A American
B Bikers
A Aiming
T Toward
E Education
SERVING SARASOTA & MANATEE COUNTIES Volume 2 Issue 7
JUly 2012West Coast AbAte Newsletter
GOAlS & PURPOSE
▼ To fight for freedom of the road and freedom of choice for motorcy-clist riders of Florida
▼ To become a powerful and viable political force in Florida by encouraging riders to register to vote and to
communicate with their legislators.
▼ To promote safe riding habits and to promote driver awareness with-out infringing on the rights of individuals.
▼ To work towards educating legislators on motorcycle issues so they may be able to make the right deci-sions
regarding Florida motorcycle laws.
▼ To publish a newsletter to keep members of ABATE of Florida Inc. informed.
2012 - 2013 West Coast ABATE Board of Directors
L to R: Sgt of Arms - Joey Perea, Road Captain - Bob Poneleit, Membership - Beth Abrams, Safety - David Hancock, Asst. Sgt of Arms - Bob Bonella, Events - James Schwalbach, Secretary - Angie Gesell, President & State Rep 2 - Mike Gesell,
Newsletter Editor - Joy Freeman, Legislative - Eric Thompson, 2011-2012 President - Jim Gladstone
Not pictured: Vice President – Lauren Birks, Sports Bike Liasions: Travis Savoie & Lauren Birks, Treasurer - Sue B., State Rep 1 - Margie Gladstone, Events 2 - Sharon Sieradzki
ABATE OF FlORIDA, INC. West Coast Chapter
Great Time
at the
West Coast
ABATE Membership
Appreciation Party.
Hello, I would like to take a moment to in-troduce myself for those of you that don’t al-ready know me,my name is Mike Gesell AKA “NIGHTRAIN”, I have lived in Florida for 13 years now,I was raised around motorcycles,I have put a lot of miles on two wheels riding street bikes and racing motocross since I was very young, even riding in my dads sidecar on
his Honda Goldwing. Ok now for some business, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for having confidence in me to be the West Coast Abate president for the next year and to congratulate my fellow board members. I want to also congratulate our former president Jim Gladstone on becoming our new state Vice-President. I know he will do a great job for us. He is extremely passionate and dedicated to abate and its cause we are very lucky to have him represent us. Our next event is our annual 5-star event which will be held at the peace river campground on July 27th, its a good time.
We are also hosting the August state meeting and could use some volunteers for security,etc the date is August 11th so if you have some spare time and would like to help out please let us know. This is a great opportunity to meet the entire state board. West coast’s newly elected board will be attending the state leadership seminars in Clermont on July 14th & 15th to better serve the cause. once again,thank you all for doing your part by being members and volunteering,or by simply sporting one of our stickers or magnets on you vehicle to help educate the community that we need every-one to “CHECK TWICE FOR MOTORCYCLES”. And remember there are no stupid questions, so ask, if I dont know the answer I will do my best to find out for you. I hope to see all of you at the next monthly meeting held at fruitville park on July 15th and dont forget to thank a board member, they are really doing alot for all of us.
Thanks,Mike “Nightrain”Gesell
President,West Coast Chapter - ABATE of Florida Inc .
Presidents Letter
1105 N Washington StSarasota, FL 34236
(941) 366-2678
High Side is a great home-cooked cafe, just off Washing-ton Street Sarasota, attached to the Precision Cycle shop. Daily specials include huge burritos and spaghetti, for reasonable prices. Service is typical for their pub-style layout, with pool tables and TV’s adding to the atmosphere. Kitchen closes early, so make this a lunch stop, or grab a beer after work.
BikE NighT... Every Tuesday 6-9 p.m.
Eat to Live... Live to Ride
Hello Everyone. As many of you are aware of, our elections have taken place both on the state level and on the local level for ABATE of Florida Inc. With both of these events having taken place, new leadership is coming in on both levels. As you can see from the title of this article, I am no longer the President of West Coast Chapter. (Wow,
that was weird for me to see in print). My new title is Vice-President of ABATE of Florida Inc. as I have taken second chair at the state level of our organization. I see this as a new great adventure for me and hope to bring the same enthusiasm to the state board, as we have been able to bring here locally.
