Freedom of the road is NOT Free

Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
New Orleans HOG Polar Bear Ride — Page 14
Motorcycle Groups Join in the
Mardi Gras Plaquedilla Parade — Page 8
Freedom of the road is NOT Free
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
2
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
On the cover: New Orleans Chapter of Harley Owners Group
(HOG) made their annual Polar Bear Ride doe 2012, and Patriot
Guard Riders and ABATE members join a Mardi Gras parade.
SAFE GROUP RIDING
4
UNDERSTANDING ETHANOL-RELATED FUEL PROBLEMS
6
SHARE-THE-ROAD EXPANDS
7
BIKERS JOIN IN MARDI GRAS PARADE
8
AMA ACTION ALERT
11
HOG POLAR BEAR RIDE
14
HIWAY TIDBITS-FRENIER LANDING RESTAURANT
15
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana
Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the
goals of motorcycle
safety, awareness and
realistic motorcycle legislation.
We are NOT a club.
Membership is open to all
motorcyclists from all
walks of life, riding all
types of bikes. A.B.A.T.E.
is an acronym for American Bikers Active Toward
Education.
BAYOU BIKIN’ NEWS, is
the official publication of
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana,
Inc. and published bimonthly. Editorial mailing
address is:
P.O. Box 34
Brittany, LA 70718.
The BBN is distributed
via direct email, postal
service, and through the
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana,
Inc. website,
www.abateoflouisiana.org
HUMBLE HEARTS & HELPING HANDS POKER RUN
ASK OUR LAWYER
16
18
2013 MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR TRAINING SCHEDULE
23
RUNS AND EVENTS
26
And has a readership of
over 20,000 a month.
Inside this issue:
PAPA HOODOO’S C&C BISQUE
12
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
28
Motorcycle Fatality Crashes
for 2012: 79
(2011 Fatalities Projections: 68)
3
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
SAFE GROUP RIDING
pulling out with a problem. Ideally, Tail
Captains have contact with the Road
Captain. If a bike breaks down, let the
rider move to the right. DO NOT STOP.
The Tail Captain(s) will stop with the
problem bike. The Road Captain
should lead the rest of the group to a
safe stopping place.
Safety Procedures for Group Riding
T
he purpose of riding in an organized group instead of
an undisciplined pack is to provide the additional
safety that a well-organized group inherently generates.
This comes from within the group and from the outside.
When a group rides in an orderly fashion, people don’t
get in each other’s way, and the organization of the formation itself discourages cars from attempting to cut in.
Dennis Melancon
Entering Traffic
Safety must be our top priority for everyone at every
level. Therefore, to insure the safest possible riding environment for all, EVERYONE in the group is expected to
follow the group riding procedures below.
When the Road Captain sees that all riders are helmeted,
sitting on their bikes, motors running, and ready to depart,
he or she should check for traffic and enter the roadway.
Usually the Road Captain should not attempt to exit a
parking lot unless there is room for all or most of the
group to follow immediately. If the group is split, the Road
Captain should normally take the slow lane and keep the
speed relatively low until the group can form up in the
positions the riders will keep for the duration of the ride.
This may mean traveling slower than surrounding traffic
to encourage cagers to pass and allow the group to form
up.
Formation
Riding should be in a standard formation unless single file
is necessary. In staggered formation, the bikes form two
columns, with the leader at the head of either the right or
the left column, as he chooses. The second bike should
head the second column and should ride approximately
one second behind the leader (and in the opposite side of
the lane). The other riders should position their bikes two
seconds behind the bike directly in front of them, which
puts them one second behind the diagonal bike.
Lane Changes
Any lane changing starts with a signal from the Road
Captain. The Road Captain should put on his signal as an
indication that he is about to order a lane change. As
each rider sees the directional signal, he also turns his
on, so the riders following him get the signal. The leader
then initiates the change, and all other riders change
lanes. The important concept is that NO ONE moves until
the bike in front of him has started moving.
This formation allows each rider sufficient safety space
and discourages other vehicles from cutting into the line.
The last rider or Tail Captain may ride on whichever side
of the lane he prefers. He may have to change sides during the ride, based on the situation at the moment.
New Riders
The position of new (inexperienced with GROUP riding)
riders within the group is significant. New riders should
be positioned as close to the front as possible.
Hand Signals
Each rider (or passenger) should duplicate all hand signals given by the rider in front of him, so that the signals
get passed all the way to the back of the formation.
Checking Out The Curves
On any stretch of curvy road and in any corner, a group
may ride in single-file momentarily, to enable each rider
to corner at his own speed and to have as much room as
possible for maneuvering. This is especially important to
riders with little experience in a group, as they may
“wobble” or be nervous about making turns with another
bike to their side or riding close behind them. This is an
accepted variance to staggered formation; usually the
Road Captain will not signal for single-file at each turn but
will expect the riders to choose their own path of travel.
Automobiles Attempting a Lane Change
Occasionally, a vehicle traveling next to the riding group
may want to change lanes, or the riding group may be
passing an entrance ramp, with merging vehicles. If a
vehicle (including a large truck) indicates a desire to
change lanes in the middle of the riding group, allow the
lane change, as safely as possible. Riders next to the
vehicle (or ramp) should indicate by hand an intent to
slow down, allowing the vehicle(s) to merge into the riding
lane. Riders in the back should repeat the hand signal
and slow down as cautiously and safely as possible. After the vehicle(s) have finished the lane change, the riders can attempt to merge with the riding group ahead.
