Motorcycle-Milepost

American Motorcyclist Association Distributes Voters Guide

2012-08-21T06:27:00.001-04:00

American Motorcyclist Association members who want to know where candidates stand on motorcycling related issues heading into Election Day should check out the 2012 AMA Voter Guide. The online tool is an exclusive benefit of AMA membership.

Motorcycle-only checkpoints, restricted recreational access to public lands and health insurance discrimination against motorcyclists are just some of the issues used to rate federal congressional (and soon, state gubernatorial and presidential candidates) in the 2012 AMA Voter Guide.

"The 2012 AMA Voter Guide gives AMA members important information about political candidates," said Wayne Allard, a former U.S. representative and U.S. senator from Colorado who now serves as the AMA vice president for government relations. "The guide includes a rating for every federal candidate of the major political parties who returned an AMA questionnaire. Very soon we'll be adding the gubernatorial and presidential candidates as well."

The AMA 2012 Voter Guide is part of the AMA "Vote Like A Motorcyclist" campaign to help members decide how to cast their ballots in the upcoming elections.

"The AMA is a non-partisan organization and doesn't make political endorsements," explained Allard. "But we do provide tools to help our members make informed choices on Election Day and offer tips for getting involved in campaigns.

"The rating shows how closely the candidates' answers align with AMA positions," Allard said. "The 2012 AMA Voter Guide also features scorecards for federal incumbents seeking re-election that shows how closely their voting records and other actions match the positions held by the AMA."

Voting and getting involved politically are important because the results of Election Day lay the foundation for legislation and laws, Allard added. If anti-motorcycling candidates earn elected office, then they could legislate away opportunities to ride, cut back or eliminate funding for rider safety training, or even wipe out other programs that motorcyclists have spent years working to implement.

"We encourage AMA members and all riders to cast their ballots and work on political campaigns based, in part, on candidates' positions on motorcycling related issues, as well as other issues of importance to them," Allard said.

To learn more about the AMA's "Vote Like a Motorcyclist" campaign and to access the AMA 2012 Voter Guide online member benefit, go to www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/members_only/voterguide.aspx.

Wynonna Judd's Husband Injured in Motorcycle Accident

2012-08-20T08:51:00.002-04:00

Wynonoa

Wynonna Judd has postponed a series of concerts after her husband Michael Moser, 55, was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident August 18 near Hill City, S.D. Moser, who scored four No. 1 country hits in the '80s, as a member of the band Highway 101, plays drums in his wife's band.

The couple were riding their motorcycles prior to a scheduled concert at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel and Casino in Deadwood, S.D., when Moser drifted across the center line of the highway and collided with the driver's side door of a Chevrolet Malibu. Wynonna, who was riding ahead of Moser, was not involved in the accident.

He was transported to an area hospital and is being treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries. Saturday's concert was postponed, as well as four other dates scheduled later this week in Canada.

Wynonna & Moser

Judd and Moser were married on June 10 at her farm near Nashville.

Multiple Motorcycle Clubs raided by FBI in Georgia

2012-08-17T16:08:00.001-04:00

According to federal prosecutors dual FBI raids Thursday of motorcycle clubs in southwest Atlanta and Buford netted 23 arrests on drug and weapons charges.

Members of the Outlaw Motorcycle Club and its affiliates, Hoodlums Motorcycle Club , Southern Knights and Black Pistons, were charged in federal court with selling cocaine and methamphetamines, illegal possession of guns and, for several suspects, trying to make bombs.

Federal agents were seen just after dawn crashing down the gates of the Outlaw club in the 3900 block of Campbellton Road, witnesses said. Authorities also raided a club on the 2500 block of South Waterworks Drive in Buford.

The take-down was the culmination of a two-year FBI investigation, federal officials said.

Among those arrested were George Norwood of Cumming and Raymond Sellers of Dawsonville. Both were accused of trying to make a bomb.

Sellers gave an undercover agent a list of ingredients to get to build a bomb that Norwood described was "strong enough to destroy a house."

Larry McDaniel, president of the Outlaw's Silver Region comprising Georgia and Alabama, and Milledgeville's Howard Brown, the Georgia president of the Black Pistons, were both arrested on federal obstruction charges for telling bike club members throughout Georgia about an FBI informant at the Cleveland, Ga., chapter, according to federal indictments.

