What We’re Up To:

Just when you thought we should be moving into another wonderful summer in Arizona ‘Mother Nature’ took a turn. We haven’t heard any mention of the last time AZ recorded 20 degree below normal temps on Memorial Day weekend. When you think of this holiday weekend you naturally think about being the lucky one to stand over a hot grill while family and friends are swimming in the pool. Although the temperature in Phoenix was comfortably warm up north was a whole other story. Snakebite was up by Heber at the MMA State Rally where although wet there was a lot of snow surrounding and the event was postponed with a date to be announced at a later date. Coastin was just past Star Valley up Christopher Creek way where Friday and most of Saturday was rain and snow flurries. On Sunday the weather was cool and sunny and there were lots of bikes headed up and down Bush Highway. Everybody was enjoying the unexpected weather. If you didn’t ride last weekend you missed an opportunity of a lifetime.

‘When you go into court you are putting your fate into the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.’
~ Norm Crosby ~

Glendale’s Motorcycle Signs

Over the past 8 months we have brought you updates on Glendale’s permanent motorcycles signs. This campaign for the signs was spearheaded by Joe Bochenek - MMA, James Gonzales - MMA and Skypilot of the Limey Riders Motorcycle Club. These 3 people, along with Glendale City Councilman, Phil Lieberman, worked their butts off to get through all the steps of getting these signs voted in by the council and through the city engineers. We are proud to announce that the City of Glendale has placed 10 signs around the city that say ‘Look Twice for Motorcycles’ with a picture of a motorcyclist on it. Click Here. The signs are white with blue lettering and are located on existing street light poles. They are in various locations and most we found are headed westbound. To name a few locations: W of 43^rd and Camelback, W of 51^st and Bell (by driveway to Big 5), 46^th Ave and Glendale, W of 51^st and Thunderbird and W of Glenn Harbor and Glendale (Glendale Airport). We will post the other locations when verified.

Joe Bochecnek lost his life just 2 months ago in a motorcycle accident in Glendale. You can bet Joe is smiling down on the accomplishments of their hard work along with the City of Glendale.

This is a great start and we hope to someday see these signs statewide. If each sign just saves one life and makes a motorist more aware, then it is totally worth it!

Do You Know Michael Paul Joyce? 4/22/08

This was a forwarded email to me this evening: My name is Glenn Beaulieu of South Windsor, Connecticut. I have been a member of VVA Chapter120 since its beginning. It occurred to me that you or members of your chapters might be able to help me find a guy that I got wounded with in Viet Nam. I know he lived in the Phoenix area in the early 80's. We were together in the 101st in 68 and 69 with C 2/502. His name is Michael Paul Joyce. I know this is a long shot but just maybe something can come from it. I do know that it is possible that his last known address was the Cave Creek area.

Thank you for anything and every thing you can do for me.
Glenn C. Beaulieu (Frenchy)

Please email tohidu@cox.com for contact info.

Thanks for passing this along Turtle

Bikers Reach Washington, D.C.: Cross-country Route Took Them Through Needles, Tri-state
By MARK ASHLEY/News West Sunday, May 25, 2008

NEEDLES - More than 400 motorcyclists who rode into Needles on May 14 to take a break and have lunch on their way to Memorial Day services are now in Washington, D.C.

The group is taking part in the 20th annual Run for the Wall, a cross-country bike trip that started in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and has ended, 10 days later, in the nation's capital. While the riders have a good time, they also have a goal. ‘We've got a mission, and our mission is to help people recognize and support our veterans and our veterans' families,’ said RFTW central route coordinator Ron ‘Hammer’ Young. ‘These people are very committed, and the reason they're very committed is because when they do this run and they participate in those things that are so special, help people understand the value of the people that provide us the freedoms in this country, it's something that they want to continue to be a part of.’

The group that rode through Needles are only half of the RFTW. The riders participating in the central route follow Interstate 40 across the country. Another group of similar size is traveling the southern route, which follows I-10. ‘ the time we join back together just south of Washington, D.C., on the Friday before Memorial Day, we'll have between 800 and 1,100 motorcycles,’ said Young.

