FREE!! - ABATE of North Idaho

Transcription

FREE!! - ABATE of North Idaho
A.B.A.T.E. of North Idaho
November-December
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American Bikers Aiming Toward Education
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ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
A.B.A.T.E of North Idaho
Chapter Information
Be Informed
Kootenai Chapter
PO Box 2511
Hayden, Idaho 83835
Dale Ohrt
208-762-2364
qtrbackcrunch@hotmail.com
Meeting 1st Thursday
Coordinator
Chuck Gilmore
208-476-0189
chuckg696@verizon.net
Motorcyclists
Rights
Organizations
Know Yo ur Rights
Protect Your Rights
Deputy Coordinator
Paul Riess
208-769-7048
paulriess@msn.com
Secretary
Julia Merkel
509-442-2487
dillonova74@yahoo.com
Motorcycle Riders
Foundation
www.mrf.org
Local Rep: Dave Cazel
www.legislative.idaho.gov
St. Joe Chapter
PO Box 173
St. Maries, Idaho 83861
Moose Wittrock
208-245-2320
Meeting 1st Sunday
LC Valley Chapter
PO Box 1867
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Jim Davis
208-790-2297
patricklambert313@hotmail.com
Meeting 2nd Week of Month
A.B.A.T.E of North Idaho
State Information
State Officers:
Be Involved
Clearwater Chapter
PO Box 2042
Orofino, Idaho 83544
Pauline Durst
208-476-7677
pbikerbabe@msn.com
Meeting 1st Saturday
Hoodoo Chapter
PO Box 912
Spirit Lake, Idaho 83869-0912
Rod Haux
208-699-4716
rodhaux@hotmail com
Meeting 1st Saturday
SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE
Treasurer
Dee Hutchinson
208-476-4805
dch04@earthlink.net
Membership Sec
Dave Cazel
208-765-3527
lastgasp@imaxmail.com
American Motorcyclist Associationn
www.ama-cycle.org
Local Rep: Tom McLaughlin
928-580-7957
Ambassador at Large
Tom Taylor
208-773-9512
tomandsuetaylort@peoplepc.
net
Idaho Coalition of
Motorcycle Safety
www.idahobikerrights.com
National Coalition of
Motorcyclist
www.aimncom.com
The Hells Canyon Chapter
PO Box 2096
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Dave Bremenour
208-827-0396
davebre21@yahoo.com
Meeting 1st Saturday
Sergeant-at-arms
ANI Editor & State Chaplin
Ernie Crocker
208-691-5008
anieditor@verizon.net
:
Idaho STAR
Motorcycle Riders Training
www.idahostar.org
Disclaimer:
The Eagle is a bimonthly publication of ABATE of North Idaho. The views expressed by advertisers, or correspondents may not necessarily reflect those of ABATE of North Idaho. The
content of the Eagle is based upon source material, beli eved to be accurate, however; no liability is assumed for accuracy or completeness.
All input is welcomed. Facts and statistics should include sources and references. Credit will be given to all writers. The Newsletter Editor reserves the right to edi t all submissions for space,
clarity, and content. Material will be printed as space permits.
ABATE of North Idaho, its officers and staff of the Eagle issue no warranty of safety in any event described herein or guarantee any product or service advertised herein. The above named
parties accept no liability or responsibility for death, injury, or other losses due to participation in event, or use of advice, products or services offered or advertised in this publication.
A.B.A.T.E.
Of North Idaho
Eagle Newsletter
A direct ‘TARGET MARKET” of the motorcycle industry and all related subjects.
Circulation of 2000 and growing. Direct mail to 300 ABATE members
Throughout Northern Idaho and Northeast Washington.
Bi MONTHLY Advertising Ad Rates
Number of Insertions
1X
3X
JUMBO Ad (9.3” x 10.2” = 94 sq.in.)
$135
$125
6X
$115
LARGE Ad (7.5” x 10” = 75 sq.in)
$105
$95.00
$90.00
MEDIUM Ad (7.5” x 4.88” =36.6 sq.in.)
$55.00
$50.00
$45.00
MUSTANG Ad (3.63” x 4.88” = 17.7 sq.in.)
$30.00
$25.00
$25.00
Business Card Ad (3.25” x 2.00” = 6.5 sq. in.)
$15.00
$15.00
$10.00
Prices effective 09-01-2009 and subject to charge without Notice
Ad dimensions may vary, but area will be equal or greater than the areas shown above
Distributed and available for FREE at various locations through N. Idaho,
including motorcycle dealerships and repair & accessory shops.
All motorcycling places of interest, rallies & events.
Choose ad size then send copy of your ad to address belo w, or Email to csalomone1@gmail.com.
We do have design staff if you need help with designing your ad.
Send Payment Check to:
.
.
Please send ads in pdf or jpg format; high resolution (300 dpi at actual Size).
Send camera ready copy (sized as above) or copy for original creation of an ad for you to the address shown
Call Catherine Salomone with questions at 509-446-2285.
ABATE of North Idaho
C/O Catherine Salomone
PO Box 306
Metaline, WA 99152
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE
3
ANI Coordinator’s Report
Chuck Gilmore State Coordinator.
Julia's Farewell
Abate of Idaho Members and Officers; Let me start
out by thanking you for allowing me to sit in as your
State Secretary during some extraordinary times for
ANI, in the past two years.
Having never been an Abate member before 2006, it
has been one of the best learning experiences of my
life. Fears of the unknown were replaced with great
pride, in realizing my abilities I had no prior knowledge
of. I met some pretty amazing motorcycle enthusiasts,
and bikers! And attending the M.R.F. STEAM
Seminars in 2008 opened my eyes to the power we
have as Americans involving any Legislative issues!
Don’t just voteAnswer the “call to action!” Write or call your
Legislative Representatives .The Business of Freedom
Fighters……Get involved!
Julia’s Opportunities during her three years
………………PRICELESS!
See ya’ll in the winds of change
Julia Merkel
ANI State Chaplin
Let me start offby saying it is good to see you all here.
I k now that with the elections today we will be setting the organization up with a great
se t of officers for the next year and I hope that we can continue to go in a forward
direction as we have done this year.
Our membership took a slight blow during this year but we have managed to overcome
some issues and grow.
M ost of our chapters have come together and set aside personal feelings to
ac complish what I believe is an excellent start at cooperating. We managed to change
a few of our dates on our events so we were not overlapping all the time and I hope it
allowed chapters to get involved .with each other.
W e do have one problem I would like to see us work on in the next year. If I am reelected I will make this one of my priorities. I would like to see more involvement with
all of the chapters at the state functions. Putting on the state functions takes a lot of
ha rd work and I am seeing only a couple of chapters stepping up to help with the w ork
load that needs to be done to kick off the events and make them a success.
At Spring Opener there is always the same faces showing up to set up fencing and
take turns on the gate. We need each chapter to get involved and show a unity. We all
enjoy the festivities but, we should not leave all the work to be done, up to the select
few who always seem to be the ones doing the work.
I would appreciate the returning coordinators and the newly elected coordinators to
make this one of their priorities next year. Let's see how many of our members we can
get involved next year to tnake the Spring Opener even more of a success.
