Picture - ABATE of Louisiana, Inc.

Transcription

Picture - ABATE of Louisiana, Inc.
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana Meets
Legislators at the Capitol
Acadiana Chapter’s Breast Cancer Ride 2015
Freedom of the road is NOT Free
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
A.B.A.T.E. OF
OF LOUISIANA
LOUISIANA SUPPORTS
SUPPORTS NCOM
NCOM
A.B.A.T.E.
Law Offices of
Richard M. Lester
Founder,• 110
AidOffices
to Injured
Motorcyclists
Throughout
North America
• Free Legal Consultation
• No Recovery = No Fee
• We Make House Calls
• Attorneys in Every State & Providence Who Ride
• No Fees on Motorcycle Damage Recovered
• Also Auto Accidents
We are endorsed by the National Coalition of
We
are endorsed
thethan
National
of
Motorcyclists
and by
more
2,000Coalition
motorcycle
Motorcyclists
and more
2,000 States
motorcycle
groups throughout
thethan
United
and
groups
theLegal
United
States
Canada, throughout
and serve as
Counsel
for and
the
Canada,
and serve
as Legal Counsel for the
Confederation
of Clubs.
Confederation of Clubs.
24 HOURS -TOLL FREE (800) ON-A-BIKE
Not Just
Just ONE
ONE Attorney
Attorney -- The
The A.I.M.
A.I.M. Team
Team To
To Help
Help You
You
Not
ATTENTION A.B.A.T.E.
A.B.A.T.E. OF
OF LOUISIANA
LOUISIANA MEMBERS:
MEMBERS: OUR
OUR NATIONWIDE
NATIONWIDE NETWORK
NETWORK
ATTENTION
OF A.I.M.
A.I.M. ATTORNEYS
ATTORNEYS DONATE
DONATE AA SIGNIFICANT
SIGNIFICANT PORTION
PORTION OF
OF THEIR
THEIR FEES
FEES FROM
FROM
OF
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
ACCIDENT SETTLEMENTS
SETTLEMENTS BACK
BACK INTO
INTO MOTORCYCLING
MOTORCYCLING BY
BY
MOTORCYCLE
BEING THE
THE SOLE
SOLE FINANCIAL
FINANCIAL SPONSOR
SPONSOR OF
OF THE
THE NATIONAL
NATIONAL COALITION
COALITION OF
OF
BEING
MOTORCYCLISTS.
MOTORCYCLISTS.
Visit us
us on
on the
the web
web at
at www.onabike.com
www.onabike.com
Visit
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
On the cover: Acadiana Chapter hosted their annual Ride for
Breast Cancer in October. Riders and “cagers” from many
different locations joined to help raise funds for breast cancer
research that could potentially save many lives in the future.
RIDE FOR BREAST CANCER 2015
4
ASK OUR LAWYER
10
NCOM REPORT, NOVEMBER 2015
14
MAKIN’ IT DO WHAT IT DO MOTORCYCLE RIDE AND CAR SHOW
16
10TH ANNUAL HOT SPRINGS RALLY
18
MEETING OF THE MINDS
22
THE 2015 CCBMM NATIONAL RALLY - AND MORE
23
La. Motorcycle Fatality Crashes
As of October 19, 2015: 69
lahighwaysafety.org/motorcycle.html
3
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana
Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the
goals of motorcycle
safety, awareness and
realistic motorcycle legislation.
We are NOT a club.
Membership is open to all
motorcyclists from all
walks of life, riding all
types of bikes. A.B.A.T.E.
is an acronym for American Bikers Active Toward
Education.
BAYOU BIKIN’ NEWS is
the official publication of
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana,
Inc. and published bimonthly. Editorial mailing
address is:
P.O. Box 25
Garyville, LA 70051.
The BBN is distributed
via direct email, postal
service, and through the
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana,
Inc. website,
www.abateoflouisiana.org
And has a readership of
over 20,000 a month.
Ollie “Laddie” Elkins
NCOM Board of Directors
Region V: AR, KY, LA, MS,
TN
NCOM Rep for A.B.A.T.E. of
Louisiana [email protected]
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
RIDE FOR BREAST CANCER 2015
O
The ride, T-Shirts, and auction were a huge success.
Acadiana Parish Chapter presented a check for $5,062.05
to the Susan G. Komen of Acadiana fund for breast cancer research.
n Saturday, Oct 10, 2015 the day started off beautiful and ended up even more beautiful! So much
awareness was made for Breast Cancer! People wore
pink shirts, socks, ribbons, as well as pink do-rags, and
dressed with pink tutus. Some had pink Harley bears tied
to their bikes and their bikes decorated in pink for the
event. This year’s T-shirts were navy and pink! Thanks to
Goforth & Lilly for being our sponsor and a big thank you
to Capt Clay Higgins for not only being our guest but riding and donating four of his one of a kind, autographed Tshirts that brought a large amount of money to our auction. Also thanks to St Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby
Guidroz for coming out, as well as the three motorcycle
officers and two St Landry Parish vehicles that escorted
our whole ride safely!
A big thanks to Dwight Menard, James Howse, and
Jerome Tauzin for mapping our route for this year’s ride.
