The February 2016 edition of the ABATE of Arizona newsletter, The Masterlink.
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A publication supporting the rights, safety and freedom of all motorcyclists through education and legislation February 2016 VOLUME XXIV, ISSUE IX ABATE of AZ. 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ 85020 abateofaz.org Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Permit #1662 Phoenix, AZ Invisible Gorillas Reprinted from http://timbuche.com/ I recently read a fascinating Mind and Matter column by Alison Gopnik in the Wall Street Journal. She reported on a study published in Psychological Science about how researchers, as part of an experiment, asked radiologists to look for abnor- malities in a series of slides, something they routinely do as part of their profession. What the radiologists didn’t know is that the researchers added an image of a gorilla to some of the slides. The radiolo- gists were asked by the experi- menters if they had seen any- thing unusual and 83% of them replied they had not. The researchers also used an eye tracking machine which revealed that, even when look- ing straight at the gorilla, they didn’t see it. To quote the Journal: “This study is just the latest to demon- strate what psychologists call ‘inattentional blindness.’ When we pay careful attention to one thing, we become literally blind to others – even startling ones like gorillas.” This gives a whole new perspec- tive when a motorist says, “I never saw it” after they’ve col- lided with a motorcyclist. Perhaps, in fact, they really did see the motorcyclist but what actually happened was “inatten- tional blindness.” They weren’t thinking to look for a motorcy- clist, so they didn’t see the motorcycle even though they may have been looking straight at it. This doesn’t surprise me at all. I’ve long considered motorcy- clists to be the “invisible goril- las” in the daily driving life of most motorists. We’ve under- stood for years how critical it is to get into the consciousness of motorists so they are thinking about us and looking for us while they’re driving so we’re not invisible to them. But we need help to accomplish this, namely significantly more state and federal public educa- tion funds and campaigns to eliminate motorist inattentional blindness of motorcyclists. Visit us on FaceBook facebook.com/AbateofAZ and facebook.com/pages/Too-Broke-For-Sturgis-Rally
Transcript
A publication supporting the rights, safety and freedom of all motorcyclists through education and legislation
February 2016 VOLUME XXIV, ISSUE IX
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Reprinted fromhttp://timbuche.com/
I recently read a fascinatingMind and Matter column byAlison Gopnik in the Wall StreetJournal. She reported on astudy published in PsychologicalScience about how researchers,as part of an experiment, askedradiologists to look for abnor-malities in a series of slides,something they routinely do aspart of their profession.
What the radiologists didn’tknow is that the researchersadded an image of a gorilla tosome of the slides. The radiolo-gists were asked by the experi-menters if they had seen any-thing unusual and 83% of themreplied they had not. Theresearchers also used an eye
tracking machine whichrevealed that, even when look-ing straight at the gorilla, theydidn’t see it.
To quote the Journal: “Thisstudy is just the latest to demon-strate what psychologists call‘inattentional blindness.’ Whenwe pay careful attention to onething, we become literally blindto others – even startling oneslike gorillas.”
This gives a whole new perspec-tive when a motorist says, “Inever saw it” after they’ve col-lided with a motorcyclist.Perhaps, in fact, they really didsee the motorcyclist but whatactually happened was “inatten-tional blindness.” They weren’tthinking to look for a motorcy-clist, so they didn’t see the
motorcycle even though theymay have been looking straightat it.
This doesn’t surprise me at all.I’ve long considered motorcy-clists to be the “invisible goril-las” in the daily driving life ofmost motorists. We’ve under-stood for years how critical it isto get into the consciousness ofmotorists so they are thinkingabout us and looking for uswhile they’re driving so we’renot invisible to them.
But we need help to accomplishthis, namely significantly morestate and federal public educa-tion funds and campaigns toeliminate motorist inattentionalblindness of motorcyclists.
Visit us on FaceBook facebook.com/AbateofAZ and facebook.com/pages/Too-Broke-For-Sturgis-Rally
MasterLink Advertising Rates:SizeMonthly Quarterly YearlyBusiness Card Size (3-1/2”w x 2”h):$20.00 $60.00 $200.001/8 Page (5-1/8”w x 4”h)$50.00 $150.00 $500.001/4 Page (5-1/2”w x 8”h)$70.00 $210.00 $700.001/2 Page (10-1/4”w x 8”h)$100.00 $300.00 $1,000.00Full Page (10-1/4”w x 16”h)$200.00 $600.00 $2,000.00Full Color Back Page (10-1/4”w x 16”h)$400.00 $950.00 $3,300.00
Mission Statement
We will lobby and educate the government and the general public to promote
motorcycling in a safe and positive image.
We will endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations
and individuals who share
a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of
FREEDOM.
PAGE 2 MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
Would you like to receiveThe Masterlink digitally?It is posted monthly onthe ABATE website -www.abateofaz.org. Optout of the receiving theThe Masterlink? Pleasecontact the ABATE Officeif you would like to nolonger receive a hardcopy of The Masterlink.480-256-9237 [email protected]
Yavapai monthly chapter meetings have been sus-pended due to lack of member participation.Anyone interested in re-establishing the chaptershould contact Deborah Butitta at [email protected]
Yuma Chapter11316 S. Glenwood Ave.
Yuma, AZ 85367Coordinator............................ Frank WhiteVice Coordinator....................VacantSecretary................................ Mikkie MelansonTreasurer................................ Virginia NielsenMembership........................... Tyrone (Runt) GillRun Coordinator.....................Jerry AllisonSafety Coordinator..................Ray “PeeWee” GrierSgt. At Arms...........................Terry “Gunner” Langworty P.A.C...................................... Gilbert HernandezCommunications.................... David "Pastor D" LittsMerchandise...........................Lisala White
Yuma Chapter meets the second Tuesday eveningmonthly at 6:00 PM at the pm. The next meetingwill be held at the Kountry Kitchen Café locatedat 11242 S Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. 85365. Foradditional information contact Frank White(Hound) at 209-327-0814.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
If any of the Officers are listed hereincorrectly, please send corrections to:
Quarterly Board meetings are held on the firstSunday in January, April, July and October at1:00pm @ the AZ American-Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th St, Phoenix. Please make sure yourChapter has representation.
A.B.A.T.E. State Officers For 2016President………..............……Jim ButsbackVice President.....……………Brad CrosbySecretary……………………Dawn SteedTreasurer…………………….Jim SilkMembership…………………Ben MartinezRun/Events………………….VacantSafety Coordinator………….Teresa "Trauma Mama"McClellandSergeant-at-Arms……………Vic GradyP.A.C………………………...John "Johnny D" DreyfusCommunications…………….Judy "Hooody" BrusDesignated Lobbyist...............VacantABATE Products……………Tina "Sweetpea" BenoitMasterLink Editor................ Eric Hampton
Mailing address 7509 N. 12th St, #200, Phoenix, AZ85020. State Officers meetings are held the 1st Sunday ofevery month, 10:30 am at the AZ American Italian Club,7509 N. 12th Street Phoenix, AZ.- OR in conjunctionwith the quarterly BOD meeting.
East Valley Chapterc/o Jim Silk, 5722 E. Garnet Circle,
Mesa, AZ 85206Coordinator............................Jim SilkVice Coordinator..................Joe FerrucciSecretary................................Dawn SteedTreasurer................................Deb FerrucciMembership...........................Mike ShearhartRun Coordinator....................Jack BattySafety Coordinator................Nolan SteedSgt. At Arms..........................Richard DaltonP.A.C......................................Tami KeimCommunications....................VacantMerchandise........................... Donna Batty
EAST VALLEY CHAPTER meetings are heldthe 4th Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) 1712 W.Broadway Road, Mesa AZ 85202FMI contact Joe Ferrucci at 480-295-9488
High Country Chapter209A E. Juniper St.Payson AZ 85541
Coordinator............................Wayne SlocumVice Coordinator...................Billy HenslerSecretary................................Dee SchultzTreasurer...............................Debra BedaMembership...........................CC Rider Run Coordinator....................Mark Fickel2nd Run Coordinator....................CC Rider lSafety Coordinator.................John LaceySgt. At Arms.........................Justin Wilson2nd Sgt. At Arms.........................Mike BasnerP.A.C.....................................Woody PhillipsCommunications...................SnakeMerchandise..........................Beth Lacey
High Country Chapter meetings are held on the3rd Sunday at 10 a.m. at The Moose Lodge in StarValley. Contact: [email protected]
Phoenix/Shadow Mountain meetings are held onthe 2nd Sunday of each month at 10:30am at theAZ American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th Street,Phoenix, AZ 85020. FMI: Chapter CoordinatorMike Schneider, 602-549-1044, [email protected]
Southern Arizona Chapter6888 N De Chelly Loop
Tucson, AZ 85741Coordinator............................Jim ButsbackVice Coordinator....................Darron “Radar” HuntingtonSecretary................................Becky GarinoTreasurer................................Dawn DeteljMembership...........................Bob StewartRun Coordinator....................VacantSafety Coordinator.................VacantSgt. At Arms.........................Robert GuentherP.A.C......................................Anissa HuntingtonCommunications....................VacantMerchandise...........................Vacant
The Southern Arizona Chapter will meet the thirdSaturday. We will gather at the Kettle Restaurant,748 W. 22nd St, Tucson. Breakfast will be avail-able at 7:30 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 9a.m. FMI contact Jim Butsback by phone at 520-247-3051 or email [email protected]
Arizona MRF Representative WantedThrough the Motorcycle RidersFoundation State RepresentativeProgram, local motorcyclists are kept upto date on the MRF's legislative and train-ing agendas. The MRF State Rep pro-gram allows information to pass quicklyto the State Motorcyclists' RightsOrganizations, as well as allowing infor-mation to reach the MRF concerningindividual states.
The men and women involved in theMRF's State Rep Program are dedicated
volunteers from the membership rankswho are willing to give their time andenergy to build, maintain and enhance therelationship between the MRF and allmotorcyclists within their states. Theymust work closely with the StateMotorcyclists' Rights Organizations,attending their meetings and events,keeping the SMROs abreast of nationalissues, international issues, and issuesaffecting motorcylists in other states.
MRF State Reps promote the MRF by all
possible means, such as making presenta-tions to SMROs and other groups.Writing articles for newspapers andnewsletters, membership recruiting, andspeaking to individual motorcyclists areother examples of promoting the MRF.
To become an MRF State Representative,candidates must submit two things to theDirector of State Representative Program:(1) An MRF State Representative applica-tion, obtained from the Director of StateRepresentative Program. (2) A written
endorsement from your StateMotorcylists' Rights Organization. If yourstate has more than one SMRO, anendorsement must be obtained from allSMROs in your state.
For additional information regarding theMRF's State Representative Program,please contact Dave Condon, Director ofState Representative [email protected]
Meeting MinutesA.B.A.T.E. of Arizona, Inc. Board ofDirectors and State meeting minutes willno longer be printed and taking up spacein THE MASTERLINK. They are avail-able to view 24/7 on-line at www.abateo-
faz.org under the “Communications” tab.
