Sept-Oct 2011

16 Pages·2010·7.6 MB·English

by  Paul Riess

September - October 2011
American Bikers Aiming Toward Education
RIDERS
www.abateofnorthidahobikers.org
email: [email protected]
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE September-October 2011
2 SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE
ABATE of NORTH IDAHO The purpose of the corporation is to form an educational, charitable, and political group, to provide motorcycle safety, education, freedom
STATEMENT Of PURPOSE of choice legislation and to provide a more favorable environment for motorcycle riders and the communities in which they reside.
A.B.A.T.E of North Idaho
A.B.A.T.E of North Idaho
State Information
Chapter Information
Be Informed Be Involved State Officers:
Clearwater Chapter Coordinator
PO Box 2042
Motorcyclists Rod Haux
Orofino, Idaho 83544
Mike Thacker Rights 208-699-4716
208-476-3630 Organizations [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
Meeting 1st Saturday
Deputy Coordinator
Hoodoo Chapter Paul Riess
PO Box 912 208-769-7048
Spirit Lake, Idaho 83869-0912 [email protected]
Russ Haux Know Your Rights Motorcycle Riders
208 819 2772 Protect Your Rights Foundation SecretaryTreasurer
[email protected] www.legislative.idaho.gov www.mrf.org Dave Cazel
Meeting 1st Saturday Local Rep: Dave Cazel 208-771-1774
Kootenai Chapter [email protected]
PO Box 2511
Hayden, Idaho 83835 American Motorcyclist Associationn Membership Sec
Dan Ertz www.ama-cycle.org Ernie Crocker
208-659-8499 Local Rep: Tom McLaughlin 208-691-5008
[email protected] 928-580-7957 [email protected]
Meeting 1st Thursday
Sergeant-at-arms
St. Joe Chapter
John Baker
PO Box 173
St. Maries, Idaho 83861 208-746-7866
Debby Hamburg
208-875-0831 Ambassador at Large
[email protected] National Coalition of Idaho Coalition of Tom Taylor
Meeting 1st Sunday Motorcyclist Motorcycle Safety 208-773-9512
www.idahobikerrights.com
The Hells Canyon Chapter www.aimncom.com to m a n d s u e [email protected]
PO Box 1713
Lewiston, Idaho 83501 ANI Newsletter Editor
Dave Bremenour Idaho STAR 208-769-7048
208-827-0396 Motorcycle Riders Training [email protected]
www.idahostar.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
Meeting 1st Saturday
Disclaimer:
The Eagle is a bimonthlypublication of ABATE of North Idaho. The views expressed byadvertisers, or correspondents maynot necessarilyreflect those of ABATE of North Idaho. The
content of the Eagle is based upon source material, believed to be accurate, however; no liability is assumed for accuracy or completeness.
.
All input is welcomed. Facts and statistics should include sources and references. Credit will be given to all writers. The Newsletter Editor reserves the right to edit all submissions for space,
clarity, and content. Material will be printed as space permits.
ABATEofNorthIdaho,itsofficersandstaffoftheEagleissuenowarrantyofsafetyinanyeventdescribedhereinorguaranteeanyproductorserviceadvertisedherein. Theabovenamed
parties accept no liability or responsibility for death, injury, or other losses due to participation in event, or use of advice, products or services offered or advertised in this publication.
Bi MONTHLY Advertising Ad Rates
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Number of Insertions 1X 3X 6X
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Adirect‘TARGET MARKET” of the motorcycle industry and all related subjects.
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Circulation of 2000 and growing. Direct mail to 300 ABATE members
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Throughout Northern Idaho and Northeast Washington.
Distributed and available for FREE at various locations through N.Idaho, Prices effective March -01, 2010 and subject to charge without Notice
including motorcycle dealerships and repair & accessory shops. Ad dimensions may vary, but area will be equal or greater than the areas shown above
(Please Add $3.00 if using PayPal)
All motorcycling places of interest, rallies & events.
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PO Box 2989
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ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE September-Octobert 2011 SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE 3
Are you smart enough to be
Summary Update on
cautious when you should be?
Impaired Riding
Are you concerned about the
Things that truly Matter? By Lane Triplett ICMS
Fears Can Keep You Alive In its last issue the Two Wheel Advocate/ANI
Eagle published a summary of the causes of
Consider this, are you afraidof being blow up by a
terrorist bomber when flying on a commercial fatalities in Idaho over the last two years. As it
airliner? The chances of that are just about went to press updated information regarding rider
ZERO. Forget it!
impairment was provided by the Idaho
For me, when riding, there are things 2 which
Transportation Department. Impairment includes
scare the crap out of me:
those that had levels of alcohol above the legal
a) Deer/Game darting ontothe roadway.
limit and drugs in their systems at the time of
b)A car/truck pulling out in front of me.