Others indicted include Howard Haney, 41, of Alpharetta, charged with methamphetamine conspiracy and distribution, and Davey Honeycutt, 41, of Gainesville, charged with cocaine conspiracy and possession as well as being a convicted felon in possession of a gun.

Phillip Alexander, 49, and Benny Leverett, 46, both of Buford, were charged with aiding and abetting the possession of either cocaine or methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and Reynol Castronjon, 21, of Gainesville was charged with conspiracy and methamphetamine possession.

Other men arrested and charged in connection with Thursday's sting, including one man arrested in Fort Worth, Texas, were from outside the eight-county Metro Atlanta region.

Product Review: Motorcycle Video Cameras

2012-08-17T05:37:00.000-04:00

The last couple of posts have focused on comparing models of motorcycles, so this edition we change our "focus" to motorcycle cameras. If you have ever ridden in parade, long ride, etc I'm sure there have nee times you wished you could have captured the event on video. This review from webbikeworld.com should help.

Part two of this series will cover the studio aspects of the two cameras.

Motorcycle Milepost Newsdesk

2012-08-16T08:47:00.000-04:00

This edition of the Motorcycle Milepost looks at 3 totally different items...even though each is part of the motorcycle lifestyle.

Mandatory Day-Glo Riding Apparel

An Australian country policeman has started a national struggle over the possibility of compulsory hi-visibility clothing as part of a bid to make riding safer and reduce the toll of about 200 deaths a year from motorcycle accidents.
This is likely to start a national rebellion against forcing motorcycle licence holders, including the 750,000 who use their machines every week, into day-glo safety wardrobes.
Anger over the proposal for mandatory protective clothing is nearing the level of fury reached when daytime headlight use was pushed as a safety measure 25 years ago.

A Victorian Government road safety inquiry will consider the hi-viz option and, if adopted, other states could be expected to follow.
. The public debate began when the fluoro idea was pushed by Senior Sergeant Bill Gore of the Wangaratta Highway Patrol, a 35-year police motorbike veteran.

The Best of the Bike Builders

The annual AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building has come and gone once more – showcasing a host of the planet's maddest, weirdest and most intricate modified machines.

It seems that there's a bit of a steampunk bent in the world of custom bikes, with the top three finalists all displaying plenty of brass where traditional customs might use chrome, as well as shunning modern technology like disc brakes. Or even front brakes for the 2nd and 3rd place bikes.

1St Place Winner

Thunderbike, of Hamminkeln, near Essen in Germany, was chosen by fellow competitors and selected VIP judges to have built the stand-out 'class of 2012' custom motorcycle with 'PainTTless', a hand crafted one-of-a-kind tour de force that oozes stunning design and engineering craftsmanship from every angle.

Using a restored and modified 1000cc Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster engine in a one-off, hand-built custom swingarm frame, Andreas Bergerforth and the dedicated team at Thunderbike (www.thunderbike.de) have cemented their reputation as being among the world's foremost motorcycle customizers, following up on their multiple AMD European Championship wins and AMD World Championship top-five placings.

2012 Sturgis is in the Books

The final figures aren't in yet, but an early estimate sugggests that more than 500,000 people participated in the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally that ended Sunday.

Traffic numbers were up over 2011, according to the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

Sadly, nine people died in rally-related motorcycle accidents, the Highway Patrol said, including an Oakes, N.D., woman who was killed Friday when her motorcycle struck a pickup truck driven by a Colorado man.

Police said 50 people were injured in accidents during the rally, down from 80 last year.

Statistics released Sunday show that

251 people were arrested for driving drunk during the event, up from 235 last year.
Misdemeanor drug arrests were up from 149 to 185.
Felony drug arrests were down from 43 last year to 34 this year. Altogether, the Highway Patrol issued more than 900 citations.

Harley Road King vs Yamaha Royal Star

2012-08-14T06:13:00.000-04:00

One of our goals at the Motorcycle Milepost is to provide product comparisons. Over the next few months this will encompass bikes, clothing, parts, accessories and even catalog services.

In this edition, we utilize a review from MotorcycleUSA.com as they do a great job of a side-by-side on the Harley Road King and the Yamaha Royal Star.