Thank you!MK
By Jim Butsback
Greetings Brothers and Sister of ABATEof Arizona. This has been a very busymonth for me. As I write this it is themiddle of January, the weather has beencolder and wetter than most recent yearsdue to the “El Nino” effect in the Pacificand this has had a big effect on motorcy-cling here in the Grand Canyon state.
Many of our winter visitors who come forthe weather are a little disappointed, andmany of us who love that we can enjoyriding all 12 months have had to endurecaging it more than we wish. I hope bythe time this reaches you in February theweather is better and you have been ableto get out and put it in the wind.
ABATE of Arizona is still actively seek-ing candidates for Designated Lobbyist.This is an appointed position by theBoard of Directors. This would be a greatposition for someone who is politically
active and is interested in how the legisla-tive process works. It entails workingwith others in the motorcycling communi-ty and with local, state and federal electedofficials. If you would like more informa-tion on this position and what else isinvolved send an email to [email protected].
On January 9th ABATE of Arizona hadour officer training for all the chapterofficers throughout the state. It was greatto see everyone there. There were manyfamiliar faces of folks who have onceagain stepped up and volunteered theirtime and talents for the benefit of all ofus, and there were also a lot of new facesin the crowd of those who have taken theplunge and became officers for the firsttime. It is very heartwarming to see thatthis great organization is in such capablehands. During the training sessions wehad a presentation on the new member-ship system that is finally in place andworking excellently. Outgoing member-ship officer Larry and Leo from KHMKreations, who is our vendor for this sys-tem, gave a very informative explanationof how this new system works and how itwill make all the membership officer’sjobs easier. This should then make it soour membership people can spend moreof their valuable time on recruiting newmembers and business members and a lotless on the mundane paperwork thatalways seems to go along with member-ship.
JR gave a very spirited update on TooBroke for Sturgis. Thing are comingtogether quickly. We have many sponsorswho have stepped up to support us aswell as vendors being lined up etc.. Thereare two bands for the weekend – RhythmDragons and Skarlett Fever will be enter-
taining the masses. This is the 25thAnniversary for TBFS so please save thedates – June 9th – 12th at Mormon LakeLodge up in the beautiful CoconinoForest. There will be all the usual distrac-tions so for more information please go towww.toobrokeforsturgis.com and check itout. This is OUR event and how well itcomes off reflects on ALL of US. In orderto make it as great an experience as possi-ble for all those folks who come up anddrop their hard earned dollars to supportUS, we need YOUR help! Please plan onbeing one of those who rides up and sup-ports motorcycle rights here in Arizona,and while you are there please volunteerto work at least one shift to help makethis event be as great as it can be. Vic our State Sgt at Arms gave an updateon Motorcycle Day at the Dome. Due tosome changes in the way the state is han-dling groups at the state capitol we arenot having a traditional MDATD inFebruary as we have in the past. This yearwe have reserved the capitol lawn onApril 18th for our annual MDATD. Thiswill more like the Freedom Rally typeevents that were held in the past. It willbe later in the day and on a Monday somaybe we can get more folks down to thecapitol after work etc. There will be muchmore on this as it gets closer to the day ofthe event but keep the date on your calen-dars.
I am not sure how many of our memberstake the time when they are on-line withtheir computers (goofing off at work) tocheck out the ABATE of Arizona website. There have been many improve-ments to the site and it is a great tool forall our members. We also have theABATE on line store up and running. Youcan buy merchandise etc. and even payfor a new membership or renew an exist-
ing membership. So next time your bossisn’t around and you’re tired of playinggames, check out www.abateofaz.org andsee what you have been missing.
I would also like to bring up one simpleway that all of our members can helpABATE of Arizona keep expenses down.As you may or may not know theMasterlink is available digitally! It isposted monthly on the ABATE website atwww.abateofaz.org so if you opt out ofreceiving the Masterlink in hard copyform you will help save the cost of print-ing and mailing the paper to you. This isone of our larger expenses for the year soif you can opt-out it will help us and youwon’t have another paper you need torecycle.
It is also important that everyone remem-bers the Masterlink is not just ABATE ofArizona’s newsletter, it is YOUR newslet-ter too! Please feel free to take photos andwrite up a little article of the events thatyou and your fellow riders attend. It helpsspread good will with the organizationshosting these events and runs and letsthem know that they are appreciated. Itwill also let folks know what they missedand may help get the word out for thenext time the event is held. Send theinformation to [email protected]. Our editor is always looking fornews and stories affecting the motorcy-cling community. If he cannot fit it in onemonth he may carry it over until spaceallows. So let’s all fill the pages withwhat’s happening here in the Arizonamotorcycling world.
Until next time! Ride Free!Jim
President’s ReportMASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 3
Board of Director Meeting MinutesDate Sat Jan 09, 2015Location AAIC 7509 N. 12th St,#200; Phoenix, AZ 85020Description Quarterly Meeting
Quorum Attendance:At-Large, Deborah Butitta, PresentEast Valley, Jack Batty, PresentHigh Country, Forrest “Woody” Phillips, PresentPhoenix/ Shadow Mountain, ClydeBrooks, PresentSouthern Arizona, Sean Pinder, Chair, PresentYuma, Rick Breadwell, PresentSecretary, Dawn Steed, PresentGuests Mike Rudd, PHX Sh Mtn chapter
Topic:I. Call to Order: 1:34 PM by Sean Pinder,Chairman. II. Pledge of Allegiance and moment ofsilence by Sean PinderIII. Prior Meeting Minutes:Minutes of last BOD meeting: A.A. Motion made to waive the readingof last meeting minutes made by Jack2nd by Clyde; A.B. Discussion: noneA.C. Action: Vote - All in favor.Reading of the minutes waived.
IV. Report/ Updates: A.A. President – Jim Butsback unavail-able due to Officer Training.Sean relayed there had been a discussionabout rotating the State and Board ofDirector meetings to different locations toinclude inactive areas. 2016 Jan Officer Training AAIC inPhoenix or EVApr YumaJuly High Country (Push to July 10thfrom Ind Day weekend?) Oct Tucson (aka S. AZ)Nov Elections AAIC in Phoenix or EV2017 Jan Officer Training AAIC inPhoenix or EV
Apr Yuma or Mohave (at large)July High Country or Yavapai (at
large)Oct Tucson (aka S. AZ) or
Flagstaff, Yavapai, Mohave (at large)Nov Election AAIC in Phoenix
or EV
A.B. Secretary - Dawn Steed NoneA.C. Treasurer Report – Jim Silk Tabledunavailable due to Officer Training.A.D. Lobbyist – Vacant
V. Old Business Agenda Items:A. Clyde completed purchasing the
Conference call phone, State Office FlatPanel TV/ Monitor, and Printer.
VI. New Business Agenda Items: TabledA. Budgets due Review & Approval1 East Valley2 Phoenix-Shadow Mountain3 Yuma
VII. Open Discussion: 1. Deb made a motion for Johnny D tocontinue to be the MRF Rep. Rick 2ndmotion carries unanimously. Masterlinkwill need to remove MRF Rep neededarticle. 2. Discussion to look for a new locationfor TBFS for 2017. The need for a criteriaoutline was brought to JR (chair of theTBFS committee). There is a need to con-form to the bylaws concerning bids.There is a critical time frame must havebids by April. 3. Discussion about expanding merchan-dise and finding other avenues forfundraising. 4. Discussion about reaching out to allriders EX. Sport bike rider clubs. AZRiders Expo coming up Jan 23. 5. Discussion about marketing. Clyde isgoing to contact 2 gals about PR exposureand PSA announcements. We need some-one with organizational marketing skills.
VIII. Next Meeting:A. Conference Call TU 02 FEB at 7:00PMhttps://www.freescreensharing.com/meet-ings/792-874-119Dial-In: (559)546-1200 Code: 792-874-119#B. Conference Call TU 02 Mar 2016 at7:00 PMhttps://www.freescreensharing.com/meet-ings/792-874-119Dial-In: (559)546-1200 Code: 792-874-119#C. Quarterly Regularly Scheduled SU 03 APR 20162811 S Ave 2 ½ E Yuma, AZ 85365Board Meeting 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
IX. AdjournFirst Clyde Second Woody No Discussion, All were in favor.Time 3:04 pm
Submitted by:Dawn SteedSecretary
Sean PinderBOD, Chairperson
PAGE 4 MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
Chapter ReportsEast Valley Chapter
Well let’s see now. It is the first chapterreport of the New Year. It is going to be apositively productive Happy New Yeareverybody.
The East Valley Chapter met on Dec.27th. We voted and had our annualpotluck. Oh my goodness so muchyummy food.
Results from the voting are as follows:
Coordinator: Jim SilkVice Coordinator: Joe FerrucciSecretary: Dawn SteedTreasurer: Deb FerrucciMembership: Mike ShearhartRun Coordinator: Jack BattySafety Coordinator: Nolan SteedSgt. at Arms: Richard DaltonP.A.C.: Tami KeimCommunications: VacantMerchandise: Donna (Jack) Batty
I expressed my thanks and excitement forTami taking P.A.C. I will now only beholding East Valley Chapter & StateSecretary. YEAH!
Cheryl announced her engagement toDavid. Woo Hoo Congrats!
Congrats to our new Coordinator JimSilk for winning the 50/50 and then beingawesome and donating it back. SteveArcas missed out on $143 from theDollar jar pays to come to the meetings.
On Jan. 9th we had Officer Training. Itwas awesome. Welcome to all the newand continuing officers. My Deepestthank you to all the outgoing officers, we,new officers can only pray to come closeto filling your shoes. Also YES we willneed a lot of guidance.
I got my first taste of being secretary forthe Board of Directors. Can you saynervous? It was pretty cool.
This would be my last Chapter Report(for now), but since the communicationsofficer position is vacant it has been sug-gested that each chapter officer takes aturn writing it.
So until we meet again, be safe out there.
Enjoy the ride and as always keep it rub-ber side down.
Here’s to Wind Knots in My Hair,
Dawn P SteedEast Valley Chapter & State Secretary
High Country ChapterHello Brothers and Sisters.
I hope all of you had a great New Years,and are keeping to your resolutions. Iknow I'm keeping to mine, because Iresolved to not make any more resolu-tions. It seems to be the only one I cankeep. I thought about making mine; Toride more, but honestly, is that really aresolution? Naw, that's a necessity!!
With this being a new year, I'm sure a lotof new officers have stepped into theirpositions, and by now have held theirfirst meeting. It can be a little bit hard atfirst but I'm sure you will all do a greatjob. With the help of the former officersand the support from your chapter mem-bers it will get easier. I just wanted to saythank you all for stepping up. It's newpeople and new ideas that allow us toprogress.
That being said, the new officers of HighCountry have already begun to discussand make plans for our next event. Yeahyou guessed it "Wild in the Weeds" isjust a few months away. As you know, ormaybe you don't know, but last year wemoved this event to Punkin Center. Wehad a great turn-out and a great time, and"I aint punkin ya" ha ha. So keep the firstweekend in May open for a trip toPunkin Center. You are gonna hear metalk more about it in future months.