Participants undertake several tasks upon reaching the nation's capitol, among them the Rolling Thunder Memorial Day bike rally. RFTW is the only motorcycle organization allowed to go into Arlington National Cemetery, where a unit will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The final part of the ride will be to gather at the Lincoln Memorial to walk together to the Vietnam Memorial Wall. ‘hen our mission is complete,’ said Young. On Scoville, from New Kent, Va., rode all the way from Virginia to take part in the run. A Vietnam veteran, Scoville said he has participated in the Rolling Thunder rally in Washington, but decided to try the longer ride this year.

‘It's for a good cause, the MIAs and POWs and the boys who can't ride, we're riding for them,’ said ‘Scoville, who also like the camaraderie of the ride. ‘Bob Roberson, from Seattle, Wash., was on his second trip with the RFTW. “It is a good release for a lot of the people who are riding. It's a chance for closure, that people understand what they've gone through’ he said. ‘The thing I would tell you is it's pretty emotional,’ said Roberson. ‘Then we get to Anglefire (N.M.), every single guy here will be crying. ‘Would tell you, if you've never ridden it, it's the most emotional ride you'll ever ride in your life and it's the most physical ride you'll ever ride in your life,’ he said.

‘It's a healing process for us Vietnam veterans and it's a time of the year to get together, remember old friends and the ones we lost. We go look them up on the wall and get our spirits touched, because they're there’ said Juan Gonzales, of Pflugerville, Texas, who is participating in his fourth ride with the group.’ We still have POWs and MIAs missing. We just want to keep Congress aware that we want a full accounting of those people,’ he said.

Though the RFTW is a serious event, the riders still have opportunities for fun. Army veteran Kenny Kellin from Santa Fe brought his goggle-wearing dog, Shorty, along for the ride. Shorty rides right behind Kellin, in a pet carrier.’ Being 31 years in the military, I have a very close fondness for them in my heart,’ said Kellin. ‘I'm just going to continue doing it for as long as I can.’

In addition to camaraderie with each other, many riders expressed appreciation for the communities that help the riders along the way. ‘I guess the best thing is the way the people from town to town you go to, they pour their hearts out, they help you,’ said Roberson. ‘We just want to thank all of our supporters,’ said Young. ‘We cannot get from coast to coast without, literally, thousands and thousands of supporters like the fine folks here in Needles.’

‘We've got a very long association with the city of Needles, and we'll continue to come back as long as they want us to be here,’ said the route coordinator. For more information on the Run for the Wall, visit the group's Web site at www.rftw.org

Feds Settle In Janklow Case
Posted May 20, 2008

The family of motorcyclist Randy Scott, who was killed in a crash involving then-South Dakota U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow, has settled for $1 million in a wrongful death lawsuit against the federal government.

The family had sued the government for $25 million after the crash in 2003, claiming Janklow was on official business when his Cadillac ran through a stop sign, hitting Scott’s Harley-Davidson in South Dakota. Scott, 55 at the time, was killed instantly.

Janklow was convicted in the death and served 100 days in jail in addition to being placed on three years probation. He also resigned his U.S. House seat at the time. Janklow is a former four-time South Dakota governor and former state attorney general. He was very powerful in South Dakota politics before the crash.

Scott of Minnesota was vacationing in South Dakota with a friend when the crash occurred. Janklow initially claimed he may have blacked out approaching the intersection because he’s diabetic and hadn’t eaten that day. http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2008/janklow.asp

Garry Van Kirk, Bikers Accident Survivor Forum, bikeraccsurvivor@bacsuv.com, B.O.L.T.

The National Motorists Association Website

Please check this site for lots of information. Their concern is safe driving and not safe crashes.   http://www.motorists.org/

Flag Code

Everything you ever wanted to know about American flag etiquette right here. http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/flagcode_07.pdf

Thanks Dick

Omaha Police Get Tough on Helmet Law
By Chelsea Keeney, World-Herald staff writer

Omaha police will be monitoring motorcyclists this spring and summer to ensure that they are wearing appropriate helmets. The Omaha Police Department is conducting a motorcycle helmet compliance initiative that began Sunday and will run though October, said Sgt. Joe Collins of the department's motorcycle unit.

