DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD STATE SEMINAR February 5, 2011 Details Inside this Issue! JUNE JAM T-SHIRT CONTEST - Page 8 THE BIKE SHOWS ARE COMING! CycleFest Columbus International Motorcycle Show Cleveland EasyRider Motorcycle Show Columbus HAVE you BEEn InjuRED? Why pay a lawyer 33% or 40% of yOUR MOnEy? At ABATE Legal Services, ABATE members: • PAy OnLy 28.5%* • Are not charged for recovery of damage to your motorcycle • Have access to a 24-hour toll-free phone number 24 Hours a Day • 7 Days a Week 800-25-RIDER 800-257-4337 AV™ Rated (Highest Rating in Martindale-Hubbell™ • Listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers • Attorney for ABATE of Indiana, ABATE of Ohio, and ABATE of Illinois • Counsel to Motorcycle Riders Foundation Inc. • Proud Creator and Sponsor of the Miracle Ride for Riley Hospital for Children • Charter Sponsor of Indiana Motorcycle Safety Program *Percent of total recovery. Expenses as approved by client. Visit our websites at www.ABATElegal.com and www.roadhazard.org ABATE of Ohio, Inc. Region Directors and County Coordinators (State Board Members are Listed on Page 5) Region Zero Region 05 Fairfield County Open Ashland County Tammy Blanton 330-272-2038 Ralph Buss 800-582-5577 Perry County Open Rick McClure 419-869-7025 Columbiana County Adams/Brown County Vinton County Open Holmes County Sam Sacconi 330-227-9900 Butler/Hamilton/Warren Co’s. Morgan County Open Cowboy Whitman 330-567-3127 Mahoning County Tim Kaelin 513-561-4745 Noble County Open Lorain County Open Ron Blanton 330-272-2265 Clermont County Medina County Portage County Denny Wichert 513-625-1917 Region 11 Garret Robison 330-278-2714 Dan Morgan 330-824-8036 Clinton County Theresa Knipp 740-564-0048 Richland County Stark County Charlie Shoemaker 937-382-8378 Athens County Open Dawn Berkshire 419-571-7882 Connie Larson 330-257-9198 Fayette County Lawrence County Open Wayne County Summit County Highland County Gallia County Open Milan Sigler 330-201-2458 Paul Stokes 330-644-4572 Jackson County Open Region 06 Trumbull County Meigs County Open STATE OFFICE DD-Carla Lawson 937-308-0385 Ron Blanton 330-272-2265 Champaign County Washington County Open 800-25-BIKER Clark County 614-319-3644 Region 01 Region 12 Larry Dobbins 740-544-5404 Kirk Goings 937-845-1992 Contact TJ Johnson 330-360-7752 www.abate.com Darke County Belmont County Ashtabula County Open Greene County Todd “Lucky” Benda 740-695-5780 Cuyahoga County Open Wendell McCarthy 937-318-2620 Carroll County Geauga County Open Miami County Harrison County Lake County Open Patrick Salcedo 937-339-1232 Dion DiBacco 740-317-0352 Montgomery County Region Directors Jefferson County Region 14* Steve Diekmann 740-632-2950 James(Duke)LeDuc 937-825-6397 Steve Lindsay 740-360-0471 and County Preble County Monroe County Crawford County Coordinators Region 07 * Joe Swartz 740-482-2003 Region 02 * Brian Jordon 419-483-5184 Hancock County Note: Updates to Dave Davis 740-349-9499 DD-TJ Hausman 419-355-0498 Mark Baden 419-722-3268 this listing should DD Russell Brooks 740-674-6094 Erie County Open Hardin County Coshocton County Contact Danny Reilly 419-483-9844 Mac McFarlin [email protected] be sent to: June Davis 740-349-9499 Huron County Open Marion County Open outspokin Guernsey County Contact Dan Reilly 419-483-9844 Morrow County Open Pat Foraker 740-679-2494 Lucas/Wood Counties Open Wyandot County Open @abate.com Licking County Contact Mike Stock 419-669-4648 Region 16 June Davis 740-349-9499 Ottawa County Michael McLaughlin 330-336-7464 Holmes County Bill Bowersox 419-705-8896 Knox County Sandusky County Muskingum County Ben Wheeler 419-267-0036 Terry Billy 740-872-3686 Seneca County Open Contact Director above Region 03 Mark Davis 419-649-0240 Region 08 Allen County Eldon Witter 330-806-1391 Dana Frost 419-229-0928 DD:Jamie Smith 330-605-3847 Auglaize County Carroll County Logan County Tim Cordray 740-269-1213 Jack Linet 937-585-4155 Stark County Mercer County Ed Harper 330-866-5221 Paulding County Tuscarawas County Daniel Bustos 419-399-5291 Rusty Pierce 330-364-6175 Putnam County Lynda Schnipke 419-453-3834 Region 09 Shelby County Kolman Fuzy 614-332-0198 Van Wert County Franklin County Kevin Feathers 419-695-3846 Rick Jessee 614-402-7234 Madison County Open Region 04 Pickaway County Ruby