Here in the High Country riding has beena little tricky with the snow and ice. Ifyou are riding up this way, please becareful.
If you happen to be up here on the 3rdSunday of the month, you have an openinvitation to join in on our meetings.10am at the Moose Lodge in Star Valley.Or join us for Breakfast at the Spur Bar,8:30am also in Star Valley. Come seewhat we're about.
Keep wind in your face, sun on yourback, fuel in the tank, and rubber on theroad.
Wayne Slocumcoordinator,H.C.C. ABATE
Phoenix/Shadow MountainChapter
NO REPORT
Southern Arizona ChapterThe December meeting, as always, washeld at the Kettle Restaurant. The meet-ing started at 9:14 AM with the Pledge ofAllegiance and Prayer for those in harm’sway and fallen Brothers and Sisters.Officers Present were Coordinator JimButsback, Treasurer Dawn Detelj,PAC/BOD Sean Pinder, Safety JimDeYoung, Secretary elect Becky Garinoand Sgt at Arms Robert Guenther.
The minutes of last month’s meetingwere approved as written, and theTreasurer’s report was accepted.
We are asking everyone to feel free totake photos and write up a little article onany of the events that you attend so wecan submit it to the editor of theMasterlink. Eric will use what he can ifthere is room; these stories help showwhat we do in the motorcycle communityand everyone likes to see if they madethe paper.
This year is the 25th Annual Too Brokefor Sturgis!! We need everyone to plan onattending. This is our one main fund rais-er for the state and we need all of ourmembers to support it. The dates are June9-12. VOLUNTEERS , that’s all of us,are needed to make this event a success.Please sign up to work for at least one 4hour shift, more would be better.Thursday evening there will be a specialshowing of the film, Dead in 5Heartbeats! This is based on the book bySonny Barger.
Bob is still working on an event forFebruary. We will be sponsoring a PokerRun to support the Arizona Fisher Houseat the VA Hospital. It will begin and end
at the Bashful Bandit, one of our businessmembers. There will be stops at Big Sky,the VFW, Renegade Classic and theAmerican Legion with the final eventback to the Bashful Bandit. It will be onFebruary 20th with registration from 9-11. We will need everyone to come outand support this event. We will also beneeding volunteers to work, and raffleprizes so if you can help us obtain someit would be most appreciated. We are put-ting this together rather quickly in orderto show support for this worthy cause.The VA will be holding the dedication forthe new Arizona Fisher House onThursday February 18th.
As always please keep promoting ourBusiness Memberships to those you dobusiness with. We have been doing Greaton this so let’s keep up the good work.
Anyone who is not getting emails fromthe Chapter, please send your emailaddress to [email protected] is also a group page at YahooGroups. All Chapter members can signup there and receive all emails from theChapter through the group.
It is [email protected]. Weare trying to save the Chapter somemoney by cutting down on postage.Please make sure the State MembershipOfficer has all your current informationas well, this includes phone numbers,email addresses, address changes etc. Youcan email him [email protected].
Ride Free, Ride Safe
Yavapai ChapterYAVAPAI CHAPTER has been deactivat-ed due to lack of member participation.Anyone interested in reviving the chapter,please contact Deborah Butitta, ABATEof Arizona Board of Directors representa-tive for Yavapai County. The chapter isrequired to have a Chapter Coordinator,Secretary and Treasurer. You may con-tact Deborah at [email protected] or the StatePresident at [email protected]
Yuma ChapterNO REPORT
Accepting Applications for Designated LobbyistWe are currently accepting applicationsfor Designated Lobbyist of A.B.A.T.E. ofArizona, Inc. This position is appointedby the Board of Directors. TheDesignated Lobbyist interacts with thestate legislature and motorcycle safety
and awareness organizations, developsA.B.A.T.E.’s legislative plans, formulatesplans to circumvent negative motorcyclelegislation, drafts positive motorcyclelegislation, keeps officers informed, andwrites an informative article each month
for publication in The Masterlink. Thisperson needs to be personable and have afull understanding of the workings ofboth state and federal government, be anarticulate speaker and writer, familiarwith local, state and federal laws, and be
proficient in legal research methods.Interested applicants may submit theirapplication with background informationto [email protected]
Officer Training 2016
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 5
ABATE IS:· A Motorcycle Rights Organization(MRO)· For Bikes & Riders, regardless of Race,Creed, color, sex, age, machine or gear· For all Motorcycles regardless ofFraternal or club affiliation, as well asIndependents· For people interested in motorcycle safe-ty· For People interested in rider education· For people interested in motorcycleawareness PSAs directed to non-Riders· For people interested in protecting andpromoting motorcycling· A volunteer, not-for-profit grass-rootsorganization · For Motorcyclist who enjoy the ride
· Collaborate with other organizations to moni-tor and support funding for practices that do notdiscriminate against motorcycling.· Encourage political involvement of its mem-bership.· Promote and present motorcyclists and motor-cycling in a positive and safe manner.· Help prevent motorcycle crashes and promotecrash survival through rider education, and · · ·· · Public awareness campaigns.· Encourage ongoing federal research programssuch as use of E15 fuel in motorcycles, inclu-sion of motorcycles in ongoing transportationemerging technologies, and improvements insafer roadway design strategies.· Promote rider skills training through ABATE’s· Rider Advantage (ARA) scholarship programand tax-deductible entity
ABATE accomplishments:
· Motorcycle Lobbyist at the State Legislature· 2013 Eliminated yearly motorcycle emissionstesting in Maricopa County· 2007 Remove Motorcycle Safety Fund cap· 2007 Eliminated yearly motorcycle emissionstesting in Pima County· 2004 Veteran’s plates for motorcycles· 2002 Arizona Motorcycle Safety Councilestablished· 2001 Motorcycle Safety Fund established· 1997 Handlebar height raised to shoulder · 1993 Helped prevent mandatory helmet legis-lation in Arizona· 1992 Opened HOV lanes to motorcycles
Motorcycle Awareness Program (MAP)
ABATE of Arizona has developed a programwith the mission to provide motorcycleawareness training to all drivers and soon-to-be drivers on the road in Arizona.Instructors provide a one hour program tostudents in driver education classes through-out the state.
MAP is available to be presented to civicorganizations as well as most businesses thathold safety meetings. FMI: [email protected]
Please Tell us What Your Top FiveMotorcycle Issues, Matter to You:
· Distracted Driving – Motorcycle, Bicycle, Pedestrianare Vulnerable Roadway Users · Right of Way Violations resulting in Injury/Fatality · Insurance Discrimination and claim denial· SAFETEA-LU Safety/Highway Funds ~2010 MSF· Discriminatory Profiling by Law Enforcement· Anti-tampering Regulations – Right to Modify· State/National Mandatory Helmet/Equipment · Transportation Exclusion of Intelligent Technology(IT), New Vehicle, Highway, Taxes and Fuel regardingMotorcycle Safety and Use· Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints · Accurate Stats & Research Study regardingMotorcycle Safety & Accidents· Off Road Trail Closing and Access· Tar Snakes & Median Cable wire · Intersection Engineering – Lights to Speed Limit,Leading Left Only, Increase Yellow & All Clear Red
JOIN ABATE NOW!ABATE Of Arizona provides a unifiedvoice for all motorcyclists in Arizona.Add your voice to ours. Join ABATEnow, for the preservation of your abili-ty to ride a motorcycle with the free-dom that's your right!!
Coast to CoastCompiled & Edited by Bill Bish,National Coalition of Motorcyclists(NCOM)
HIGHWAY BILL SIGNED INTO LAW
Passed by the House 359-65 on Thursdayafternoon, December 3rd, and approvedby the Senate 83-16 later that same day, along-awaited long-term highway fundingbill has been signed into law by PresidentBarack Obama, marking big gains for thenation’s infrastructure and America’smotorcyclists, among others.
Overwhelmingly approved by Congress aday before current funding expired, the1,300-page five-year $305 billion meas-ure increases federal money for trans-portation infrastructure projects aroundthe country, addressing our aging andcongested highways and bridges afteryears of stymied efforts. The legislation,dubbed “Fixing America's SurfaceTransportation (FAST) Act”, takes effectimmediately and represents a 25%increase in federal funds committed tosurface transportation infrastructure.
In addition, the good news for motorcy-clists is that the new Highway Bill pro-hibits the Department of Transportationfrom awarding grants to local and stategovernments for motorcycle-only check-point programs, effectively preventingsuch discriminatory roadblocks;Reinstates the Motorcycle AdvisoryCouncil (MAC) to advise the federal gov-
ernment on infrastructure issues of con-cern to motorcyclists; Funds motorcyclesafety grants and distracted driving pro-grams, and makes it easier for states toqualify; Establishes privacy and securitymeasures in infrastructure technologiesand data retrieval; and Continues fundingfor off-highway recreation.
FEDS INCREASE ETHANOL LEVELS
The federal government has substantiallyincreased the mandated amount ofethanol to be used in America’s gasolinenext year, from 16.93 billion gallons in2015 to 18.11 billion gallons in 2016,harkening widespread availability ofhigher-ethanol fuel blends, such as E15,which can damage motorcycle enginesand void manufacturer warranties.
The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) announced the increase as part ofthe Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS),which mandates the volume of renewablefuels that must be blended into thenation’s fuel supply each year.
E15, which is a fuel blend of 15%ethanol, has not been approved by theEPA for use in any of the estimated 22million motorcycles and ATVs in theU.S., and Congress has considered meas-ures calling for further study of ethanoland its effect on internal combustionengines.
Meanwhile, many motorcycle and auto-
mobile organizations, among others, con-tinue to lobby against ethanol, not justbecause its unapproved use can damagefuel systems and internal engine parts,reduce power and mileage, and invalidatewarranties, but opponents also argue thatethanol pollutes more than the oil it’smeant to replace, takes more energy toproduce than it delivers, drives up costand scarcity of food resources, doesn’treduce our oil-dependency, and the gov-ernment subsidies being paid for ethanolproduction diverts funds that couldimprove our highways, bridges and infra-structure.
HONDA AND BMW PLEDGE TOADDRESS GLOBAL WARMING
As 150 Heads of State and Governmentconvened in Paris, France at the 21stConference of the Parties to the UnitedNations Framework Convention onClimate Change, with a goal to “reach anew universal climate agreement that isapplicable to all,” the hope is that somearrangement can be reached to helpreduce carbon emissions worldwide andkeep global warming from exceeding atwo degree Celsius rise in the comingyears.
Emissions legislation and the transition tocleaner energy, both of which are includ-ed as strategies toward curbing climatechange, have obvious impacts on themotorcycle industry. Europe, for exam-ple, has set some of the most stringent
emissions standards on motorcycles withfurther restrictions forthcoming. Furtherchanges are likely to be seen in the U.S.as well, in part because of the pledgestwo motorcycle companies have made inaccord with strategies outlined by theWhite House in Paris. American HondaMotor Company and the BMW Group arenow involved in efforts to address globalwarming, both companies signing theAmerican Business Act on ClimatePledge.
