Born To Ride News

Bike Week 2010 Kick Starts Riding Season with Demos, Ride-In Show and More

MILWAUKEE (Feb. 9, 2010) – Harley-Davidson gets the riding season off to a fast start at Daytona Bike Week 2010 with activities at a new location at Riverfront Park on Beach Street and a larger presence at the Daytona International Speedway.

The 69th Annual Daytona Bike Week 2010 renews the long tradition of riders, enthusiasts, bikes and racing all in the sun and sand of Daytona Beach, Fla. Attracting huge crowds of riders and motorcycle enthusiasts of all kinds from all places, Daytona Bike Week is a biker’s rite of spring not to be missed.

Harley-Davidson will welcome everyone to Daytona Bike Week 2010 at its exciting new location at Riverfront Park on Beach Street and with an array of Harley® activities at Daytona International Speedway.

“Daytona Bike Week marks the start of the riding season, like New Year’s Day for motorcycle riders, and Harley-Davidson will be there to celebrate,” said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Consumer Events. “Our new location at Riverfront Park is a showcase for custom Harley motorcycles, while our spot at the Speedway gives riders a chance to test ride any of our 70 demo bikes.”

Harley-Davidson activities at the Riverfront Park on Beach Street will run from Friday, February 26 to Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Highlights include:

-         Harley-Davidson Parts & Accessories® and MotorClothes® Products interactive experience: Check out the latest and greatest in customization and technology.

-         Third Annual Harley-Davidson Women’s Ride (Tuesday, March 2)

-         Harley-Davidson Ride-In Custom Bike Show (Wednesday, March 3)

-         V-Rod® Race Experience – Race your friends and win!

-         Fit Shop customization activities

-         Tattoo competition

-         Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) bike build and raffle

-         Food, beverage, music and free parking

Harley-Davidson activities at Daytona International Speedway near the Intersection of Midway Avenue and Richard Petty Boulevard will run from Saturday, February 27, to Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Highlights include:

-         Harley-Davidson motorcycle demo rides

-         Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®) pin stop: Members get a free event pin

-         H.O.G. Day, Saturday, Feb. 27: Members receive a special gift

-         2010 Harley-Davidson interactive motorcycle display

-         Fit Shop motorcycle experience – see how any Harley can be custom fit

-         Food, beverages, music and free parking

Motorcycle owners are invited to enter their Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the Ride-In Custom Bike Show on Wednesday, March 3. Registration is only $10, and will be at Riverfront Park on Beach Street from 9 a.m.-noon, with cash prize winners in a variety of classes. Entries are open to the general public. 

Harley-Davidson motorcycle demo rides will be available at Daytona International Speedway February 27 to March 6. Riders with a valid license and appropriate riding gear can test ride any 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.  

For a complete listing of Harley-Davidson events, please visit our Web site at www.harley-davidson.com and there will be online coverage direct from Daytona at www.harley-davidson.com/daytona. Please check the on-site Harley-Davidson activities guide for additional times and locations of entertainment and other special attractions, as well as social media Web sites like Facebook and Twitter for updates from Daytona.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

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WHO: Phyllis McEwen and The Museum of Florida Art

TIME: Wednesday, February 10th at 7:00pm and Thursday, February 11th at 10:00am

LOCATION: Volusia County Historic Courthouse 125 West Indiana Avenue, DeLand, Florida

The Museum of Florida Art is hosting our fifth cycle of the Legendary Florida Program Series. This programming offers an innovative approach to Florida history through the exhibition, online access, interdisciplinary curriculum and outreach with the artist. The program promotes and utilizes the works of a living contemporary Florida artist that creates works that “fit” the story in history rather than attempting to build that story around historical works of art. The program presents FREE school and adult tours, lectures, curriculum and education resources online. The interdisciplinary education program is augmented by interpretive text, video, lecture programs, and a language and visual arts, science and music curriculum.

The focus for this presentation will be Jackson Walker’s painting of Zora Neale Hurston, The Maverick of Eatonville. Phyllis McEwen will present dramatic facts about Hurston coupled with discussion led by the artist. This program is relevant to consideration of the progress and perspective of African Americans in Florida and the nation, particularly in light of the historic victory of Barack Obama, the first African American to hold the Presidency of the United States. Phyllis McEwen is an actor, poet and instructor in the Department of Africana Studies at the University of South Florida.