Five Kootenai Chapter ANI Members
death. In some cases riders that lost their lives to
What makes you pucker?
Attend Black Hills Chapter ABATE Social
Rationally, true concerns should be based upon the action of another driver were under the
Hour in Whitewood, (Sturgis)SD.
facts, ie…be cautious of the right circumstancesin influence. The summary had stated that only about
Each year, the Black Hills Chapter of ABATE of order to stay alive. 19% of Idaho’s fatal motorcycle crashes involved
South Dakota host a social hour for MROs and Inmaking some sense and useful information from
impaired riders. This number was heartening in
SMROs to meet & talk about common concerns Lane Triplett’s “Idaho Motorcycle Fatality” study
that the national average runs in the 30 percentile
and legislative issuesineach oftheirStates. (July-August 2011 Eagle, pg 7), the single,
greatest fatality group (40%) is mature riders and it was thought that we were doing much better
Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, President of the MRF, was
this year’s guest speaker. He reviewed the failing to negotiate a curve in the road. Stated in that that. This new information has revealed the
other ways, in means going too fast for a rider’s
current national issues, noting there were no ‘hot stark reality that we are not doing much better
skill, or failing to follow the road with your eyes, or,
button’ items raging in DC, right now, but intense, yes, decreased skills from maybehaving one-too- than the average. Idaho’s fatal crashes involving
low profile work remains necessary to continually
many beers. impairment for 2009 and 2010 are now at 29%.
deflect unfriendly legislationby several legislators.
Are you, generally, fearful of going too fast for your
Following the event, the truly dedicated ‘Hardtail’ own skill level and conditions? If you are not, Some of those fatal crashes involved riders that
got back on bike and rode 800 miles to Wisconsin MAYBE YOU SHOULD BE, if want to stay alive. were near or above double the legal limit and one
for work the next day. Lane Triplett’s study shows excess speed & the
over 3 times the limit. Why motorcyclists continue
lack of concern (or excess ‘machismo’) kills more
Five members of Kootenai Chapter on ANI often than anything else. to ride while impaired is unfathomable. The motor
attended the Social Hour.
skills necessary to operate a two wheeled vehicle
BELIEVE THE EVIDENCE.
"Hardtail" BE CONCERNED ABOUTTHINGSTHAT MATTER. cannot and should not be impaired at any level.
Things I learned in Sturgis
As the revision shownin a companion column, the Government uses serious injury and fatal crash
A rider and his wife where Study shows ALCOHOL involved in 29% of
statistics, regardless of the cause, to tell us that
cruising along the road on fatalities is the second largest group.
their way to Sturgis and then, more laws are needed to curtail the carnage. We
KER-SPLAT! A big bug BELIEVE THE EVIDENCE.
oppose any laws that restrict our freedoms but
splatters. They slow down & BE CONCERNED ABOUTTHINGSTHAT MATTER.
pull off the road…bug guts How about my own fears: some riders seem unwilling to take simple basic
all over his shirt.
According to the Study Deer/Game collisions steps to help our cause. As many as thirteen
“WOW! Those June bugs
ranked at 5%.,and Right-of-Way infringements riders might not have lost their livesin the last two
really hurt at 75 mph!” he
says, as he scrapes it off. ranks at 18% years if only they had not chosen to ride while
The wife says“Gee, I hadno BE FEARFUL OF THE RIGHT THINGS. legally drunk. This would represent a 21%
idea June bugs could fly 75
mph!” RIDEACCORDINGLY. decrease in fatalities. These numbers would go a
long way towards proving to law and policy
Runs and events 2011 See 'Spokanebiker.com" makers that we are addressing our problems
for additional Events ourselves without their so called help.
Sept. 3-5 Statewide Friendship Run, ICMS -Lane Triplett 208-869-5639 The ICMS implores all riders to end the all too
Sept. 10 St. Joe’s End of the Sun Run-Moose-208 245-2320 common practice of riding while impaired. The
Sept. 16-17 Good Sam Ride; [email protected] best bet is to not do it at all. If you do drink, do so
Sept 17 Code 3 Run: [email protected] or phone: [phone] responsibly and stay under the limit. Watch your
brothers and sisters for excessive impairment and
Oct . 01 Kootenai/HooDoo Road Cleanup-Ron C. 208 699-2389
be willing to say something to them about their
Oct. 02 ANI’s State Board Meeting, Pi ines RV Harvard, ID. noon- Dave C 208 771-1774
condition and their abilities to ride safely. Don’t let
Nov.05 Kootenai’s Toy Run -Dan E. 208 659-8499
them ride impaired. There are ways available to
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE September-Octobert 2011
4 SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE
Abate of North Idaho
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 10, 2011 Harvard, Idaho
The Meeting was called to order by the coordinator at 1210 hrs. A quorum was expense incurred if your newsletter is returned. Our mission is to see that our
present along with 16 member guests. The Ambassador @ Large was absent. advertisers are supported by our efforts to get the message out to the readers
of the Eagle. Additional copies of the Eagle will be given to the requesting
The secretary moved that the meeting’s agenda, as published be
chapters.
accepted. It was seconded and approved.
