Illinois Biker's Chain Slappin's

12NR01 – MRF News Release

illinoisbiker — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:51:48 +0000

MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 510 | Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 (fax) | http://www.mrf.org

12NR01 – MRF News Release – US House Committee Targets Federal Funding of Motorcycle Only Roadside Checkpoints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
01 February 2012

Contact:Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Ralations and Public Affairs

US House Committee Targets Federal Funding of Motorcycle Only Roadside Checkpoints

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that Wednesday, February 1st, the United States House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure rolled out the latest version of the highway bill. The bill is the long term funding bill for road construction and highway programs.

This version of the bill takes aim at a controversial practice of the Department of Transportation which funded motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints with taxpayer dollars.

The checkpoints have drawn much criticism from the motorcycle community at large. So much so, that longtime motorcycle champion Representative James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) had introduced legislation to end the program by prohibiting any future Federal funding of any motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints. That bill is HR 904. The mammoth highway bill includes the same language as contained in HR 904.

Representative Sensenbrenner had this to say, “We need to focus on proven methods of motorcycle safety, including crash prevention, rider education, and training and proper licensing. Motorcycle-only checkpoints are an intrusive governmental overreach that place an undue burden on riders while doing little to actually improve safety,” He added, “It is encouraging to see that the transportation reauthorization bill will encourage more efficient use of taxpayer dollars and smart motorcycle safety policy.”

Representative Tom Petri (R-WI), a staunch defender of the motorcyclists, had this comment on the issue, “Motorcycle riders are right to be outraged at being singled out for safety inspections,” Petri said. “Nobody is suggesting flagging cars down for unscheduled inspections, and there’s no good reason why motorcycles should be treated differently. It’s unnecessarily intrusive, and not a smart way to use limited police resources.”

We at the MRF could not agree more. While swift passage into law is not likely, this is certainly an encouraging step.

The MRF will keep you updated on this issue.

Illinois Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Laws

illinoisbiker — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:39:22 +0000

Illinois Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Bills Active Again
Bill HB 0285
Bill HB 0290

2012 AMA Flat Track Schedule Announced

illinoisbiker — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:06:36 +0000

Courtesy of AMA Pro Racing
Wednesday, December 21, 2011

In the first Pro Singles race at Daytona Michael Avila #33E clenched the victory ahead of Gerit Callies and Austin Greenland.
The schedule has been posted for the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Championship Series.
AMA Pro Racing is pleased to announce the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track schedule. The 19-round 2012 AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com schedule has 16 confirmed dates and three additional events in final negotiations.

Of the 16 confirmed events, the fire-breathing Grand National Twins will appear 10 times, which includes five half-mile and five mile tracks, and the 450cc Grand National Singles will be featured in three TT and three short track events. Every event on the 2012 calendar will also feature the Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles class, which debuted in 2009 and showcases the future stars of AMA Pro Flat Track piloting 450cc single-cylinder machines.

Once again the season will kick off with the traditional Bike Week doubleheader on March 15th and 16th, 2012 at the DAYTONA Flat Track, which is located just outside of Turns 1 and 2 at the mighty Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. In the 2011 contest, Grand National Championship title contender Sammy Halbert swept the mid-week openers in dramatic fashion.

In the world of flat track racing, Memorial Day Weekend and the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill. go hand in hand. May 26th, 2012 finds the Series at the Rodeo Arena for a TT race that serves to whet the appetite for the first “big bike” race of 2012, scheduled for the next day, May 27th, 2012. The Springfield Mile is one of the most coveted wins on the circuit and is one of the most highly-contested races each year.

Next up for the Series is a to-be-announced event scheduled for June 9th, 2012, with the series moving on to the first “cushion” race at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio three weeks later on June 30th, 2012. The 2011 season saw the return of pea gravel to the Lima half-mile oval and the return of the sideways, rooster-tail shooting action.

The Series heads farther East on July 7th as Hagerstown, Md.’s Hagerstown Speedway hosts the only round on the east coast that features what is typically a very smooth, and very fast, half-mile track. Many consider this venue the “home track” for defending Grand National Champion Jake Johnson, and the New Jersey native will surely be looking to repeat his 2009 victory.

