tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19232968558563373822024-03-05T15:32:51.358-06:00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . A View From The Bars...... The thoughts and insights of what you experience when you follow where your front fender leads you...GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-15409578673605763372014-01-07T09:56:00.001-06:002014-01-07T09:56:23.858-06:00KUSTOM GRAPHIC DESIGN: HOT RODS @ EMS<a href="http://kustomgraphicdesign.blogspot.com/2011/11/hot-rods-ems.html?spref=bl">KUSTOM GRAPHIC DESIGN: HOT RODS @ EMS</a>: Check out the special Smokin' Shutdown Hot Rod showcase at the Essen Motorshow... still a few days to go to see it in person. Deliv...GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-89436010859573309122012-09-23T17:17:00.001-05:002012-09-23T17:17:50.899-05:00Show Class Mag: So you WANNA be a BORN FREE V BUILDER....?<a href="http://www.showclassmag.com/2012/09/so-you-wanna-be-born-free-v-builder.html?spref=bl">Show Class Mag: So you WANNA be a BORN FREE V BUILDER....?</a>: Mike and Grant asked Show Class what we thought could make Born Free better... our suggestions were for the show to be longer and for the pu...GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-41818715383261352022012-03-30T23:45:00.000-05:002012-04-20T23:34:04.995-05:00April Ponderings [with a Posting Note]<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">OK – on to “Plan B”!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">[The following is the
opinion of myself personally, not as the Membership Coordinator, and does not
reflect the views of the remaining Lincoln Land Chapter officers. If they agree
with me on this, that’s fine, but for now this is my beef and mine alone.]<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had hoped to have an opportunity to do some “real”
outreach at the Quaker Steak & Lube (QS&L)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bike nights this year, but corporate America
reared its ugly head and we got a chance to see QS&L for the money grabber
it truly is. They were really excited to give us the opportunity to increase
our exposure, expand our reach to the next generation of riders and builders
and make some good connections… as long as we came up with the cash to play.
They didn’t want to hear anything about our plight, give consideration to the
fact that we are a not-for-profit legislative rights group, or that we
represent <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the motorcycle community and
the culture – they just want to push some more wings and beer and collect<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fees from the participants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At least when I take my scoot out there, I can put a flyer
on the rack and a few brochures on the saddlebags until they ask me to put them
away or leave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not sure where we go from here. My suggestion is that
you get a few buds together and go on out to the events, check out the bikes
and have some onion rings and a beverage. There will be plenty of riders there,
and it will be a great time to talk with them about rider rights, legislative
concerns, customizing your machine and managing your bike ownership and
operation. (Sound familiar? I think I’ve written that before…) They might not
want us to make a “formal” presence at their events as a positive motorcycle
entity, but they can’t keep us from spreading a little good on the blacktop one
on one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">OK – I’m done bitchin’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #073763;">“Grant me the strength
to endure, the wisdom to outsmart and enough tequila to medicate.”<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></i></div>GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-10581731158015832492012-02-25T16:55:00.004-06:002012-02-25T17:15:59.978-06:00March Ponderings - Uncle Brent Revisited<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back in August, I wrote about my Uncle Brent being the person who first exposed me to motorcycles and that it would be pretty cool getting to ride with him someday. Well, early in February, the opportunity to share the road with him got a bit closer. My cousin Brett (his son) and I had talked a bit more over the winter about this ordeal and he finally made the decision that the only way to get his dad back in the saddle was to provide him with said saddle.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a co-worker in my office before the holidays telling me that he had two bikes for sale and really wanted to get them moved so he could go pick up his new Ducati. One bike was an ancient dirt bike – no good. But the other ride was right in my uncle’s wheelhouse. He had talked about wanting an early to mid-80s Honda in-line. Low and behold, the other bike on the block was a black with blue ’84 Honda Nighthawk S, just what the doctor ordered. A<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>few emails, a couple of phone calls and soon my cousin and I are loading up my truck with the very bike that I had dreamed about since I lived in Denver back since ’85.