Another state function that is held each year is the Friendship Run. To say the least I
was very disappointed with the turn out we had this year. With the exception of a hand
full of members (Dave Cazel our State Membership Secretary, Paul Reiss our State
Deputy Coordinator and his wife Susan, Norm and Bev
Burch) the only turnout ANI had, was from the Clearwater Chapter. The Clearwate r
Chapter has members from the Boise area and they managed to make it to the Run so
why does the remaining chapters, who are closer, seem to not have an attendance at
this function? Let me remind you this is a STATE Function and I would like to see
more involvement from the other chapters. ICMS comes all the way from down in the
Boise area and they had more of a turnout than ANI had. That is just down right
unacceptable. The Friendship Run is just that FRIENDSHIP and the showing that
other chapters from ANI had, was disgusting. Are we just an Organization that let's
everyone else does the job or are we a group of people that are tired of watching the
world go by? So I put this challenge up to all returning and new Coordinators and
Deputy Coordinators:
How many of your members can you get from your chapter to attend the Friendship
Run next year.
Pastor Ernie
I have been involved with ABATE of North Idaho since April of 1997 when I attended a State meeting and have been a member of the Kootenai Chapter since 1998. I have
attended every Spring Opener since 1997 and have served as Spring Opener Vendor Coordinator for 9 years and served as Spring Opener Coordinator for 4. I was Chapter
Secretary for 3 years and Chapter Coordinator for 4 years. I was appointed State Chaplin at the Friendship Run in 2002 at the Big Eddy. Lot of years and lots of events. I am
proud to be a member of ABATE of North Idaho.
There are many rights in this country that are being taken away and ABATE is one the organizations trying to protect our rights as Bikers. I am also a member of MRF,
ICMS, AMA and the Hoodoo Chapter. Other rights I try to protect are our right for freedom of religion and our right to keep and bear arms. That is why I am a member and
support the American Center for Law and Justice and NRA. Whether big or small someone is always trying to take away our rights and freedoms. As a Christian I stand up
for my rights to believe and worship as I want and agree with the founding fathers that this is one of our most basic rights.
In spite of what any government or law says we all have the right to believe in God and worship him. To this day thousands of Christian lose their lives, homes families and
everything else because they believe and refuse to denounce their faith.
Here in America there are those who would have religious freedom taken away as well. It is an ongoing battle to keep this freedom.
This country was founded on Christian Principals and on the teaching of the bible. Most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Christians. Our public school
system started out teaching the Bible. That same bible is the one the Supreme Court said couldn’t be in our schools, the same bible that has the Ten Commandments in it. The
Federally owned building that the Supreme Court is in has the Ten Commandments Craved in the stone steps and walls and craved in the doors.
How did we get so far away for truth left us by our founding fathers? People weren’t standing up and fighting for their rights. Whether it is the rights bikers, gun owners or
Christians we all need to be involved, stand up and defend our rights. It has been proven that it is easier to keep rights than to try and get them back.
I thank everyone for letting me be your State Chaplin of ABATE of North Idaho. Looking forward to many more ABATE events.
Ride safe and ride free, Know that God loves you, Pastor Ernie.
SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
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North Idaho Legislative Contacts
email addresses: First initial followed by the last name (without separation or punctuation)
@house.idaho.gov
s
Po
OR
@senate.idaho.gov
North Idaho State Representatives
Eric Anderson (R)
District 1
33 Match Bay Rd., Priest Lake, 83856-5049
Home (208) 265-6316
Committees:
State Affairs - Vice Chair
Environment, Energy & Technology
R. J. Harwood (R)
District 2
81527 Hwy. 3 South, St. Maries, 83861
Home (208) 245-4446
Committees:
Environment, Energy & Tech - Vice
Resources & Conservation
Chair
Revenue & Taxation
Phil Hart (R)
District 3
P.O. Box 1988, Hayden, 83835
Home (208) 683-0456
Committees:
Transportation & Defense - Vice Chair
Judiciary, Rules & Administration
Revenue & Taxation
George C. Sayler (D)
District 4
1102 Ash Ave., Coeur d'Alene, 83814
Home (208) 664-2787
Committees:
Health & Welfare
Resources & Conservation
Revenue & Taxation
George E. Eskridge (R)
District 1
P.O. Box 112, Dover, 83825
Home (208) 265-0123
Committees:
Appropriations
Environment, Energy & Technology
Resources & Conservation
Mary Lou Shepherd (D)
District 2
273 Crescent Dr., Wallace, 83873
Home (208) 682-4771
Committees:
State Affairs
Transportation & Defense
Jim Clark (R)
District 3
8798 N. Clarkview Pl., Hayden Lake, 83835
Home (208) 772-5992
Committees:
Judiciary, Rules & Administration - Chair
Local Government
Revenue & Taxation
Marge Chadderdon (R)
District 4
109 Lakeview Dr., Coeur d'Alene, 83814
Home (208) 769-9309
Committees:
Business
Education
Local Government
Frank N. Henderson (R)
District 5
362 S. Ponderosa Loop, Post Falls, 83854
Home (208) 773-2269
Committees:
Business - Vice Chair
Appropriations
Local Government
Bob Nonini (R)
District 5
5875 W. Harbor Dr., Coeur d'Alene, 83814
Home (208) 765-1904
Committees:
Education - Chair
Transportation & Defense
Shirley G. Ringo (D)
District 6
1021 Herrington Rd., Moscow, 83843
Home (208) 883-1005
Committees:
Appropriations
Commerce & Human Resources
Transportation & Defense
Tom Trail (R)
District 6
1375 Mountain View Rd., Moscow, 83843
Home (208) 882-6077
Committees:
Agricultural Affairs - Chair
Commerce & Human Resources
Education
Liz Chavez (D)
District 7
1521 15th Ave., Lewiston, 83501
Home (208) 746-1169
Committees:
Agricultural Affairs
Education
Resources & Conservation
Paul E. Shepherd (R)
District 8
P.O. Box 277, Riggins, 83549
Home (208) 628-3695
Committees:
Resources & Conservation - Vice Chair
Education
Health & Welfare
North Idaho State Senators
Shawn Keough (R)
District 1
P.O. Box 101, Sandpoint, 83864
Home (208) 263-1839
Committees:
Finance - Vice Chair
Transportation
Joyce M. Broadsword (R)
District 2
590 Heath Lake Rd., Sagle, 83860
Home (208) 263-7735
Committees:
Health & Welfare - Vice Chair
Finance
Transportation
Mike Jorgenson (R)
District 3
2953 Point Hayden Dr., Hayden Lake, 83835
Home (208) 762-5514
Committees:
Judiciary & Rules - Vice Chair
Local Government & Taxation
John W. Goedde (R)
District 4
1010 E. Mullan, Unit 203, Coeur d'Alene, 83814
Home (208) 664-4652
Property/Casualty Insurance Sales
Committees:
Education - Chair
Commerce & Human Resources
James C. Hammond (R)
District 5
4757 W. Foothill Dr., Coeur d'Alene, 83814
Home (208) 773-5748
Committees:
Transportation - Vice Chair
Finance
Health & Welfare
Gary J. Schroeder (R)
District 6
1289 Highland, Moscow, 83843
Bus (208) 882-0601
Committees:
Resources & Environment - Chair
Agricultural Affairs
Education
Joe Stegner (R)
Assistant Majority Leader
District 7
216 Prospect Blvd., Lewiston, 83501
Home (208) 743-3032
Committees:
Commerce & Human Resources
Local Government & Taxation
State Affairs
United States Representative & Senators
Congressman Walt Minnick
(202) 225-6611
1517 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Senator Mike Crapo - (R - ID) Class III
239 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-6142
Web Form: crapo.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm
Senator James E. Risch - (R - ID) Class II
483 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2752
Web Form: risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
Abate of North Idaho
State Board of Directors Meeting
October 04, 2009
Coordinator specified, “No Quorum”.
