BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 S Division Grand Rapids, MI 49548-5730 616-530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com
BLACK Sale Pricing Friday, November 28, 2014 FRIDAY on Everything in the Store EVERYTHING! SALE
All Indian Apparel & Accessories All Victory Apparel & Accessories
The 2015 Victory Magnum. Envy comes standard. Life goes fast – make a lasting impression on the new Victory Magnum, our boldest bike to ever roll off the line. This big wheel bagger has the performance to turn heads, along with the style and sound to make people stop, stare, and listen.Even sitting still, the Victory Magnum is never idle. Wherever it goes, it can’t be ignored.
The 12 Days of Christmas Sale December 12 thru 24, 2014 Special pricing on different apparel and accessories each day during our 12 Days of Christmas Sale. Visit our Facebook page for details. Don’t miss it!
Now in our showroom... The 2015 Indian® Roadmaster™ reflects pure American Luxury. Building upon the iconic Roadmaster name used by Indian in the 1940s, the new Roadmaster reimagines Indian Motorcycle comfort, styling and performance out on the open road, for the long haul.
1765 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI One mile north of Square Lake Rd. on the east side of Telegraph Rd.
248.920.2000 • www.ridemotorcity.com TM
Midwest Motorcyclist
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles 3
Columns 5 6
cc media publications
7 8 16 18 22
This Month’s Contributors: Contributing Editors Patrick Armitage Nicole Espinosa Franz Hoffer plus
Pat Francis, Gene Southard Dondi Vesprini, Jason Waechter, Jay Wilgus
Publisher/Managing Editor Ray Peabody publisher@midwestmotorcyclist.com rpeabody@sbcglobal.net
Advertising Sales/ Web Master / Distribution Ray Peabody publisher@midwestmotorcyclist.com rpeabody@sbcglobal.net
IN THIS ISSUE…..
To Our Readers Motorcycling and Law: Recommended Coverages for Motorcycle Insurance by Dondi Vesprini Live It Right Dream Ride: Desert Heaven by Jay Wilgus The Preacher Speaks About... Helmet Usage by Franz Hoffer Dr. Cycholl by Patrick Armitage Looking Back: The Year in Review by Jason Waechter Open Terrain - Exploring the World and Soul by Motorcycle: Horizons Unlimited California: Launching the Dreamers by Nicole Espinosa
Features, News & Reviews 10 12 13 17 17 18 19 19 20 21
Rider Profile: Cari Draft by Ray Peabody Holiday Gift Guide AMA Museum and Hall of Fame by Gene Southard Book Review: Enduring Courage: Eddie Rickenbacker and the Dawn of the Age of Speed by Ray Peabody Book Review: No Thru Road: Confessions of a Traveling Man by Ray Peabody Micro Start Personal Power Supply The Antidote to Domesticity by Pat Francis Toledo Motorcycle Business Adds Free Shipping & Local Services History of the Chopper VETMotorsports CEO Winner of Annual Columbus Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award
Resources 5 9
Advertiser Index Upcoming Holiday Parties
Cover photo: Motorcyclist / entrepreneur Cari Draft aboard The Beast this autumn. Photo by Ray Peabody
WINTER STORAGE PROGRAM
Cover Design Julie Kirkendoll
Space for up to 10 motorcycles. A variety of options and pricing.
How to contact us: 709 Fall Street Spring Lake, Michigan 49456 (810) 923-8738 www.midwestmotorcyclist.com Copyright 2012-2014 cc media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, photocopied, or electronically transmitted without the expressed written permission of the publisher. Advertisers, their agents, contributors of event information, freelance contributors and/or editorial contributors will defend, indemnify and hold cc media and RTP Enterprises, Inc. harmless in any claims of libel, copyright or trademark infringement, plagiarism, violation of local, national, or international privacy laws and any other claim or suit that may arise subsequent to publication of said advertisement, stories, event information, and/or editorial. Submission of material for consideration for publication in Michigan Motorcyclist/Midwest Motorcyclist, American CycleRider either solicited or unsolicited, constitutes agreement to these terms. Except for the Publisher and Managing Editor, all writers are free-lance contributors. Any and all opinions expressed are those of the authors, and don’t necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
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Standard Program Includes:
Bring your bike in for • Storage from November 15 thru March 15 storage today and save & Made Ready For Summer on services. Don’t wait! • Battery Removed, Inspected, and Charged The spaces fill up fast. • Carburetor Drained • Bike Covered with Padded Cycle Cover • Oil, Filter Change with Spectro 10W40, OEM Oil Filter • Install New NGK Brand Spark Plugs • Tires and Brakes Inspected
6971 Highland Road 248-666-4651 Waterford, MI 48327 www.tech-care.com
www.midwestmotorcyclist.com
December 2014
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Harley-Davidson ...........10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Battle Creek Harley-Davidson ....10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Bent Wheels Competition Club.................5 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Bill Murphy, Author.............................12 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 BMW MC of Detroit.................9, 13, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 BMW of Grand Rapids..........2, 5, 9, 16 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 BMW, SE Michigan..............9, 18, 20, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Brighton Harley-Davidson .......10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 C & S Harley-Davidson ...........10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Capitol Harley-Davidson ..........10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Classic MotorSports........,.........10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Cycle Conservation Club ...........................6 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Dave Bowman, Tech-Care Susp.........4, 17 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Diamond Gusset Jeans ...........................15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Gildner’s Harley-Davidson ........10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Grand Rapids H-D................. ...10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Great Lakes Dual Sporters ...................17 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Great Lakes Harley-Davidson ..10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Hamilton’s Harley-Davidson ......10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Harley-Davidson dealers ..........10, 11, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Harrison Motorcycle Service ................12 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Hot Rod Harley-Davidson ........10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer..24 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Jerry B’s Cycle Works .......................12 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Kelley & Sons Trailers ............................10 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Live It Right Dream Ride........................7 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Michigan Chrome Shop......................9 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motor City Harley-Davidson ...10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motor City Underwriters ......................12 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motorcity Motorcycles.................3, 14 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motorcycle Solutions, LLC......................13 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 MC Sport Touring Association..........6, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Perry’s Harley-Davidson ..........10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Ray C’s Harley-Davidson..........10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Retail Warehouse ................................5, 21 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Sandy’s Harley-Davidson ...........10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Shiawassee Harley-Davidson ....10, 11, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Sport Bike Track Gear ............................ 22 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Advertiser Index
Event Listings are FREE The Bent Wheels Chapter of the CCC is looking for new members. BWCC has a long history of promoting events of all kinds and in preserving our ORV trail system. We are a family orientated, working club and ride the trails almost every weekend. If you’re looking for good times with great people - check us out. Contact Billy Vanderhoff by email at bentwheelsbilly@gmail.com. TM
Midwest Motorcyclist
Happy Holidays! My last ride of 2014 (barring an unforseen warming trend) took place a couple weeks ago. The sun was shining. Temperatures were in the mid 50s. The wind was blowing and that brought the temperature down a few degrees. Overall, it was a fine autumn day for a ride. It’s interesting how the knowledge that the riding season is winding down affects the thinking process. For me, I seemed more in tune with the Tiger than usual. I listened to the sound of that beautiful triple as it idled and then when accelerating away from a stop light. I noticed the smooth roll of the throttle and the ease with which the clutch was engaged. Application of the front and rear brakes had the bike hunkering down on the approach to the stop light. I cruised out to I-96 and headed east towards Grand Rapids. Traffic was light and I moved easily from one lane to the other as I made my way around the cars. Riding the freeway is not especially appealing but, on that last ride, the boring drone of slab travel was gone. The power of the engine and the smoothness of the ride were exhilarating. After exiting the freeway, I found myself on the two laners, cruising through the rolling hills and curves of the countryside. My senses were alive with autumn smells of decaying and burning leaves. Heading back into the wind, cool air forced its way to my neck and down the front of my leather jacket. The air was both refreshing and chilling; I pulled the zipper up tight to my neck. The Tiger felt lighter than usual as we floated along the road surface leaning first one way and then back the other. I began to wonder why every ride wasn’t exactly like the one I was experiencing that day. I like to think that I’m always mentally in the moment while
riding but I seemed more mindful than on most rides. I’m glad that ride was as good as it was because, at this moment, I’m looking out my front window at four, maybe five inches of the snow on the ground. I’ve already shoveled the driveway twice in the last couple days. The memory of that last ride is still fresh in my mind. I can’t wait for spring…
column for us, is also the Managing Editor for Adventure Motorcycle magazine as well as an organizer and presenter at several adventure-related rallies (i.e. Horizons Unlimited and Overland Expo). This month, she reviews the recent Horizons Unlimited Rally in California. Nicole knows most of the well known motorcycle adventurers and shares the current activities of several – Ted Simon, Sandy and Terry Borden who with their son, Jack make up Adventure Trio, and Alex Chacon – in her column this month. Don’t miss this latest entry in the adventure motorcycling journal. There’s much more to enjoy in this issue including other stories, book reviews and news as well as a few holiday-related events. We hope you enjoy this issue. We appreciate you as a reader and motorcyclist. Please patronize our advertisers this holiday season. Buy local to support the businesses who help support your lifestyle. May you have a wonderful holiday season filled with family, friends, great food and better weather. We look forward to serving up a better, more informative and useful magazine in 2015. See you on the road or at an event this winter,
Welcome to our annual Holiday Gift Guide issue. Within these pages you’ll find some terrific ideas for gifts for your motorcycle riding family or friends. Or something for yourself, perhaps. In addition to the Gift Guide, we have a variety of columns and stories that you’re sure to find entertaining and informative. For example, we interviewed entrepreneur Cari Draft for this issue. Cari has only been riding her own bike for about seven years but has become avid, skilled rider. When not on her bike, she’s actively involved in her fitness and nutrition businesses as well as supporting causes that interest her. We think you’ll find Cari as interesting as we do. Read her profile in this issue to learn more. Contributor Gene Southard and his wife traveled to Columbus, Ohio, for a craft fair. Gene saw this as an opportunity to not only make his wife happy but also the chance to visit the American Motorcyclist Association Museum and Hall of Fame. Even if you’ve been to the Museum and HoF yourself, be sure to check out Gene’s review. Nicole Espinosa, in addition to writing a monthly When you want the best in comfort, luxury
and technology in a touring motorcycle.