The secretary moved that the minutes of the prior meeting be accepted as Legislative: The is not in session in Idaho. Last session we passed the
printed in the last issue of the Eagle. It was seconded and approved. COVERED and SECURED LOADS law. It is effective 7/1/11.
Guest Speaker was Jenny Williams, Representative from American Income Our focus in the off session is profiling. This is an effort, growing in various
Life. AIL currently offers all active members of ANI in good standing a free states, to profile motorcyclists because of what they wear and that they ride.
policy of $3000 for accidental death and dismemberment coverage. These Also some states actively participating in “MOTORCYCLE ONLY” checkpoints.
benefits are cumulative and additive to other policies that maybe offered to There has been a motorcycle only checkpoint in Hayden Idaho already. These
active ANI members who are afforded this same benefit by another have been disguised as safety checks, helmet checks and for registrations and
organization. For $2 for the first year and $5 every year there after, active ANI insurance. It has proven to be, in some cases, just another way to run your
members in good standing can have $10,000 additional insurance. This is also numbers. Also NHTSA has been denied, enacted by law, the right to spend our
additive to other policies. The paperwork for such benefits will be mailed to tax dollars lobbying state governments for federal legislation. They are making
members by AIL in August along with beneficiary declarations to direct the an end run around this prohibition by having the Center for Disease Control
proceeds of the benefits, should they be issued. (CDC) lobby the states for helmet use stating it is a medical issue.
Treasurer’s Report: ANI is in much better financial condition than it was at the Safety and Education: We have been asked to get out and get involved with
beginning of the year. We had a successful Spring Opener and were able to awareness throughout the communities. Show and tell with the DVD on
add to our bank balance. The timing of the cash flow for ANI is augmented by
Awareness and driver’s ed. Clearwater has been active in Orofino and Weippe
the revenue generated by the Eagle. We were able to conduct the business of
for community awareness/ driver’s ed. with the DVD. The study done by ICMS
ANI with this cash flow.
was mentioned and it was noted that in 2009 40% of the deaths were caused
Coordinator’s report: The Spring Opener was successful. Thank yous were by rider error, riding beyond our skill level, not autos. The leading cause
extended to the S.O. committee and to Debbie and Roger Hamburg for their of death was riding off the road in a curve. The age group with the
support and effort for the Spring Opener. ABATE is a volunteer organization and greatest number fatalities were in the over 40 group.
will have it ups and downs and there are times when we struggle. There are
By-Laws: Do we need by-laws to govern the Eagle publication? No, that is why
many long term members and it’s their efforts that keep ABATE going forward.
we have a newsletter committee. Paul needs help withthe physical distribution.
We’ve got to raise the memberships in all the chapters.
Jim Ingalls volunteered to help Paul
Deputy Coordinator’s report:-none
Products: We need a ABATE State banner. We have them only for the
Secretary’s report:-none
chapters. We need to inventory the trailer. State products will are available to
Membership secretary’s Report:-ANI has 190 active members. the chapters to purchase to have them available for sale. Norm Burch moved
Chapter Reports: that Pauline Durst be put in charge of the state products. Seconded by
Mike Thacker- motion approved. American flags with ABATE Stamped on
Clearwater: The chapter has 600 Facebook friends. ICMS is favorable to
the staff might be available. Paul thought we could sell them and because
having the Friendship run in Orofino in September.
ABATE was on the flag pole, they cold be used as exchange items and thank
Hoodoo:-none
you gifts. It was asked that this be taken to the chapters for their ideas or nay
Kootenai:- The chapter is very active and is supporting events throughout the
and nays. If it is a go we will pursue an American manufacturer.
community. They acted as road captains for the Dirne medical clinic ride.
Website: The secretary is the contact person to the web master. To ease the
St Joe: -The chapter will have a meeting immediately after the BOD meeting to
flow of information to the website and to increase the flexibility of the updates,
elect new officers. St Joe is having the END of the Sun Run at Hot Springs,
the idea of an internal web master will be investigated. Go-Daddy .com is our
Montana the 2ndweek of September. St. Joe wants all chapters’ support.
domain host and they have a website construction and maintenance class
Hell’s Canyon:-They had their Soldiers’ ride the day before and raised a good available. Being able to maintain the website internally would not only save ANI
sum of money for soldiers returning from the war zone. Hell’s Canyon will be money but it would increase the timeliness and flexibility of the website changes
riding to Montana tosupport the local ABATE chapter there. and updates.
