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Solve challenges tAction Against Hunger citizenry Martin Luther King Jr. Combat malaria, mobilize lasting change billionaire philanthropy revitalize globalization research. Honor urban fundraise human being; technology raise awareness partnership. Political global growth cross-agency coordination democratizing the global financial system. Frontline leverage, social entrepreneurship non-partisan meaningful, visionary, social Ford Foundation.
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Ormond Beach seeks crackdown on Outlaws club
ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA - Now that Biketoberfest is over and the bikers have left town, Ormond Beach officials hope one group never returns.
For about a year, the American Outlaws Association, also known as the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, has been operating out of a small building at 1148 U.S. 1, just outside the city limits. Ormond officials don't want them anywhere close.
City Attorney Randy Hayes took Volusia County officials to task in an email outlining violations by the group and the county's seeming unwillingness to act.
Club members declined to comment, while the owner of the building says the Outlaws have been model tenants. But Hayes said the club's presence is like a ticking bomb.
"They don't allow Johnny B. Goode to be a part of their club," he said Monday. "These are outlaws. They're bad people."
At issue is what the club does inside the facility, which is adorned with several club symbols, including a skull and pistons on the mailbox. Hayes said the club moved into the facility as a "leather shop."
Police Chief Andy Osterkamp told him and City Manager Joyce Shanahan in the email that members outside the building told him recently that they had given up on producing Outlaws merchandise because of overhead costs.
Hayes said the fact that the facility is no longer used to sell leather goods and merely a clubhouse violates the county's zoning code.
"It's clearly not a leather shop," Hayes said.
Volusia County Deputy Attorney Jamie Seaman replied in an email to Hayes that the county can't act on "hearsay" and that someone must formally testify against the group before action can be taken.
"The county is not trying to be obstructionists," she wrote. "But, just like a court, the proof must be firsthand not hearsay."
County spokesman Dave Byron added that the county is aware of Ormond Beach's concerns but so far county staff has not seen any violations.
"We are pursuing this, but at this point we don't have sufficient documentation to support the city's concerns," he said.
According to the Volusia County Property Appraiser's Office, BJL Properties Inc. owns the land and Barney's Leather Inc. operates out of the building. William and Lisa McCarthy are listed as the principal managers of BJL while William McCarthy is listed as the principal owner of Barney's.
Lisa McCarthy, a fellow biker, said Monday the motorcycle club has "gotten along with everyone."
"It's surprising," she said of Ormond Beach's concerns. "I haven't had any problem with (the club)."
Volusia County sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said no criminal complaints have been lodged regarding the location in the last year.
The Outlaws, though, have some history with local law enforcement.
In 2007, the FBI and Daytona Beach police raided the club's headquarters at 615 N. Beach St. as part of a national investigation.
In 2011, Daytona Beach police parked its mobile headquarters during biker events outside an Outlaws clubhouse on Tanglewood Street, eventually forcing them to leave town. Prior to that, local and federal authorities seized the Outlaws' then-Daytona Beach clubhouse at 9 N. Peninsula Drive and a vacant business owned by the club on Main Street.
"All of the motorcycle gangs ... they are domestic terrorist groups," Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood said.
As late as 2011, the Outlaws Motorcycle Club was identified as a gang by the National Gang Intelligence Center.
Hayes requested the county seek a cease-and-desist order against the biker club, saying the county's position undermined any meaningful enforcement of regulations. "Now pick a side," he wrote, "the safety of our residents or non-existent rights of criminals?"
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Ethanol Fuel News From the AMA
Washington, D.C.: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said that demand for ethanol-related fuel probably isn't enough to meet the requirements of federal law and changes may need to be made next year. In a regulatory announcement released Aug. 6, "EPA Finalizes Renewable Fuel Standards," the agency said that for 2014 "the ability of the market to consume ethanol in higher blends such as E85 is highly constrained as a result of infrastructure- and market-related factors. EPA does not currently foresee a scenario in which the market could consume enough ethanol sold in blends greater than E10, and/or produce sufficient volumes of non-ethanol biofuels to meet the volumes of total renewable fuel and advanced biofuel as required by statute for 2014. Therefore, EPA anticipates that in the 2014 proposed rule we will propose adjustments to the 2014 volume requirements, including the advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel categories."
The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and ATV engines caused by the inadvertent use of a new ethanol fuel blend called E15, which is 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline by volume. None of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in use is approved for E15, and its use can even void manufacturers' warranties.
Ethanol is essentially grain alcohol produced from crops that is mixed with gasoline to produce an ethanol-gasoline blend motor fuel. In October 2010, the EPA approved the use of E15 in model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). Then, in January 2011, the EPA added model year 2001-06 light-duty vehicles to the approved list. No motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles are approved for E15 use.
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Suing The Bastards
Suing The Bastards
from agingebel.com There were setbacks in two biker civil rights suits last week. Both cases are being contested in federal court. One case is being heard in New Jersey and the other in Nevada. Both cases are still alive and may eventually discourage the common police practice of harassing bikers wearing colors on public roads. The New Jersey case is titled James Coles et al. v. Nicholas Carlini et al. The Nevada case is titled Southern Nevada Confederation of Clubs, Inc. et al. v. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department et al.New Jersey Suit
The Coles case was filed by three men named James Coles, Joseph Ballinger and Louis C. Degailler in November 2010. All three are now members of the Pagans. The three were part of a small pack including members of the Tribe Motorcycle Club which was stopped by New Jersey State Police while going to a charity event. The Trooper in charge was Nicholas Carlini and the stop was obviously made in order to harass and intimidate the six men as a form of extra-judicial punishment for belonging to motorcycle clubs and wearing insignia of membership on their backs. Carlini lectured his detainees that the only gang allowed on New Jersey’s roads was the State Police.Dueling Countermotions
Last February both sides in the slow-moving case asked Judge Jerome B. Simandle to issue summary judgments. Coles, Joseph Ballinger and Degailler sought summary judgment only on the question of whether “the first amendment was violated by the defendant State Troopers in the course of their ‘anti-colors’ speech delivered during plaintiffs’ custodial detention at roadside.” They didn’t seek a judgment on “whether the stop itself was pretextual and initiated in retaliation for Plaintiffs’ alleged expressive conduct.” The State Police sought a summary judgment of the entire case in their favor on three grounds: “(1) Defendants are entitled to qualified immunity, (2) no violation of the First Amendment occurred, and (3) Plaintiffs Coles and Ballinger are judicially estopped from asserting claims for damages because they failed to disclose their potential claims when each was going through bankruptcy.” The court listened to the lawyers argue about all this on July 7 and ruled against everybody on July 22.Core Issues Unchanged
First the judge ruled that since none of the men actually removed his club insignia Trooper Carlini’s bullying speech was simply an “attempt” to deprive the bikers of their free speech rights. He did not rule on the issue of whether the stop itself was intended to deprive the men of their Constitutional rights. The State Police had asked that Coles and Ballinger be denied any monetary judgment in the case because they had neglected to list a judgment in the case as a potential asset when both declared bankruptcy. The bankruptcies were filed well before this civil suit but were in their final stages after the suit was filed. Most case law indicates that whether the men could be compensated or not was almost entirely at the judge’s discretion. He ruled against Coles and Ballinger because he thought they acted in “bad faith.” Simandle put it like this: “On the judicial estoppel issue, the key question for the Court is whether bad faith may be inferred from Coles’s and Ballinger’s nondisclosure of this litigation as a contingent asset in their bankruptcy proceedings, while simultaneously pursuing the present claims for damages. Because the Court finds that bad faith may be inferred in this case, the Court will grant Defendants’ motion for partial summary judgment, prohibiting Coles and Ballinger from seeking compensatory or punitive damages.” However the third plaintiff, Degailler, can still be awarded monetary damages if the suit is successful. All three plaintiffs can still obtain what is called “injunctive relief” if they win the suit – which means that Simandle will order the New Jersey State Police not to do it again.Nevada Case
The key issue in the Nevada case was whether the Confederation of Clubs had legal standing to sue Vegas Metro and the other defendants including former Boulder City Police Chief Thomas Finn. Last Friday Judge Andrew P. Gordon ruled the COC does not. He instructed the Plaintiff’s lawyer in the case. Stephen Stubbs, to modify and refile the suit by the end of next month and he basically told Stubbs how to do it. The judge wants to see the plaintiff’s sorted by club. At the end of his ruling he wrote: “At the July 24, 2013 hearing on the motion to sever, Plaintiffs requested that the court allow the cases to be refiled and grouped by each motorcycle club, such that each club and its related members may file a single complaint (e.g., allowing all Mongols incidents to be contained in one lawsuit, all Stray Cats incidents in another). Based on the allegations presently before the court, the cases may be grouped together as follows: all Mongols incidents may be joined in the present lawsuit (involving Espinoza’s First, Second, and Third Claims for Relief), along with the Jerald Murillo incident; all Stray Cats incidents may be joined in one complaint; all Bandidos incidents may be joined in one complaint along with the Down and Dirty Motorcycle Club incident; the Joseph Pitka incident must be filed in a separate complaint unless Plaintiffs can establish that it should be properly joined with another lawsuit. Each such complaint must be sufficiently pled to satisfy both the joinder requirements ofRule 20 discussed above, and the standing requirements for each plaintiff (including individuals and motorcycle clubs) to maintain the claims. The court does not opine at this time whether the motorcycle clubs can satisfy the standing requirements of Federal Rule ofCivil Procedure 17(b)(3) and any other applicable law. “Plaintiffs are granted leave to amend the present Amended Complaint (as described above) by August 30, 2013. Similarly, the new and separate lawsuits must be filed by August 30,2013, and will be assigned new case numbers. The court further orders that each of the cases will be consolidated before this court for purposes of discovery. Thus, Plaintiffs shall note in the caption of each complaint that any new case filed as a result of this order is related to this base case, and should be assigned to the same judges. The parties to each of the severed actions are required to pay a filing fee.”Stubbs Comments
When reached for comment, Stubbs said “What has happened is that Federal Court Judge Andrew Gordon granted me a ‘do over’ with some guidance.” “Judge Gordon specifically states that all claims for relief are to be grouped by club, dismisses all claims but the Mongols claims, grants me leave to amend the Mongols claims to repair any defects, and then instructs me to file new and separate claims for the other clubs.” Both suits are ongoing and should remain so for at least another year.