Worchuck 419-256-2560 Jeff Bowersock 614-306-2570 Defiance County Pike, Ross & Scioto Counties Vicki Stahler 419-782-5789 Tom Heinrich 937-371-9920 Fulton County Union & Delaware Counties Art “Rabbi” Miller Jr. 419-335-1185 DCC-Harley Stock 419-654-5448 Henry County Scioto County Open Mike Browneller 419-274-8230 Williams County Open Region 10 Hocking County Open January 2011 Outspokin’ 3 Advertisers/Services: ABATE of Ohio Legal Services 2 Rider Insurance 10 Ride Smart (Motorcycle Ohio) 13 Progressive International MC Show 20 Business Card Ads 26 M. Singleton Transporters 18 Law Offices of Ralph Buss 31 Business Sponsors 37,38 Sustaining Supporters 37 Forms: Advertising Forms 35,36 Region News: Regions Zero & 1 27 Regions 2 - 4 28 Regions 5 & 6 29 Regions 6 & 7 32 Regions 8 & 9 33 Contents Page Regions 9 - 16 34 State Officer Reports: COB Corner 5 Miscellaneous: Executive Director/By-Laws 6 Region Map; Region Officers 3 Legislative Director Report 8 ABATE Office Info 5 Cleaning Out the Corral (Classifieds) 23 Featured Articles: Membership Application 40 AMA - American Motorcycle Association 7 MRF Report 9 NCOM-Biker News Bytes 14 Ask Our Lawyer-Rod Taylor 15 Shootin' the Breeze 16 Flyers: ABATE State Seminar - Feb 5, 2011 11 Seminar Schedule 12 R6 Greene County Chili Cookoff 19 January 2011 Outspokin’ 4 Happy New Year! And I hope everyone ABATE of Ohio, Inc. had a great and Merry Christmas with family ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) of and friends. With the New Year there will be a Ohio, Inc. is a 501 (C) 4 "Not for Profit" organization. change in Administration in the State of Ohio, Dues, donations/contributions, event funds and ABATE products are NOT tax deductible as a charitable contribu- with incoming Governor elect John Kasich tion. ABATE is dedicated to preserving the rights, taking the helm. We have enjoyed a very pro- improving the image and promoting the safe operating practices of Ohio motorcyclists. ductive working relationship with the Ohio Jim “SNAFU” Elgin ABATE of Ohio, Inc. events are subject to Department of Transportation, Ohio Depart- a thirty percent administration fee. Chairman of the Board ment of Public Safety and the Ohio Transpor- Membership in ABATE of Ohio, Inc. is open to all persons 18 years and older, having an interest in tation Safety Office and Motorcycle Ohio preserving personal freedoms and sharing our throughout the years and hope the new ad- goals. Owning a motorcycle is not necessary. ministration keeps the lines of communication Annual dues are $25 single, $40 couple. open for a free exchange of ideas to improve the Motorcycling experience in Ohio. ======================================== STATE OFFICE INFO At this time I want to welcome our new State Board of Directors Officers: Tim “TJ” Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1658 Johnson, Kolman Fuzy, Diane Thompson, Scott Wood, Mike Stock, Dan Morgan, Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Street Address: 3999 Parkway Lane #11, Kristy Hawthorne and Ex Officio Jim Bown, this is a great group of people to be Hilliard, Ohio 43026 working with and I am looking forward to the upcoming year with much pride and 1-800-25-BIKER or 614-319-3644. (local) confidence that we will have a banner year in Membership growth and success pro- Fax: 614-319-4715 (call ahead) Office Hours: moting our events as this is our life blood to fund the corporation. Monday Thru Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm email: [email protected] Having said that, how do we go about doing it? Membership, every single Member, The ABATE of Ohio, Inc. newsletter, Outspokin’, go out and get 2 New Members (we are going to need them now). Note: a former is published monthly. Deadline is the first of Member whose dues are 2 years lapsed is considered a New Member. We also each month preceding the issue month. Guidelines for material publication: You may need the next generation of Riders to groom to take our places in the State Motorcy- submit letters, photos, articles about ABATE cle Rights Arena, so get after the young riders no matter what they ride or how they related events. Stories and articles about motor- ride, remember they are not doing anything we did not do in our hey days, they just cycling are also welcome. Each are accepted on a case by