Road Captain
The Road Captain is responsible for the overall organization of the ride. He should route the ride and designate
gas stops and stopping points. He should assure all riders are mounted and ready before pulling out and maintain the formation's speed within the confines of the law
and conditions. The Road Captain should appoint two
Tail Captains. Tail Captains ride last to assist bikes
Ride Safely!
Dennis Melancon
President, GNO/RP Chapter
4
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
In Loving Memory Of Gray Ghosts’
“Bill The Dog” Wooley
The First Patch Holder To Be An
Officer Of ABATE
Gone But Not Forgotten
Central Louisiana Chapter
ABATE of Louisiana, Inc.
ABATE of Louisiana
Central
Louisiana
Chapter
Meetings on the
1st Wednesday of
each month, at:
AmVets Post #7
3409 England Drive
Come and see what we’re about!
5
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
UNDERSTANDING ETHANOL-RELATED FUEL PROBLEMS
E15
What are the negative effects of using
ethanol in our engines? There are five major problems that I know of from ethanol in our
gasoline:
The following 2-part series written by Biker
Chad was reprinted from the Road Guardians
web site (http://roadguardians.org/)
W
e all have seen the signs and stickers
1. Debris in fuel / premature fuel breakon gas pumps everywhere stating that
down. It is almost impossible to empty all of
there is 10% ethanol added to our gasoline.
the fuel from any engine system so there is
This Mixture of 90% gasoline and 10% ethaalways old fuel somewhere in any fuel sysnol is often referred to as E10 or “gasohol”.
tem. Straight gasoline starts to deteriorate
We usually just fill our tanks up and go not
Biker Chad
around 30-60 days and ethanol fuels break down
ever giving a thought to what effects burning the
even faster than straight gasoline. When gasoline
added ethanol in our engines may have. Does
breaks down leaving gum and varnish in fuel tanks, fuel
ethanol damage engines? Do you lose power, performlines, carburetors, etc. Ethanol is also a great cleaner of
ance, and MPG with ethanol? I have been asked these
gums, varnishes, dirt and the rust that water in the fuel
questions and many more at our bike shop numerous
creates. That is why ethanol is used in almost every bottle
times. In this article I will try to answer these questions
of carb / injector cleaner on the market. So when you fill
and tell you how to combat ethanol related engine probup your tank you introduce fresh ethanol to run through
lems. So read on and study hard, there may be a pop
your fuel system and it will dissolve the deposits running
quiz later.
all that crud through the engine’s fuel system clogging
Why is ethanol added to our fuel in the first place?
fuel filters, injectors, and carburetors. Clogged fuel filters
The answer to this question goes back to amendments
will drop fuel pressures telling the regulator to work the
made to the “Clean Air Act” in 1990. This amendment
electric fuel pump harder to keep the fuel pressure up.
stated that gasoline be oxygenated to cut down on CarThis will burn out fuel pumps. Gummed up carburetors
bon Monoxide emissions. The first additive that was used
and fuel injectors all lead to poor performance and all of
to do this was Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MBTE). MBTE
this leads to hefty repair bills. Considering you never
had a very strong turpentine smell and it turned out to be
really know how long the E10 sits at the refinery in a holdproven to contaminate ground water. Little is known about
ing tank before it gets transported to the pump station to
the long term health hazards from exposure to MBTE
sit in the underground storage tank just to be purchased
contamination in our water. MBTE had been used for this
by you to sit in your tank before being burned in the enas early as 1979 in some states as a replacement for the
gine, break down of the E10 gasohol fuel can be a real
lead in leaded gasoline, however due to MBTE polluting
issue.
ground water it was replaced by ethanol around the year
2. Loss of power, octane rating, performance and
2000. I worked at a small engine repair shop when MBTE
mileage from E10 gasohol. Contrary to what most peowas added to our gasoline. Our shop went from one full
ple believe, higher octane gas does not make your engine
time and one full time mechanic to three mechanics workmore powerful. Only if your engine is built for performing overtime to keep up with repairing damaged engines.
It should be noted that gasoline with MBTE and gasoline
ance or racing with a higher compression rating do you
will need to use a higher octane gasoline. Your vehicle
with ethanol should not be mixed as this can cause premanufacturer tells you what octane rating to use dependcipitates that clog fuel filters and carburetors.
ing on your vehicle’s requirements. This information can
Are there positive effects of ethanol in our gasoline?
be found in the vehicle owner’s manual, on the fuel door
Additives like MBTE or ethanol are used as an Oxygenaor gas cap. At the pump you typically have three choices
tor in gasoline. Adding an Oxygenate like MBTE or Ethaof octane ratings use gasoline that has an octane ratings
nol into gasoline reduces Carbon Monoxide emissions
from 87 (lowest), 89 (midgrade), and 91 or 92 (premium)
thus reducing pollution but this reduction in pollution is
this is due to a few factors, but it is mainly relevant to the
really only noticed in engines that have a carburetor and
compression rating of your engine. The higher the comare not computer controlled by a “closed loop” EFI compression the higher the octane required. This is due to the
puter system. Any vehicle that has Electronic Fuel Injecfact that gasoline and air mixture heats up as the piston
tion (EFI) uses at least one oxygen sensor to analyze the
moves on the compression stroke gasoline will ignite beexhaust allowing the vehicle’s computer to make adjustfore the spark plug fires. This is called pre-ignition and it
ments to control emissions so they benefit very little from
will damage the engine. Octane prevents this by slowing
an ethanol mixed fuel as far as an emissions reduction
down the burn rate from an early damaging explosion to a
goes. The main reason ethanol stems from the Bush adslower more controlled burn. Pure ethanol has an octane
ministration’s push to reduce America’s dependency on
rating of 113, so adding ethanol will raise the octane ratforeign oil so the result is 10% ethanol is added to dilute
ing of gasoline. The gasoline blender has to take this into
gasoline to cut down on the amount of gasoline conconsideration and uses a lower octane base gasoline so
sumed to reducing the amount of foreign oil consumed.