The BMW K 1600 GTL Jacket Liners
G-3 Microwire Gloves Ultralight Gloves Heated
Socks All controls & accessories now in stock!
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When luxury is freed of constraint, it moves to a new level. At the very top of this evolution is the K 1600 GTL – a high-class touring bike like none before it. With the most compact and efficient in-line 6-cylinder engine ever installed in a series production motorcycle. Every detail is designed for maximum riding pleasure. A motorcycle for people who are looking for a new kind of supremacy. The K 1600 GTL. MSRP: $23,995 including ABS
Phone: (269) 651-2464 Fax: (269) 651-8767
BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids
1640 S. Centerville Road (M-66 South) , Sturgis, MI
5995 South Division, Grand Rapids, MI
We accept all major credit cards Call (269) 651-2464 now or visit our on-line store at www.ridewild.com
(616) 530-6900
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Latitude 41.855022 Longitude -85.66382
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N O N - C O M P E T I T I O N
• MAINTAINED TRAILS • ORGANIZED EVENTS • FAMILY FUN
Let’s Go Trail Riding!
• ALL LEGAL
Motorcycling & Law
Recommended Coverages for Motorcycle Insurance by Dondi Vesprini
No place to ride? Michigan is home to the largest organized network of off-road trails in the world - more than 3500 miles of marked, maintained ORV trails for the entire family to enjoy! Since 1968, The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan has led the charge to assure continued access to public lands for motorized recreation by working closely with state and federal government. Membership in the CCC offers organized trail rides, a map CD of the entire trail system, a subscription to the Great Lakes TrailRider Magazine and a host of other member benefits! Call us today at 517-781-4805. The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan PO Box 486 t $PMEXBUFS .* t XXX DZDMFDPOTFSWBUJPODMVC PSH
Sport Touring is Our Middle Name!
We Ride! ...All Makes of Bikes ...All Over the Country ...On Back Roads ...On Racetracks ...At Novice-Advanced Levels ...In Our Sleep! Our members come from all across the Midwest (and beyond) and we ride many makes of street bikes - including: • Aprilia • BMW • Buell • Ducati
• Harley-Davidson • Honda • Kawasaki
• Suzuki • Triumph • Yamaha ....and brands in between
We travel to great riding destinations close by and far away. We learn to be better riders. We share camaraderie and a common passion: The Passion To Ride!
For information about membership, meetings, events or rides, contact the MSTA group in your state: In Indiana, contact: Donald “Moose� Parish mooseparish@sbcglobal.net
In Kentucky, contact: Gary Dehner g.dehner@insightbb.com
In Michigan, contact: Gregg Mitchell mi_hsta@voyager.net In Ohio, contact: Doug McPeak coach-mac@columbus.rr.com
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In Wisconsin, contact: Alan Tesch al_lynn_t@yahoo.com
It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is here. As you may be in the process of compiling your holiday wish list of new accessories for your bike or new riding gear for next year, you should perhaps give some thought to asking for one of the most useful motorcycle related accessories there is – your motorcycle insurance policy. When speaking with riders about their motorcycle insurance policies, I am often times told that they aren’t worried about whether they have sufficient and proper coverages because their agent has told them they have “full� coverage. The fact is that �full� coverage means different things to different agents and has no universal definition under the law. Therefore, it is essential that each rider review their policy to ensure that they in fact have the types of coverages that are important to them instead of relying on the agent’s representation. In this article, I have compiled a wish list of the types of coverages that every motorcyclist riding in the great State of Michigan should ask for and maintain on their motorcycles.
In my practice, you would be shocked by how many accident cases I have handled over the years involving an uninsured driver. It happens more frequently than you may think. It makes sense to load up on this coverage.
1. Liability coverage – This coverage is the amount of money that your insurance company will pay out on your behalf to an injured person in the event that you were negligent and injure said person while operating your motorcycle. I suggest that you carry as much monetary coverage as you can afford. This is because if you injure someone on your motorcycle, and the value of their injury is more than what your liability coverage provides, then the injured person can come after your personal assets for the balance of the value.
5. Extras or accessory coverage – This coverage applies to damage sustained to any extras or accessories that you add to your bike outside of what came stock with the bike. This type of coverage is titled differently by different insurance companies, but it is well worth looking into if you invest time and money customizing your bike in any way.
2. Medical coverage – I suggest carrying as much said coverage as you can afford as you will look to this coverage to pay your medical expenses in the event of an accident that does not involve a motor vehicle. (If a motor vehicle is involved, chances are that your medical expenses will be payable under Michigan’s No Fault law). For example, if you go down on loose gravel, hit a deer, hit a pothole, etc. I recommend such coverage even more so if you have no health insurance. 3. Uninsured motorist coverage – This coverage is to provide you with a source from which to recover your “pain and suffering� damages in the event you are injured by a negligent and uninsured driver. This is the only proactive measure one can take to ensure a source of recovery under these circumstances.
www.midwestmotorcyclist.com
4. Underinsured motorist coverage – This coverage applies to a situation where you are injured by a negligent motorist who does have insurance, but in an amount that is insufficient to fully compensate you for the value of your “pain and suffering� claim. For example, suppose you are in an accident and fracture your leg and require surgery. Let’s also suppose the negligent motorist only carried $20,000.00 worth of liability coverage on his auto policy. In such an event, as the value of your claim is more than $20,000.00, you can collect the excess value from your own underinsured motorist coverage on your motorcycle policy. Again, I recommend you load up on this coverage. Many times, an insurance company will require you to carry the same amount of liability coverage as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
6. Umbrella coverage – This coverage serves as an addition to many of the coverages listed above. For instance, if you carry a $500,000.00 umbrella, that means that you have $500,000.00 additional dollars in coverage for any category the umbrella applies to, on top of the amount of coverage listed in the motorcycle policy. You may be surprised at how inexpensive umbrella coverage is, when compared with the amount of added protection it provides. I hope the holiday season finds you in the company of family and friends, and I wish you a peaceful and joyous end to 2014. As always, if anyone has any questions or if I can be of legal assistance to you or anyone you know who has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact me as I deal with these types of claims on a daily basis on behalf of injured motorcyclists statewide. Give me a call at (248-569-4646) or shoot me an e-mail at Dondi@buckfirelaw.com.