I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Mich. returns to the series calendar on July 14th, 2012 with its always action-packed half-mile circuit, before the Series moves to the west coast on July 28th, 2012 for the Sacramento Mile at Cal-Expo in Sacramento, Calif., the highly-successful Bob Bellino-promoted event run alongside the California State Fair.

A drive up the coast will find the AMA Pro Flat Track stars back on their 450cc singles at the Castle Rock Race Park TT in Castle Rock, Wash. on August 4th, 2012. Next up is another TT, and the granddaddy of them all, scheduled for one week later at Peoria Race Park in Peoria, Ill. on August 12th, 2012. The Peoria TT has been a staple on the Grand National circuit since 1947 and still packs the hillsides with spectators eager to watch the high-flying singles take to the track.

The Indy Mile at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., returns to the 2012 schedule on August 18th, 2012 and the event will once again coincide with both the Indiana State Fair and MotoGP’s state-side return for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Labor Day Weekend means a return to the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill. for a Short Track and another Mile, scheduled for September 1st and 2nd, 2012, respectively.

September 8th, 2012 will mark the return of the Series to Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa. The 2011 event saw one of the closest finishes in the AMA Pro Flat Track’s long and storied history and all signs indicate that next year’s race will be just as close.

Details about an event scheduled for September 15th, 2012 will be released soon; following that race the Series will head to the Santa Rosa Mile at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, Calif. on September 30th, 2012. The last time a Grand National was held at the beautiful fairgrounds was in 1970, which saw Jim Rice win the contest on a BSA.

The last to-be-announced event on the schedule is will be held on October 6th, 2012 before the 2012 AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com schedule comes to a close on October 13th, 2012 on the half-mile track at the LA County Fairplex in Pomona, Calif.

Complete 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Schedule:

March 15, 2012
Daytona Flat Track I
Daytona Flat Track, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Short Track

March 16, 2012
Daytona Flat Track II
Daytona Flat Track, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Short Track

May 26, 2012
Springfield TT
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
TT

May 27, 2012
Springfield Mile
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
Mile

June 9, 2012
TBA

June 30, 2012
Lima Half-Mile
Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, Ohio
Half Mile

July 7, 2012
Hagerstown, Half-Mile
Hagerstown Speedway, Md.
Half Mile

July 14, 2012
I-96 Half-Mile
I-96 Speedway, Lake Odessa, Mich.
Half Mile

July 28, 2012
Sacramento Mile
Cal Expo, Sacramento, Cailf.
Mile

August 4, 2012
Castle Rock TT
Castle Rock Race Park, Castle Rock, Wash.
TT

August 12, 2012
Peoria TT
PMC Race Park, Peoria, Ill.
TT

August 18, 2012
Indy Mile
Indiana State Fairground, Indianapolis, Ind.
Mile

September 1, 2012
Springfield Short Track
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
Short Track

September 2, 2012
Springfield Mile II
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
Mile

September 8, 2012
Knoxville Half-Mile
Knoxville Raceway,Knoxville, Iowa
Half Mile

September 15, 2012
TBA

September 30, 2012
Santa Rosa Mile
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, Calif.
Mile

October 6, 2012
TBA

October 13, 2012
Flat Track Finale
LA County Fairplex, Pomona, Calif.
Half Mile

Dirt Bike Racing News

Stewart & Gibbs Team up for 2012 Supercross
AMA Arenacross Champ Josh Demuth Retires
David Fretigne Withdraws from 2012 Dakar
2012 Big Sky XC Date Announced
KTM 450 Rally Bike Heading to Dakar

Dirt Bike Racing News

View all articles by Press Release
View all articles in AMA Flat Track Racing

MRF News Release – Senate Committee Passes Highway Safety Bill

illinoisbiker — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:14:53 +0000

MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 510 | Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 (fax) | http://www.mrf.org

11NR35 – MRF News Release – Senate Committee Passes Highway Safety Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 December 2011

Contact:Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Ralations and Public Affairs

Senate Committee Passes Highway Safety Bill

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Today, the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed a sweeping safety bill known as the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act (S. 1449). The bill passed by voice vote.

