Born To Ride News

The FedEx dude dropped by the MotoUSA Orange County office today while I was polishing our new 2009 Honda CBR1000RR test motorcycle. We’ve got the limited edition model dressed up in the same eye-catching Repsol Honda MotoGP colors that Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso rock so it’s not much of a surprise how much attention this motorcycle gets.
 
The first question he asked was how much power does it have? And it kind of caught me off guard, because the first question 99% of the usual non-motorcycling public asks is how high the speedometer reads on the dash. So I told him that it makes right around 150 horsepower at the rear wheel.
 

Although it doesn’t really seem like that much power to me after a few years of being acclimated to the current state of liter-class horsepower, to him, he was in total awe.

“That’s more power than my Honda Civic!” he said.
 
“Yeah. And it weights like 5-times less than it. So just imagine how fast it is,” I replied.
 
After I said that this dude was completely blown away. His mouth was literally hanging open as if he just saw supermodel Gisele Bundchen dancing on a stripper pole right in front of us. It was crazy. I’m sure his facial expression was similar to mine after first blast on the Ducati Desmosedici D16RR.
 
Nevertheless I proceeded to fill him in on some other fun facts about the CBR1000RR and 1000s in general: “And it’ll do wheelies in third gear just from accelerating. You can go like over 100 miles per hour in third gear, slam open the throttle and the front tire just comes up.”
 
“Wow! Are you serious?” he said. “You just accelerate in third gear and it’ll do a wheelie?”

“Yeah no joke. When you think about it it’s crazy they even sell these things in America,” I replied.

It is crazy. Isn’t it?

Source 05/06/2009 http://motorcycles-usa.com

Courtesy of American Motorcyclist Association

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing House Resolution 269 today, which designates May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

In addition to the designation, H.R. 269 highlights several safety measures for motorcyclists, including the voluntary use of helmets and other protective gear, avoiding riding while under the influence of alcohol, and getting proper training and licensing before operating a motorcycle on public roads.

The resolution, which was introduced by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas), also reminds all road users, including motorists, that they must share the road safely and respectfully.

“The AMA has been involved in national and state efforts to reduce impaired riding, believes all motorcyclists should get their motorcycle endorsements and advocates proper safety gear,” said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. “In addition, educating other road users on the importance of motorcycle awareness is critical. We appreciate the efforts of Rep. Giffords and Rep. Burgess to keep this issue front and center.”

May has long been recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by the AMA and other organizations. This resolution, which is similar to one passed by the U.S. House last year, demonstrates that Congress recognizes the importance of keeping motorcyclists safe on the road.

Rep. Giffords quoted recent increases in motorcyclist fatalities between 2002 and 2007 in her statement on the House floor, and added, “as motorcyclists across the country gear up for the upcoming riding season, these startling statistics highlight the need for safety education.

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Motorcycle Industry Council, the American Motorcyclist Association, and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation for all that they do to support motorcyclists,” she added.

Motorcyclists can find more information about riding safe under “Rider Resources” in the Riding section of the AMA website at AmericanMotorcyclist.com

MILWAUKEE, April 30, 2009 Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) and its Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) subsidiary have finalized agreements that, in combination with other previously completed transactions, provide the approximately $1 billion in funding capacity that the Company anticipates is needed for HDFS lending in 2009.

HDFS increased the size of an existing $500 million asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility to up to $1.2 billion, based on the level of outstanding receivables. The facility expires April 29, 2010. Additionally, Harley-Davidson and HDFS have replaced a 364-day, $950 million bank credit facility expiring July 31, 2009 with a new 364-day, $625 million credit facility expiring April 29, 2010. Together, the two agreements provide additional available credit of up to approximately $375 million over the term of the agreements, for the lending activities of HDFS.

Early this year, the Company identified obtaining funding for HDFS lending activities as one of its strategic priorities in the current economy, and estimated HDFS’ 2009 funding needs at about $1 billion. In February, the Company completed an offering of $600 million in senior unsecured notes. First-and second-quarter 2009 dividend reductions combined are preserving about another $100 million in cash.