In a press release issued November 30,2015, by the White House, 154 compa-nies are cited as having signed the pledge,each offering company-specific strategiesto combat climate change. AmericanHonda and BMW are currently the onlytwo motorcycle OEMs to sign the follow-ing pledge:
“We applaud the growing number ofcountries that have already set ambitioustargets for climate action. In this context,we support the conclusion of a climatechange agreement in Paris that takes astrong step forward toward a low-carbon,sustainable future. We recognize thatdelaying action on climate change will becostly in economic and human terms,while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy will produce multiplebenefits with regard to sustainable eco-
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PAGE 6 MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
Coast to Coast (continued)nomic growth, public health, resilience tonatural disasters, and the health of theglobal environment.”
CHILDRENS ADVOCATES DENIEDACCESS TO COURTHOUSE OVERCLUB COLORS
The New Mexico Motorcycle RightsOrganization (NMMRO) is helpingaddress an issue where a group called theGuardians of the Children, a nonprofitorganization of child abuse advocatescomprised of motorcyclists, is beingdenied access to the courthouse unlessthey remove their motorcycle vests asinstructed by the Bernalillo SheriffsDepartment. The patches on these vestshelp identify themselves to the childrenand families they are supporting. Alongwith this, many of the members havereceived rude and uncalled for treatmentby several of the officers.
GOC President Frank Montano andNMMRO Chairperson Annette Torrez(also a member of the NCOM Board ofDirectors) met with Sheriff MannyGonzales along with several officers todiscuss the matter. “Sheriff Gonzalesreceived us well, listened to our concernsand apologized for the treatment of thedeputies,” reports Torrez. He asked themto report any negative actions from thedeputies to their internal affairs divisionand he will see the issue is addressed.
As for the removal of the vest, theSupreme Court says; individuals have thefirst amendment right to wear clothingwhich displays writings or designs in acourthouse. There are several cases spe-cific to motorcycle club colors, states theNMMRO. Recent Federal Case Lawconfirms motorcycle organization patchesand club colors as a protected expression.A U.S. District Court this past September,relying on Supreme Court precedent, con-cluded that the government may notimpose restrictions on an individual sole-ly because of displaying membership in amotorcycle club. Citing 1985 and 1971U.S. Supreme Court cases on FirstAmendment rights states it is not reason-able to prohibit speech in courthouse hall-ways merely because it may offend some-one.
“Sheriff Gonzales suggested we nowmake an appointment with the Chief
Justice where we will address the viola-tion of our 1st Amendment concerningthis issue or any ban on motorcyclepatches and attire in the court house,”said Torrez, who also told TV stationsKRQE Channel 13 and Channel 7 KOATin interviews that; “It is the people's courtand our house and the government maynot impose restrictions on an individualsolely because of displaying membershipin a motorcycle club or organization.”
MORE FEMALE RIDERS THAN EVER
Motorcycle ownership by women hasdoubled over the past decade, and femaleridership is now at an all-time high.Today, women riders account for 14% ofall U.S. motorcycle owners, according tothe Motorcycle Industry Council’s latestMotorcycle Owner Survey, well up fromthe 8% reported in 1998.
“Women continue to embrace motorcy-cling like never before,” said SarahSchilke, national marketing manager ofBMW Motorrad USA and chair ofPowerLily, a group consisting of femalemotorcycle industry professionals. “Ofthe 9.2 million owners, more of them arewomen than we’ve ever recorded. In fact,the number of female owners better thandoubled from 2003 to 2014. And, amongthe more than 30 million Americans whoswung a leg over a motorcycle and rodeat least one time in 2014, a quarter ofthese riders were women.”
Among younger generations of owners,the percentage of women is even higher.Slightly more than 17% of Gen X own-ers, and 17.6% of Gen Y owners, arewomen. Among Boomer owners, womenmake up 9%.
The Owner Survey also revealed whattype of bikes women prefer. Cruisers arethe choice of 34% of female riders.Scooters rank a close second at 33%, fol-lowed by sport bikes at 10%. In the sur-vey, of some 48,000 American house-holds, women were also asked to sharetheir top three reasons for riding motorcy-cles. They answered “fun and recreation,”followed by “sense of freedom” and“enjoy outdoors/nature.” When it comesto purchasing a motorcycle, women rate“Fuel Economy” and “Test Rides” as themost important decision-making factors.
The study revealed that female riders aresafety-conscious. While 60% of womentook a motorcycle safety course, only42% of men had any formal training. Insome state motorcycle safety training pro-grams, women make up 30% of the stu-dent population.
Other key survey results: The median agefor female motorcyclists is 39 versus 48for males; 49% are married; 47% have acollege degree; New bikes are preferredover used by 57% of female riders; and49% of women motorcyclists take care oftheir own maintenance.
WEIRD NEWS: SAUDI PRINCE“GAMER” HAS WOMEN RACINGMOTORCYCLES
Although the women of Saudi Arabia arenot authorized to take the wheel, in a newvideo game designed by Arab royalty,they ride motorcycles as they racethrough destroyed and corrupted lands.
The smartphone game called “Saudi GirlsRevolution” (SGR) was created by HisHighness Prince Fahad Al-Saud, thegrandson of the Saudi Arabia king’sbrother. He’s got an occidental culture,studied at Stanford University, worked atFacebook on the launch of the Arabic ver-sion and has lived in Los Angeles andLondon and has founded several compa-nies including NA3M Games, the compa-ny behind “Saudi Girls Revolution.”
Will a video game help the fight for morerelaxed laws for all women living in theArabic world? Saudi Arabian womenhave been fighting for their right to drivefor decades, but now they can at leastimagine being one of the 8 ladies of thegame riding at full speed under darkclouds in a post-apocalyptic Kingdomthrough hostile landscapes, fightingagainst brutal tyrants with their abayas inthe wind.
NCOM CONVENTION ROLLS INTOATLANTIC CITY
The 31st annual NCOM Convention willbe held Mother’s Day weekend, May 5-8,2016 at Harrah’s Resort, located at 777Harrah’s Blvd in Atlantic City, NewJersey, so reserve your room now for thespecial NCOM rate of $109 by calling(888) 516-2215.
The largest gathering of motorcycle rightsactivists in the world, this year’s NCOMConvention will draw over a thousandconcerned bikers from across the countryto “America’s Playground” to engage inserious discussions on topics of concernto all riders.
All motorcyclists were welcomed andencouraged to participate in the manymeetings, seminars and group discussionsthat focused on legislative efforts and liti-gation techniques to protect our riders’rights and preserve Freedom of the Road.
Topics will range from Anti-ProfilingLaws to “SMRO Effectiveness,” withSpecial Meetings for Veterans Affairs,Women in Motorcycling, Clean & SoberRoundtable and World of Sport Bikes, aswell as the Christian Unity Conferenceand Confederation of Clubs PatchHolders Meeting.
NCOM has successfully outreached tonumerous segments of the motorcyclingcommunity in an effort to unite for ourrights, both legal and legislatively, andhas become a unifying voice amongstNorth America’s motorcycle rights organ-izations (MROs), motorcycle clubs,women riders, religious riding organiza-tions, touring groups, trikers, sportbikers,and minority motorcyclists.
The National Coalition of Motorcyclists(NCOM) is solely sponsored by the Aidto Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) nation-wide legal services program and serves asan umbrella organization for more than2,000 NCOM Member clubs, organiza-tions and associations worldwide, repre-senting well over a quarter of a millionpolitically active motorcyclists.
To pre-register for the 2016 NCOMConvention, contact the NationalCoalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 525-5355 or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “There's really nosuch thing as the 'voiceless'. There areonly the deliberately silenced or thepreferably unheard.”
Suzanna Arundhati Roy (b. 24 Nov 1961,India) political activist and author
A.B.A.T.E Stands for American Brotherhood Aimed TowardEducation
Become a Lifelong Learner-Motorcycle Safety Courses are not justfor beginners! Classes will teach youabout the traffic safety laws that applyto motorcycles in your state, how to
respond to emergency situations on amotorcycle and give you a chance to tryout your new skills in a controlled envi-ronment. Taking a motorcycle safetycourse prepares you to hit the road safe-ly and with more confidence.
CPR & Accident Scene ManagementCourses- Highly recommended motor-cycle trauma education for everyone,especially Road Captains, Road Guardsand Club Officers and carry a Medicalkit. (www.accidentscene.org)If your Chapter would like to host aCPR or ASM class let me know. I’m allfor a Road Trip!
Educate Your Passengers- Your pas-senger has a part in keeping both of yousafe. They should wear the same pro-
tective clothes. Make sure your passen-ger knows not to distract you and whatto expect like stopping and turning on abike so they won’t panic.
Leave Enough Space-Leave enoughstopping distance. Anti-lock brakes arestill relatively new on many bikes andolder models don’t have them. Practicestops on your bike in a safe environ-ment and know how much space youneed. Then, make sure you give your-self that much space in traffic. Leave agenerous following distance betweenyour bike and the vehicle in front ofyou and try to keep an escape routeopen to the side if you can’t stop intime.
Wear the Right Gear- Motorcycle rid-
ers are exposed many road hazards.Small rocks, bugs and cigarette butts at60+ mph can sting. You don’t have tolook like a reject from “Easy Rider” toride a motorcycle. A lot of companiesspecialize in gear that keep you coolwhile keeping you safe with light-weight, breathable material. Even ifyou aren’t in a crash with another vehi-cle on your bike, you could simply losecontrol and lay the bike down. Roadrash sucks so prepared.
Until next time, ride safe!Teresa “Trauma Mama” McClellandMSN RNA.B.A.T.E of Arizona State SafetyOfficer
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 7
ABATE of Arizona Business Members
ABATE of Arizona Chapter Meeting Times and Locations
East Valley ChapterEAST VALLEY CHAPTER meetings areheld the 4th Sunday of the month at 11:00a.m. at Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.)1712 W. Broadway Road, Mesa AZ 85202FMI contact Joe Ferrucci at 480-295-9488
High Country ChapterHigh Country Chapter meetings are held onthe 3rd Sunday at 10 a.m. at The MooseLodge in Star Valley. Contact: chickn-bone@live .com or 928-970-1134
Phoenix / Shadow Mountain ChapterPhoenix/Shadow Mountain meetings areheld on the 2nd Sunday of each month at10:30am at the AZ American Italian Club,7509 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020.FMI: Chapter Coordinator Mike Schneider,602-549-1044,[email protected]
Southern Arizona ChapterThe Southern Arizona Chapter will meetthe third Saturday. We will gather at theKettle Restaurant, 748 W. 22nd St, Tucson.Breakfast will be available at 7:30 a.m.with the meeting beginning at 9 a.m. FMIcontact Jim Butsback by phone at 520-247-3051 or email [email protected]
Yavapai ChapterYavapai monthly chapter meetings havebeen suspended due to lack of member par-ticipation. Anyone interested in re-estab-lishing the chapter should contact DeborahButitta at [email protected]
Yuma ChapterYuma Chapter meets the second Tuesdayevening monthly at 6:00 PM at the pm. Thenext meeting will be held at the KountryKitchen Café located at 11242 S FoothillsBlvd, Yuma, AZ. 85365. For additionalinformation contact Frank White (Hound)at 209-327-0814.