when the ethanol is added you don’t get a higher octane
fuel. Now what happens is this; you purchase E10
continued on page 20
6
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
SHARE-THE-ROAD EXPANDS
A
our questions willingly. The technically-gifted even helped
us connect our laptop computer to their audio-visual
equipment.
s most of our readers know, ABATE is dedicated
toward education and legislation in support of the
motorcycle enthusiast community. ABATE of Louisiana
proudly promotes and presents a program to High School
Driver’s Education classes called ‘Share The Road’,
which teaches and discusses the driving conditions of
motorcycle and large vehicles such as 18-wheelers and
buses. The presentation identifies the specific conditions
of these two ends of the driving spectrum, and expounds
on the right and responsibilities of all drivers, of all vehicles. The course is designed to complement and enhance
many of the subjects taught in the drivers ed classroom.
We look forward to working with Chalmette’s Drivers Ed
classes in the future.
ABATE’s Share The Road Program just added another
high school to host its Driver’s Education class presentation. January 26th marked the first appearance of the program at Chalmette High School in Chalmette LA.
The St. Bernard Parish School Board welcomed us and
the Driver’s Ed teacher was happy to give us 90 minutes
of the class time. As usual, our two instructors alternated
in the presentation, each covering a different section of
the material. The class was small compared to that of the
other schools—only 45 students--but they were very wellbehaved and interested in the material, and responded to
D
SHARE THE ROAD
Over 6,000 students to date
Upcoming Events: Next classes for the GNO area:
Bonnabel High School - March 5, and June 4.
John Ehret High School - March 7, and June 5
Clint Furgason, Share The Road Coordinator
7
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
BIKERS JOIN IN MARDI GRAS PARADE
O
n February 8th the Joint Reserve Base at
Belle Chasse LA hosted its annual Mardi
Gras Plaquedilla Parade for military families.
The parade wound its way through the base
housing areas, tossing beads and other throws
to the young kids and the young-at-heart to
everyone’s delight.
Members of the Green Knights MC, MAC,
Patriot Guard Riders, Ragin’ Goats and
ABATE of La. joined the decorated trucks
manned by costumed military volunteers.
Military motorcycle dress requirements were
relaxed for parade participants, except for
helmets.
The bikers, all astride their mounts and holding
the bikes up at walking speed while untangling
strings of beads followed the Young Marines,
school band, and school dance teams. Despite
the crawling pace and distraction of throws and
hollering kids, there were no incidents.
The parade route ended at McCann’s Pub, a military
club, where riders were offered free hot dogs and chips
with soda and bottled water. The bar was open for
those who wanted to buy beer or other drinks. After a
rest, the riders said goodbye to base until next year.
D
PHOTO BY TIKI TOM SEATON
More parade photos by Tiki Tom Seaton may be viewed on his web site:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4153810575620.2135587.1594595721&type=3
8
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
PHOTO BY TIKI TOM SEATON
9
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
NORTH CENTRAL CHAPTER
3199 TERRACE AVENUE, SLIDELL LA
(985) 641-3401 or (888) 300-2999
STORE HOURS 10 AM - 6 PM
MONDAY thru SATURDAY
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Motorcycle & Sport Bike Jackets / 2nd Chance Vests
Scorpion, Daytona, DOT & Snell & Novelty Helmets
Men’s and Ladies Vests / Hugger Gloves
Leather Chaps / Gloves / Wallets / Backpacks
Double-H, Chippewa, & Milwaukee Boots
2012 OFFICERS
Over 1000 Patches in stock sewn on FREE while you wait
Rob Breedlove, President
Bill Patton, Viice President
Shanna Strozier, Secretary
“Cut Thru” Crawford, Treasurer
Weaz Crump, Sergeant-at-Arms
“Cut Thru” Crawford, Delegate-at-Large
J.B. Chrisman, Chaplain
Saddlebags and T-packs
Tool Bags / Helmet Mohawks / Windshield Bags
Children’s Leathers / Kruzer Kaddys
 Battery Tenders / Wind
Chimes
 Flag Poles & Replacement
Flags
TAKE OLD SPANISH
TRAIL
OFF I-10, EXIT 263,
AND GO ONE MILE WEST,
TURN NORTH BEHIND JACKS
GNO CHAPTER
2013 OFFICERS (FROM LEFT)
Glenn McGovern, Vice President
Harry Delaune, Secretary
Dennis Melancon, President
Sharon “Kinky Kathy” Gonzales, Delegate
David Key, Treasurer
1609 NEW NATCHITOCHES RD.
WEST MONROE, LA 71292
10
(318) 325
325--9578
Call (318) 801
801--5908
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
O
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.
n 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.
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.
“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.”
Please join the AMA to help us fight these efforts. More
members means more clout against our opponents, and
your support will help the AMA fight for your rights – on
the road, trail, racetrack, and in the halls of government.
To join, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/membership/
join.
“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 allinclusive energy strategy, but experimenting before understanding the consequences and potential cost of using
E15 is unfair to consumers.”
D
NOLA
The American Motorcyclist Association has repeatedly
expressed concerns to government officials and federal
lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and allterrain 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.
Honoring Those Who So Bravely
and Valiantly Served,
and the Families Who Supported Them
Please join us in supporting our
Military and their Families
http://www.nolapatriots.org/
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.