As I sit here writing this, I look around my office and see how empty it appears now that I have cleared out all of the chapters’ files and paperwork. As I did this I can’t help but reflect on the past year and a half I spent as your Chapter President. I see the pictures of Eric Thompson and myself receiving Local Proclamations from Manatee and Sarasota Coun-ties for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month on behalf of our Brothers and Sisters in the motorcycle community. In photos, I see the members of our chapter enjoying the many events we put on here locally as well as in partnership with other chapters here in Florida. I see the photos of our Bike Night participants out helping to support our cause by supporting our Bike Nights. I see the faces of the members and non-members we have had help stand up for our rights and the rights of others by attending our protest rides and showing up at court cases demanding equal treatment while on the roads. I recall the passion a lot of you displayed in moving our cause forward. I also see a lot of the same people being the only volunteers at our events. I had a life member tell me at the toy run, ”take a look around here today at the people participating at the event, this may be the only time you see them”. To a degree he was correct. Getting people to volunteer at our functions has always been a challenge. We understand that some people only want to have the fun and brotherhood the organization has to offer. Unfortunately, this causes the people who are volunteering to burn out and fade away. If you only volunteered one time for an hour or two, we would never have to worry about covering our obligations. With the amount of members we have in the chapter, we would never have to worry about hav-ing enough people. Step up even once and volunteer your time to help. You will see it’s worth it. After all, the chapter boards are all volunteers and we expect so much from them. It’s time to do your part for the organization as well. Show everyone you care by doing this.
I reflect on the successes we have had here as a chapter as well. The Toy Run, The Can You See Me Now Run, The Multi Brand Iron Horse Rodeo at the Farm Bureau, the welcoming in of the Sport Bike Community just to name a few. We now have the ability to go to any establishment and be taken seriously as an organization. We are well on our way to being a household name in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Our membership has grown to over 350 members here at West Coast Chapter. That’s not a shabby number by any means. I’m hoping all of you will help us reach 400 or even the 500-member mark. It can be done. It just takes all of you to help do this. Ask a neighbor, a friend, even another motorcyclist at a destination if they are a member of ABATE. If they are, you may have made a new friend with common ground, if not, get them to join. Membership has its benefits. This is our organization.
We get out of it what we put in. Your new board is going to need your support. I encourage you to do so. Every seat is filled with a new member that is enthusiastic about ABATE’s cause. Help them keep on track. Help by volunteering your time and by sharing your knowledge and ideas. Keep the drama out of the chapter and keep your eyes on the prize as they say. All of you can do great things with this chapter. It belongs to all of us. Remember that.
I am a member of West Coast Chapter. A life member I might add. With that said, I will be watching with great interest at where the chapter goes from here. I’m sure the new board will do us proud and move us in a positive direction. To them I say this. We are all watching you. Do right by us. Make the tough decisions and do what is right for the chapter. I expect great things from all of you and I wish you the best of luck to you in this endeavor.
In closing, I want to thank all of you for allowing me the op-portunity to have served as your Chapter President. The challenges were many and at times overwhelming, but we were able to endure, conquer and overcome. To those that supported me through these times I thank you. To Eric Thompson, keep up the great work. You’re an awesome legislative rep. Camille, June, Angie and Kassidy, thank you for volunteering so many times for 50/50 at bike nights, Norm and Glenn for your work at Clancy’s and other times as well. Bob for setting up at Hooters bike nights each Thursday. Joy for all of your help with our newsletter. Sue B. for staying on as our Treasurer throughout the years. Bob Poneleit, thank you for be-ing a great sounding board for some of the crazier ideas we came up with as well. And most of all I want to thank my wife Margie. If it weren’t for her support, patience, and understanding through all of this, none of my efforts would have been possible. I will be forever grateful for her support.
There are others that I did not mention but my thanks go to them as well. Please extend this same courtesy to the new board that you ex-tended to me.
Do great things, always invoke thought, and question everything. See you out there.
Sincerely,Jim GladstoneWest Coast Member.
ABATE of Florida Inc and West Coast Chapter do not condone drinking and driving.
Outgoing Presidents Report:
TT’s VTwinService and repairS
Troy941.928.9582
[email protected]/2 17th Street Sarasota, FL 34234
Secretary’s ReportMinutes of Meeting held on June 17 2012Attendance: 33 Members: 32 Guests: 1 Pledge of Allegiance Moment of Silence / PrayerCall to order: 11:10am
President – Jim Gladstone: Welcome to the Monthly Chapter Meeting. We are Happy to see you here today. I know it’s Father’s Day and I appreciate you attending the meeting. We have a lot to cover so will try to make it quick. As many of you have heard, I was elected to the State VP position. Dan Fish is the new State President, and Rhonda Griffiths is the new PR person; the rest of the State board remains status quo. Doc R will continue as the lob-byist.
At the recent state meeting, there was discussion of a Sport Bike Event to be held in 2013, which would be sponsored by AIM. I hope that before then, more chapters welcome Sports Bikes into their chapter.