Committee Reports:
Discussion was directed toward the “old” website, pre “ABATEOFNORTH
Newsletter:The last two editions of the Eagle have cost less than the revenue IDAHOBIKERS.COM” and it was explained that the “old” web site is not under
generated by the newsletter. It was noted that all chapters have to participate our control and we have no influence over it. Dave Cazel volunteered to pursue
in the distribution of the newsletter for the benefit of our advertisers. Also all the web course this winter and see if it’s feasible. Mike Thacker moved that
members should gather ads for the Eagle. Mailing of the bulk bundles is not Dave Cazel take the $50 web course. Seconded by Ernie Crocker-motion
financially possible. Make sure your addresses are up to date because there is approved.
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE September-Octobert 2011 SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE 5
Abate of North Idaho Board of Directors Meeting Minutes (continued)
On going Business: and comments about Idaho legislation. Dave Cazel made the motion to write a
Spring Opener final report:SO Committee chairman thanked the committee check for support of the Idaho Coalition of Clubs, seconded by Rod Haux,
forall its work. The suggestions for next year are as follows. motion passed unanimously. The secretary asked for nominees to attend the
Events schedule should be published and posted. ICOC as liaison to the ANI. Catherine Salomone nominated both Ernie Crocker
and Dan Ertz. Dan declined as he is out of town and Ernie is already a member
We need the full names and contact info for the event winners.
of the COC thru his ministry, thus he declined. Paul Riess suggested Jim Ingalls,
We have to focus on trophies.
Dave Cazel made a motion that Jim Ingalls be appointed liaison to the
Chapter can have raffles along with ANI
COC, seconded by Dan Ertz, motion approved.
PA system needs to be fully explored to make announcements throughout
Open forum:
the park.
Best of the West conference in Salt Lake City. Bob and Julia Merkel and Dave
We need half passes. How do we structure them, time period, price etc.
Cazel attended the meeting from ANI. The break out sessions were really
Road signs need to be more fully investigated and local businesses asked to
informative with different sessions being attended, effective campaigning and
support us with traffic sign in front o their businesses signs.
Lobbying, getting your man elected, Working with your MRO’s and Sputnick’s”
Volunteer compensation in lieu of comp passes.
Five Steps to Freedom” video, outlining the best ways to know your legislators
Pins need to be more thoroughly thought out.
and how to get them to work for your causes. Bob Merkel recommended that all
Trash has to be addressed for the final policing of the park at the end of the
members interested in motorcycle rights watch the video. There are three bill is
next years SO.
Congress that need more push from SMRO’s HR 1449 Right to Repair
Next years committee chairperson will be appointed after the seating of the
legislation and HR 412to stop the consumer protection agency from ending the
ANI officers for 2012.
selling of motorcycles to children because of lead content, and HR 904 to stop
New Business:
motorcycle only checkpoints. Please contact your Congressmen and Senator.
Nomination of State officers:Per the by-laws the nominations were opened The subject of MRF contributions came up and attendance at the Meeting of the
andclosed at this meeting.
Minds. Paul Riess suggested rather than send a attendee to Detroit it would be a
Coordinator: Rod Haux Bob Merkel better use of our funds to give this money to the MRF rather than the airlines
Deputy Coordinator: Paul Riess and hotel. It was agreed that it would bemore effective for ANI to make a cash
Secretary: Dave Cazel contribution to the MRF in person at the Best of The West, rather than in the
Membership Secretary: Pauline Durst mail, in lieu of attendance at the 2011 Meeting of the Minds. The chapters can
raise the money, and they can make the contributions possibly in addition to
Treasurer: Dave Cazel
ANI. Mike Thacker moved that ANI reserve the expense monies saved for
Ambassador @ Large: Catherine Salomone Tom Taylor
the MRF, to be presented at the next Best of the West, seconded by
Only the contested officer positions will appear on the ballot and the uncontested
Pauline Durst, motion approved. The ANI coordinator wants to establish a
officer officers will be seated at the October meeting. Contested officer position
challenge for additional monies for the MRF and the winner to be announced
nominees must submit their statement of qualifications to the State Membership
next spring opener, one year away.
Secretary within two weeks of today’s nominations and they will be printed in the
next issue of the Eagle. The ballots will be mailed by September 1st to members Appreciation award: Beth Miller ANI charter member with #0004 membership
in good standing as of August 1st. The secretary moved that the nominations was awarded a certificate of appreciation of all her years of service and
be closed, seconded and the motion was approved.
dedication to ABATE of North Idaho. She is part of the glue that holds ANI
Future Disposition of the St Joe Chapter: At the conclusion of the BOD together.