Thanks also to KATC-TV3 for taking time to let two of our
A.B.A.T.E. members have a segment, and to KLFY TV10
for having them on Passé Partout and Meet Your
Neighbor! A big shot out also to KBON for not only having a member on live radio to talk about our ride, but their
continued advertisement of our ride on the radio the week
before. Thanks to Church Point News for their nice article
promoting our ride. I can't say enough about our Daily
World and their photographer for covering our ride this
second time. Go “friend” Daily World on Facebook to see
more pictures and to dailyworld.com on Saturday Oct 10,
2015 for more pictures and coverage.
Registration began at 9 am and KSU at 10. Our first
stop was in Eunice at Casino Magic. I was in the front so
after parking, all I could see was bikes and more bikes
then lots of jeeps and lots of cars and trucks!
Finally, a big thanks to Earline Howse, A.B.A.T.E's
Acadiana Chapter VP, and to Georgia Tauzin our Secretary/Treasurer for their fine efforts at helping me make this
another successful year!. I want to thank God for everyone that came to our ride and everyone that didn't get to
come, but bought shirts and donated auction items.
Our second stop was at Vidrines Cafe in Church Point,
and the third stop was at Cafe Josephine's in Sunset,
where they sold tacos and drinks outside! We left and
took another scenic route to get to the Kings Truck Stop in
Port Barre.
Cheryl “Patches” Stelly
President
Acadiana Chapter
Our last stop was again through the scenic country
route to The Silver Slipper in Arnaudville where our auction took place on the wonderful covered patio. Thanks to
our auctioneers for their help.
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
SHARE THE ROAD
Ehret High School, Marrerro, LA
Dennis Melancon at the mike
April Higgins, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
A “small” class—65 students
SABINE PARISH CHAPTER
2015 OFFICERS (L TO R)
Larry Alford, President
Don Case, Delegate
Willie-Jean Cannon, Secretary
Freddie Grappe, Vice President
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
Robert “Doc” Wagner
261 Larry Henry Rd, West Monroe, LA 71292
318-789-2111
[email protected] www.hellfighters.org
ACADIANA CHAPTER
2015 OFFICERS (L TO R)
Earline Richard, Vice President
James Howse, Advocate
Cheryl Stelly, President
Georgia Tauzin, Secretary/Treasurer
Ronald Dugas, Road Captain
Jerome Tauzin, Sergeant At Arms
NORTHEAST CHAPTER
WASHINGTON PARISH CHAPTER
2014 OFFICERS
2014 OFFICERS (L TO R)
Bobby Murphy, President
Marc Jolly, Vice President
Bebe Martin, Secretary/Treasurer
Troy Pardue, Sergeant-at-Arms
Bob Walton, Vice President
Nell Walton, Secretary/Treasurer
Bruce Roberts, President
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
ASK OUR LAWYER
following question: “My wife and I
were pulled over by a local police
officer for having a cracked windshield. My wife was driving and I
was in the passenger seat. It was
8:30 AM and we were on our way
home from working midnight
shift. The car is in my wife's
name. The officer asked for my
wife's license and proof of insurance which she handed to
him. Then the officer looks at me and says he wants my
ID also. I asked him what I did wrong and he said to just
give him my ID which I reluctantly did. He came back to
the car and gave my wife a warning for the cracked windshield and didn't say a word to me. Did I have to give the
officer my ID even though I wasn't driving and the car
wasn't in my name and I committed no crime? All I was
doing was sitting quietly in the passenger seat with my
seatbelt on.”
LEFT TURN & ONE LEG
I
jokingly told a friend once that he knows more people
in the Federal Penitentiary than the Warden. I think he
was offended, so he said to me, "You know more onelegged people than anyone I know.” Sadly, he was
right. My one-legged friend list is long and it makes me
apprehensive, angry, and joyless. There is Mike, Dale,
Jimbo, Roxane, Kathy, Bill, Jim, and Bryan and so on. All
were left turned into by a ne'er-do-well, who, in most
cases, looked right at them when they turned. Left turns,
left turns, left turns! Those dreaded left turns in front of
us. In most cases we are only going 30 or so, and we see
them, and we think they see us. I remember my good
friend Mike Sumner was riding his red Yamaha when it
turned in front of him! He will keep his leg, but with a
steel rod and a bum shoulder. What do we do? Plan that
every vehicle coming towards you is going to turn left in
front of you. Sir Isaac Newton said it best: "Whatever you
hit, hit it as slow as possible."
A Your question goes to the heart of our basic rights
as Americans. My worse angels would want to tell the
officer to take a hike, but as bikers we need to give a better answer than that. Interestingly, you are required to
provide basic identification to an investigating police officer. Since you were not driving, you had no obligation to
carry a driver’s license. However, if you had it in your billfold or access to it in your car, I believe the courts would
rule against you if you failed to produce your driver’s license.
HOW IS THAT CONSTITUTIONAL?
Q
I was recently stopped for operating my motorcycle
while intoxicated. I refused the chemical test. After I
refused the chemical test, a judge issued a court order to
take my blood. Can you explain to me how the law can
circumvent the Bill of Rights? To me this is a constitutional issue.