A novelist, folklorist, and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston was the prototypical authority on black culture from the Harlem Renaissance. She first gained attention with her short stories such as “John Redding Goes to Sea” and “Spunk” which appeared in black literary magazines. After several years of anthropological research financed through grants and fellowships, Zora Neale Hurston’s first novel, Jonah’s Gourd Vine, was published in 1934 to critical success. In 1935, her book Mules and Men, which investigated voodoo practices in black communities in Florida and New Orleans, also brought her kudos.

The year 1937 saw the publication of what is considered Hurston’s greatest novel, Their Eyes Watching God. And the following year her travelogue and study of Caribbean voodoo, Tell My Horse, was published. It received mixed reviews, as did her 1939 novel Moses, Man of the Mountain. Her final novel, Seraph on the Suwanee, published in 1948, was a critical failure.

Next Week, Don’t Miss Fear and Anxiety on the Florida Frontier

WHO: Dr. Joe Knetsch, Jackson Walker, Museum of Florida Art

TIME: Wednesday, February 17th at 7pm and Thursday, February 18th at 10am

LOCATION: Volusia County Historic Courthouse 125 West Indiana Avenue, DeLand, FL

Dr. Joe Knetsch will be discussing Jackson Walker’s Legendary Florida Collection paintings of Seminole History in Florida and relating them to his new book: Fear and Anxiety on the Florida Frontier. This dialogue is relevant today as West Point and other United States military academies are studying the Seminole Wars and other Native American wars to gain insights into current military conflict in Afghanistan and other areas of the world.

Dr. Joe Knetsch, author of over 200 articles on Florida history and has edited two books, written a text-book on Florida’s surveying history and published Florida’s Seminole Wars, 1817-1858, Faces on the Frontier, Florida’s Surveyors and Developers in the 19th Century and Fear and Anxiety on the Florida Frontier: The Second Seminole War.

Members, exhibitors and dealers can text, e-mail, Skype, send letters, and make videos to voice their support from the 2010 Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2010 – The Motorcycle Industry Council says now is the time to push for a Congressional solution to permanently end the ban on youth motorcycles and ATVs in a video call-to-action,  http://bit.ly/aXpkyu. At this year’s Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, the MIC is hosting a variety of multi-media communication tools and activities so that dealers, MIC members, and Expo exhibitors can voice their concerns, show their support, and urge Congress to take action to permanently end the ban on youth vehicles.

“There is tremendous momentum for Congress to amend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act’s lead content provisions to exclude youth vehicles,” said MIC general counsel Paul Vitrano. “We need our voices to be heard now, and by making all these different multi-media tools available here at Indy, every MIC member, every exhibitor, and every Expo attendee can be part of this massive grassroots effort to finally Stop the Ban.”

The MIC’s multi-media communication offerings at Indy include:

Text – Signage will be posted throughout the Expo encouraging attendees to show their support for the effort to Stop the Ban on youth ATVs and motorcycles with their cell phone by sending the text message “StoptheBan” or “STB” to 30101.  A feature on www.stopthebannow.com allows the public to join the campaign directly from the website by entering their cell phone number. Each person will receive a text response after entering their number and upon replying with “yes” will be placed in the campaign.

Letter – Attendees will be asked to add their signatures to letters urging Congress to amend the CPSIA to exclude youth vehicles. Last year’s campaign generated over 5,000 hand-signed letters at the show.

E-mail – Computers will be available in the MIC Business Center (Booth # 4508) so members, exhibitors and dealers can quickly and easily send an e-mail to their U.S. Representatives and Senators and to the Congressional oversight committees to urge them to Stop the Ban on youth ATVs and motorcycles.  Last year, over 1 million electronic messages were sent to Congress, and they got the attention of Capitol Hill.

Call – A special computer station will be set up in the MIC Business Center (Booth # 4508) with a link to identify appropriate members of Congress, and a Skype account that will enable Expo attendees to call their U.S. Representative and Senators directly from the computer to leave a message.

Video – The MIC is encouraging members, exhibitors and dealers to “Send a Video Message to Congress.”  A camera and filming booth will be set up in the MIC Business Center (Booth # 4508) so that Stop the Ban messages can be created, posted online, and forwarded to Congress. 

Each of these tools also is available on www.stopthebannow.com.

Enthusiasts and other stakeholders should reinforce three key reasons why youth ATVs and motorcycles should be excluded from the CPSIA’s lead content provisions:

            1.         The lead content poses no risk to kids.  Experts estimate that the lead intake from kids’ interaction with metal parts is less than the lead intake from drinking a glass of water.

            2.         The key to keeping youth safe is having them ride the right size vehicle.  Kids are now at risk because the availability of youth ATVs and motorcycles is limited due to the lead ban.