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I knew it got delivered a week later when I get a one-word text from my uncle – “Unbelievable”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It felt pretty good to be part of giving back. Some of us ride just for ourselves, some of us ride for others, and some of us just ride just for the hell of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for me, I’m in it for me, but the rest of the two-wheeled crowd ain’t too bad neither. It’s a pretty good day riding with people you like hanging out with, and I always like hanging out with Brent. Hopefully, this will give him back a little something he lost along the way, that love of riding. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next… he needs to attend an A.B.A.T.E. meeting with the Heartland Chapter in Pontiac!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“There are no bad riding experiences on motorcycles – except the shallow hostility between American and Japanese bikes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tim “Nestter” Renaldi</b></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHjqaV2clJGyoe3cRZv8mFO2OKpLyuKKgm24bNmVJOpxHa6c6crMlpA9HY0OuRWuw8SbqWlES0UA7tbmtwxXAtAdDIt9fuP_LT9yCjyU1lD3Tz6bOL-CnwylME8W3v0Q0qqh-7EJnz91K/s1600/Nighthawk+S+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHjqaV2clJGyoe3cRZv8mFO2OKpLyuKKgm24bNmVJOpxHa6c6crMlpA9HY0OuRWuw8SbqWlES0UA7tbmtwxXAtAdDIt9fuP_LT9yCjyU1lD3Tz6bOL-CnwylME8W3v0Q0qqh-7EJnz91K/s320/Nighthawk+S+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Brett taking in his new purchase to surprise his dad.</em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rYv712P0ekYdaeqPHarzJRREO6yADOQglat0gXqNUSZQMnLEGOsNPDALD_T6GlKwR56EsT8n-B0FwOQyy979OA6LXdsglK2RTclYIpUkLoJt11uC1tNOy_P_8BIeUFRMZ_EVs6HL3mOu/s1600/Nighthawk+S+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rYv712P0ekYdaeqPHarzJRREO6yADOQglat0gXqNUSZQMnLEGOsNPDALD_T6GlKwR56EsT8n-B0FwOQyy979OA6LXdsglK2RTclYIpUkLoJt11uC1tNOy_P_8BIeUFRMZ_EVs6HL3mOu/s320/Nighthawk+S+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Unstrapping the new scoot.</strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPqoTl9657rtIMcq9p-qhyphenhyphenEXC6z7y4dc4ug71uHWO_ua401K8pREm7ifBqhfqxbHkz6GeAXZMftsZHo7pu7WT2RALzkhP7pXAcz-ppCXJQu3G32Cc50V90sOy-j2gfBvF_qtlgi1H2Y4U/s1600/Nighthawk+S+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPqoTl9657rtIMcq9p-qhyphenhyphenEXC6z7y4dc4ug71uHWO_ua401K8pREm7ifBqhfqxbHkz6GeAXZMftsZHo7pu7WT2RALzkhP7pXAcz-ppCXJQu3G32Cc50V90sOy-j2gfBvF_qtlgi1H2Y4U/s320/Nighthawk+S+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Down the ramp and up the driveway.</strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm9Mh1rrSFPlHs76aFDXd1n3ipxSjU1xj25QY0kF5WdBcg8ct-8ohx0pe_9t2dWpb5vX6tQB5bzzLCRq5zjdUfHP3Y4rYEX7g0VGCYKstHoOXicx-jPvUL3-_pUGCT1ogsgq29FkLw8T_/s1600/Nighthawk+S+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm9Mh1rrSFPlHs76aFDXd1n3ipxSjU1xj25QY0kF5WdBcg8ct-8ohx0pe_9t2dWpb5vX6tQB5bzzLCRq5zjdUfHP3Y4rYEX7g0VGCYKstHoOXicx-jPvUL3-_pUGCT1ogsgq29FkLw8T_/s320/Nighthawk+S+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><em>A new back skin, a little elbow grease and a tweek here and there, </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>and </em></strong><strong><em>she'll be ready to take to her new owner. </em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Brett delivered her the next week.</em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Too damn cool!</span></em></strong></div><br />
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</div>GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-63235360777535039072012-02-25T15:08:00.000-06:002012-02-25T15:08:38.862-06:00February Ponderings<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Apparently, we’ve gotten the recruitment thing down …<o:p></o:p></span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At the Saturday night banquet/awards ceremony at the 2012 ABATE State Seminar, the announcement was made that the Lincoln Land Chapter (LLC) had signed up the most new members over the past year. Although we didn’t achieve the century mark, we came darn close. The LLC took home the tin with 98 new sign-ups (with some question about a possible 99<sup>th</sup> – you’ll have to ask Pacman about that). For this accomplishment, I really want to thank all of you who went out and wrangled new supporters this past year. I have to be honest, there are a few members who did the lion’s share of the work on this – you guys are the main reason why we accomplished the recruitment level that we did in 2011. For that, I have a stack of brand new membership brochures for you to carry in your pockets or stash on your rides. Some reward, huh? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But thanks a ton! You all did a great job of bringing in some new blood!</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And while we’re on the topic of membership, this brings me to one of the main reasons we bring new bodies into the fold – Legislation Day! Be sure to mark March 7<sup>th</sup> down on your calendars to attend this event and make our presence known. The more bodies we can place in the capitol building and the more lawmakers we can meet with eye-to-eye, the better our influence carries over when it’s time for them to consider motorcycle legislation in the chambers. Even though the Red Light Law veto overturn was a HUGE success for the motorcycle riders of this state, we don’t want the legislature to think they threw us a bone. We won’t roll over for any of the “pet project” legislation that might shelter the opportunity to bring back yet another helmet law push. That ain’t happenin’ Ms Flowers!