A
From the information you provided, it sounds like the
police may have acted within the requirements of the
law. First, some background: most states have enacted
“implied consent” laws into their statutes relating to
driver’s licenses. As unconstitutional as it sounds, courts
have held that driving is a privilege, not a right, and therefore not subject to the protection of the Bill of Rights. In
effect, by obtaining a license, you have consented to submit to a chemical test if you are stopped on suspicion of
operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. If you refuse
the chemical test, your license will be suspended.
The U. S. Supreme Court did not serve us well in
what I call the “cowboy case.” In that case, we had an
independent minded citizen from the West who thought
he had the right to remain silent when asked by the local
police to give his name. He refused, was charged, and
the case went all the way to the U. S. Supreme Court. In
today’s world of I.D. paranoia, I believe the Supremes
would have ruled against you if you had refused to surrender your driver’s license. At the very least, I bet the
cop would have given your wife a ticket with a fine for the
cracked windshield.
That brings us to your case. In many states, courts
have ruled that once a chemical test is refused, the police
can obtain a search warrant from a judge in order to obtain a blood sample. Once that warrant has been obtained, the police can have blood drawn for a chemical
test to determine intoxication. From your description, it
appears that is what happened. The United States Supreme Court has held that drawing blood and deriving
evidence from that blood sample does not violate the selfincrimination protections of the Fifth Amendment. State
courts, building on that holding, have stated that blood
drawn as a result of a search warrant cannot be excluded
unless there is a specific provision in the implied consent
statute to the contrary.
Some states also have “stop and identify statutes,”
which require individuals to comply with police requests
for identification.
In Ohio, such cooperation is required when the officer
has a reasonable suspicion that the person is committing,
has committed, or is about to commit a criminal offense,
or that the officer witnessed an act of violence or an act
which would create a risk of serious physical harm to another person or to property. In those cases, the person is
required to give his or her name, address, and date of
birth. The statute in Indiana is much broader, requiring
that a person provide either the his or her name, address,
and date of birth; or driver's license, if in the person's possession. Illinois requires that if an officer reasonably infers from the circumstances that the person is committing,
IS IT REALLY NONE OF THE COP’S BUSINESS?
Q
ABATE of OHIO Region 1 Members ask the
continued on page 20
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
TECHE AREA CHAPTER
2015 OFFICERS (L to R)
Ed Oubre, President
James Landry, Vice President
Debbie Oubre, Secretary/Treasurer
Debbie Blanchard, CoC Representatiive
Greg Solomon
1618 Marshall St.
Shreveport, LA 71101
Phone: 318-673-1006
Fax: 318-673-1056
[email protected]
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
12
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
“The only real motorcycle hearse
in the Tri-State Area.”
Griffin Funeral Home, LLC.
7427 Cypress Street
West Monroe, Louisiana 71291
Telephone: 318-396-3191
TITAN BOBBER
www.griffinfuneralhome.net
(Built by Squirrel & Sherry’s Motorcycle Shop,
Same Day Service……………………………………………………………………………………...$4,575.00
This price includes: Your choice of 20 Gauge Non-Gasketed Steel Casket (Blue, Grey, Coppertone, Pink, or White),
Basic Services of funeral director and staff, use of facilities and staff for visitation, staff for funeral
services, transfer of remains to funeral home within 100 miles, use of motorcycle hearse or regular hearse within 100
miles, utility vehicle, embalming, other preparations of body, register book, thank you cards, programs, DVD tribute, and temporary grave marker.
Direct Cremation………………………………………………………………...................….........$1,895.00
This price includes: Basic Services of Funeral Director and staff, transfer of remains to funeral home within 100
miles, Coroner Authorization Fee, Crematory Fees, and Temporary Urn.
Direct Cremation with Memorial Service……………………..….................…………….…….....$2,595.00
This price includes: Basic Services of Funeral Director and staff, transfer of remains to funeral home within 100
miles, Coroner Authorization Fee, Crematory Fees, and Temporary Urn, Use of facilities for visitation and funeral
service (Monday-Friday), Coroner Authorization Fee, Crematory Fees, and Temporary Urn .
NOT INCLUDED: Newspaper Obituary, Sales Tax, Cemetery Charges, and other merchandise.
“Always The Affordable Choice”
****Prices Subject to Change Without Notice
Photo-
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
NCOM REPORT, NOVEMBER 2015
W
ell I didn’t get lost just wandered around for a
while, sorry about that.
on Waco, legislative issues in regions V and VI and of
course the Confederation of Clubs meeting all winding up
with the Christian Unity Meeting at 5PM. All of the information is on the two flyers in this issue of BBN. I want to
thank everyone that has made the COC and ABATE the
success that it is, I can remember the times when the
membership of both would fit in a school bus, it would
take way too much paper to list everyone and thank y’all
for the help and for making my job much easier.
Attended both the ABATE State Board meeting and
the C. O. C. meeting in August. Was surprised at the size
of the ABATE meeting and the way business was taken
care of, membership is now over 1,500. That is as long
way from the early 90’s, it is good to see that all of our
work from that time was not wasted.