Earlier this week, Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ) filed an amendment that would have gutted the popular federal motorcycle education and awareness grants, known as the 2010 funds. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is pleased to report that Lautenberg did not call that amendment for a vote. Due to an overwhelming response from the motorcycle community, the 2010 grants are safe for now.

Also under attack was the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lobby ban. This law prohibits NHTSA from using federal money to lobby State legislatures, uninvited. The way S. 1449 was drafted, it removed this lobby ban. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) introduced a number of amendments to maintain the ban and the necessary amendments were agreed to, by unanimous consent of the full committee.

The one sticking point that remains is at least, the least troublesome. That being said, it is still something that will keep the attention of the MRF lobby efforts. The trouble lies in a provision in S. 1449 that calls out motorcycle helmets in the list of definitions as “motor vehicle equipment”. Previously, the list simply stated: “any device or an article or apparel… that is not a system, part, or component of a motor vehicle”.

The MRF would like to thank all the State motorcycle rights organizations and everyone else who helped with this legislation.

The bill passed today will likely move on to be a part of the larger Highway Bill which could happen in early 2012. The MRF will keep you informed on this issue.

National Call to Action: Federal Helmet Mandates

illinoisbiker — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:46:21 +0000

MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 510 | Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 (fax) | http://www.mrf.org

11NR34 – MRF News Release – National Call to Action: Federal Helmet Mandates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 December 2011

Contact:Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Ralations and Public Affairs

National Call to Action: Federal Helmet Mandates

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that the US Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation will be marking up The Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2011 (S. 1449). This bill governs the National Highway Transportation Safety Administrations activities. This bill has the potential to greatly affect motorcyclists nationwide.

There are three provisions that specifically target motorcyclists.

Call your Senators and ask them to:

Oppose Lautenberg amendment #1. This amendment would alter the motorcycle safety grant program by forcing states to pass mandatory universal helmet laws and drive federal tax dollars to be used to promote the use of helmets. This provision would make it easier for helmet law states to obtain 2010 grant money. This amendment would provide no money for awareness or training.

Support DeMint amendments #1 and #18. These amendments protect the NHTSA lobby ban. Under the proposed legislation are provisions to lift this lobby ban.

Support DeMint amendment #2. The bill, (S 1449) would change the definition of “motor vehicle equipment” to include motorcycle helmets. This would allow States to spend federal money dedicated to “motor vehicle equipment” on motorcycle helmets. The DeMint amendment would keep helmets out of that definition.

Call Now. Time is of the essence. Call you Senators via the capitol switch board at 202 224 3121.

Of key importance are the Senators on the committee you can contact them directly:

Senator Rockefeller-WV 202 224 6472
Senator Kerry-MA 202 224 2742
Senator Lautenberg-NJ 202 224 3224
Senator McCaskill-MO 202 224 6154
Senator Udall-NM 202 224 5941
Senator Begich-AK 202 224 3004
Senator Inouye-HI 202 224 3934
Senator Boxer-CA 202 224 3553
Senator Cantwell-WA 202 224 3441
Senator Pryor-AR 202 224 2353
Senator Klobucher-MN 202 224 3244
Senator Hutchinson-TX 202 224 5922
Senator DeMint-SC 202 224 6121
Senator Wicker-MS 202 224 6253
Senator Blunt-MO 202 224 5721
Senator Toomey-PA 202 224 4254
Senator Ayotte-NH 202 224 3324
Senator Snowe-ME 202 224 5344
Senator Thune- SD 202 224 2321
Senator Isakson-GA 202 224 3643
Senator Boozman-AR 202 224 4843
Senator Marco Rubio-FL 202 224 3041
Senator Heller-NV 202 224 6244

This is of extreme importance. Please call today, Tuesday, December 13th, 2011.

Do not hesitate to contact the MRF should you have any questions. 202 546 0983

MRF Call to Action About E15

illinoisbiker — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:48:14 +0000

MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 510 | Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 (fax) | http://www.mrf.org

11NR28 – MRF News Release – EPA UNDER SCRUTINY CONCERNING E15 – CALL TO ACTION!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 October 2011

Contact:Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Ralations and Public Affairs

EPA UNDER SCRUTINY CONCERNING E15 – CALL TO ACTION!

Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has introduced HR 3199, a bill that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek independent scientific analysis on the affects of 15-percent ethanol blend gasoline.