            3.         The lead ban hurts the economy for no good reason when everyone is trying to grow the economy and create jobs. MIC estimates that a complete ban on youth model vehicles would result in about $1 billion in lost economic value in the retail marketplace every year.

The MIC supports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s request to Congress to give the agency more flexibility to grant exclusions from the lead content limit to address ATVS and motorcycles. The CPSC requested this flexibility in its January 15 report to Congress containing recommendations to improve the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

“MIC calls on Congress to draft legislation as soon as possible to either grant a categorical exemption for these products, as would be provided by H.R. 1587, a pending bill with 56 bi-partisan co-sponsors, or to give the CPSC the flexibility to do so,” Vitrano said.

Visit www.stopthebannow.com for background information, FAQs, and public outreach tools for the Stop The Ban campaign.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national industry association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants. The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

Insurance companies overcharged consumers by $11 million

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Motorcyclists who had insurance through three companies in Massachusetts will get refunds from hundreds to thousands of dollars under a settlement agreement between the state and the insurance companies. State Attorney General Martha Coakley announced that her office has entered into settlement agreements with Safety Insurance Company, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Company to resolve allegations the companies overcharged consumers. The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) is spearheading the effort to ensure that all motorcyclists entitled to refunds get them. “The AGO (Attorney General’s Office) has reached out to the motorcycling community, through the MMA, out of concern that the insurance companies might not be able to identify and locate the riders,” said MMA Chairman Dave Condon. “All riders are encouraged to contact the MMA directly for assistance in expediting your refund.” To qualify for a refund, you must answer “yes” to the following questions: Did you buy motorcycle insurance from the Safety, Liberty or Quincy insurance company? Did your motorcycle insurance policy contain the collision or comprehensive options? Did you buy this optional motorcycle insurance at any time during the years 2002 to the present? If you answered “yes” to all three questions, then you may be due a refund, with 6 percent interest, and are urged to send your contact information to the e-mail address: MyRefund@MassMotorcycle.org. Or, mail the information to MMA, Attn: MA AGO Insurance Settlement, P.O. Box 378, Brimfield, MA 01010. The contact information will be shared only with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office Insurance and Financial Services Division and the named insurance carrier, Condon said. The information should include your name, address (past and present), telephone number, e-mail, and the year, make, model and VIN number of the motorcycle or motorcycles that were insured. Alternately, the AGO has worked with the three insurance companies to establish the following hotlines: Liberty (800) 569-5411, Quincy (800) 899-1116, and Safety (877) 951-6416. Coakley said average refunds are expected to be $300, with some consumers receiving thousands of dollars. Tens of thousands of policies may have been involved. The settlement resolves allegations that the insurance companies overcharged consumers for motorcycle insurance by using incorrect motorcycle values to calculate premiums. The settlements, which return $11.1 million to consumers, stem from an investigation that the AGO began more than a year ago after a consumer filed a complaint with the office’s Insurance and Financial Services Division. “We are pleased that Liberty, Quincy and Safety cooperated with our investigation and worked closely with our office to reach settlements that return the alleged overcharges to affected consumers,” Coakley said. “However, it remains troubling that these overcharges occurred, and these cases certainly underscore the importance of transparency in auto insurance rating. “Both consumers and regulators need to have access to information showing how premiums are to be calculated so that consumers can be protected and are not overcharged,” she said. Auto insurance companies are required to calculate premiums by following the rules in their rating manuals. The settling insurers’ rating manuals required the insurers to use current motorcycle book values to calculate the collision and comprehensive premiums charged to consumers, Coakley said. But rather than using current book values to calculate premiums, the settling insurers calculated premiums for a 1999 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic based on a $20,000 value in each year between 2003 and 2008, she said. In fact, the insured motorcycle’s book value was significantly less than $20,000 in 2003, and by 2008, the motorcycle’s value had depreciated to less than $12,000. Yet, the consumers were still being rated in 2008 as if their motorcycle had a $20,000 book value, Coakley said. 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 its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (February 2, 2010) –Throughout Hollywood history, motorcycles have shared the spotlight with heroes and heartthrobs as the ultimate symbol of rebellion, passion, heroism, and good ol’ American rock ‘n’ roll. The 1953 film The Wild One, starring Marlon Brando, cemented the public’s fascination with the biker rebel image and put the motorcycle on the map when it came to Hollywood films. Ever since, the motorcycle has shared the spotlight with some of Tinseltown’s greatest stars.

