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 2 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. 4 Bayou Bikin’ News November-December 2015 D 5 Bayou Bikin’ News November-December 2015 D 6 Bayou Bikin’ News November-December 2015 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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- 13 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 15 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 16 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 18 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 20 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. Create and promote a positive image of motorcyclists groups. Encourage good will and mutual understanding among motorcyclists, law enforcement personnel and the general public. 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