December 2014
The Live It Right Dream Ride
Desert Heaven by Jay Wilgus
Nineteen miles west of the major highway between Ensenada and San Felipe, lies an iconic motorcycle hangout that epitomizes nearly everything I love about Baja. For starters, the motorcycle parking is located right next to the pool. Just pop up the curb on to the front patio, make a right-left wiggle on to the walkway, go straight past the office and up on the pooldeck. After ducking your head to avoid the gutter, hang a quick left, then a quick right and you’re there: Mike’s Sky Ranch the off-road outpost in northern Baja that has provided warm beds, cold beer, and a hearty meal to desert lovers since 1967 when Mike Leon opened his doors to the off-road community. His ranch has been a Baja staple ever since. When we arrived on November 9th, we were the only ones there. That changed 20 minutes later when Pete and Terri showed up in their jackedup Rubicon with Terri’s brother Steve in tow. In Baja time, Pete, Terri, and Steve were old friends because we had met them 2 hours earlier at the Pemex station in Valle de la Trinidad. They had come from their home in Yucaipa, CA and were planning to spend the next two weeks bumping their way down the peninsula toward La Paz. If they got there, great; if not, that would be okay too. An hour later we heard the sweet thump of four strokes coming over the ridge to our west. They had ascended the rocky mess north of El Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Martir and were making their way to Mike’s for the night. Soon, a stream of red and blue swerved past the pool and filled the “lot.” Hoots and cackles first, then dusty grins and storytelling. We listened as the group of 10 recounted the crashes, the injuries, and the near misses of the 160 miles they had ridden from Ensenada that day. They were old motocross buddies from San Luis Obispo, CA who were visiting Baja with a few of their sons. Most had gray hair and some were in shape. The fittest of the group was a 17-year-old who appeared to have no clue how lucky he was to be dirty, happy, and free in Baja. All looked exhausted though, as they waited for a chase truck that didn’t want to arrive. Soon after, a lone woman walked in looking several shades of lost. She seemed to appear from nowhere because we hadn’t heard an engine announcing her presence. Had she walked in? That seemed crazy. We were 19 miles from the
they were smiling when they did it. So too were the nearest major road and no where close to a hiking guys who blew up a picture of their buddy and put it route. Had she come on a bicycle? That also seemed on a plaque detailing various unforgivable offenses unlikely. We later learned that she had arrived with he had committed on a previous trip to Mike’s and her long-bearded husband Forest and his longbearded father Dennis. They were in a stealthy Toyota offering a reward for his capture. The place is Tacoma that is apparently the only thing in Baja with a beautiful in a way that is uniquely Baja. When the sun came up on November 10th, stock muffler - or any muffler at all. Emily and I strolled up the back canyon along El Rio At 7:00pm, los mujeres de la casa told us San Rafael and enjoyed a few minutes of solitude dinner was ready, so we filed into the dining room. before the engines roared back to life. Pete, Terry, The motocross gang had cleaned up after their chase and Steve were headed west toward San Quintin and truck arrived and was seated at a large table to our the motocross boys were headed north toward San north. We sat with Pete, Terri, and Steve and talked Isidro where they would pick up a portion of the race about the desert. Everyone except Emily and I got a course for the Baja 1000 which was scheduled to start steak with rice, beans, steamed vegetables, and hot four days later. We needed to move along as well. tortillas. We got a cheese quesadilla. We are on a Before we left though, there was an obvious budget after all and we’re not gonna make it to Tierra task to complete. I reached into Emily’s tank bag, del Fuego eating steak every night. The only folks pulled out a Live It Right Dream Ride sticker, and cheaper than us were Forest, Dennis, and the not-so lone woman who must have eaten something by their stuck it on the window outside room number 15. Then we jumped on the DR’s, rode them down off the tent outside. pooldeck, across the San Rafael River, through the For dessert, we all enjoyed a wafer cookie pine-oak forests that dominate that sub-region, and before recessing into the living room where t-shirts east toward the Sea of Cortez. cover the ceilings. They describe birthday parties, Four days later we’d be watching the races, adventure rides, and at least one wedding. The greatest desert race in North America from another walls are covered with business cards (most of which place that epitomizes Baja: Coco’s Corner. To hear are brown because they’ve been there ever since business cards were popular), photos, and other bits of about our experience there or to learn where we are at this exact moment, visit our website: memorabilia, including mini-monuments for several www.liveitrightdreamride.com. of those who lost their lives riding or racing in Baja. The art that dominates Mike’s Sky Ranch, however, are the stickers. There are thousands of them. They cover walls, windows, doors, urinals, mirrors, We have departed on our 15-month journey gutters, trim pieces, and of to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. You can help support the course, the bar. They’re adventure by buying a stylish t-shirt or sticker. Stop by our online everywhere and they’re store today. Follow our journey at www.liveitrightdreamride.com/. awesome. Although there Thank you for your support! are plenty promoting commercial products and Live It Right Unisex T-Shirt high-dollar race teams, my With a 50/50 cotton/poly blend this favorites are the one-off’s comfortable, yet durable shirt is great for memorializing some both men and women. Spread the ridiculous event or inside message to Live It Right while supporting joke. Take “Team Skidmark” our Dream Ride and looking stylish! $20 + s&h for example. I have no idea who put their sticker on the window behind our dinner table, but I have a feeling
Support the Live It Right Dream Ride!
The Live It Right Dream Ride is sponsored in part by: Live It Right Women’s V-Neck T-Shirt
www.kindsnacks.com/
www.midwestmotorcyclist.com/
This flattering women’s v-neck tee is 100% cotton making it both comfy and fashionable! Purchasing this shirt will not only support The Live It Right Dream Ride, but will add a new staple to your wardrobe. $20 + s&h
Live It Right Dream Ride Sticker (upper left image) This 3.5 inch diameter, white www. motorcycleandoutdoors .com www.shadyproducts.com/ TM
Midwest Motorcyclist
vinyl sticker can go anywhere! Support The Live It Right Dream Ride by purchasing stickers to go on your motorcycle, car, laptop, helmet, water bottle, fridge, wall...the options are endless. $1 + s&h
http://www.liveitrightdreamride.com/the-merchandise-1/ 7
The Preacher Speaks About...
Helmet Usage by Franz “The Preacher” Hoffer I was a strong advocate of the “Rider’s Choice Helmet Law” in Michigan and decided to check on what the Helmet Optional Law has meant since its inception here in Michigan in April of 2012. It’s been two years so there should be plenty of statistics out there. I have to admit, I have had a 100% change of heart on this topic. I also have an ulterior motivator: a young man who is an employee of Wolverine HarleyDavidson was riding his motorcycle without a helmet (not on company time, on his own time) and got t-boned. That was in September. At the time of this writing, he is undergoing physical therapy and I’m not sure of his future prognosis. The accident was not his fault but the fault of a new young car driver who is completely devastated herself. Basically, this accident has two young victims: the motorcycle rider and the driver of the car who will both carry the physical and emotional scars for their entire lives. Overwhelmingly, people familiar with the case - including law enforcement - all say if the young man was wearing a helmet, the head injuries would have been much less severe or maybe avoided altogether. George DeLaNuez, the owner/ operator of Wolverine HarleyDavidson, has made it a policy that any employees observed operating a motorcycle while on company time without a helmet will face immediate dismissal. No exceptions. No excuses. When the law was first passed in 2012, I was elated. I stood and applauded. I thought I would never wear a helmet again. Freedom from a big clunky and hot helmet. Freedom from the expense of having to buy a helmet as well as freedom from big brother government telling me what to do. I was a big supporter of the “No Helmet” law. I lobbied for it, wrote articles in favor of it, and sent letters to my legislators urging they support the no-helmet initiative. But articles I’ve read, accounts of accidents I’ve heard first hand from other riders, accidents like the one I described above, discussions with law enforcement and several close calls I’ve had while riding helmetless have somewhat changed my thinking on the subject. I’m not so sure Michigan changing to a helmet optional state was a good move. I, for one, am back to wearing my helmet 100% of the time. Not wearing a helmet seems to carry a feeling of freedom, of being a rebel; some romance with the road as well as that “tough guy” feeling. What it really comes down to is if I have an accident, does a
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helmet increase my chances of walking away with minimal, short term injuries as opposed to severe and longterm/permanent head injuries? Or even death? Give it some thought as you read on. So Michigan’s law in a nutshell: you do not have to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle in Michigan if you are at least 21 years old, have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least 2 years or have passed a rider safety course and have purchased an additional $20,000 in first party medical benefits coverage. Michigan is one of 28 states that has helmet-optional laws based on age or some level of training. 19 states and the District of Columbia have mandatory helmet laws while Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire have no helmet laws on the books. . The statistics are in and statistics don’t lie. Yes, they can be skewed in one way or another, but most are fairly straight forward. But before we look at the numbers, a little history on helmet legislation: in 1967, the Federal government, in response to out-of-control highway fatality rates for both automobiles and motorcycles, required states to enact laws for both helmet and seatbelt usage in order to qualify for Federal funds for highway construction and repair. The incentive had a quick effect. By 1970, almost all states had laws covering the usage of both safety devices. That changed in 1976 when Congress stopped the Transportation Department from assessing penalties against states based on safety statutes. Thereafter, helmet optional laws were being enacted while seat belt usage remained mandatory. According to the NHTSA the average injury severity rate in Michigan has gone up by over 37% while dollar amounts of insurance claims by motorcyclists in accidents have gone up 51%. More riding probably accounts for some of that increase as does the high cost of a new motorcycle and repairs, but most investigators feel that impact is negligible; more people are getting injured and more people are getting head injuries. In another study, they found that in helmet mandatory states, helmet usage was at around 97% while, in helmet optional states, the helmet usage was about 60%. Nationally, researchers found that motorcycle deaths have risen every year in 14 of the last 15 years. Last year (2013), there were 5,000 motorcycle rider/passenger deaths; the highest percentage of total highway fatalities ever at just over 14%.
