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MAGAZINE ARTICLES
BENEFIT FOR ARCHIE SOLET
March 16th was a special day in Houma,where bikers from all around the area converged to take care of one of their
own.32 year old Archie Solet,from Dulac,LA was gunned down after riding his motorcycle to New Orleans October 20th
for the day while his wife and 3 sons went shopping.Archie took a wrong turn in a crime-infested neighborhood near the
French Quarter and was brutally gunned down in an apparent robbery attempt.At press time no arrests have been made
and leads on the shooter (or shooters)has been weak.
The poker run efforts raised over $36,000 with $7,500 donated to Crime Stoppers raised the reward to $10,000.The
balance of the monies will go to Archie ’s widow,Brandy to help in supporting their boys.Over 350 motorycles registered
with 500+bikers and locals participating.Active volunteers from B.A.C.A.,Bandido ’s MC,N.U.T.S.as well as other
organizations and friends helped to function this well-organized benefit.Excellent weather encouraged participation and
made the day for all who supported Archie ’s family.
At the last stop,Cajun Country Lounge handled the crowds expertly (as did during registration)with local law-
enforcement keeping traffic and motorcycles safely coordinated.The food was excellent,door prizes abundant,auction
items going for high dollars,DJ,and fellowship as only bikers know how to do.What mattered most,was the outpouring
of support from fellow riders,friends,family and those who never had the opportunity to know Archie,the man.
While Archie ’s death may be found as another statistic in the growing crime rate in New Orleans,his death isn ’t
a statistic to those who love and miss him.If anyone has any information that could assist law-enforcement and
investigators in the arrest of those guilty of murdering Archie,please call Crime Stoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll free at
1-877-903-STOP.On behalf of Brandy and her sons and the family of Archie Solet,a tremendous THANKS to everyone
who supported,promoted,voluteered and participated in this benefit.Your generosity and consideration is deeply
appreciated.God Bless You All!!
Nappy &Brenda
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana Presents
ABATE Legislative Report
Bill HB864,the mandatory motorcycle training
for new riders failed in House and never made
it to the Senate.Bill HB1295 that repealed
the helmets and required mandatory new rider
training,yet was amended to add $100,000 of
insurance,got out of the House.It was tabled in
a Senate Committee.All other helmet related
bills died in a similar manner,by being tabled or
ignored.Governor Jindal did nothing concrete to
aid our effort,though it is rumored by Col.James
Champagne himself that he lost his job at the
State Highway Safety Commission,for opposing
the helmet repeal.
Governor Jindal reversed his position on the pay
raise,and did veto the legislative pay doubling.
He took this step because of the massive public
outcry against the pay doubling.I point this out
because we could have had the same impact had
we all joined in the effort to change Louisiana ’s
repressive and discriminatory motorcycle laws.
It was brought out in the legislature that only 30
letters and emails were received in support of
the helmet repeal and mandatory training.Only
30 out of nearly a quarter of a million riders and
family members.How can we expect to in . uence
our legislator with so few voices?Or,does the
motorcycle community really care?Do we,as a
whole?Our legislators are not convinced.
The vote on HB864,the mandatory training
bill for new riders acquiring their motorcycle
endorsement,is quite telling.What possible
reason was there to thwart this bill?The bikers
themselves would have paid the cost.One
reason might be that the control of the motorcycle
endorsement fee money would leave the
Education Department and go to the Highway
Department.The Education Department has been
diverting some of these funds for years now.Here
are legislators that seem to care more for money
than for the safety of inexperienced riders.They
voted against HB864.Perhaps we should vote
against them when the time comes.
NAYS Barras
Jackson G.Nowlin
Barrow Jackson M.Perry
Burford Jones,R.Peterson
Burrell Kleckley Robideaux
Champagne LaFonta Smith,J.
Cortez Leger Smith,P.
Foil Marchand Williams
Henry Mills Wooton
Honey Morrell
Hutter Morris
Total -28
On a good note.That bill to outlaw concealed
weapons speci . cally on motorcycles died on the
table too.
For now we must keep those buckets on our
heads,in spite of the heat.I took the windshield
off of my bike,so that helps a bit.Watch out
though.They might make windshields mandatory
too.Keep that in mind next time the legislature is
in session.ABATE will call for support again then.
Hope the rest of you stop riding long enough to
send in a letter,or an email when it really counts.