Company Background

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell), MV Agusta and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, touring and cruiser motorcycles. Buell produces American sport performance motorcycles. MV Agusta produces premium, high-performance sport motorcycles sold under the MV Agusta® brand and lightweight sport motorcycles sold under the Cagiva® brand. HDFS provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs primarily to Harley-Davidson and Buell dealers and customers.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company believes, anticipates,expects,plans, or estimates or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are only made as of the date of this release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

The Company™s ability to meet the targets and expectations noted depends upon, among other factors, the Company™s ability to (i) anticipate the level of consumer confidence in the economy, (ii) continue to have access to reliable sources of capital funding and adjust to fluctuations in the cost of capital, (iii) manage the credit quality, the loan servicing and collection activities, and the recovery rates of HDFS™ loan portfolio, (iv) manage changes and prepare for requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, services and operations, and (v) adjust to fluctuations in interest rates.

Other factors are described in risk factors that the Company has disclosed in documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of these risk factors are impacted by the current turbulent capital, credit and retail markets and our ability to adjust to the recession.

The Company™s ability to sell its motorcycles and related products and services and to meet its financial expectations also depends on the ability of the Company™s independent dealers to sell its motorcycles and related products and services to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability and financial capacity of its independent dealers and distributors to develop and implement effective retail sales plans to create demand for the motorcycles and related products and services they purchase from the Company. In addition, the Company™s independent dealers and distributors may experience difficulties in operating their businesses and selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related products and services as a result of weather, economic conditions or other factors.

First Million-Mile Harley-Davidson
Ridden by the Amazing Dave Zien
By Tony Sanfelipo with photos from Rogue and Barb Kutz

——————————————————————————–

Million Mile Harley-Davidson
Former Wisconsin State Senator, Dave Zien, completed his 18 year journey and record breaking attempt by accumulating one million miles on his 1991 FXRT. Zien and his entourage rode into the parking lot of Hal’s Harley-Davidson, New Berlin, Wisconsin, amid the cheers and flags of over 300 enthusiastic well wishers.

At the event, Zien thanked Attorney Michael Hupy and Hupy and Abraham law firm for sponsoring his ride and making this all possible. In return, Attorney Hupy thanked Dave for his service to his country and presented him with a check in the amount of $5,000.00, payable to the Wisconsin Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Zien was an outreach director for the VA after he came stateside, and helped veterans get loans for housing and schooling.

Rogue, and news camerman, ready for the open road. To cap off the final leg of his voyage, Zien decided to invite long time friend and fellow Sturgis Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame member, Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo, on a 3,000 mile round trip ride to Florida and back. There, they would pick up photo-journalist John “Rogue” Herlihy, another Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame member. Joining the ride was also Dan Stephans, another friend of Zien’s and Iron Butt competitor. The foursome left Space Coast Harley-Davidson in Palm Bay, Florida on a return trip to Wisconsin fraught with bad weather, torrential rains, tornado warnings and flash floods.

Even in a storm, Dave looks to the positive things in life, and even within set backs, like engine failures or missed appointments or opportunities, instead of anger he calls it, “Blessings in disguise. Bikers,” he says, “have courage, creativity and charisma.”

After passing numerous cars pulled over just outside of Nashville, the group came upon an overturned semi-truck blown off the highway. Just north of Nashville, two lanes of I-65 were closed due to flooding. It was a memorable ride back, leading up to an even more memorable world record. In fact, Michael Kneebone, president of the Iron Butt Association, presented Zien with a special certificate on April 4th. He explained that they had an award category for riders who reached one million miles, but they never had anyone do it on a single motorcycle.

Zien and Tony Pan spent the morning, of the landing party, riding in the hills around Pan’s home in Waukesha County. They calculated the last 30 miles needed to reach one million. They rolled into the staging area with only two miles left to go, which was the exact distance from that spot to Hal’s Harley-Davidson. Riding behind a flag escort provided by Patriot Guard Riders, the FXRT rolled into Hal’s just as the odometer rolled over to all zeroes. Perfect!

When Dave speaks of riding a motorcycle, he evokes a spiritualism from deep within his soul. He often talks of bikers saying they are today’s freedom fighters and, “Red blooded American patriotism is alive and well deep within us. For some, we show it.”

Two days later, on April 6th, the group pulled up at Harley’s corporate headquarters at 3700 W. Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee. There, Steve Phillips, VP of Quality and Dealer Relations, handed over the keys to a brand new 2009 Road Glide. Phillips joked that he had to give Zien a new bike because they couldn’t find any technicians who would work on the FXRT anymore.