Meeting of 7/10/11 St Joe Chapter will elect new chapter officers. The
Open Letter to the editor: a letter from a member of ANI was read to the BOD
encouragement of continuation of the St Joe chapter was supported by all
urging more cooperation within chapters and to encourage a greater emphasis
present.
on membership recruitment and involvement.
Flag Pins w/ABATE: was put on the back burner until we have a count of the
flag pins in inventory. We need more communication between the chapters and submit their ride
Idaho COC discussion: In the spring of 2011 Idaho formed its first Coalition of sanctions to stop the planning of competing rides on specific dates. We’ve got to
Clubs, a coalition of motorcycle clubs throughout Idaho. Their first meeting is support the other chapters. The ANI ride sanction forms must be submitted to
July 30thin Coeur d’Alene. SMRO’s cannot be voting members for the COC but the BOD January so we can set the event calendar for 2012 and end the
can support the COC. The liaison of the COC to SMROs has said that ASI has conflicting dates between chapters. The October meeting should be set the
sent in a contribution to the COC and that ICMS intends to support. There was mechanics to accomplish to calendar in January.
discussion as to whether ANI should support COC. The COC’s are a State’s
Discussions pertained to membership have to be renewed earlier in the year. It
organization within the framework of the National Coalition of Motorcycles
(NCOM) to provide a common effort toward motorcycle advocacy. NCOM is a needs to be renewed earlier than at the SO, the first weekend in June. The
reactive organization towards motorcycle rights and the Motorcycle Riders grace period continues to be extended. Phone calls are less expensive than the
Foundation (MRF) is a proactive organization focused on motorcycle rights. mail and the chapters should be calling their members. The members know their
These are two national organizations working for motorcycle rights from two chapter officers better than they know the state officers. It should be a chapter
different sides of legislation. The MRF works prior to the enactment of laws to function. Get those renewals.
ensure motorcycle freedoms and NCOM works to fight the laws after they are
The October State BOD meeting will be held at the Pines RV. Park at noon
enacted. The COC are the driving support for the design and encouragement of on Oct.2ndat 1200 Hrs.
the US Defenders and its calls to action. A discussion was had about the
benefits of having ANI supporting the ICOC to be able to listen to their concerns Meeting was adjourned 1635 hrs.
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE September-Octobert 2011
6 SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE
2012 ANI Officer Candidates
One ANI Officer Position will be Balloted. The contested position is ANI Coordinator
Below, are the Candidates and their qualifications:
Ballots will be mailed to members before September 15 and must be returned by mail or in person before the
Teller Committee is seated at the October 2, 2011ANI BOD meeting.
The 4 other ANI elected positions are uncontested and will be seated at the October, 2 BOD meeting as follows:
Deputy Coordinator - Paul Riess; Sec. & Treas - Dave Cazel; Membership Sec. - Pauline Durst Amb@ Lrg: Tom Taylor
ANI Coordinator - 2 Candidates

Hello, Bob Merkel here. Most of you know me as a member of the HooDoo chapter for the last 7 years. Before
HooDoo I was an ABATE member in 3 other states.I am also an AMA,American Legion,MRF, and ICMF member. I
have learned a lot at mytravels to Bestof the West conferences,I’ve been a committeechair person and worked behind
the scenes on this year ANI Spring Opener. I attend most ANI BOD meetings and have been HooDoo’s proxy rep,
voting for you on key issues.
I understand and deeply care for ANI, I am a good listener, and have good rational and Ibelieve in chapter unity. I
know all the ANI board and am friendswith all,and being retired I’m easy to get a hold of and am prompt getting back
to you. My wife Julia (Former State secretary) and I are seasoned riders and are aware of theneeds of the motorcycle
communityfighting for our freedoms.
I’m respectfully asking for your vote, a chance to continue ANI’s plight and success as freedom fighters.