We are just a whisper with 30 letters.Wake them
up with 30,000!
Please Ride Sober!Please Ride Safe!
Michael Sperry,ABATE of Louisiana
K I S S
KEEP IT SIMPLE SWEETIE
MIKE SANDERS ’ ULTIMATE SMOKED BABY BACKS
Let ’s start this recipe by preparing the ribs for the smoker.First,
remove them from their vacuum-packed wrappings.Then wash
them well with cold tap water.Then thoroughly pat them dry
them with absorbent paper towels.
Next,place them in a large aluminum cookie pan meat side
down.And with heavy-duty paper towels grip and remove the
white membrane (the silverskin)from the backside of the slab.
Note:Doing this helps the ribs cook through and through and
also allows the seasoning to permeate the meat.At this point
put together your homemade “rib rub.”To do this,you ’ll need:
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons black pepper
3 tablespoons coarse salt
1 cup paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons celery seeds
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Frank Davis Strictly N ’Awlins Pork Seasoning
Mix together all of the above ingredients in a large bowl “less
the pork seasoning.”Then,lightly but evenly sprinkle the pork
seasoning onto both sides of the rack.Immediately thereafter,
liberally sprinkle both sides with the homemade rub...but
concentrate on rubbing most of it on the meaty side.Then on
the countertop,allow the slabs to “dry marinate ”for at least
an hour.And while that is
happening,fire up the smoker!
Your heat range for smoking
should be between 175 and 250
degrees.Regulate the damper
so that you keep the smoker
from drifting out of this range.
I personally think the idea
temperature is 225 degrees,
but when you ’re using charcoal
briquettes,it ’s not that easy
to keep the heat at that temp
range.
Once again,learn to manipulate your damper.Start out with
a little less air and adjust to more air to heat up the coals if
needed.Technically,you want to smoke the ribs for 2 hours
using the charcoal plus a combination of both pecan and cherry
wood.(Actually,pecan wood by itself is totally acceptable).
Whichever you use,be sure to “soak ” them in water for about
15 minutes or so.Then,when you ’re ready to cook,liberally
sprinkle the chips over the coals.Your neighbors will smell your
ribs a block away!After 1-1/2 to 2 hours,remove the slabs from
the smoker and wrap them rather loosely,but individually,in
extra-heavy duty aluminum foil crown side down .
Tip #1:Don ’t puncture the foil during this process —if the juices
leak out,the ribs will be dry.Now transfer the smoked rib racks
to your oven.Set the oven to bake at 250 degrees for 4 hours
or 350 degrees for 3 hours (either method will work).After the
allotted time,remove the slabs and allow them to rest —still
in the foil!—on for about 15 minutes so that the juices can
redistribute inside the meat.
Tip #2:Be careful when opening up the foil.Remember,steam
has been trapped inside and can cause an unfortunate burn if
the wrappings are handled carelessly.
At this point,your “Mike ’s Ultimate Baby Back Ribs ” are now
ready to slice into “singles ” and serve..A dollop or two of your
favorite barbecue sauce can be served on the side as desired.
Sous Chef ’s Note:
What ’s really cool about this recipe and methodology is that
after the slabs come to room temperature,you can then chill
them in your refrigerator over night.Then the next day,vacuum
seal them and freeze them for a later date.They ’ll be just as
good a month or two later.
JERRY'S KIDS
There was a Benefit and a Poker Run held in Monroe on June 13th,14th,and 15th,for Jerry ’s kids.It
was a great turn out,people started coming in on the 13th,but everyone really started showing up on the
14th.The Christian Motorcyclists Association,along with Squirrel and Sherry ’s motorcycle shop sponsored
the benefit and poker run along with many other businesses and clubs.The Renegade Harley-Davidson
of Alexandria donated a motorcycle that they raffled off to help raise money for Jerry ’s kids.There were
games for adults and kids.The men threw an engine,the women threw a piston,and there were four
different games that the CMA held for the kids.On Saturday when everyone was getting ready to leave
on the poker run there must have been at least two hundred bikes,if not more.Saturday night after
everything started to calm down they had a band playing till early morning.On Sunday morning the CMA
held a small church service before everyone left for the ride home.We would like to thank Ms.Sherry for
everything she did for us.We would also like to thank the CMA for all the drinks and snacks they offered
throughout the day for everyone.This is one Benefit that we will not
forget.
