Born To Ride News

And why isn’t this guy at least in the hospital?  Apparently they don’t have motor officers like ‘back in the day’. - Terry

Thursday, February 2, 2012

PLANT CITY — A Zephyrhills man allegedly riding a stolen motorcycle is accused of ramming a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s motorcycle deputy and engaging in a fight with the deputy after being pulled off the bike.

According to HCSO officials, George Arthur Farmer, 46, rammed the deputy’s motorcycle after the deputy tried to pull him over.

Officials said Farmer was riding the stolen motorcycle on Interstate 4, near McIntosh Road, when the deputy followed him until he exited onto Alexander Street.

The deputy attempted to pull Farmer over when the tag on the motorcycle was determined to be stolen.

After being rammed, the deputy grabbed Farmer from the motorcycle and the two began to fight. When backup arrived, Farmer was taken into custody.

The deputy suffered minor abrasions in the altercation.

Déjà vu all over again

Farmer is no stranger to altercations with law enforcement. He was released from prison January 26 after serving one year for fleeing law enforcement and battery on a law enforcement officer, according to officials.

In this incident, Farmer was charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, as well as grand theft and possession of a controlled substance.

Terry Longpre

Global 110^th Anniversary Celebrations in 2013 in Rome, Milwaukee and More

MILWAUKEE (Feb. 1, 2012) –Harley-Davidson will celebrate 110 years of great motorcycles and epic riding experiences with an array of global events and activities in 2013. Among the events during the year-long celebration will be a rally in Rome, Italy, June 13-16, and a massive party over Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, in Milwaukee.

Harley-Davidson will also celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) globally, including during the Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee in 2013. H.O.G., the official riding club of the Motor Company, boasts about one million members worldwide.

“Harley-Davidson is synonymous with adventure, passion and the experience of the open road,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “For this 110^th celebration, our customers all around the world – with our support – are going to be taking everything to the next level and making their own history.”

Information on housing options in Milwaukee and Rome is available at www.harley-davidson.com/110. Further details about the global 110^th Anniversary will be announced in the coming months.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Renewed funding for motorized trails and a ban on funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints are included in a major federal transportation bill being considered by a key U.S. House committee, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is expected to vote Feb. 2 on a transportation funding authorization bill — H.R. 7, the “American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012.” If approved, the measure would go to the full House for a vote before moving to the Senate for consideration.

Since the Senate has its own version of the bill, the spending plan would eventually end up in a House-Senate conference committee where differences would be worked out before going back to both chambers for final approval.

The House measure includes $85 million a year through fiscal year 2016 for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which provides money to states to develop and maintain trails. Federal lawmakers had been looking at eliminating the dedicated funding for the program, which threatened to end the RTP.

“Motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders by the thousands spoke, and federal lawmakers listened,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “We want to thank the members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their hard work in putting together this massive transportation bill, and for including provisions that benefit our members.”

Funds for the RTP come from the federal Highway Trust Fund and represent a portion of the federal motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use. In other words, taxes generated by fuel used for off-highway vehicle recreation — by snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles and off-highway light trucks — fund the RTP.

The RTP provides funds to the states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP is an assistance program of the U.S. Transportation Department’s Federal Highway Administration. The RTP program benefits hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, ATV riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles.

Besides including RTP funding, the House measure bars the U.S. transportation secretary from providing grants to states and local governments for motorcycle-only checkpoints, which are opposed by the AMA. The AMA has been tracking the disturbing development of motorcycle-only checkpoints since they first appeared in New York several years ago.

“The AMA believes that strategies to promote motorcycle safety must be rooted in motorcycle crash prevention, and don’t include arbitrarily pulling over riders and randomly subjecting them to roadside inspections,” Allard said.

The House bill also provides funding for state motorcycle safety programs. The AMA has long promoted motorcycle rider education and motorist awareness programs as essential strategies to prevent motorcycle crashes.

To stay on top of motorcycling-related issues, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Corbin Introduces the World Famous Gunfighter Saddle for 2006-2012 HD FXD Dyna-Glide, Switchback and 2006-2008 Dyna Wide Glide Models

Hollister, CA- Corbin announced today the introduction of the World Famous Gunfighter saddle that was designed by Mike Corbin back in 1982 for 2006-2012 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna-Glide, Switchback and 2006-2008 Dyna Wide Glide models. This timeless design has been the most recognizable and revolutionary seat design to ever hit the motorcycle industry and also has become the most copied seat ever produced. To this day, this seat is still one of Corbin’s most popular seat models for Harleys and Metrics alike.