He said the initiative is aimed at getting motorcyclists to wear helmets approved by the U.S. Transportation Department and not novelty helmets found in some shops. ‘A large portion do have a DOT helmet at home,’ Collins said. ‘They just choose not to wear it, I guess because they (novelty helmets) look cooler.’

A novelty helmet, he said, does not hold up well in an accident. ‘They don't afford the same kind of protection,’ Collins said. ‘It's the same as not wearing a helmet.’ Collins said the fine for wearing a novelty helmet or no helmet is $119, including court costs. He said that over the course of last summer, hundreds of citations were issued to riders who were not wearing approved helmets.

A motorcyclist who is stopped wearing a novelty helmet will have the novelty item confiscated and will not be allowed to continuing riding until the rider obtains an approved helmet, Collins said.

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10316215

Courtesy of: Dan ‘spotman’ Spotten

This is a great story, keep it going
If you don't understand: Vietnam vets call her Hanoi Jane. This is absolutely wonderful

Dinner in Montana!!! I wish I could go there for dinner!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The radio station America FM was doing one of its 'Is Anyone Listening?' bits this morning. The first question was, 'Ever have a celebrity come up with the 'Do you know who I am?' routine?'

A woman called in and said that a few years a go, while visiting her cattle rancher uncle in Billings, MT, she had occasion to go to dinner at a restaurant that does not take reservations. The wait was about 45 minutes; many ranchers and their wives were waiting.
 
Ted Turner and his ex-wife Jane Fonda came in the restaurant and wanted a table. The hostess informed them that they'd have to wait 45 minutes. Jane Fonda asked the hostess, 'Do you know who I am?' The hostess answered, 'Yes, but you'll have to wait 45 minutes.' Then Jane asked if the manager was in. When the manager came out, he asked, 'May I help you?' 'Do you know who we are?' both Ted and Jane asked. 'Yes, but these folks have been waiting, and I can't put you ahead of them.'

Then Ted asked to speak to the owner. The owner came out, and Jane again asked, 'Do you know who I am?' The owner answered, 'Yes, I do. Do you know who I am? I am the owner of this restaurant and I am a Vietnam Veteran. Not only will you not get a table ahead of my friends and neighbors who have been waiting here, but you also will not be eating in my restaurant tonight or any other night. Good bye.'

Only in America! Is this a great country, or what? To all who received this, this is a true story and the name of the steak house is: Sir Scott's Oasis Steakhouse, 204 W. Main, If you ever get there, give this fellow a sharp salute, buy a steak, and tip the waitress. Keep passing this on.

Thanks for sending this in Paula

Our National Parks... Breathtaking

This is really nice, enjoy!! How many of these do you not remember ever hearing of? At the conclusion they list 10 more they did not show. I did not know that we had so many national parks. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature and background music... Click Here: National Parks

Thanks Turtle

Unusual Jigsaw Puzzle

This is amazing, the picture has movement in it the entire time you are working on it. Drag the pieces together to make a picture. Yes, it can be done completely! Click Here: Unusual Puzzle

Remembering the 60’s

Have your speakers up, and sit back and enjoy! If you don't remember the 60's then still watch. Great info & history!! Great music too! http://moreoldfortyfives.com/TakeMeBackToTheSixties.htm

Thanks for the walk down memory lane Hollie!

SC motorcycle red light bill on the way to the Governor

Is this something we should be looking at also??? Turtle

SC motorcycle red light bill on the way to the Governor
Today the SC General Assembly passed S-111, a bill to allow motorcycles to proceed through a red light. The bill will now head to the Governor's desk for a signature. The full text is listed below. (5) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a driver of a motorcycle or moped, or a bicycle rider, approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic-control device, the driver may proceed through the intersection on a steady red light only if the driver or rider, as the case may be: (a) comes to a full and complete stop at the intersection for one hundred and twenty seconds; and (b) exercises due care as provided by law, otherwise treats the traffic control device as a stop sign, and determines it is safe to proceed." To all of the dedicated freedom fighters who worked so hard the past 4 years to get this bill passed: GOOD JOB. Tip a cold one Ride Free, Ride Often SCMRA Webmaster www.scmra.org

Motorcycle Deaths Top Non-Combat Safety Concern In Military

(And of course, Mary Peters chimes in with her view.)
by Priya Sridhar, May 06, 2008

WASHINGTON - For some members of the military the risk does not end when they return home from their tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. Last year of the 71 vehicular fatalities in the army, 25 involved motorcycles. Across all of the armed services, 93 people were killed in motorcycle accidents in 2007 - none combat-related.