Pledge of Allegiance said by all Attendees
Roll Call shows;
State Coordinator-Present
State Deputy Coordinator-Present
State Secretary-Present
State Treasurer-Present
State Membership Man-Present
State Ambassador @ Large-Absent
State Sergeant @ Arms-Open
Clearwater Coordinator-Present
Clearwater Deputy Coordinator-Present
Hells Canyon Coordinator-Present
Hells Canyon Deputy Coordinator-Present
Hoodoo Hippies Coordinator-Absent
Hoodoo Hippies Deputy Coordinator-Absent
Kootenai Road Dogs Coordinator-Present
Kootenai Road Dogs Deputy Coordinator-Absent
St. Joe River Riders Coordinator-Absent
St. Joe River Riders Deputy Coordinator-Absent
Two Chapter Members present: James Hutchinson, & Bob Merkel
(Let it be recorded that Hoodoo Hippies, St. Joe, & Kootenai all had
Officers not in Attendance for today’s meeting.) Should the same Chapters
not have representatives at the following meeting; letters go out as per ByLaws 4.7.1 to inform the perspective Chapters they had no representation.
(excluding Kootenai)
Although we could not proceed with Business @ Hand today, we did
appoint a three person tally crew to count the Ballots for Annual Elections,
and our new Coordinator is Mr. Chuck Gilmore.
All other Officer Positions are being filled by the same people except the
State Secretary position. Julia Merkel resigned her Office and we had one
Chapter come forward with an interested person. That person will present
qualifications at the next meeting for Board approval, please attend.
We accepted reports from attending Chapters;
Whats been Happenin’ in Idaho
SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE
Clearwater Reported: Don Grahams Daughter Amber sent a Thank you card
for the $ we donated; she placed it into an account for “Halli” Don’s new
Grandbaby. Kudo’s go to Dee, James, Mike Thacker, & Chuck for their efforts
@ our highway clean-up. And a special thank you to Michelle Gilmore for the
Banners that read “this highway being cleaned today by bikers”. We’re
attracting the right attention. A nice chunk of change was made @ “Too
broke”, which we donated to our own, “Forrest & Deanna” who lost their home
July 4th to a fire. Clearwater has 57 members. This meeting got “Tabled” not
enough present. Our November meeting is scheduled for Nov. 7th @ Marty &
Carol Cranes home @ 312 West North 2 nd In Grangeville. (208) 983-0478.
Chapter requests State to reimburse cost of the port-a-potties @ the Friendship
Run. Also Chapter members would like to express their dissatisfaction @ the
low turn out from Abate of North Idaho at this year’s event. It appears
Clearwater has become the sponsor instead of all ANI as it should be. “Pauline
Durst”
Hells Canyon Reported: We now have 71 members. Getting ready for
Halloween Party And Poker Run.
We went 18 strong on the Unknown Ride for the Children’s home.
We rode to Ramble Inn in Montana the end of July, to see our Montana
members. Great time had by all! “Big Dave”
Kootenai Reported: We have 47 members. Our finances are consistent with
previous years @ this time. Meeting Attendance has been good despite many
members taking extended rides this year. In August we approved the By-Laws
proposed Amendments.
October 3rd we had our fall highway clean-up in conjunction with Hoodoo and
8-10 people p/u 18 bags of trash. Toys 4 Tots is coming, this year we are
offering a “Henry 22 Mag. Rifle” for Raffle. $10.00/Ticket. Last yr. we bought
over $5300.00 in toys! We hope to do well this year with this Rifle Raffle.
“Dale Ohrt”
St. Joe –Not Present
Hoodoo – Not Present
L C Valley – Not Present
Reports Given, Election Tally Taken, ANI Files returned from Julia Merkel in
full, and as we had no quorum, this gathering ended around 1:50PM.
Dave Cazel,_MRF Rep-Idaho
Over the Labor Day weekend Abate of North Idaho (ANI) and Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety (ICMS) met
for the annual Friendship Run in Pierce, Idaho. This beautiful logging town in the Nez Perce area of Idaho hosted
the weekend event by opening up their town to the bikers. The run sponsored by the Clearwater Chapter of ANI in
conjunction with ICMS was a success, as usual. The bikers had a great iron horse rodeo and even managed to have
their annual meeting of the two SMROs that are normally 425 miles apart. They try to inform members and set
common causes for these two SMROs in order to insure that total vigilance is exercised at the state capitol.
The Kootenai Chapter and the Hoodoo Hippies of ANI will hold their semi-annual highway clean up of 2 miles of
Highway US 95 just north of Coeur d’Alene on October 3rd, rain or shine. All this activity is followed by a big
BBQ for all the volunteers followed by the monthly meeting to the Hoodoo Hippies.
November 7th the Kootenai Chapter of ANI will hold its 19th Toys for Tots Run in conjunction with Toys for Tots
sponsored by the US Marines. In each of the last three years every child that has requested a toy (in excess of 2000
each year) has received at least one toy from a biker. The ride has 7 stops and ends with a free potluck meal for the
riders, along with raffles and a fund raising auction. Santa and Mrs. Clause lead the ride in the Santa Trike with
hundreds of bikers following on. Its cold on a scooter in November but ABATE, HOG and the Clubs support the
children.
The biggest story to tell is that the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has received three grants totaling $1.5
million for future transportation efforts in Idaho. The funds are scheduled to be spent on traffic record systems
(data collection), MOTORCYCLE SAFETY focused on reducing fatalities and injuries, and reducing impaired
driving on the Idaho highways. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety Idaho continues to partner with the SMROs in
Idaho to emphasize motorcycle safety.
Also, ABATE in Idaho is growing for the benefit of all the riders. During this past month ABATE of Southwest
Idaho incorporated. Motorcycle freedom fighters always welcome more activists to put forth the message of
motorcycling safety, education, rights and freedoms. Both riders and freedom fighters in Idaho say “ Welcome to
the fold we’re glad to have you with us.” to all the members of ABATE of Southwest Idaho.
RIDE FREE and wear a helmet when you choose to.
5
NEXT ANI BOD State Meeting January 10th @ Noon
Sandpiper Grille Conference Room
Moscow, Idaho
North Highway 95
Submitted by Julia Merkel
TOYS 4 TOTS
RIFLE RAFFLE
Presented by Kootenai Chapter ABATE of North Idaho
HENRY GOLDEN BOY 22 MAGNUM RIFLE
$10 Donation Per Ticket
Raffle Proceeds Go to buying TOYS for TOTS.
Raffle presented by Kootenai Chapter A.B.A.T.E. of North Idaho inc,
a motorcycle rider rights organization. P.O. Box 2511 Hayden, Idaho 83835
Drawing to be held on November 7, 2009 at the End-of-Run event at the ‘Grail
Grill’ 4720 W Seltice Way . Coeurd' Alene, ID
Raffle Winner need not be present to win.
Winner will be notified by telephone if not present.
Winner Required to compl ete Federal Firearms Purchase a uthorization requirements.
For more info, call Denise Mills at 208-964 -4494
6
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
Runs & Events
ABATE of NE. Washington Halloween Party
Kootenai "Toy for Tots" run
October 31, 2009
November 7, 2009
Hells Canyon
November 14, 2009
Food collection run for the NW Childrens Home.
Hoodoo Christmas Party
Lawrence's "First to Freeze" ride
December 5, 2009
January 1, 2010
ABATE of North Idaho State Meeting January 10, 2010
2010 ANI ELECTION RESULTS
Chuck Gilmore was re-elected ANI Coordinator.
All other positions were uncontested.