PATRIOTS
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).
11
Also see us on
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
PAPA HOODOO’S CORN AND CRAWFISH BISQUE
I’m a “foodie” and a fan of scratch-and-slow cooking, but with so many roads to ride
and so little time, we need short cuts. So here is one of my favorites: Corn and
Crawfish Bisque.
Ingredients
1 10- or 12-ounce bag of PictSweet Seasoning
Blend
1 can of Low-Sodium Whole Kernel Corn
Preparation
 In a good, heavy or soup pot, sweat the whole veggies
(PictSweet, drained Whole Kernel Corn) in butter with
herbs and spices

When veggies are soft, add garlic and sweat another
minute

Add Cream Corn and Cream of Celery soup

Stir until well-combined and simmer for 2 minutes
1 tsp your favorite Cajun Seasoning

Add half of the Half and Half and simmer for 5 minutes
1 tsp Italian Herb Seasoning

Add cheese and crawfish.
3 cloves garlic, minced

When cheese is thoroughly melted, taste for seasoning
and adjust as needed if thinner consistency is desired
and retaste.
1 can Cream Corn
1 can cream of celery soup
12 or 16 oz Crawfish Tails (Fresh-Cooked or
Frozen)
2 tsp Dried Parsley
¼ stick Unsalted Butter (or Margarine)
Stock or bouillion cube, fish or shrimp
1 qt Half and Half
By using the soup and cream corn, you skirt the need for
roux and cooking for a long time, and it gives tat cooked-allday restaurant-quality taste for which you’d pay a high price.
And the secret: 3-4 slices Swiss Cheese
— Papa Hoodoo
THE OFFICESports Bar
Wednesday Nite Bike Nite
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5266 Cypress, West Monroe, LA
318-304-9176
EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT 6:00-9:00
theofficesportsbarwm@qmail.com
SIMPLE CHECKLIST
4117 Jefferson Hwy
Jefferson, LA
504-828-2928
12
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
COME JOIN YOUR FELLOW MOTORCYCLISTS
AT ABATE’S
32nd ANNUAL
BLESSING OF THE BIKES
EASTER SUNDAY
March 30, 2013 2pm
Please be on time
at Shelter #1 (across the street from Landry’s Restaurant)
New Orleans Lakefront
13
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
HOG POLAR BEAR RIDE
J
anuary 20th marked the date for the New Orleans
Harley Owners Group Annual Polar Bear Ride. This
year’s ride took us to Hymel’s Restaurant in Convent, LA,
via Hwy 61 and River Road (East Bank).
The weather was sunny but cool, and the ride was pleasant and incident-free. Some 37 bikes showed up, so for
the sake of safety, we split into three groups since there
was no police escort. One of the groups missed a turn
and took a longer route, but hey, it’s the ride, not just the
destination, right?
The food was good, but Hymel’s was short of staff—one
waitress—and it took about two hours to get all 43 riders
and passengers fed. A couple of people were unhappy
about the wait and left without eating, but the rest of us
just enjoyed the fellowship, even though stomachs were
growling.
We’re all looking forward to the 2014 Polar Bear Ride and
hope the weather will be at least as good as it was this
year.
14
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
HIWAY TIDBITS—FRENIER LANDING RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR
O
Frenier Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar is located off
Hwy 51 / I-55 frontage road on Peavine Rd., less than a
mile north of I-10 at Laplace. Come on out and enjoy!
n the southwestern shore of Lake Pontchartrain,
Frenier Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar is a great
place to break for lunch on a ride. It sits on land built up
from the bottom of Lake Pontchartrain and was built to
withstand hurricane-force winds. The restaurant was built
four years ago using reclaimed (from Katrina) woods and
furnishings, which lends a colorful and tropical air to the
place.
For more information check out their web site at: http://
www.frenierlanding.com/
We covered Frenier Landing in a previous issue, but while
it was being printed, Hurricane Isaac damaged the propane gas storage system forcing the Landing to close for
a while. However, this biker-friendly restaurant is open
again and is such a great place that it is worth another
mention.
The Landing offers a tasty variety of seafood dishes, as
well as great salads, steaks, and poboy sandwiches, and
their char-grilled oysters are excellent. Their unique
dishes include Grilled Alligator Sausage, Ponchatoula
Pork Chop, Lake Omelet, and Bronzed Catfish.
Inside, the dining room is big and airy with a view of the
lake. When the weather is good, diners can enjoy their
meals outside on the back or side balconies. The restaurant also features a bar area separate from the dining
room and covered parking for motorcycles on a paved
surface under the building.
Seafood Combo Platter
15
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
HUMBLE HEARTS & HELPING HANDS POKER RUN
The following letter came to us from a mother whose son
is having multiple life-threatening medical problems.
Please join in on the Poker Run for Braxton Richards.
H
On the 19th of December 2012 the neurologist said that
Braxton's brain is deteriorated more since September and
October 2012. Eventually he will be a vegetable and don't
have much longer to live. We don't know how much
longer, it's just a day by day living.
umble Hearts & Helping Hands is having a Poker
Run Benefit on March 2, 2013 for my son’s illness.