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Also, the new schedule is out for LLC events for this year. Take a look at it and plan some time to attend and participate. If you have anything to add to the schedule, speak up and let us know the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who, what, where, when, why</i> for them. Anything that has to do with motorcycling or involvement with the chapter would be greatly appreciated. This will give us some more opportunities to meet and greet these 98 new members that have signed on to stand with us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I refuse to join any club who would have me as a member.” </span></i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #340000; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"> --<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Groucho Marx</span></i></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyMX8M8OQMpdPwHJ9qQNkpLhL6hSxcLKiDrNUKENXGC27l3XgjjpZG8elXrD7M2QzTJgX3edR0K77TFcMTqJh62axp2mrPefq_VMCLiqwPffMN9S8Gs1TY6iUpLlmEoDduMU05P9kcMTk/s1600/2012+02+x+New+Member+Signup+TROPHY+B&W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyMX8M8OQMpdPwHJ9qQNkpLhL6hSxcLKiDrNUKENXGC27l3XgjjpZG8elXrD7M2QzTJgX3edR0K77TFcMTqJh62axp2mrPefq_VMCLiqwPffMN9S8Gs1TY6iUpLlmEoDduMU05P9kcMTk/s320/2012+02+x+New+Member+Signup+TROPHY+B&W.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1W7cODG13iHRICBz-YGpgf2coo94yKBJxyNUHcAOcavx6FK2nvvsep_YEH4mMwZO22jPDb0Zo73KW4q2RGzYuf0lk0YMIEFfTWpCjQZeve3DomyXEeZZ1wGya8uEOpS41IY8hKdg31Ap/s1600/x+2012+02+x+New+Member+Signup+PLAQUE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1W7cODG13iHRICBz-YGpgf2coo94yKBJxyNUHcAOcavx6FK2nvvsep_YEH4mMwZO22jPDb0Zo73KW4q2RGzYuf0lk0YMIEFfTWpCjQZeve3DomyXEeZZ1wGya8uEOpS41IY8hKdg31Ap/s320/x+2012+02+x+New+Member+Signup+PLAQUE.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-25165386487418788822012-02-25T15:01:00.000-06:002012-02-25T15:01:44.432-06:00ABATE shirts back in the 70s... [goes with the previous blog]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3BJTZvzMR12bsoVGV-BM_DQ9rCCQQddao5cV6wLo12pdPP8Z-uD08JoGaG57rjnfjDJvYGSShRwMSuY2uBa46Lh9PEcS3Rf77cwIPEbb0DxZJdndODkc1DqluEy9tlHtwItMCt_mtQTO/s1600/2012+01+x+1977+ABATE+Shirts-Members.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3BJTZvzMR12bsoVGV-BM_DQ9rCCQQddao5cV6wLo12pdPP8Z-uD08JoGaG57rjnfjDJvYGSShRwMSuY2uBa46Lh9PEcS3Rf77cwIPEbb0DxZJdndODkc1DqluEy9tlHtwItMCt_mtQTO/s320/2012+01+x+1977+ABATE+Shirts-Members.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-33996317312092644992012-02-25T14:55:00.000-06:002012-02-25T14:55:05.180-06:00January Ponderings - Here's hoping for an improved New Year<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m back! – for good or bad, it’s me again, as Membership Coordinator for 2012 (add mumbling comment here).<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the Lincoln Land Chapter puts the 25 year chevron in place celebrating our two-and-a-half decades of standing up for motorcycle rights in central Illinois, it occurred to me that this fight has been going on for a lot longer than that. As successful as A.B.A.T.E. has been here in the Prairie State, other states have had groups in place, keeping up the united front for some time before us. The history of a motorcycle rights group goes back to 1971 when <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Easyriders Magazine</i></b> made a call to organize the effort.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My son had sent me a link to The Selvege Yard blog to read about the writing and filming of “American Graffiti.” This blog is a real guy-type of blog about all kinds of things, including some history and adventure with motorized machines. While there, I stumbled across some vintage pix of bikes (I love the ’70s choppers) and events. There I found two images from September and October of 1977 and A.B.A.T.E. shirts were present even back then.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, Inc. has been around in since 1986, but A.B.A.T.E. was first incorporated in Illinois in 1975. It seems that even though we have had much success over the past 25 years, we still battle the same issues from the same governmental processes that we were facing even back then.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 13pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“…Individual bike clubs can go before city councils, state legislatures, and congressional committees, but as single clubs, and unprofessional at the game of politics, their efforts are usually futile.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 13pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Scattered, unorganized, individual efforts have little if any effect against the power structure.