2010 ANI Officers are:
Deputy Coordinator - Paul Riess
Secretary - OPEN
Treasurer - Dee Hutchinson
Membership Secretary - Dave Cazel
Ambassador-at Large - Tom Taylor
Kootenai-Hoodoo Highway 95 Clean up
Ten members of Hoodoo and Kootenai Chapters of
ANI came together on October, 7 to pick up trash along
a 2-mile stretch of Hwy 95, north of Silverwood Park.
The team collected 18 bags of trash during the 16th
semi-annual clean up.
Following the trash pick up, the members enjoyed a
pot-luck lunch at the Linger Longer in Spirit Lake.
SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE
ABATE of North Idaho
Clearwater Chapter
Meeting Minutes
Dee, Secretary
Clearwater Chapter
September 12, 2009
Chapter Coordinator Pauline Durst called the meeting to order at12:30 am.
The meeting was held at the Royal Room in Cottonwood.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given to the American flag.
There were 5 Officers, 7 members and 5 guests in attendance.
August minutes were read and approved.
Coordinator report: Pauline explained that she doesn’t have a report at this time because she ends
up talking for most of the meeting anyway so she waits for when the opportunity arises o
t say what she
has to say.
Deputy Coordinator report: Mike Thacker said after some confusion over the music, the Friendship
Run didn’t turn out so bad and everyone had a good time. There was no poker run this year due to the
weather and we hope to see and do more next year.
He reminded everyone about the event put on by Juice in Lewiston next weekend at South Fork
Station. Starts Friday with camping available all weekend. Roadhouz will be playing live music and this
event benefits the North West children’s home.
Secretary report: Dee let the members know that she is going to be ordering the VNV patches and
asked if anyone who wanted one would pay for them up front as to save some money in the chapter
acct. The patches are $4 each. If you are interested in purchasing let her know. She again noted that
Oct. is nominations and we need members to step up for the vacant positions the chapter has now like
Treasurer, Secretary and Membership Secretary. If you want your minutes by snail mail please let her
know. For now we are trying to get to everyone by e-mail and only mailing the minutes to members
that don’t have a computer.
Membership Secretary report: We had 2 people sign up as members at the meeting, a big biker
welcome to Marty and Carol Crane! That brings this chapter up to 56 members.
Ambassador at Large: ‘W’ said he stopped by Juice’s to discuss the NW Children’s home benefit
(information above). He put the pictures from the Friendship Run on the chapter Myspace.com, 154
pictures or more.
Safety report: Pauline said at the Friendship Run, Christical discussed the up coming DVD for the
Motorcycle Awareness Program. Said he would get one out to all chapters. Mike Thacker said he
would like to head up the MAP in our local schools and will get a hold of the Driver Ed teachers.
Pauline encouraged all who have not, to take advantage of the STAR classes available. Other states
are discussing mandatory motorcycle training for anyone trying to get a MC endorsement. Why make it
mandatory? Let’s just use what we have voluntarily.
My Space report: “W’ Reported there have been over 2451 hits on our site and over 574 friends
including the over 60 ABATE Organizations from around the world (he lost count after 60). Also one
Shooter Jennings, son of the notorious Waylon Jennings.
Tim Reynolds,
Dave Cazel, &
Susan Riess
stand by the
road sign.
Old Business: Pauline said she talked to Lane and Chuck from ICMS and they would be happy to
help us find a place to crash when we go down for their Can Dance in November. We just need a head
count on how many are interested in going. This is an ICMS annual event and for every canned food
you bring you will receive a raffle ticket. More information will be forth coming.
Pauline passed a card around to be signed by members for Geda, a Pierce resident and friend, to
thank her for helping out at every Friendship Run by making some kind of food for our potluck BBQ
after the Rodeo. This year she made the German tater salad and baked beans.
rd
Roadside clean up has been scheduled for Oct. 3 . Meet at the turn out at 10am and we will have the
chapter meeting afterwards at Mike Thacker’s house in Greer with potluck of spaghetti and sides. I
think Dee is taking care of a roaster full of spaghetti.
State meeting is October 4th in Moscow. This is the meeting we elect our State Officers. Make sure you
fill out and send back your ballots before it is too late.
New Business: November meeting was scheduled for November 7th. It will be held at new members
nd
Marty and Carol Crane’s home in Grangeville. 312 West North 2 if you get lost their phone # is 208983-0478.
Correspondence: MRF Report and ICMS Newsletter for anyone who wants to see.
Announcements:
Chapter Officer Nominations will be at the October meeting. PLEASE Plan to attend.
If you have not received your ballots for the state elections contact our State Membership Secretary,
Dave Cazel. His phone # is 208-765-9527.
Pauline made a motion that the meeting come to an end,Mike seconded the motion and the meeting
ended at 1:50 pm.
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ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
Tell Me Something I Already Know! By Paul Riess
Life was simpler 35 years ago. Riders (and drivers) pretty well knew there was much less car
traffic on the roads during nighttime riding, but the wildlife and drunks posed the ever present
threats. Avoiding or minimizing rural, night riding in favor of daytime riding has long been the
safer bet.
In the electronic age, we have a challenging combination of hazards lurking in the bushes, two
of which are congested daytime traffic and distracted cell phone drivers. An article in the July,
21 New York Times reported on a recently released report by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers using cell phones are 4 times more likely to have
accidents.
According to the Times:
“Extensive research shows the dangers of distracted driving. Studies say that drivers using
phones are four times as likely to cause a crash as other drivers, and the likelihood that they
will crash is equal to that of someone with a .08 percent blood alcohol level, the point at which
drivers are generally considered intoxicated. Research also shows that hands-free devices do
not eliminate the risks, and may worsen them by suggesting that the behavior is safe.”
And further:
“A 2003 Harvard study estimated that cell phone distractions caused 2,600 traffic deaths
every year, and 330,000 accidents that result in moderate or severe injuries.”
Several years ago, the Discovery channel program “Myth Busters” did a segment on driving a
test course with the driver talking on a cell phone. Myth Busters got about the same results.
What is even scarier is drivers using message texting. A CNN report showed that when drivers
text message, they are distracted from the road for a minimum of 6 seconds. If traffic is rolling
at 60 mph and assuming a ‘panic stop’ distance from 60 takes 140 ft, then they safe separation
difference for vehicles is 668ft. That’s 37 car lengths! Texting was reported to be done by 50%
of younger drivers, where their crash rate was 8 times higher than the norm. Texting truck
drivers are 23 times more likely to crash.
For motorcycle riders, clearly, no driver phone use is the best. Seeing a driver with a hand-held
phone pressed against their ear can at least alert the rider to an immediate hazard announcing
“Caution, intoxicated diver at the wheel, RED ALERT!!” Precautions may include covering
controls, tooting the horn, revving the motor, flashing high beams, or some combination to gain
the driver’s attention.
Washington State and some other legislatures have banned the use of hand-held cell phones
and texting when driving, while permitting hands-free devices. By legitimizing hands-free phone
use, drivers believe their distracted driving is perfectly acceptable and safe, because their state
law says so.
Unfortunately, various studies show there is NO Difference in driver distraction between handheld and hands-free cell phone use Any phone conversation causes the same “no-brainengaged” distraction to a driver’s attention.
Several state legislatures, although well meaning, have raised the ante by banning hand-held
phones and legitimizing only hands-free devices. Phone using drivers are now invisible. Every
car becomes a potential stealth cruise missile operated by a pilot with an equivalent blood
alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08.