Now my son is on oxygen all the time. Plus he only has
one kidney and is missing chromosomes 22 and has a
extract piece of 14. He is non-verbal and doesn't walk. He
is also very low-tone and also has seizures. Braxton is a
3 year 6 month old child who carries a diagnosis of Phelan
- McDermid syndrome resulting from an unbalanced translocation between Chromosomes 14 & 22
His deletion on chromosome 22 also includes the Arylsulfatase A gene, which is associated with Metachromatic
Leukodysprophy as an autosomal recessive disorder. He
also shows excessive sulfa tides in his urine. Braxton also
underwent a nerve conduction on October 19th, 2012
which showed a non-uniform, predominantly demyelinating sensory motor polyneuropathy. The non-uniformity of
the nerve conduction study was not consistent with the
classic demyelinating motor and sensory polyneuropathy
seen in typical Arylsulfatase A-deficient patients.
Braxton has had two MRIs of the brain. The first one was
February 14th, 2011, at the age of about 1 1/2 years old. It
was normal. We repeated his MRI September 18th,
2012. There has been interval global atrophy with confluent subcortical white-matter sparing consistent with the
findings seen in Metachromatic Leukodysprophy. Braxton
also has a involuting Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney on the
right.
The donations are for medical expenses and the cost of
needs for my son and doctors’ appointments, etc.
God Bless Everyone!!
Brittany Richards
My cell is 985 687-8904
Loving My Life & The Ones In It
D
Wedding Photos
 Home Weddings
 Church Weddings
“Uncle Jerry” Forstater
rie
New Orleans and Surrounding
xp e
E
Area
rs
yea
504-231-0266 (Cell)
5
3
nce
16
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
17
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
ASK OUR LAWYER
this, a rider could have 42.6 million
billion thoughts while flying 125 feet
at 40 MPH. I would suggest that,
given this number of thoughts passing through a person's brain, it would
SEEM to extend the perception of
time and artificially expand it. Hence,
"It seemed like I was airborne for
about 10 minutes." That is why the
old wives' tale of one's life passing before one's eyes at
the point of death is not unfounded.
Digger Phelps Rechecks My Numbers
D
igger is an old friend and an original member of the
Executive Board of ABATE. He has a habit of trying
to keep this lawyer honest (claims its a full time job). In
my last column I wrote about flying through the air after
getting hit on a motorcycle. Here are Digger’s interesting
observations about my article:
Rod, after reading the most recent article, I had to pause
and question your calculations regarding the time spent
waiting to hit the ground when one is launched from a
bike by another vehicle. The particular that caught my eye
was your assumption that it would take a "couple" of seconds to accelerate once hit. I suggest that the rider is already moving at X speed when hit and therefore, upon
collision, the bike decelerates but the rider would continue
at the original speed and decelerate due to wind resistance and eventually contact with solid objects. (earth,
trees, sign posts, other vehicles, etc.) In order to compute the time spent airborne it would be difficult to account for the acceleration caused by a vehicle's energy
transferred to the rider upon collision from behind or the
side. To avoid this problematic calculation, let’s simplify it
by removing the acceleration from the equation and say:
Given: MC traveling at 40 MPH is passing through an intersection and strikes the side of a car which has turned
left in front of the MC, launching the rider upwards and
over the car with no rider contact. (fat chance, but bear
with me), resulting in a launch distance (airborne) of 125
feet:
Interestingly, another Internet source states that although
the laws of physics state that nothing happens faster than
the speed of light, it is conceivable that thought can exceed this speed and is not bound by physics. "Thoughts
can be faster than the speed of light - I think. Proof? Deja
vu? That's what happens when you exceed the speed of
light and make time twitch. You create a temporal disturbance, although highly localized in your brain, which is
then interpreted by our intellect as a delay in a thought
already conceived in the past. This makes us think we
just had this thought, which we did. We registered the
thought twice, once as the super-physical faster-than-light
disturbance and once as pure physical information that
our senses can register."
NOTE FROM ROD - Digger, I like the way you make me
think and make my head hurt at the same time. Thank
you.
Rod Taylor
ABATE Legal Services
A.) In that event the rider is arguably still traveling at
40 MPH;
CENTRAL CHAPTER
B.) 40 miles per hour = 40 X 5280 ft. = 211,200 feet
per hour; = 211,200/60 minutes; = 3520 feet per minute; =
3520/60 seconds; = 58.6666667 feet per second;
C.) total distance 125 ft./ 58.6666667 = 2.13 seconds
total time in-flight;
NOW CONSIDER:
According to an unnamed online expert at http://
www.ualberta.ca/~chrisw/howfast.html "A human being
has about 100 billion brain cells. Although different neurons fire at different speeds, as a rough estimate it is reasonable to estimate that a neuron can fire about once
every 5 milliseconds, or about 200 times a second. The
number of cells each neuron is connected to also varies,
but as a rough estimate it is reasonable to say that each
neuron connects to 1000 other neurons- so every time a
neuron fires, about 1000 other neurons get information
about that firing. If we multiply all this out we get 100 billion neurons X 200 firings per second X 1000 connections
per firing = 20 million billion calculations per second." 20
million billion calculations (thoughts) per second X 2.13
seconds = 42.6 million billion in-flight thoughts. Based on
2013 Officers (L to R)
Debbie Bouton, Secretary/Treasiurer
Brenda Ramo, Activity Coordinator
Marion Polk, Sergeant-at-Arms
President, Charlie Eschette
Lynn Stoneman,Vice President
Beverly Polk, La. Freedom Fighter Coordinator
18
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
NORTHEAST CHAPTER
NORTHWEST CHAPTER
2012 OFFICERS
2012 OFFICERS
Theresa Sullivan, President
Jack Klorik, Vice President
Lynn Reynolds, Treasurer
Anita Furgason, Secretary
Mike Reynolds, Seargant At Arms
Laura Postlethwait, Membership Coordinator
Clint Furgason, Chaplain
Jim Lindsey, Local Government Liaison
Bobby Murphy, President
Marc Jolly, Vice President
Susie Bailey, Secretary
Sondra Brown, Treasurer
Bobby Bailey, Delegate
SHOW CURRENT ABATE CARD, GET 15% OFF MSRP!!