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 13pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">The major problem is not any particular anti-bike movement or organization - the problem is that the people who make the laws are people who know nothing about bikes. The little old lady writes her congressman and complains. There is no one offering rebuttal -- intelligent, professional rebuttal -- to her unfair charges. The congressman, who doesn't hear any arguments against what the old lady said, but does want to please everybody and does want to get elected again, introduces a bill to ban whatever was bugging the old lady. The bikers in the area don't see the small item, buried in the back of the newspaper along with the hemorrhoid cures, announcing the proposed law for all bikes to have roll bars. Since no one sees it, no rebuttal is offered, and the law is passed. Or if it is seen, and a club or two protest, it isn't a loud enough protest, or it is a disorganized protest, or an unprofessional protest, and as a result the law is passed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 13pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">We need a national organization of bikers. An organization united together in a common endeavor, and in sufficient numbers to be heard in Washington, D.C., in the state legislatures, and even down to the city councils.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 13pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">We must present our case and defend it vigorously.”</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial MT"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 13pt;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">© Copyright 1971 Easyriders Magazine (October)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">* * * * * * *<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 13pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“…The letters stand for </span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">A</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">B</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">rotherhood </span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">A</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">gainst </span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">T</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">otalitarian</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"> (i.e., strict control by coercive measures; completely regulated by the state) </span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">E</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">nactments</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"> (i.e. to make (as a bill) into law).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 13pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">…We must present our case and defend it vigorously!</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial MT"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 13pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Our mission is positive. We want to educate the lawmakers, to give them our side of the story, before laws are enacted, and we are devoted to working aggressively toward the abatement of all unfair, unjustified, arbitrary anti-bike laws everywhere.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 13pt;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">© Copyright 1972 Easyriders Magazine (February)</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial MT"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our name may have changed a little, but the sentiment is still the same. But I can’t decide if we have made that much progress in keeping motorcycles a legal means of transportation with the modest amount of regulation that has been placed on our machines or if we are just maintaining the status quo for actually educating the public and government as to our interests and beliefs. We’ve come a long way, but then again, we’re still fighting the same demons.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the article read, we must present our case and defend it vigorously. Otherwise all the work that was begun 40 years ago will be a largely wasted effort. So I guess we just keep moving on and work for our rights and our freedoms as motorcyclists, just like the riders and builders of those sweet choppers did before us. Far out!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">“</span></span></i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-- Abraham Lincoln</span></i></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></span></div>GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-34072476638714826212012-02-25T14:50:00.000-06:002012-02-25T14:50:20.833-06:00December Ponderings<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Is it just me or does this Santa guy resemble the iconic biker image that seems to saturate the public mindset. You know, large stature, rotund build, big bushy beard, black boots, travels great distances on an open machine, impervious to the weather, a little loud when he laughs, hangs out with wildlife, generous nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OK - maybe I’m reachin’ a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I received a collectible figure from my mother last year, the Santa “Born To Give” guy, astride some non-descript vintage bike for my desk. Just the fact that I got something like this from her validates that she finally has accepted, over all these years, that I do ride. Apparently “De-Nile River” finally ran drive. But I digress…<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So as I look at this figure sitting on my desk, I do see a bit of a resemblance to some guys I’ve known over the years. I do get a kick out of the guys whose beards have gone full white (naturally or otherwise) and have put on a few pounds, then volunteer to dress up for the Christmas parade or local winter toy ride. I doubt that any of them have any holiday ink of candy canes or tree ornaments on their arms like the guy holding my paperwork down, but you never know. Some of those guys really get into the Santa thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Alright, so much for the seasonal message...