case basis. We will not accept have much lighter and more throttle responsive machines to do it with. Promoting slanderous or accusing letters, profanities, Events think outside the box. Facebook, thanks Ruby, has worked wonders in some or non-ABATE related letters. areas, send your event info to all the Motorcycle Event Calendars, Radio Stations, Advertising Information: get Fliers to our Business Sponsors they will help promote our events, and, they 800-25-BIKER, e-mail: [email protected] ABATE of Ohio, Inc., reserves the right to refuse want to see us inside their doors for a visit even when we are not promoting an any advertising or display that we deem to be event just to chat. inappropriate, obscene, or otherwise unsuitable for publication. Display of business names, advertisements or supporters is not and shall Good News! Our Prayers have been answered, Dan Morgan Jr., has come out of not be construed as an endorsement by his coma and is coming back to us, the road back is not swift but steady, please ABATE of Ohio, Inc. of any business listed. Ad forms are on Pages 35 and 36 keep Danny in your prayers. ======================================== STATE OFFICERS United We Stand, Chairman of the Board: Jim Elgin Jim “Snafu” Elgin Executive Director: Ed Schetter Asst. Ex. Dir.: Barb Clements Ohio ABATE PAC Chairman: Ed Schetter ABATE Foundation Chair: Jim Sprague Ex Officio Officer: Jim “Goofy” Bown Treasurer: Lynn Hardin Secretary: Barb Tittle Deputy Directors: A: TJ Johnson—B: Bryan Reed—C: Kolman Fuzy— D: Jim Sprague Security: Dan Morgan State Products: OPEN Outspokin’ Editor: Diane Thompson WEBSITES TO KNOW; Legislative Director: Scott “Woody” Wood Safety & Ed. Director: Mike Stock ABATE of Ohio: www.abate.com State Events Coordinator: Kevin White Web/IT Administrator: Tim “TJ” Johnson State of Ohio: www.ohio.gov Office Staff: Laura Smith AMA: www.ama-cycle.org/ Ohio MRF Rep: Kristy Hawthorne MRF: www.mrf.org/ John “Farmer” Eggers 1951-1993 January 2011 Outspokin’ 5 Here we are, a New Year, Add “To establish and coordinate communications with nec- a new legislature to work with, essary state, region and county officers as needed.” To Article 7, Sec- and a new set of officers. This tion 1: Duties of all Officers of ABATE of Ohio, Inc. is a kind of rebirth if you will. Self explanatory Motion 34: With the seating of the Add “To establish and coordinate training and organizational 129th general assembly here improvement efforts with necessary parties.” To Article 7, Section 1: in the great State of Ohio Duties of all Officers of ABATE of Ohio, Inc. comes a new set of chal- Self explanatory lenges. Maintaining the rela- Ed “Enjoyin’ the Ride” Schetter tionships we have developed Motion 35: Clarify Article 7, Section 13: Duties of the State Events in the past, strengthening our Director. position with those who have Self explanatory stood with us in the past. Motion 36: Developing new relationships Add “To follow and support the Constitution, Bylaws, Poli- with those who will stand with cies/Procedures and Forms of ABATE of Ohio, Inc.” To Article 7, Sec- us in the future, these are necessary to increase our numbers and tion 1: Duties of all Officers of ABATE of Ohio, Inc. replace allies that are no longer in the legislature by their choice or by Self explanatory the choice of others. Motion 37: We also face the challenge of introducing new legislative action Add “To recommend changes to the Constitution, Bylaws, and reintroducing the bills we have not been able to get passed. Let’s Policies/Procedures, and Forms necessary to provide accurate finan- hit the ground running from the beginning and see how far we can cial accountability, protect corporate liability, and meet all require- advance motorcycling with the 129th assembly. We have a R.O.W. bill ments established by federal, state and local laws.” To Article 7, Sec- to get passed along with a lot of other work to do (distracted driving, tion 1: Duties of all Officers of ABATE of Ohio, Inc. description of a motorcycle, random roadside motorcycle specific Self explanatory checkpoints, and the list goes on.) We have a lot of work to do. Motion 38: Clarify Article 7, Section 14: Duties of the State Products Thank you to all who stepped up and took a leadership roll for 2011 Director. in ABATE of Ohio, Inc. I