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The Black Box Privacy Protection Act.
On June 18, U.S. Reps. Mike Capuano (D-Mass.) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) introduced H.R. 2414, the Black Box Privacy Protection Act.
The bill will protect motorcyclists’ rights by requiring manufacturers to prominently disclose to consumers if an event data recorder (commonly known as a black box) is installed on their motorcycle, the data collection capabilities of such a device, and how such data may be used. The bill clarifies that the owner of the motorcycle owns the data and it may not be accessed without the permission of the owner. Furthermore, this bill requires that manufacturers provide consumers with the option of controlling the recording function in automobiles or motorcycles manufactured in the future that are equipped with black boxes.
In other words, consumers would have the ability to turn the black box on or off.
Currently, no federal law exists that clarifies the rights of vehicle owners to ownership of the recorded data.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking requiring black boxes in all cars manufactured after Sept. 1, 2014. The NHTSA already has disclosure requirements, but the Black Box Privacy Protection Act would make the disclosure more prominent and give consumers even greater choice and privacy protections.
The American Motorcyclist Association protects motorcyclists’ freedom to ride and we support this bipartisan bill. If you are concerned that your insurer will selectively use data from a black box recorder to increase your rates, or that recorded data may be used to target you in a civil or criminal proceeding, then you—the motorcyclist—should urge your representative to support the Black Box Privacy Protection Act.
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Pro-ethanol group says no E15 misfueling concern
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On June 18, boosters of the untested E15 fuel blend (15 percent ethanol by volume) issued a statement saying there is no need for misfueling concerns for motorcycles as E15 becomes available to the public. It specifically cited the American Motorcyclist Association, in part, for delaying the availability of E15 in a press conference call.
The group insisted that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “has seen to it that E15 is clearly labeled at fueling stations.” Additionally, the group released an E15 fact sheet for motorcyclists. The fact sheet stated that E15 is illegal to put into a motorcycle engine.
Telling motorcyclists that E15 use is illegal completely misses the point, because motorcyclists don't want to use it for any reason unless independent testing confirms it is safe. One of the AMA’s concerns has always been that riders might unintentionally put E15 in their fuel tanks, due to confusing implementation of the EPA Misfueling Mitigation Plan.
So now, besides having serious concerns with the potential harmful effects of unsafe fuel and inadvertent misfueling, AMA members and the motorcycling community have to worry about the consequences of breaking a federal law.
The AMA is troubled by the EPA plan for retailers to avoid inadvertent misfueling by consumers because the plan does not provide clarity to AMA members and the public. For example, it calls for yet another label on a blender pump that already has many labels. The plan does not require any physical barriers in the fueling nozzle/receptacle, as was provided when the nation transitioned from leaded to unleaded fuel. Finally, the plan calls for a single, separate E10/E0 fuel pump when E15 will be sold through a blender pump and signage directing consumers to an E10-or-lower fuel pump.
In addition to our concerns with the EPA Misfueling Mitigation Plan, we question if every retailer selling E15 will abide by its requirements. If a retailer does not clearly label E15, a motorcyclist may inadvertently receive it, believing it is an E10 or E0 blend. If a retailer does not separate E10 from E15 in a blender pump, a motorcyclist selecting E10 can inadvertently receive up to a quart of E15 fuel leftover in the pump hose. Or if a retailer offers only a single pump with E10/E0, what options are left when the pump runs out of what is likely to be the most popular fuel offered at that station?
Get the facts on this important issue with the AMA’s E15 and Motorcycles-a Q&A.
Are you concerned enough to act? Take the AMA E15 Challenge. What is the E15 Challenge?
The AMA wants to achieve 15,000 (in total) actions. Currently, we are at several thousand actions. You can:
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I just can’t stay home!
The life of a biker goddess… Ah yes – the roar of the motorcycle engine, mapping out the perfect destination, and praying to God that some asshat doesn’t decide to run me off the road!
I could stay home and spend hours polishing and waxing on my bike, but that’s just too boring. I want to see something, I want to experience the little secrets Mother Nature has tucked away, and I want to meet new people! I was put here on this earth to experience all life can give me!
I have been a busy little biker babe! I’ve attended numerous biker events, took a trip up to Georgia to attend the Shrimp Festival, parlayed my way back into Florida to complete some work projects, then back on the road again to Alabama! For some reason, I believe Willy Nelson wrote, “On The Road Again” just for me. Well, it seems that way every time I head out of my driveway!
Let’s talk about the roads in Georgia! Georgia has some amazing roads for the adventurous motorcyclist. There are some hidden back roads that you can ride for MILES without much traffic or human wildlife. The four-legged animals peek out once in a while and you do need to be careful not to run them over! As for the human wildlife, they are in a class of their own. I don’t’ mind running them over if they get in my way. I love Georgia!
There is one little road in Georgia I fell in love with; Route 40. It takes you out in the country away from the traffic and people. From St. Marys, Georgia, I head out on this scenic highway then venture off on 1/23. It depends on my mood, but I love the water and tend to make my way to areas where there are lakes, tributaries, and ocean. St. Marys is a WONDEROUS place to ride!
Ahh… Alabama or as I like to say – ALA-FREAKIN-BAMA. I LOVE this state! Living in Florida doesn’t really give me the challenges of hills, curves, and beautiful back roads. Yeah, I have some amazing back roads, but they are generally flat and non-descript. Don’t get me wrong; I love my Sunshine State! But when Rand McNally is inviting me to go play, I’m going to go! Route 231 is, by far, one of my most favorite roads in Alabama! It’s twisty, beautiful, scenic, fun, and relaxing to ride! Have you ever taken this route? If not, put it on your “Bike It” List!
I’m totally old skool when it comes to mapping out a destination. I have gone on the Internet and gotten some directions via Google Maps or Mapquest. Most of the time, these inanimate websites send me to boring oblivion. I’m better than that. So instead, Mr. Rand and I spend hours together looking at places that are much more fun to visit and experience.
You won’t see a GPS on my motorcycle! Oh, hell no! Instead, I use small, little colored index cards, written in pencil, and taped to my gas tank. This has been MY form of a GPS for years and it works! In fact, I’ve changed the normal GPS acronym of Global Positioning Satellite System to: Great Places to See. It’s Catnip Cougar’s GPS acronym and I hold all rights to it!
With my awesome stereo system blaring Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Freebird (my favorite part is when Allen Collins takes over lead guitar from Gary Rossington’s intro slide) I know that my groove is on and the roads are screaming for me to visit! How can I go wrong when my stereo system is filled with MY music and no commercials! Yes, Catnip Cougar has her own radio station; Catnip Cougar’s Commercial-Free Consortium. With my I-Pod shuffle, it’s loaded down with artists such as Eric Clapton, Rush, Earth, Wind, and, Fire, and the Bar Kays. Yeah, you may say that I have an eclectic and implicit taste for many forms of music. My music has to attach itself to my soul. It needs to reach down and pull up the inner musical aficionada. And that it does!
As you all know, meeting new people is my lot in life. I picked that straw and I hold dear to me the fact that it is my calling in life! When I stop to fill up my gas tank or grab a snack for the road, I always talk with the locals. Most people are extremely polite and nice. Once in awhile I get a moon-faced goon that just crawled out from under the septic tank lid (yes… the smell is there with him as well) and I usually smile at him thanking God I don’t have to kiss him or do his laundry. A smile goes a long way. For some they know you’re sincere. For others I make it a point to smile ‘that’ smile where they have absolutely no idea what I’m thinking.
One gentleman, in particular, was a delight to meet! He was an older man with a sparkle in his eye. He came over to me while I was enjoying some ice cream and serious people watching. He broke my visual observations when he sat down next to me at the picnic table and started to share with me his days as a flat track racer. He shared with me his joys in racing, competing, and looking forward to the weekends. This was the type of conversation where you don’t interject comments; you listen and learn. These older motorcyclists are gems in the rough. There aren’t many of them left on this earth so it’s important to give them the 15 minutes of fame they deserve. He asked where I was from and if I was afraid to ride alone. I shared with him my philosophy of riding motorcycles and human nature – they go hand in hand in many respects. We said our goodbyes and off we went in separate directions and separate, different, vehicles. This is why I ride and why I love my life!