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as the rest of the year has gone, I want to thank the members who have collected membership subscriptions and renewals, the comments and critiques as to what needs to be improved or changed, and the words of encouragement for taking this position on. I know there’s still some bugs in the machine, and hopefully some of them are going to get worked out in the new year. It ain’t perfect sometimes… I get it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Thanks for being patient with me as I’ve tried to learn the job, solve some issues, deal with things outside the chapter and keep us solid as a chapter. The thing to remember is that ABATE and the Lincoln Land chapter does for motorcycling than anyone else out there will do for us. You would think more people would be looking out for us since we seem to have so much in common with Kris Kringle. Oh well, have a good and safe holiday.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The main reason that Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-- George Carlin</span></i></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></span></div>GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-3599256009775820392012-02-25T14:48:00.002-06:002012-02-25T14:48:39.488-06:00November Ponderings<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>OK – I’ve already rode more this month than I did the entire last month of October! Unfortunately, that’s not saying much. As nice as the weather was in October, life seemed to keep getting in the way of the scoot. So now, anytime I can get a chance to ride in November, it’s a bit deal!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because it’s such a rare occasion to get out and ride in November, you seem to be drawn to anyone else out there on a bike. It makes for a bit of conversation when you stop somewhere for a bite or to pick up some items, and you end up talking with the other biker in the establishment. Naturally, it’s getting to be late in the year to talk ABATE to them, because by the time you read this in the newsletter, riding time will be pretty much done. It’s hard to have a discussion of motorcycle rights with someone when there’s snow blowing up against the windows, so make the most of your time when you’re out there.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now don’t get me wrong, you can still get a chance to ride in November now and then. Several years ago I did manage to ride to up Pontiac, Ill for the Thanksgiving weekend. I watched the forecast like a commercial pilot the entire week, rode up on Wednesday afternoon in sunny, 60 degree weather and ended up heading back to Springfield on Saturday afternoon in a miserable, cold mist. The good news was that it beat riding back in the snow flurries that followed on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m not ready to give up riding yet, but I’m also not ready to drop down some cash for an electric vest and gloves. I don’t have any place on my bike to plug them in anyway, the Sabre just isn’t a cold weather-friendly bike and a Road Glide is a ways off yet. But if you get out there some, good at ya! Watch the weather, watch the roads and watch out for the cagers who quit looking for us two months ago…<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Are you talking to the motorcycle again?” <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ernesto Guevara de la Serna – <u>The Motorcycle Diaries</u></span></i></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></span></div>GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-16844891934018321452012-02-01T18:27:00.000-06:002014-01-07T09:19:37.273-06:00Trying to land with no motor and a busted landing gear wheelHi kids! I've resorted to putting a note on the blog from the iPod and it's not too cool with no goggles. I haven't posted a bit since September and I have had a lot to post. Unfortunately, having my daughter on dialysis puts a lot of things in a holding pattern, and when the HP shot craps, there was no big rush I replace it.<br />
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I was hoping to have a new laptop by now, but that's not happening until after tax time. Otherwise I would be posting se pix of my son's first true build - a really sharp little hardtail lane splitter that is really sharp! I can't believe how Kick-ass this thing will be when it is done.<br />
<br />