The Harley-Davidson Museum is home to many iconic stories starring the motorcycle. Beginning February 12 – and just in time for the Oscars – the Museum is rolling out the red carpet for some very special guest appearances as it showcases “Harleys & Hollywood,” an exclusive, limited-time exhibit. 

Visitors to the Museum will have the chance to see, live and in person, some of the famous Hollywood motorcycles that have defined pop culture over the years. Bikes on display include those seen in the films G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Star Trek, and Wild Hogs, as well as those owned by stars Clark Gable, Steve McQueen, Ludacris, and Jesse James.

Everyone who visits “Harleys & Hollywood” can enjoy a flash of stardom as they hop in the saddle of the actual bike ridden by Shia Labouf in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and get their photo taken.

And those who want to know more about the bikes can hear a gallery talk on “Harleys & Hollywood” from a member of the Museum’s Archives and Curatorial staff every Thursday (Feb 18-March 11) at 2 p.m.

For more on “Harleys & Hollywood” and the Harley-Davidson Museum, visit http://www.h-dmuseum.com/.

Special Event – February 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Untold Stories: Motorcycles in the Movies
An Evening with Tim Woods and Justin Kell

Come to the Harley-Davidson Museum and learn how motorcycle movie magic is made from two of the industry’s insiders! Join Tim Woods, Picture Car Coordinator, and Justin Kell, Motorcycle Coordinator, for a fun evening of entertaining stories and unique insights on motorcycles in films, the actors who ride them, the stunts that are performed, and much more.

Over the past several years, Tim and Justin have worked together on the hit films The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Star Trek, and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. As Picture Car Coordinator, Tim selects the vehicles and manages the transportation scenes, and as Motorcycle Coordinator, Justin coordinates, builds, and serves as technician to the bikes. Come see the bikes, watch clips from the films, and get the inside scoop on how it’s all done!

Weekly Events at Motor Bar & Restaurant

There are plenty of reasons to visit Motor® Bar & Restaurant! Ongoing weekly events include Tuesday Trivia Night (7-9 p.m.), Wednesday Open Mic Night (6-9 p.m.), Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour (3-9 p.m.), and Saturday UFC fights. Visit http://www.h-dmuseum.com/ for details. 

About the Harley-Davidson Museum

The Harley-Davidson Museum is located at 400 West Canal Street in Milwaukee and provides a glimpse of American history and culture like you’ve never seen it before – through the lens of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The Museum is open year-round (10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday, and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursdays) and parking is free. For more information on the Museum’s galleries, exhibits, special events, tickets, and more, visit http://www.h-dmuseum.com/.

Motorcycle Related Bills filed for the 2010 Session as of  2-6-10

ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Updates are in RED

HB 41
Use of an Electronic Wireless Communications Device While Driving Prohibits operation of moving motor vehicle while reading, manually writing or typing, or sending message on electronic wireless communications device; provides exceptions & penalties.

Last Event: Thursday, October 01, 2009 – Now in Roads, Bridges & Ports Policy Committee
 
HB 71
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Decreases fees & charges for reinstatement of driver license, certificates of title, registration of motor vehicle, license plates, validation decals, & mobile home stickers, initial registration application for certain vehicles, driver’s license examinations, services & documents, driver’s licenses, return of license suspended, & DUI program enrollment; removes fee & service charge for publication & delivery of notice given by certain licensed dealers, lists of motor vehicle & vessel records, & hearing on or review of certain actions; decreases annual license taxes for operation of certain vehicles.

Last Event: Thursday, October 01, 2009 – Now in Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee
 
 HB 97
 Street Racing Creates “Luis Rivera Ortega Street Racing Act”; revises penalties for violating provisions prohibiting certain speed competitions & exhibitions.

Last Event: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 – Now in Roads, Bridges, and Ports Policy Committee.
 
 HB 99
 Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Same as HB 71

Last Event: Monday, October 12, 2009 – Now in Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee
 
HB 137
Motor Vehicles Revises penalties for unlawful operation of soundmaking device in motor vehicle; provides that such operation is moving violation which includes assessment of points against driver’s license; provides increased penalties for repeat violations within certain time period.

Last Event: Monday, October 12, 2009 – Now in Roads, Bridges & Ports Policy Committee
 
SB 244
Heather’s Law/Cellular Telephone Use in Vehicles Prohibits the use of a cellular telephone while operating a motor vehicle except when using a headset or hands-free device. Provides for enforcement only as a secondary offense, etc.

Last Event: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 – Referred to Transportation; Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations.
 
HB 247
Driving or Boating Under the Influence Authorizes law enforcement officer to arrest person without warrant when there is probable cause to believe person has committed any of specified driving or boating under influence violations.