Motorcycle riders don’t really want to deny other citizens of their rights and freedoms, like using
cell phones. In many cases, a car is a person’s livelihood, their rolling office. On the other
hand, motorists with an equivalent BAC of 0.08 are not entitled to endanger other motorists,
except, of course, it’s legal if they are talking on the phone. In crashes between motorcycles
and cars, the car wins.
The moral to the story for riders is:
STAY AWAY FROM EVERYONE. BE PARANOID!
Keep careful check on traffic in your rear view mirror.
They really are out to get you.
What we can do is petition our State Legislators to make distracted driving a primary offense
with serious penalties similar to DUI. And, require police to investigate and record if cell phone
use or other distractions were involved in a bodily injury collision.
On second thought, that night riding, dodging deer and drunks, may not be no so bad
after all.
7
8
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ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
ITD WORKS FOR
MOTORCYCLISTS
by Lane Triplett
reprinted from ICMS Two Wheel Advocate
In our last issue of the “Two Wheel Advocate”, ICMS commented that the Office of Highway Safety, Idaho
6242 Main Street Spirit Lake, ID
(208) 623-2142
Open 6am to 3pm Daily
Transportation Department was not willing to support the May awareness rallies. ICMS recently met with
ITD and found that we indeed have much the same goals and we plan to work together toward those
common goals in the future. I would like to highlight some of the efforts made by ITD to reduce
motorcycle fatalities and serious injuries in Idaho.
On my annual trip to Montana with friends over Memorial weekend, some of ITD’s work was readily
apparent. In areas where center line rumble strips (in double yellow corners) have been installed, not
once did I observe an oncoming vehicle crossing the center line into our lane. We all know how frightful
that situation can be. I also believe that it keeps motorcyclists from over-riding corners as well. These
strips can be somewhat unnerving when crossed in an extreme lean. And while it scares me to think of
what might happen if I were to cross one that had fresh paint and rainwater on it, ultimately it is still my
responsibility to keep my bike under control and on my side of the road in any and all conditions. I haven’t
been everywhere in our state since these have been installed, but I have seen them on U.S. 95 near
Bonners Ferry, state highways 55 &21, and on U.S.12 a sign has been installed just east of Kooskia
warning of 99 miles of center line rumble strips to the Montana border. On the same trip another pleasant
surprise was observed. At places on U.S. 12 where new drainage culverts were being installed and on
U.S. 93 north of Challis where a bridge is being replaced, a big orange sign stating “MOTORCYCLES
USE CAUTION” was prominently displayed. Not only do these signs keep us from being surprised by
current road conditions it also alerts other vehicles that we may be taking extra caution and hopefully we
NEW!!
Tuesday Night Specials – 5pm to 9pm
Spaghetti and Meatballs: $5.95
Or “Cook’s Choice” Special: $6.95
can get a break from them as well. I have also seen these signs posted on various construction projects
around the Treasure Valley. These signs and their frequent use should not go unrecognized, especially in
these times when funding is difficult.
Three years ago, in cooperation with STAR, ITD produced and ran a television spot promoting motorists
awareness of motorcyclists. This spot was nationally recognized as one of the best of its kind ever
produced. Though it was originally run in the month of May in saturation, it is now being run throughout
the riding season. It will most likely be used in ICMS’s proposal to driver education department for the
improvement of motorcycle awareness in classroom studies.
Recently billboards have started popping up at various locations. I took the photo, right, at the
intersection of Eagle Road and Pine in Meridian on July 13th. These are but a few of the contributions the
Idaho Transportation Department has made toward motorcycle safety in recent years. While ITD and the
ICMS may not always agree on every issue, we at ICMS are grateful for ITD’s accomplishments and the
continuing dialogue between our organizations through various councils and personal meetings.
Motorcycle safety, education, and awareness are the common thread of our efforts.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FUNDS
As many of you are aware, for the past few years Idaho has received monies from the Federal Highway funding legislation. Annually, our state receives
$100,000.00 to be used primarily for raising motorcycle awareness on the streets and highways. That fund of m oney, and more for larger states, has been
available to states that can meet the required criteria. Most states, and Idaho, have met those each year. A total of 47 states have consistently received
these funds, for a total of 2.5 million dollars.
In 2010 the highway funding legislation is due for renewal and work has already begun on the new bill. Along with that work is the continuing efforts of
our Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) to renew this motorcycle safety funding. The current proposal includes the possibility of enhancing that fund
as well as better defining the purposes for which those funds can be used to promote motorcycle safety. After the MRF proposal is submitted to
Congress, motorcyclists across the United States will be asked to support th is by contacting their Representatives and Senators.
Be prepared and ICMS will keep you posted.
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
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9
What actions are you taking to stay safe?
Motorcycle Safety Tips
by Stacey “Ax” Axmaker
www.idahostar.org
Training Man ager – Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program
Crashes involving motorcycles happen. It’s just a fact. Some are just the motorcycle, some are motorcycle s and cars, and some (far too many) involve
riders who has been drinking. Many of these crashes result in the rider being hurt or killed. Most of us know riders who have been hurt or killed. It
happens and it’s real. But there are things we can do to redu ce the odds of us getting hurt. What it comes down to is two things: avoiding the crash
and minimizing injury if there is a crash. Take the quiz below and see how you score on keeping yourself safe.
Avoiding the Crash
Minimizing Injury
1. Hazard Perception
a. I look well ahead and see hazards long before I get to
them
b. I look as far ahead as the vehicle in front of me so I can
respond when it does
c. I look at the road right in front of me
2. Riding Skills
a. I have taken professional training to improve my riding
skills and I practice them
b. I read a book or magazine article about riding skills
c. I figure I’ll just know what to do when the emergency
happens
3. Being Seen
a. I have bright colors and retro-reflective material on my
clothing, bike, and helmet to help me be seen
b. My jacket is black, but I wear a light colored helmet
c. I dress all in black and I ride a black bike
4. Drinking and Riding
a. I have a zero tolerance for alcohol when I’m riding
b. I often have a drink or two and then ride home
c. Drinking and riding is just part of what we do
1. Protective Gear
a. I wear all the gear all the time (boots, sturdy
pants, jacket with armor, gloves, helmet, and eye
protection)
b. I wear a jacket and helmet
c. I only wear gear for long rides; around town I just
wear a t-shirt and sneakers
Scoring: a = 2 points, b = 1 point, c = 0 points
If you scored 0 – 3 points: You are probably leaving a lot of
your safety to chance, and the odds have a way of catching up
with you. Look through the questions above for suggestions
on how to reduce your risk of being in a crash.
If you scored 4 – 7 points: You are off to a good start. You
seem to be aware that much of your safety is up to you and
that there are steps you can take. Keep on that track and look
for more ways to reduce your crash risk.
If you scored 8 – 10 points: Great job! You understand that
what happens to you when you ride is your responsibility and
you are taking action. Keep up those good riding habits – you
never know when you will really need them
10
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
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ANI Secretary Position Offering
I, Jeni, of Hells Canyon Have offered to take on the place of secretary for A.N.I. I would like to tell those that
don't know me a little bit about myself.
I have lived in the valley for most of my life. My father was a biker and I have all ways loved the road from 2
wheels. I have been married for all most 15 years and have 3 tweenage kids. The friends i have made thru
A.B.A.T.E. are good unique people. I wish to help A.N.I.'s vision and goals of keeping our rights to our votes. Not
the government choosing for us. Also helping everyone to have the skills and drive to keep us all safe with wheels
down and shiny side on the road.
I would like to see A.N.I. get the recognition, respect and support it deserves. I have been amazed in my travels
as to how many folk I have came across who do not know of A.B.A.T.E., what we stand for that and we aren't
just some bike "club". The only way we can do this is for every chapter to help get our misson out to the people.