The COC meeting has almost swelled out of the
much larger and “quieter” location that it had. The meeting was well planned and they even let me talk. The
message I presented was that in November the NCOM
Board meeting will be held in New Orleans. This is free
event and all are invited to attend. If anyone wants to
spend the night the rooms are only $110.00. Times are
10AM – 6PM with a lunch break. Scheduled are update
Hope to see everyone in New Orleans, November
14th. Lets put on a great show and fill the room up.
Love you Brothers and Sisters.
Laddie
NCOM Representative
14
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
2ND ANNUAL "MAKIN’ IT DO WHAT IT DO” MOTORCYCLE RIDE AND CAR SHOW
T
he 2nd Annual "Makin’ It Do What It Do” Motorcycle Ride and Car
Show
was September
TITAN
BOBBER
26th. The Deputy Brandon J. Nielsen Memorial Foundation, Inc. held the event at the St. John
Community Center in LaPlace. You may remember the tragedy of August 2012 where on-duty Deputy Sheriffs Brandon Nielsen and Jeremy Triche were shot and killed by members of a domestic terrorist group known as the Sovereign Citizens. Net proceeds of the event benefit the Louisiana
"Concerns of Police Survivors" (C.O.P.S.).
The best part was a non-stop 90 mile ride. Starting from Laplace we headed north via I-10, west
over the Veterans Memorial Bridge, east over the Sunshine Bridge and returned south mostly on the
River Road. The motorcycle escorts did an outstanding job blocking traffic the entire route. Our return to the community center had jambalaya and dessert waiting, and then we checked out a few of
the cool old cars.
Check it out next year...it's a great ride and a worthy cause.
Lynda Williams
Greater New Orleans Chapter
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
MOREHOUSE PARISH CHAPTER
GNO CHAPTER
OFFICERS 2015 ((L to R)
Glenn McGovern, Vice President
Harry Delaune, Secretary
Dennis Melancon, President
David Key, Treasurer
2015 OFFICERS (L to R)
Does your chapter have a member who
deserves special mention? Send us a name
and a picture, and tell us about him or her.
17
Scott Barr, Treasurer
Kristi Morrison, Secretary
Greg Morrison, Sergeant at Arms
Lisa Barmore, President
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
10TH ANNUAL HOT SPRINGS RALLY
The chapters I know for definite which
made a show were Bossier, Natchitoches,
Northwest, North Central, Sabine, and Union. I'm sure I'm missing some of our chapters
who were there due to either not seeing them
or just having some a jam packed weekend I
forgot; I apologize if I have missed naming
your chapter and you were there.
There was so much going on all over Hot
Springs during the rally; it was impossible to
attend everything. The concerts were .38 Special Friday Night, which I missed, and the
Travis Tritt concert Saturday night. He is an
awesome performer. Before the concert there
was the “Unfurling of the Flag.” Damon Martin
was asked to be one of the Honor Guards and
A BREAK ENROUTE
all vets, active and inactive, were asked to
help with the unfurling; Jason Lindsey and
Lisandra Martin were among those who went to assist. It
he Hot Springs Rally is the rally I have looked forward
was a beautiful
to going to for three years. This year I finally got to go
ceremony.
on the 10th anniversary thanks to my friend, Willie Jean
Cannon buying my ticket for my birthday present. I went
ABATE of Arkansas had a Meet and Greet Saturup with 6 friends and family, who are also A.B.A.T.E. of
day at the Convention Center. Penny Houston and Roger
Louisiana, Inc member Willie Jean Cannon, Jason &
Farrar invited me to go in with them. We had the pleasure
Lorrie Lindsey, Donald Williams, Patrick Beaudoin, and
of meeting some of the Arkansas people here, including
Gloria Stichberry. It was a beautiful ride and even though
Charles and Rosa Bailey from ABATE D14 in Hot
there was rain forecast for the whole ride, there was very
Springs.
little if any at all.
T
Other events at the rally were two poker runs: the
Short Run at approximately 50 miles and the Long run at
approximately 139 miles. There was a parade, bingo, and
an antique bike show, and a lot of vendors. Randy Postlethwait had new speakers put on his bike and Damon
Martin had LED lights put on his.
The rally this year was on September 11th and
12 . We arrived between 3 and 4 on the 10th, checked
into our rooms, registered at the Convention Center,
checked out the vendor mall (and yes, we bought), then
we headed on to Fat Jack's to meet up with two more
friends, one whom is also an A.B.A.T.E. member. Friday
brought two more friends, Damon and Lisandra Martin.
th
It was a wonderful weekend with a lot of wonderful
people. ABATE of Arkansas plays a huge part of the rally
and are very welcoming. I finally made it there, and if you
haven't, you should definitely get there!
I do believe all of the northern half of Louisiana
was in Hot Springs that weekend and do know there were
several of our A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana chapters represented. I was 4 hours from home and everywhere I went I
saw people I knew, many from A.B.A.T.E. and many who
aren't. But I'm proud to say the majority are members!