Continued on page 20 - The Preacher
December 2014
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9
Rider Profile
Cari Draft: Motorcyclist, Entrepreneur
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Cari Draft is a busy woman. She is a wife to husband Jeff, mom to a 15-year-old son and an experienced, successful entrepreneur. Any extra time is committed to riding her 2007 Yamaha VStar 650 Classic and off-road jeep explorations. Oh yeah, she is also actively involved in the community. It can be exhausting just hearing about all of the things she has going on. The passenger seat of her Dad’s Honda CB900 was where Cari first experienced the thrill of riding a motorcycle. Barry took his daughter on many rides and that initial spark grew. Her desire to ride might have been crushed when her Dad died unexpectedly at age 30. But it wasn’t. Fortunately, her 4’ 10" Mom was also a rider and a member of the all widows club, the Stilettos on Steel. Mom would take her on club rides aboard her 250 cc cruiser. Those experiences as a passenger eventually had Cari thinking that she might like to ride her own bike. About the same time that she began to think about learning to ride, Cari was also thinking about changing careers. She worked for Meijer’s in the advertising department as a graphic designer for a few years. She wanted more time to raise her son and left that job to do freelance design work. For seven years, she worked as a freelancer. It gave her plenty of time to be with her son while still earning a living. Eventually, after
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5. Cement City
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11. Lansing
19. West Branch
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Midwest Motorcyclist
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2014 Holiday Gift Guide
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This is the story of a Dad who wants more in life. And he’s not willing to leave his family behind to experience it. Motorcycle racing was something Vince had to do and, with his wife working weekends, taking the kids on a racing adventure was the only alternative. The kids become a very young “pit crew” for an over-aged racer. This comedic adventure chronicles the unexpected highs and lows of taking kids to the race track. The story culminates in a win that wasn’t and a surprise role reversal. It will make you laugh out loud then touch your heart. Motorcycle racing was the avenue for a knee dragging Dad to fully experience the loving bond of his wife and kids.
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AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and Museum
Museum and Headquarters are attached by an enclosed walkway. Upon entering the front door, visitors are impressed with the tall ceiling of the atrium area. The attendant made fun of how old my AMA card was, saying “That’s the oldest card I’ve ever seen.” I told him that my first membership card was made of stone and my number was in Roman mumerals. The museum is housed on two floors and grouped in sections according to type of machine. We first looked at the Flat Track section. Boy, did that bring back some memories? Race bikes in that section included old KR and XR Harleys along with a NS Honda. Next was the Road Race section. These bikes were ridden by some of the greats - Emde, Nixon, and Rayburn, just to name a few. The offroad section had bikes ridden by Malcom Smith, Scott Harden and Jeff Fredette.. All of Jeff’s ISDE medals were on display in a case. On the other side
by Gene Southard
A couple of weeks back, my wife asked, “Would you like to take me to a craft fair in Columbus?” Like any long-married husband, I could recognize a loaded question when I heard one. My answer had to be well thought out so as to not get myself into hot water. Columbus? Columbus? Why would I want to go to Columbus, Ohio? The AMA museum is there! My answer “Yes, Dear. I would enjoy taking you to the AMA museum. Er, I mean, the craft fair.” We left on a Friday morning and unfortunately got into Columbus right at rush hour. The traffic was as bad as I have ever seen, but we made it to our motel just across the street from the fair. The fair was located in the Ohio Historical Village. I actually enjoyed looking thru the mid-19th century restored village, with all the shops and businesses. The restored Model A delivery truck with wood paneling was a highlight. Like most husbands there, I became the pack mule carryng all the purchases, always looking for a park bench to take a quick nap, and trying to stay out of the way of the wives running through the fair with their credit cards yelling “Charge.” Next to the Village was the Ohio History Museum. A walk through the museum gave us a good look at the history of Ohio including a restored Seneca auto. They were made in Fostoria, Ohio from
Continued on page 20 1917 to 1924. There was also a fully working wood shop with belt driven machinery. I would last about a day in there before I would lose an arm in one of the belts. Sunday, we headed to the AMA Museum and Hall of Fame. It was only a short drive from the motel. The museum, located in Pickerington, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Admission varies according to age but is only $5 for AMA members. Being a Life Member of the AMA, my admission was free. I joined the AMA in 1968 when I started racing amateur short track and scrambles. The museum and AMA headquarters are located just off I-70 in a park-like campus. The
Pre-Owned Motorcycles 2013 Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic, 22 miles, $15,999 plus tax & title
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December 2014
the November 2010 issue of Thunder Roads – Michigan. She has since become involved in organizing the contest but is working to change the type of clothing worn in the competition from bikinis to standard biker leather wear. That same year, Cari began to explore the possibility of introducing an Eco Trek all-natural nutrition bar. One of the companies she contacted about producing the bar for her mentioned that they were getting out of that business. Cari asked whether they would be interested in producing a private label gluten- and dairy-free nutrition bar for her. Her requirement was that they remove the bee pollen and add chocolate to the bar the company was already producing. The nutrition bar, with 10g of protein and only 195 calories, is a success. Today, the Eco Trek Nutrition Bar is available in more than 300 retail stores in seven states with new retailers coming on board all the time. Cari has said that she will continue to ride motorcycles for the rest of her life. She enjoys the independence that riding a motorcycle provides. She likes the fact that her senses are fully engaged and heightened when she rides. She feels ultra aware and thinks that riding a motorcycle makes her a better car driver. Another motorcycle might be in her future but, for now, the little hippy girl’s 650 is all she needs.