Anyway I'll be back in the saddle soon, preaching the importance of ABATE and the Lincoln Land Chapter and motorcycle right hopefully soon. In the meantime, keep thinking that in about 6 more weeks, we can get riding (although I've been riding to work the last three days here in central Illinois)!GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-44138919938429180372011-09-20T19:08:00.001-05:002011-09-20T19:15:52.947-05:00October Ponderings for the ABATE LLC newsletter [a bit early]<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Last month, my girlfriend and my son took part in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ride To Remember</i></b> that took place on Sunday, September 11<sup>th</sup> here in </span><city><place><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">Springfield</span></place></city><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">. Zach was home on leave from MacDill AFB and had traveled on his Night Train from </span><place><city><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">Tampa</span></city><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">, </span><state><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">Fla.</span></state></place><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"> so we could do some riding together, including this run. Roughly 1,000 other motorcyclists from across the state converged on Lincoln Land for the tenth anniversary ride to remember the law officers, firefighters and citizens who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. The Illinois Blue Knights Chapters XI & XV and the Red Knights of Illinois, along with Hall’s Harley Davidson, organized the memorial service and the event which helps raise money to maintain the 9/11 monument at the state capitol. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For such a somber ride purpose, a funny thing happened during the ride. As much as the cagers seem to have it in for us and the public, in general seem to have one complaint or another about motorcycles, that Sunday felt like we got to be the good guys for a change. Traffic that normally blows by us, cuts us off, or just plain doesn’t see us at all, on that Sunday, they pulled over… and waited… and watched. People got out of their cars and came out of their homes to watch and wave, salute the flags we carried, take photos and video, and even cheer as we rode by. It felt great, but at the same time, it felt a bit surreal. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was pretty slick to be seen as the face of good for a change. Oh well, we’ll take a victory wherever we can get one, right? Never forget!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;"><em>[pix to follow in the next couple of days...]</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana;">“God didn't create metal so that man could make paper clips!” </span></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: orange;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-- a Harley Davidson print ad </span></i></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></i></b></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in;"><br />
</div>GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com0Capital, IL, USA39.781721300000008 -89.65014810000002439.67150980000001 -89.752493600000022 39.891932800000006 -89.547802600000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-39951494019991084122011-09-02T17:46:00.000-05:002011-09-02T17:46:34.852-05:00September Ponderings for the ABATE LLC newsletter<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s getting to the middle of September and the 2011 Late Riding Season is being brought to you in Techni-Color! Even if you think spring is the best time of year to ride, I think that opinion might be tainted from sitting on your butt all winter cursing Snow Miser. Autumn is the best time of year to get out and take in the views of the </span><place><placetype><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Land</span></placetype><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> of </span><placename><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lincoln</span></placename></place><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. The undergrowth will take on its palette of rich earth tones and the trees will be showing off their best leaves wherever you look. The fall festivals and harvest events will be starting soon and the weather seems prime for a road trip. Warm enough during the day to get to the fun and cool enough at night to make for a great ride home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Another good thing about this time of year is that we (and hopefully the cagers) get our visibility back when riding through the countryside. The harvest has brought down the soybeans that hide creatures playing Frogger at sundown, and the missing cornfields mean no more blind intersections. I ride a majority of my miles on country roads all season, but with that, I ride on a ton of faith and a little knowledge of central </span><state><place><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illinois</span></place></state><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> habitat. In the fall, I always keep an eye out for deer paths, turkey crossings, coyote lairs and such. It helps to be on the lookout for stray dogs and high school kids en route to football games on Friday nights too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">With the approach of fall comes the fall legislative season. Just the night before this submission, we learned from George Tinkham that the “Red Light” bill (House Bill 2860) that allows us to make good on a stop at a </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">traffic device and when the device doesn’t pick up the motorcycle and then proceed, was vetoed. The information is that there might be enough votes to override it. I sure hope so, but one never knows just what will happen at the capitol. Thanks to </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, and Rep. Daniel Beiser, D-Alton for sponsoring this bill and seeing it through, I only hope that ABATE members can get their representatives to correct this bad decision!