The bill would not overturn the option for ethanol to continue to be sold, it simply asks for more study on the use of an E15 blend; something the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has been asking for as well.

“The EPA’s decision to allow E15 into the marketplace will impact every American who owns a car, lawnmower, or boat. Automakers insist that using E15 will void warranties, lower fuel efficiency, and cause premature engine failure. In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users,” Sensenbrenner said.

“There are serious concerns that the EPA used only one Department of Energy test and rushed E15′s introduction into the marketplace. This test was limited in scope and ignored a plethora of evidence – albeit inconvenient evidence for the EPA – that shows E15 gasoline has a negative effect on engines.”

Sensenbrenner is very serious about this issue. He conducted his own study by questioning 14 automakers about the effect of an E15 blend on their products. The unanimous consent was grim. Everybody agreed that E15 would void warranties, damage engines and lower fuel efficiency.

The MRF requests that you contact your Representative in the United States House of Representatives and ask them to cosponsor HR 3199, the Sensenbrenner EPA E15 study bill.

NTSB WANTS MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS

A recently released set of recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) includes one that specifically addresses cable barriers. The NTSB asks that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) work with the States to define the criteria regarding where cable barriers are placed, and to research the safety risks associated with cable barriers.

HOUSTON, WE DON’T HAVE A PROBLEM ANY MORE . . .

You can’t make this stuff up. Rickey D. Holtsclaw, a Houston, Texas police officer for almost thirty-two years, was recently forced to retire because of his insistence on enforcing ordinances restricting obnoxious motorcycle noise. Officer Holtsclaw faced pressure within the Houston police department and from pro-noise motorcyclists to stop enforcing the law. Officer Holtsclaw received little or no support from elected officials in Houston.

Holtsclaw decided to start issuing tickets to what he perceived as “loud motorcycles”. After a few months of writing tickets caught the attention of his commanding Patrol Sergeant who ordered him to cease issuing those kinds of tickets. He explained that the law is so vague that it is unenforceable. However, Holtsclaw broke orders and continued on his mission to silence Houston.

According to Holtsclaw it was the upper levels of the Houston Police Department, Mayor Annise Parker, Houston’s City Council, and Houston’s Legal Department that forced him into retirement.

Enjoy your freedom while it lasts Houston, because you know for every one like this guy there is another around the corner just waiting.

The MRF does not advocate for breaking of any law. We do, however, oppose blatant motorcyclist discrimination like this.

AMA News & Notes October 2011

illinoisbiker — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:26:06 +0000

October 2011

AMA News & Notes is a monthly publication compiled and edited by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Government Relations Department. Designed to inform motorcyclists about rights-related issues and events around the world, AMA News & Notes welcomes your input. Suggestions and editorial contributions can be sent to AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris by email at nharis@ama-cycle.org.

* * * * *

Help protect your right to ride! Volunteering is easier than you think, and it’s the right thing to do. To learn how you can help, visit us online at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Get Involved.

Sign up and stay informed! Electronic AMA Action Alerts, AMA News & Notes and AMA Extra keep you up-to-date on hot topics, opportunities to communicate with your elected officials and news and events affecting the motorcycling community. With AMA Action Alerts, you will be notified by email when and how you can make a difference on important issues. Click here to see the most recent AMA Action Alerts, and click here to sign up. To sign up to receive the monthly electronic edition of AMA News & Notes, click here and check the “Sign me up for the AMA’s Government Relations News & Notes” box. To receive AMA Extra, the semi-monthly email newsletter with timely news about all things motorcycling, click here.

Utilize AMA public service announcements (PSA) featuring AMA Board member and actor Perry King. The print, video and audio PSAs are available free to the media and the public to distribute and promote. The PSAs address impaired riding, excessive motorcycle exhaust sound, the importance of the proper safety gear, and responsible and safe off- highway riding. They also deliver an important message to drivers to watch for motorcyclists on the road. To access the PSA messages, visit: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/Resources/PublicServiceAnnouncements.aspx.