Continued from page 10 - Cari Draft Profile
her son got into school and was involved with school-related activities, she began thinking about other types of work she would like to do. She realized that spending the day at her computer wasn’t exactly what she wanted. Cari wanted to cut the chain to her desk and spend more time outside. A healthy, fit woman, she considered working as a personal fitness trainer and had had already taken many programs that would move her in that direction. After attending the Outdoor Action Certification program at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, in 2006, her mind was made up. She launched Eco Trek fitness, an outdoor fitness training program that used the parks and trails around Grand Haven for aerobic fitness and resistance bands for strength training. 2007 was a milestone year for Cari. Not only had her business survived the first year, but she began to expand its reach. She also took the Rider’s Edge rider training class at Hot Rod HarleyDavidson in Muskegon and purchased her first (and current) motorcycle, what she calls her “little hippy girl bike,” the aforementioned Yamaha. Early on, most of her riding involved group rides – usually with her Mom – and event rides such as poker runs. Since her Mom stopped riding, she finds herself riding alone more often that not. That’s the way her riding continued for several years. Along the way, a friend named Charlie Helder taught her how to handle basic motorcycle maintenance like oil changes herself. The demand for Cari’s Eco Trek Fitness training programs grew. The demand enabled her to hire other trainers to conduct her program in communities including Grand Rapids, Lansing, Holland, Kalamazoo and Traverse City among others. Her clients come from all over to participate in her programs. Eco Trek eventually evolved from its core mission of outdoor fitness training to offer and
organize a variety of outdoor activities including kayaking, snowshoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and bicycling. “I get to do fun, positive things outdoors with cool, positive people,” Cari said. “My clients get to do fun, healthy things outdoors in the fresh air. What could be better?” In 2010, Cari was persuaded to enter the Miss Muskegon Bike Time contest at the event. She told the organizers that she wouldn’t participate in a bikini (or less!) but rather in her leathers. Despite more scantily clad competitors, Cari finished first runner up. That finish led to a cover and pictorial in
Introducing the Roland Sands Designs Café Sportster Package Want to quickly transform your sportster into an aggressive yet comfortable cafe racer? The RSD line of Cafe products will do just that. Check out below for some suggested items that will dramatically change the look of your bike. 1. RSD Café Tail Section - The RSD Café Tail Section slims and simplifies the back of your Sportster. The Tail is made of thick, strong fiberglass that is covered with a Black Gel Coat. Sold separately are two different seat options, the simple clean lines of the Café style, or the triple diamond stitched Boss. The RSD Café Tail package is aggressive, yet flows perfectly with the Sportster side covers and gas tank. If you don’t want to cut the struts off of your bike, check out our line of Cafe Sportster seats that works with your stock fender and struts! MSRP Café Tail Section $449.95, MSRP Café & Boss Seats $189.95-$249.95
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Dear Dr. Cycholl, I have a 2013 Harley Ultra Classic I just bought to do long distance touring. I will usually be travelling with my Wife and she thinks we need to pull a trailer to haul all our gear. I see others pulling trailers with bikes. Do I need one? Is it safe? Will it void my warranty? Thank You,
ASK Dr. Cycholl Q&A Column For Your Questions Relating to Motorcycle Safety, Riding Techniques and Touring By Maurice “Moe” D. Cycholl
Terry Forrester
Dear Terry, Congrats on your purchase. Long distance motorcycle touring is a grand adventuture and has been a highlight of my life for more than 20 years. Do you need a trailer? Only if you will be camping. My wife and I have been in nearly all of the states on a motorcycle and have never pulled a trailer. We don’t camp on motorcycle trips. We easily fit everything we need in the saddlebags, trunk, trunk bag and tank bag. It can be done if you do a few things. First, and most importantly, tell her she can pack anything she wants if it fits in one saddlebag. The other saddlebag is yours. The trunk is for miscellanious things you both need, Trunkbag is for raingear and a bike cover, tankbag is for maps and MP3 player. Pack like you are going on a backpack trip. Plan on doing laundry on a trip lasting longer than a week. Is it safe? Conditionally, yes, as safe as riding a motorcycle can be, without taking much more risk. It will increase your stopping distances. You will need to alter your lane position and cornering lines. Parking will be more difficult. Will it void your warranty? It might. You will have to ask HD and/or any extended warranty provider you have. Not having a trailer forced my Wife to pare down to only essentials. Giving her a trailer to fill would have allowed her to bring along all manner of unneeded, heavy stuff. My opinion is that you will be better off without a trailer than with one, but that is just an opinion. You will need to decide that for yourself. Thank you, Dr. Cycholl
Dear Dr. Cycholl, I see a lot of press in national magazines devoted to “ATGATT” (All The Gear. All The Time.) What to you think of this campaign? Thank you,
Marilyn Stordahal
Dear Marilyn, It is undebatable that if you were to crash your chances of survival or minimizing injury is much better if you are wearing all the gear. That includes: helmet, eye protection, jacket, gloves, heavy pants and boots. “Dress for the slide, not the ride.” The chances of sustaining a head injury are greatly minimized if you are wearing a helmet on impact. Falling and sliding on pavement is like a landing on a 40-grit belt sander for as far as you slide. This type of injury begins as an abrasion and becomes a burn as heat builds up during the slide. If you want to avoid a burned abrasion you need to be wearing protection when you hit the pavement. The reason injured bikers tell EMS that they were not wearing proper gear is “I didn’t think I would crash.” Duh! If you did, would you have ridden that day? Good luck getting bikers in a non-helmet law state to wear proper gear. From my observation, since the helmet law was repealed in Michigan, maybe 15-20 percent of riders will even have a helmet on. Thank you, Dr. Cycholl
Dear Dr. Cycholl, I have a fleet of motorcycles ranging from classics from as long ago as the 70’s to 2014 models. I am concerned with using E10 fuel in my fleet and the rumors that fuel may be changing to E 15. Should I be worried? Rick Viet
Dear Rick, For those who do not know, E-10 is gasoline with 10% Ethanol (alcohol). E15 is gasoline with 15% Ethanol. This fuel causes a lot of problems. The alcohol is more expensive to produce than gasoline. Alcohol has less heat content than gas so performance and fuel economy both suffer. Alcohol absorbs water and, under certain circumstances, the alcohol and gasoline can seperate. You could find your engine running on near straight alcohol. No production engine you likely own is designed for alcoholonly fuel. Lastly, these fuels can quickly degrade in storage, with or without stabilizing additives. This causes severe fuel system damage. Your older bikes will likely have problems with rubber parts that were designed for gasoline without alcohol. Thank your busy body federal government representatives for this debacle. Thank you, Dr. Cycholl
Dr. Maurice D. Cycholl is a world-renowned expert in Motorcycle Safety, Riding Techniques and Touring. In addition, while he is not a recognized expert in motorcycle mechanics, he does possess a fair degree of knowledge in the area of mechanical, and electrical systems found on many motorcycles. He welcomes your questions on these subjects. While you may submit questions on any subject, his advice on other subjects may, or may not be, as reliable. Please submit your questions via email to: askDrCycholl@ hotmail.com or via snail mail to: Dr. “Moe” D. Cycholl, c/o CC media, 709 Fall Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456
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2004 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI, 12,450 miles, Excellent condition, Black, $9,950
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December 2014
Book Review
Book Review
Enduring Courage: Eddie Rickenbacker and the Dawn of the Age of Speed
No Thru Road: Confessions of a Traveling Man By Clement Salvadori Review by Ray Peabody
By John F. Ross Review by Ray Peabody He died in 1973 but I’m guessing that many baby boomers and most members of the post babyboom generations don’t know the name “Eddie Rickenbacker.” Those who know his name and something about his background know him as the flying ace who fought Germany in the skies over Europe during World War I. He shot down more German planes than any other pilot and won the Medal of Honor for his efforts. The story of Rickenbacker’s exploits during the war is only part of the ace’s history covered by author John F. Ross in his book, Enduring Courage. He also details Rickenbacker’s success as an auto racer in the early 20th century as well as his business achievements later in life. According to Ross, Rickenbacker, who was born in 1890, was born into an impoverished immigrant family yet pulled himself up to become an American hero and a successful entrepreneur. A rough but determined man, he constantly tested himself, pushing his own limits as well as those of the machines he operated. Whether he was racing cars, flying the earliest fighter planes or flying a secret mission on behalf of the U.S., he frequently faced life threatening
