Freedom of the road is NOT Free
Transcription
Freedom of the road is NOT Free
Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 New Orleans HOG Polar Bear Ride — Page 14 Motorcycle Groups Join in the Mardi Gras Plaquedilla Parade — Page 8 Freedom of the road is NOT Free Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 2 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 On the cover: New Orleans Chapter of Harley Owners Group (HOG) made their annual Polar Bear Ride doe 2012, and Patriot Guard Riders and ABATE members join a Mardi Gras parade. SAFE GROUP RIDING 4 UNDERSTANDING ETHANOL-RELATED FUEL PROBLEMS 6 SHARE-THE-ROAD EXPANDS 7 BIKERS JOIN IN MARDI GRAS PARADE 8 AMA ACTION ALERT 11 HOG POLAR BEAR RIDE 14 HIWAY TIDBITS-FRENIER LANDING RESTAURANT 15 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 34 Brittany, LA 70718. The BBN is distributed via direct email, postal service, and through the A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc. website, www.abateoflouisiana.org HUMBLE HEARTS & HELPING HANDS POKER RUN ASK OUR LAWYER 16 18 2013 MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR TRAINING SCHEDULE 23 RUNS AND EVENTS 26 And has a readership of over 20,000 a month. Inside this issue: PAPA HOODOO’S C&C BISQUE 12 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 28 Motorcycle Fatality Crashes for 2012: 79 (2011 Fatalities Projections: 68) 3 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 SAFE GROUP RIDING pulling out with a problem. Ideally, Tail Captains have contact with the Road Captain. If a bike breaks down, let the rider move to the right. DO NOT STOP. The Tail Captain(s) will stop with the problem bike. The Road Captain should lead the rest of the group to a safe stopping place. Safety Procedures for Group Riding T he purpose of riding in an organized group instead of an undisciplined pack is to provide the additional safety that a well-organized group inherently generates. This comes from within the group and from the outside. When a group rides in an orderly fashion, people don’t get in each other’s way, and the organization of the formation itself discourages cars from attempting to cut in. Dennis Melancon Entering Traffic Safety must be our top priority for everyone at every level. Therefore, to insure the safest possible riding environment for all, EVERYONE in the group is expected to follow the group riding procedures below. When the Road Captain sees that all riders are helmeted, sitting on their bikes, motors running, and ready to depart, he or she should check for traffic and enter the roadway. Usually the Road Captain should not attempt to exit a parking lot unless there is room for all or most of the group to follow immediately. If the group is split, the Road Captain should normally take the slow lane and keep the speed relatively low until the group can form up in the positions the riders will keep for the duration of the ride. This may mean traveling slower than surrounding traffic to encourage cagers to pass and allow the group to form up. Formation Riding should be in a standard formation unless single file is necessary. In staggered formation, the bikes form two columns, with the leader at the head of either the right or the left column, as he chooses. The second bike should head the second column and should ride approximately one second behind the leader (and in the opposite side of the lane). The other riders should position their bikes two seconds behind the bike directly in front of them, which puts them one second behind the diagonal bike. Lane Changes Any lane changing starts with a signal from the Road Captain. The Road Captain should put on his signal as an indication that he is about to order a lane change. As each rider sees the directional signal, he also turns his on, so the riders following him get the signal. The leader then initiates the change, and all other riders change lanes. The important concept is that NO ONE moves until the bike in front of him has started moving. This formation allows each rider sufficient safety space and discourages other vehicles from cutting into the line. The last rider or Tail Captain may ride on whichever side of the lane he prefers. He may have to change sides during the ride, based on the situation at the moment. New Riders The position of new (inexperienced with GROUP riding) riders within the group is significant. New riders should be positioned as close to the front as possible. Hand Signals Each rider (or passenger) should duplicate all hand signals given by the rider in front of him, so that the signals get passed all the way to the back of the formation. Checking Out The Curves On any stretch of curvy road and in any corner, a group may ride in single-file momentarily, to enable each rider to corner at his own speed and to have as much room as possible for maneuvering. This is especially important