Sincerely,
509-442-2487
Bob Merkel
Rod Haux ~ No Submittal ~
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ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE September-Octobert 2011 SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE 7
All Rider Motorcycle Helmet Laws
NHTSA estimates that 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a rider.36 2008 was the 11th straight year in which motorcycle
crash fatalities increased, rising to 5,290 motorcyclists killed and 96,000 injured.37 This is more than double the motorcycle fatalities in
1998 and a level not seen since 1981.38 While motorcycle fatalities finally decreased to 4,462 in 2009, that figure still represents
fatality numbers that are more than double what the death toll was in 1997, the last year in which motorcycle fatalities experienced a
decline.39 While fatality and injury rates for other types of vehicles have dropped over the years, the fatality and injury rates for
motorcycles have generally been on the rise.40
At present, motorcycles make up less than three percent of all registered vehicles and only 0.4 percent of all vehicle miles traveled, but
motorcyclists accounted for 13 percent of total traffic fatalities and 19 percent of all occupant fatalities.41 Helmets saved the lives of
1,483 motorcyclists in 2009 and 732 more in all states could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.42 NHTSA
estimates that 148,000 motorcyclists have been killed in traffic crashes since 1966.43
In the years following enactment of federal traffic safety statutes, annual motorcycle rider deaths were much lower in part because
most states had all-rider motorcycle helmet laws. Congress used the power of the sanction to require states to enact helmet use
laws.44 When the sanction was repealed by Congress, the states followed suit with more than half the states repealing their helmet
laws.45
Today, only 20 states and the District of Columbia require helmet use by all motorcycle riders. The map below indicates the status of
the law in each state. In 2007, the NTSB recommended that all states without an all-rider helmet law should adopt one.46 Research
conclusively and convincingly shows that all-rider helmet laws save lives and reduce medical costs. While helmets will not prevent
crashes from occurring, they have a significant and positive effect on preventing head and brain injuries during crashes. These are the
most life-threatening and long-term injuries as well as the most costly. In 1992, California’s all-rider helmet law took effect resulting in a
40 percent drop in its Medicaid costs and total hospital charges for medical treatment of motorcycle riders.47
RECOMMENDATION: Include a provision that requires states to adopt all-rider motorcycle helmet laws.
8 ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE September-Octobert 2011 SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE
509-217-1937
P o k e r R u n s c6ru1i0s5e rEs@ Sreolatidcreu nWnaeyr.,coSmta oter liwnwe,w I.Dcruisersosrt a2t0e8li-n7e7.3c-o47m06
CRUISERS 2011
THUNDER THURSDAY EVERY THURSDAY STARTING APRIL 28th!
Thunder Thursdays every Thursday
with Taco's & Music at 7pm
D
I
No One Under 21!
For more vendor information or any questions please contact
Sheri at 509-217-1937 or at [email protected]
Beth Miller Accepts ANI Appreciation Award
f
l
The State BOD meeting July 10th was held at Pines RV, in Harvard. This was o
W
such a nice change having it outdoors, and the attendancewas fantastic. We
had a good show of members and it was a beautiful day for the ride there and
back. Debbie and Roger were gracious hosts, as usual, and had a BBQ for us
and everything we needed, to have one of our best BODmeetings in a long
time. We allliked it so well, we are having it there again in October, which will
be nice with the firepit and all. The fall ride there will be great! I plan on getting
out the ‘apple cider’ for that one!
The BOD and members were given the facts and figures for the Spring Opener
and we are happy to know that we did really well this year. We plan to start
another Spring Opener Committee at the next meeting, so all that want to help
out and get on the committee, please show up at the next October meeting.
Itwas great to witnessANI , present an Appreciation award ( see photo) to ANI
Charter Member, Beth Miller, of Spirit lake. Beth has been with ABATE in
Idaho since it first started in 1989, and after 22 years of membership, is still
contributing to our organization, today. We had several Charter members at
the meeting. Thanks to Beth,and all of our great members, for all you do and
have done, and hope to see you at the next ANI state meeting, in Harvard!
Chatty; ANI Eagle Ad Rep/ News Letter Committee
Beth Miller
Accepts ANI
Appreciation
Award from
Rod Haux
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE September-Octobert 2011 SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE 9
A Report: Motorcyclist Hits Deer, Totals Bike, ......
Below is an email we received todayfrom Dave Melcher,a high schoolclassmateofmy wife,and lives in eastern PA. I didn't know until
recently that he is a big timem/c rider in his retirement yearsand does cross-country ridesevery year or two. This year's trip ended suddenly
when they hit a deer south of Lewiston/Clarkston area.Below is his summary of the event.
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: End of Trip Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:49:19 -0400
We saw some things on this trip that were really great – as impressive and beautiful as anything we’ve ever seen. The ride down US
93 from Chief Joseph Pass to Stanley along the Salmon River is incredibly beautiful. Then across ID 21 and the Banks-Lowman Rd
along the Payette River. Nice. Eventually into the base of Hell’s Canyon and up the 22 mile road to the northernmost dam. Just
amazing being at the bottom and looking at thetop that’s some 6,000 feet higher. Halfway turned out to be a nice little town to stay
in at the Pine Valley Lodge (pvlodge.com if you are ever in the area). Decent food across the street. Stayed in Mitchell two nights to
explore the John Day Nat’l Monument Fossil Beds, especially the Painted Hills site west of Mitchell. There are painted hills there
that equal the painted desert in AZ. Really. From Mitchell up 207, then 19 and then across 218 to Antelope. All amazing beauty and
rides. So many twisties by the end you’re begging for mercy. Up along the east of Mt Hood, then east along the WA side of the
Columbia River. Always impressive. If there was a disappointment, it was coming down the Oregon Blue Mtn Scenic Byway thru Ione,
Heppner, to Sumpter. Dense pine forests with no views. Like riding thru the forests of Maine. Sumpter was OK to stay in – nice
hotel and decent food. Then off to Joseph which was very nice. Just touristy enough to have several good restaurants and a couple
motels to choose from without being too touristy (I know Jim will disagree). And the mountains surrounding the town were all still
snow capped and very beautiful. Then up the famous OR 3 (well-deserved fame) and WA 129 toward Lewiston and looking forward to
going thru Lolo Pass. All in all, this was turning out to be one of the best trips ever.