Well, it’s time for me to start planning another road trip. Mr. Rand is showing me some fun places up north that I need to visit. Maybe I’ll go out and throw another layer of wax on my bike, Nunya. She deserves lots of tender loving care since she always has my back and takes care of me while out on the road.
Wait! What is this I hear? Allen Collins is calling me! God rest his beautiful soul! The Freebird is ready to fly again!
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Catnip's Corner
Support federal legislation to prohibit the funding of discriminatory motorcycle-only checkpoints
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On May 7, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) introduced H.R. 1861, the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act. The bill will protect motorcyclists’ rights and promote crash prevention as the most effective use of taxpayer money to save motorcyclists’ lives.
The bill incorporates Sensenbrenner’s legislation (H.R. 904) introduced in the previous Congress. H.R. 904 would prohibit the U.S. Department of Transportation from providing funds to state and local authorities for the purpose of creating motorcycle-only checkpoints.
However, this bill also contains language to force the DOT to focus motorcycle safety efforts on crash prevention programs.
The Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act amends Section 153 of Title 23, United States Code, by removing “motorcycle helmets.” This change will prohibit the DOT from providing grants to states to enforce helmet laws. It will also prohibit the DOT from interfering in state matters with federal funds.
For many years, the American Motorcyclist Association has strongly encouraged the voluntary use by adult riders of helmets certified by their manufacturers to meet the DOT standard as part of a comprehensive motorcycle safety program to help reduce injuries and fatalities in the event of a motorcycle crash.
However, helmet mandates do not prevent crashes. The AMA believes that comprehensive motorcycle safety programs must promote strategies to prevent motorcycle crashes in the first place.
Current law states highway safety plans must prevent crashes and reduce injuries. The Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act would require highway safety plans to include programs that “prevent accidents in order to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from accidents involving motor vehicles and motorcycles” by amending Section 402 of Title 23, United States Code.
Historically, the enforcement of helmet mandates has siphoned away scarce funds from effective crash prevention programs such as rider education and motorist awareness.
This bill is critical to ending the discriminatory practice of MOCs and preventing motorcycle crashes. The motorcycling community needs you to contact your representative now to ask him or her to become a cosponsor. Just follow the "Take Action" option to send a pre-written email directly to your representative.
To view the AMA's efforts to end motorcycle-only checkpoints, go to http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/motorcycleonlycheckpoints.aspx.
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AMA Brings Attention For Need Of Testing Of E15
On Wednesday, June 19, the American Motorcyclist Association will host a lobby day – “Fuel For Thought” -- in Washington, D.C., to bring attention to the need for additional testing of E15 fuel (gasoline containing up to 15 percent ethanol by volume). All motorcyclists and those who are concerned about the possible effects of E15 gasoline are invited to attend!
Currently, E15 is not approved for use in any motorcycles or ATVs. But the possibility for misfueling is real.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of E15 for 2001-and-newer light-duty vehicles, which includes cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles. However, motorcycles and ATVs are not on the approved list. While the EPA contends that the fuel is safe to use for certain other vehicles, misfueling of motorcycles and ATVs is a significant concern.
To increase awareness of the E15 issue to members of Congress, the AMA will host a motorcyclist lobby day on Capitol Hill on June 19. The program will begin with a motorcycle ride, followed by a rally and will culminate in a lobbying effort with participants visiting their congressional delegations’ offices. Motorcycle riding participants will have first priority to receive a gift bag and a fuel gift card.
The decision by the EPA to allow E15 in the marketplace comes after only one test – a test that did not include any motorcycles or ATVs. E15 has reportedly been found to cause accelerated corrosion of fuel pump parts, plugged filters, decrease in fuel efficiency and damage to emissions control systems.
Auto manufacturers such as Honda, BMW and 10 others responded to an inquiry from U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner. Their responses state that many warranties will be voided if E15 is used in their products. This will affect millions of consumers nationwide as they purchase fuel for their motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats and lawn equipment.
The AMA is calling for an independent test by the National Academy of Sciences on the effects of E15 on engines, including those of motorcycles and ATVs.
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Ethanol repeal passes Florida Senate
The Florida Senate passed SB 320 sponsored by Senator Evers. This language is equivalent to the House bill that was passed two weeks ago and repeals the ethanol mandate in the state of Florida. This legislation will now be sent to Governor Rick Scott. Following two years of fighting for this repeal, there is only one step is left before it will officially become law.
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The Biker’s Vest
A few years ago, I read in a biker book an interesting take on bikers that wear vests. The writer of this book said, basically, that a vest was something a biker didn’t need to have. It had no real function. It offered no protection and didn't keep you warm. To him, a vest was nothing more than a shelf to hang your pins and patches.
I absolutely, totally, disagree with this guy. What a horrible message to send to those of us that are proud to wear our vests! I’m sure this guy got up on the wrong side of his Yogi Bear sleeping bag when he wrote that paragraph in his book with his crayons and finger-paints. He probably got kicked out of some riding clubs and/or was not allowed to prospect with a true motorcycle club. So, to him, he needs to whine like a baby girl who didn’t get the Barbie doll for a birthday present! He needs a good bitch slappin’ and a major reality check!
To me, a vest on a biker defines who they are! When I get the opportunity to meet new bikers when out on the road, I pretty much have them figured out within a few minutes by seeing what they have on their vests. To me, it’s such an amazing way to strike up good biker-related conversations! I absolutely love this time in my life; to meet a new biker friend!
Patches, pins, and mementos define a biker. To me the biker’s vest is a badge of honor. It is a large, “Hi, My Name Is…” where they don’t have to have a name unless it’s a cool road name like, Splat, Roadkill, Sweet Tea, and Snaggle Tooth. (And I have totally met these aforementioned people!). Interestingly enough, these folks prefer to be called by their road name. And I love it that they don’t fold under society pressure to be correct by always giving their birth name when introductions are made!
I love to see what patches are on a biker’s vest. It’s amazing to witness an in-depth knowledge of an individual when you’ve never met them before! You can pretty much sum the situation up if you’re meeting a military person – there are all kinds of pins and patches defining their loyalty to one military branch, lots of in memory patches for fallen brothers or sisters, and the occasional patch that conveys an immediate dislike for our government.
Then there are those that have some patches that define what they like in life, those friends that they have lost, and milestones they have accomplished! There are young biker children that wear biker vests and have adapted to this wonderful lifestyles! Little American Flags, Future Biker, Grandpa’s Passenger, and more patches make up the tapestry of their first leather or denim vest! How cool it is that they have parents and grandparents that encourage and support their love of the motorcycling lifestyle at such a young age!
The lady bikers out there are just as proud as our male counterparts. Their vests define the love of riding in the wind, riding their own bike, and the like. There are even some patches that proclaim their independence – something that wasn’t heard of when I started riding 30+ years ago! There’s also the patches that define she is a grandmother, a mother, a cancer survivor, and those that support the various club and organizations that their guys ride with.
Then there are the riding clubs. They all have the patches of their riding club with some sprinkling of pins of places they’ve ridden or events they have attended. They are generally a fun group of people that are always happy to be at biker parties and events. They come together en masse and always make a grand entrance. It’s such a positive note and one that I always look for.
The other vests I see are the motorcycle clubs. Generally, they are black leather with their three piece patch, MC cube, and the occasional 1% diamond. Many of these people are some of the nicest, kindest, and most honest people I have ever met in my life! Their vest, or cut, means the world to them. You will never, ever, ever see their cut lying on the back of a chair or on top of a picnic table. They earned the right to wear that cut and will defend its honor forever. Their Brothers or Sisters will defend the honor of that vest AND the person that wears it.
All in all, I have to say that I love it that bikers wear vests. It defines who the biker is. Trying to belittle the fact that bikers wear vests makes my head spin. When I read crap like that it told me right then and there that this idiot doesn’t understand this awesome badge of honor that means the world to the biker wearing it. The vest defines the biker. The biker defines the vest. They go hand in hand and cannot be one without the other.
Looking forward to seeing you on the road!
Much love and hugs to you!
Catnip Cougar
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Catnip's Corner
Bill introduced to limit ethanol blend to 10 percent
| Urge your senators to support today! | |
| On Feb. 14, U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and David Vitter (R-La.) introduced S. 344. The bill would overturn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency waivers that allowed gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15) to be used for many passenger cars and light trucks. “EPA’s flawed waivers allowing E15 amount to government bureaucrats issuing short-sighted regulations that negatively impact families and businesses across the country,” said Wicker, a member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. “The concerns surrounding E15 that existed prior to the waivers have increased instead of diminishing.” “Whether you drive a car, truck, boat, or tractor, misfueling with E15 could result in engine failure, increased emissions, and the voiding of warranty coverage,” said Vitter. “It is irresponsible for EPA to allow E15 without sufficient testing and technical analysis. I support an all-inclusive energy strategy, but experimenting before understanding the consequences and potential cost of using E15 is unfair to consumers.” The American Motorcyclist Association has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15 when the new fuel becomes widely available, and has asked that motorcycles and ATVs be part of any scientific study into the effects of E15. The new E15 gasoline formulation may appear at a fueling station near you and you need to be careful where you use this new fuel blend. That is because the EPA, in October 2010, approved E15 for use in model year 2007 and newer light duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, it added model year 2001-2006 light duty vehicles to the approved list. No motorcycles or ATVs are currently on the list. Since the approved list includes many light-duty vehicles in use today, refineries, distributors, and fueling stations may choose to offer primarily E15 gasoline because of this action by the EPA. This should concern all motorcyclists and off-highway enthusiasts since this may affect the availability of gasoline with less or no ethanol (E10 or E0). We need your help to pass S. 344. You can send a prewritten email to your senators immediately by following the "Take Action" option and entering your information. The AMA encourages riders to personalize their message by drawing on their own personal riding experiences. Send a message to your federal lawmakers immediately, urging your senators to support S. 344 and to back an independent study to determine whether E15 is safe for motorcycle and ATV engines. | |
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Product Review: Bootywax Booty Shine, Liquid Performance Metal Polish, Bootywax Purple Glaze.