look forward to working with all of you on our Self explanatory quest for freedom and motorcycling. We have the best and most dedi- Motion 39: cated membership of any organization I’ve ever worked with. Let’s Change the title “State Newsletter Editor” to “State Newslet- spread the passion for motorcycling that we feel and increase the ter Director”. Change the title “Region Newsletter Editor” to “Region membership to the numbers we deserve. Newsletter Officer”. Change the title “County Newsletter Editor” to I look forward to seeing everyone at seminar in February. “County Newsletter Officer”. Self explanatory Enjoying The Ride, Motion 40: Ed Schetter Clarify Article 7, Section 15: Duties of the State Newsletter Executive Director, ABATE of Ohio, Inc. Editor. Oh yea……..BYLAW REVIEW Self explanatory The Bylaw review committee has been busy. The Constitu- 3 rd reading and voting on Constitution motions made at tion has been reviewed and the Bylaws are next. If you have any the September 2010 BOD meeting will be at the January 2011 suggestions, think there is a procedure we need to define in a better BOD meeting: way or you want to join the Bylaw Review Committee, drop me a line at [email protected]. Motion 41: Add “When applicable, prepare information for publication Many changes in the Organizational Manual were nothing more than on the State Website.” To Article 7, Section 1: Duties of all Officers of correcting spelling and grammatical errors. The Bylaw review commit- ABATE of Ohio, Inc. tee determined that these were a matter of housekeeping and motions Self explanatory. are only proposed for changes that alter the intent, meaning or proce- Motion 42: dures outlined in this document. Change the title “State Webmaster/IT Administrator” to “State Technology Director”. Change the title “Region Webmaster/IT Constitution motions passed at the November 2010 Administrator” to “Region Technology Officer”. BOD meeting that were proposed at the July 2010 BOD meeting: Self explanatory Motion 43: Motion 29: Remove “Web Team” from Article 7, Section 16: Duties of Add “To serve on the annual state motorcycle awareness the Webmaster/IT Administrator. event committee. “ to Article 7, Section 9: Duties of the State Legisla- Article 7 is duties of officers not duties of committees. tive Director Motion 44: Self explanatory Change the title “Web Team” to “Technology Motion 30: Committee”. Clarify Article 7, Section 10: Duties of the State Safety and Self explanatory. Education Director. Motion 45: Self explanatory Clarify Article 7, Section 16: Duties of the State Webmaster/ Motion 31: IT Administrator. Clarify Article 7, Section 11: Duties of the State Security Self explanatory Director. Motion 46: Self explanatory Add “When applicable, prepare a written report for BOD, Motion 32: RBO, CBO meetings.” To Article 7, Section 1: Duties of all Officers of Clarify Article 7, Section 12: Duties of the State Ex Officio. ABATE of Ohio, Inc. Self explanatory Self explanatory. Motion 33: (Continued on Page 24, By-Law Changes) January 2011 Outspokin’ 6 Pinhancos said. "To go out there and win this award just means so much to me." When asked about his aspirations, Pinhancos wasn't afraid to set high goals. "I dream of being the next Ricky Carmichael," he said, referring to the multi-time AMA Motocross and Supercross Champion believed by many to be the greatest motocross racer of all time. Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Fredette was named the AMA Rac- AMA Racing Champions Honored at ing Vet/Senior Rider of the Year. Fredette, already a legend in off- End-of-Year Banquet road racing, added to his reputation in 2010 by not only success- fully competing in his 30th consecutive International Six Days En- The AMA welcomed a full house of AMA Racing champions and duro, where he won another gold medal, but in winning two AMA their families, friends and fans to the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Racing National Championships. Fredette won the Senior 40+ A Spa in Las Vegas, Nev., on Saturday, Nov. 20, for the AMA Racing class title in the AMA Racing Rekluse National Enduro Champion- Championship Banquet, presented by World of Powersports. The ship Series and claimed the 86cc-200cc Modern class No. 1 plate banquet celebrated racers' championship seasons and