Last Event: February 03, 2010 – Withdrawn prior to introduction.
 
CS/HB 297
Vehicle Crashes Involving Death Requires that defendant arrested for leaving scene of crash involving death must be held in custody until brought before judge for admittance to bail.

Last Event: Thursday, February 05, 2010 -  Favorable by Policy Committee.
 
SB 298
Motor Vehicles/Sound making Devices Revises penalties for unlawful operation of a sound making device in a motor vehicle. Provides that such operation is a moving violation, which includes the assessment of points against the driver’s license. Provides increased penalties for repeat violations within a certain time period.

Last Event: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 – Referred to Transportation; Community Affairs; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means.
 
SB 324
Motor Vehicle Operators/Text Messaging Prohibits a person from writing or sending a text message on an electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle. Provides for enforcement. Provides exceptions. Provides penalties.

Last Event:  Wednesday, December 09, 2009 – Referred to Transportation; Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations.
 
SB 328
State Uniform Traffic Control/Texting Prohibited Prohibits the use of an electronic communication device to send or receive text-based communications while operating a motor vehicle. Defines the term “text-based communication.” Provides exceptions and for enforcement.

Last Event: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 – Referred to Transportation; Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations.
 
SB 374
State Uniform Traffic Control/Prohibits Texting Prohibits the use of electronic communication devices to send or receive text-based communications while operating a motor vehicle. Provides exceptions. Provides a penalty.

Last Event: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 – Referred to Transportation; Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations.
 
SB 482
Highway Safety Act [CPSC]: Provides legislative intent relating to road rage and aggressive careless driving. Requires an operator of a motor vehicle to yield the left lane when being overtaken on a multilane highway. Revises the number of specified acts necessary to qualify as an aggressive careless driver. Provides that a second or subsequent infraction as said driver requires attendance at a mandatory hearing, etc.

LAST EVENT: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 – Referred to Transportation; Health Regulation; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means.
 
 HB 875
Traffic Offenses: Provides criminal penalties for person who commits moving violation that causes serious bodily injury to, or causes or contributes to death of, person operating or riding in motor vehicle or operating or riding on motorcycle; requires that person pay specified fine, serve minimum period of incarceration, & attend driver improvement course; requires court to revoke person’s driver’s license for specified period; provides that act does not prohibit person from being charged with, convicted of, or punished for any other violation of law.

Last Event: Tuesday, Feburary 02, 2010 – Filed
 
SB 1578
Parental Authority: Provides that a motorsport liability release signed by a minor is valid if the release is also signed by the minor’s parent or guardian. Authorizes natural guardians to waive and release, in advance, any claim or cause of action that would accrue to any of their minor children to the same extent that any adult may do so on his or her own behalf, etc.

LAST EVENT: Friday, January 29, 2010 – Filed
 

Non-Motorcycle Related Bills filed for the 2010 Session as of 2-6-10
Updates are in RED.
 
HM 19
Limiting the Scope and Exercise of Federal Power Urges Congress to honor provisions of U. S. Constitution & U. S. Supreme Court case law which limit scope & exercise of federal power.

Last Event: Thursday, October 01, 2009 – Now in Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council
 
HB 21
Regulation of Firearms  Creates Florida Firearms Freedom Act; provides legislative findings & definitions; provides that specified firearms, firearm accessories, & ammunition for personal use manufactured in state are not subject to federal law or regulation; provides that importation into state of specified parts & incorporation of such parts into firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition manufactured in state does not subject firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition to federal regulation; provides that certain basic materials are not subject to federal regulation of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition under interstate commerce; provides that specified firearm accessories imported into state from another state do not subject firearm to federal regulation under interstate commerce; provides legislative findings with respect thereto; provides exceptions; provides applicability; requires that firearms manufactured & sold in state must bear indicia of manufacture by specified date.
Last Event: Thursday, October 01, 2009 – Now in Civil Justice & Courts Policy Committee
 
HJR 37
Health Care Services Proposes creation of s. 28, Art. X of State Constitution to prohibit laws or rules from compelling any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in any health care system; permit person or employer to purchase lawful health care services directly from health care provider; permit health care provider to accept direct payment from person or employer for lawful health care services; exempt persons, employers, & health care providers from penalties & fines for paying or accepting direct payment for lawful health care services; permit purchase or sale of health insurance in private health care systems; & specifies what amendment does not affect or prohibit.
Last Event: Thursday, October 01, 2009 – Now in Health Care Regulation Policy Committee
 