Pops & Switch
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
THE ROAD OF LIFE
At first,I saw God as my observer,my judge,keeping track of the things I did wrong,so
as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die.He was out there sort of like a
president.I recognized His picture when I saw it,but I really didn't know Him.But later
on when I met Christ,it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride,but it was a
tandem bike,and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.
I don't know just when it was that He suggested we change places,but life has not been
the same since.When I had control,I knew the way.It was rather boring,but
predictable;it was the shortest distance between two points.But when He took the lead,
He knew delightful long cuts,up mountains,and through rocky places at breakneck
speeds;it was all I could do to hang on!Even though it looked like madness,He said,
"Pedal!"I worried and was anxious and asked,"Where are you taking me?"He laughed
and didn't answer,and I started to learn to trust.I forgot my boring life and entered into
the adventure.And when I'd say,"I'm scared,"He'd lean back and touch my hand.He
took me to people with gifts that I needed,gifts of healing,acceptance and joy.They
gave me gifts to take on my journey,my Lord's and mine.And we were off again.He
said,"Give the gifts away;they're extra baggage,too much weight."So I did,to the
people we met,and I found that in giving I received,and still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him at first,in control of my life.I thought He'd wreck it;but He knows
bike secrets,knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,knows how to jump to
clear high rocks,knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.And I am learning to shut
up and pedal in the strangest places,and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool
breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion,Jesus Christ.And when I'm
sure I just can't do anymore,He just smiles and says "Pedal."(Author Unknown)
Enjoy life 's journey a/k/a the road of life.
God Bless,
Pastor Woody
White Dove Biker Fellowship Church
SHOP TALK
YOUR BIKE AND FUEL CONSERVATION
I think it was our President Bush who said “The
United States is addicted to oil ”.With the now ever
increasing prices for fuel at the pump we as Amer-
icans are now constantly thinking of ways to con-
serve fuel.There are in fact many ways to improve
the fuel ef ? ciency with your motorcycle.Let ’s start
with the basics.It has been noted that an automo-
bile with a manual equipped transmission is capable
of conserving more fuel than an automobile with an
automatic transmission.I ’ll explain how.With a man-
ual transmission you are able to control the motor ’s
R.P.M.s.If you are able to control the motor ’s speed,
you are in control of how much fuel you feed the mo-
tor.The key here is keeping the motor ’s R.P.M.s low.
Any time your motor revs beyond idle,you are burn-
ing more fuel.The higher the R.P.M.s,the more fuel
is burned.If you are trying to stretch your miles per
gallon there are some guidelines to follow.
1st thing to remember is KEEP The R.P.M.s Down.
Right from start up,don ’t rev it up.When accelerat-
ing through ? rst gear,do not feed your bike more
throttle to get you moving.A Harley-Davidson motor
has plenty of low end torque to get you moving with
very little throttle assistance.
2nd,when shifting from ? rst to second,don ’t wind
out ? rst gear.You can actually shift from ? rst to sec-
ond at approximately 1500-2,000 R.P.M.s.One of
the key factors here is to try and not let your motor
work for the power.A smooth,slow,and even throttle
roll on is all you need to keep you going.
One thing to remember is that all motors have a
power band.A power band is essentially an r.p.m.
range where the motor makes the most power.Un-
fortunately,this is where the motor uses the most
fuel.A performance camshaft,exhaust,and essen-
tially anything else you add on or changes you make
to the motor are going to affect fuel economy.
Aside from the above mentioned tips for fuel econ-
omy there are several other things you can do to
help improve fuel mileage.Installing a six-speed
transmission is one way to accomplish this.With the
addition of another gear you are able to keep the
R.P.M.s,lower at high-way speeds.Although some-
what costly,there are other bene ? ts to a six-speed
than just fuel economy (less vibration,longer motor
life,etc.).
Another way to accomplish this is to install a larg-
er transmission pulley or sprocket.This essentially
gears the bike up thus turning lower R.P.M.s.Re-
member;the way to improve fuel economy in ANY
fossil fueled motor is to keep the R.P.M.s down.If
your bike is equipped with a tachometer,use it.
Not only is the idea of fuel conservation a good idea
to apply,think about following the mentioned fuel
saving tips for when you are just about out of gas
and the next gas station is over the next horizon.