Tony Sanfelipo, long time freedom fighter, and Michael Hupy investigator, was cold that day.

When something does upset him, like anti-biker legislation, his response is a call for effective activism.

There’s the lovely Vicki Sanfelipo on stage with Dave. She runs Accident Scene Management seminars all over the country. Education saves lives.
“Plant the see, set the stage, bait the hook. Stand up, speak out and fight back.”

These sayings are wholly owned by Zien, to the point they are referred to as Zienism. He’s famous and somewhat notorious for these exclamations. He ends almost every speech with this: “May you have hunger in the heart, fire in the belly, and your soul is absolutely on fire.”

From the left that’s Kirk Willard, the president of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Dave and …

These are some of the passions he wears on his tattered leather sleeves and so selflessly shares with anyone who will listen.

About the 1-Million Mile FXRT
Some little know facts about Zien’s FXRT and the wear and tear of a million miles.

The bike has original fenders, gas tank, oil tank, triple tree, handlebars, primary and tranny case (the main shaft is original but the gears have all been replaced).

There is no kill switch on the bike (ok, for the newbie bikers, that’s the on/off switch) No kickstand (he had to lean the bike on curbs, against trees, etc) No neutral or oil lights, tachometer doesn’t work, no horn and the odometer worked but the speedometer arm was broken so he guessed at speeds.

He had the motor rebuilt 10 times, with a remanufactured motor being installed last October in Yuma, Arizona at Bobby’s Territorial Harley-Davidson. The bolts holding the lower cases together had metal fatigue and have tyme serts holding them in.

The bike utilizes a roach clip jumper cable system from battery to coil for hard to start cold mornings. It has as an auxiliary 6-gallon fuel cell with John Deere petcocks to increase mileage on his endurance rides. On one leg of this journey he ran 31,000 miles in 31 days for another record.

The transmission was overhauled three days before his last leg ride to Florida. Due to excessive pressure buildup, the primary was drilled and vented one week before the final leg journey. Although the bike has a kick peddle, Zien uses a Phillips screw driver, which he inserts into a hole drilled in his starter, to bring the beast to life.

 The bike has seen 105 rear tires and 65 front tires, 17 stators, 9 seats and Zien has worn out 13 pairs of engineer boots while riding Suzanna Ala Sha-Luck A Lay Ya, the name he affectionately calls his bike.

An old tradition with him, he also named his rifle Betsy-Sue, while serving in Vietnam with L Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He even remembers the guns serial number, 549909. Like his gun, which he depended on for life, his bike kept him alive and vital.

Congratulations Dave Zien on a record that will stand for many years, and best of luck on your next million miles.

The Dave Zien PR Newswire photo distribution was picked up by the Reuters sign in Times Square and the Clear Channel sign in Las Vegas. Attached are photos of the webcam snapshots.

Our new Nash Sticky Throttle is the latest addition to our parts family! Fully machined out of mild steel and covered with a black oxide coating to prevent rusting. Both bearings inside the throttle are stainless steel.

Three features of our sticky throttle make it a cut above the rest. One being the fact that it’s made by Nash Motorcycle Company. Number two, being the fact that there is no other throttle on the market that you can actually have cruise control with. On your way to Sturgis just pull the throttle, sit back, and enjoy the ride. No more carpal tunnel in your wrist. This internal throttle can also be run without the cruise control option, by removing the nylon insert. Number Three, ease of installation. Our throttle can be installed by anyone that has a saw and a couple Allen wrenches.

Please read installation instructions for more details on how to install. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions. Your pals at NMC.

Internal Sticky Throttle MSRP – $209
 

source 05/04/2009 • www.motorcyclenews-usa.com

Harley-Davidson has attained approximated $1 billion in funding agreements to support its Financial Services retail division and wholesale lending efforts. 

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) and its Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) subsidiary have finalized agreements that, in combination with other previously completed transactions, provide the approximately $1 billion in funding capacity that the Company anticipates is needed for HDFS lending in 2009.

HDFS increased the size of an existing $500 million asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility to up to $1.2 billion, based on the level of outstanding receivables. The facility expires April 29, 2010. Additionally, Harley-Davidson and HDFS have replaced a 364-day, $950 million bank credit facility expiring July 31, 2009 with a new 364-day, $625 million credit facility expiring April 29, 2010. Together, the two agreements provide additional available credit of up to approximately $375 million over the term of the agreements, for the lending activities of HDFS.