10better than just some group that share a view. Power
We need to work together to get this done or we will be no
is in numbers and for Idaho votes on Idaho rules we need Idaho people following us.
I have had various jobs in office work in my life.
Currently I work as a Developmental Therapist. This position requires exact documentation, reports, billing and
communication with many other companies and state facilities.
My Husband (Ralph) and I owned our own Karaoke and DJ business. I cared for all contracts, billing and
scheduling for our company. We were successful and decided to leave the industry simply because places were
getting their own equipment and it wasn't as profitable to only do parties and weddings.
I hope to do A.B.A.T.E. proud and help to see us progress further to reach our goals together.
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
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11
ANI HOODOO HIPPIES CHAPTER REPORT
Our Sept, 12th Hoodoo meeting, was held at the Merkel Ranch in Ione Washington. Many of the Hoodoo members met to go and enjoy the beautiful
ride up the Pend Orielle River. Bob and Julia Merkel were gracious hosts for the meeting and made us all very comfortable with plent y of great FREE
food and 'beverages'.It was awesome and a great time was had by all who attended. (see photos) After the meeting and fabulous lunch, we all took a
ride around Sullivan Lake. It was nice to get in a ride toget her on such a beautiful day, in such a beautiful area. All those who came, reported they
had a great day and enjoyed the ride back as well.Many of us would like to get more rides in, combined with meetings, like this, more often. Afterall,
'riding' is what it's all about! Thank you Bob & Julia and to all those who attended.
September 12 th, 2009 Hoodoo Hippies Meeting Minutes
Merkel’s Mnt. View Ione, Washington Meeting called to order @ 1:45PM Twelve Hoodoo in attendance.
August minutes read by Julia, and accepted. Lori Wilkins letter of resignation was received after the August meeting. We have no Secretary/Treasurer at this time.
Rod Haux said we’ll wait for the October meeting to see who might volunteer, or be nominated. He says his time as Coordinator is coming to an end, and he must
decline any new nomination as his work has him living in Oregon, 85% of the time.
Treasury balance was given, and will be brought up to speed for the next meeting. Membership was @ 60 last time we tallied it.
New Legislation has been introduced to “the right to repair act”. All Motorcyclists are encouraged to visit www.righttorepair.org to send a letter to each of our
congressional representatives, urging them to support the right to repair act by adding their names to the growing list of cosponsors.
OLD BUSINESS:
The “Malibu Rum Car Wash had a dismal turnout”. Nothing else was reported on it.
Hoodoo Blood drive August 29 th had 18 people give the Gift. A large thank you to you all! We received a letter from the CEO with a story about a woman who you
may have saved by giving that day!
Please remember to give support where it is given in regards to the “Eagle” newsletter. Patronize those advertisers, and let them know you saw their ad in the
“Eagle!”
Beth Miller sent in an inventory sheet for the products she is storing in her bus storage, for Hoodoo. She’s gone, but Curt has access. In her letter she released any
responsibility for animal damage to said produc ts.
Chatty received the beautiful new tye dye Hoodoo Abate Banner for our functions. Truly one of a kind! Photos coming in the “Eagle”, it’s a sunny color!
NEW BUSINESS:
A food drive at the Linger Sept. 20 th, bring it.
October 3 rd is our highway cleanup with the Kootenai Chapter. Meet at Son Shine Rd. around 9:30AM, across from Silverwood. Begin clean -up @ 10:00AM.
Dinner afterward @ the Linger.
We‘ll need to nominate a new Secretary/Treasurer @ the October meeting, which is October 3 rd some time after the highway clean up.
- (Before, or after dinner.)
The Hub Bar and Grill
406 Main St.
Kamiah,Idaho
208-935-2211
Good Food, Good friends, Good times
12
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
Friendship Run Rodeo, Labor Day Weekend 2009, Pierce Idaho
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We actually had a nice turn out. About 64 bikes rode up to Pierce this year from around the state.
Only 2 bikes went down one went down twice in the baseball field and 1 in the parking lot of the park, so no damage and no injuries (other than prides and egos).
Everyone so enjoy this rodeo every year. Some say it was the best rodeo so far.
The people that come out and participate in the games are awesome! It shows that they are not there for thefame and fortune cause with $ store prizes everyone did a
great job and received their plastic tiaras well. I apologize now I didn’t get all the ladies’ names.
Weenie Bite
Slow Race Pauly beat 'em all out
Get a Grip
Paddle Joust
All around Cowboy hands down
1st - Mark and Partner 1st - Mark and partner
Plank Run went to Pacman
1st - Matt and Riki
had to go to Pacman
2nd - Jay and Partner
2nd - Jay and Partner
2nd - Jay and Partner
2nd - Matt and Riki
3rd - Styx and Midge
Keg Roll was all for the Kid
3rd – Mr. and Mrs.Pacman
Good sportsmanship and great attitudes by all!
208-276-3093
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
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MRO/SMRO MEMBERS GIVEN THE KEYS TO THE VAULT
TO HELP END THE CARNAGE ON OUR HIGHWAYS
13
By Dave Cazel Idaho State rep MRF
States Motorcycle Rights and MRF members were introduced to the form and
substance of how to create, to fund and to implement a Motorcycle Safety Program,
which up until now, was shown primarily to states’ employees.
On August 4 and 5, 2009, region 10 of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in conjunction with the Transportation Safety Institute’s (TSI)
Traffic Safety Division (NTSD) held its Regional Motorcycle Safety Program Course in
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. All states in Region 10 with the exception of Oregon were in
attendance. Class participants represented Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana and
Utah.
The course was designed and implemented in 2008 in response to the increase in the
number of motorcycle accidents throughout the United States. The target participants
were state highway safety program managers and their staff, highway safety engineers,
law enforcement safety administrators and personnel, state motorcycle safety
administrators, their staff and instructors. All categories of the aforementioned groups
participated in the two day course. However, there was one group of stakeholders that
was missing from this targeted list and they were, the people most effected by
Motorcycle Safety Programs, the beneficiaries of all this effort, THE MOTORCYCLE
RIDER. Well, not to be denied, MROs and SMROs actually did attend this program.
According to the NHTSA headquarters in D.C. this was the first time since the
implementation of this program that the SMROs were in attendance. The class is
designed for a group of less than 20 participants and, as far as I know, this was the last
region to hold the seminar. Thus over 200 public employees from throughout the country
have attended the program and not until this course were motorcycle riders included.
Five SMRO members in attendance were, Chuc Coulter, ex-officio Board member of
the MRF and director of the MRF A&E, Lane Triplett, chairman of the Idaho Coalition
for Motorcycle Safety, Dave Cazel, MRF Idaho State Rep, Boyd McFail and Blue
Breshears both of the Alaska Motorcycle Safety Advisory. Through networking and
relationship building these freedom fighters were offered seats at the table by the Idaho
Office of Highway Safety and Operations. I would like to thank the Idaho Office of
Highway Safety and Operations, NHTSA–Region 10, NHTSA HQ, Traffic Safety
Institute and the Maryland Department of Transportation for the opportunity to have our
voices heard.
The course, Motorcycle Safety Program Coordination (MSPC) was designed with five
primary objectives in mind, among which was to explain the creation of motorcycle
safety programs at the state level with partners from all facets of the States’ Departments
of Transportation and Traffic Safety, how and where to go to fund these programs
through the use of public funds, (of which most of us are at least somewhat familiar with,
USC 23 sections 402,408,410,2010) and lastly to implement and evaluate the
effectiveness of the program plan.
