is this something I can easily repair myself or do you think I should take it back to the dealer? Stranded on a Desert island A man is stranded on a desert island, all alone for 10 years. One day, he sees a speck on the horizon. He thinks to himself “It’s not a ship”. The speck gets a little closer and he thinks, “It’s not a boat”. The speck gets even closer and he thinks, “It’s not a raft”. Then, out of the surf walks a beautiful blonde woman, wearing a wet suit and scuba gear. She comes up to the guy and asks, “How long has it been since you had a cigarette?” “Ten Years!” He says. She reaches over, unzips a waterproof pocket on her suit, and pulls out a fresh pack of cigarettes. He takes one, lights it, takes a long drag and says, “Man, oh man! Is that good!” She then asks, “How long has it been since you have had a drink of Whiskey?” He replies, “Ten years!” She then reaches to the other side of her suit, unzips a pocket, and hands him a flask of whiskey. He takes a long swing and says, “Wow that was fantastic!” Then she starts to pul down the long zipper on the front of her wet suit and asks, “How long has it been since you’ve had some REAL fun?” And the man replies “Oh My God! Don’t tell me you got a motorcycle in there!”
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our Flag
Biker Vittles From the Table of the Vittle King Woohoo! This m onth we have so contributions of recipes from som e of our MMA m em bers. Always nice to see what y’all are busy cooking out there!
Have you ever noticed how the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day! The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
Meat and Potatoes Hash
The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
Submitted By Terry Payne
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
6 Russet potatoes (or any type of potato you prefer) 1 ½ lb of ground beef 1 cup of diced onion Lowery’s season salt Pepper 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
Slice the potatoes in half then slice them into small thin slices or dice them.Heat a skillet on the stove top with some vegetable oil and add the potatoes ground beef and onions. Season with Lowery’s salt and pepper and garlic salt as you prefer. Scramble the meat into small pieces. (like for tacos) Once the ground beef is cooked through and the potatoes are brown remove from the heat and sprinkle cheese over the top and cover for a few minutes, (you want to melt the cheese over the top and into the dish). Once the cheese has melted in serve on a plate
The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur, "Our Country", in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong. The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
Breakfast Casserole Submitted By Terry Payne 8 Eggs Cup of Milk Loaf of white bread 1 tube of ground sausage with sage (Jimmy Dean) Large bag of shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
Take a 14 x 8 casserole dish and line the bottom with uncrusted white bread. Brown all of the sausage in a skillet. Blend the eggs and milk together with some salt and pepper. Pour in a layer of the sausage in the casserole dish, saving some for the next layer. Next pour some of the Egg milk mixture over the sausage, then spoon the mushroom soup over the top of that. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of that. Now add another layer of white bread and repeat the steps, sausage eggs and cheese. Bake in the oven at 350 until all ingredients are melted usually 30 to 45 minutes.
Spinach Balls
The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day. The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.
Submitted By Joanne Pilger-Letzin 2 bags frozen spinach 1 box Stove Top herb stuffing 3 eggs 1/2 cups parmesan cheese 1 stick butter 1 small yellow onion
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Thaw frozen spinach and press out excess water. Lightly beat eggs in separate bowl. Melt butter and chop onion. In large bowl combine all ingredients and mix well. Use hands to form into balls. You can make these in advance by placing on wax paper and put them in the freezer. When balls are totally frozen, put into Zip Loc bags and leave in freezer until ready to use. When ready to cook bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes (fresh) cook for 5 additional 5 minutes if frozen. Great for unexpected guests.
grilled Portabellas ¼ cup canola oil 3 TBS chopped onion 4 gloves of garlic minced 4 portabella caps Clean and remove stems from portabellas. Place the underside/ gill side up on plate. Mix other ingredients and pour over mushrooms. Let sit for 1 hour and then grill for 10 minutes on hot grill.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, "In God We Trust." After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, Ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you’ll see flags folded and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love and all others who love the symbol of "Liberty and Freedom."
A Different Kind of Egg Salad 1 dozen jumbo eggs, hard boiled and shelled, cut roughly 1 small box fresh button mushrooms, gently cleaned 2 whole scallions, sliced diagonally 1 medium yellow onion, sliced 3 tablespoons mayonnaise Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste Dash of hot sauce (optional)
The precise details for folding the flag are as follows: 1. Fold the Flag in half lengthwise.
In a large skillet, sauté the onions in vegetable or canola oil until they are brown to golden. Drain the excess oil. In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until they release their water. Drain on paper towels. In a very large bowl, combine the eggs, onions, and mushrooms. Gently mix everything together. Add the scallions, salt, pepper, paprika, and mayonnaise. Gently mix until everything is combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning, including hot sauce if you prefer.
2. Repeat, fold in half lengthwise again, being careful that the blue field is on the outside. 3. As one person holds the Flag by the blue field, another makes a triangular fold in the opposite end and continues to make triangular folds until the entire Flag is in a triangle. 4. Tuck the loose edge of the Flag into the pocket formed by the folds so that only the blue field and white stars are visible.
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