Stacey “Snoopy” Conly
Bossier Parish Chapter
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
BOSSIER PARISH CHAPTER
3199 TERRACE AVENUE, SLIDELL LA
(985) 641-3401 or (888) 300-2999
STORE HOURS 10 AM - 6 PM
MONDAY thru SATURDAY










2015 OFFICERS (L to R)
Jack Klorik, President
Rick Lindsey, Vice President
Courtney Boynton, Secretary
Greg Solomon, Treasurer
Tommy Breedlove, Sergeant At Arms
Motorcycle & Sport Bike Jackets / 2nd Chance Vests
Scorpion, Daytona, DOT & Snell & Novelty Helmets
Men’s and Ladies Vests / Hugger Gloves
Leather Chaps / Gloves / Wallets / Backpacks
Double-H, Chippewa, & Milwaukee Boots
Over 1000 Patches in stock sewn on FREE while you wait
Saddlebags and T-packs
Tool Bags / Helmet Mohawks / Windshield Bags
Children’s Leathers / Kruzer Kaddys
Battery Tenders / Wind
Chimes
 Flag Poles & Replacement
Flags
TAKE OLD SPANISH
TRAIL
OFF I-10, EXIT 263,
AND GO ONE MILE
WEST,
TURN NORTH BEHIND JACKS
JANDY IMPORTS IS ON THE LEFT
BIKE NITE
Every Wednesday
7 pm
ET
D!
FOO
K
BUC CIALS!
E
P
S
WE ARE 0UR BROTHERS’ AND SISTERS’ KEEPERS
19
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
continued from page 10
NORTHLAKE CHAPTER
ASK OUR LAWYER
is about to commit, or has committed an offense, he may
demand the name and address of the person and an explanation of his actions. In Missouri, officers have the
power “to stop any person whenever there is a reasonable
ground to suspect that he is committing, has committed,
or is about to commit a crime and demand of him his
name, address, business abroad and whither he is going” (although it appears that this provision may only extend to officers in Kansas City – see Mo. Rev. Stat.
§84.710(2)).
For some interesting reading, check out the following US
Supreme Court cases: INS v. Delgado, 466 U. S. 210, 216
(1984), Terry v. Ohio, 392 U. S. 1 (1968), United States v.
Brignoni-Ponce, 422 U. S. 873, 881 (1975)
2015 OFFICERS (L to R)
Steve Howardell, Delegate-at-Large
Barbara Carlin, Secretary
Mel Stoltz, President
Kelly Smith, Treasurer
Carl Hursky, Vice President
Ride Safe & Free,
Rod Taylor
ABATE Legal Services
abatelegal.com
All questions from ABATE members are answered confidentially
unless otherwise authorized and only after the matter is concluded,
except when authorization for publication anonymously or otherwise is given for pending matters. Remember, injured ABATE members pay only 28 ½% of total recovery and expenses as approved
by client, consistent with and conforming to applicable state law.
Elsewhere, you may pay 33 ⅓%, 40% or even 50% of ur recovery.
ABATE members are not charged for recovery of damage to your
motorcycle, and have access to a 24-hour toll-free telephone number. Call us at (800) 25-RIDER. © 2014
NORTHWEST CHAPTER
D
TANGIPAHOA CHAPTER
2015 OFFICERS
Jim Lindsey, President
Clint Furgason, Vice President
Richard Tate, Treasurer
Anita Furgason, Secretary
Lonnie Thacker, Sergeant at Arms
Laura Postlethwait, Membership Coordinator
2015 OFFICERS (L to R)
Blasko, President
Hogin, Vice President
Misfire, Secretary/Membership Coordinator
Mad Mike, Chaplain/Sergeant at Arms
Patriot Guard Riders
Standing for Those
Who Stood for Us
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Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
NORTH CENTRAL CHAPTER
NATCHITOCHES CHAPTER
NO PHOTO AVAILABLE
OFFICERS 2015
2015 OFFICERS (L TO R)
Rob Breedlove, President
Penny Houston, Vice President/Membership Coord.
Roger Farrar, Treasurer
Tonya Duran, Secretary
Jeff Ferguson, Sergeant-at-Arms
Gene Murphy, Chaplin
Duffy Houston, Advocate
Rick Young, Public Relations Officer
Casey Jones, Delegate
Tammy DeDon, Vice President
Phillip Mitchell, President
Theresa Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer
Jason Lindsey, Sergeant-at-Arms
Debbie Oswald, Secretary (not in photo)
UNION PARISH CHAPTER
CENTRAL CHAPTER
2015 OFFICERS (L to R)
Beverly Polk, La. Freedom Fighter Coordinator
Marion Polk, Sergeant-at-Arms
Steve Bouton
Debbie Bouton, Secretary/Treasiurer
President, Darron Hartley
Lori Splawn,
Brenda Ramo, Activity Coordinator
Lynn Stoneman,Vice President
2015 OFFICERS (L to R)
Donnie Brown, President
Randy Almond, Vice President
Anita Harper, Treasurer
Charles Payne, Delegate
Lucita Foster, Secretary (not in photo)
21
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
T
his year the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Meeting of the Minds convened in the Milwaukee, WI, area on September 24-27. Although a final
attendance figure was not available, I would estimate 350 individuals from
30 states attended the event.
brought in new MRF members. If we each could bring in
one new member this next year we will be in contention
for the award again in Oklahoma City at the next MOTM.