Clement with a sense humor and Salvadori is a name that optimism. It’s noteworthy will be familiar to most that he frequently has a motorcyclists; especially female companion either situations but found a readers of Rider riding pillion or her own way to survive. magazine where his machine on his trips. Each I found the language of his stories has a unique in early parts of the book columns and features regularly appear. He appeal but I especially to be annoyingly enthusiastic, similar to a has written several liked his stories about the sales pitch. Nonetheless, books about his European Grand Tour 1957, I kept reading. The more I motorcycle trips Afghanistan 1973, Kashmir read about Rickenbacker’s through California and India 1973, Queensland life the more enthused Baja as well as one about Australia 1974 (the story of about him I also became. the Honda VFR / his “streak” is a hoot!), He raced cars when Interceptor. His last Copper Canyon Mexico they were dangerous (as book was 101 Road Tales. 1980, Peru 1998, Tibet related to brakes and Salvadori’s latest work, 1999… Heck, I enjoyed all handling) to drive at No Thru Road: of the stories. slower speeds on the Confessions of a Traveling Man, is a Salvadori has a way of describing road. Many of his top compendium of the many the environment and people in a way that competitors were killed motorcycle trips he has taken I could almost visualize. As a world in races. He competed in four Indianapolis 500s before World throughout his life. traveler wannabe who will likely not ride War I. Salvadori has been traveling much beyond the borders of North and He aggressively flew early the globe by motorcycle since his Central America, it’s a picture that is airplanes in battle when they were teens. His father was a diplomat especially appealing. I also like the fact known to fall apart in mid air. His based in Italy when he took his first that, when I get busy or otherwise planes crashed multiple times. During trip (The Grand Tour) around Europe distracted, I can put the book down for a World War II, he spent 24 days in a life with a buddy. Since then, he has couple weeks or a month and when I raft after a plane he was piloting ridden in Europe, Africa, India, Tibet, return, jump back into whichever country crashed into the Pacific Ocean while on Southeast Asia, Australia, and South I would most like to experience. While it’s a secret mission. America. This book is the story not as good as actually going there He wasn’t well educated but about those adventures. myself, as a substitute, it’s not a bad way he was smart and determined. He was Each trip story in this book to go. often gruff but understood the importance of leadership. He details the native people, traveling Midwest motorcyclists who understood how things worked and companions, food, history, climate enjoy a good read when riding is difficult was able to maximize the performance and riding conditions not to mention to impossible during the cold winter of both machines and men. the challenges of border crossings, months can’t do much better than Despite my early annoyance, close calls, and encounters with Salvadori’s latest. Published by Trovatello the book grew on me and I found it armed military personnel. Always Press. difficult to put down. It’s not hard to understand why Ross was so excited about Rickenbacker. It’s a wonderful read about an inspiring man and 1984 GL1200 1983 CB 1000 American hero. GOLDWING, All CUSTOM, All Stock, Available everywhere in stock, 39,000 Miles, 52,800 Miles, Well both hardcover and paperback. Published by St. Martin’s Press. Runs great, Maintained, Very NOW $1,995 Clean, $1,495
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Looking Back: The Year in Review by Jason Waechter, Esq. It’s hard to believe how quickly this year sped by. It seems like here in the Midwest we had a pretty short riding season in 2014, and the 2015 season still seems a long way away. This time of year, I like to look back at all the highlights and milestones from the past twelve months, and I thought I would take this opportunity to share some of the “best of 2014” with our readers. Even though most motorcyclists park their bikes for winter, it’s still a busy season for our team here in Michigan. Last February, as part of our commitment to giving back to the biker community, we launched our new Biker Card, and since then we’ve handed out hundreds of them to bikers across and around Michigan. The new cards feature potentially life-saving first aid information every motorcyclist can use in the event of the crash. Cardholders also get discounts and freebies at over 100 Michigan vendors, which encourages riders to try new restaurants, products, and services while they’re out on their motorcycles. As the weather warmed and people started getting their bikes ready for spring, we started promoting our “Watch for Motorcycles” bumper stickers more heavily. Our bumper stickers are a huge part of how we promote motorcycle awareness among drivers, and our goal is to get stickers on cars and trucks across the country to remind all drivers that motorcycles are everywhere. This year, we had so many requests for bumper stickers we could barely keep track, with dozens of requests being fulfilled before Motorcycle Awareness Month in May. Spring is a busy time of year at our firm, particularly with all the Motorcycle Awareness Month events in May. This year, I had a unique opportunity to give back to the biker community in a concrete way: by donating one of my own motorcycles to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). The bike, a Suzuki TU 250X that had very few miles on it, is now being used for rider training in the Motorcycle Safety Program taught at Schoolcraft College. The Detroit-Metro Regional Consortium (the Consortium) offers “hands-on, comprehensive motorcycle training” that is “taught by professional, certified instructors.” I can vouch for the program at this location, since that’s where I took my own certified Rider Safety Course many years ago. This spring also saw changes to Michigan’s Temporary Instruction Permits (TIPs) for motorcyclists. TIPs were originally supposed to give new motorcyclists enough time to practice riding before taking their Rider
Skills Test, an important part of getting a motorcycle (CY) endorsement to be able to ride legally on the road. However, some riders were just applying for TIPs every motorcycle season instead of following through with getting their full CY endorsement. Starting January 1, 2015, motorcyclists will be limited to two TIPs in a tenyear period, in order to encourage riders to get fully endorsed. For the record, I think experience matters when talking about rider skills, but I always recommend that new motorcyclists take a certified Rider Training Course to help get the basics down. Over the summer, my team and I were focused on helping our clients and, as always, promoting awareness by attending a variety of motorcycle events and swap meets to meet bikers and hand out bumper stickers, Biker Cards, and other awareness materials. We also celebrated National Ride to Work day in June, and Women’s Motorcycle Month in July. This fall, along with several large-scale motorcycle recalls across the United States, we also saw a new law promoting motorcycle awareness enacted here in Michigan. Nathan’s Law (House Bill No. 5438), requires driver education programs to “include information concerning the laws pertaining to bicycles and motorcycles and shall emphasize awareness of their operation on the
streets, roads, and highways of this state.” In other words, driver education programs are finally required by law to teach new drivers to Watch for Motorcycles, a win for safety advocates and, hopefully, riders. The law is named for Nathan Bower, a young motorcyclist who was killed in a crash with a motor vehicle in 2009. Of course, the new law can’t eliminate motorcycle-vehicle crashes, but I can’t help but feel like teaching new drivers from the beginning that motorcycles are everywhere is a step in the right direction. Finally, the year ended on a high note for myself and my firm. I recently found out that I have once again been named to the Michigan Super Lawyers, an honor bestowed on only five percent of Michigan attorneys. It is so gratifying to be named a part of this elite group of top lawyers. Additionally, I recently learned that my firm has been named one of the “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®. My firm has a no-win, nofee policy, we offer free consultations, we are committed to giving back to the biker community, and we provide a wealth of free information through our website and magazine articles like this one in order to help keep bikers informed about the issues that affect them. I am so proud that my team and I are known as one of the “Best Law Firms” for clients. This year has seen its share of ups and downs, but it’s nice to have so many highlights to share with readers as the New Year approaches. I hope that in 2015, we see a reduction in motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities. I hope more motorcycle-friendly legislation is passed across the country. I hope my team and I can continue to help injured bikers and their families and give back to the biker community. Finally, I wish us all a long and safe riding season next year! Attorney Jason A. Waechter is a national attorney specializing in the areas of motorcycle and motor vehicle injury litigation. Mr. Waechter has collected millions of dollars in settlements, awards and verdicts for his motorcycle clients over the past 20 years. Jason feels a duty to give back to his community. A portion of each case settled goes to educational resources for bikers, funds to help bikers while their cases are being litigated and our motorcycle accident prevention campaign. Call Attorney Jason Waechter toll free at 1-877BIKER LAW. Or visit www.TheMotorcycleLawyer.com Legal disclaimer: The law is very fact dependent and there are many nuances and exceptions depending on your particular circumstances. Therefore, given the limited space, it is impossible to cover everything. Do not rely on the short article to protect your rights.
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December 2014
The Antidote to Domesticity
Now in West Michigan
By P.J. Francis
We are frequently told not to ride while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, certain medications, while tired, or when distracted by life issues that are on our minds. I have to disagree with the latter issue. For some of us, riding replaces the distracting issues and helps us maintain our sanity. Domestic issues are one of the most common distractions most of us encounter. Nature has given us an innate desire to engage in sexual activity, procreate and, well, suffer the consequences of both. Males fight a continuous battle to plow a furrow somewhere between domestic bliss and doing the stuff we want to do. The stuff that nature doesn’t influence. I recall one Sunday almost two decades ago when domesticity threatened to grasp me in its claws and squeeze the life out of me. Late on that fall afternoon, I got on my 1978 Honda CX500 and rode out of town. Route 20 traverses the United States from Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon for a distance of 3,365 miles. In fact, it is the longest road in the United States. Before long, I found myself on 20 heading west out of Rockford, Illinois, towards the mighty Mississippi some 100 miles distant. Soon I was lost in the task of riding the motorcycle, dealing with traffic and enjoying the experience. They say it takes a whole tank of gas to get your mental health in order. Of course, that depends on the capacity of the tank. A hundred miles does it for me. The CX500 goes on reserve around 130 miles. By the time I crossed the 1943
Julien Dubuque bridge, darkness had fallen and it was difficult to see the Mississippi. Never mind. I knew it was down there and I had fulfilled another dream on my bucket list. (Julien Dubuque was a born in 1762 and was one of the first Europeans to settle in the area.) After refueling, I headed back the way I had come. Later, there was a stop to put on some extra clothing to ward off the cold. “Don’t ride at night because of deer” is another rule one hears. If you find yourself out there at nighttime, be careful. I arrived home renewed and able to tackle the dreaded domesticity. I recently found myself in a somewhat similar situation. I still have the CX500 but it is not currently operational. (This winter, I promise myself.) It was a 2008 Suzuki Burgman 400 that served the honors that time. Being a little earlier in the year, there were some motorcycles on Route 20. Last time, they were conspicuous by their absence. Darkness descended on my return journey. It was preceded by a spectacular sunset. I could not see the actual sunset as I was heading east but the orange glow covered the countryside. There were several photo opportunities I may have stopped to capture on another occasion. This time I just kept going and enjoyed the visual experience. I have stored the images in my brain. It is at times such as this I am thankful I discovered motorcycles and scooters many years ago.