We will hold our board elections during the New Business segment of this meeting.
Vice President – Mike Gesell: I am excited about the nominees for the new Chapter Board. Looking forward to keeping the momentum of this chapter going.
Secretary - Margie Gladstone: Motion made to approve May 20 2012 min-utes; seconded and approved.
Treasurer – Sue Brzostowski: Absent. Postponed until July 2012 meeting.
Membership – Margie Gladstone: Present. Please renew – check your newsletter for your renewal date. Although we have gotten a lot of new members, we need to retain the members we have.
Legislative – Eric Thompson: I have served 1 full year as your Legislative Trustee and am hopeful (and excited) to continue into another year. I will post a link on our FB page to a website that keeps you updated on legislative issues – please check it out. NCOM is a legal rights organization and has over 2000 members in the US. I plan on attending the NCOM convention in Reno in May 2013. Hope you can make it as well. The annual leadership seminars are next month – new board members are urged to attend. A lot of useful information is given out at these seminars.
Safety – Dave Hancock: Please remember to always look over your bike before heading out for a ride!
Asst. SGT at Arms – Bob Bonella: Stay safe on the roads.
PR - Jim Gladstone: We all represent ABATE and the West Coast Chapter. Products – Jim Gladstone: We have Chapter Patches for sale and are also looking at T-Shirt Vendors.
Event Coordinator – Per Jim: West Coast Chapter is hosting the State Meeting in August (8/11). There will be more news and agenda to follow in July newsletter. I will continue to work on the police escort for our Toy Run in December 2012.
Prebiktoberfest – Snookhaven has closed the restaurant and some areas un-til November 2012. We need to find a new location for prebiketoberfest.
5 Star is coming up – July 27-29 at Peace River Campground in Arcadia. Hope to see you all there! We need volunteers to work security, the front gate, and clean up. West Coast chapter was able to secure an entertainment
Secretary’s Reportsponsor for this event.
Webmaster - Jim Gladstone: Updates made to the website. Motor-cycle friendly politicians will be uploaded to the website once we can get that list together.
Newsletter – Joy Freeman: Send in articles and photos! Please sup-port our advertisers! Can we do electronic newsletters?
OLD BUSINESS: Looking at Hooters in Bradenton to hold once a month bike night for our Manatee members as well as sports bikers. Born to Ride wants to get involved in this bike night as well.
NEW BUSINESS: Glen Luig, President AmVets 301 – Hearts to He-roes run on Saturday, June 23rd. Kickstands will be up at 10am from Bradenton Post 301, to Tampa and back.
(MOTION MADE AND APPROVED) Jim Gladstone – I know that it is hard to get volunteers so I would like to share an idea with all of you -- if a board member holds their position for the full term AND performs their position to the satisfaction of the membership during the full term, would the Chapter be willing to renew their membership at chapter cost the following year? This is $10 to the Chapter, but means a lot to the person who has sacrificed their time for the Chapter. Motion made, Seconded voted on and approved by Chapter. (Motion as follows: West Coast Chapter is willing to award each board member a one year mem-bership (non-transferable to another) for serving on the Chapter board if that member serves a full one year term and the service rendered is to the satisfaction of the members of West Coast Chapter. This satisfaction will be determined by vote of the members present at the time of award consideration, which will be after chapter elections have taken place. If the board member is a life member, it just shows they are dedicated to what they are doing and here for the long haul and right reasons. Deep-est thanks would be an award in itself. This applies starting the year of 2013 and is to follow for the life of the chapter or until a vote changing this policy would take place).
I think the new board should also consider a “Volunteer of the Year Award.” Please remember to thank your volunteers and make sure that they know they are appreciated.
Congratulations to the new Board of West Coast….
Chapter ElectionsPresident – Mike Gesell Legislative – Eric Thompson Road Captain – Bob Poneleit Vice President – Lauren Birks Membership – Beth Abrams Sports Bike Liasions: Travis Savoie & Lauren BirksSecretary – Angie Gesell Events – James Schwalbach Treasurer – Sue B. State Rep 1 – Margie GladstoneSgt of Arms – Joey Perea State Rep 2 – Mike GesellAsst. Sgt of Arms – Bob Bonella Newsletter – Joy Freeman
GOOD OF THE ORDER: Ride with Bob Poneleit after meeting if anyone interested.