to riders with little experience in a group, as they may “wobble” or be nervous about making turns with another bike to their side or riding close behind them. This is an accepted variance to staggered formation; usually the Road Captain will not signal for single-file at each turn but will expect the riders to choose their own path of travel. Automobiles Attempting a Lane Change Occasionally, a vehicle traveling next to the riding group may want to change lanes, or the riding group may be passing an entrance ramp, with merging vehicles. If a vehicle (including a large truck) indicates a desire to change lanes in the middle of the riding group, allow the lane change, as safely as possible. Riders next to the vehicle (or ramp) should indicate by hand an intent to slow down, allowing the vehicle(s) to merge into the riding lane. Riders in the back should repeat the hand signal and slow down as cautiously and safely as possible. After the vehicle(s) have finished the lane change, the riders can attempt to merge with the riding group ahead. Road Captain The Road Captain is responsible for the overall organization of the ride. He should route the ride and designate gas stops and stopping points. He should assure all riders are mounted and ready before pulling out and maintain the formation's speed within the confines of the law and conditions. The Road Captain should appoint two Tail Captains. Tail Captains ride last to assist bikes Ride Safely! Dennis Melancon President, GNO/RP Chapter 4 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 In Loving Memory Of Gray Ghosts’ “Bill The Dog” Wooley The First Patch Holder To Be An Officer Of ABATE Gone But Not Forgotten Central Louisiana Chapter ABATE of Louisiana, Inc. ABATE of Louisiana Central Louisiana Chapter Meetings on the 1st Wednesday of each month, at: AmVets Post #7 3409 England Drive Come and see what we’re about! 5 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 UNDERSTANDING ETHANOL-RELATED FUEL PROBLEMS E15 What are the negative effects of using ethanol in our engines? There are five major problems that I know of from ethanol in our gasoline: The following 2-part series written by Biker Chad was reprinted from the Road Guardians web site (http://roadguardians.org/) W e all have seen the signs and stickers 1. Debris in fuel / premature fuel breakon gas pumps everywhere stating that down. It is almost impossible to empty all of there is 10% ethanol added to our gasoline. the fuel from any engine system so there is This Mixture of 90% gasoline and 10% ethaalways old fuel somewhere in any fuel sysnol is often referred to as E10 or “gasohol”. tem. Straight gasoline starts to deteriorate We usually just fill our tanks up and go not Biker Chad around 30-60 days and ethanol fuels break down ever giving a thought to what effects burning the even faster than straight gasoline. When gasoline added ethanol in our engines may have. Does breaks down leaving gum and varnish in fuel tanks, fuel ethanol damage engines? Do you lose power, performlines, carburetors, etc. Ethanol is also a great cleaner of ance, and MPG with ethanol? I have been asked these gums, varnishes, dirt and the rust that water in the fuel questions and many more at our bike shop numerous creates. That is why ethanol is used in almost every bottle times. In this article I will try to answer these questions of carb / injector cleaner on the market. So when you fill and tell you how to combat ethanol related engine probup your tank you introduce fresh ethanol to run through lems. So read on and study hard, there may be a pop your fuel system and it will dissolve the deposits running quiz later. all that crud through the engine’s fuel system clogging Why is ethanol added to our fuel in the first place? fuel filters, injectors, and carburetors. Clogged fuel filters The answer to this question goes back to amendments will drop fuel pressures telling the regulator to work the made to the “Clean Air Act” in 1990. This amendment electric fuel pump harder to keep the fuel pressure up. stated that gasoline be oxygenated to cut down on CarThis will burn out fuel pumps. Gummed up carburetors bon Monoxide emissions. The first additive that was used and fuel injectors all lead to poor performance and all of to do this was Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MBTE). MBTE this leads to hefty repair bills. Considering you never had a very strong turpentine smell and it turned out to be really know how long the E10 sits at the refinery in a holdproven to contaminate ground water. Little is known about ing tank before it gets transported to the pump station to the long term health hazards from exposure to MBTE sit in the underground storage tank just to be purchased contamination in our water. MBTE had been used for this by you to sit in your tank before being burned in the enas early as 1979 in some