Early this year, the Company identified obtaining funding for HDFS lending activities as one of its strategic priorities in the current economy, and estimated HDFS’ 2009 funding needs at about $1 billion. In February, the Company completed an offering of $600 million in senior unsecured notes. First-and second-quarter 2009 dividend reductions combined are preserving about another $100 million in cash.

Company Background

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell), MV Agusta and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, touring and cruiser motorcycles. Buell produces American sport performance motorcycles. MV Agusta produces premium, high-performance sport motorcycles sold under the MV Agusta® brand and lightweight sport motorcycles sold under the Cagiva® brand. HDFS provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs primarily to Harley-Davidson and Buell dealers and customers.

source 04/05/2009 • www.motorcyclenews-usa.com

WASHINGTON, April 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — A new economic impact study shows America’s beer industry, made up of brewers, beer importers, beer distributors, brewer suppliers and retailers, directly and indirectly contributes more than $198 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The study, commissioned by the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), also shows that the industry provides nearly 1.9 million jobs — generating nearly $62 billion in wages and benefits. The industry also paid $41 billion in business, personal and consumption taxes in 2008.
“America’s brewing industry continues to play a pivotal role in supporting this nation’s economic viability,” said Tom Long, president and chief commercial officer of MillerCoors and chairman of the Beer Institute. “Brewers in all 50 states have been a driving force in their communities for years by creating jobs and tax revenue for public services and promoting alcohol awareness responsibility initiatives for retailers, schools, and families.”

“Beer distributors are proud providers of 95,000 quality jobs with solid wages and great benefits in every state and congressional district across the country,” said Phil Terry, chief executive officer of Monarch Beverage Company in Indianapolis, Indiana and chairman of NBWA. “As privately-owned firms, beer distributors are invested in their communities and work hard to ensure the effective state-based system of alcohol regulation, which works to keep communities and consumers safe.”

According to the study, the beer industry directly employs more than one million people, paying $28 billion in wages. Beer sales help support roughly 888,000 retail jobs, including those at supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, bars, stadiums, and other outlets and generate more than $25 billion in economic activity in agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

“These numbers demonstrate that our industry is essential to several sectors of the U.S. economy, particularly as the nation struggles to regain its footing in this uncertain climate,” said Jeff Becker, president of the Beer Institute. “For this reason, it is important that state and federal officials consider equitable tax policies that do not unduly harm an industry that provides so many domestic jobs and so much economic growth.”

“In addition to providing quality jobs with solid wages, the three-tier beer distribution system provides transparency and accountability and works to keep American consumers safe,” added NBWA President Craig Purser. “This time-tested, effective system of state controls, in which America’s beer distributors play a critical role, works to ensure alcoholic beverages are sold only to licensed retailers who in turn are responsible for selling only to adults of legal drinking age.”

In addition to strengthening the U.S. economy, the industry plays a significant role in promoting responsible consumption of its products. Brewers, importers, and independent beer distributors, licensed at both the state and federal levels, develop and implement programs that promote responsibility and help fight alcohol abuse. These efforts, along with those of parents, law enforcement, federal and state alcohol beverage regulators, educators, and other community groups, have worked to contribute to declines in illegal underage drinking and drunk driving over the past two decades, according to independent and government data.

The Economic Impact study was conducted by John Dunham & Associates based in New York City and covers data compiled in 2008. The complete study, including state-by-state and congressional district breakdowns of economic contributions, is available at Beer Serves America, www.BeerServesAmerica.org.

The Beer Institute, established in 1986, is the national trade association for the brewing industry, representing both large and small brewers, as well as importers and industry suppliers. The Institute is committed to the development of sound public policy and to the values of civic duty and personal responsibility: www.beerinstitute.org.

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents the interests of 2,800 licensed, independent beer distributor operations in every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring alcohol is provided safely and responsibly to consumers of legal drinking age through the three-tier, state-based system of alcohol regulation and distribution. To learn more about America’s Beer Distributors, visit http://www.nbwa.org.

SOURCE National Beer Wholesalers Association; The Beer Institute

 BUBBAS BIKES FOR BADGES CHARITY MOTORCYCLE RIDE WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR TWO OFFICERS FAMILIES”

May 9 event will feature a massive ride in St. Petersburg, charity poker tournament,
a silent auction, 50/50 drawing and more

  Renowned radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge® has organized the inaugural Bubbas Bikes for Badges charity motorcycle event to benefit the families of two Tampa Bay area law enforcement officials, who died or were seriously injured while serving their communities.