Adjournment at 12:42pm
Respectfully, Margie Gladstone
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July events
WEST COASTABATE Monthly Chapter Meeting11 a.m. at Fruitville
WEST COASTABATE Board of Directors Meeting - 6 p.m.Cabana Back Deck
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
High Side/PrecisionBikE NighT6pm - 10pm
High Side/PrecisionBikE NighT6pm - 10pm
High Side/PrecisionBikE NighT6pm - 10pm
MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION/DIRECTIONSFrom I-75 – Exit Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, Turn Right On Richardson Rd., Just Ahead on Left; From U.S. 41 or 301– East on Fruitville Road, Turn Left On Richardson Rd., Ahead on Left; From University – South on Honore Ave To Richardson Rd, Turn Right, Ahead on Right. Meeting starts at 11am sharp!
HOOTERSBikE NighT
6 p.m.- 9p.m.Discounts for Riding in!
2012
High Side/PrecisionBikE NighT6pm - 10pm
ABATE of Florida, Inc.
Leadershp seminar
8:00am20390 N. US HWY 27
Clermont 34711
BlACk CrEEk CHApTErCharity Poker Run
ABATE of Florida, Inc.
GATor AllEY Chapter Preservation
Run
♦ EVENT ONLY: $10.00 per person per day or $20.00 for weekend ♦ CAMPING & EVENT: $20.00 per person per day, Call for RV pricing
♦ Gates Open at Noon on Friday Event Ends at Noon on Sunday
♦ 50/50 Drawings and Door Prizes ♦ Multiple Vendors ♦ Bike Games on Saturday ♦ Bike Show on Saturday ♦ Tattoo Contest
For More Information please contact: Wayne Cerra 239.989.3349 [email protected]
2998 N.W. HWY. 70 ARCADIA, FLORIDA 34266
ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. 10th ANNUAL FIVE STAR
JULY 27th, 28th, 29th,
2012
Celebrating 12 Years
with
FREEDOM OF CHOICE HB1911
Let those who Ride Decide
SAFETY & MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION AVAILABLE ♦ ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC., DOES NOT CONDONE DRINKING & RIDING OR DRIVING DONATIONS TO ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES.
NO FIREARMS ♦ NO ATTITUDES ♦ 9PM CURFEW FOR MINORS FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Sun Sports Cycle and Watercraft, Inc. Wittmer and Linehan Attorneys at Law
Dixie Roadhouse Orr Insurance Group - Allstate
Pirate Coast Cycle - Cape Coral Black Widow Harley Davidson - Port Charlotte
Charlotte County Custom Cycles Bikers for Christ
Harley Davidson of Fort Myers Jim Kalvin LLC, Maritime Services
27th, 28th, 29th
♦ EVENT ONLY: $10.00 per person per day or $20.00 for weekend ♦ CAMPING & EVENT: $20.00 per person per day, Call for RV pricing
♦ Gates Open at Noon on Friday Event Ends at Noon on Sunday
♦ 50/50 Drawings and Door Prizes ♦ Multiple Vendors ♦ Bike Games on Saturday ♦ Bike Show on Saturday ♦ Tattoo Contest
For More Information please contact: Wayne Cerra 239.989.3349 [email protected]
2998 N.W. HWY. 70 ARCADIA, FLORIDA 34266
ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. 10th ANNUAL FIVE STAR
JULY 27th, 28th, 29th,
2012
Celebrating 12 Years
with
FREEDOM OF CHOICE HB1911
Let those who Ride Decide
SAFETY & MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION AVAILABLE ♦ ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC., DOES NOT CONDONE DRINKING & RIDING OR DRIVING DONATIONS TO ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES.
NO FIREARMS ♦ NO ATTITUDES ♦ 9PM CURFEW FOR MINORS FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Sun Sports Cycle and Watercraft, Inc. Wittmer and Linehan Attorneys at Law
Dixie Roadhouse Orr Insurance Group - Allstate
Pirate Coast Cycle - Cape Coral Black Widow Harley Davidson - Port Charlotte
Charlotte County Custom Cycles Bikers for Christ
Harley Davidson of Fort Myers Jim Kalvin LLC, Maritime Services
10th ANNUAL
27th, 28th, 29th
CabanaBIKE NIGHT
Starts at 9 p.m.
WEST COAST ABATE
WEST COAST ABATE
HOOTERSBikE NighT
6 p.m.- 9p.m.Discounts for Riding in!
CabanaBIKE NIGHT
Starts at 9 p.m.
WEST COAST ABATE
WEST COAST ABATE
HOOTERSBikE NighT
6 p.m.- 9p.m.Discounts for Riding in!
CabanaBIKE NIGHT
Starts at 9 p.m.
WEST COAST ABATE
WEST COAST ABATE
HOOTERSBikE NighT
6 p.m.- 9p.m.Discounts for Riding in!