Ride Safe
Questions?Comments?
Steve Taylor of Taylor Made V-Twins can be reached
at
810-324-9000
or e-mail us at taylormade@advnet.net
www.taylormadevtwins.net
©Steve Taylor All Rights Reserved
SHOP TAL K
By Steve Taylor
CROW ROAD CRAWFISH BOIL AND RALLY
Just a few clicks down the road from the Shreveport/
Bossier City area in the sleepy town of Natchitoches
an annual event happens that has to be one of the
best in the state.
I ’m talking about the “Crow Roads ” crawfish boil &&
rally,this weekend long event draws thousands of
“sledz ”from all over with some coming from as far as
Colorado to enjoy the awesome food,music and fun.
All proceeds go to benefit the “LA.Special
Olympics,” and everyone does their best to bump
up the numbers,from all the vendors donating items
for the raffle,to a great auction of items supplied
by the huge number of sponsors,especially the
“Retired American Legion Post #387,Hog Heaven
Saloon,Woody ’s Beach Bar,Coyotes,Cane River
Bar,Ronnie ’s Auto,Bud &Miller Lite,not to mention
all the M/C ’s that do so much to help make it such an
awesome event.
With bands Rock ’n like,“150 Franklin ” and headliner
“Nikki Finn ” there was never a dull moment,,the bike
games kept everyone on the edge of their seats and
gave us all some good laughs,“Mo and Chief “,the
event organizers make all in attendance feel right at
home and sometimes it just feels like a huge family
reunion.I don ’t want to forget to mention the cooks
who did great cookin ’ up 6,000 lbs.of crawfish,
WOW guys,“Them ’ bugs were tasty ”.Thanks a
million to “Chief &Mo,all the vendors,sponsors and
crew,“You Rock ”.See Ya ’ next year.
BEAR
MEMORIAL DAY BIKER PARTY
It wouldn ’t matter one way or the other if we had to tell you about a
kick-ass party organized by Rottncycle Promotions.“Ya jus gotta go!”
Referenced as the Enon Party,Sandy Hook and several other names,
the Memorial Day Biker Party (same as Labor Day Biker Party,different
holiday weekend)is not just another all or nothing weekend party.Lee
&Mary,Brad &Norma,Gonzo and the cast of characters that are the
backbone of this event continues to receive accolades for their ability
to provide a location with access to entertainment,events,vendors,live
music,DJ,shows,etc.while YOU -the biker brings your party all in one
spot.And party you will!!!
People start pouring in around Wednesday,setting up camp and getting
a lay-of-the-land with the party starting immediately after.Veterans
of this and other events by Rottncycle know the routines and fall in
place like family coming home for the holidays.Rookies however,
are entertaining nevertheless.Seeing the wackiness,freedom of
“expression ” and other “not-your-every-day ” things to see captures
first-timers head on,leaving their jaws dragging the ground all
weekend.
Wet t-shirt,Bikini,Thong Contests as well as Wet &Wild slide offers
adult entertainment both impressive and hillarious all at
the same time.Bike
show and bike games offer talent and competition all
rolled into one.Food vendors,accessories,apparel
and lots of other stuff to check out brings the usual
opportunities for the local economy.Speaking of which,
the locals in Sandy Hook have really warmed up to the
bikers coming in for the weekend.
Expanding more each year and each event,the first
section of camping with hook-ups is always a packed
house.The primitive area in section 2 gets more and more
full each time with section 3 seeing its share of campers
willing to rough it just for the opportunity to spend their
Memorial weekend of fun.But this is becoming a “gotta
go ” event..We could tell you all about our great time,great
people and weekend of controlled madness but while
most can ’t be printed,we can tell you this much;this is
the party yo mama warned you about.See ya at the Labor
Day Party at the end of August.
Nappy
DUTCH BATTLE MEMORIAL RIDE
Dutch Battle was just another biker doing
what he loved the most,riding his bike.He
was run over by a cager earlier in the year.
Oct.27,2007 was the first ride to
remember him by.Warren Broussard
from MAC and a few of the Hammond
townspeople,motorist,and motorcyclists,
joined forces to organize this ride.
The goal was to raise awareness of
motorcyclists,thus reducing crashes in
the Hammond area.