A to Z Mobile Repair Services of Tucson520-304-6078
AZ Differential SpecialistsPhoenix 602-462-5367
Big Sky MotorcyclesTucson 520-886-7388
Biker’s MallMesa 623-335-1000
Bill Alexander Flight-Line MazdaYuma, AZ 928-314-3400
The Back Alley Chiropractic & MassageOro Valley 520-877-2666
The Bashful BanditTucson 520-881-9706
The Pour HouseStar Valley 928-478-6979
Punkin Center BarTonto Basin 928-479-2627
Renegade ClassicsTucson 520-647-9312
Sacred Bones Society M/Chttp://www.sacredbones.org/
Sidewinders Tavern and GrillPine 928-476-6434
Sons of Hell MCYuma
Spur BarStar Valley 928-472-7787
Square Peg PromotionsPhoenix 602-549-1044
Steel Horse MotorsportsRio Rico 520-281-1962
The Maverick SaloonPhoenix 602-943-5680
Tonto Silkscreen & EmbroideryPayson 928-474-4207
ABATE of Arizona
From the MRF A&EFirst, I have a proposal that everyone will like. One of the best ways to improve isto practice, so it makes sense, if we want to be better riders... RIDE MORE!
Seriously, I do want to reemphasize the need to always try to enhance our safety. Iwill keep advising all riders to get more training, and practice, practice, practice. Ijust spent a great weekend with Freedom of Road Riders in Missouri. They arefocusing their efforts on the ways we can ALL share the road. Please be remindedthat we need to do our part to help other highway users see us.
Thanks Ride SafeRon Braaksma
PAGE 8 MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 9
Please donate, we are a 501C3 Corporation. Your donation is tax deductible. To donate go to our web site listed at the bottom.
Education (MRFA&E)was established to promote motorcycle awareness and education due to an ever-
increasing rider population. No one is more concerned
with rider safety than riders themselves, and obviously
those best suited to educate newer riders are veteran riders.
Promote awareness and education in the motorcycle
community to improve rider’s safety.
Events CalendarFebruary
2/7 {Sun} Alma MC WestsidePresents: "Alma MC Westside\'s AnnualSuper Bowl Party." February 7th, 2016.1050 N Eliseo Felix Jr Way Ste 105,Avondale. More details to come... ALMAMC Westside Clubhouse 1050 N EliseoFelix Jr Way Ste 105 Avondale, AZ
2/14 {Sun} Red and White Arizonapresents 33rd Annual Florence Prison
Run. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Red andWhite Arizona presents February 14th,2016, 33rd Annual Florence Prison Run.This is a 21 and over event open to thepublic. The first 1200 riders receive runpins. The cost is $20 at the run sight orpresale at the various departure points ofthe Arizona Charters. For details of timesand places go to : [email protected] or contact your nearest R/Wcharter.Charles Withrow Rodeo Grounds;4 miles South of Florence Florence, AZ
2/27 {Sat} 11th annual Hearts toHeroes Ride. Sign-in 9-11a at DesertWind H-D, 922 S. Country Club Drive,Mesa. $25/sgl, $45/cpl includes b’fast &
lunch. Last stop @ Buffalo Chip in CaveCreek. Emcee Jack Schit & music byScarlett Fever. Benefits Packages FromHome + their ‘Bones From Home’ &‘Packages For Hope’ programs. Donateitems on the online ‘wish list’ & get xtraraffle tickets. FMI:http://twogalsevents.com
2/27 {Sat} Good bye to winter LCMCAJ & HMC CG, 4:30 pm – 11:30 pm,Slow cooked pig, Live music, Goodtimes, Raffle, Come help us say F U towinter, Loose Cannons MC AJ clubhouse1503 E Junction Apache Junction, AZ
First group to show up atopening day at the legislature2016
Representative Sonny Borellimeeting with bikers represent-ing the Legislative VeteransCaucus
Senator Judy Burges meetingwith biker community to dis-cuss the biker profiling bill
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JohnnyD’s PAC Report
Hello my fellow freedom fighters. It isnow 2016, time for a revolution, what iscommonly called an election. My adviceis to find candidates that you can supportand help them get elected.
We recently had opening day at the legis-lature. A few dozen bikers showed up tothe capitol to support our causes. One is ahelmet law that was put into play. Itwould require every rider or passenger towear a helmet or pay a fee when register-ing the motorcycle, ATV, or motor drivencycle. Failing to do either would result ina $500 fine, $200 of which would go tothe state spinal cord injury fund. I see thisas an attempt to extort money from themotorcycle community. We need to killthis bill.
Another fun bill is John Kavanagh’s SB1054. This would make it illegal to video-recors a police officer within 20 feet. It isnot clear who is responsible to bring atape measure to determine the precise dis-tance of the camera. Nor is it apparent ifpolice officers will have a device implant-ed into their eyes that can accuratelymeasure the distance for purposes of evi-dence. What is obvious is that theybelieve they can override the supremecourt rulings that supposedly settled thismatter twice. I spoke with a learnedfriend that some of you also know. Histake is that Kavanagh may have writtenthe bill to appease his LE petitioners.
When I toldhim that thebill was sopoorly writtenthat it wouldnot ever beupheld incourt, his replywas that thesenator mayhave written itin that poorform knowingit would neverfly. Attributinga method to hismadness is
generous of my friend. John Kavanaghalso pushed a bill to criminalize pushinga walk button at a traffic light if the inten-tion is to stop traffic for the purpose ofbegging money from drivers stopped at alight. When he was advised that most ofthose buttons have no purpose other thanto change the status of the pedestrianwalk or stop symbol, he was undeterred.He truly believes that a beggar can con-trol traffic at freeway entrances in one ofthe largest cities in the United States. Ibelieve he wrote the bill at his level ofcapability. Regardless, we need to killthis one as well.
On the bright side I have an authorizedlobbyist for The ACMC. Animal from theTinners MC is on board and ready tojump into the Fray. Kong From theLeathernecks MC is also ready to comeon board. He will be useful in workingwith the legislature’s Veteran Caucus.They are a powerful group and a largepart of our community is comprised ofveterans. I believe that all of our motor-cycle rights efforts should reflect on howissues affect vets.
The new highway bill has grant moneyfor states’ efforts on motorcycle safetyand awareness. GOHS will be applyingfor that money. We need to stay on top ofthis, we can’t allow them to simply handour money over to the legislature as theyhave in the past.
COIR has approached me to coordinatetheir efforts with the Defenders Program.They have been meeting with JD. Danfrom Sons Of God MC has also beenworking with JD. It would have been niceto have the program up and runningbefore now, but better late than never. Wehave had the framework for several yearsnow but it has never operated in the man-ner for which it was designed.
I have been asking ACMC members fromthe Yavapai County area to consider join-ing ABATE in order to reconstitute thechapter up there, we’ll see how well itworks.
As you may have inferred by now, I havea lot of irons in the fire. Left to my owndevices, and given the time, I generallyspread my interests to many endeavors.One such is my starting college this inJanuary. If you have not heard by now, Ifound a way to go to law school and getit paid for. They also bought me a newlaptop. The one I got is F’n great.Windows 10, Microsoft Office, 1TB harddrive, 16GB DDRE memory, and superfast. Of course, within months of use, Iwill fill it with a ton of stuff. It’s like anartist with a blank canvas, except thistime it will be used to create a lawdegree. I am ecstatic over this new adven-ture. My journey is scheduled to takeseven years, my girlfriend says I can cutit down to five and a half if I attend sum-mer school. She has also laid down thelaw that I must maintain a near straight Aaverage or she will make my life hell.While I appreciate the threat of the whipis very real, I would prefer positive rein-forcement as a general rule. I will seewhat type of agreement we can reach.
In the end, my goal is to become an attor-ney to help with our seemingly endlessconflict with law enforcement and ourgovernment. Anyone who understandswhat is happening in Australia will agree.While it would take a major shift in lawand our constitution for us to fall to theirlevel, it is possible. We have to fight toensure that we will always have the rights
to assemble, to ride free, and to petitionour government for redress of grievances.
I was speaking to a police officer a cou-ple of months ago who truly believed thatnational gun registration was “only com-mon sense”, and that the response ofAustralia to their last mass shooting wasappropriate. I replied that in these UnitedStates, you will never see citizens march-ing their happy asses up to pile their gunsin front of trucks to be destroyed. MostAmericans are just not wired that way. Idoubt that any bikers at all are wired thatway. We are more apt to point guns at anyofficial who would demand that we handthem over. I cited the San Franciscoexample. When Mayor Moscone andHarvey Milk were killed, Diane Feinsteinbecame mayor. She pushed a city ordi-nance that banned the ownership of hand-guns. They saw two percent complianceof owners handing over their guns. As thecity had a gun registration list, sheordered the chief of police to start send-ing officers door to door to confiscate theweapons. He publicly refused stating thathe would not compromise the safety ofhis officers at the hands of armed citizenswho did not wish surrender theirweapons. At the time, I laughed my assoff. The city rescinded the law and I amnot sure if those who complied ever hadtheir guns returned. That is a rabbit holeof research someone else can climbdown.
Until next month, be safe out there. I willhave more news in March
John P DreyfusJohnny D ALMA MCArizona Confederation of MotorcycleClubs Designated LobbyistAmerican Brotherhood Aimed TowardEducation- Arizona PAC OfficerABATE Phoenix-Shadow Mountain PACOfficerNational Coalition of MotorcyclistsRegion 9 Representative
Would you like to receive The Masterlink digitally? It is posted monthly on the ABATE website - www.abateofaz.org. Opt out of thereceiving the The Masterlink? Please contact the ABATE Office if you would like to no longer receive a hard copy of The Masterlink.480-256-9237 or [email protected]
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PAGE 12 MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
News from the NetWill Three Times Be The Charm ForBuell?
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
BuelllogoThursday, Walworth CountyCircuit Judge Phillip Koss approved thesale of Erik Buell Racing to Liquid AssetPartners for $2 million. The Grand Rapids,Mich., firm won the bidding for the motor-cycle company that employed 130 peoplein East Troy until it ceased operations inApril.
It was the third auction for the Buell man-ufacturing assets after two previous auc-tions failed.
Now, Liquid Asset Partners says it wantsto develop a plan that could put Erik BuellRacing back in the business of makinghigh-performance motorcycles. “We willnot be manufacturing motorcycles, asLiquid Asset, but we will be working toput together a plan with a team that can besuccessful in doing that,” said LiquidAsset owner Bill Melvin Jr.
“There are no guarantees. A portion of ourbusiness is that we are liquidators, but weare also power players in the motorcycleindustry,” Melvin said.