CabanaBIKE NIGHT
Starts at 9 p.m.
WEST COAST ABATE
WEST COAST ABATE
T-KatzBIKE NIGHTStarts at 6:30 p.m.
WEST COAST ABATE
T-KatzBIKE NIGHTStarts at 6:30 p.m.
WEST COAST ABATE
T-KatzBIKE NIGHTStarts at 6:30 p.m.
WEST COAST ABATE
High Side/PrecisionBikE NighT6pm - 10pm
It seems to be very popular the past few days to point fingers at motorcyclist and shout “If only they were forced to wear a helmet thousands of lives and billions of dollars would be saved each year”. Bolstered by a study here and a newspaper column there, many of the “I know what’s best for you” crowd will try to rally others into forcing a small minority of our society into losing what precious bit
of personal freedom we currently possess.
The eye of the recent motorcycle helmet hurricane revolves around a na-tional study that the CDC published. This report by the CDC is a tad bit misleading. While helmets do give a slight advantage of surviving head injuries, motorcyclists want to make their own decision on when to wear a helmet. And statistics support that choice.
In the 2009 NHSTA Traffic Safety Facts-Motorcycles, of the 6 states (FL, CA, TX, PA, Ohio, and NY) with the highest motorcyclist’s fatalities only two require all riders to wear helmets. However, of the six states with the lowest motorcyclist fatalities, only two require all motorcyclists to wear helmets. The actual CDC report stated “Percentages were suppressed for states with fewer than 10 fatalities involving motorcyclists who were not wearing helmets”. Using that low fatality criterion, only one state required universal helmet use. A better figure would be the fatality per motorcycle registrations. In 2002, of the six states with the lowest ratios, only Vermont required all riders to wear helmets. Using that ratio as an indicator, for over a decade, the majority of states, with the lowest fatality ratios, allowed the rider to decide when to wear a helmet.
I offer these reports from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The DHSMV gathers all traffic related crash numbers and puts out a report each year. So using the CDC’s same time frame, the DHSMV shows that motorcycle deaths in Florida actually de-creased from 532 in 2008 to 383 in 2010 (2009 had 402 deaths) about 28% decrease in deaths. But contrary to the CDC and NHTSA reports of the deaths each year, more people died wearing a safety helmet.
Year Total Deaths with helmet without helmet use not stated2008 532 292 188 522009 402 214 148 402010 383 196 141 46
* These numbers are taken directly from the DHSMV yearly Traf-fic Crash Statistics Report which can be readily found at www.flhsmv.gov/html/safety.html
The fatalities per accident ratios have been very close, with some years favoring those who do not wear helmets. For 2010 the ratios were 4.0% for those wearing helmets and 4.5% for those who were not wearing helmets. If that helmet was as effective as non-riders believe, those ratios should be very different.
The CDC article is also misleading when it states that the economic cost of the deaths and injuries are passed on to the public. Currently on the NHSTA website is a Costs of Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Crashes synopsis of other studies of medical costs between helmeted and non-helmeted motorcycle accident victims. Of Eleven studies, the differences range from almost the same to triple. The 1996 CODES Benefits of Safety Belts and Motorcycle Helmets actually had a chart between helmeted and
non-helmeted motorcycle accident victims, with or without brain injuries, and the non-helmeted group had lower medical costs. The CDC report includes projections of what would be saved both with medically and work loss productivity if motorcycle accident victim was wearing a helmet. The costs are based on unpublished (non-verifiable) NHSTA data.
The report leads you to believe that every motorcyclists is uninsured. However a report titled Motorcycle Crash Trends in Florida presented in 2010 by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at USF, shows that 91% of the 2009 Hospitalizations in Florida for Nonfatal Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Traffic Crashes had a payer source.
Some reports tout that the yearly economic impact of motorcycle crashes is $385 million. Compare it to the total annual economic cost of alcohol and drug use is $43,766,641,733 (with a B as in BILLION). That stat is from the Annual Economic Impact of Alcohol and Drug Use in Florida report dated July 20, 2009. In comparison, the economic impact of motorcycle medical cost is 0.88% of total annual cost of alcohol and drug economic cost.ABATE of Florida, Inc. is not against wearing helmets, we are for safety awareness, education of everyone on the road, and the individuals right to choose. For more information about ABATE of Florida, Inc. please visit our website www.abateflorida.com
Darrin “Scribe” Brooks, John Banta, State Legislative Trustee, Chapter Legislative, ABATE of Florida, Inc. Daytona Beach Chapter,
Legislative Report
Safety Reportwhewwwwwwwwwwww summers here..i know its hot but please remem-ber to wear proper clothing when you ride..a little sweat is better than road rash... trust i know about road rash 1st hand. also its summer tourist season here..most come from europe,so they are looking at everything but you..they are in rental cars too...yup scary.. be safe all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David Hancock
West Coast ABATE Digital NewsletterSign-up for our emailnewsletters and stay informed of the latestWest Coast ABATE news, resource information,upcoming events and otherimportant announcements.