Various board meetings were held all day
Thursday, then that evening a representative from
each state gave a report of
major legislative actions or
concerns.
All in all it was a very successful gathering of Motorcycle Rights Activists; made several new friends and reacquainted the old ones. I do want to thank A.B.A.T.E. of
Louisiana, Inc. for allowing the wife and I the opportunity
to represent the State at this most important function.
Friday's General Assembly
began with the presentation of Colors and a moment of
silence followed by comments from President "Hardtail".
We were then brought up to date on our financial status,
which showed to be in the black. Awards to the Young
Activists—including a scholarship—were presented. I
missed the winner’s name, but she had quite a few
accomplishments; you can read about her in the next
MRF Reports. Then various other awards were
presented with Louisiana receiving the Legislative
Award for First time Lobby Efforts In Washington, D.C.
Bikers on the Beltway. We really need to recognize
John Q. White and Donnie Brown for their efforts
along those lines. Quite a number of compliments
were made as to their effective work that day.
Tim Hoelters made an impressive presentation by
entitled "Inside Track to Harley Davidson Phenomenon." Tim was the attorney that invested with the
group that bought Harley Davidson back from AMF. It
was a very interesting story from an individual that was
on the inside and the number of times HD almost went
bankrupt during the initial stages.
Cecil “Cuthru” Crawford
Legislative Coordinator
THE LOBBIERS: Kirk "Hardtail" Willard MRF President, Donnie Brown,
John Q, White, Jeff Hennie MRF Gov't affairs
I also attended the pretty-much-required
SMRO (State Motorcycle Rights Org.) Legislative Planning Session. This is where all of the
state reps vote on the various issues MRF will
confront or just keep a watch on In Washington, D.C. This final agenda will be published in
the MRF Reports.
There were also a number of breakout
seminars held at the same time, so cannot
comment on all, but they were heavily attended since many states had a number of
assistant reps and members attending.
Saturday morning was another awards
presentation,then a legislative update from
Jeff Hennie. More seminars followed prior to
lunch when the membership awards were announced. Yea! Louisiana came out on top with
the highest growth percentage at 107%.
Congrats to all that renewed and those that
Cuthru and Donnie with the plaque:
“Federal Legislative Award Presented
to ABATE of Louisiana for First Time
Lobbying in DC”
22
Award for highest growth rate (107%)
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
THE 2015 CCBMM NATIONAL RALLY - AND MORE
I
t seemed like a good idea in January, 2015. The prospect of riding my motorcycle to the
2015 Catholic Cross Bearers Motorcycle Ministry (CCBMM) National Rally in Cleveland,
Ohio, in August, 2015, along with riding the legendary "Tail of the Dragon," would be fantasies
come true. But I had only been riding a motorcycle for less than two years and had ridden my
2012 Harley Heritage Softail Classic for just one year, so I started to worry about the trip..
However, my growing concern about doing my first long trip on a motorcycle was reduced because three of my CCBMM brothers (Dean, Paul, and Grady) would ride up with me, and two
of them (Dean and Paul) would do the return ride with me.
Days 1 – 3 "The weather forecast is…." The first
three days were defined by weather conditions, most of
which I had not experienced on my previous short rides.
At breakfast on Day 1, our colors attracted a man who
shared part of his life story with us and how finding Jesus
was crucial for his recovery. People often started talking
to us because of our colors. The first day was brutally
HOT. Paul and Dean had cooling vests, and that’s now
on my must buy list. We spent the night in Cullman, AL.
Days 4 -7 "The CCBMM National Rally. After Mass
on Day 4, and a stop at the Harley-Davidson dealership
for some repairs, Derick led us to Lake Erie for some
beautiful scenery and relaxation, and then to our first official CCBMM Rally function, a Meet and Greet Dinner at
Ray and Sara's home. Before dinner, Ray took us to see,
and ride through, the longest covered bridge in the U.S.,
the Smolen-Gulf Bridge. After dinner, we said the rosary
outside in the backyard—a highlight of the day. Afterward, I experienced something else that wasn't on my
bucket list: riding on an interstate at night in an unfamiliar
city.
On Day 2 we went to the Shrine of the Most Blessed
Sacrament at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in
Hanceville, AL. This was a tremendous blessing!! The
peace and beauty of the shrine is incredible - plans are to
revisit the shrine for a weekend in the near future. The
weather was good today. There was a little rain, but the
weather front had passed just before our arrival all along
the route leaving behind a cool breeze and cloudy skies.
At the end of the ride I said, "We could not have planned
it better”. Tomorrow would be another story. We spent
the night in Shepherdsville, KY.
Our luck ran out on Day 3. The rain came - steady,
light to medium intensity. Riding a motorcycle in the rain,
on the interstate, at 60-65 miles per hour, and getting
passed by 18 wheelers was not on my bucket list. This is
where I experienced the scariest moment of my trip.
While changing lanes on the interstate, I rode over a wet
tar snake road repair, and the bike shimmied and fishtailed - not a lot, but enough to REALLY get my attention.