Owning a motorcycle has so many positive attributes! However, the one thing I don’t really care for is cleaning it all the time. I own two bikes; a 2006 Fat Boy with huge apes, a throaty bellow that announces her arrival and departure, and a stunning pearl white paint job. Her name is Argo. My other bike, appropriately named Nunya, is a black Kawasaki Vaquero 1700. Living in Florida affords me to ride motorcycles everyday – even if it’s raining. Yeah, I’m a biker and I ride! Raindrops, wind, and black night of darkness notwithstanding.
I have purchased enough cleaning products over my 30+ years on the road where I could buy a truck load of chrome for BOTH Nunya and Argo, throwing in a new pull-behind trailer for Nunya for the immense amount of overstock! It’s the same old story when it comes to reading the ‘wonderful attributes’ of one cleaning product over another. As the old saying goes, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Well, you certainly can’t judge a good cleaning product by its label. You have to use it and see how it stands the test of time.
Thankfully, being on the road gives me lots of opportunities to attend various biker events and rallies. I have been so fortunate to meet someone that knows her cleaning products inside and out! My good friend and fellow biker, Shelley, owns and operates Detailer’s Dream Supply. Shelley hooked me up with some amazing cleaning products for my motorcycles that she asked me to do some product reviews on.
When it comes to cleaning products, Shelley knows her stuff inside and out! She refuses to sell anything that does not provide top-notch quality and long-term sturdiness. She spends time talking with manufacturing companies that make and produce cleaning products – for all vehicles! She does her research and completes her own product reviews BEFORE she decides to put these products in her inventory.
I was excited to get my hands on these cleaning products and see how they fared on my motorcycles. I decided to let Nunya be the first recipient of my cleaning affection. After giving her a loving bubble bath, I dried her off and started my detailing day using the products that I got from Shelley. For my chrome, I used Liquid Performance Metal Polish. It is a great product that went on easily. I was a bit worried wondering if I would have to take a chisel (or in some instances a jack hammer) to remove it like some chrome cleaning products I’ve used in the past. I was happily surprised to be able to take one of my new cleaning cloths (Shelley sells these cloths, too!) and wipe off the chrome cleaner with ease like I would be dusting a table. The result of using this chrome cleaner on Nunya’s huge chrome pipes and engine guards was amazing! The reflection of the Florida sunlight actually blinded me. Even when I went to pick Nunya up the day she came home with me, her chrome didn’t shine as much as it did after using Liquid Performance Metal Polish! This chrome cleaner was definitely a keeper! Thankfully, the thought of having to get my chisel and jack hammer out diminished quickly – very quickly!
Next was to decide what wax I was going to use on Nunya. I decided to go with another product Shelley gave me called, Bootywax Purple Glaze. This is a pretty cool item. It’s a polish, wax, and glaze in one bottle. Shelley told me that it gently removes oxidation and fine scratches. This item repels bugs which is a big plus for me because in Florida we have Love Bugs. Love Bugs come twice a year and they are nasty! They are bugs that seem to be copulating the day they are born; hence the name Love Bugs. During Love Bug season, you can’t help but ride into swarms of these rotten, good-for-nothing vermin. Everything within 10 feet of you and your motorcycle gets splattered. It’s horrible to get home and see your beautiful motorcycle splattered by Love Bug goo! Shelley also told me that you can put the Purple Glaze on your windshields, too. It’s great water repellant.
As I went to get another cleaning cloth, trepidation came over me wondering if the chisel had to come out to remove the Purple Glaze. I started on one area of Nunya’s fairing and was so happy to see this stuff came off EASY! I knew that my shoulders and arms were going to get a waxing detail workout reprieve! And I’m sure some of you reading this product review understand exactly what I mean by that!
It took me a good hour to fully clean Nunya from fairing to tires. Wow! Was I ever impressed with this outcome! She was beautiful and I couldn’t wait to get her out on the road and show her off!
It was time to give Argo a bubble bath. I’m sure as she sat there in the car port watching all this “beauty shop” going on with Nunya, she was wondering when her time was coming! After her bubble bath, I wiped her down and proceeded to clean her chrome with the Liquid Performance Chrome Cleaner. Argo has a bit more chrome than Nunya; her chrome ape hangers, chrome mirrors, chrome pipes, and various in sundry pieces of chrome here and there on her athletic body all got the loving attention this cleaner was able to provide. Again, the end result on Argo’s chrome was just stunning!
Shelley gave me another wax product called, Booty Shine Hazing White Spray Wax. This is a pump spray that goes on very nicely. All I had to do was spray this on the parts of Argo that I wanted to wax; it wasn’t much – just her tank and fenders. As the wax started to dry, I got my anti-static cleaning cloth and proceeded to take this haze off her pearl white skin. Again, another amazing sight to behold! I wiped this off with ease and simplicity! I just LOVE this product! Sometimes I wonder if the reason people don’t wax their bike is because they need to work out, building up upper body strength and muscle mass – for at least six months prior to waxing their bikes – just so they can get the product OFF! I know! I’ve been there!
Please feel free to call my good friend, Shelley, and tell her you read my review about her Bootywax products and that you want to try them out as well! Her prices are totally in-line with other cleaning products; $12 each for the Liquid Performance Chrome Cleaner, Purple Glaze, and Booty Shine. Oh, and don’t forget the great anti-static cleaning cloths, too! You get 24 of these huge cloths for only $15! She even has a great power cone that you can put on your cordless power drill for a more defined chrome cleaning experience. This Power Cone is made by Mothers. Also, if you have questions about any of her cleaning and detailing products, ask her! She’s one of the best in the business and knows her stuff!
I look forward to seeing your clean bike after you use these products! Send me some pictures at Content@KrazyBikerKatz.com and I will post them for all to see!
Thank you, Shelley! You have some amazing products that I am now destined to use as long as they keep making them! Argo and Nunya are stunning and beautiful thanks to these great cleaning and detailing products. Now, it’s time to ride!
Toll Free: Detailer’s Dream Supply (888) 640-4337
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Catnip's Corner
Four-gallon minimum fuel mandate: EPA fails to meet deadline in response to congressional letter seeking answers
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Four-gallon minimum fuel mandate: EPA fails to meet deadline in response to congressional letter seeking answers |
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| Please urge the EPA to respond! | |
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On Sept. 10, the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space and Technology sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency addressed to Administrator Lisa Jackson. The congressional letter is seeking answers from the EPA on its recent decision to mandate consumers purchase at least four gallons of fuel from certain blender pumps that dispense both E15 and E10 gasoline-ethanol blends. To date, no manufacturer has introduced a mass production motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle designed to operate on E15 fuel.
The letter had a Sept. 24 deadline to respond. To date, the EPA has not responded to the congressional letter.
As the American Motorcyclist Association previously reported, the EPA revealed the requirement to the AMA in a letter dated Aug. 1, responding to AMA concerns that E15 -- a gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume – could be put in motorcycle and ATV fuel tanks inadvertently when consumers use blender pumps. A blender pump dispenses different fuel blends through the same hose.
“With E15 gasoline, our members who make a concerted effort to fuel their motorcycles or ATVs with E10-or-less gasoline may be unknowingly refueling with residual fuel left in the hose,” Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, wrote in a June 20 letter to Jackson.
“Unlike an automobile or SUV with a large fuel tank, the residual fuel left in a fueling hose could be detrimental to the performance of motorcycle or ATV engines due to the small size of their fuel tanks and the higher concentration of ethanol that would, therefore, be present in the fuel,” Allard wrote.
“In addition, the use of E15 will lower fuel efficiency and possibly cause premature engine failure,” he wrote. “Use of E15 fuel voids many manufacturer warranties. In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users.”
Byron Bunker of the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory responded to the AMA on behalf of Jackson.
“EPA requires that retail stations that own or operate blender pumps either dispense E15 from a dedicated hose and nozzle if able or, in the case of E15 and E10 being dispensed from the same hose, require that at least four gallons of fuel be purchased to prevent vehicles and engines with smaller fuel tanks from being exposed to gasoline-ethanol blended fuels containing greater than 10 volume percent ethanol,” Bunker wrote.
“Additionally, EPA is requiring that retail stations that offer E10 and E15 from the same hose and nozzle use additional labeling to inform consumers about the minimum purchase requirement,” Bunker wrote.
“Since motorcyclists and ATV users, as you suggest, have relatively small fuel tanks, they should pay careful attention to the labeling of blender pumps to ensure that an appropriate fuel is chosen, in this case E10 or E0,” he wrote.