You can email to Joy Freeman, Newsletter [email protected]
Please, include your full name and the mailing address you currently receive your newsletter at along with the e-mail address that you would like us to start sending your electronic version to.
SPORT RIDERCORNER
Riding: Coping with Mid-Corner Crisis:Perfectly executing a corner is an unmatched sensation on a sportbike. It comes down to braking with accuracy, turning into the corner with precision and applying the throttle with finesse. It requires that the rider be 100 percent focused and that the road be in near perfect condition. No rider is faultless though, and no road is seamless. It’s common to misread a corner and enter too hot or lean and find gravel or a stream of water in your path. Your reaction could be the difference between continuing on your ride safely or an accident.
Riders are most often caught off guard by decreasing-radius corners, or corners that tighten on the exit. With limited time and space, you must adjust to the corner, without panicking and running off the road or lowsiding. Racers avoid this by walking the track before riding. You don’t have that luxury when riding on public roads. It’s important to adapt your riding on new road, use caution, and a moderate pace that allows you time to adjust when the road thows you a curveball. Road signs indicate suggested speeds, and can warn of dangers ahead.
If you know ahead of time that the corner tightens up — and the bike is still straight up and down, apply the brakes generously to decrease much speed as you can. Don’t trail brake, quickly stab the brake, or hold the brake into the turn. Instead, release the brake and let the bike’s chassis settle.
If you get into a corner faster than desired, or discover too late that the corner decreases in radius, remain calm and make smooth inputs to the motorcycle. The situation can quickly turn from bad to worse if you panic; abrupt adjustment of the throttle and will upset the chassis and abrupt braking will compromise front tire grip. How you react will depend heavily on your position relative to the corner; if you have not initiated turn-in, there is more time to adjust. Roll off the throttle smoothly and lean the bike into the corner. This allows your bike’s suspension to handle the weight transfer better and keeps it settled rather than fighting the chassis.
If it’s mid-corner that you realize the turn has a decreasing radius, it’s different. Most riders panic and grab the front brake, compromising front tire grip, and a lowside is almost inevitable. A bet-ter option is to stay off the brakes and smoothly increase lean angle. Easier said than done! The important thing to remember is that modern sportbikes are capable. You may feel like you are at maximum potential, it’s likely that your bike has enough to get you through the situation. So long as you provide smooth, fluid inputs and don’t upset the chassis, your chances of making the corner are good, with one limitation being ground clearance. Know your bike and the point at which your footrests, for instance, start dragging. Tire condition and compound will also play a large role. Un-derstand your bike before you increase lean with absolute faith.
In a panic situation avoid target fixation. Remain calm and look through the corner, not at the edge of the road. The old saying rings true: “You will go where you look.”On nearly every ride, you will at some point come across a dirty section of road. To avoid need to react suddenly, increase your peripheral vision, remain concentrated not on the gravel but on the road ahead. Looking ahead and increasing your peripheral you are more likely to see the gravel or water in the road, and have time to react. Don’t hug the inside corner of hillsides, as they are more likely to be dirtier than other parts of the road.
When approaching debris don’t panic and chop the throttle or brakes. You also don’t want to cross the debris with much lean angle. To avoid this, increase your lean angle as you approach debris, this gives you additional room to spare mid-corner, pick the bike up slightly as you cross the gravel or water. If you are straight up and down, you can apply the brakes, paying attention to how much room you have on the road and making certain to release the brakes prior to crossing the debris. Never cross the double yellow line to avoid gravel or debris in the road.
Roads are never as spotless as a racetrack, and you’re not likely to remember every corner of a sec-tion of road. It’s important to always stay 100 percent focused and practice looking ahead. When the road does catch you out, remember to not panic and make fluid inputs to the bike rather than abrupt ones. It could be the difference between a safe ride and injury.
Dr. Lauren BirksWest Coast ABATE: Sportbike LiasonThis article modified from Sportrider.com
Reference: h t tp : / /www.spor t r ider.com/r id ing_t ips /146_1201_coping_wi th_mid_corner_cr i ses_r id ing_ski l l s / index .