Toledo Motorcycle Parts Business Adds Free Shipping and Local Services Toledo, OH – November 9, 2014 – Motorcycle Solutions LLC is a parts business that’s been under the radar. Owners John and Lisa Strawbridge have been in business since 2007. They began in vintage parts and worked primarily in e-commerce. Now they’re really expanding to include more bikes and more work with local customers. In addition to the vintage stuff, they’ve added many dirt bike and adventure/ dual sport parts and accessories. Over the next year, they’ll be adding V-Twin. They’ve launched a new website, which can be found at MotorcycleSolutionsLLC.com, that offers free U.S. shipping on all orders. “This is something we did because online shoppers like the simplicity of free shipping,“ said Lisa Strawbridge who handles the ecommerce side of the business. “A bonus we didn’t expect is that local and regional customers are using it for free TM
Midwest Motorcyclist
home delivery.” They’ve also added a few basic services. They’re not a full service shop that does motorcycle repair, but they’ll mount and balance tires off the bike. Additionally, they’ll rebuild carburetors, calipers, master cylinders and petcocks if you bring them in off the bike. “If you buy the tires from us, we’ll mount and balance them for free,” said John Strawbridge who handles the work with local customers. “Bring us the wheels for a cheaper way to get your tires changed.” One last addition that could save you money is motorcycle tool rental. For about 1/ 10th of the cost to buy it, you can rent a tool that you won’t use often such as rotor pullers, chain breakers and wheel bearing removal tools. Motorcycle Solutions LLC is located at 643 W. Sylvania Ave. in west Toledo. Contact: John Strawbridge at sales@MotorcycleSolutionsLLC.com or 419-720-4313. Website: www.MotorcycleSolutionsLLC.com
This club is like none other - no politics, no B.S. We travel to great riding destinations close by and far away. We learn to be better riders. We share camaraderie and a common passion: The Passion To Ride!
JOIN US Disclaimer: This ain’t your mamma’s pokey bar hoppin’ motorcycle club. It also isn’t a squidly club. We ride and we ride well. You are expected to ride within your limits. You are expected to wear appropriate safety gear, ride a safely maintained machine, and follow reasonable group riding etiquette. We welcome riders of all skill levels, ages, genders, and marques. You will likely find like-minded members who ride at your level of skill. The MSTA and Michigan MSTA assume no responsibility for your safety, state of mind, average lean angle, or degree of rockin’ fun that you’ll experience with us. Just motorcycle enthusiasts getting together to ride.
Check us out on Facebook @ MSTAWestMichigan or send an e-mail to banjobart@aol.com for more information.
We want your used motorcycle. New Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are selling like hot cakes. We’re replenishing our inventories as quickly as possible. In addition to the new bikes, we are also stocking up on pre-owned motorcycles, either through trade-ins or outright purchases. If you’re looking to buy - or you just want to sell the motorcycle you now own - take your motorcycle to your local Harley® dealer for a quote. Do it today to make your best deal.
Visit your local Harley-Davidson® dealer today. The complete list of Michigan Harley-Davidson® dealers can be found on page 10 and 11 in this issue. 19
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assorted charging tips that fit most USB electronic devices, and an 8 piece assortment of tips to fit most 19v laptops. One wall charger and a car charger completes the set. This charging kit really is an amazing product. It’s easy enough to carry with you on any trip, and powerful enough to keep you feeling at ease. Capable of starting a diesel truck and still having enough juice to fully charge your cell phone, we’d say this unit is a perfect stow-away for any motorcycle tour!! Available at BMW Motorcycles of Detroit, 34080 Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights, Michigan [(586) 274-4000, www.bmwdetroit.com].
Continued from page 14 - AMA Museum
of the room, it was hard to miss the XR750 replica of Evel Knievel’s motorcycle with a back drop of several of his X-rays showing his many broken bones. A little on the morbid side, I thought, but maybe only because I have had an X-ray or two that looked like that. We then entered the semi-circle room filled with the plaques of all the Hall of Fame members. I receginzed many of the names and had even raced with a few. Usually, I was at the back of the pack and they were at the front. After descending the wide staircase into the lower level, we could view the large display of Continued from page 9 - The Preacher Speaks... ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) of Michigan blames the increase on bikers who do not take safety courses. According to their research, the bikers who do not have motorcycle licenses or safety training make up an increasing number of those involved in fatalities. State statistics do not necessarily support that claim but I think we all know someone riding a motorcycle who does not have an endorsement. Consumer Reports has also joined in on the controversy. Orly Avitzur, M.D., a Consumer Reports medical adviser, has witnessed the results of not wearing a helmet in an emergency room setting. “As a neurologist, it is absolute insanity to repeal helmet laws, and to expose the skull and the brain to potential trauma that could otherwise be mitigated,” says Avitzur. “I’ve seen helmets that have sustained accidents in the emergency room that
20
History of the Chopper: Bikes Wanted! The long history of choppers is a uniquely American story, akin to Rock ‘n Roll in its cultural impact and global influence. The National Motorcycle Museum is assembling the first-ever exhibit comprehensively documenting the evolution of the American Custom Motorcycle; the Cut-Downs, Bob-Jobs, show bikes and choppers, from the late 1920s to the mid’70s. Opening in May 2015, the exhibit will include only period-built bikes, plus related artwork, memorabilia, film posters and photos, plus contemporary artwork commissioned for the show. The National Motorcycle Museum is looking for original or restored 1920s-1970s custom motorcycles and related memorabilia; do you know where machines built ‘in the day’ can be found? As a great coincidence, the first comprehensive history of American customs has just been released - ‘The Chopper: the Real Story.’ Museum staff are working with author/curator Paul d’Orleans to create the new exhibit based on his research for the book. Paul is a wellknown writer (‘The Ride’, ‘Café Racers’, plus TheVintagent.com) and curator (most recently at the Sturgis ‘Motorcycle as Art’ exhibits with Michael Lichter), and contributes monthly to magazines in six languages. Do you own an original or restored 1920s-1970s custom motorcycle or related memorabilia? We’d like your help to tell this important story, or if you are a fine artist who would like to loan motorcycle artwork, please send an email to Mark Mederski: mmederski@nationalmcmuseum.org, or Paul d’Orleans: thevintagent@gmail.com
Indian motorcycles. Although a little before my time, they were all immaculately restored. After passing by a section of motorcycle art work, we entered into one of my favorite sections, the cutaways. There were two complete machines on which many hours had been spent cutting away sections of the engines, wheels, suspension and rear drives. The rest of the room was filled with machines that were groundbreaking in their time: the Kawasaki H1 triple, Triumph Huricane, and the Honda Dream were only a few of them. Although this museum is not as large as Barber or the one in Anamosa, it has to have one of the largest collections of machines on which riders have are broken in half. You want something other than your skull to sustain the impact of the trauma.” “Weakening the helmet law seems to have made it somewhat more likely that riders will sustain injuries, but the big impact has been on the seriousness of the injuries,” said David Zuby, chief research officer of HLDI and IIHS. “Helmets can’t protect against all injuries, but they do help prevent debilitating and often fatal head trauma.” My friends, it truly is the rider’s choice and I won’t ever dispute that, but this rider has made a choice: I will wear my helmet. I have an automobile that has seat belts. It has air bags all over the place, antilock brakes and a padded dash. I put my grandchildren in child safety seats and make them wear their helmets when riding their bikes. (My grandson has his first Harley at 2 ½ years old. See the picture.) We ride on roads that engineers are constantly striving to make safer. I wear gloves, leathers, motorcycle boots and my
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made history. The traffic on the way home was not as bad. We made a gas stop about 40 miles east of Indy right next to New Castle Motorsports Park so we took a little time to watch the go-carts practice for the Dan Weldon Memorial race that was to be held the next weekend. I wonder if they ever have motorcycle track days there... The tour of the AMA Museum and Hall of Fame was well worth our time and gave a glimpse into the history of motorcycling in the U.S. So if the the wife asks you to go to the AMA museum - I mean, the craft fair in Columbus - tell her you would be glad to go. DOT-approved helmet whenever I ride my motorcycle to protect against rocks and other road hazards. I have changed my mind since the law was enacted. Why would I strive to be safe in every other aspect of my life and not on my motorcycle? It only takes a second to strap on a helmet. The new lightweight, high-strength ones are more comfortable than ever. End of story. Or, should I say, the beginning of story? Let me know what you think. You can contact me at fhoffer999@comcast.net. I want to wish you all a happy and safe holiday…hey….a great idea for Christmas for that rider in your life is a gift certificate for a helmet. (Data used in this article was compiled from reports from the NHTSA, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, The Office of Highway Safety Planning, ABATE of Michigan, The Huffington Post, Consumers Report, the National Conference of State Legislators, and the demands of my grandchildren, children, and wife).