The day was beautiful,sun was shinning
and not too hot.About 200 bikes were in
attendance and about 250 people.The ride
started out at 9:00AM and returned about
2 hours later.The funds raised from this
event was dedicated to the MAC activities
in the Hammond area.
Plenty of door prizes and food held the
crowd there.Antique cars were scattered
around the parking lot.There was music
throughout the day.Arts and crafts,games
for kids and face painting.There were
a few vintage motorcycles for the crowd
to enjoy.In the afternoon The Hammond
Motorcycle Police drill team gave us a
demo of skilled riding.They went through
some tuff moves.
It was a great time for all.I suggest that if
you missed this event,don ’t miss the next
ride.This reporter will be there again next
year.
“UNCLE ” JERRY
COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to
Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.)and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM),and
is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M.Lester.For more information,call us at
1-(800)ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com
NCOM NEWS BYTES 10-06
Compiled &Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists
INTEREST IN MOTORCYCLES SOARS WITH FUEL PRICES
Motorcycle and scooter sales across the nation are booming as drivers look
for ways to trim the cost of soaring gas prices,but the rush of inexperienced
riders hitting the road has had deadly consequences.
NADA Guides,which publishes a well known book of used vehicle prices,
reported that the number of people researching motorcycle purchases has
increased nearly 50%over last year.
Scooter sales jumped 24 percent nationwide in the year ’s first quarter,
according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.While new motorcycle sales
were lagging on the whole,those with smaller engines that get better gas
mileage saw an upturn,according to MIC spokesman Mike Mount,adding that
used motorcycle sales also are climbing.
The small fuel-efficient vehicles are easy on the mileage and the pocketbook,
which has made them wildly popular with gasoline prices surpassing $4 a
gallon.Depending on engine size,motorcycles can get between 40 and 60
miles per gallon of gas.Scooters,which tend to be smaller and easier to drive,
can reach 100 miles per gallon or more.That ’s attracting newbies,dealers say,
with many new buyers citing the price at the pump as their primary motivation
for turning to two-wheel transportation.
According to a recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association
(GHSA),motorcycle sales have tripled from 1997 to 2006,from 356,000 to
almost 1.1 million,while motorcycle fatalities more than doubled from 2,110 in
Last year,the GHSA asked state highway safety agencies to complete a
survey on motorcycle safety activities designed to curb the annual increase
The surveys revealed “a patchwork of helmet laws,”with only nine states and
Puerto Rico indicating special efforts to help law enforcement identify helmets
that don ’t meet federal safety standards.Rider training courses have been
overly strained due to the influx of new motorcyclists and,as a result,29 states
“indicated they have capacity problems with delays ranging from one day to
12 weeks for training classes.Only three states,Florida,Maine,and Rhode
Island require rider education for all riders,regardless of age,”according to
the association.The report also says many motorcyclists drive without valid
licenses:In 2006,25 percent of operators in fatal motorcycle crashes did
not have a valid motorcycle license,compared to 13 percent of drivers of
GEORGIA TURNS SPEEDERS INTO FUEL PUMPS
It ’s a ridiculous concept,reports the National Motorists Association (NMA),but
somehow it seemed inevita ble.Check out this story from USA Today:The
surging price of gasoline has come to this:a “fuel surcharge ”on your next
speeding ticket.
Drivers caught speeding in the north Atlanta suburb of Holly Springs soon
will have to pay an extra $12 --to cover $4-a-gallon gas costs for the police
officers who stop them.
Is your police cruiser running low on fuel?No problem,just pull over someone
driving home from work,ticket them,and you ’ll have a full tank of gas in no
time.
Need to balance your budget?Maybe you should look to Pizza Hut for
inspiration:Police Chief Ken Ball says he was seeking ways to maintain
patrols despite record high gas prices.“I was hearing that Delta (Air Lines),
pizza deliverers,florists were adding fuel charges to their services,and I
thought,why not police departments?” he says
Unfortunately it looks like this isn ’t going to be an isolated case.As with any
situation where money is available to be taken from citizens,local government
is on the case immediately:Ball says he ’s being “inundated ”by calls from
police chiefs and city managers.“I ’ve heard from at least a dozen police chiefs
and half a dozen city managers,”he says of their municipality ’s recently-
passed measure.“They want to know how we did it,and could we send them
a copy of the ordinance.”