The problem with the new EPA policy is that not all motorcycle and ATV gas tanks hold four or more gallons.
“Not only do we find it unacceptable for the EPA to mandate that our members buy minimum amounts of gas, but the EPA answer simply won’t work because of the sizes of many motorcycle and ATV gas tanks,” said Allard. “Furthermore, off-highway riders take containers of gas with them on their trips, and most times those containers are much smaller than four gallons.
“The EPA needs to come up with a better solution,” he said. “The EPA also needs to back an independent study to determine whether E15 is safe for motorcycle and ATV engines.”
The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and ATV engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15 when the new fuel becomes widely available, and has asked that motorcycles and ATVs be part of any scientific study into the effects of E15.
In October 2010, the EPA approved the use of E15 in model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). Then, in January 2011, the EPA added model year 2001-2006 light-duty vehicles to the approved list.
Riders should pay attention to this list because no motorcycles or ATVs are currently listed.
The AMA is concerned about E15 because it burns hotter than gasoline that contains a lesser amount of ethanol. In engines not designed to dissipate that extra heat, damage in the form of premature wear can result. Although this is a concern in all motorcycles, it's particularly problematic for air-cooled engines found in many motorcycles and ATVs. Moreover, use of E15 may even void the manufacturer warranty.
Since the approved list includes many light-duty vehicles in use today, refineries, distributors, and fueling stations may choose to offer primarily E15 gasoline because of this action by the EPA. The new EPA policy should concern all motorcyclists and off-highway enthusiasts because this can affect the availability of gasoline with less or no ethanol (E10 or E0).
Please send a prewritten message to the EPA asking Jackson to respond to the congressional letter that seeks answers on the recent decision by the EPA to mandate consumers purchase at least four gallons of fuel from certain blender pumps that dispense both E15 and E10 gasoline-ethanol blends.
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Hells Angels Sue Janet Napolitano and Hillary Clinton Over Ban on Members Entering U.S.
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club has filed a lawsuit against several federal agency heads, claiming the group's foreign members have been wrongfully banned from entering the United States.
Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas are named as defendants in the lawsuit, as the lawsuit claims their executive rules could be violating the Hells Angels' constitutional rights.
The federal lawsuit contends that several foreign Hells Angels members applied for visas last year to attend one of the club's major events in New Hampshire, and they were denied, based on their membership with the Hells Angels.
According to the lawsuit, "[m]any members" of the Hells Angels don't have criminal records, and the club says it's not a "criminal organization."
On the other hand, the lawsuit recognizes that Homeland Security and the Department of State made an agreement to define the Hells Angels as a "known criminal organization" in the Department of State's Foreign Affairs Manual -- thus making them ineligible to obtain a visa.
But the Hells Angels' lawsuit claims this rule flies in the face of the congressional immigration legislation that allows immigration officials to deny visas for security reasons.
"Defendants will deny visas to all aliens based solely on their membership in a Hells Angels charter without further analysis into whether or not that individual seeks to enter the United States to engage solely, principally, or incidentally in unlawful activity," the lawsuit states.
The Hells Angels are ultimately seeking a permanent injunction against the rules that are keeping its members from getting visas -- which would likely apply to other biker gangs listed by the State Department, like the Outlaws, Bandidos, and Mongols, as well as street gangs like MS 13 and the 18th Street gang.
The lawsuit can be found below:
Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas are named as defendants in the lawsuit, as the lawsuit claims their executive rules could be violating the Hells Angels' constitutional rights.
The federal lawsuit contends that several foreign Hells Angels members applied for visas last year to attend one of the club's major events in New Hampshire, and they were denied, based on their membership with the Hells Angels.
According to the lawsuit, "[m]any members" of the Hells Angels don't have criminal records, and the club says it's not a "criminal organization."
On the other hand, the lawsuit recognizes that Homeland Security and the Department of State made an agreement to define the Hells Angels as a "known criminal organization" in the Department of State's Foreign Affairs Manual -- thus making them ineligible to obtain a visa.
But the Hells Angels' lawsuit claims this rule flies in the face of the congressional immigration legislation that allows immigration officials to deny visas for security reasons.
"Defendants will deny visas to all aliens based solely on their membership in a Hells Angels charter without further analysis into whether or not that individual seeks to enter the United States to engage solely, principally, or incidentally in unlawful activity," the lawsuit states.
The Hells Angels are ultimately seeking a permanent injunction against the rules that are keeping its members from getting visas -- which would likely apply to other biker gangs listed by the State Department, like the Outlaws, Bandidos, and Mongols, as well as street gangs like MS 13 and the 18th Street gang.
The lawsuit can be found below:
HAMC v. Janet NAPOLITANO
et. al.
1
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTFOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA)HELLS ANGELS )MOTORCYCLE CORPORATION, )5716 Corsa Ave, Ste 110 )Westlake Village, CA 91362-7354 ))Plaintiff, )v. ) CASE NO.:___________)JANET NAPOLITANO, )Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; )United States Department of Homeland Security )Washington, DC 20528 ))HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, )Secretary of State )U.S. Department of State )2201 C Street NW )Washington, DC 20520 )))ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS, )Director of U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services, )20 Massachusetts Ave., NW )Washington, DC 20529 ))Defendants. ))COMPLAINT FOR INJUNCTIVE AND DECLARATORY RELIEF
Plaintiff Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation (“Plaintiff”) makes this Complaint fordeclaratory judgment and injunctive relief against Defendants the Department of HomelandSecurity and Secretary of State and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.This Complaint arises out of the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) and the Defendants’interpretation of the relevant portions of the INA which renders Plaintiff’s foreign members
Case 1:12-cv-01357-GK Document 1 Filed 08/16/12 Page 1 of 10
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Happy Summer Riding!
I hope your summer is a good one! Here in my lovely state of Florida, it is hot! But it’s Florida! It’s supposed to be hot!
The heat nor the summer raining season does not deter me from riding my motorcycle EVERY DAY! I have met many people that are riding their motorcycles with freaking shorts and sandals! I just don’t totally understand this incomprehensible thought process of knowing one is getting on their motorcycle and sporting these accoutrements to their precious body!
But, you’ve read my ranting about short-wearing-sandal-loving idiots on this website so won’t bother to go there again. I just totally believe that those who chose to expose their skin to the asphalt is a decision that only they can make. Right?
Luckily down here in Florida this time of year, most of the “snowbirds” are regrouping up north. Our roadways are a bit clearer, the restaurants don’t have a 45-minute waiting time for a table, and the locals are enjoying not having to listen to the inane babble of these snowbirds telling them how lucky we should be to have them down here “supporting” them. Argh…. I have yet to see a snowbird pay for my monthly mortgage payment with a personal check to my bank account!
The joys of Florida’s roadways are an absolutely beautiful experience. Yes, the heat is something you must be aware of, but it’s this time of year when the back roads beckon you to travel them! I can hear them saying, “Catnip! Come over here! Take my road!” Then another back road starts yelling, “Hey Catnip Cougar! You haven’t visited me! Come over here!” I find the best time to travel is early morning or evening. Early mornings allow you to witness the emergence of wildlife waking up to sunshine and joy. The evenings allow you to relax and impart upon yourself some “road therapy” after a good day of working.
I recently got a new motorcycle and already have over 8,000 miles on it! In order for me to really enjoy the newness and beauty of this bike, I take as many back roads as I can just to test this bike out and see what goodness she has rolled up inside her tranny and design. I have yet to be disappointed. This bike has afforded me the joy of releasing some pent-up energy – some negative, some positive – with some back road curves and peg scraping! I feel like I’m dancing with my bike. The twists and turns of these roads create an atmosphere much like dancing a Tango. Of course, I’m leading and my bike just follows my every move and action. Like a Tango, I feel the initiation, rise, and closure in the way my bike and I respond to one another while out on the back roads. It just keeps getting better and better all the time!
Well, I guess it’s time for me to get back out on the road! I hope you have an outstanding summer of riding and exploring. Be safe and please don’t wear shorts and sandals. Respect your body and respect the road on which you ride your motorcycle!
Hugs!
Catnip Cougar
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Catnip's Corner
Four Motorcycle Clubs Sue Las Vegas Police
A group of motorcycle clubs has filed a federal lawsuit against the Metro and North Las Vegas police departments, claiming that their civil rights have been violated. The lawsuit was filed on Monday in U.S. District Court in Nevada by the Southern Nevada Confederation of Clubs, which is comprised of 37 Las Vegas-based motorcycle clubs.