Does your chapter have a member who
deserves some special mention? Send
us a name and a picture, and tell us about
19
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
ETHANOL-RELATED PROBLEMS
continued from page 6
NORTHLAKE CHAPTER
E15
gasohol with an octane rating of 87, phase separation
occurs around 82 to 84. This is too low for a gasoline
powered engine to run efficiently and causes loss of
power and engine damaging pre-ignition. Ethanol produces about 34% less energy than the same amount one
gallon of gasoline so in an E10 mixture you will lose 3% to
5% of your horsepower and MPG.
3. Ethanol is corrosive. Ethanol is an excellent solvent
and will clean all of the gunk and grime that an engine will
accumulate but these same strong cleaning qualities can
lead to trouble for your engine. As I had stated earlier in
this article ethanol is a great cleaner and this alone can
cause issues as it dislodges built up dirt sending harmful
and filter clogging particles through your fuel system and
engine. Ethanol is also a drying agent and can disintegrate plastic, rubber, some types of fiber glass, aluminum
and magnesium. Ethanol is most corrosive to ferrous metals (metals that contain iron, such as steel). This corrosion leaves behind salt deposits and a jelly like substance, both of which can clog fuel filters, fuel pumps and
carburetors. Ethanol also burns at a higher temperature
than gasoline causing damage to pistons. Any car or truck
that is not a “Flex Fuel” vehicle is most likely not equipped
with ethanol resistant parts and even fewer small engines
like lawn mowers, motorcycles, etc. are equipped with
ethanol-resistant parts. Marine motors and ethanol just do
not get along at all due to the high water content in their
operating environment. Due to the high damage rate and
risk of marine motors developing polluting gasohol leaks
from ethanol damage, a lot of marinas are currently offering ethanol free gasoline. According to the FAA ethanol is
forbidden in airplane fuels (excluding air craft licensed as
experimental). Using E10 in 2-cycle outdoor power equipment (weed whackers, chainsaws, etc.) can seize motors
and most manufacturers will not honor warranties on their
equipment if E10 is used. E10 is bad enough, but if E15 is
put into place we can expect severe damage to any vehicle not equipped like an E85 Flex Fuel vehicle. Please
consider that the levels of ethanol are not closely monitored by most gas stations, but you can purchase inexpensive ethanol test kits to be sure the ethanol percentage is not over 10%.
2013 OFFICERS (from left)
Carl Hursky, Vice President
Luanne Wilton, Secretary
Bruce Roberts, President
, Treasurer
Ollie “Laddie” Elkins
NCOM Board of Directors
Region V: AR, KY, LA, MS, TN
NCOM Rep for A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc.
laddiee@eatel.net
225-305-7436
Biker Chad
Road Guardians
Biker Chad—Chad Hensiak—is a published
writer and photographer who has worked as
a mechanic, product tester, technical adviser,
motorcycle sales associate, and parts consultant. He currently works as a motorcycle
mechanic at the Road Guardians Compound in
Big Bend, Wisconsin (http://www.rgcompound.com/) Part
II of this article will appear in the May-June issue of BBN.
Also see AMA Action Alert on page 11 of this issue.
20
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
Patriot Guard Riders
Standing for Those Who Stood for Us
541 W Laurel Ave, Eunice, LA 70535
Phone: 337-457-2004
21
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
MOREHOUSE PARISH CHAPTER
Just North of LaPlace
on the West Shore of
Lake Ponchartrain
2012 OFFICERS
JJ Gregory, President
Don Shivers, Vice President
Kim Dean, Secretary
Bruce Gregory, Treasurer
Ralph Daniels, Sergeant at Arms
22
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
2013 MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR TRAINING SCHEDULE
All courses are Basic level unless otherwise indicated
Basic Rider Course
Bossier City:
Thibodaux:
February 7. 9-10
March 14, 16-17
April 11, 13-14
May 16, 18-19
January 11-13
March 8-10
April 19-21
May 3-5
May 31-June 2
Gonzales:
Motorcycles used in Basic Rider Course may not exceed
550cc
Training Cost: $25
Motorcycle Reservation Fee: $75 (if not using personally
owned motorcycle)
Advanced Rider Course
To be determined
Hammond:
West Monroe:
Training Cost: $25
February 22-24
February 23-24
January 25-27
February 1-3
For more details: http://www.lsp.org/motorcycle.html
April 26-28
April 27 (Intermediate)
June 21-23
Lafayette:
March 1-3
March 10 (Intermediate)
April 26-28
May 10-12
June 7-9
February 8-10
March 15-17
March 16 (Intermediate)
April 5-7
May 17-19
June 21-23
Westwego:
February 23-24
March 16-17
April 26-28
May 17-19
Lake Charles:
Zachary/Baton Rouge
February 9-10
March 9-10
April 19-21
May 10-12
May 31-June 2
January 25-27
March 23 (Advanced)
March 24 (Intermediate)
April 19-21
April 20-21
May 31-June2
June 7-9
or call Larry Ourso at 225-925-6113, ext. 224
NOW
$3,000 !