Sarasota
BIKE NIGHTEvery THurSday NIGHT
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Bike Night ... Every ThursdayRain or shine
Supported by: ABATE of Florida Inc. WEST COAST ChAPTERSubstantial Discount Given If you Ride In
Upcoming
July 14 & July 15, 2012ABATE of Florida’s LEADERSHIP SEMINARS AND PRESIDENTS MEETING LEADERSHIP SEMINARS.
July 15th to Tims Café - ABATE Road captianI75 to ellenton N HWY 301 to SR60 head east, to bunker Hill rd turn left, right on SR674 left on SR39 right on Jaminson rd, right on Welcome rd, left on Keysville rd, tims is across the street at the caution light ( about 75 miles so come to the meeting with a tank of gas empty your bladder before we go ) after lunch will do some nice country roads to Limestone Herbs Country Club they have beer, soda, water light snacks. After that back to Sarasota.
July 27, 28 & 29, 2012 ABATE of Florida’s 5 STAR EvENT PEACE RIvER.
July 28, 2012 ABATE of Florida’s FREEDoM CHAPTER’S 8TH ANNuAL RATT RuN.
August 11, 2012ABATE of Florida’s WEST CoAST CHAPTER IS HoSTING ABATE oF FLoRIDA, INC’S STATE MEETING.
ABATE of Florida Inc and West Coast Chapter do not condone drinking and driving.
Events
www.askdimension.com
941.724-4849
Color Postcards
Brochures
Business Cards
Forms Printing
Checks
NEW Security Featured RX Forms, Authorized Dealer
Specials throughout the year!
DIMENSION
11/11
Thank YouWest Coast DonorsThe donor program helps offset the cost of produc-ing our newsletter and to cover Chapter operating expenses. $5.00 helps provide information, news, fun and legislative updates to motorcycle enthu-siasts in our community for six months. Please consider helping today.
Roberts TereDeVaney DebbieDeVaney RobynLaGasse AndiBonella CarolKennedy DanAnonymous Kennedy JohnKennedy Daniel
Hancock DaveChops Knives Berté MarkBerté DeniseKowalski AmyKirkland DarylBirks Dr. LaurenNorton SteveAustill David Dwight
Below is UPcOmiNg ReNewaLSJuNE 2012
Costello, MarkHall, James
Miller, Jon e.Valentine, Kassidi
JuLy 2012Cabo, JuanFisher, MichaelHenley, Ann
Hopewell, John tLuckerman, RonMcCarthy, Patrick
Miller, GregSalzinger, thomas W.Zunz, Camille L
SEPTEMBER 2012bertrano, Pierrebowron, Kenbrown, John A.Couch, ChristianHatch, Rodney J.Henderson, WilliamHouseknecht,Joseph
McClenathen, ChadOrum, Dennis M.Ryder, SuzieRyder, WayneSacks, AllenSpear, AnthonySumney, Mark
toms, Georgeturner, WillVaughn, JasonWoodman, PaulYantorno, MarcYoder, Clarence G.
AuguST 2012bonella, Carolbrain, Rickbrzostowski III, Dougburrage, Cheryl AnnDiaz-Saavedra, Gabe
Francel, tonyMartinez, Rudolph F.Merullo, LynnMerullo, JohnNeunder, Joseph M.
Poneleit, Valeriethompson, tammyWren, bill
Live Music
Advertising RatesAnnual Newsletter Advertising Rates (12 issues)
Size Non Member Member
Bus Card $64.20 $53.50
¼ Page $107.00 $96.30
½ Page $187.25 $176.55
Full Page $321.00 $310.30
InsertsFurnished by advertiser $37.45/issueFurnished by ABATE $53.50/issue
To advertiseJim Gladstone 941.704.4336
Live MusicSunday: Live Music & Food from Pauls Down Home With a Twist Catering 4-8 p.m.
Monday: Dart League
Tuesday: Free Pool All Day, 3 ball and Food from victories Catering
Wednesday: oPEN JAM with Bad Influence...Musicians Welcomed 7-10 p.m.
Thursday: Pool League 7 p.m.
Friday: Live Music with Puppet and Friends 7-10 p.m.
Saturday: Live Music 6-10 p.m.
Ladies Night 8-10 p.m. (Ladies Drink Free - Drafts -Wells) 5580 Swift Road, Sarasota, FL 34231 • 941-924-0200
Full Liquor BarOpen Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.