MCs v. North Las Vegas Police
Although the SNCC represents 37 different motorcycle clubs, the current lawsuit was filed on behalf of four groups: the Mongols, Bandidos, Vagos and Stray Cats.The Lawsuit
Members of the four motorcycle clubs allege that they were “unlawfully targeted and harassed” by the two police departments. Not limited to once particular incident, the alleged violations actually took place over the course of several years, according to Stephen Stubbs, attorney for the motorcycle clubs. Stubbs contends that Metro Police Detective Joseph Gagliardi was responsible for the majority of the abuse. The lawsuit also names fourteen Metro officers, Clark County Sherriff Doug Gillespie, and North Las Vegas Police Chief Joe Chronister as defendants. Additionally, the clubs reserves the right to add yet to be identified officers that violated protocol, according to the lawsuit. The complainants are seeking over $75,000 on each of its 15 different claims and also punitive and exemplarily damages of more than $75,000.What Happened
The lawsuit claims that Las Vegas police threatened to revoke the liquor licenses of local businesses if they served certain motorcycle club members or let them frequent their place of business. Moreover, the lawsuit alleges that Metro police forced a Las Vegas hotel to cancel the reservations of certain Mongol members. Stubbs even provided a copy of a letter dated from June 24, 2010 addressed to Mongol member Roger Espinoza from the general manager of Alexis Park All Suit Resort in Las Vegas. The letter informed Espinoza that his hotel reservation had been cancelled at the request of Metro police. The grievance also contends that police raided a private gathering of Stray Cats members in January 2012, “without a warrant or probably cause.” Police brandished a taser during the incident and informed the motorcycle club members to leave their own property, according to Stubbs. As if that were not damaging enough, police officers purportedly told members of the Stray Cats that they had “no constitutional rights on the streets of Northern Las Vegas.” Not to mention, the lawsuit also accuses police of getting a member of the Bandidos fired from his job. According to the complaint, police officials repeatedly visited Medic West Ambulance, the workplace of one club member, and told his supervisor that he was the member of a criminal motorcycle gang linked to numerous heinous crimes. The accusations led to the Bandidos member being fired from his job, which he had held for 12 years.No Comment From Police Department
The accused have yet to officially comment on the accusations, but a statement appears to be imminent. Metro representatives stated that the department plans to release a statement regarding the lawsuit in the upcoming days, while Sgt. Tim Bedwell, a public information officer for North Vegas police, refused to comment because the litigation is pending.
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Lawmaker urges committee leadership to include language to prohibit funds for motorcycle-only checkpoints in transportation bill
U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) is urging members of the U.S. House of Representatives to sign a letter addressed to the leadership of the House-Senate Surface Transportation Reauthorization Conference Committee to include H.R. 904 in the conference report.
As we have reported previously, H.R. 904 would prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from providing grants or any funds to states or local governments to be used for any program to create motorcycle-only checkpoints.
Sensenbrenner has placed a June 5 deadline to collect signatures. Therefore, time is of the essence and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is encouraging all members and rights activists to contact their representative and ask them to sign on to the letter.
Because the deadline is Tuesday, June 5, the fastest way to reach your member of Congress is to call them. Talking points are provided for you to use with this call alert.
Additionally, a prewritten email is available for you to send to your representatives by following the "Take Action" option and entering your information.
All AMA members and anyone else who enjoys two-wheeled freedom are urged to contact their representatives and ask them to sign on to the Sensenbrenner letter addressed to the leadership of the House-Senate Surface Transportation Reauthorization Conference Committee to include H.R. 904 in the conference report.
If you are not an AMA member, please consider joining to help us protect your freedom to ride. More members means more clout and your support helps the AMA fight for your rights – on the road, trail and in the halls of government. To join, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/membership/join.
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25th Annual Rolling Thunder
WASHINGTON, DC - The 25th Annual Rolling Thunder rumbled into town. It's expected nearly one million riders will be here through Memorial Day.
Riders include veterans, family and friends who come to support our heroes, past and present.
They've made the annual pilgrimage to the District where there's a memorial for nearly every conflict of the past century.
Navy Veteran Brian O'Dett says, "people need to remember."
Some ride thousands and thousands of miles to be here and get to the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall but find it to difficult to walk through.
U.S. Army Sgt. Rock served in Vietnam, "I had a friend that came here, never crossed the street for two years in a row because he was that bothered by it."
While there are Veterans who try to muster the strength to be at the Wall there are those who don't want to leave.
Vietnam Veteran Paul LeVesque says, "It's like a home coming for me."
Brian O'Dett says, "they've got family, everything's down there.'
The bikers have roared into town, but they may walk out of here in silence.
O'Dett, "It's real tough, you can't describe it, you got to live it. Being a vet I understand it. You see people who lost someone 30 years ago and it's like yesterday. A lot of people who weren't in, they're proud of us too, that means a lot."
10 new names have been etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and were dedicated this month.
They've made the annual pilgrimage to the District where there's a memorial for nearly every conflict of the past century.
Navy Veteran Brian O'Dett says, "people need to remember."
Some ride thousands and thousands of miles to be here and get to the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall but find it to difficult to walk through.
U.S. Army Sgt. Rock served in Vietnam, "I had a friend that came here, never crossed the street for two years in a row because he was that bothered by it."
While there are Veterans who try to muster the strength to be at the Wall there are those who don't want to leave.
Vietnam Veteran Paul LeVesque says, "It's like a home coming for me."
Brian O'Dett says, "they've got family, everything's down there.'
The bikers have roared into town, but they may walk out of here in silence.
O'Dett, "It's real tough, you can't describe it, you got to live it. Being a vet I understand it. You see people who lost someone 30 years ago and it's like yesterday. A lot of people who weren't in, they're proud of us too, that means a lot."
10 new names have been etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and were dedicated this month.
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Biker chases robber from convenience store
LEXINGTON COUNTY, SC (WIS) -
Bikers get a bad reputation for being big, brutish men with bad attitudes, tattoos, and piercings, but one in Lexington County bucked that trend back on April 23.
Lexington County deputies say a member of the Red Devils motorcycle club stepped up during a robbery at the convenience store.
Sheriff James Metts says the incident happened last Monday night at Kent's Korner convenience store. Metts says the clerk yelled that the suspect had a knife and the unidentified biker came forward.
"One customer in particular came over, described as an outlaw motorcycle club member and took out a baton-type instrument and started chasing the guy out of the store," Metts said.
The biker didn't stay long enough to make a statement with investigators, but asserted his authority before the suspect was able to hurt anyone or steal any money.
"Anytime anyone can help a crime from being committed, we are certainly pleased and proud to do that, but at the same time, understand they shouldn't put their lives in jeopardy," Metts said. "That's our job as police officers."
Metts says getting involved means you have to have the knowledge and ability.
"When you have the skills and opportunity and you feel like you can intervene successfully, then that's an individual's choice," Metts said.
Deputies are still looking for the suspect but they'd also like to talk to the Red Devils motorcycle member. Metts says his actions should be commended and he may have information that could help their case.
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"One customer in particular came over, described as an outlaw motorcycle club member and took out a baton-type instrument and started chasing the guy out of the store," Metts said.
The biker didn't stay long enough to make a statement with investigators, but asserted his authority before the suspect was able to hurt anyone or steal any money.
"Anytime anyone can help a crime from being committed, we are certainly pleased and proud to do that, but at the same time, understand they shouldn't put their lives in jeopardy," Metts said. "That's our job as police officers."
Metts says getting involved means you have to have the knowledge and ability.
"When you have the skills and opportunity and you feel like you can intervene successfully, then that's an individual's choice," Metts said.
Deputies are still looking for the suspect but they'd also like to talk to the Red Devils motorcycle member. Metts says his actions should be commended and he may have information that could help their case.
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Hells Angels to MTV Star You JACKED Our Famous Death Head
The Hells Angels are going to war with MTV ... and one of the network's biggest stars ... who allegedly STOLE the motorcycle club's famous death head logo and plastered it on t-shirts.
The man at the center of the controversy is "Fantasy Factory" star Rob Dyrdek ... whose company owns the "Young & Reckless" clothing label ... created by his cousin Chris "Drama" Pfaff.
The Hells Angels are suing Rob's company and MTV -- claiming Y&R designed and sold a bunch of t-shirts that "bear a design confusingly similar to the [flaming skull logo]" ... and they never asked for permission.
In the suit, filed in federal court in California, HA claims the logo has great commercial value ... because of its "very widespread public recognition" which evokes "strong and immediate reactions whenever used."
The Angels claim Dyrdek's actions have caused "substantial damage" to the biker club ... and believe MTV violated their rights by broadcasting the stolen logos on "Fantasy Factory."
The Angels are seeking unspecified damages. Calls to MTV and Rob Dyrdek have not been returned.
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Support bill to require U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to seek independent scientific analysis on the effects of 15 percent ethanol
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On April 19, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) sent a letter to U.S. House Speaker John Boehner urging the House to consider H.R. 3199 that would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek independent scientific analysis on the effects of E15 gasoline as soon as possible. This bill needs the support of the House so the American people will know exactly how the use of 15 percent ethanol blend (E15) gasoline will affect the operation of their vehicles.
The House Committee on Science, Space and Technology reported H.R. 3199 favorably, as amended, with a vote of 19-7 on Feb. 7. The bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.).
"The EPA's decision to allow E15 into the marketplace will impact every American who owns a car, lawnmower or boat," Sensenbrenner said. “Automakers insist that using E15 will void warranties, lower fuel efficiency and cause premature engine failure. In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users.
"There are serious concerns that the EPA used only one Department of Energy test and rushed E15s introduction into the marketplace," Sensenbrenner said. "This test was limited in scope and ignored a plethora of evidence -- albeit inconvenient evidence for the EPA -- that shows E15 gasoline has a negative effect on engines."
The new E15 gasoline formulation may soon appear at a fueling station near you, and you need to be careful how you use this new fuel blend. That is because the EPA, in October 2010, approved E15 for use in model year 2007 and newer light duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, it added model year 2001-2006 light duty vehicles to the approved list.
Riders should pay attention to this list because no motorcycles or ATVs are currently listed.