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
If you have a change of address please email it to
membership@abateoflouisiana.org
Barbara Sikes
Membership Coordinator
D
23
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
State President
State Vice President
State Secretary
Charlie Toth
Randy Postlethwait
Carol McCarthy
800-393-5966
985-974 -1429
318-871-6409
504-874-1292
statepresident@abateoflouisiana.org
statevp@abateoflouisiana.org
statesecretary@abateoflouisiana.org
State Treasurer
Legislative Coordinator
Legislative Coordinator
Jim Lindsey
Cecil Crawford
Theresa Sullivan
318-286-8226
318-255-8096
318-564-2765
statetreasurer@abateoflouisiana.org
legislative@abateoflouisiana.org
legislative@abateoflouisiana.org
Share The Road Coordinator
State Public Relations
Web Master
Clint Furgason
Jack Mills
318-294-8414
Position Open
504-914-1857
mapc@abateoflouisiana.org
pr@abateoflouisiana.org
webmaster@abateoflouisiana.org
Voter Utilization Coordinator
Voter Utilization Coordinator
NCOM Representative
Anita Furgason
Clint Furgason
Ollie “Laddie” Elkins
318-294-8414
318-294-8414
225-305-7436
voter@abateoflouisiana.org
voter@abateoflouisiana.org
laddiee@eatel.net
State Store Co-Manager
State Store Co-Manager
State Membership Coordinator
Bruce Roberts
Carl Hursky
Barbara Sikes
985-773-3553
225-567-5370
225-698-9070
statestore@abateoflouisiana.org
statestore@abateoflouisiana.org
membership@abateoflouisiana.org
State Advocacy Coordinator
Growth Coordinator
Bayou Bikin’ News Editor
Bobby Murphy
Harry Delaune
318-348-9508
985-415-3468
newsletter@abateoflouisiana.org
newsletter@abateoflouisiana.org
Position Open
advocacy@abateoflouisiana.org
24
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
ABATE STATE BOARD MEETING—JANUARY 12TH
Chapter Officers, Trustees, Visitors
Executive Board (minus President Charlie Toth,
still out on sick leave)
Executive Officers
GNO Chapter
North Central Chapter
Northlake Chapter
Dennis Melancon
Rob Breedlove
Bruce Roberts
Chapter President
Chapter President
Chapter President
504-450-0521
318-680-0269
985-773-3553
gnochapter@abateoflouisiana.org
Meets 3rd Thursday of the month at
Randazzo’s Family Restaurant
4462 Wabash St
Metairie, LA
northcentral@abateoflouisiana.org
northlake@abateoflouisiana.org
Meets 4th Thursday at 6:30 PM
Patton Service Company
2569 Highway 33
Ruston, LA
Meetings 1st Sunday of the month, at
Ya Ya’s Daquiri Depot
Hwy 190 & Hwy 25,
Covington, LA
Morehouse Parish Chapter
Central Chapter
JJ Gregory
Charlie Eschette
Chapter President
Chapter President
318-366-6439
318-452-7604
mhpchapter@abateoflouisiana.org
centrallouisiana@abateoflouisiana.org
Meeting date and time announced 1 week in
advance. Meet at:
Meetings 1st Wednesday of the month, at
AmVets Post #7
3409 England Drive
Alexandria, LA
Skeeter’s
3482 New Monroe Rd
Bastrop, LA
Northwest Parish Chapter
Northeast Chapter
Teresa Sullivan
Bobby Murphy
Chapter President
Chapter President
northwest@abateoflouisiana.org
northeast@abateoflouisiana.org
Meets 1st Tuesday at 7 PM
Odd months: El Chico’s, 2127 Greenwood
Rd, Shreveport
Meets 3rd Thursday at 6:30 PM
Big Top (off Thomas Rd)
2055 Old Natchitoches
West Monroe, LA
Even Months: Café USA, 3380 Barksdale
Blvd, Bossier City, LA
25
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
Runs and Events
Mar 8-10:
ABATE of Louisiana, Inc.
Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival, Independence LA; more info:
indysicilianfest.com
Mar 8-17:
Daytona Bike Week, Daytona FL
Mar 9:
ABATE of LA State Board Meeting; Alexandria LA; more info: Henry Daigre,
318-729-9968
Mar 9:
Blessing of the Bikes; Alexandria LA;
Mar 9:
Blessing of the Bikes Run; Monroe LA, Chennault Park, 10 am - 3pm; Free Lunch, Proceeds to CMA’s RFTS;
contact Terry Trichell, 318-355-1568
Mar 9:
Fallen Fighter Memorial Ceremony, Baton Rouge LA. ; www.facebook.com/LaF.F.Memorial
Mar 9:
Community Benefit for Ms Betty, Alexandria LA; 10 am - 2 pm, Renegade Harley-Davidson
Mar 16:
4th Annual NELA ABATE Membership Drive; Big Top, West Monroe LA; registration 9 am, KSU 9:30 am more
more info: Jolly, 318-348-3036
Mar 23:
Hooters Spring Bike Show; West Monroe, LA; 9 am - 3 pm ; more info: Squirrel, 318-325-9578
Mar 22-23: 10th Annual Ride for Autism, 724 I-10 S. Frontage Rd, Scott, LA; 2 days: ends
Orange Beach AL; more info: Carol Mesa 985-237-0429 or http://www.lightningcustoms.com/events/event_28932.html
Mar 31:
ABATE 32nd Annual Blessing of the Bikes, 2:00 pm, Shelter #1, West End Blvd at Ponchartrain
Lakefront, New Orleans LA; more info: kinkykat2008@hotmail.com
Apr 4-6:
Louisiana State HOG Rally, Houma, LA; more info: 225-925-1180 or http://lastatehogrally.com/
Apr 13:
Bear Morgan Ride to Angola Prison, LA; more info: Terry, 318-355-1568
Apr 14:
Biker Sunday, The Church on Garrett Rd, Monroe LA; more info: Terry, 318-355-1568
Apr 20:
Sunshine Festival, Jonesboro LA; Bike show and other activities
Apr 21:
Harley for Horses, La Place, LA; Registration 10 am, LaPlace Travel Center
Apr 20:
Jennings Lions Club Poker Run, Piggly Wiggly, corner of N. Cutting and Roberts Ave, Jennings LA; more info:
http://www.lets-ride.com/event/louisiana.htm
Apr 27:
Hogs for Paws; Rabb’s Steakhouse, Ruston LA, 8 am till….; more info: Tammy, 318-265-3552
May 2:
Arkansas State HOG Rally, Hot Springs AR; more info: http://www.arstatehogrally.com/
May 3-5:
ABATE State Rally, Arcadia LA; in conjunction with Confederate MC Rally; Located at Bonnie & Clyde’s
May 11:
3rd Annual Ride for Camp Quality, Brother’s Keeper MC of Monroe, Monroe LA
May 16-18: Texas State HOG Rally, San Antonio TX; more info: http://www.txstatehogrally.com/
May 18:
Ride For Your Rights IX, sponsored by Northlake Chapter; info: northlake@abateoflouisiana.org
May 19:
Louisiana Ride for Kids, Alexandria LA; benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation; info: 800-253-6530
May 25-28: Gulf Coast Memorial Day Blowout, Gulfport, MS; more info: 228-392-8281 or
http://www.lightningcustoms.com/gulfportblowout.html
May 26:
Rolling Thunder XXVI; Washington DC; info: http://rollingthunderrun.com/
26
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc.