TAMPA, FLORIDA  APRIL 21, 2009

On Saturday, May 9, €œBubba Bikes for Badges (www.bubbasbikesforbadges.com) will raise funds for the families of Hernando County Sheriff’s Office patrol division commander Scott Bierwiler, who was killed in an auto accident in Brooksville earlier this year, and an undercover St. Peterburg officer who was shot multiple times while breaking up a robbery at a St. Petersburg gas station in January.

Starting at 8:30 am, registered riders and car divers will start at Jim’s Harley-Davidson (2805 54th Avenue North in St. Petersburg), and will stop at Hooters Restaurants located in Clearwater (2800 Gulf to Bay Boulevard), North St. Petersburg (10400 Roosevelt Boulevard) and South Tampa (4420 W. Gandy Boulevard), that will serve as the official locations for the event™s charity poker tournament, featuring a $2500 grand prize. The ride will end at Derby Lane Racing (10490 Gandy Blvd. in St. Petersburg). Bubba™s Bikes for Badges❠will also feature a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.

“The least I can do is help support and show appreciation for the fine men and women who protect our community while putting their lives at risk on a daily basis, “said Bubba, whose top-rated syndicated and satellite radio programs originate from Tampa.  He established the BTLS Foundation as a 501(C) Florida charity in late 2008 as a vehicle for raising awareness and channeling donations for worthy community causes and victims.

Advance registration for Bubba™s Bikes for Badges” is $30 ($40 on day of event), and can be made online at www.bubbasbikesforbadges.com. Corporate and listener donations can also be made at the site.

Official event sponsors are Jims ™s Harley-Davidson (www.jimshd.com), Derby Lane Greyhound Racing (www.derbylane.com), The Suncoast Police Benevolent Association (www.pinpba.com), 102.5 The Bone (www.theboneonline.com), Hooters (www.originalhooters.com), Born to Ride, Inc.(www.borntoride.com), Dean Guitars (www.deanguitars.com), and MillerLite (www.millerlite.com).

For more information about Bubba the Love Sponge®, visit www.btls.com.

Media Contact:
Elise Brown / Drummer PR
elise@drummerpr.com
609.890.8487 / 215.990.6955

The History of ABATE the Organization

Back in June of 1971, a new and exciting motorcycle publication was introduced–EASYRIDERS–a motorcycle magazine for the entertainment of adult bikers. This came into existence by the hard work of Lou Kimzey, the Editor, along with the owner of Paisano Publications. Along with Lou were Mil (Hog Expert) Blair, Editor-at-Large, and Joe Teresi, Senior Editor. Joe was the one who came up with the needed funding to get things running smoothly. He was owner of D&D Distributor, later known as Jammer.

About the same time that EASYRIDERS got underway an organization by the name of N.C.C.S.I. (National Custom Cycle Safety Institute) got going. Joe Teresi was Vice President of this group. This organization was for manufacturers and distributors. Their main function-was to come out with their own safety standards for custom parts. They concentrated mainly on custom front ends and frames with raked necks. They are credited for keeping a lot of junk off the market and were able to keep Big Brother at arm’s length.

In Issue No. 3, October 1971, EASYRIDERS started a non-profit organization just for bikers. It was called NCCA (National Custom Cycle Association). At the time, dues were $3 for a one-year membership. One must keep in mind that back in 1971 no other motorcycle magazine except Roger Hall’s “Road Rider” was even giving an inch of space to anti-bike legislation. Yet Lou Kimzey saw fit to take on the extra burden of starting a motorcycle rights organization.

It wasn’t long until Lou changed the NCCA to ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments). Lou came about the Eagle logo in an old civil war publication. The eagle is one of the largest birds, and a strong flier. It has long been used as a sign of power, courage, and freedom. The American Bald Eagle is not only our logo but it is the official emblem of the United States. Its picture is on the Great Seal of the U.S., the President’s flag, some coins and paper money. Our logo with the 13 star shield is truly worthy of our cause, and our founder foresight.