Washington, D.C.: In a victory for families who enjoy responsible motorized recreation, President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill to allow the sale of kids’ off-highway vehicles (OHVs) to continue. H.R. 2715 cleared the House by a 421-2 vote on Aug. 1, just before lawmakers went into their summer recess, and earned Senate approval by unanimous consent the same day. The measure exempts kids’ OHVs from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, known as the lead law.
The CPSIA, which went into effect on Feb. 10, 2009, banned the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under, including kids’ dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles, that contained more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part.

The new law, introduced by Reps. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) and G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.),
is a significant victory that resulted from nearly three years of intensive efforts by the AMA and its partner organization, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA). Other significant efforts included those by industry trade groups, the motorcycle enthusiast and trade media and millions of individual advocates of responsible OHV recreation nationwide.

The AMA magnified these efforts through its “Kids Just Want to Ride” campaign, and the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb in May 2011. To read more about what the AMA did in its efforts to exempt kids’ OHVs from the CPSIA, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/KeepKidMotorcyclesAndATVsLegal.aspx.

Dover, Del.: A new Delaware law establishes vehicular assault in the third degree as a crime and strengthens criminal penalties for vehicular assault in the second degree, vehicular homicide in the second degree, vehicular homicide in the first degree and criminally negligent homicide. The new law also gives sentencing courts wide latitude in crafting appropriate sentences for those who cause injury and death on Delaware roads. Gov. Jack Markell signed House Bill 174, sponsored by Rep. Helene Keeley (D-Wilmington South), on Aug. 3 to create the new law.

Meanwhile, Markell on July 14 vetoed House Bill 95, sponsored by Rep. Michael Mulrooney (D-Pennwood), which would have eliminated the requirement that a person must have a safety helmet in their possession while operating, or riding on, a motorcycle. The governor’s veto message is available here.

Springfield, Ill.: Gov. Pat Quinn wants motorcyclists and others stuck at red traffic signals to wait two minutes before going through the light. He made the proposal in an amendatory veto of House Bill 2860. The version of the bill that cleared the full legislature would have allowed motorcyclists to pass through the red light “after a reasonable period of time.” Lawmakers must now decide whether they agree with the proposal.

Source and full story: www.sj-r.com/state/x1698393066/Quinn-changes-language-in-motorcycle-bill

Farmington, N.M.: There is still time if you want to comment on the Resource Management Plan (RMP) Amendment and associated Environmental Assessment for the Glade Run Recreation Area. The Farmington Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has moved the comment deadline in its scoping process to Sept. 30. The agency is using the scoping process to try to get a handle on what issues to explore and what alternatives to develop for consider. Officials want to know what users would like to see in the area and why. Meetings and locations will be announced in local media and on the BLM Farmington Field Office website.

Source and full story: www.nmohva.org/main/index.php

Pickerington, Ohio: The on- and off-highway motorcycle sound resources page has been revamped on the AMA’s website. This includes information about Sound Advice, a document that addresses the excessive motorcycle sound issue, a video explanation of how to sound test a motorcycle, model legislation and more.

Since its inception in 1924, the AMA has maintained a position of strong opposition to excessive motorcycle sound. The AMA has funded information and public relations campaigns in support of quieter motorcycle use, and was the world’s first motorsports sanctioning body to regulate and reduce the sound level of racing vehicles.

Source and full story: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/SoundAdvice.aspx

Bend, Ore.: The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the Crooked River National Grassland are making changes to motor vehicle use rules on local Forest Service managed lands. Cross-country travel won’t be allowed except in designated areas. Also, camp sites must be within 300 feet of a road to use a motorized vehicle to get to them, and vehicles can’t park closer than 30 feet to any wetland, stream or water body at dispersed campsites. The new rules are expected to be in place in early November. Be sure to get Motor Vehicle Use maps that show where motorized vehicles are allowed from the forest and grasslands officials.

Source and full story: www.ktvz.com/news/29020157/detail.html

Salt Lake City, Utah: Davis County officials may take over management of the Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle Park from the Utah Division of State Park. About half the park has already been transferred to Salt Lake County to be developed as part of a soccer complex. Some 150 acres of park land is being used by motorcyclists, but its unknown whether that will continue. The riding area includes four separate tracks and is open from early April to mid-October.