MARYLAND RIDERS LIGHT IT UP
Motorcycle riders in Maryland hope to get more attention from car drivers with
a new state law that allows the use of specified auxiliary lighting,which can
only be used after dark,thus increasing their visibility to other road users at
night.
Senate Bil l 713,the “Night-time Awareness -Auxiliary Lighting ”bill,passed
unanimously through the House and Senate,and was signed into law April 8th
by Governor Martin O ’Malley.
The new law,which went into effect June 1st,addresses the use of LED lights
that illuminate the sides of the motorcycle,thus allowing other drivers to see
motorcyclists from the side as well as front and rear.The lights cannot be blue
or red and cannot blink,flash or oscillate.They can only be directed toward the
engine and drive train and are specifically prohibited from being on wheels.
Pat Corcoran,spokesman for ABATE of Maryland,said “Most motorcycle
accidents involving another vehicle,are almost always the fault of the other
vehicle,and usually the comment of the other driver is,we just didn ’t see
him.”
The law also allows the use of blue-dot tail lights,which also increases
conspicuity in traffic.
STATES GREEN-LIGHT NEW RED-LIGHT LAWS FOR MOTORCYCLES
Motorcyclists in a growing number of states are being allowed to go through
red lights when sensors aren ’t able to detect they are there.
In May,South Carolina became the seventh state to give motorcyclists license
to proceed with caution after stopping when the device that causes the light
to change from red to green doesn ’t activate,according to a recent article in
USA Today.
North Carolina passed a similar law in 2007.Wisconsin (2006),Idaho
(2006)Arkansas (2005),Tennessee (2003)and Minnesota (2002),all have
passed laws the past six years,while similar legislation has been introduced
in Georgia,Missouri and Oklahoma.
The traffic lights in question are controlled by devices buried under the road
that operate similar to metal detectors,according to Doug Hecox,a spokesman
for the Federal Highway Administration.Their sensitivity can be set to detect
motorcycles,but the proper balance is difficult to adjust,he said.
California has chosen a technological solution.A law adopted last year
requires that when new traffic-activated signals are installed,they be capable
of detecting motorcycles and bicycles.
“In Texas,we took a different approach,”said Sputnik,President of the Texas
Motorcycle Rights Association (TMRA-II)and Chairman of the National
Coalition of Motorcyclists ’ Legislative Task Force (NCOM-LTF).He told a
gathering at the recent NCOM Convention in Houston about a law passed
there last year:“When a traffic light doesn ’t detect motorcycles,they have to
fix them so they do.”
EU MOTORCYCLES TO GET ONBOARD WARNING SYSTEMS
Motorcycles will get new onboard warning systems to tell the rider when
he ’s going too fast under proposals unveiled recently at a motorcycle safety
conference in Brussels,Belgium.The technology will tell the rider when he ’s
going into a bend too fast or exceeding the speed limit.A “frontal collision
warning ” system will detect when the bike is too close to an obstacle..
On-road trials of the In-Vehicle Information System t echnology will begin
by 2010 under the European Commission ’s plans,which are backed by the
Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA).
The project,called SAFERIDER,“aims to develop devices to improve the
comfort and safety of riders through technology such as warning devices to
alert the rider of a potential crash or provide information about black (blind)
spots or traffic design,”according to a FEMA press release,adding that “The
decision by FEMA to participate in the SAFERIDER project is because we
need to find out if technology can assist a rider to make decisions to avoid
collisions or crashes.We need to ensure that the technology being developed
can benefit riders -but if doesn ’t,then we need to be in a position to make our
point of view clear.”
More information on the SAFERIDER project can be found at www.saferider-
eu.org.
BIKER FUNERALS ILLEGAL DOWN UNDER
Gypsy Jokers from across Australia gathered in Adelaide for a funeral which
would be illegal under new “anti-bikie ”laws enacted by the South Australia
State Government.
The bikers were farewelling club president Wayne “Chiller ”McGrath,42,a
father of four and part-owner of four tattoo parlors,who suffered a fatal heart
attack while exercising on a treadmill at his Virginia home.More than 300
people -including more than 100 Gypsy Jokers motorcycle club members
nationally and abroad from Germany,Norway and the US attended his funeral.
The mourners -who included wives,girlfriends and children -then went to the
Gypsy Jokers clubhouse for a wake to honor their fallen brother.