In early 1972, Keith Ball arrived on the scene at EASYRIDERS. He became Associate Editor of EASYRIDERS and Director of ABATE. Through the work of Keith and the guidance of Lou, ABATE started area coordinators in different states to help organize bikers so that they could better represent ABATE on the local level. This also helped form a better line of communication. From this mushroomed a sophisticated network of state and county chapters.

It should be noted that the little funds that ABATE had in the early days went to hiring an engineering firm to determine whether a raked front end or an extended front end was safe. This resulted in two lengthy documented reports, complete with engineering drawings that established proof that they were safe. This allowed bikers to fight in court “unsafe vehicle” tickets with scientific facts–not just opinions. EASYRIDERS, on behalf of ABATE, also picked up the tab on a test case concerning an extended front end being unsafe. From 1971-1974 most of ABATE’s efforts went into fighting such laws. Had it not been for the efforts of ABATE-EASYRIDERS in the early 1970s, choppers would have been outlawed.

In March of 1977, ABATE, through the help of the staff at EASYRIDERS, held a State Coordinators meeting in Daytona, Florida. It was decided as a matter of policy that ABATE, nationwide, as a lobbying organization would discourage back patches on cut-offs. This was decided as necessary in order not to be misjudged as a “club,” either by outlaw groups, police, or Joe Citizen. At this meeting it was also decided that it was about time ABATE got organized, with a charter, bylaws, etc. Nominations were held, and five State Coordinators were elected as a steering committee to take ideas from all the members and chapters, and boil the results down to a charter and bylaws. Fuzzy Davy from ABATE of Virginia was elected spokesman of the steering committee along with Donna Oaks from ABATE of Kansas, Russell Davis (Padre) from ABATE of Pennsylvania, Wanda Hummell from ABATE of Indiana, John (Rogue) Herlihy from ABATE of Connecticut. A meeting was set up for Labor Day at the second national ABATE get-together in Lake Perry, Kansas. This gave the new steering committee seven months to get everything together.

At the Kansas meeting, Lou Kimzey could not make it because of a sudden illness. In his place he sent Keith Ball, Joe Teresi, Pat Coughlin, a union organizer, and Ron Roliff, business agent of the M.M.A. A hall was rented by EASYRIDERS so that a professional meeting could be conducted. At this meeting a proposal for a new national was presented by the people from EASYRIDERS. In this proposal was a five- member board of directors. A problem arose when it was learned that none of the board would be made up of any of the state coordinators or any ABATE people, but would be composed of people from California, led by Ron Roliff of the M.M.A. This intimidated a lot of hard working ABATE people. Also, none of the recommendations of the ABATE steering committee were considered.

After a lot of in-fighting, the state coordinators were asked to send what they thought should be changed and to submit their ideas to Lou Kimzey. Lou had sent around a letter explaining that he was sorry that he had missed the meeting in Kansas and that he was scheduling a meeting in Sacramento in October 1977. Lou paid the air fares of the steering committee members (5), put them up in a hotel, and then attempted to explain how and why things had gotten out of hand. Unfortunately, ABATE people who had not been invited to this meeting provoked uncalled-for attacks against Lou and EASYRIDERS. Lou had tolerated a lot of mud slinging concerning forming a national organization; thus he stated to the people attending the meeting that he and EASYRIDERS were relinquishing the organization to the people attending the meeting in Sacramento.

Out of this mess two national organizations were formed: one in Sacramento; the other in Washington, D.C.; the latter being formed by all the state ABATE organizations. In March of 1978, ABATE chapters held another meeting in Daytona. The Sacramento people sent Pat Coughlin with another proposal. It was rejected by the ABATE organizations attending. ‘At this meeting the ABATE chapters were told that the Sacramento group was not going to change its name (National ABATE) and was going to go on doing business as usual. It was decided that the D.C. base national that was formed by the state organizations should be dissolved, thus doing away with a lot of the hassles taking up everybody’s time, and that the states should get back to doing the business they were formed to do–fight state anti- motorcycle legislation.

ABATE formed five regions in the country, each region having about l0 states. Each region has a Regional Coordinator who coordinates information between the state ABATE organizations. Each ABATE state organization is now independent and on its own. Because of all the hassles of trying to form a national organization. The trust and funds needed, the probability of another attempt at forming a nation is most unlikely.

In the meantime, ABATE people all over the country are taking care of business as always, and no matter what happens, they will be there taking care of business.

author unknown