Derick (the National CCBMM Sergeant at Arms) led us (in
drier conditions!) from his house just south of Columbus,
OH, to Cleveland. At dinner, we were joined by Jane (a
fellow CCBMM member from Kenner), Dean’s wife and
CCBMM member, Nancy, and my wife, Mary.
Paul, Jane, Mary, Wayne, Nancy, Dean at dinner
On day 5 we met the co-founder of CCBMM, Michelle, at breakfast - what a joy! After Mass, we held the
CCBMM business meeting. Many exciting future activities were discussed, and the Divine Savior Chapter
(located in the Greater New Orleans area) was made official!! We then jumped on our bikes to visit the Servants
of Mary Center for Peace. We had 11 bikes of fully
patched CCBMM members riding, in formation, on the
highway. It was very impressive and a heady "rush" to
ride in a large group. A central focus at the Center is a 50
foot high statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We then rode
to a resort town called Geneva by the Lake. We strolled
the streets, and had some ice cream, while I gawked at
the huge number of motorcycles that were present. After
returning to our hotel, we held a Bible Study and shared
some pizza.
On Day 6 we got to meet Eric, the founder of
CCBMM, who had been stranded in Sturgis. Eric led us
to a park for more views of Cleveland and Lake Erie. We
then went to The Fest, an annual celebration of praise,
worship, and the Eucharist sponsored by the Diocese of
Cleveland, and attended by tens of thousands of people.
Continued on page 26
Dean, Paul, Grady, and Wayne (all wet)
23
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
STATE PRESIDENT
STATE VICE PRESIDENT
STATE SECRETARY
Randy Postlethwait
Rob Breedlove
Anita Furgason
318-871-6409
318-294-8414
318-680-0269
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
STATE TREASURER
LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR
LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR
Jim Lindsey
Cecil Crawford
Theresa Neff
318-286-8226
318-564-2765
318-255-8096
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
SHARE THE ROAD
COORDINATOR
STATE PUBLIC RELATIONS (S)
STATE PUBLIC RELATIONS (N)
Dennis Melancon
Stacey “Snoopy” Conly
318-294-8414
504-450-0521
318-510-1941
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
STATE ADVOCACY
COORDINATOR
STATE GROWTH
COORDINATOR
NCOM REPRESENTATIVE
Bobby Murphy
Bobby Murphy
Ollie “Laddie” Elkins
318-348-9508
318-348-9508
225-305-7436
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
STATE STORE MANAGER
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
WEBMASTER
Clark McClendon
Barbara Sikes
Damon Martin
225-698-9070
318-680-0269
[email protected]
[email protected]
Clint Furgason
318-294-8414
[email protected]
BAYOU BIKIN’ NEWS EDITOR
Harry Delaune
D
D
985-415-3468
[email protected]
24
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
ACADIANA CHAPTER
BOSSIER PARISH CHAPTER
CENTRALCHAPTER
Cheryl “Patches” Stelly
Jack Klorik
Darron Hartley
Chapter President
Chapter President
Chapter President
337-290-0482
318-455-1456
318-623-0054
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Meets on 3rd Saturday of the month at 10 am
Meets on 2nd Thursday of the month at 7 pm
Meets on 1st Tuesday of the month
Café Josephine
818 Napoleon Ave
Sunset, LA
VFW Post #5951
1315 Northgate Rd.
Bossier City, La.
AMVETS Post #7
3409 England Drive
Alexandria, LA
GNO CHAPTER
MOREHOUSE CHAPTER
NATCHITOCHES CHAPTER
Dennis Melancon
Lisa Barmore
Phillip Mitchell
Chapter President
Chapter President
Chapter President
504-450-0521
318-348-2922
318-581-4454
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Meets on last Saturday of month at 10 am
Meets at 10 am, see web page for dates
Meets on 2nd Friday of the month at 7 pm
New Orleans Harley-Davidson
6015 Airline Dr.
Metairie, LA
Skeeter’s Social Club (21 or over to enter)
3482 New Monroe Rd
Bastrop, LA
Cane River Bar & Grill
61125 Washington St.
Natchitoches, LA
NORTH CENTRAL CHAPTER
NORTHEAST CHAPTER
NORTHLAKE CHAPTER
Rob Breedlove
Bobby Murphy
Mel Stoltz
Chapter President
Chapter President
Chapter President
318-4527604
318-348-3036
985-892-8775
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Meets on 4th Thursday of the month at 7 pm
Meets 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm
Meets on 1st Sunday of the month at 10 am
VFW Hall
200 Memorial Dr.
Ruston, LA
Big Top
2055 Old Natchitoches Rd
West Monroe, LA
Ya-Ya’s Daquiri Depot
Hwy 190 & Hwy 25
Covington, LA
NORTHWEST CHAPTER
SABINE CHAPTER
TANGIPAHOA CHAPTER
Jim Lindsey
Larry Alford
Chris “Blasko” Bigner
Chapter President
Chapter President
Chapter President
318-286-8226
318-508-0633
985-507-4689
[email protected]
Meets on 3rd Saturday of month at 10 am
[email protected]