SM 96
Exercise of Federal Power  Exercise of Federal Power [SPSC]: Urges the Congress of the United States to honor the provisions of the Constitution of the United States and United States Supreme Court case law which limit the scope and exercise of federal power.
Last Event: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 – Now in Rules
 
SB 98
Regulation of Firearms  Regulation of Firearms: Creates the Florida Firearms Freedom Act. Provides that specified firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition for personal use manufactured in the state are not subject to federal law or regulation. Provides that certain basic materials are not subject to federal regulation of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition under interstate commerce, etc.
Last Event: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 – Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Rules
 
SM 178
Tenth Amendment/Constitution of the United States: Urges the Congress of the United States to cease and desist from certain mandates that are prohibited by the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Demands that certain federal legislation be prohibited or repealed.
Last Event: Friday, November 06, 2009 – 11/06/09 S Withdrawn prior to introduction
 
 
 
These “non-motorcycle” Bills are just one that I am interested in watching and thought there might be others that would be interested in their progress.

These “non-motorcycle” Bills  ARE NOT “Official” ABATE of Florida, Inc. Bill of interest. You may do with them as you wish.
 

Darrin “Scribe” Brooks

Legislative Trustte,

ABATE of Florida, Inc.

http://www.abateflorida.com/

Last month Born To Ride magazine stopped in on The Ride Factory in Ybor City to talk shop (you can read about it in our latest issue, February 2010). We heard of a project that was in the making … the Redneck Bike project. Recently Born To Ride dropped in to see how the project is coming along … check out this mean-machine in the making.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Nearly all AMA Racing disciplines will be on full display at Daytona Beach this Feb. 27 through March 7, making 2010 one of the best years ever for American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) amateur and pro-am racers to experience Bike Week.

While off-road riders take to the woods in the historic Alligator Enduro and the season-opener kicks off for the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series, motocross and dirt-track racers of all ages will share world-caliber tracks with some of the fastest riders in the world. Not only will amateur racers get to roost sand on the unique Daytona Supercross By Honda course, they’ll also help break in the new Daytona Flat Track facility located just outside Daytona International Speedway.

“Outstanding promoters such as MX Sports and Steve Nace Racing, series partners such as AMA Dragbike, facility owners such as Daytona International Speedway and historic AMA clubs such as the Daytona Dirt Riders, a branch of the Florida Trail Riders, make all these events possible,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley.

Amateur racers hit the Supercross course

Davey Coombs of MX Sports, organizers of the Ricky Carmichael AMA Amateur Supercross at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, March 7, said that while his focus may be on the Supercross course, he’s looking forward to every type of racing that Bike Week offers.

“Going to Bike Week in Daytona is a right of passage for any motorcyclist, and if you’re a racer, it’s practically mandatory,” Coombs said. “My family has been going since my dad entered in the ’73 Daytona Supercross. We load up the bikes and go to the GNCC, the Alligator Enduro, the dirt-track races, the road racing events and, of course, the Daytona Supercross By Honda. It’s more than a full week of fantastic racing, whether you’re an amateur or an AMA professional, in the middle of the biggest gathering of motorcycling enthusiasts in the world.”

If racing on the Supercross course isn’t enough, Coombs adds that riders will get a unique opportunity to learn from perhaps the best racer ever to spin a knobby tire on the Daytona International Speedway infield. Ricky Carmichael University will follow the amateur Supercross race on Monday, March 8. This will be the first public riding school hosted by the 15-time AMA National Champion.

Tim Cotter, event director at MX Sports, says that racers can expect a fun family atmosphere at the track.

“Daytona International Speedway is the ‘World Center of Racing’, and America’s motocross riders and their families should be racing there,” Cotter said. “We are scheduled for Bike Week in Daytona! It doesn’t get any better than that. We are very excited to have this opportunity to work with Daytona International Speedway and look forward to reintroducing amateur Supercross to the facility.”

The amateur Supercross event isn’t the only major race in which Cotter and AMA amateurs will be involved during Bike Week. On Feb. 27-28, roughly 45 miles northwest of Daytona Beach, at the MX Marion County facility in Reddick, Fla., the biggest amateur motocross series in the world kicks off for racers in the Southeast with the region’s first Area Qualifier for the 29th AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships, presented by Amsoil.

“The AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships, presented by Amsoil, is the year’s premier amateur motocross event,” Cotter said. “Of course, to make the big show Aug. 2-7 in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., riders have to qualify. For racers in the Southeast region, that begins in Reddick.”

Information about all MX Sports produced events can be found at MXSports.com.