The AMA is concerned about E15 because it burns hotter than gasoline that contains a lesser amount of ethanol. In engines not designed to dissipate that extra heat, damage in the form of premature wear can result. Although this is a concern in all motorcycles, it's particularly problematic for air-cooled engines found in many bikes. Moreover, use of E15 may even void the manufacturer warranty.
Since the approved list includes many light-duty vehicles in use today, refineries, distributors, and fueling stations may choose to offer primarily E15 gasoline because of this action by the EPA. This should concern all motorcyclists and off-highway enthusiasts since this may affect the availability of gasoline with less or no ethanol (E10 or E0).
The AMA supports H.R. 3199 and urges its members and, all motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle riders, to contact Boehner and their representatives to voice their support for this bill.
A prewritten email is available for you to send Boehner by clicking here.
You can send a prewritten email to your representative immediately by following the "Take Action" option and entering your information. The AMA encourages riders to personalize their message by drawing on their own personal riding experiences.
Please write Boehner and your representative today and urge them to support H.R. 3199.
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Haines City, Florida Woman Savors the Motorcycle Lifestyle
A motorcycle helped bring Jimmy and Grace Pulis together in the fall of 1958. More than 53 years later, a motorcycle still serves as a source of togetherness for the Haines City, Florida couple.
In the beginning, it was Jimmy who drove the motorcycle and Grace who rode on back. These days, Grace is the one gripping the handlebars and Jimmy, who has health problems and walks with a cane, is the passenger. In biker lingo, Grace is "packing her old man" when Jimmy shares the saddle of her 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 900.
"That's what happens when you teach us to drive," said Grace Pulis, 68. "We take over."
It was a novelty for a woman to drive a motorcycle in the 1970s, when Grace started riding. These days female riders are much more common, but she said others often seem startled by the sight of a gray-haired woman, who happens to be a great-grandmother, driving with a man behind her.
"I've gotten everything from, ‘Don't you know where you belong?' — meaning I should be on the back, not on the front — to ‘Wow, that's marvelous that he lets you do that,' to ‘I don't know if I'd want a man who'd let me drive,'" Grace said.
It began this way: Grace was a 15-year-old high student waiting for the school bus near her home in northern New Jersey when she noticed a man passing the spot each morning on his way to work.
One day he sped past on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Another day he was at the wheel of a Jaguar, and then she saw him driving a new Chevrolet Bel Air.
"My girlfriend dared me to wave at him," Grace recalled.
"And four months later we were married," said Jimmy, 75.
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The Wheels on the Cage go ‘Round and ‘Round, ‘Round and ‘Round
Remember that show on kids’ television, Barney, where he sang the song about bus wheels going ‘round and ‘round. I’m going to talk about something that is near and dear to me; my life and yours!
When you’re out on the road and you see a car coming up to a stop sign, what do you look for? I look at their wheels. If those rubber discs are moving, I’m slowing down!
Just the other day I was enjoying my ride when a Neanderthal decided to start taking his left turn into the two-lane road I was traveling. I slowed down QUICKLY, moved to the right, and he kept coming! I basically came to a stop, looked at the ape man beast and said, “What the hell are you doing?” He yelled back, “There isn’t anyone behind you !” I couldn’t believe that this moron was moving into MY LANE because there was no one behind me! I decided to stir his audible senses by reciting some specific and candid negative terminology about his personal hygiene and status of where his car could go if I had the strength of Hercules and a certain part of his anatomy was large enough to place said vehicle up into it!
It never ceases to amaze me that lack of common sense so many people have when driving out on the highways! As motorcyclists, we have to be so very careful to take care of ourselves. I try very hard to be courteous and kind when I’m on the road. Why can’t the cage drivers do the same?
Many years ago, I had an all-out heated discussion with a dingbat “know-it-all” that told me that looking at the wheels of a stopped car was stupid and that I would get run over. I shook my head in amazement that this person even had the basic skills for human communication, but decided to let her share with me her insight on why she felt this way. She told me that she looks at the faces of the people in the car. That way, she would be able to get eye contact to let that car driver know she sees them! This would also provide the car driver the opportunity to see her on the motorcycle and see that she was, indeed, moving down the highway.
Now, I’m not Troi from Star Trek where I have the telepathic abilities to read the minds of others (boy, I wish I did!) but that attitude seems a bit, hmmm, let me think here – DEADLY! How in the name of hell can a car driver see your eyes when you are wearing sunglasses? I still haven’t figured this one out and really won’t be taking my precious time to figure it out because – IT’S STUPID!
It’s important to be on your game when you’re out on the road. I check all around me. Sometimes I wish I was an owl and could move my head 360 degrees, but that would cause some considerable problems. One being the mothers of the world would finally be able to see what their kids are doing behind their backs. Another problem with that is I would probably have to take a part time job with the circus making it impossible for me to write for Krazy Biker Katz! Now, we can’t have that, can we?
Look at the wheels in motion of the car or truck that is waiting to get on the highway. See if those wheels are moving and if the driver is actually looking at the traffic in your lane! No, the driver isn’t looking to see if your outfit is a matching collection from Armani….
LOOK, ANTICIPATE, HAVE A PLAN OF ACTION!
Remember, I want you out on the road with me. You mean the world to me and the last thing I want to hear is a cage driver hitting one of my beloved motorcycling friends.
I look forward to the day we meet! Until then, ride safe and sing the following song: “The Wheels on the cage go ‘round, and ‘round, ‘round, and ‘round, and they aren’t going to run me over today!
Love you all!
Catnip
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Bikers can roll with ‘colors’ suit
Getting pulled over just for wearing "colors" really ticks off outlaw motorcycle clubs, a local attorney who's represented them said, and now some of them are allowed to take out their frustrations in court.
In an opinion issued last week, U.S. District Court Judge Jerome Simandle in Camden said two members of the Pagan's Motorcycle Club and one Tribe Motorcycle Club member can move forward with a lawsuit stemming from a July 30, 2009, traffic stop involving six motorcycles in Burlington County where New Jersey State Troopers ordered them to remove their "colors," the members' patched jackets.
"The court has basically said, 'yes you have a right to wear a patch, these logos," said Norristown attorney Boyd Spencer, who represents the Eastern Pa. Confederation of Clubs.
The group of bikers were on their way to a beef and beer event when they were pulled over. The bikers were ticketed for not having approved helmets, the original complaint alleges, and were told to remove their colors if they wanted to leave. The whole traffic stop, which lasted more than an hour, was captured by mounted cameras in the police cruisers.
"Now you're all going to take your jackets off, because on this highway, these are the only colors," one of the state troopers told the group after nearly 50 minutes had passed, referring to State Police blue and gold.
None of the bikers removed their colors, and at a later municipal court hearing, the helmets were found to be legal and a prosecutor dismissed the charges.
The state filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit but Simandle, in his ruling said the plaintiffs "sufficiently alleged deprivations of a clearly established constitutional right." Simandle dismissed a conspiracy allegation and claims that the bikers were denied due process.
"We had a little wound here and there but definitely, this is a victory," Spencer said.
A spokesman for the state declined to comment Monday.
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American Motorcyclist Association Wants Motorcycles Included in Study of Ethanol-Blended Fuel
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is asking a key U.S. House panel to include motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in any future study of ethanol-blended gasoline.
In a letter sent July 11 to the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee, the AMA, along with its partner organization, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), urged subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-Md.) “that on- or off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) be part of any scientific study by the NAS” related to ethanol-blended gasoline. NAS stands for the National Academy of Sciences.
The subcommittee held a hearing on July 7 entitled “Hitting the Ethanol Blend Wall: Examining the Science on E15.” The hearing focused on E15, a new gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent alcohol by volume. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in October 2010 approved the use of E15 in model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, the EPA added model year 2001-2006 light-duty vehicles to the approved list.
No on- or off-highway motorcycles or ATVs are currently approved.
At its hearing, the subcommittee indicated that it may require the EPA to arrange with the NAS to study a full range of issues related to E15.
In the letter, AMA Washington Representative Rick Podliska said the AMA and ATVA have concerns about: E15 being put in motorcycles or ATVs mistakenly and damaging engines; the continued availability of gasoline that has no ethanol, or gasoline with only a 10 percent blend that is safe for use in motorcycles and ATVs; the possibility that “blender pumps” — which dispense multiple grades of gasoline through a single hose — could introduce enough ethanol into gasoline to be used in a motorcycle or ATV to damage the vehicle; and that ethanol absorbs water, which could be harmful to motorcycles and ATVs.
“In conclusion, to address our concerns, the AMA and ATVA urge that on- or off-highway motorcycles and ATVs be part of any scientific study by NAS,” Podliska wrote. “Not only should the study focus on the short- and long-term impacts on vehicles and engines, but should consider financial implications of increased ethanol use in gasoline on consumers; fuel producers, distributors and retailers; vehicle and engine manufacturers, dealers and service facilities; and the environment.”
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Tampa Bay Rays pitcher held without bond for Hit and Run of a biker.
The Tampa Bay Rays pitcher accused in a DUI hit and run crash in Port Charlotte, Florida on Thursday afternoon will be held without bond until at least Saturday.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Matt Bush, 26, was driving a black Dodge Durango on US-41 near Town Center Mall around 5 p.m. when he struck the rear of a motorcycle driven by 72-year-old Tony Tufano, a personal friend of Krazy Biker Katz.