Frankly I loved both and would ride either in a heartbeat.

Mans Best Friend...and a Great Passenger

2012-08-13T07:27:00.001-04:00

Last week we did a brief post about a rider hitting a deer during a West Virginia rally. Today, something a little more pleasant. OK....its a lot more pleasant.

This gem comes to us courtesy of Carolina Camera. In this report the term "mans best friend" takes on a whole new meaning.

Biker Collides with a Deer - Caught on Film

2012-08-10T09:41:00.000-04:00

We here at the Motorcycle Milepost strive to bring you ALL facets of motorcycling. Sometimes its a weekend event, others a bike night a local water-hole, developments in technology....and the occasional freaky piece of video. This is one of those video moments.

Late last month during a two-day motorcycle race through West Virginia, Braden Childers was cruising down the road, flanked by forest on either side.

If you grew up in a wooded area, you probably know what’s coming........a deer.

The doe bolted across the road just in time to make collision with Childers’ bike inevitable — and his head cam caught the whole thing.

Creator of H.O.G. Inducted in Hall of Fame

2012-08-09T07:06:00.001-04:00

Steve Piehl was given a challenging assignment at Harley-Davidson Inc. when the company was fighting for its survival.

In the fall of 1982, he was told to organize a group for Harley bike owners who would support their passion for the brand and, hopefully, bring more riders into the fold.

At the time, Piehl thought that someday the Harley Owners Group would have tens of thousands of members nationwide. He never imagined that, today, it would have nearly a million members in dozens of countries.

This week, Piehl was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame in Sturgis, where the 72nd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues through Sunday.

Piehl said he didn't expect to be included in the Hall of Fame even as the Harley Owners Group grew into one of the motorcycle industry's biggest success stories.

Working under Clyde Fessler, Harley's general sales manager at the time, Piehl was given only about three months to launch the organization in January 1983.

Piehl was only three years out of college, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, when he was given the assignment to create the Harley Owners Group.

Early on, the organization bonded with Harley dealerships that formed local chapters for their customers to join in and socialize.

Then came rallies, tours, a roadside assistance program and other things aimed at making motorcycling more enjoyable and fostering customer loyalty.

Harley Owners Group is credited with boosting attendance at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as local chapters made the event an annual pilgrimage where members could test ride the latest new motorcycles and meet company executives including Willie G. Davidson.

Looking ahead, Piehl says the Harley Owners Group must stay connected with younger motorcyclists, female riders and everyone else in the Harley family.

Tax Credit for Electric Motorcycles

2012-08-03T08:04:00.001-04:00

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden has included language to preserve and streamline the tax credit for purchasing new electric motorcycles as part of the tax extenders package being debated in the Senate Finance Committee.

Wyden, D-Ore., made the push with Ashland electric motorcycle maker Brammo in mind.

This amendment will combine existing tax credits into one credit covering all highway-ready vehicles. It will support red, white and blue jobs and a new American-led industry that has real promise to serve our growing transportation and environmental needs.

Brammo founder and Chief Executive Officer Craig Bramscher said such a tax credit would spur motorcycle riders to become early adopters of electric vehicle technology.

"With the extension of the tax credit, we are confident that the next wave of electric motorcycle owners will be encouraged to take to the road on zero-emission vehicles," Bramscher said in a statement.

Wyden's amendment combined existing tax credits for all electric vehicles to one credit that includes electric motorcycles.

It also eliminated low speed vehicles such as electric golf carts from being eligible for the consolidated tax credit. The renewed credit will provide up to a $2,500 tax credit to customers for the purchase of an electric motorcycle.

The industry is expected to create nearly 2,000 jobs during the next 18 months and more than 16,000 jobs over the next five years.

Sturgis and the Growth of the 3 Wheel Motorcycle Market

2012-07-31T10:04:00.002-04:00

Movie buffs may flock to Sundance for the film festival and antique auto enthusiasts throng the Monterey peninsula for the annual classic car show, but nothing compares in scale or commotion to the mass of bikers who attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the 72nd edition of which blasts off this year on August 6. Besides taking over five downtown blocks of the small (pop. 6,600) South Dakota town to display their machines, the more than half-a-million attendees will spend a week at shows and concerts, participate in organized rides and informal races, and hang out with their fellow bikers.