It's reached the point where motorcycle riding has become the number one noncombat safety concern across the services, according to Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Addison Davis IV.

Take 1st Lt. Robert Evans who has been riding motorcycles for over 20 years. ‘It's an adrenaline rush. We love speed. We love to go fast and we love to be scared,’ he explains of the popularity of motorcycle riding in the military.

Members of the Armed Forces gathered at the Pentagon this past weekend to mark the beginning of Motorcycle Safety Awareness month. Transportation Secretary of Mary Peters wants to raise awareness about motorcycle safety among both riders and non-riders.

Peters herself is an avid biker who was involved in a serious accident three years ago. She says that the protective gear she wore that day saved her life. ’You have to stop and think before you jump on that bike and fire up that motor what you're doing to take care of yourself. Make sure your senses are sharp,’ she said.

Although motorcycles account for only 2 percent of all vehicles on the road, they make up 10 percent of all crashes. More than 40 percent of motorcycle crashes are caused by automobiles when drivers fail to see a motorcycle riding close by as they turn left.

Service members were advised to use proper protective gear, such as boots and leather clothing, and make sure to get Transportation Department-certified helmets. Wearing bright colors on helmets and gear can also increase visibility of motorcyclists to other road traffic. Training and certification are also important to insure that riders' skills and reflexes can defend them under any weather condition.

’I always wear the correct gear no matter how hot it is. I always wear full pants and a full leather jacket. It makes me sad when I see people riding motorcycles in shorts because you're just one chipmunk away from road trash,’ Lt. Evans said.

The number of motorcyclists in the army including civilians and family members has risen to 100,000 in the past year. Between Oct. 1 and March 31 -- the first six months of the fiscal year – 20 soldiers were killed in motorcycle accidents, more than double the number of soldiers killed in the same period last year. Fourteen of the 20 soldiers were on powerful sport bikes that are popular among younger soldiers, according to information from the Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker, Ala.

Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, introduced legislation last year to promote helmet use and encourage all road users to be more aware of motorcycles and motorcycle safety. ‘It's like anything else. With more riders each and every year there's an increased need to continue to focus on this effort,’ Davis said.

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/washington/news.aspx?id=88207

Thanks JD for passing this along.

In Our Classifieds

Wanted: 2003 Wide Glide   I am looking for a BADLANDER SEAT for my 2003 Wide Glide   It does not need to be an anniversary seat   I am also looking for a deal on a Windshield   I have the Harley mounts but no windshield   FMI: RRODINIS@COX.NET

Wanted: 2005 Harley Ultra Classic   Wanted stock right fiberglass saddle bag & trunk    Email: plowgy@yahoo.com

For Sale: 2007 H-D XL883L Sportster   My wife's 883   Low - Fuel Injected - Pearl Black - 3,200 miles - Motherwell Luggage Rack - Wille & Max Saddlebags. Extended Warranty. Detachable H-D Windshield   $6,500   Can be seen by appointment in Glendale most evenings & weekends   Call: 602.320.9201 or Email: Farley@FarleyMcDavidson.com

Wanted: 2004 Heritage Softail Classic   Looking for passenger footboards.   FMI: softaltrucker@yahoo.com

For Sale: H-D project bike 90% complete with all papers   98 H-D Evo motor Santee Softail frame   Duel disc Wide Glide front end   5 Speed Trans   Much More   Email or Call for more info & pics   85 H-D Evo motor with papers $1900 OBO   04 Santee Rigid Frame with MSO $700  Call: 623.374.9011 Leave Message or Email: srharleyspider95@msn.com