This particular Gunfighter saddle is done up in Corbin’s Close configuration. Simply stated, this design moves the seating platform closer to the bars to provide an easier reach. It also has a slightly lower seat height, but more importantly has a narrow nose to allow your legs to reach the pavement easier. This is a great setup for smaller riders on the Dyna-Glide. Simple to install or remove, the Corbin saddle mounts to stock locations with a single bolt. A wide variety of custom materials are available by special order at no extra charge when you order a Gunfighter or any other Corbin saddle.

Corbin, the world’s finest motorcycle saddle…Hand crafted in the USA and setting the standard for over four decades! From the original Corbin removable backrest to their unique saddle designs, stylish saddle bags and touring quality fairings; they are unequalled in quality, design and function.

Corbin designs and processes are so unique; many of them have been awarded US Patents…a total of 84 Patents to be exact! Visit “The Wizard’s Workshop” in Hollister, CA where you can ride in and get a custom saddle made while you wait or their new showroom in Ormond Beach, FL where they’re open seven days a week.

For those interested in obtaining more information on Corbin, you can reach them at 800-538-7035 or online at www.corbin.com. Visit Corbin Headquarters at 2360 Technology Parkway, Hollister, CA. 95023 or Corbin Florida at 1433 US Highway 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) member Randy Odom of St. Louis will take his dual-sport passion to an entirely new level this summer. That’s because the 29-year-old Odom just got an unexpected bonus for riding in last year’s AMA KTM National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series: a 2012 KTM 350 EXC-F from 2011 series sponsor KTM North America.

The annual AMA drawing, conducted by independent auditing and accounting firm Plante & Moran of Columbus, Ohio, included participants in all of the AMA events on the national dual-sport calendar.

“Man, this is awesome,” said Odom, whose current bike is a 10-year old 125cc two-stroke. “My boss got me into dual sports, and I’ve been having the best time ever. Everybody on these rides is great. They’re friendly. They’re helpful. Everyone is a die-hard rider. The riding is super challenging, but without the full-on pressure of a flat-out race. It’s great. I can’t think of a better time on a motorcycle.”

KTM North America Inc. President Jon-Erik Burleson said he’s excited to see the 350 EXC-F go to someone who appreciates the new bike as much as Odom.

“It’s great that someone like Randy, who has wanted to be a part of the KTM family for so long, can now count himself among the orange-bleeders,” Burleson said. “These guys are the heart and soul of our customer base. I hope Randy enjoys his new KTM for years to come.”

Odom, a long-time off-road rider, says the people who ride and organize the individual events on the AMA’s national dual-sport calendar represent some of motorcycling’s friendliest people. He said one of his favorite rides is the Show Me 200, put on by the Midwest Trail Riders Association in Bixby, Mo.

“I loved it,” Odom said. “I rode that, and I got hooked. It’s all types of terrain. It has the best of everything. Maybe best of all, I get to keep my wheels on the ground and stay pretty safe. My wife definitely approves! In fact, I just sent my check off to ride the 2012 Show Me 200. Plus, at all these events, we appreciate the AMA and the clubs that are part of the AMA and everything the AMA does for riders.”

With the 2012 season set to begin soon, stay tuned for exciting news on this year’s dual-sport series, including a full schedule and more. Keep an eye on AmericanMotorcyclist.com for the latest news and updates.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Tallahassee, FL January 27, 2012 – ABATE of Florida, Inc.’s Stiffer Penalties Bill, Senate Bill 1754, has passed it’s first committee today.  The Senate Transportation Committee passed the Bill with 7 yes votes and zero no votes. Doc, ABATE of Florida’s Lobbiest, spoke before the committee during the hearing and said there no negative comments.

The next committee for the Bill will be the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.  We can use everyone’s help to contact the members of this committee to urge them to pass this Bill. The committee’s Chair, Sen. Greg Evers (850-487-5000), is the Sponsor of our Bill.  Other members are:

Any questions regarding this Bill should be directed to ABATE of Florida, Inc.’s State Legislative Trustee, Darrin “Scribe” Brooks at statelegislative@abateflorida.com.

Past ABATE of Florida, Inc. Press Releases may be found here: www.abateflorida.com/pr .
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