New this year at Sturgis -- and threatening to some of the attendees -- is the growing presence of motorcycles that have three wheels. More stable and easier to handle than traditional two-wheelers, they are catching on with riders who because of infirmity, inexperience, or age are unwilling or unable to throw their leg over the saddle of a regular motorcycle. Three-wheelers are becoming so popular they are generating some friction in the biker community. As Steven L. Thompson, a columnist for Cycle World, observed, "a lot of motorcyclists apparently think it's some kind of affront to motorcycling -- a slap in the face of "real" motorcyclists."

Harley-Davidson

Harley Tri-Glide

Sturgis attendees can examine two different approaches to three-wheeling. Harley-Davidson will be showing its Tri Glide, which uses the one front-wheel/two rear-wheels setup that is a longtime police favorite. In perhaps an ironic reference to Harley's macho image, the Tri Glide is known as a "trike."

Can-Am Spyder

More radical is the entry from Can-Am, a unit of Quebec-based Bombardier Recreational Products and Vehicles ). Called Spyder, it sports two wheels up front and just one in the rear. Easier to steer than a two-wheeler -- you turn the handlebars instead of leaning -- it has been remarkably successful in luring new riders. Some 27% of Spyder owners have never previously owned a motorcycle.

Lehman Custom
Trike

These two solutions to the same problem saw light in different ways. The present-day trike was created in 1984 by a backyard entrepreneur named John Lehman. Working out of his home in the rural community of Westlock, Alberta, Canada, Lehman adapted a Honda Classic motorcycle for his wife to ride. Lehman promptly traded it away, but the following year he built another motorcycle conversion and decided to go into the business building custom three-wheelers. At first he worked only with Hondas, but in 1991 he converted his first Harley. John Lehman opened an assembly plant in Spearfish, S.D., where it eventually established its headquarters. When Harley decided to go into the trike business for itself in 2008, it contracted with Lehman to provide paint, parts, and conversion services. The arrangement continued until 2011 when Harley moved trike production in house.

The trike in Harley's 2012 lineup is the Tri Glide Ultra Classic, which it colorfully describes on its website as "the ultimate badass touring machine." The massive bike weights nearly 1,200 pounds and is rated for 80 pounds of cargo. But since it has three wheels, there is no need for the driver to balance all that weight when he makes traffic stops. The Tri Glide Ultra Classic starts at $30,499 and costs as much as a midsize car. Sales grew 11% in 2011 vs. 5% for two wheelers and are up another 27% this year, making the Tri Glide the sixth most popular Harley model.

Can-Am's three-wheeler has an entirely different DNA. Explains a spokesperson: "We saw an opportunity to go after the non-nons: People with no experience with motorcycles or power sports vehicles." Introduced in 2007, the two-plus-one design of the Spyder was so unusual that Jay Leno took delivery of the first one.

Spyder Roadster

Spyder sales rose 50% in 2011, and BRP now ranks sixth in U.S. cycle sales. The vehicles come in two flavors: the sporty RS, which designed for one person, and the more sedate RT, which accommodates two and is designed for long trips. Unlike the Harley, Spyder was not adapted from an existing vehicle but was engineered from the ground up. It is equipped with modern safety features like traction and stability control and anti-lock brakes. Prices start at $17,000 and go up to $25,000.

Although cries of "lose your training wheels" are still heard, longtime bikers are beginning to come around. There are thrills aplenty, no matter what you are driving. As Cycle World's Thompson points out, "Ride anything with two or three wheels into the world populated mainly by armored and air-bagged cages, and you ride naked, more or less. Be caught by a left-turning SUV, and it doesn't matter if you're on a Harley or a Spyder." In some ways, three-wheelers raise the adrenalin level even higher. New riders are warned to be careful when attempting to split lanes of traffic; maneuvering three tracks of tires rather one than shrinks the margin of safety rather drastically

Bike Theft Ring Busted!!

2012-07-26T06:40:00.000-04:00

City investigators popped the clutch on a 17-month probe of an international motorcycle theft ring Wednesday, snatching up nearly three dozen people across the five boroughs accused of fencing high-end bikes and guns.