STRATEGIC PLAN
VISION:
ABATE of Louisiana, Inc. is the organization that represents motorcyclists’ interests by providing leadership to
achieve safety, individual freedom and rights.
MISSION:
Initiate, endorse and sponsor educational programs
through rider education, public awareness, legislative and affirmative action.
Create and promote a positive image of motorcyclists
groups.
Encourage good will and mutual understanding among
motorcyclists, law enforcement personnel and the
general public.
Serve as an information source pertaining to current laws,
pending legislation, personnel rights, political inclinations of elected officials and their constituents,
ABATE lobbying and endorsements, and voter
awareness.
Act as a central responsive agency to devise and coordinate recreational, legislative, educational and charitable activities.
Harry says:
Thanks to those who contributed to the BBN.
WE WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR CHAPTER
EVENTS AND PHOTOS!
Contact us at
NEWSLETTER@ABATEOFLOUISIANA.ORG
CORE VALUES:
Motorcyclists are dedicated to freedom of the road.
Motorcycles serve as a legal means of transportation be it
primary or recreational.
Motorcycles are environmentally friendly when it comes to
fuel consumption and wear/tear on roadways.
Motorcyclists are community minded as shown and represented by all the events participated in, in the name
of charities and benefits.
BAYOU BIKIN’ NEWS ADVERTISING FEES
Published Bi-Monthly
Business Card $10.00 per Issue / ¼ Page $20.00 per Issue /
½ Page $40.00 per Issue / Full Page $80.00 per Issue
Ads pre-paid for one year get 1 issue FREE and a sponsor spot
on our website!
KEY STRATEGIC GOALS:
Promote the continued use of motorcycles on the public
highways and byways.
Continue gaining support of the public and policy makers
to enable ABATE to fulfill its mission.
To increase partnerships with other groups and allies that
will help accomplish the mission of ABATE.
Assess all activities, programs and operations of ABATE in
order to strive for continual improvement of our organization.
Business Card $50.00 per Year / ¼ Page $100.00 per Year /
½ Page $200.00 per Year / Full Page $ 400.00 per Year
Send check or money order to: A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc.
Newsletter, P.O. Box 25, Garyville, LA 70051
Bayou Bikin’ News Deadline: 15th day of even numbered months
D
Bayou Bikin’ News Editorial Guidelines- A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana Inc. welcomes your news, opinions, comments, complaints
and suggestions on motorcycle-related issues. All articles must
include your name and address, and may be edited for contents
and clarity. Any articles from any other publication must include
the name of the publication, page number and issue number. We
do not accept slanderous, accusing letters, profanities or nonABATE of LA related letters. A.B.A.T.E. of LA reserves the right to
refuse or edit any article, photo, letter or advertisement that is
determined not to be in the best interest of the organization or it’s
members. A.B.A.T.E. of LA accepts no responsibility for the comments or opinions from reprinted materials contained within this
publication.
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc Newsletter
P.O. Box 25
Garyville, LA 700051
www.abateoflouisiana.org
27
Renew ___
Date ____________________
Signed ____________________________
I agree to comply with A.B.A.T.E. rules for
motorcycle events. I understand that all
benefits become effective upon receipt of
my membership card. I agree not to hold
A.B.A.T.E. responsible for accidents that
may occur at A.B.A.T.E. events. Membership dues and donations are NOT tax deductible for federal income tax purposes.
Emergency Contact Number __________________
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______$5
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______Other (Enter Amount)
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City __________________________ St _____ Zip __________
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New ___
RETURN ADDRESS: ABATE of Louisiana, Inc, Newsletter
P.O. Box 25
Garyville, LA 70051
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc.
P.O. Box 541, St. Amant, LA 70774
Mail to:
Make check of Money Order to
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of
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A.B.A.T.E.
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New Members/Renewals Only $20.00 each
Youth Membership: $5.00
Life Membership: $150.00 single, $225.00 couple
Bayou Bikin’ News
March-April 2013
28