On the track

If curves aren’t your thing and outright speed lights you up, you can catch the quickest and fastest accelerating motorcycles in the world at the South Georgia Motorsports Park dragstrip in Valdosta, Ga. The AMA Dragbike Bikeweek Nationals are set for March 5-7.

“Guinness Book world-record holder Larry ‘Spiderman’ McBride will attempt to re-set the record while trying to hold off the Top Fuel competition,” said AMA Dragbike President Scott Valetti. “In addition, the program will showcase over a $1 million field of no-wheelie-bar, 600 horsepower, 200-plus mile-per-hour Pro Street bikes going head-to-head at nearly 6 seconds in the quarter mile.”

For many, however, Bike Week competition is rooted in four left turns. For them, the history of Daytona Beach has been written by the stars of American dirt-track racing. Those fans have a lot to look forward to this year with the all-new Daytona Flat Track facility located outside Turns 1 and 2 alongside the world-famous Daytona International Speedway.

Amateur dirt-trackers will roost limestone and race into the record books this Feb. 27, 28 and March 1 on the new quarter-mile short-track at the three-round AMA Racing Winter National Short-Track Championships. The event will feature competition in youth, vet/senior and other amateur classes, with national No. 1 plates on the line.

In addition, March 2 will include the AMA Racing Vet/Senior Shootout. Not only will this event include classes for amateur racers over 30, 40 and 50 years old, but special classes just for pro-licensed riders will be included in the program. This event will give dirt-track fans an excellent opportunity to see the sport’s top pros battle for bragging rights leading into the first round of the 2010 AMA Pro Racing Grand National Championship, which gets underway at the same venue on March 3-4.

“This will be a unique and rare opportunity for our amateur racers to help break in one of the sport’s premier facilities,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “The Daytona Flat Track facility is purpose-built for this type of racing, and we are excited to begin writing a new chapter of American dirt-track racing history at what will immediately be one of the top venues for dirt-track racing in the country.”

Fans and racers who enjoy seeing history in action can also get their fill at the new Daytona Flat Track. The first round of the 2010 AMA Racing National Vintage Dirt Track Championship Series is Feb. 28 at the Daytona Flat Track facility, while round two will be March 2 at the Volusia Speedway half-mile in Barberville, Fla.

Don Miller, technical advisor for the AMA Racing National Vintage Dirt Track Championship Series, says his “excitement level is completely off the dyno chart” for the first round.

“It’s the whole historically correct end of this new series that has me going,” Miller said. “I grew up around dirt track, and while I didn’t know it at the time, I was witnessing history the night Jay Springsteen held it wide open for all 25 laps at Harrington, Delaware. Today, many of us have those types of memories. With the period-correct structure of our vintage classes, we’ll get to see the motorcycles of AMA Grand National Championship racing just as it was back in the day.

“To me there is no better way than to re-live our history than on the track,” Miller continued. “And in keeping with the AMA’s strong tradition, we’ll get things going for this new national series at the world center of racing — that’s right, just outside the walls of the historic Daytona International Speedway.”

For more information about the AMA Racing National Vintage Dirt Track Championship Series, see AMARacing.com.

Off-road racers get their turn

The racing during Bike Week is just as competitive off the track, with America’s top off-road racers facing off on March 4 at the historic Alligator Enduro, round three of the AMA Racing Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series, presented by Moose Racing, and two rounds of the Can-Am GNCC series.

The Alligator Enduro is one of the oldest, most historic off-road races in America. Only a few years younger than the Daytona 200 itself, the event is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2010. It perennially attracts the country’s best off-road racers, even those who don’t follow the entire national series.

“We fully expect this year to be thrilling for both riders and fans,” said Daytona Dirt Riders Secretary Randy Griffin. “Is the Alligator Enduro a prestigious event worth being around? Sixty years running with more 500 riders from around the world in town to ride 70 miles of an enduro in the woods of Florida should explain everything.”

Although entries are now full for the Alligator Enduro, more information, including spectator information, can be found at DaytonaDirtRiders.org.

Many of those top racers will also be on hand at the Can-Am GNCC events that bookend Bike Week. First up is the season opener, The Parts Unlimited River Ranch GNCC, Feb. 27-March 2 in River Ranch, Fla. Then, on March 6-7, GNCC racers line up at The Maxxis General GNCC in Washington, Ga. For more information, see GNCCRacing.com.

“This is always a special round for a few reasons, probably the most important part is that amateur riders from the north finally get a break from the cold!” said Racer Productions spokesman Jason Weigandt. “The GNCC opener in Florida is really a late-winter vacation for a lot of riders, and the River Ranch Resort that holds the race is a pretty neat destination, with lots to do. The race is also unique since it’s the only sand race on the tour, so anyone who hasn’t been training in the winter will have to really tough it out.