At least 10 guns and 50 expensive motorcycles were collected in the sweep, which was the culmination of a joint NYPD-Manhattan district attorney investigation deploying undercover officers posing as buyers and using extensive wiretaps to record conversations between the runners and the sellers.

The prosecutor in charge of the case, Diana Florence, said that runners would steal minivans, then drive around Manhattan looking for Ducati, Kawasaki and Husqvarna cycles parked on city streets. The thieves would load the coveted bikes into the back of their vans and drive off.

Maurin Cadet, 23, who works for a refrigerator company in Queens and lives with his mother, is accused of buying 18 motorcycles from the runners and selling them to undercover officers.

Odel Dawson, 23, who prosecutors say sold nearly a dozen bikes, showed an undercover officer a photograph of a handgun and offered to sell it to him.

Prosecutors are charging 33 people with enterprise corruption related to the stolen bikes and gun sales. Sources said some of the stolen bikes were sold overseas.

Because some of the suspects in the ring had not yet been apprehended, the Manhattan DA refused to release any details on the case and Judge Marcy K. Kahn imposed a gag order, barring defense lawyers from discussing the case.

Prosecutors are expected to announce the full scope of the investigation at a news conference Thursday

Sturgis Revs UP!!

2012-07-23T09:02:00.001-04:00

The number of vendors registering for spots at this year's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is ahead of last year's pace that was slowed because of the economy.

As of Friday, 101 vendors had signed up. The Rapid City Journal (SD) reports that's about 20% more than at the same time a year ago. The city issued a total of 725 vendor licenses last year, including a few dozen for Wisconsin businesses and Harley-Davidson Inc.

The city's constituent services coordinator, Christina Steele, attributes the increase in registrations this year to a better economy and lower gas prices.

The annual motorcycle rally in western South Dakota draws hundreds of thousands of people each year. This year's rally is Aug. 6-12.

Harley-Davidson has just announced a great line up of activities certain to entertain their legions of fans and riders.

The Harley-Davidson Road Tour will begin on Saturday, August 4 and run through Saturday, August 11 and will be based at the intersection of 3rd and Lazelle streets in downtown Sturgis.

All Harley-Davidson activities in Sturgis are free of charge and include:

•Custom Ride-In Show on Friday, August 10. HD has partnered with American Iron;
•Photo Booth.
•Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) pin sales.
•Free Bike Wash.
•Willie G. Commemorative Merchandise.
•AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building on August 4 - 8.
•Women's Area which will include the Jumpstart rider experience so future riders can get a sensation of what it feels like to be a Harley.

Helmets - The Debate Continues.

2012-07-20T09:11:00.002-04:00

It's summertime and for many motorcyclists, it's the ideal time to break out the bikes and hit the streets. But with more riders on the road, it might make some want to revisit the law about wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle.

Wearing a helmet is a controversial issue for many riders. Some riders feel everyone should wear a helmet no matter what age. However, there are others who feel helmets can sometimes do more harm than good.

Even most in law enforcement admit a helmet won't always protect a rider from an accident.

In some collisions that helmet is probably not going to matter because people will drive at a high rate of speed and it's not going to help you much..

But, in slower speed collisions, the helmet may keep your head from bouncing across the pavement and that's what it's designed to do.

Still, helmets are only mandatory for rides under the age of 21 in many states and the choice for bikers who are of age, is all about personal preference and the First Amendment.

It's a personal preference. Everybody is going to have that level of comfort and what they feel like doing,. Many don't think anybody should tell them what they can or can't do or what's required when they go ride.

Another Club Facing the FBI

2012-07-19T06:52:00.001-04:00

One of the leaders of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club has been ordered to stay in federal custody until his trial.

Federal magistrate judge Denise LaRue said during a hearing Wednesday that attorneys for Joshua Bowser, the club’s “enforcer,” didn’t present strong enough arguments to keep him out of jail.

Bowser was among 42 arrested on July 11 in an FBI raid of the club’s Eastside clubhouse. Those arrested face a total of 37 counts of federal charges ranging from mail fraud to money laundering to drug trafficking.

All 42 are scheduled for trial Sept. 10, but the trial likely will be pushed back, said assistant U.S. attorney Brad Blackington, the lead prosecutor on the case.