December 2014
VETMotorsports CEO Winner of Annual Columbus Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award Columbus, OH (November 13, 2014) – In its third year, Direct Energy and ThisWeek Community News have named its 2014 Columbus Volunteer Citizen of the Year winner, Pete Cline. Cline is the founder of VETMotorsports, a Columbus-based nonprofit that uses motorsports as an inspiration to propel military veterans forward and to encourage veterans to find their strengths and motivations. The VETMotorsports program provides its participants with actual hands-on experience and immersion in a unique format, engaging wounded combat veterans over a sustained period of time and providing access to real-time activities and leadership roles in a high-stress motorsports environment. These events help empower veteran warriors, providing the same adrenalin rush and sense of vitality and teamwork felt in active duty. Sadly, after heroic duty to our nation, many veterans find that combat injuries, post-traumatic stress and transition to mainstream life prove far more challenging than ever imagined. That’s where Pete Cline stepped in. In 2012, Pete saw an opportunity to help this population by combining it with one of his greatest passions in life: professional motorcycle racing. As a former professional racer, Cline knows that the flat-track is an exciting, high energy environment where racers,
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team mangers and pit crew all pull together under pressure to work toward winning results. His idea to seek out post9/11 wounded combat veterans and invite them to work as part of a race team turned into the VETMotorspots nonprofit organization Since its inception, VETMotorsports has transformed lives all across the country and now has a wait-list for future participants. Just last year, the organization engaged over 42 wounded combat veterans in 11 motorcycle and auto racing events and launched national fundraising initiatives that raised over $13,000 in 11 days. Pete’s ongoing efforts to develop VETMotorsports’ programs and outreach to veterans are what makes VETMotorsports the success story it is today. He spends the race season attending and facilitating race experiences all across the United States and in the off-season, he focuses on fundraising, outreach to strategic partners and planning for the upcoming season. His passion and energy are infectious and he’s built enormous awareness and goodwill for the organization. He has been directly responsible for American combat veterans’ emergence from silent suffering that impacts both them and their loved ones into a fresh chapter where they’re able to move forward with a better understanding that they are valued and appreciated for exactly who they are. By winning the Columbus Volunteer Citizen of the Year award, Cline
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will receive a $5,000 donation for VETMotorsports from Direct Energy. The donation will be used to continue VETMotorsports’ programs in the 2015 season to expand relationships and collaborations in the racing and veteran communities, as well as to develop and encourage continued improvement for veteran mental and physical health. VETMotorsports honors and empowers disabled combat veterans through active participation in motorsports. Peter Cline, Executive Director & Founder, VETMotorsports, a 501c3, www.vetmotorsports.org, 614-563-8634 Charitable donations can be made at www.vetmotorsports.org
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Open Terrain: Exploring the World and Soul by Motorcycle Horizons Unlimited California 2014:
Launching the Dreamers by Nicole Espinosa
There’s a type of hunger that boiled inside many of our ancestors before they pushed off in crowded ships and covered wagons in search of the beyond. It drove some to explore the ends of the earth—even when others believed they’d fall off. What is this that’s created in the heart, pumped vigorously through the blood, and then nestled into the womb of the mind before birth? In a word—Dreams. And it’s the dreamers who are now churning out explorations to match those of our courageous forefathers you’re most likely to meet at Horizons Unlimited. There was something special about HU California 2014 that seemed to attract the big dreamers this year. Maybe it was the fact that this event just hit its sixth year. Founders Grant and Susan Johnson have been successfully fanning the dream fire with huge inspiration since inception. Or maybe it was the fact that larger space and nice facilities at our new Mariposa Fairgrounds venue ignited 40%
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growth. What it really boils down to, though, is the fact that it’s finally time to birth some of these dreams that have been incubating for years. The first set of dreamers represent a new sector of our adventure motorcycling industry, but one we’ll see more of in the future—family. Watching Adventure Trio roll down the road inspires thoughts of togetherness, elevation and shared quest. Here is Sandy and Terry Borden, an incredibly adventurous mother and father, who want to pass the baton of living life more fully to their already daring and wellrounded thirteen-year-old son, Jack. Want to adopt a ready-totake-on-the-world attitude like this fearless young man? Then ride pillion behind your dad at the age of four, grow up feeling comfortable taking on deep conversations with adults, and then develop your musical and cinematic skills to become the family media
documenter for your 18-month family odyssey into South America. The second dreamer, Danell Lynn, is a woman who has packed her philanthropic ideals into the tool kit of a 2006 Triumph Bonneville to launch her into the highly publicized Black Tie 2 Black Top trip around all 50 states plus Canada. Danell is donating copies of her book Philanthropic Wanderlust— Young Readers Edition to classrooms in
Nicole (left), with her daughter, Alana (right) and world adventurer Alex Chacon
every state to encourage our younger generation to find the compassion within themselves to reach out to others less fortunate. She is also busting out of the gate with an attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records’ “longest journey by motorcycle in a single country” in the lower 48 states. Combine this with documentation for a web series along the way, plus writing a book upon return, and you have one big undertaking for a grand adventure. Being the co-coordinator for this year’s event gave me the luxury to pull in whatever speakers I felt would ignite some fire under our participants. That’s why I was thrilled when this dreamer, Alex Chacon, of the famed YouTube video “Around the World in 360-Degree Epic Selfie” accepted my invitation to be the keynote speaker at the event. Alex documented his 500 day trip exploring the Americas, and shared the creative outcome with his audience through a web series and viral videos. And through these viral videos that have captured the attention of the mainstream public, morning media has noticed that this adventurer is taking the world by storm and has had him on many shows to tell his story. Hollywood is also taking notice of Alex, which will be a huge step for our industry after Ewan and Charley’s breakthrough in 2007 with The Long Way Round. Alex’s tried and true travel documentation and social media success tips were worth their weight in gold as they fell onto the participants’
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ears like seeds planted for lush crops of big adventure plans. This year also attracted many other colorful presenters who shared highly entertaining and educational talks that definitely fueled the next round of dreamers. Try David and Heidi Winters and their presentation “We’re sleeping where?!” This one delved into the ins and outs of handling unusual accommodations from RTW (round the world) couch surfing, to wild camping, sleeping in lobbies, and even bunking with complete strangers. Another presentation that spread endearing chuckles and huge smiles was charming German couple Mirko and Claudia Nagler in the middle of their 18-month tour of the Americas raising funds for needy Latin American children. The audience absolutely loved their raw grasp of the English language, their interaction as a couple, and the look of our country through their eyes. It wouldn’t be a Horizons Unlimited California without legendary adventure motorcycling icon Ted Simon. All eyes were glued on Ted as he took us for a ride on the back of his Triumph Tiger 100 into his Jupiter’s Travels journey through 45 countries filled with harrowing tales back in 1973. Also revealed in this presentation was the photographic account of this four-year odyssey as a coffee table book beautifully laid out for glossy publication, Jupiter’s Travels in Camera that celebrated Ted’s 25th anniversary of Jupiter’s Travels. But, the biggest response to the top inspirational speaker at the event was for Ramey “Coach” Stroud who left everyone acknowledging his contribution to the industry with a standing O, and not a dry eye in the house. You see, hearing about Coach’s comeback from a horrible motocross accident that broke his back and left him unable to walk after a very successful racing career always makes the crowd cheer. And I couldn’t think of ending this event in a better way than to send our next wave of adventurers off into the wild with encouragement from Coach on how to place one foot and one tire in front of the other to overcome life and adventure’s biggest obstacles. Alex Chacon’s 360-Degree Epic Selfie video: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=VTlXttQL_Yk Nicole Espinosa is Mom to two great kids, founder / owner of www.ruggedrider.com, Managing Editor of Adventure Motorcycle magazine and soon-to-be RTW motorcycle adventurer. Communication welcome for Nicole: nicole@ruggedrider.com
December 2014
Santa is almost here. Have you been... Naughty?
Nice?
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BMW Motorrad Dealer of Excellence BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com
“Redefining your motorcycling lifestyle” SM * For qualified buyers. Visit BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan for details. Always ride safely and wear proper protective gear. TM
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