Then we hit the deer. Just south of Clarkston, WA on 129. Gave new meaning to the words “out of nowhere”. I never saw the deer
until I hit it –never even got the brakes on. Louise never saw it at all and she sees everything back there. At first,the roads were
narrow with no shoulder at all. I recall one like that with a 65mph speed limit! I wouldn’t even go the speed limit on that road just
because of deer. We saw plenty. Whole families in fact. On the other side of things, WA 129 opens up and the woods are set back
from the road and there are alternate patches of fields. Not threatening at all. I believe there was literally this one clump of
bushes right beside the road, the deer was in there or behind there, and leaped out as we were just about to pass it. We hit him
head-on. I can say with fair certainty that our impact speed was 55mph +/- one or two. I say that because the WA limit on that
road was 55 mph and the day and scenery were so beautiful that I was happy just to take it all in and ride at the speed limit. No
traffic at all. Gorgeous. I recall seeing the deer as I hit it, I recall reaching for the brake but I’m sure I never got to it. Time of
day was about 11:00 am. Not “deer time” at all.
The short version is, we’re both fine. Louise has some nice bruises and sore ribs and took a good blow to the head –her Arai helmet
saved her from much worse. I suffered several areas of “road rash” which really isn’t. Our full-face helmets, summer mesh armored
jackets, Draggin’ jeans, Cruiserworks boots and Held & Olympia gloves all did their job. Wonderfully. I’ve got several areas of
significant abrasion which must be from the fabric next to my skin. Although my jacket was torn and shredded on the outer layer,
the inner layer was not compromised, the Kevlar in my jeans is perfect, and my t-shirt and underwear were fine. Yet I’ve got
abrasions on shoulder, elbow and rear end. I’m sure not anything like the severity of true contact with the road but still pretty
sore. Just can’t quite figure out the mechanism for how it happened. Also a torn ligament in my middle finger. Spent about three
hours in the Lewiston ER getting x-rayed and bandaged up. Louise had aCAT scan of her head and they declared her fine. X-rays of
her sore ribs (also fine) and x-rays of my shoulder that was really abraded badly – must have landed on it. No breaks there and x-
rays of the finger showed no breaks or dislocations so they’re saying the ligament is torn and put it in a splint to keep it straight
(tough to type!).
Everyone we dealt with was wonderful – you’ve got great people out there! The first guy on the scene, the EMT’s, the ambulance
driver, the hospital, everyone. The hospital even put us up in a hotel-like facility for the night that they keep for long-term visitors
caring for loved ones. Free of charge –they’ll be getting a large donation you can be sure. The WA State Trooper couldn’t have been
nicer. Came to the hospital later to visit and fill us in on the bike’s eventual location and how to retrieve our stuff, etc. The bike
went to Lewiston’s impound lot and today or tomorrow will be trucked to Spokane where Progressive Insurance has motorcycle
appraisers. I have no doubt it will be totaled. I hope it is – I certainly don’t want it “fixed”. Should have their official opinion in a
few days. Darn –only 95,000 miles and we were really looking forward to another 95,000.
We took all our belongings, tools, etc offthe bike and shipped it all home via UPS.
We booked flights for both of us out of Spokane as it was much cheaper than re-booking Louise out of Bozeman and getting a new
Bozeman ticket for me. Three flights later we’re home. All went well and we got inat midnight last night.
Probably more detail than you wanted to know but since you’re riders and active moto people, I thought you might have questions that
I might as well go ahead and answer.
Take care. I’ll keep you posted on our “recovery” (can’t be too bad –I’ve got to cut the grass today!) and the bike’s disposition.
Dave
10 ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE September-Octobert 2011 SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition ofMotorcyclists
(NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of RichardM. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-
BIKE 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visitwww.ON-A-BIKE.com.
NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
NEW HAMPSHIRE PROHIBITS MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINTS
In an unprecedented victory on the motorcyclists’ rights front, New Hampshire became the first state to bar motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints. HB
148, co-sponsored by longtime biker activist State Rep. Sherm Packard, prohibits the acceptance of federal funding for the discriminatory roadblocks.
“No law enforcement agency of the state or a political subdivision of the state may accept federal funding the purpose of which is to establish motorcycle-
only roadside checkpoints,” states the new law, which takes effect 60 days after passage.