Most appeared in court last week or are scheduled for hearings this week and next week. So far, only three have been ordered to remain in custody, Blackington said. Six have been released.

Some of the people who were released weren’t in the gang but are accused of participating in crimes associated with the gang. Blackington said he planned to appeal the release of one of the alleged gang members, James W. Bain.

Prosecutors worry that, because of the gang’s alleged history of violence, members could try to hurt people, especially potential witnesses, if they’re released before the trial.

As “enforcer,” Bowser made sure members followed the club’s rules.

According to the indictment, Bowser also threatened people who owed money to club members or their associates to collect the debts. He told an undercover FBI agent posing as someone who owed money that he made people “disappear” if they didn’t cooperate.

Juval Scott, an attorney for Bowser, declined to comment after Wednesday’s hearing.

Wedding Chapel Trial in Vegas Begins

2012-07-18T07:20:00.000-04:00

Jury selection began Monday in state court in Las Vegas for eight of 13 men facing felony and misdemeanor charges in a December 2008 wedding chapel brawl between Hells Angels and rival Mongols motorcycle club members.

Authorities say the brawl broke out as Hells Angels members leaving a wedding in downtown Las Vegas encountered Mongols members arriving for another wedding. Six people were hurt, including two who were treated for stab wounds.

Court spokeswoman Mary Ann Price said jury selection was expected to continue into Tuesday. Clark County District Court Judge Michael Villani has said he expects trial to last four weeks.

Each of the defendants pleaded not guilty following their indictment in July 2010 on 13 charges including attempted murder, battery, assault, conspiracy and taking part in activities of a criminal gang. Each is accused of aiding and abetting each other. If convicted, each could face decades in prison. All are free on bond.

Defense attorneys have said the men were acting in self-defense.

Defendants Jeffrey Murray and John Merchant are accused of stabbing one Mongols member who planned to be married, and Merchant is accused of also stabbing another man.

Murray and Merchant are standing trial with Dominic Orlando, Frederick O'Dell, Brandon Young, James Sexey, John Dawson and Armando Porras.

Defendants Charles Goldsmith, Brad Goldsmith, Joshua Ramos, Joseph Gennuso and Samuel Murray face trial July 30. Attorneys for Gennuso and Ramos have said their clients aren't Hells Angels members.

Authorities reported three Mongols members were among those hurt in the melee at A Special Memory Wedding Chapel. A woman was allegedly chased from the chapel by a Hell's Angel member who threw a bottle at her.

No one was arrested immediately after the brawl. Police spent months developing the case before serving search warrants in November 2009 at six sites in and around Las Vegas and Henderson.

Hells Angels and Mongols have feuded for years, including a 2002 gunbattle in a casino at an annual motorcycle rally in Laughlin, a resort town about 100 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Two Hells Angels and one Mongol member died in that fracas, and more than 12 people injured.

In California, a Mongols member from Modesto is serving life in federal prison without parole after being convicted of murdering the president of the Hells Angels' San Francisco chapter outside a bar in September 2008.

In South Dakota, two Hells Angels were convicted in January in a stabbing that sent two people to the hospital in a fight with Mongols members at the 2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Mile Post # 7 Women On Wheels

2012-07-03T08:22:00.004-04:00

As the number of women riders continue to grow within the motorcycle population, organizations that reflect their needs and perspectives grow as well.

One of those organization is the Women on Wheels.

Women On Wheels® was founded in California by an avid woman motorcyclist in 1982. Its purpose was, and still is, to unite all women motorcycle enthusiasts, whether they ride their own machine, are motorcycle passengers or enthusiasts, or future motorcyclists. WOW members are located throughout the United States, Canada, and several other countries. WOW has nearly 3000 members and is growing strong!

WOW members experience the fun and excitement of riding together, supporting each other, socializing, sharing adventures, and helping special charities -- all while projecting a brighter image of motorcycling.

In fact, promoting a positive image of motorcyclists to the non-motorcycling public is a top priority. Women On Wheels® was awarded the Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award in 1993, by the American Motorcyclist Association -- an honor we're all especially proud of!

It's about ... riding ... laughing ... eating ... friends ... learning ... supporting and helping one another ... participating with chapters ... fun ... fund raising for needy and worthwhile projects ... growing ... sharing ...