Meeting time & location to be determined
Chimi V’s
2050 Old Minden Rd.
Bossier City, LA
Meets on 2nd Sunday of the month at 2 pm
AMVets Post #68
26890 Hwy 42
Springfield, LA
TECHE AREA CHAPTER
UNION PARISH CHAPTER
WASHINGTON PARISH CHAPTER
Ed Oubre
Donnie Brown
Bruce Roberts
Chapter President
Chapter President
Chapter President
337-229-1518
318-245-3790
985-773-3554
[email protected]
[email protected]
Meets on 1st Thursday of the month at 7pm
Meets on 1st Saturday of month at 10:30 am
Ol’ Hickory Café
807 S. Main St.
Farmerville, LA
Masonic Lodge
901 Cleveland St.
Franklinton, LA
Meets 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm
Bailey Sports Bar & Grill
101 N. Main St.
Loreauville, LA
25
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
Continued from page 23
The Mass was a spectacle to behold, the fireworks at
the end of The Fest were phenomenal, and the Eucharistic Procession was awesome. A group of young people
approached Paul, Dean, and Nancy. After praying, one of
them said that he received this “word” - "Jesus has not
placed his Heart into your ministry; He has placed your
ministry into His Heart". Such powerful words should encourage us in our work for God's kingdom on earth. After
The Fest we packed up, said our farewells to some
CCBMM members, and headed to the hotel.
Days 7 – 9 "The Dragon Slayer". The next three
days would make us feel like “real” bikers. Day 7 would
be the furthest that I had ever ridden my bike in one day
(505 miles). We did get some brief showers on the way
south, and we planned for them "perfectly" (ha ha). Every
time we put on our rain suits it was dry, while it rained
(including a torrential downpour at night on the interstate)
whenever we took our rain suits off! We ended a long day
close to (Alcoa, TN) the "encounter" that I was eagerly
awaiting, but that would have to wait until tomorrow.
Wayne “Slaying” the Dragon
listen to music as I ride, but this helped the time go by and
had me tapping my foot to the music on my floorboard.
Day 8 was the day I had been waiting for - riding the
"Tail of the Dragon". Ever since I decided to go to the
2015 CCBMM National Rally, riding the iconic Tail of the
Dragon was on my bucket list. The Tail of the Dragon is
11 miles of US 129 spanning Tennessee and a bit of
North Carolina. There are 318 curves in these 11 miles,
and it is a "must destination" for many motorcyclists.
Thanks to Dean and Paul, I was able to ride it 3 times,
once with my luggage and twice (once in each direction)
without it. It was a joy riding the Dragon - cutting the
curves, swooping through the forest, and scraping both
floorboards during each ride. At Deal’s Gap we met a
group of riders from the Netherlands who complimented
us on our colors, sharing that they were also Catholic.
Wearing the colors sure helps us to evangelize and to put
into practice the Mission Statement of CCBMM –
“Bringing the love of Jesus to the streets and those imprisoned.”
Dean and I parted ways with Paul at the I-59/I-10
split, and then we split up at Hammond. I pulled into the
driveway, parked the bike, and entered my home at about
9:30 pm and after 530 miles in the saddle. It felt great to
be home with my wife, Mary, and to sleep in my own bed!
Besides a number of “firsts” mentioned above, I also
learned a lot about riding safely in adverse conditions and
riding in formation with a large group under varying traffic
conditions. This was all due to the love and care of my
CCBMM brothers and sisters. I am very blessed!!!
Thank you, God, for a wonderful motorcycle trip, for
the precious members of CCBMM who are a source of
such strength for me, for keeping all of us safe, for the
beauty of your creation, for my health that allowed me to
do this ride, and for the gift of yourself in the Eucharist.
Afterwards, we were off on another gorgeous stretch
of road - the Cherohala Skyway. Beautiful swooping
curves, lush forests, smoky mountains, and deep valleys
abounded. God's creation is just so beautiful.
Total distance - 2,760 miles in 9 days.
Wayne Vedeckis
Vice President
Divine Savior Chapter
Catholic Cross Bearers Motorcycle Ministry
We arrived at our final destination (Chickamauga,
GA), and I went to sleep with a big smile on my face!
Day 9 was “The Longest Day”. If there is one thing
that I learned on this great trip is that you never know your
limitations until you test them. So, I was not surprised
when I heard that we were going to try to make it all the
way home. We got a late start because we wanted to visit
our CCBMM brother, Rusty. After Mass, the rosary, and
breakfast, we began our trek back home. Because we
were travelling south, it really started heating up. Since
the ride was long and of limited visual interest, I broke
down and listened to the two albums I have on my iPhone
- The Beach Boys and Willie Nelson. I don’t normally
D
26
Bayou Bikin’ News
November-December 2015
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc.
STRATEGIC PLAN
VISION:
A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc. is the organization that represents motorcyclists’ interests by providing leadership to
achieve safety, individual freedom and rights.
MISSION:
Initiate, endorse and sponsor educational programs
through rider education, public awareness, legislative and affirmative action.
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groups.
Encourage good will and mutual understanding among
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pending legislation, personnel rights, political inclinations of elected officials and their constituents,
ABATE lobbying and endorsements, and voter
awareness.
Act as a central responsive agency to devise and coordinate recreational, legislative, educational and charitable activities.
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A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc State Office
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28