According to reports, Tony was thrown from his bike onto the pavement. They also state that Tony was then run over by the Durango and that witnesses said the driver of the SUV "had blatantly left the scene of the crash."
Tony was taken by Charlotte County EMS to Peace River Regional Medical Center for a MedStar helicopter to transport him to Lee Memorial Hospital Trauma Center. We at Krazy Biker Katz pray for Tony and his family and hope you all will as well.
"Literally the tire on the SUV ran over the driver's head. Without the helmet, the gentleman would have been dead instantly," said witness Scott Sugden.
CCSO deputies, along with Sarasota County Sheriff's deputies and Florida Highway Patrol caught Bush in North Port on Toldeo Blade Boulevard and took him into custody.
According to reports, the arresting deputy said that he could clearly smell the odor of an alocoholic beverage coming from Bush. He continued to describe Bush as having bloodshot and watery eyes.
Also, Bush did not have a license on him when he was pulled over.
An FHP report says alcohol was a factor. In his breath test, deputies say Bush blew a 0.180 and 0.171.
He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with fleeing the scene with serious injuries, driving with a suspended license with serious injuries, DUI with serious injuries, and DUI with property damage.
While speaking with officials at the Charlotte County Jail, Bush said he had also hit a pole with the same SUV earlier in the day.
Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn issued this statement about the situation:
"The Tampa Bay Rays organization is deeply saddened by today's tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim and his family. We will reserve further comment until we learn more about the incident that took place."
FIRST APPEARANCE IN COURT
At his first appearance Friday morning, Bush didn't have an attorney.
The judge gave him 24 hours to find one and ordered him to appear in court again Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. with his lawyer.
Until then, Bush will be held without bond in the Charlotte County Jail.
A BATTLE WITH ALCOHOL
Bush was the first overall draft pick in the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft. The San Diego Padres drafted him as a shortstop, and baseball experts say he's never lived up to his potential - due in large part to serious alcohol problems.
His problems started shortly after being drafted, when he got into a fight outside a Peoria, Arizona nightclub.
In 2009 he was arrested for assaulting a high school lacrosse player while drunk. He was also arrested for drunk driving and resisting arrest in 2009.
He was trying to make the Rays roster as a middle reliever.
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Daytona and Sunshine!
Hello my fellow bikers. I’m still in Daytona and am finally feeling some warmth! Well, I do have my loving and caring posse of body guard bikers I ride with, but I’m talking about Florida SUNSHINE! Yes! Today the sun is actually peeking its beloved little radiation out to all of us here in Daytona Beach. After a few days of that nasty wind and RAIN, it’s starting to be a beautiful week!
I took a much-needed ride yesterday in the wind and rain. No… I don’t wimp out and hide in my hotel room. I RIDE! I grabbed a friend that flew over from Hawaii and off we went with two other riders. It was a blast! We took US 1 and let the asphalt lead the way to our destination.
During our ride, I was noticing a bunch of outlying biker bars with lots of bikes and people milling all about the properties. Some of these venues had vendors set up trying to make a decent living selling some cool merchandise. What I find interesting is the amount of vendors that are out there selling. I give these vendors so much credit. It’s hard making a living as a vendor; setting up tents, breaking down tents, rain, wind, heat, etc. To those that vend, I love you and absolutely admire all that you do for us bikers! Now on the other hand, there are some shady vendors out there that will take your hard-earned money and run! Generally, they don’t stay in business long and word gets out on the biker street grapevine of the type of degenerates these creeps are. (Ahhhh…. I love the biker grapevine!) And what’s interesting is that these slimy slithering scumbags aren’t usually bikers! They are wannabee posers thinking they understand the biker culture. Losers…
I’m also noticing restaurants wanting to cater to the Daytona motorcyclist. The service is generally good. When it’s exceptional, I tip exceptionally. When the service sucks, then, well… the tip is minimal if anything at all. I was at a restaurant and had the worst service EVER! The waitress was more concerned about her boyfriend (sitting behind us) than asking if we wanted refills on our drinks, did we need anything else like desert, etc. Never came back after serving the food - only left the check. Her tip reflected her job duties and abilities. One thing I look at when at a restaurant is how we are treated, how the food is, the service, and follow up, etc. I know these men and women work for tips. We have to tip them well when they do a good job. I also tell them over and over PLEASE and THANK YOU. You know, those words go a long way. I put myself in their shoes and think about the bills they have waiting home and how they are going to pay them. I tip very well when I get great service. I hope that those of you reading this article do the same. Just do one thing… put yourself in their shoes.
Speaking of restaurants (because Catnip loves good food!), look around when you’re eating. If you see an elderly woman or man eating alone, get the attention of a waitress and ask to pay that person’s bill. The person doesn’t need to know that you’re doing this; just do it AND LEAVE A GOOD TIP AS WELL! My man knows “the look” when I’m going to pick up a tab for someone I don’t know. He is so supportive of my gestures. Plus, as a biker, that kindness goes a long way in dispelling the myths of mean, nasty heathens riding the roads on two wheels of iron and steel. We are good, kind people. Let’s keep up that reputation by doing something warm and fuzzy for others that may be alone. It will make you feel fabulous – and create a memorable point in your life when you think about your trips and doing something nice for another human being.
Well, it’s time for me to take off and venture to the Atlantic Ocean for some fun and frolic (because that’s what Catnip LOVES to do!) If you’re out there in Cyberworld reading my columns, tell me about your Daytona experiences! I enjoy sharing good vibes with the Catnip Cougar Fan Club.
Stay tuned for more Daytona 2012 Bike Week stories from Catnip Cougar here at Krazy Biker Katz…
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RAIN, RETIREES & REDNECKS IN DAYTONA
Hello my brothers and sisters of the road! Catnip Cougar here reporting from Daytona Bike Week.
I arrived here yesterday, 3/09, to a thunderous greeting! No, I’m not talking about well deserved applause. I’m talking about actual thunder! It rained like a cow pissing on a flat rock! I was greeted by the rain long before I arrived. I started getting wet cruising through Orlando which really sucked. No, I’m a REAL biker gal. I don’t mind getting soaked from time to time. It comes with the territory. You ride a bike, you get wet occasionally. It’s a fact of biker life.
What really sucked is that Florida is still packed with Snowbirds. For those of you who don’t know, Snowbirds are mostly old retired people who live in Florida during the Winter months. They usually come down in September or October and stay till April. Ask any year-round resident of Florida what they think about Snowbirds and you’ll get a mixed response…from the same person! We LOVE that they spend money down here. It helps the local economy considerably. Florida citizens don’t have to pay a state income tax because these Northern visitors pay it for us!
What we DON’T like about these people almost outweighs the money they bring. They clog our roads and have no idea where they are going half the time. This results in brakes being slammed on for no apparent reason, lane changes with absolutely no warning, and traffic moving 30 miles an hour in a 55 mile zone. It’s very dangerous to everyone, especially motorcycle riders. I won’t even get into how rude and obnoxious these people are when you encounter them in a store, restaurant, etc. They have this idea that they are special and have an air of entitlement about them. They really believe that anyone who lives in Florida year-round do so for one reason and one reason only…to serve them! They like being called Northern Visitors but I’ve always thought visitors are guests, and guests don’t treat their hosts like second-rate citizens.
But I’ve gotten off the track here. What these Northern a-holes do mostly is endanger the lives of people on the road…especially bikers. And when it’s raining…look out!!! These geriatric jerks completely forget how to drive when it’s raining.
So here I am, riding East on I-4, going through Orlando in the rain, and dodging these idiots who act like I’m the numbskull because I’m in their way. All you can do is say a little prayer and hope for the best. I’m tempted on occasion to speed up and get away from these bozos but that’s not a good idea because of another obstacle….cops!
Where did all these law dogs come from? They must’ve trucked extra cops into the area from across the country. I have to watch my speedometer very carefully. So here’s the picture for you to envision: I'm driving in pelting rain which makes it a bit hard to see but I have to keep an eye out for moron cage drivers with out-of-state tags AND watch my speedometer to prevent red and blue strobe lights from wrecking my day!
I bet you’re saying, “Why doesn’t she just stay home?”
Are you nuts? This is Bike Week in Daytona! This is Christmas, New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July rolled into one! This is where we get to see old friends and make new ones. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, black or white, tall or short, fat or thin, etc. etc. This is where we all come together to celebrate what we truly love in life: MOTORCYCLES!
Sturgis is great. However, Sturgis is just once a year. Daytona has two bike rallies a year, and even in between, this town eats, breathes and sleeps motorcycles. It’s everywhere you look. Almost every storefront or restaurant is aimed towards the motorcyclist.
As in most Southern towns, you have your fair share of rednecks in Daytona. There was a time, back in the day, when rednecks and bikers didn’t get along unless you were at a David Allen Coe concert. But here in Daytona the rednecks are one with the biker. They don’t hassle us in the bars like they sometimes do in smaller towns in Central Florida. They is us! We is them! Well, you get the idea.
Well, I’m due at the Iron Horse Saloon in a few minutes so I better get my rear in gear and hit the road. Stay tuned for more reports from Daytona from that Krazy Biker Katz vixen…Catnip Cougar. Yee-Haw!!
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