Founded in 1974, Liquid Asset Partnershas worked with motorcycle manufactur-ers, including Indian Motorcycle Co.,before Indian was acquired by PolarisIndustries. It liquidated the assets of theBuell factory, in East Troy, when Harley-Davidson Inc. dropped the Buell brand in2009.
Liquid Asset Partners will be seekinginvestors, or a buyer, for Erik BuellRacing.
“There are still a lot of options on the tablefor a new owner to come in and continuemaking EBRs. The company is not a start-
up; this is an established brand with a hugefollowing across the globe,” Melvin said.
While the East Troy company, founded ina Mukwonago barn more than 30 yearsago, has struggled in the marketplace, ithas been a feisty competitor in motorcycleracing.
“Their (EBR) bikes, out of the box, can gohead-to-head with the top Italian racebikes. Our sale process will enable theproper exposure of the company and priceflexibility that may better fit a newowner,” Melvin said.
The next step for Buell could involvecrowdfunding, a private investor or anoth-er motorcycle manufacturer. Melvin saidhe hopes that company founder Erik Buelland the rest of the Buell management teamwill remain part of the process.
“Our hope is that someone will continue tomake these amazing motorcycles,” Melvinsaid.
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Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride SeeksSponsors
Alisa Clickenger ofWomensMotorcycleTours.com has severalsponsorship opportunities available for theSisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride, July3-24, 2016. A cross-country motorcycleride for women, the event commemoratesthe centennial of Adeline and Augusta VanBuren’s historic ride across the UnitedStates from New York to San Francisco in1916.
The Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ridewill be the largest women’s motorcyclingevent of 2016. With a plan to lead 100+women across the United States, the three-week event will stop in 17 different mar-kets. A full-time photographer and PR per-
son are on ride staff, and press releasesplus images will be uploaded daily tomedia outlets, social media sites and spon-sors.
The event’s Launch Party in Brooklyn andthe Grand Finale Celebration in SanFrancisco are in the largest media marketsin the U.S. Sponsorship opportunitiesrange from hosting individual events tosponsoring ride staff riding specificmachines and wearing custom-brandedapparel. Press Release announcements,event banners, social media boosting andcompany mentions in radio and televisionstories are among the many sponsorshipofferings. Cash contributions and in-kindcontributions of $2,500 or more receive alogo on the support vehicle, which will bewith riders at all times.
Sponsors will benefit from reaching a tar-get audience of riders 30-75 years old withdisposable income and plenty of time toride. The Motorcycle Industry Council hasjust announced that female ridership is atan all-time high, with women accountingfor 14% of all U.S. motorcycle owners.The number of female riders has doubledsince 2003, making sponsorship of theSisters’ Ride an unparalleled opportunitynot only within the motorcycle industry,but also outside the industry as the grouptravels across the country gathering nation-al media attention.
The extended family of the Van Buren sis-ters has joined forces with Clickenger topromote the event, which will launch fromthe east coast with at least 100 women rid-ers, including Adeline’s great-granddaugh-ter, Sofié Ruderman, and Sarah Van Buren,great-great-niece of Adeline and Augusta.The riders will follow the Van Burens’1916 route as closely as possible, oftenalong the Lincoln Highway.
Combining scenic routes, communityevents, and important stops along the Van
Burens’ own journey, the route will allowfor great motorcycle riding and promotewomen as role models by visibly demon-strating their courage and capability ascross-country motorcycle riders.
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There is No Room for EGO in theMotorcycle Rights Movement
There is no room for ego in the motorcyclerights movement. In a community full ofalpha male personalities this makes thingsdifficult. But every one of us learned whatwe know from somewhere and most likelyfrom someone. And what we all know,even if we seem to forget, is that success-ful grassroots people-powered movementsare the result of an entire community’sefforts.
I understand this reality firsthand. I am aSpokesperson for numerous motorcyclerights groups and therefore I am more visi-ble than many. But the fact remains, everyamount of success I may have achievedhas only been possible because of the hun-dreds of unified bikers always standingwith me. The Washington StateConfederation of Clubs and ABATE havealways stood with me and trusted me torepresent the voice of our movement. Ihumbly recognize this reality and willnever take it for granted.
Although it is true that it takes everyone, itis also true that there are usually a fewobvious stand-outs in any successful effortthat create a strategic foundation for theentire movement. In Washington State, wewere lucky enough to have a handful ofhighly motivated and capable individuals.
Donnie “Mr. Breeze” Landsman
Donnie was our single point of contact,our feet on the ground, for legislators.Donnie developed and implemented a
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 13
News from the Net (continued)cooperative strategy combining the legisla-tive process knowledge of active inde-pendents and the massive manpower of anincreasingly involved club contingent. Iworked closely with Donnie includingdaily communication and constant andabsolute collaboration on every issue thatarose.
Jeff “Twitch” Burns
Twitch took responsibility for all publicinformation requests and video documen-tation. Jeff’s contribution to WashingtonState’s success cannot be overstated.Filming the movement for over two yearsresulted in the award winning documen-tary “What It’s All About”, an invaluabletool for mobilizing the community andproviding a “how to” for the rest of thecountry.
Lucky Les
Lucky Les keeps our movement inWashington State connected, maintainingour US Defenders program through count-less hours of contact information changesand integrating new organizations into thenetwork. Without Les’s contributions ourcoordinated calls to action would not havebeen effective and passing the profilinglaw would not have been possible.
Robert “Pigpen” Christopher
Pigpen was critical to the formation of theWashington State COC and my involve-ment in the movement. Before anyoneknew my name, my brother Pigpen put hisown credibility on the line to vouch for me
with literally everyone he talked with. Hesaw something in me I don’t think I evensaw in myself. It’s been over a decade andwe all still recognize and thank him forhaving the vision and belief that we couldunify motorcycle clubs to protect our cul-ture.
Finally, the real unseen heroes are ourfamilies that support the massive time andenergy commitment that is required to besuccessful as a movement. I can speak formyself when I say that I will never be ableto repay the patience and support that mywife and two children have unconditional-ly given me.
I truly respect you all at the deepest leveland understand that everything I do meansvery little without all of your support andhard work.
Thank you.
David “Double D” Devereaux
===========================
Chopper Fest rumbles into Ventura County
Orlando Holguin was greeted with stareswhen the 7-year-old rode into Chopperfeston a Schwinn Pixie from the '60s that hisdad modified to the max with chrome,whitewall tires and a candy root beer col-ored finish.
"It was awesome," Orlando said of his rideinto the festival that pays homage to themotorcycle lifestyle at the Ventura CountyFairgrounds on Sunday. "I have the coolest
dad in the universe."
The modified Schwinn Pixie was amongtwo on display built by his dad, MichaelHolguin, who works as an industrialpainter for Department of Defense atNaval Base Ventura County, PointHueneme Naval Base.
The other bike, named "Baby Steps," wascrafted from a Schwinn Lil' Tiger, modelwhich were made from 1955 to 1962. Thebike is cobalt blue and features intricateengravings borrowed from the style foundon antique Western rifles. The foot pedalswere modeled from an exact etching ofOrlando's foot when he started walking,and the rearview mirrors were engraved tolook like Orlando's footprint when he wasborn.
"Orlando inspired the whole thing," saidHolguin, of Port Hueneme. "Even thetraining wheels have real spokes."
The bikes were on display in McBrideHall, where artwork of the late DavidMann was also on exhibit. Mann, a formerOxnard resident, was known as theNorman Rockwell of the motorcycleworld.
As such, the 12th Annual Chopper FestMotorcycle Art and Culture Show was acelebration of the art and culture of themotorcycle, and a tribute to Mann whocaptured this lifestyle in his paintings.
"David Mann pretty much inspired mywork," said Martin McLaughlin, ofAnaheim, who brought a sparkling lime
green "little sportster digger" that he spent$3,000 modifying a frame he bought onCraigslist.
"I would sell it if somebody gave me$6,000," McLaughlin said. "I like thebuilding process more than anything so Iwould double up and get two of them andbuild more."
Jason Clifford, who lives in Oregon,brought two custom-built bikes, includinga metallic orange design that features ametal oil tank that he painted to look like aglobe with a mushroom cloud on top.
"That's Iraq getting blown off the planet,"said McLaughlin, noting the bike tookseven months to build. It also features for-ward foot controls made from a solid brasscasing topped with real bullets.
The design was influenced by JerryGraves, a custom bike builder; IndianLarry, a motorcycle builder and artist; andBilly Lane, a builder of custom motorcy-cles.
"They were the three big guys that I reallythought were the cat's meow," McLaughlinsaid. "Then Billy got in trouble and wentto prison. Indian Larry died and JerryGraves killed himself. I wanted their bikesbut I couldn't afford them, so I decided Iwould build one myself."
Chopperfest also featured dozens of ven-dors, as well as live demonstrations byartists working in mediums includingacrylic, airbrush, pinstripe, watercolor andmetal.
Sun Riders Toy Parade 2015On December 13th 2015 the Sun RidersMC in Tucson hosted their 34th AnnualToy Parade. The Sun Riders host thisevent every year to benefit children in theTucson area. This year’s event was heldfor the benefit of Youth On Their Ownand also the U.S.M.C. Toys For Tots pro-gram.
The Toy Parade started at Freedom Parkin Tucson in and ended at Hot Rod’s OldVail. There was a large party with ven-
dors, food, music and a silent auction.The vendors were set up out in the park-ing area, and the silent auction items weredisplayed on the patio for all to view anddecide what they wanted to bid on. Therewas a DJ playing music and makingannouncements and then the Garcia Brosband provide live music.
The Sun Riders also had their travelingMemorial Wall which has name plates forthe fallen riders of the Tucson area. There
was a solemn ceremony and prayer beforethe mounting of the latest name plates onthe Memorial plaque. It was a very mov-ing event and it is sad to see how manynames are on there.
The Sun Riders MC graciously invitedA.B.A.T.E. to set up an information andmembership table at the event. We had agreat response and signed up several newmembers. We also passed out copies ofthe Masterlink and “Look Out For
Motorcycles” bumper stickers, along withinformation on membership. There were“Look Out For Motorcycles” t-shirts forsale and information on our upcoming25th Anniversary “Too Broke ForSturgis”.
We would like to thank the Sun RidersMC for inviting us to participate and forall the good work they do for the youth ofthe Tucson area. It was a great turn outand we look forward to next year.
PAGE 14 MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
News from the Net (continued)Long Beach resident Jessi Combs, a motor-cycle rider, ambassador and fabricator, didlive welding demonstrations, as well aspin-striping and airbrushing.
"There's an empowerment that comes whenyou can build your own stuff and go outand play with your own stuff," she said."There's a whole level of freedom. It's selfreliability; it's creativity; it's inspirational."
Mona Seligman was in attendance with herhusband, who plays guitar with TattooedSong Bird, a blues band from Nashvillethat performed.
"This is our first time at Chopperfest, andit's awesome," said Seligman, of Memphis,Tennessee, who came with 21 family mem-bers and friends. "I'm not really a bikerperson. But the people here are so nice.The biker community just seems to be aclose-knit group of people. We're havingsuch a good time."