Source and full story: www.standard.net/stories/2011/08/22/davis-county-looks-managing-jordan-river-ohv-park

Morgantown, W.Va.: Student motorcyclists at West Virginia University have earned a victory following their protest of the high cost of new motorcycle parking permits. The university imposed a $162 fee but reduced it to $100 following the protest. Students had also complained that the permits only allowed parking at either the Evansdale or downtown school campus. Thanks to the students’ efforts, the permits now are good for parking at either campus.

Source and full story: www.dailymail.com/ap/ApTopStories/201108310577

Fond du Lac, Wis.: The Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association (WOHVA) has a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which formalizes their cooperative efforts. In a news release, the association said that the MOU will allow it to continue working with the U.S. Forest Service to “provide quality riding experiences for WOHVA members and other parties searching for safe, resource friendly areas to drive 4×4 vehicles and off-highway motorcycles in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.”

Source and full story: www.wohva.com

Vancouver, British Columbia: Motorcycle and scooter riders in Vancouver want free parking like electric-vehicle riders receive. Currently, electric scooters park for free, but riders of gas-powered motorcycles and scooters must pay.The city hopes to create 200 scooter and motorcycle parking spots by the end of the year, with the majority of them already created.

Source and full story: www.vancourier.com/Motorcycle+lobby+pushes+free+parking/5331988/story.html

Riding to Missouri on Labor Day Weekend

illinoisbiker — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:24:55 +0000

My S.O. and my friend Sky went to the Freedom Of Road Riders Homecoming party near Waynesville, MO on Labor Day Weekend this year. It was our first time to attend this event and we had a great time. Since we’re older, we liked the mellow atmosphere and it wasn’t overly crowded. We didn’t have to worry about someone riding their bike into our tents at night. We left Friday morning from Galesburg, IL, and took US 34 to Monmouth, then down to Macomb on Rt 67. From Macomb, we went west on 136 and 336 to 172 to Quincy. Stopped at the Wal-Mart gas station there for a small break. Then it was south to go onto I-72 East to catch Rt 96 South. Then we went down that nice two lane to Rt 54 and crossed into Missouri at Louisiana. We took 54 all the way past Jeff City to Mo 17. This is a scenic drive route and is very hilly and curvy. We had got there just before dusk and had to go slower since it was all new to us. Strangely, we did not encounter any critters on the roadway and it was wooded up to the edge of the road, except where the rocks were. Had a longer pitstop in at a gas station 12 miles north of Waynesville. Watched some interesting lights in the sky. We finally got to Waynesville and Buckhorn, which are side by side and once crossing the I-44 bridge, finally made it to the Pulaski County Shriners Club and Campground. We picked a place to camp that had night lights, behind the vendor row, so we could see to put the tents up. Google maps said 321 Miles for the route we took and 6 hrs, 1 Minute. Doesn’t work on bikes. Takes longer. But we had fun, didn’t know anyone, and met new people. Sitting on the bench at the shower house, where everyone goes, we seen a lot of interesting people. My S.O. had found some blinking necklaces and the bunny ears that blinked got the most attention and was a conversation starter. On Saturday, we took the bikes to St. Roberts at exit 159 on I-44 to the Wal-Mart and got more beer, another camp stove (the one we brought had developed a leaky regulator), and a different air mattress, and some more bottled water, it was hot. Rained on Saturday night late, and was cool on Sunday, in the 70′s. The trip home was on the same route, but was colder, since we didn’t adhere to our Boy Scout roots. We left all our cold weather riding gear home since it was in the 100 degree range when we left on Friday. We finally got home without freezing any parts off, but long johns don’t take up much room when you pull a pod trailer behind you.

XS650 takes me to town.

illinoisbiker — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:19:26 +0000

Spotty gets an oil change after a trip to town for new premium gas.

Changed oil after a trip to town on Spotty to get new gas. I’ve been neglecting this bike this year opting for the other xs or the vulcan. First trip with the handlebars I bought off Ebay that aren’t bent like the other ones are. Also you can see the saddlebags I got off Ebay for $40, a place to put stuff and lockable. Run good. Sounded good. Felt good. Oh, I also went to Hy-Vee to get some more PBR to sip as I sit in front of the shop fan. A good day tater!

June 20th is Ride To Work Day

illinoisbiker — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:54:39 +0000

Visit their website: http://www.ridetowork.org/current-events