</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And speaking of laws, I’ve heard a lot of the “you folks are just anti-helmet laws” talk again. Remind these people what A.B.A.T.E. actually stands for. Let them know that we are actually</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “anti-stupid motorcycle laws” and have a terrific success rate of keeping and promoting motorcycle rights and freedoms. A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, Inc. has a pretty impressive list of bills and proposed legislation that has been prevented from becoming law that would frustrate, hinder or negate certain riding activities and ownership. Check over the list of accomplishments through the years and <u>educate</u> yourself as well as other riders. We really need help out there to do away with that old “anti-helmet” thought process…</span><span class="body1"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“They</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> stamp that ‘M’ on your drivers license, right next to your height and weight, as if it was just another one of your physical characteristics . . .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or perhaps a mental condition.”</span></span></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">-- Dave Karlotski</span></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-54415395473414720282011-08-01T19:41:00.000-05:002011-08-01T19:41:24.850-05:00August Ponderings for the ABATE LLC newsletter<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">My uncle Brent, who is only five years older than me, has loved motorcycles for as long as I can remember. He still talks about his experience with them, the ones he has owned, the ones he wants to own and the ones that were too nasty not to be desired. “Just want to ride one, one time,” he says. He tells tales of the blurry-eyed riding style, the feats of accomplishment, the near misses and the thrill of reckless behavior. You know, FUN! (OK, to a 13-year-old, that’s how it sounds–we grow up and get smarter -- maybe.) He was my two-wheeled hero, my inspiration, my motivation to experience motorcycling.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But a funny thing has happened to him over the years. He’s gone from a bit of a hell-raiser to a full-on responsible citizen. He went from a wild & crazy teen to a young airman in </span><place><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Europe</span></place><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> who longed for a great time when off-duty, then returned home to become a policeman, a husband, a father, a postal employee who then matured into a postmaster and is now a proud grandfather. The thoughts and desires of another bike in his garage always gave way to another slice of responsibility. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I sold my ‘02 Sabre to his son a few years back. He also had heard the stories about his father and was enticed into the motorcycle world. My cousin and I have talked several times about how great it would be for us to take off with some other family members who ride for a long weekend get-away. I have gotten to go on a couple of fishing trips to </span><country-region><place><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Canada</span></place></country-region><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> with my uncle and we’ve had some really good times. It’s always good to hang out with him, and I still think he’s one of the best guys around. But I have to say, a bike weekend with the person who inspired me to grab a set of bars and discover the experience of riding, that might be even better.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Think about who first put you on the path to motorcycling and if it’s possible, let them know about it. Tell them thanks. Maybe it was just Brando in the movie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Wild One</i> or Michael Parks on TV in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then Came Bronson</i>, or an old family friend who took you on your first ride when you were a kid. But if it was someone that you knew personally, take some time and give them a little recognition. If they aren’t around any more, well then you’ve already thought about them while you were reading this, and that’s good enough.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As for me, I tell Brent thanks whenever he and my bike are in the same place<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-- “the key’s in it, bring it back whenever.” It’s the least I can do for him. A motorcycle isn’t just a vehicle to move you from place to place– it’s an experience, every time you ride it. Someone got you to experience a scooter, and it stuck. Lucky you!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="body1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">“You live more in five minutes on a bike like that, going flat out, than some people live in their lifetime.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Burt Munro</span></span></span></i></b></span></div>GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-67171515634643411052011-07-27T21:54:00.000-05:002011-07-27T21:54:28.175-05:00Riding a thunderstormWhat is it about riding with a midwest thunderstorm that makes you feel like you're flirting with the devil? There's something quite exhilarating about dancing with that dangerous energy force that sweeps the plains all summer. Ever the mistress, I listen to the music and move to the blacktop dance floor again.<br />