Legal sources said under the new anti-biker laws passed by the government
and now taking effect,the funeral and wake would have been declared
prohibited events as “bikies ”will be prohibited from associating with each
other once their so-called “gangs ”have been declared illegal organizations
by the Attorney-General.
The new laws -the first of their kind in Australia apart from the federal anti-terror
legislation -have been attacked by lawyers and civil libertarians as “draconian ”
and an erosion of individual rights,particularly freedom of association.
The laws contain provisions that members of outlaw motorcycle clubs can
only associate with direct family members such as their parents,brothers and
sisters,grandparents and children.They are not permitted to gather together
or have contact with their uncles,aunts or cousins -or neighbors and other
friends or acquaintances.
Anyone who breaches the laws -whether they are bikers or individuals
having contact with bikers at least six times a year -can be jailed for up to
five years.
Control orders restraining the movements of individual bikers can also be
issued by magistrates and judges on the application of SA Police.Criminal
intelligence or any other information used by police to obtain the control orders
must remain secret and anyone issued with an order cannot seek to have it
independently reviewed by a judge.
WEIRD NEWS:DIRTY DEEDS
More than 600 emergency workers participated in a mock disaster drill
simulating an attack on Long Island by a fake biker gang detonating a ``dirty
bomb ’’ at a federal courthouse,testing the abilities of authorities to handle
such a radioactive attack.
Police,firefighters,medical workers and other personnel from 60 agencies
converged on the fire academy in Yaphank,NY,which also involved 10 area
hospitals.
The exercise wa s dubbed ``S.C.R.U.B,’’ or ``Suffolk County Response to
an Unknown Bomb,’’ and the scenario involved a local biker gang called “El
Diablo,’’ which would attack the courthouse with a deadly dirty bomb after
federal officials arrested their leaders.
More than 100 people were injured or killed in the fake attack,and the injured
had to be cleansed and decontaminated before they were actually sent to
local hospitals for treatment.Police had to determine the cause of the blast.
Other participants practiced decontamination,detecting radiation exposure
and coordinating responses with multiple agencies.
Authorities called it the largest emergency drill in Suffolk County ’s history.It
was funded by the Suffolk County Department of Fire,Rescue and Emergency
services with a $175,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security.
QUOTABLE QUOTE:
“These are days when many are discouraged.In the 93 years of my life,
depressions have come and gone.Prosperity has always returned and
will again.”
John D.Rockefeller (1839-1937),American industrialist
The Joker ’s Wild
I was having trouble with my computer.So I called Richard,the 11 year old
next door whose bedroom looks like ‘Mission Control ’,and asked him to come
over.Richard clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem.As he was
walking away,I called after him,‘So,what was wrong?He replied,‘It was an
ID ten T error.’ I didn ’t want to appear stupid,but nonetheless inquired,‘An,
ID ten T error?What ’s that?In case I need to fix it again.’ Richard grinned.
‘Haven ’t you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?’ ‘No,’ I replied.‘Write it
down,’ he said,‘and I think you ’ll figure it out.’ And off he went.So I sat down
and wrote out:I D 1 0 T.......I used to like the little smart-ass.
A Baptist preacher and his wife decided to get a new dog.Ever mindful
of the congregation,they knew the dog must also be a Baptist.They visited
kennel after kennel and explained their needs.Finally,they found a kennel
whose owner assured them he had just the dog they wanted.
The owner brought the dog to meet the pastor and his wife.‘Fetch the Bible,’ he
commanded.The dog bounded to the bookshelf,scrutinized the books,located
the Bible,and brought it to the owner.‘Now find Psalm 23 ’ he commanded.
The dog dropped the Bible to the floor and showing the marvelous dexterity
with his paws,leafed through and found the correct passage,then pointed to it
with his paw.The pastor and his wife were very impressed and purchased the
dog.That evening,a group of church members came to visit.
The pastor and his wife began to show off the dog,having him locate several
Bible verses.The visitors were very impressed.Finally,one man asked,
‘Can he do regular dog tricks,too?’ ‘I haven ’t tried yet,’ the pastor replied.
He pointed his finger at the dog.‘HEEL !’ the pastor commanded.The dog
immediately jumped on a chair,placed one paw on the pastor ’s forehead and
began to howl.The pastor looked at his wife in shock and said,‘Good Lord!
He ’s Pentecostal.”