Sunday Noon
Happy Hour Prices
11 - 6monday-Friday
Motorcycle Friendly / ABATE Life Member
West Coast AbAte CHAPteR BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident Mike Gesell 356-4127 [email protected]
Vice President Dr. Lauren birks [email protected]
Road Captian bob Poneleit 809-7433 [email protected]
Secretary Angie Gesell 356-4133 [email protected]
Treasurer Sue brzostowski 705-0432 [email protected]
Membership beth Abrams 321-0581 [email protected]
Sgt. At Arms Joey Perea 448-0104 [email protected]
Asst. Sgt. At Arms bob bonella 809.0462 [email protected]
PR/Communications OPEN [email protected]
Safety Dave “chop” Hancock 462-0090 [email protected]
Events Coordinator 1 James Schwalbach [email protected]
Events Coordinator 2 Sharon Sieradzki [email protected]
State Rep. Margie Gladstone 928-3478
State Rep. Mike Gesell 356-4127 [email protected]
Legislative Rep. eric thompson 809-6680 [email protected]
Sports Bike Liasion travis Savoie 322.7233
Alternate Dr. Lauren birks 360.2428
Newsletter Editor Joy Freeman 735-9199 [email protected]
Chaplain OPEN 341-0121 [email protected]
Products OPEN [email protected]
Sue BrzostowskiTreasurer
Dr. Lauren BirksVice President
Mike Gesell President
Angie GesellSecretary
Bob BonellaAsst. Sgt. At Arms
Eric Thompson Legislative Rep.
Joy FreemanNewsletter Editor
Margie Gladstone State Rep.
Joey PereaSgt. At Arms
Bob PoneleitRoad Captian
Dave Hancock Safety
Beth Abrams Membership
James SchwalbachEvents 1
Sharon SieradzkiEvents 2
Travis Savoie Sports Bike Liasion
ProductsPR/Communications
OPEN
Ayers, AltonBertrum-Achille, Geneil C.Blackmon, EricDelVecchio, DorisEdwards, MichaelHedglin, Robert E.0Kasten-Martin, Sherry A.Kimball, TriciaKwant, JackLawson, BLayland, KarinLongbrake, RickMesser, James
Moncelli, Mark D.Myers, Daniel JosephNelson, JaniceOvadia, PatriciaPorter, VictoriaReed, Matthew AllenReynolds, CurtisRouse, MarySavoie, ThomasSchwalbach, Tracey L.Schwalbach, James R.Smith, RussVollmer, Jody
Forchetti, ErnieSieradzki, SharonRosell, SusanManos Jr., JohnSchaffter, TedHusse, RoyCoorssen, GusManzke, BruceMast, Samuel
Welcome New June Members
Governor Rick ScottThe Capitol400 South Monroe StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-0001PH: 888.352.4681
Congressional DelegationSenator Marco RubioB40A Dirksen Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510-0904PH: 202.224.3041Fax: 202.228.5171
Senator Bill NelsonUS Court House Annex111 North Adams StreetTallahassee, FL 32301PH: 850.942.8415Fax: 850.942.8450
Congressional District - 13Representative Vern Buchanan221 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515PH: 202.225.5015
State House – District 21Senator Michael S. “Mike” Bennett404 Senate Office Bldg.404 S Monroe St.Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100PH: 850.487.5078District Office:Wildewood Professional Park, Ste 90Bradenton, FL 34210PH: 941.727.6349
District 55Rep. Darryl Rouson405 House Office Building402 South Monroe StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-1300PH: (850) 488.0925District Office:6501 25th Way South, Ste DSt. Petersburg, FL 33712-5665Phone: 727.906.3200
District 67Rep. W. Greg Steube1102 The Capitol402 South Monroe StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-1300PH: 850.488.6341District Office:5800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd South, Ste 5830Sarasota, FL 34240-8479PH: 941.907.2810
District 68Rep. Jim Boyd1102 The Capitol402 South Monroe StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-1300PH: 850.488.4086District Office:717 Manatee Avenue West, Ste 100Bradenton, FL 34205-8654PH: 941.708.4968
District 69Rep. Ray Pilon1101 The Capitol402 S Monroe StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-1300PH: 850.488.7754District Office:16600 Ringling Blvd., Ste. 310-311Sarasota, FL 34236-6808PH: 941.955.8077
District 70Rep. Doug Holder204 House Office Building402 South Monroe StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-1300PH: 850.488.1171District Office:8486 S. Tamiami TrailSarasota, FL 34238-2953PH: 941.918.4028
District 71Rep. Ken Roberson212 The Capitol402 South Monroe StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-1300Phone: (850) 488.0060District Office:17825 Murdock Circle, Ste. BPort Charlotte, FL 33948-4090PH: 941.613.0914
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NEXT CHAPTER MEETINGJuly 15th, 2012
11 a.m.Fruitville Park,Sarasota, FL