The point of all this is the fact that there is the opportunity to go shoulder to shoulder
with SMROs and in the future compete for public funds for motorcycle education, safety
and awareness. There are no limits to the types of uses for these sources as long as they
are applied either to your safety, education, awareness, data collection or impaired riding
programs. One item that stood out is that there is a fund (NAMS Grant Progra m)
explicitly for non-motorcycle industry program managers of which SMROs are a part.
There is money out there just for the asking, as much as $10,000, for state and local
chapters. It may take some pressure off the fund raising efforts throughout the coun try.
Identify the Safety Coordinator that works in your state’s Highway Safety Office,
(every state is required to have a safety office) identify and introduce yourself to your
state’s Governor’s Advisory Council representatives and lobby to become a more active
participant in motorcycle safety, education and awareness. Through perseverance and
tenacity we will have a louder and clearer voice with which to be heard on the subject of
motorcycle freedoms. As long as we as motorcycle riders are experiencing the volume of
carnage on the highways and by-ways of this great country there will continue to be the
need for us to be represented in the planning, implementation and dissemination of safety
measures. NHTSA Headquarters in Washington D.C. has indicated that now and in the
future that THE USERS AND BENEFICIARIES, MRO/SMRO MEMBERS, THE
MOTORCYCLE RIDER will have a seat at the table for motorcycle safety program
seminars. Who knows better where to spend motorcycle safety program money than the
rider?
LET THOSE THAT RIDE DECIDE!
Hells Canyon Report
As the cold weather comes our rides get fewer and we start looking like stuffed
animals on two wheels. But for those of us who don't make our bikes hibernate for the
winter this is normal. Remember every time we are on the road to be more careful in
the winter season on the road as our hazards grow. With everyone helping each other
A.B.A.T.E. can show we are strong in being safe and still having fun on the road in
any season.
We had a Boville ride over labor day weekend. As all ways we had lots of fun a big
thanks to Bill Hartman for his hospitality.
Hells Canyon recently helped some fellow bikers in our community on a fund-raising
poker run to Elk City. September 19th we went on a great over niter ride in south fork
gateway out of Elk City with the unknowns who were raising money for the Childrens
Home. The Unknowns asked us to join them on this run and they have all ways been
willing to help in our runs and ventures. The run went off great. There was good food
and entertainment all night. We thank them for the invite and for showing us a great
time.
Not a Whole lot of runs in the next couple months. We will have a couple community
runs where all the bikers in the valley no matter who they run with and some lone wolves
all get together as friends to support our community. Tho our community is not huge,
every community has needs and I am proud of the outpouring of support our valley
bikers give.
Upcoming events for this winter are:
Hells Canyon Chapter meeting November 7th @ 2pm at the wrangler and new officers
will be announced. Broomstick pool to follow.
November 14th.. a Food collection run for the NW Childrens Home. co. sponsored with
HD Custom Motorcylces and Hells Canyon Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. Please call Big Dave
for more information on when the ride will be or where you can drop off your non
perishable food, frozen turkey or ham. Big Dave, 208-827-0396 E-mail
Davebre21@yahoo.com. Please we need all the donations we can get to make this a
great day for the children.
14
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
25th Annual Meeting of the Minds
“From the eyes of your Rep”
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sept 24th-27th
The annual Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s Meeting of the Minds 25 th conference
was held during the fourth weekend in September. Thirty-nine of the 50 states’
representatives were among the 465 activists who attended. As this was one of the
most successfully attended conferences and marked a milestone in the motorcycle
rights movement, a rather thorough history was told to the attendees over the course of
the weekend. Many of the original founders, charter members and eventual statesmen
from the motorcycle rights movement were there. It was quite an impressive list of
names and their accomplishments in furthering the freedoms we all cherish. (Just as a
side note I might mention that the prevalent hair color there was gray.)
The issues that were brought to the table by the states, many of which were
mentioned as concerns by more than one state, were brought to the attention of the
participants as items in those states which needed to be addressed and offered as
solutions to other States Motorcycle Rights Organizations, (SMROs) with similar
problems: National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, (NHTSA),
involvement with the states’ governments and the National Transportation Safety
Board’s (NTSB’s), lobbying the states on behalf of the NHTSA to skirt the Federal
rules regarding departmental lobbying; license plate rules; rider education and
motorist awareness; Right of Way violations and future legislation and prosecutions;
public relations and Public Service Announcements, (PSAs); sport bike regulations,
issues and future legislation; 2010 funds; highway furniture and signage; insurance
issues; developing coalitions with pedestrians and bicyclists; lobbying; developing
political relationships for the benefit of the motorcycling community and VOTING.
The many accomplishments of the MRF over the past 25 years were
highlighted and the one that stood out the loudest was the total repeal of the federal
universal helmet law in 1994 which had originally been enacted in 1966 and was on
and of until 1991. Also presented were the accomplishments of the MRF over the past
year. The MRF actually met with the Republican National Committee for the very
first time (this isn’t about donkeys or elephants, its about motorcycle rights and
freedoms). The ” Bikes in the Beltway” ride was established for motorcycle awareness
and was the first time motorcycles were parked en masse on the grounds of the United
States Capital. This was an enormous effort and the brainchild of our recently
deceased MRF Vice President, ”Boz” Kerr. This past year marked the formation of the
Motorcycle Advisory Council, (MAC), made up of industry leaders, MROs, factories
and transportation / safety officials. Also there was focus on federal legislation; the
HIPPA amendment; the Right to Repair Bill and the National Highway Transportation
Bill with regards to motorcycling. (It should be noted that the Highway Bill will not
be renewed by the time of this article 9/30/09, or has it ever been renewed on time
since the inception of the Act. Further it is estimated by NHTSA that the bill will not
be passed within 18 months of its expiration.) Also, not the least of which is the
MRF’s involvement with the motorcycle crash study as one of the organization/
agencies that will be able to review and comment upon its implementation and
findings.
The MRF met with a cabinet official for the very first time this past year to discuss the
concerns and positions of the MRF and that was with the Secretary of Transportation,
Ray La Hood of Illinois. Mr. LaHood has been named a “Champion of the MRF” in
the past and as such he is sympathetic to the causes of the MRF and motorcycling
freedoms as he was while serving in the State of Illinois. The MRF was able to secure
a seat on the Distracted Driver Summit to be held in D.C. this October and a
passionate plea was made to the attendees of the conference by the son of a
motorcyclist who was killed by a driver who was distracted from driving her car while
applying nail polish.
The car driver rear-ended the motorcycle that was
stopped at a red light and the motorist NEVER SLOWED DOWN.
Jay Jackson, Vice President of the MRF was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall
of Fame this year. Jay is the 4th member of the MRF to have been inducted into the
Hall during the past 2 years. The MRF established and fully activated the MRF
Awareness & Education, a 501-C3, enabling the MRF to accept tax-deductible
contributions from the general public.
Current legislation was discussed by our lobbyist in D.C., Jeff Hennie, and
he made mention of the fact that although there has been no health reform bill passed
in either the House or the Senate. The comments by President Obama that
HEALTHY life- styles should be encouraged and addressed in the legislation, may be
the beginning of the end to motorcycling as we know it because motorcycling has
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been referenced as a risky endeavor by the insurance industry. Also the Federal Highway
Bill or the lack of one was addressed by our legislative liaison.
A guest speaker at one of the sessions was “Gimmy Jimmy” Graves of Texas. He
is the President of the Coalition of Clubs,(COC), in Texas and the founder of the U.S.