At Penn State University,there were four sophomores taking chemistry
and all of them had an “A ” so far.These four friends were so confident that,
the weekend before finals,they decided to visit some friends and have a big
party.They had a great time but,after all the hearty partying,they slept all day
Sunday and didn ’t make it back to Penn State until early Monday morning.
Rather than taking the final then,they decided that after the final they would
explain to their professor why they missed it.They said that they visited friends
but on the way back they had a flat tire.
As a result,they missed the final.The professor agreed they could make up
the final the next day.The guys were excited and relieved.They studied that
night for the exam.
The Professor placed them in separate rooms and gave them a test booklet.
They quickly answered the first problem worth 5 points.Cool,they thought!
Each one in separate rooms,thinking this was going to be easy....then they
turned the page.On the second page was written....
For 95 points:Which tire went flat,left or right?
A man was found dead in his home in KY over the weekend.Detectives at
the scene found the man face down in his bath tub.The tub had been filled
with milk,sugar,and cornflakes.A banana was sticking out of his butt.
The only witness was the next door neighbor;Bubba,who told the police he
highly suspected “a cereal killer.”
An old Italian lived alone in New Jersey.He wanted to plant his annual
tomato garden,but it was very difficult work,as the ground was hard.His only
son,Vincent,who used to help him,was in prison.The old man wrote a letter
to his son and described his predicament:
Dear Vincent:I am feeling pretty sad,because it looks like I won ’t be able to
plant my tomato garden this year.I ’m just getting too old to be digging up a
garden plot.I know if you were here my troubles would be over.I know you
would be happy to dig the plot for me,like in the old days.
Love,Papa
A few days later he received a letter from his son.
Dear Pop:Don ’t dig up that garden.That ’s where the bodies are buried.Love,
Vinnie
At 4 a.m.the next morning,FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the
entire area without finding any bodies.They apologized to the old man and
left.That same day the old man received another letter from his son.Dear
Pop:Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now.That ’s the best I could do under
the circumstances.Love you,Vinnie
I was walking past the mental hospital the other day,and all the patients
were shouting,‘13....13....13
The fence was too high to see over,but I saw a little gap in the planks and
looked through to see what was going on.Some bastard poked me in the eye
with a stick.
Then they all started shouting ‘14....14....14 ’...
The original point and click interface was a Smith &Wesson.
A fool and his money can throw one hell of a party.
If at first you don ’t succeed then skydiving is not for you.
Reality is only an illusion that occurs due to a lack of alcohol.
Red meat is not bad for you.Fuzzy green meat is bad for you.
Friends don ’t let friends take ugly people home.
Calling an illegal alien an “undocumented immigrant ” is like calling a drug
dealer an “unlicensed pharmacist “
The more I learn about terrorism,the more I understand the cable company.
Learn from your parent ’s mistakes......use some form of birth control.
ChainLink and his wife are shopping in Costco ’s when ChainLink picks up
a case of Bud and sticks it into the shopping cart.‘What do you think you ’re
doing?’
asks the wife.‘They ’re on sale,only $10 for 12 cans ’,he says.‘Put them back.
We can ’t afford it,’ says the wife and they carry on shopping.A few aisles later
the woman picks up a $20 tube of face cream and sticks it into the shopping
cart.What do you think you ’re doing?’ asks ChainLink.‘It ’s my face cream.It
makes me look pretty,’ she says.ChainLink replies,“So does the Bud and it ’s
half the price,” and turns the cart to go back for the beer.
Editor ’s note:Does your business,organization,club or association want to
sponsor the Joker ’s Wild?Contact the TRM office for sponsorship/advertising
opportunities.
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ANNOUNCEMENT
Thunder Roads Magazine is looking for Guys and Gals for our “Readers Ride” feature pages. The rules are simple: 1) You must be a resident of Louisiana 2) You must “Own” and “Ride” your own “Street Legal” motorcycle. If you are interested, you can provide up to 10 photos of yourself along with a brief write up regarding you, your bike, both or whatever you’d like to say. Photos must be 300dpi or “best” resolution from a digital camera. Please turn off the calendar & time feature. You can submit either through email or a mailed picture CD (CD’s will not be returned unless you provide SASE envelope with request to return. OR: You can contact our closest rep to your location and set up an appointment for the photo shoot. Please see the Thunder Roads Staff section for phone numbers and email addresses
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