WOW also aims to meet the following goals:

1. Assist the motorcycling community and the public at large in becoming aware that women are serious motorcyclists and deserve recognition as such.

2. Encourage further developments within the motorcycle industry to meet women's needs for equipment, clothing and accessories.

3. Make available information on safe riding techniques, and encourage participation in motorcycle safety courses.

4. Promote a positive image of motorcyclists, and of women as motorcyclists, through educating the news media and the general public, thereby challenging the untrue stereotypes that are commonly presented.

5. Enhance the sheer enjoyment of motorcycling, and encourage women by showing them they have limitless potential and can accomplish any goal or dream.

Each year WOW has an international ride in and this year Greenville South Carolina is the destination.

6th Annual International Ride-In
July 10, 11, & 12, 2012
Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday
Location:
Greenville, South Carolina

Host Hotel:
Crowne Plaza Hotel
851 Congaree Road
Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: (864) 297-6300
Use Code: WOW

The Hotel began taking reservations Jan 2, 2012
Room Rate includes 2 breakfasts; any additional breakfasts are available for purchase.

If you have the opportunity, or will be in the Greenville, SC area, takepart in all they have to offer.

Milepost 6 - Myrtle Beach Bike Week

2012-04-04T16:33:00.000-04:00

The countdown to one of the largest events on the east coast, Myrtle Beach Bike Week, has begun.

In recent years there was a concerted effort to dissuade the riders from coming to Myrtle, thanks to the work of the Mayor and a few council men. This included, but was not limited to a local ordinance requiring helmets. This was overturned by the S.C. Supreme court.

The dates for 2012 are May 11 - May20 and if all goes well the crowds that fell away during the negative actions should be returning.

There are dozens of sites up and down the Grand Strand and here are a few that we've enjoyed over the years.

Suck Bang Blow: Myrtle Beach Biker Burn Out Bar

The Beaver Bar, Cold Beer and Hot Chicks

Broken Spoke Saloon

The Rat Hole

Riding at the Grand Strand is great and during the spring the temps are comfortable. The crowds and traffic vary depending on location and time of day. Murells Inlet can be difficult in the evenings due to the large number of restaurants but that's all part of the environment.

We will be covering the event with both still pics and video again this year....but here is a sample.

Milepost 5 - The Big Daddy of Swapmeets

2012-03-30T09:21:00.000-04:00

The biggest swap-meet on the east coast each year is the Concerned Bikers Association (Charlotte) event. The CBA holds this event twice a year, spring and fall, at the Charlotte Metrolina Expo. The 2012 spring edition was this past week and like the others was huge.

After doing this for 38 years, these guys have it down to a science. Everything from parking to food to vendors to the bike show its smooth as glass and THAT makes for a consistently good event.

Here a few pics from the show.

Milepost 4- April - A BIG Month for Motorcycling

2012-03-21T08:26:00.001-04:00

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to launch "AMA Get Out and Ride! Month" for April 2012.

Now in its second year, AMA Get Out and Ride! Month encourages motorcyclists everywhere to enjoy the thrill of motorcycling in the dirt and on the street.

March 31-April 6: "AMA Get Out and Ride Your Way!" week taps into the individualism of motorcycling and highlights solo riding on favorite trails and twisties.

April 7-13: "AMA Get Out and Ride Together!" week spotlights the fun of riding with others, including AMA clubs and the online motorcycle community (O/MC). During the week, upcoming rallies and smaller local events, from AMA dual-sport and adventure-touring rides to AMA National Conventions and Gypsy Tours will be featured.

April 14-20: "AMA Get Out and Ride for a Cause!" week celebrates the generosity of motorcyclists and showcases events and activities where motorcyclists use their love of riding to help others less fortunate and champion the motorcycling lifestyle.

April 21-27: "AMA Get Out and Ride Smart!" week promotes rider training and awareness skills needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on every ride.

New for 2012 is a weekly trivia contest hosted on the AMA Facebook page, where participants will have the opportunity to submit answers to a motorcycle-related trivia question. One winning entrant, whose name will be drawn from the correct submissions each week, will be rewarded with a prize.