Defenders program. He mentioned that 19 of the 50 states have signed on to the Defenders
program which is a process by which citizen motorcyclists throughout the country can,
when called to arms, e-mail to, write letters to and visit, in person, with their state
legislators. He was very passionate about the effort and the direction that our country was
headed and said that the time for asking for change has passed and now the time has come
to demand accountability of our public servants. Later in the session was a panel discussion
with one current State Senator, one former State Senator and one former State
Representative, “Two Million Mile” Dave Zien of Wisconsin, member of the motorcycle
Hall of Fame, Tom Workman of Minnesota, and Bob Letourneau of New Hampshire. The
panel was moderated by “Radio” Wayne Curtain discussing Biker’s Rights from the Eyes of
an Elected Official. Another session encompassed recognizing state reps for their
outstanding effort in recruiting new and renewed memberships. The most outstanding
recruiting rep was from Illinois with 69 memberships. The Young Activists Awards were
presented to Jonathon Propson of Wisconsin and Ben Vincent of Arkansas, both twentysomethings who had the darkest brown hair at the conference. Ben Vincent is the President
of his ABATE chapter.
The legislative direction of the MRF was discussed among the executive officers
of the SMROs who were present. It was noted that the MRF is a bottom up organization
with the direction set by the members through the state reps to the board of the MRF. There
are over 8,000,000 registered motorcycles in the U.S., 255,000 SMRO members, an
unknown number of club members, 5,000 + MRF members, 39 MRF State Reps and 13 or
so MRF board members. It is the MRF that is carrying the water for the motorcycling
community’s 8,000,000 registered motorcycles and getting their direction from the SMROs
and their 255,000 member riders with regard to Federal legislation and is building coalitions
with all the MROs and COCs. The focus for the next year will be on the Health Care Bill,
insofar as it impacts motorcycling, (it’s a risky lifestyle; unhealthy?). The committees and
subcommittees that will be writing the bill will be monitored for specific language. A
position paper will be written and presented to encourage the legislators to leave out any
mention of motorcycling from the legislation. The Transportation Bill will be watched for
any “blackmail” that may appear and to see that the allocation of monies from the national
highway trust fund continue to be allocated to motorcycling in the states. A watchful eye
will continue to look at the NTSB to ensure that it does no further lobbying of state
legislatures at the direction and urging of the NHTSA. (Lobbying of state legislatures by the
NHTSA is illegal.) The Right to Repair legislation will be urged especially in light of the
current economic environment where some riders are forced to cross state lines to have their
bikes serviced because of the closures of dealerships. Riders are denied the opportunity to
choose the service of their choice, whether it be themselves or their local shop which are
denied the adequate tools to perform the necessary service. Impaired riding will be a focus
of the motorcycling industry, the department of transportation and the MRF and its
members. We are killing our own and until we’re able to bring down the number of
fatalities from alcohol, prescription, non-perscription and illegal drugs while riding we will
continue to be the ever growing larger target of law enforcement.
The state representatives to the MRF held their own meeting during the
conference and a few of the items discussed were whether attorneys should be allowed to
advertise in the MRF REPORTS. It is currently written in the by-laws of the MRF that
lawyers cannot advertise in the publication. The issue was brought up that we are spending
our freedom funds on this publication rather than on motorcycle rights thus we should
accept the ads in a fashion that would ensure no favoritism and not be influenced by dollars.
The policy will be studied in committee during the coming months. Also listing the
sustaining membership in the MRF REPORTS was discussed and the election of Member
Reps to the Board of Directors was held.
Awards were presented during the banquet on Saturday evening, not the least of
which, was the Farmer award. It is presented to the member who has never been and is not
currently serving on the Board of Directors, and who, in the estimation of the Board, has
made the most significant contributions to the MRF. This year the award was given to a
member who is a charter member of the MRF and has attended ALL twenty-five Meetings
of the Minds and is the State Rep of Michigan, Mike “Fiz” Przybylo.
All in all, this was the best Meeting of the Minds that I have had the opportunity
to attend. The number of members present was outstanding and the information flowed.
After three days of intense meetings, networking and rubbing shoulders with members old
and older, I was exhausted. Oh, and by the way, “the Bibs” beat “the Kilts” in the tug-ofwar, two in a row from a best of three. Thank you for giving me the financial support and
opportunity to represent the great state of Idaho in such an important organization
supporting our rights to ride motorcycles and live the lifestyle of our choosing.
Ride free and wear a helmet when you choose to,
Dave Cazel – MRF Rep Idaho
SUPPORT THE EAGLE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT ABATE
ABATE of North Idaho EAGLE November - December 2009
15
ABATE of North Idaho Membership Application
I wish to Join:
O New Idaho State Membership……............…$20.00
O State Renewal ……………………..................$15.00
Must be a State member to join a Chapter, below:
Kootenai Chapter, Coeur d’Alene …... .$5.00
Hoodoo Chapter, Spirit Lake ……… .…$5.00
St Joe Chapter, St. Maries ….. ……....$5.00
Clearwater Chapter, Orofino ………….$5.00
Hells Canyon Chapter, Lewiston .…….$5.00
L C Valley, Lewiston-Clarkston …....…$5.00
TOTAL: $____________
Name: _________________________
Address: _______________________
___________________
State_______________ ZIP________
Phone: ________________________
Email: ________________________
PLEASE READ:
In consideration of acceptance of this
application, I hereby agree to waive any and all claims against
the American Bikers Aiming Toward Education of North Idaho,
State Officers, State Committee Members, and general
members for discrimination, possible loss or damage which may
occur to any person or thing as a result of ABATE activities.
Furthermore, I understand and agree to be fully responsible for
the actions of myself, my children, and my guests which I bring
to any ABATE activity. I further agree not to hold anyone
responsible for the actions whatsoever, on whose land ABATE
may be holding activities.
Signature: _________________________
Date: _____________________________
Kootenai A.B.A.T.E Toys for Tots Run Nov
7th,Kootenai Road Dogs and the United States
Marine Corp are working together again this year to raise money to buy gifts for all our area kids
who are in need through our toys for tots campaign.
Our ride this year is November 7th,we will all meet at Lawrence's Motorcycle s at 10 am and leave
at 11 am. All motorcyclists are welcome to join in on our ride and fun that day. We will all ride
with Santa and Mrs. Claus to all our area motorcycle shops and end at the grail bar and grill on
Seltice way for a potluck and lots of nice raffle prizes and door prizes.
We want to thank all our great sponsors, including all our other sponsors that have helped us out
tremulously this year:
Lone Wolf H.D
Easy Rider Roadhouse Cycles
Lawrence's MC
Wal-mart
Helmet Outlet
Grail Bar and Grill
CDA Honda
Whiteman Lumber
We have a super nice Rifle Raffle this year, is a 22 mag Henry Golden Boy rifle.
Please purchase a ticket or two from any of our bike shops all proceeds go directly to buying
gifts for all our area children. We thank all members of A.B.A.T.E , who have helped out this
year. There are also toy boxes at all our area bike shops were you can drop off a unwrapped gift
for children.
Please join us on our 21st annual toy run on Nov 7th to help raise money for the toys for tots
program.Hope to see you all there and have a nice holiday season.
Tim Reynolds and Denise Mills Toys for Tots Team Captains, Kootenai Chapter Road Dogs
A.B.A.T.E. of North Idaho, Inc.
P.O. Box 2989
CDA, Idaho 83816
www.abateofnorthidahobikers.org
WATCH FOR MOTORCYCLES
, Costume Sales & Rentals
Cordura
V-Twin &
9:30