Wanted: S. CA 1997 Harley Dyna Wide Glide   96 cubic inch tail dragger fenders 18 inch apes flat back   Call: 951-515-3330 or Email: primetimeautotransport@yahoo.com

For Sale: 2006 1200 Sportster   Brand new Vance & Hines drag pipes... Taken off special order. Chrome with black powder coat, heat shields. Decided to upgrade different    Call: 623-414-5624

Wanted: 1994 Yamaha Virago 1100   Need a stock taillight.   Call: 623-776-2127 or Email: dt_merritt@yahoo.com

Wanted: 1985-90 fxrt-fxrp   looking for floor boards with mounting hardware for 85 to 90 fxrt/fxrp... thanks… moose...   Email: az_moose_lffl@yahoo.com

For Sale: Hi, I have a Kuryakyn Full Dresser bag for sale. If anyone knows of someone looking for a really nice bag, please have them contact me at 602-999-1508. I used the bag on one trip to the Wall in 2006. I have other bags and no longer need this one. The bag is featured on Page 137 of the new Kuryakyn book for Harley’s item number #4140. I paid $199.99 for the bag plus tax. I would sell the bag for $125.00. Thank you mike

Wanted: 1985 xl350r - N. CA - with plastic side covers; rh needed, will buy both Believe xl600 xr xl250 will work.  No xr itsjustme238@yahoo.com

For Sale: 1975 H-D FXE shovelhead -1975 FXE passed recent AZ emission, new forward controls extra lepara seat, spykes 32 amp stator upgrade. runs and rides, but needs work. Great project Bike clear title $3500 call Andrew 781-706-2282 or ajakaitis@liive.com

For Sale: 2004 Suzuki Eiger 4x4 ATV - Suzuki Eiger 4x4 2004 ATV, 5-speed transmission, hi/lo Range, 400 cc rated engine, good tires, full skid plates, green in color, two mirrors, and horn, lighted License plate bracket, could be street legal, good condition never rolled or crashed, well maintained. Call to make arrangement to see, 602.938.0682 ask for Skip or hfm80@qwest.net

Click Here For All Free AZ Classified Ads

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This Weeks Events:

Sat-May 31 –12^th Annual Jester Run for Lost Brothers and Sisters
Presented by MMA of AZ Verde Valley District. Registration from 9am-11am at KA Cycles, 595 S. 6^th Street in Cottonwood. FMI Diane 928.639.1691

Sat – May 31 – Inaugural Bear Necessities Ride
To support pediatric cancer patients at Banner Childrens Hospital. 4pm until??? Make a difference in a childs life by donating a new unwrapped item to support the Child Life Dept At Banner. $10pp includes meal Join us for a ride, live music raffles and door prizes. Click here for suggestions on items to bring.

Next Weeks Events:

Sat – June 7 – East Valley ABATE’s Spaghetti Feed
6-9pm at The Eagles - 2314 E. Apache Blvd in Tempe. $5 a plate. $100 Game prize, Entertainment, Door Prizes and More.

Sun – June 8 - Bikini Bike Wash
Presented by MMA Rim Country District. Sidewinders Saloon in Pine is hosting this event starting 11am to 4pm. Music by Vertigo Blend out of Ventura, CA. Raffle, 50/50 drawing. games. Food available. Come out and join the fun. If you need any more information you can contact: 928.474.9366

And Then Some:

Fri-Sun – June 13-15 - Run With The Wolf Motorcycle Rally
American Legion Post 30 in Springerville. Friday nite fish fry with live band/dance following. Events all day Sat. including poker runs (you choose), bike games, bike show, food and vendors. Free send-off breakfast Sunday morning. Free camping. Get out of the heat, and ride in the White Mountains! Info: 928.537.4119 OR 928.333.2991 www.runwiththewolf.com

Sat – June 14 – Flag Day Party
Presented by Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets M/C Chapter D. Starts at 12 noon at the American Legion, 3435 Verde Road, Golden Valley, AZ. Custom Bike Show, Bike Games, Live Music BBQ and drinks available. FMI:928.754.3107 or 928.565.2083