awarded a at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships. number of special awards that acknowledged the standout perform- ances of a few top competitors. After accepting his award, Fredette was asked what advice he had for younger racers. Speaking at the banquet, Stan Simpson, the chairman of the AMA's Board of Directors, thanked all AMA racers for helping make "The longer you ride, the easier it becomes," Fredette said. "Keep racing the exciting sport it is. focused, and make friends along the way. They come in handy in every aspect of your racing career." "On behalf of the board of directors of the American Motorcyclist Association, our AMA staff, and each and every AMA member, I The AMA Racing Female Rider of the Year was Maria Forsberg, want to congratulate all of you for earning a place among this elite from Brier, Wash. Forsberg had a phenomenal year in the GNCC group of champions," Simpson said, addressing the crowd. "Your series, where she won 11 of 13 races in the Women's class. Fors- skill and determination, along with the support of your family and berg rode for the RPM/KTM team. friends, have taken you to the top of amateur racing. You represent the future of motorcycle racing. You may not realize it, but you are Randy Texter, a longtime fixture in the dirt-track racing community, the also backbone of the AMA." was named the AMA Racing Sportsman of the Year. This award is given to an individual who has elevated the sport of motorcycle Hundreds of top competitors, in disciplines ranging from land- racing through his or her unselfish demonstration of outstanding speed racing to motocross to woods racing and everything in be- sportsmanship. tween, received their national championship trophies and No. 1 plates at the AMA Racing Championship Banquet, presented by Texter passed away on Aug. 28, 2010, from an extended illness. World of Powersports. Special awards included AMA Racing Ath- lete and Sportsman of the Year honors. In announcing the award, AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley recalled how Texter generously supported amateur dirt-track racers The AMA Racing Athlete of the Year award was won by Charlie for decades and raised two children -- a son and a daughter -- who Mullins, the overall champion of the 2010 AMA Racing Rekluse ascended to the highest levels of competition in AMA Pro Racing National Enduro Championship Series, presented by Moose Rac- Grand National Championship competition. ing. Mullins excelled in the 10-round series, winning six rounds, AMA-chartered organizers, the clubs and promoters who run AMA- while also competing in the AMA-sanctioned Can-Am Grand Na- sanctioned events around the country, also were recognized for tional Cross Country (GNCC) Series, where he finished second in their efforts. Winners in those categories were Victory Sports, AMA overall points to Josh Strang. Racing Motocross Organizer of the Year; Rausch Creek, AMA Racing Off-Road Organizer of the Year; BUB Racing Inc., AMA "This is kind of a dream come true," Mullins said. "I never expected Racing Track Racing Organizer of the Year; Salinas Ramblers, to win an award like this. It's a great honor, and I can't thank every- AMA Racing Club of the Year; Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, body enough. It's really special for me to win this." AMA Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year; Buckeye Dual Sporters, AMA Off-Road Organizer of the Year. Chris Borich won the AMA Racing ATV Athlete of the Year Award. Pennsylvania's Borich had a remarkable season in both the GNCC Racer X Illustrated won the 2010 AMA Racing Media Award for its series and the AMA Racing ATV Hare Scrambles National Champi- in-depth coverage of AMA-sanctioned events over the course of onship Series and won the overall title in both. Borich won 11 races the season. in the 13-race GNCC series. AMA Legends & Champions Weekend The AMA Racing Youth Rider of the Year was Jake Pinhancos. Jake won the national No. 1 plate in the 65 Stock (10-11) class at The AMA Racing Championship Banquet, presented by World of the AMA Racing Amateur National Motocross Championships, Powersports (WorldOfPowersports.com), was part of a two-day presented by AMSOIL. Pinhancos also won a World Championship celebration honoring motorcycling's greats at Las