===========================
Putin’s Favorite Biker Club Gets Millionsof Rubles to Put on Kids’ Show
The group’s leader is Putin’s old friend
Russian President Vladimir Putin hasawarded a nationalist motorcycle clubabout 9 million rubles ($128,000) to put onchildren’s shows, the Kommersant newspa-per reported Thursday.
The Night Wolves biker club was given thepresidential grants to organize the NewYear’s show at their club, according to thenewspaper. It will “explain the historicaland spiritual heritage of Russia andRussia’s challenges in a clear, fairytalemanner for children,” the Night Wolves’grant application said. The show is alreadysold out.
The Night Wolves was founded in Moscowin 1989 and hosts motorcycle festivals androck band performances in the country,according to Putin’s office. The gang madeheadlines in May when they rode theirbikes from Moscow to Berlin to celebratethe 70th anniversary of the defeat of NaziGermany in World War II.
=============================
(AUS) Lawyer fights practice ban afterswearing in court
High profile Rockhampton lawyer DougWinning is facing eviction from the profes-sion after uttering profanities in court dur-ing a trial.
Winning is now battling to keep his prac-ticing certificate after calling prosecutor
Danny Boyle a ‘f***ing idiot’ in court andwith the jury present, three years ago.
According to The Courier Mail, Winninghas pleaded guilty to two disciplinarycharges brought by the Legal ServicesCommissioner.
He didn’t admit to the statements but sayshe won’t deny it because he can’t recall.He did admit to accusing Boyle of dishon-esty and misleading the court 17 times dur-ing the hearing.
The Queensland Civil and AdministrativeTribunal heard that the comments, includ-ing calling the proceedings a ‘f***ingjoke’, were recorded on the court audioand heard by an observer in the gallery,Boyle claiming that the remarks weredeliberate and aimed at him.
“It’s not fanciful that Mr Winning cannotrecall precisely what was said,” Winning’slawyer said, claiming the comments were‘thoughts out loud’ and merely mutterings.The tribunal heard that he may have swornout of ‘frustration and anger’.
Two silks have pledged support forWinning, Elizabeth Wilson QC and PeterDavis QC reportedly stating that theywould consult with him.
It’s the second time Winning has beenbefore the tribunal after being officiallyreprimanded back in 2008 for a series ofoffensive remarks, the Courier Mail report-ed.
In 2004, Winning, who has representednotorious bikies, admitted to tipping off hisbike client about a police raid, telling himto get rid of cash and drugs. He wascleared of professional misconduct.
The tribunal has reserved its decision onwhether Winning should be struck off orallowed to keep working under certainrestrictions.
=========================
Seventh indictment unsealed in Twin Peakscase
Eight of nine bikers named in sealedindictments two weeks ago for theiralleged roles in the Twin Peaks shootouthave been taken into custody, while the lastone remains at large.The nine were among 106 bikers indictedNov. 10 on first-degree felony engaging inorganized criminal activity charges. Thenine were indicted under seal because theyhad not been arrested before the grand jurysession.
On Wednesday, McLennan County District
Clerk Jon Gimble unsealed the indictmentcharging Cory McAlister, 36, of Ore City.McAlister was taken into custody lastweek, but his indictment was not unsealeduntil Wednesday.
Gimble said an eighth man was arrested inTyler this week and remained in the SmithCounty Jail on Wednesday. His indictmentremains sealed, along with his identity,Gimble said.
Others bookedOthers named in sealed indictments whohave been booked into the McLennanCounty Jail or other jails includeChristopher Carrizal Sr., 50, of Dallas;Jerry Edward Pierson, 49, of Dallas; PaulRussell Miller, 39, of Gholson; Ray AsbaryNelson, 42, of Waco; Jeffrey Veillon, 53, ofWylie; and Clifford Pearce, 52, of Waco.The first six taken into custody turnedthemselves in.
Sheriff Parnell McNamara said a U.S.Marshals Service fugitive task force andhis deputies have been rounding up thebikers named in the sealed indictments.A McLennan County grand jury is sched-uled to meet again Wednesday. McLennanCounty District Attorney Abel Reyna saidthe remaining 80 cases arising from the177 arrested May 17 will be considered bya grand jury “in some form or fashion.” Hedeclined to elaborate.Nine bikers were killed and 20 others werewounded in the clash of rival groups dur-ing a Sunday noon-hour meeting of bikersat the now-defunct restaurant.Last week, six bikers filed civil rights law-suits against Reyna, Waco Police ChiefBrent Stroman, Waco police DetectiveManuel Chavez and an unnamed TexasDepartment of Public Safety employee.The suits were filed in federal court inAustin.
==========================
Tackling Indiscipline, the U.S. Army Way
Here’s a word you don’t see very often:Indiscipline. But its meaning has suchincredible power, especially when it comesto the goal of eliminating motorcycle riderinjuries and fatalities.
I saw the word recently in a press articledisseminated by the defense department. Itwas written by Chris Frazier of the U.S.Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center.The focus of the article was the MotorcycleSafety Foundation’s updated BasicRiderCourse. Army officials hope its morerobust behavioral component will helptackle rider indiscipline by its Soldiers. Allmilitary personnel are required to completean MSF course to ride a motorcycle bothon and off an installation.
Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Edens, director ofArmy Safety and commanding general,USACR/Safety Center, said in the article,“Speeding and other forms of reckless rid-ing, neglecting to wear personal protectiveequipment, failure to complete requiredtraining and operating a motorcycle whileunder the influence are among the mostcommon indiscipline-based errors Soldierriders make.” He continued to say, “Theloss of a Soldier to a preventable accidentthat was his or her own fault is devastating,so rider indiscipline is a problem we mustconfront.”
Dr. Ray Ochs, vice president of trainingsystems for MSF, said in the article, “Saferiding is more of a skill of the eyes andmind than the hands and feet. So it’s moreimportant to get to the behavioral aspectsof what it takes to be a safe rider. Insteadof just emphasizing skill, which we still do,we must get into what people think aboutwhen they ride. We want to try to get themto see the value of making safety a priori-ty.”
Field testing of the updated BRC was con-ducted at a West Virginia Army NationalGuard facility, and recently, Fort Ruckerbecame the first active-duty installation tohost the training.
The MSF believes the newest BRC will notonly benefit novice riders, but more experi-enced motorcyclists as well – both in themilitary and the general public.
“There has to be something more substan-tial than passing a knowledge test abouthow a motorcycle works,” Ochs said in thearticle. “So the course itself goes waybeyond any license testing that most motorvehicle departments require, and that’ssomething we feel is a responsibility. Atthe MSF, we take our middle name serious-ly, that ‘safety’ part of it. We’re going to doeverything we can to keep riders safe.”
The MSF is extremely thankful to theArmy for the opportunity to test the updat-ed BRC. Because of its aggressive commit-ment to eliminate indiscipline, the newestBRC also will be available to the generalpublic very soon.
============================
Reigniting a PassionI had not ridden in nearly 20 years.
I raced enduros, hare scrambles andmotocross back in the early to mid 70’sprior to moving to California from Atlanta.I met my late husband of 25 years, JimLewis, right after moving to California,and continued riding for many years. Whileworking for Rider Magazine I toured quieta bit in the USA and Europe, but my real
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 15
News from the Net (continued)passion was always off-road riding…theSan Bernardino Mountains and Baja. ILOVED riding in Baja. My husband knewthe roads, the trails, the ranchers that hadgas and the dives with the best tacos.Those were great riding days for me.
Then it all stopped. Work, travel andlaunching several start-up companies tookme in a different direction. I drifted faraway from motorcycling.
A few years ago I was driving up Highway1 and the drive triggered a flood of memo-ries of riding a bike on that road so manytimes in the past. Then it occurred to me –I’m retired, I have time, I have my health –why am I not doing this road on a motor-cycle?? Immediately upon my return, Ipurchased a BMW 800ST. However, it satin my garage for several weeks – I was toopetrified to ride it. It had been such a longtime since my last ride, and even when Idid ride, it was mostly off-road. My think-ing? Street bikes were too dangerous! Iimmediately took the MSF BasicRiderCourse, The Streetmasters PrecisionCornering worshop at Willow Springs andpromptly put 10,000 miles on my BMWthe first year – mostly solo. I have sinceadded a BMWG650GS dual-purpose biketo my collection and plan to go adventureriding soon. I have been amazed to learn inmy long absence the huge influx of womenriders…and that there is actually ridingapparel designed specifically for women!!
Motorcycling had come a long way duringmy absence.
I recently rode for 3 weeks in Nepal with aGerman group of 8 on a Royal Enfield thispast fall, and I am riding The GoldenTriangle in Thailand this coming fall. Thebest part of coming back to motorcycle rid-ing is the people. It was the same when Iwas riding as a young woman, and it’s thesame now that I’m rediscovering the joysof riding as I enter retirement.
Motorcycles have changed, riding gear haschanged – all for the better – but the peo-ple have remained the same. Enthusiastic,fun-loving, caring people - all sharing abond – a mutual passion for riding.Motorcycling has come a long way overthese last 20 years… and it is so good tofinally be back!!
Debbie Lewis has worked for Cycle Newsand Rider Magazine. She has launchedseveral successful industry businesses,
including The Action Motorsports TradeShow, Lewis Communications, Inc., andHotrod & Restoration, a national trademagazine and trade show. She retired in2007 and has been enjoying her return toriding ever since.
============================
My First Ride By David Strickland
David Strickland, NHTSA Administrator
Now that I have looked at motorcycle safe-ty from behind the handlebars I have toadmit that my perspective has expanded.As Administrator of the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration, I am wellused to looking at motorcycle safety as acritical part of our mission to reduce motorvehicle injuries and fatalities. In fact, inrecent years motorcycle safety has beenparticularly critical to our mission sincenumbers for nearly every other road userwere declining and motorcycle deaths con-tinued to increase. But after having takenthe MSF Basic RiderCourse recently, I nowsee this part of our mission from severaldirections.
I signed up for the Basic RiderCoursebecause I wanted to experience rider train-ing in the same way as those half-millionor so others who make this choice everyyear. I felt that if motorcycling is thatimportant to my mission, I should under-stand it from every angle. Basically, Iwanted to walk a mile in their motorcycleboots. What I found was a course thatgave me a real sense of accomplishmentand pushed me out of my comfort zone.And I was encouraged to see that thecourse was not only physically demandingbut also mentally challenging.
I was most impressed by the quality of thetrainers. In the classroom, they continuallyreinforced the importance of wearing prop-er protective gear, riding unimpaired, obey-ing traffic laws, respecting the traffic andpedestrians around you, and making safedecisions on the motorcycle. The instruc-tors were very skilled, not only with teach-ing the technical aspects of riding, but alsoin caring for an eclectic group of new rid-ers – including several like myself who hadnever been behind handlebars – and help-ing us decide whether we and motorcyclingwere a good match.