Another new feature this year is "Freedom Friday," a special call-to-action that will be posted on the AMA Facebook page each Friday to alert motorcyclists about important issues that pose a threat to motorcycling freedoms.

While AMA Get Out and Ride! month officially kicks into gear in April, now is the time to prepare. Check out the helpful tips and tools provided on the AMA website at Americanmotorcyclist.com > Riding > Street > Resources.

Milepost 3 - Losing Legends

2012-03-19T12:05:00.000-04:00

Because the motorcycle culture is relatively small, the loss or absence of an icon is felt a bit more.

Two very strong voices are gone from the biker landscape.

California ABATE State Safety Officer, John Del Santo, lost his battle with multiple health issues.
John was one of the most dedicated freedom fighter's the riding world has known.
ABATE of California lost a great soldier in our fight to preserve our motorcycle rights. John will long be remembered as one of the best freedom fighters ABATE has known.
May he rest in peace and his wife Fran and family know how much he will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
God bless him.

Additionally, after 49-years as Chief Styling Officer for Harley Davidson, Willie G. Davidson is retiring.

Davidson, 78, is the grandson of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin then went on to study at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.

Davidson joined the design department of Harley-Davidson in 1963, he designed the 1971 FX Super Glide and has since had the responsibility for the look of all Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Davidson said: "Throughout my life, I have been truly fortunate to have the opportunity to marry my passion for design with my love for this amazing brand that runs so deeply in my veins. Everything we do in styling is based on the notion that form follows function, but both report to emotion."

Both will be missed.

As usual, your comments are welcome.

Milepost 2 - The Challenge of Change.

2012-03-15T14:10:00.003-04:00

The more things change the more they seem to stay the same. Every year a number of states review their motorcycle helmet laws. This perspective looks at age for license, age for passenger, helmet type, and whether the use of helmets is even required or not.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said she will veto any bill that would require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Senator Ralph Anderson of Greenville, SC introduced a bill including language that, if passed, would require all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. Governor Haley is a member of the Lexington County Chapter of ABATE of South Carolina.

South Carolina law currently requires only motorcycle riders who are younger than 21 years of age to wear a helmet. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol 102 fatalities of motorcycle riders occurred in 2011, compared to only 82 in 2010. Most were alcohol related.

In 1967 South Carolina law required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. The current law requiring South Carolina motorcyclists under the age of 21 to wear helmets was enacted in 1980.

In 2010 the Supreme Court of South Carolina invalidated a Myrtle Beach city ordinance that required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. The court ruled that a city ordinance could not preempt state law, which required helmets to be worn by only motorcycle riders under 21 years of age.

The good news in all of this is South Carolina has a Governor that actually rides....AND belongs to a motorcycle rights organization. Regardless of the state in which you reside, YOU need to belong to at least on group that works with lawmakers, opinion makers, and media members. This is where the battle is fought, NOT in your basement, or local bar. Once you lose your freedom...its gone. Getting it back may take years...if at all.

Ride Safe.

Milepost 1 - The Season Changes

2012-03-13T14:26:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the first edition of Motorcycle-Milepost. Now while I ride a Harley, the content of this blog is not limited to that brand, or any brand for that matter. Its as much about the person, the lifestyle, the culture as anything else.

Since I'm like most folks, full time job, family, bills, etc I can't be everywhere I would like to be, nor am I able to attend every event that catches my eye. Your input in this area will be invaluable. As readership grows I hope more and more will take a few minutes to post comments and observations about anything motorcycle related. Additionally please feel free to send pic and those will be posted along with your narrative.

Around the southeast we are leaving a mild winter and moving to spring and with the seasonal change will be the return of the weekly "Bike Night." Calendars across both North and South Carolina and Georgia will be populated with all manner of bars, restaurants, and bike shops trying to get the biker population to drop by, drop a few bucks, and have a party.

One of the biggest is the weekly event held by Quaker Steak and Harley Davidson of Greenville, SC. The two facilities are neighbors and over the years have partnered for the most successful events. Other locations such as Hooters, Chiefs, and Wild Wings have had short lived attempts but for various reasons they failed to catch on. So, at this point the Quaker / Harley event is the primary party most will be attending.

This year the kick off is Wednesday, April 4th, starting at 6pm. We'll be there and will report back with a ton of pics and details.