“The race generally draws 1200-1300 racers, which makes it one of the biggest events of Bike Week. And it’s a rare chance for all the industry brass and media from other motorsports to check out off-road racing, since most of those folks are in town for the week. That puts some extra pressure on the riders to impress.”

For hardcore enduro racers, the AMA-sanctioned Straight Arrow Enduro will be held Feb. 28 about 100 miles southwest of Daytona in the Withlacoochee State Forest. Although the AMA-sanctioned Straight Arrow Enduro is not part of the national series, this popular local enduro celebrates its 36th anniversary this year. The event, which moved from a traditional May date, has access to about 65,000 acres of public land that is typically off-limits. More information is at FloridaTrailRiders.org.

Finally, Feb. 27-28, the Florida Trials Association MC Club Inc. is holding an observed trials competition, located at the Hard Rock Cycle park in Ocala, Fla. More information can be found at FloridaTrials.net.
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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 its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

Motorcycle Industry Council Media Relations

U.S. Representative Recognizes Ben Spies’ Historic World Superbike Championship Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert Commends Spies on the Floor of Congress WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 5, 2010 – Ben Spies and his World Superbike Championship were recognized in the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday by Congressman Louie Gohmert, R-Texas. “Mr. Speaker, here on the floor…of the United States House of Representatives, tribute must be paid to the incredible achievement of a constituent of the First District of Texas, from Longview, he’s already a legend, Ben Spies,” Gohmert said. “Ben Spies is to be congratulated upon his winning the 2009 FIM Superbike World Championship. He has no doubt blazed a trail for future successes with his steady hand, nerves of steel, and balance like nowhere found here in the House of Representatives.” Up against the world’s best superbike riders, Spies took a season-record 11 pole positions, won 14 of 28 races, many on tracks he had never seen, and claimed the championship in his rookie year. Before contesting the world championship series, Spies was the U.S. Superbike champion for three consecutive years. “We were thrilled to be able to bring Spies’ achievement to Congressman Gohmert’s attention and delighted that he saw fit to honor Spies in this way,” said Kathy Van Kleeck, senior vice president, government relations, for the Motorcycle Industry Council. “It is a wonderful commendation for Spies as well as positive recognition for motorcycling and motorcycle racing.” Duane Taylor, MIC director, federal affairs, said, “We would like to thank Representative Gohmert for highlighting this achievement and our sport.” The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as publishing companies, advertising agencies, insurance firms and consultants. The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – Many off-highway motorized trails in America’s national forests could deteriorate dramatically or even disappear under the new federal budget for 2011 proposed by President Barack Obama to Congress on February 1, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

Under the proposal, which must by accepted by Congress before it becomes law, funding for the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Capital Improvement and Maintenance (CIM) program would be slashed by $100 million from the $538 million appropriated for the current fiscal year, which began October 1, to $438 million for the next fiscal year.

“This could be disastrous for off-highway motorcycle riders because CIM program money is used for the improvement, maintenance and operation of U.S. Forest Service roads, trails and recreational support,” said Ed Moreland, the AMA’s vice president for government relations.

Moreland notes that in explaining the reduction, President Obama’s administration says that it wants to focus the Forest Service on “road decommissioning, erosion control, watershed health and forest restoration.”

“Very little of the proposed CIM budget supports trail-building or maintenance,” Moreland said. “This is another way to limit trail-riding opportunities for families, the disabled and others who enjoy the beauty of our federal lands on motorized vehicles.

“The truth is that underfunded forest managers will find it more expedient to close trails rather than maintain them with this plan,” Moreland said. “Proper funding of maintenance programs are crucial to the administration’s stated goals of erosion control, watershed health and forest restoration.”

The administration’s budget proposal is also disturbing because it comes at a time when the Forest Service is creating a new planning rule to manage the 193 million acres it controls nationwide. The Forest Service says it is starting the process guided by the principles of restoration, conservation and protection of ecosystems. This proposal could shut out off-highway riding.

The AMA strongly advises its members and all other off-highway vehicle riders to contact their federal elected officials and urge them to oppose any cut in the U.S. Agriculture Department’s capital improvement and maintenance budget.

Contact information for all federal elected officials can be found at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation, then enter a zip code in the “Find your Officials” box. Additionally, a prewritten e-mail is available to send to federal elected officials immediately by following the “Take Action” option.

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 its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.