Taking the BRC gave me a new apprecia-tion for the motorcycle training communi-
ty, and their dedication and patience inintroducing students from all walks of life– and varying levels of anxiety and self-doubt – to safe motorcycle riding. I wasalso surprised by just how challenging it isto ride a motorcycle. Riding safely ismuch more difficult than it looks and Inow understand why the safety fundamen-tals, like wearing a quality helmet thatmeets federal standards and riding sober,show up so clearly in our crash data. Butmoreover, spending a weekend on a bikegave me an appreciation of why riders areso passionate about motorcycling.
===========================
Lingering Red Lights
You’re on your motorcycle. It’s late atnight. Very little traffic. You’re at a redlight, waiting for it to turn green. But itdoesn’t. It just stays red. You glance overat the pedestrian crosswalk signal to see ifit will start flashing the “don’t walk” warn-ing light. Nope. Just the same happy“walk” light shining bright in the night.Should you get off your bike and go hit thecrosswalk button? Maybe just drivethrough the red light since it’s obviousyour bike hasn’t tripped the sensors? Doyou consider the light inoperative, which insome states allows you to proceed withcaution? Do you even know what the lawis in your state? Recently, a colleagueattended a motorcycle law enforcementworkshop and the consensus among theofficers was that they would most likelycite the motorcyclist proceeding through ared light and let the individual work it outwith a judge, unless they witnessed themotorcyclist “stuck” at a red light for morethan one full cycle. Bills allowing motor-cyclists to proceed in these situations havebeen introduced in many states and somehave been enacted into law. For example,a bill was introduced in Indiana a fewweeks ago that would allow motorcycliststo proceed through a steady red light ifthey come to a complete stop for two min-utes and ensure it’s safe to proceed.
Sometimes light sensors seem to “say”what too many drivers who pull out, orturn in front of us, say…”I didn’t seehim/her.” What do you do in these situa-tions?
What’s your opinion? Should statesrequire devices to detect motorcycles? Isthat a safer solution? Motorcyclists are 2-3% of the registered vehicles, but are we
getting 2-3% of the consideration?
============================
Secret plan to put remote kill switch inevery European car revealed
All police chases eventually come to anend, but we may soon see the end of allpolice chases.
A secret plan requiring that every car thatentering Europe be fitted with a systemthat would allow them to be tracked anddisabled remotely by law enforcement hasbeen revealed, The Daily Telegraphreports.
Documents obtained and leaked by civilrights group Statewatch outline a programbeing developed by the European Networkof Law Enforcement Technologies thatwould “work on a technological solutionthat can be a ‘build in a standard’” for allautomobiles.
If enacted, it would give law enforcementofficers working from a computer terminalthe ability to press a button to kill theengine on any car equipped with the tech-nology within the European Union, essen-tially eliminating the need to use force tobring the cars to a halt.
According to documents, the stated goal ofthe proposal is to end the need for danger-ous high speed car chases, but the directorof Statewatch, Tony Bunyan, sees thepotential for abuse.
"We all know about the problems sur-rounding police stop and searches, so whywill be these cars stopped in the firstplace," he said.
While implementing the system across thedozens of nations that make up theEuropean Union could prove to be a chal-lenge, the sort of technology behind it isalready available to private customers inthe United States and elsewhere.
General Motors’ OnStar telematics system,which is standard on most of its vehiclestoday, can track and disable the cars andtrucks if they are stolen, whether they arestationary or being pursued by police. Thecompany reports that it executes five toseven of these slowdowns each month, butrequires the vehicle owner's consent to doso.
Would you like to receive The Masterlink digitally? It is posted monthly on the ABATE website - www.abateofaz.org. Opt out of thereceiving the The Masterlink? Please contact the ABATE Office if you would like to no longer receive a hard copy of The Masterlink.480-256-9237 or [email protected]
PAGE 16 MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 17
House Roster
Senate Roster
PAGE 18 MASTERLINK FEBRUARY 2016
Documentation of Discrimination
DATE: ______________ Business Phone _______________ NAME OF ESTABLISHMENT: __________________________________ BUSINESS PHONE (with area code): __________________________________ BUSINESS - FULL ADDRESS: ___________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ NAME / POSITION OF PERSON ENFORCING POLICY: ________________ ________________________________________________________ WRITTEN STATEMENT OF DISCRIMINATION (use back if needed): _____ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ YOUR NAME (please print): ______________________________________ YOUR PHONE (with area code): __________________________________ YOUR SIGNATURE: ____________________________________________ *** INCLUDE ANY PICTURES OF DISCRIMINATING SIGNS POSTED *** Mail To: Ray Fitzgerald 1634 West Pine Cone Way Prescott, Arizona 86303
ATTENTION - ALL RIDERS:=======================
It has come to our attention that business establishments in Arizona may still bediscriminating against motorcyclists. Please carry copies of this form with youat all times. Discrimination can range from a sign stating "No Colors" or "NoMotorcycle Parking" or "No Motorcycle Attire" etc., to simply being asked toleave a place of business, just because you are on a motorcycle or because of
your riding apparel. If anything like this happens to you, PLEASE fill out thisform in its entirety and send it to the address noted. Your lobbyists cannot get
sponsorship for "equal access" legislation, without evidenceof this type of discrimination.
Locations Site Website City Zip County Email Phone Motorcycle Rider Training View PHOENIX 85012 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 979-1839
RIDE SMART M/C TRAINING View PHOENIX 85023 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 877-5425
Carriage, full size casket with full cover flag, cherry wood Urn Ark with panoramicglass & folding stand, Encased Memorial Flag, 2007 22ft. flatbed transportation trail-er with winds/bug shield, Honor Flags, pre-printed magnetic Carriage name plates &
misc office supplies. Call Bill or Phyllis 623-386-8281
FOR SALE:2008 Harley Davidson Road Glide- 6,240 miles-lowering kit-travel package-
AM/FM/WB/CD- 6 speed-Dark Blue Pearl-Corbin Solo and Stock Seat- asking$17,000.
FINALLY!! A motorcycle themed paperback book for the young reader. TheAdventures of Olive Pearl and Hammy Davidson features Olive Pearl; agreen and black motorcycle and Hamrietta (Hammy) Davidson her stuffed
piggy passenger. They experience the joy of motorcycling on a 1700-mileroad trip to meet new people, see new things, and learn life lessons along theway. Their adventures are wrapped inside the love story of husband and wifecharacters, “The Man” and “The Lady”. Sprinkled throughout with pictures,
social observations, and humor, adults will also enjoy reading this story toyounger children and are sure to get a laugh or two themselves. Get more
info and place an order at: www.OliveandHammy.com Let’s Ride!!
2004 Waltz Hardcore special constructed soft tail Custom Chopper, Vin # AZ262741, Vehicle is garage kept, and customized. Chopper has a 145 HorsePower TP polished Engine, a 3" Primary and 6 speed Transmission. The Vehicle is
built on a Waltz Hardcore Soft Tail Frame. All sheet metal work, paint job is Custom.Custom Chrome wheels and brand new Tires. All Mechanical components are in
good working order. Engine runs awesome. Has less than 4000 miles.This baby is worth way more than I'm asking! Just need money now!
Waltz Hardcore Frame $6,500, TP 124" Cubic Inch Polished Engine $7,5003" Open Primary and 6 speed Transmission $3,000, Custom Sheet metal Work $3,000Custom Paint $3,000, Wheels & Tires $2,500, Progressive Airtail Suspension, Brakes,
Starter, Charging System, $4,000, Labor $4,500Asking $18,999 obo, For more information call or text @ (480) 385-8947
My bike is one of the only STAMPED limited edition bikes that Harley ever made. Therewere 2800 made. It is a 1993 celebrating their 90th year. Some facts and features: Odometer
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For sale 2012 Subculture hard tail
93 Soft tail engine and transmission in rigid frame, big cam, S&S super E carb, 8mm1 3/4belt primary, chain final drive. 200-17 rear wheel , 21 front, wide glide front
end, black lowers.Much more - 602-300-4115
For Sale: 1958 Harley-Davidson Servi-Car. Three speed w/reverse, electric start, new heads, NOS cylinders with
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2009 HD Sportster 1200 Low style.like new with 5000 miles, kept in AC garage, Stage 1 kit with Vance
and Hines shorties, forward foot controls, all service down byChester's in Mesa. Limited HD factory root beer brown color. $8750obo. call or text 480-338-1965 in Gilbert AZ. For pictures email to;
Military developing stealth motorcycle to let forces travel fast andsilent
Motorcycle enthusiasts love the sound ofa roaring chopper, but the U.S. militaryisn’t among them. What the ArmedForces need is a cutting-edge motorcyclethat – among other things – is fast,stealthy and silent.
And they may have one soon – a two-wheel-drive hybrid that will giveAmerican soldiers a huge advantagedownrange.
DARPA – the Pentagon’s DefenseAdvanced Research Projects Agency –recently awarded a small business inno-vation research grant to develop a mili-tary-use, hybrid motorcycle that willoperate nearly silently in electric mode.
The partnership between two small inno-vative American companies, LogosTechnologies and BRD, leverages the for-mer’s expertise in hybrid power projectsand the latter’s in creating state-of-the-artelectric motorcycles.
BRD’s tagline may put it best: “Welcometo the future of fast.”
The hybrid motorcycle advantageCombat troops would get a whole lot ofuse – and a whole lot of fun – out of therugged, lightweight, two-wheel-drive off-road motorcycles DARPA is looking for.
Speed and stealth are crucial whenapproaching the enemy, and currentmotorcycles are less than ideal becauseof the noise they generate. DARPAexpects the hybrid to be silent in electricmode and very quiet when operating onfuel. (A typical motorcycle 25 feet awayproduces 90 decibels, about four times asloud as the proposed hybrid.)
Soft soil and narrow, steep trails can bedifficult to navigate, and that’s whyDARPA is calling for two-wheel-drivevehicles, which will be able to travel sub-stantial distances on challenging terrainmore easily.
And as warfare continues to requiredeploying small units to remote andextreme terrains, technology like thishybrid will allow U.S. forces to do morewith less.
In addition to special operations work, itcould be useful for a range of other pur-poses, including scouting, convoy controland military policing.
And it will provide more than a way totravel; the hybrid will be a portable elec-tric power source, thus reducing the needto lug heavy batteries into the field.
Taking motorcycles to another levelCommercially available motorcyclesdon’t make sense for the military.
For starters, they tend to use gasoline,and most American and NATO militarymachines use JP-8, a formulation of jetfuel similar to kerosene and diesel fuel.
DARPA wants the vehicle to be electric-
only for short periods of time and to runon JP-8 or diesel when it isn’t.
In addition to being heavy fuel compati-ble, the hybrid will have more than 10percent better fuel consumption than themilitary motorcycles currently in use.
The features that the military would like– heavy fuel capability, two wheel driveand hybrid powertrains – have all beenachieved independently, but this will bethe first time all these capabilities arecombined.
Hybrid-electric power is already findingits way into lots of commercial applica-tions, from construction equipment tocars and buses.
Research has been underway to bringhybrid motorcycles like Yamaha’s Gen-Ryu and HV-X concepts to the consumermarket. But the military requires hybridtech capable of more.