Packard was one of the first biker-legislators in the country, and as an original member of the NCOM Legislative Task Force he literally wrote the book on
“Getting Elected To Public Office”, a pamphlet that can be ordered free of charge through the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 525-
5355 ( 8 0 0 ) 525-5355 or via the internet at www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
On the flipside, however, Virginia recently joined New York, Georgia, Utah and Maine in conducting such controversial roadblocks, with the Arlington
County Police Department setting up a motorcycle-only checkpoint on May 28th during the annual Rolling Thunder POW/MIA rally in Washington D.C.
over Memorial Day weekend.
Also, on May 16th ABATE of New York held their annual Freedom Rally/Ride to the Capitol and as participants departed in smallgroups to return home,
law enforcement units pulled over many of the riders and issued numerous citations of dubious legitimacy, primarily for helmets and exhausts.
“This ride has been held without incident for 15 years,” said Robert “Prospector” Boellner, a member of the NCOM Board of Directors representing the
New England states, adding; “It is believed that this action by New York State Police was retaliation for a class-action lawsuit filed by AIM Attorney Mitch
Proner against state police and DMV to stop the practice of motorcycle-only roadblocks.”
CONGRESS CONSIDERS ALCOHOL PROHIBITION
Recognizing that higher levels of ethanol in gasoline can cause engine damage and void warranties for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and many
other small gas-powered motors, U.S. Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has introduced H.R. 748 to prohibit the EPA from authorizing
the use of gasoline containing greater than 10% ethanol.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently approved E15, gasoline containing 15% alcohol, for use in 2001 or newer cars and light duty
trucks, though most on- or off-highway motorcycles and all ATVs are not approved for its use, and using the hotter-burning fuel could void the
manufacturer’s warranty.
Motorcyclists should be concerned about the availability of compatible fuel supplies if gas stations primarily provide E15 gasoline for the majority
of their customers, and riders are urged to contact their Congressional Representative to support H.R. 748.
MICHIGAN POISED TO REPEAL HELMET LAW
After decades of protesting Michigan’s 42-year old helmet law at rallies at the State Capitol, motorcyclists converged on the statehouse on Wednesday,
June 8 for a "Call To Victory Rally" in anticipation of a repeal bill making it to the desk of newly elected Governor Rick Snyder.
Gov. Snyder has not committed either way, but he replaced Jennifer Granholm who twice vetoed repeals that were approved by the state legislature in
2006 and 2008. It appears that lawmakers are once again poised to approve legislation that will allow freedom of choice for many of Michigan’s 241,000
motorcyclists.
The Senate Transportation Committee recently passed a repeal measure that will soon go before the full Senate, while a similar bill is pending in the
House of Representatives. The Senate bill would allow those 21 and older to ride without a helmet if they have had a motorcycle endorsement for two or
more years, or have passed a safety course. The House bill would allow those 21 and older to ride without a helmet if they have a $20,000 medical policy
in place.
Vince Consiglio, state director of ABATE of Michigan, said there are enough votes in both chambers to change the helmet law. "We're not opposed to
helmets, but it should be a choice," Consiglio says, adding that the issue ought to be the education of motorcyclists and drivers of other vehicles to avoid
collisions in the first place. ABATE pushes motorcycle training and education for riders, and awareness for those in other vehicles.
The battle over helmets has also been waged in courtrooms across the state, with A.I.M. Attorney Larry “Katman” Katkowski challenging the enforcement
of the law onbehalf of ABATE and the Michigan Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs.
PENNSYLVANIA OKAYS SUNDAY BIKE SALES
Governor Tom Corbett marked the midpoint of the 2011 legislative session in July by signing dozens of new laws, including legislation allowing
Sunday sales for motorcycle dealers.
Effective insixty days, licensed Pennsylvania motorcycle dealers will be allowed to sell, buy or trade bikes on Sunday. Current law allows the sale
of motorcycle parts and other merchandise on Sunday, but not bikes.
SB 419 is designed to give Pennsylvania dealers a level playing field with neighboring states that allow Sunday sales. Supporters have said sales
have fallen in southeast Pennsylvania stores and have grown in New Jersey and Maryland since Sunday sales began recently in those states.
FRANCE PARALYZED BY PROTESTING BIKERS
Despite pouring rain, nearly 100,000 angry motorcyclists brought every major city in France to a standstill in protest of unfair proposals including
requiring every rider to wear a fluorescent yellow high visibility vest, banning traffic filtering (lane splitting), and increasing the size of motorcycle
registration plates.
Organized by the Federation Francaise des Motards en Colere (FFMC –French Federation of Angry Bikers) through its highly efficient network of
regional and local offices, Paris alone saw more than 15,000 bikers blocking the heart of the capital, with thousands more paralyzing dozens of
cities across the country for hours with demonstrations against the French government and interior minister Claude Guéant for their anti-
motorcycle policies and proposals.