<br />
Coming back from St. Louis yesterday, I chose to come home through the country and avoid all the construction along the highway north. As I rolled into southeastern Morgan County, the two storm cells I've been watching for the last half hour seem to be defying the normal summer weather movements of central Illinois. As I headed east on Route 104 to head for home, the closer cell seemed to be coming toward me, not me approaching it. By the time I arrived in Auburn, I was riding under the cloud cover and the sun disappeared from my back. The lightning was setting the boundaries of where I could play, but I had no interest in going farther north.<br />
<br />
About three miles from home, I recognize the gray curtain that blankets the horizon from the left to right in the middle of the road and I'm heading right for it. After about a half mile of playing carwash, I find a side road, head a couple miles south and head for Divernon. Not a drop! I leave Divy, head a couple of miles east again and dive north toward home. I've gotten around the rinse cycle, but the sprayer is returning for another go-'round and I'm thankful for the garage door opener in the pouch on my bars.<br />
<br />
It's probably poor etiquette to cheat the weather goddess and giggle as the garage door closes behind you to shelter you from the house-shaking thunderclaps and a downpour that would have gotten Noah's attention. It's that feeling that you trekked on to the bad side of town, went to the wrong places, mixed with the wrong people and escaped without getting your ass kicked...<br />
...at least that's what I've heard.<br />
<br />
Now go ride some more! July is almost over.GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923296855856337382.post-20353594396869891602011-07-25T20:12:00.004-05:002011-07-25T21:06:42.277-05:00July Ponderings for the ABATE LLC newsletter<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><b><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span></i></b><br />
<div align="left"><br />
If you are one of the fortunate (or possessed), you are probably making your last-minute plans for Sturgis.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">The upcoming event in South Dakota is only a few weeks away, and no matter if you are planning to visit Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse or Devil’s Tower, I’m jealous. I could do without the dozens of RUBs that will take their brand new CVOs on its maiden voyage road trip or the “trailer bailers” that haul their bikes to within 70 miles of town so they can shuttle their scooters to Main Street, but there aren’t many gatherings that celebrate the freedom and the culture of motorcycling any better. Thousands of souls ride the entire way to make their pilgrimage to the Land of Custer because that is the spirit of the event, which goes back to the 1940s. Other gatherings may brag about their “must attend” status, but let’s face it, Sturgis is the holy land. Motorcycle Mecca.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">There’s the motocross races sponsored by the Jackpine Gypsies club, charity rides for Sky Ranch and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, Rhett Rotten’s Wall of Death, tons of classic bands at the various venues, the Broken Spoke campgrounds, and so on. No matter where you look, it’s the peak of biking life for the masses. I do wonder just how many A.B.A.T.E. members are there, how much recruiting gets done and how many really do pause to think about how good it is to enjoy this little event with such freedom and liberation. I would hope that there is an ABATE tent out there, with appropriate registration forms for each state, to meet with riders, discuss our cause and remind them that there are some out there who would love nothing more than to take the whole event out of circulation. With that many bikers in one place, it would seem like a good place to set up an “I Do Belong To A.B.A.T.E.” tent and preach the two-wheeled gospel.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">As the event approaches its 75th go-around in the next few years, it may be getting a bit cliché, and a little too commercialized. But commercialization of the biking culture means there’s a large number of people out there riding and more riders means more potential A.B.A.T.E. disciples. Someone just needs to get the word to those riding faithful. Now please open your service manuals to page 32. Hallelujah!</div><br />
<div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” -- Ronald Reagan</span></em></div>GoGohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568052058528166931noreply@blogger.com0