Vegas' Red in 2010. Jake led AMA Team USA to the overall win at the FIM Rock. That celebration also included the 2010 Motorcycle Hall of Junior World MX Championship by taking the title in the Junior Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by JT Racing 65cc class. (JTRacingUSA.com), and the annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d'Elegance bike show, which featured some of the "The most fun and exciting thing is going to all these races, hang- ing out with my dad and mom and seeing all these riders have fun," (Continued on Page 22 - AMA) January 2011 Outspokin’ 7 I am your new that you look State Legislative Di- forward to working with them in the future. If you have rector. First off let me time, visit them in their office. Let's get to these new offi- introduce myself. My cials and introduce them to ABATE of Ohio, Inc. name on my birth In conclusion, I look forward to my new position. I am certificate is Scott very excited at the idea of accomplishing things and pre- Wood. Most people serving the freedom of motorcycling in Ohio. have been referring Scott “Woody” Wood to me as Woody Scott "Woody" Wood since I was in the Legislative Director, ABATE of Ohio, Inc. sixth grade. I encour- age everyone to call me Woody. It helps with some confusion at home on phone calls. My home county is Clinton, where I was born and raised on a farm. Later I graduated from the University of Cincinnati. I was a supervisor for Airborne Express/ABX Air for 19 years before DHL de- cided to downsize and move to Kentucky. I have served as Legislative Officer at the county level and at the region level. By this time of year I'm sure most are tired of hearing the holiday clichés. This is the beginning of a new legisla- tive session. What we are about to have happen is un- precedented. We have more new members to our govern- ment than ever before in history because the American voter has mandated a change. I’m looking for “Generation Motorcycle” pictures to I believe ABATE of Ohio also needs to look at some feature in a future issue of the Outspokin’. Please changes. We are losing members every year. We need to send your pics and caption of 25 words or less to: recharge the organization. Legislatively, a victory on the [email protected] ROW bill would be a big shot in the arm. The ROW bill will continue to be my priority. I believe we have a good Watch our future issues! Examples: You and your son, chance at it since we have learned that some of our oppo- grandson; you and your daughter, granddaughter; sition (Ohio Judicial Commission) is willing to meet with us Grandfathers/Grandmothers MC; Fathers/Mothers and discuss their objections. We will learn more after the MC; group of family members in an old photo with first of the year. MC’s. This is not a contest, just for fun. This is the time of year when all the new legislators I think you get the picture! and government officials are moving into their new offices. We have lost several officials that were ABATE support- Any submissions all rights reserved for reprint in ers. Those officials will be missed. We need to get out ABATE of Ohio, Inc.’s Outspokin’ Newsletter. there and introduce ourselves to the new officials. We need some new friends to help us in our legislative en- Thanks to all who participate, deavors. Write a letter to your new congressman introduc- Diane ing yourself and welcome them to the job. Let them know January 2011 Outspokin’ 8 MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle the MRF and all of our initiatives, as well as a Riders Foundation very staunch advocate for ABATE of Florida. 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 510 | When it comes to anything motorcycle, Mica Washington, DC 20002-4980 has an open door policy for the MRF, and 202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 the MRF meets regularly with Mr. Mica and (fax) | http://www.mrf.org his staff. Mica is tasked with the awesome responsibility of writing the next surface 10NR34 - MRF News Release - transportation bill. This mammoth piece of NHTSA Meeting legislation has been the vehicle for such things as the national helmet law repeal, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NHTSA lobby ban, motorcycle education and 10 December 2010 awareness grants, and the motorcycle advi- sory committee. The MRF will be working Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice Presi- hand-in-hand with Mica and his team over dent of Government Relations and Public the coming months as the bill is drafted, to make sure that Affairs motorcyclists continue to benefit from it. The MRF wishes you, your families, and your friends a NHTSA MEETING Merry Christmas and a healthy, "many miles on your ride" and Happy New Year. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) recently partici- pated in a regularly-scheduled meeting with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The gov- ernment safety group continues to deny that the recent drop Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http:// in motorcycle fatalities could have anything to do with edu- www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983 cation and awareness, instead maintaining that that the decrease was a result of people riding less. However, the Registration is easy and secure for MRF Regional and Meeting of Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) reported that during the the Minds conferences. Visit our website at http://www.mrf.org/ same time period, 2008-2009, vehicle miles traveled for events.php for further details and registration information. motorcycles were up 6.8% or 27.6 billion miles in the U.S. Send in your nominations and donations for the MRF's Young Activist Scholarship fund today. For complete details, visit http:// The MIC also reported that tire sales, a unique measure of www.mrfae.org/yas.php. motorcycle use, were also up 9.6% in 2008-2009. NHTSA also continued to defend their discriminatory prac- Sign up today for the MRF's new roadside assistance program by tice of funding motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints, in- visiting http://www.mrf.org/mrfroadside.php The program is avail- cluding their recent $40,000 award to Georgia's Department able to MRF members and non-MRF members. of Public Safety. The idea is based on no science or re- search, but simply the notion that pulling every motorcycle © All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Repro- off the road at the discretion of law enforcement will "save duction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Founda- tion, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motor- lives." cyclists' rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The NEW SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE first motorcyclists' rights organization to establish a full-time pres- ence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the It is safe to presume that Representative John Boehner (R- only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The OH) will become the next Speaker of the House once the MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the vote is taken by the 111th Congress when they are sworn in election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider this January. With Republicans taking control of the House, safety and rider freedom. it is likely that Boehner will garner the majority of the votes. The MRF recently met with Mr. Boehner's staff to congratu- The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists' rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders' rights movement late him. Representative Boehner has been a long-time among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and friend of the MRF and ABATE of Ohio, and we look forward state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, to continuing working with him in his new role. training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and NEW HOUSE TRANSPORTATION CHAIRMAN state motorcyclists' rights organizations with direction and informa- tion, and sponsors annual regional and national educational semi- The new chair of the powerful U.S. House Committee on nars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi- Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) will be John Mica (R- monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS. FL). Representative Mica has been a constant supporter of January 2011 Outspokin’ 9 The Only Insurance Carrier that Serves the Motorcycle Community Exclusively. Join the “Members Only” Club. 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