states as a replacement for the gine, break down of the E10 gasohol fuel can be a real lead in leaded gasoline, however due to MBTE polluting issue. ground water it was replaced by ethanol around the year 2. Loss of power, octane rating, performance and 2000. I worked at a small engine repair shop when MBTE mileage from E10 gasohol. Contrary to what most peowas added to our gasoline. Our shop went from one full ple believe, higher octane gas does not make your engine time and one full time mechanic to three mechanics workmore powerful. Only if your engine is built for performing overtime to keep up with repairing damaged engines. It should be noted that gasoline with MBTE and gasoline ance or racing with a higher compression rating do you will need to use a higher octane gasoline. Your vehicle with ethanol should not be mixed as this can cause premanufacturer tells you what octane rating to use dependcipitates that clog fuel filters and carburetors. ing on your vehicle’s requirements. This information can Are there positive effects of ethanol in our gasoline? be found in the vehicle owner’s manual, on the fuel door Additives like MBTE or ethanol are used as an Oxygenaor gas cap. At the pump you typically have three choices tor in gasoline. Adding an Oxygenate like MBTE or Ethaof octane ratings use gasoline that has an octane ratings nol into gasoline reduces Carbon Monoxide emissions from 87 (lowest), 89 (midgrade), and 91 or 92 (premium) thus reducing pollution but this reduction in pollution is this is due to a few factors, but it is mainly relevant to the really only noticed in engines that have a carburetor and compression rating of your engine. The higher the comare not computer controlled by a “closed loop” EFI compression the higher the octane required. This is due to the puter system. Any vehicle that has Electronic Fuel Injecfact that gasoline and air mixture heats up as the piston tion (EFI) uses at least one oxygen sensor to analyze the moves on the compression stroke gasoline will ignite beexhaust allowing the vehicle’s computer to make adjustfore the spark plug fires. This is called pre-ignition and it ments to control emissions so they benefit very little from will damage the engine. Octane prevents this by slowing an ethanol mixed fuel as far as an emissions reduction down the burn rate from an early damaging explosion to a goes. The main reason ethanol stems from the Bush adslower more controlled burn. Pure ethanol has an octane ministration’s push to reduce America’s dependency on rating of 113, so adding ethanol will raise the octane ratforeign oil so the result is 10% ethanol is added to dilute ing of gasoline. The gasoline blender has to take this into gasoline to cut down on the amount of gasoline conconsideration and uses a lower octane base gasoline so sumed to reducing the amount of foreign oil consumed. when the ethanol is added you don’t get a higher octane fuel. Now what happens is this; you purchase E10 continued on page 20 6 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 SHARE-THE-ROAD EXPANDS A our questions willingly. The technically-gifted even helped us connect our laptop computer to their audio-visual equipment. s most of our readers know, ABATE is dedicated toward education and legislation in support of the motorcycle enthusiast community. ABATE of Louisiana proudly promotes and presents a program to High School Driver’s Education classes called ‘Share The Road’, which teaches and discusses the driving conditions of motorcycle and large vehicles such as 18-wheelers and buses. The presentation identifies the specific conditions of these two ends of the driving spectrum, and expounds on the right and responsibilities of all drivers, of all vehicles. The course is designed to complement and enhance many of the subjects taught in the drivers ed classroom. We look forward to working with Chalmette’s Drivers Ed classes in the future. ABATE’s Share The Road Program just added another high school to host its Driver’s Education class presentation. January 26th marked the first appearance of the program at Chalmette High School in Chalmette LA. The St. Bernard Parish School Board welcomed us and the Driver’s Ed teacher was happy to give us 90 minutes of the class time. As usual, our two instructors alternated in the presentation, each covering a different section of the material. The class was small compared to that of the other schools—only 45 students--but they were very wellbehaved and interested in the material, and responded to D SHARE THE ROAD Over 6,000 students to date Upcoming Events: Next classes for the GNO area: Bonnabel High School - March 5, and June 4. John Ehret High School - March 7, and June 5 Clint Furgason, Share The Road Coordinator 7 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 BIKERS JOIN IN MARDI GRAS PARADE O n February 8th the Joint Reserve Base at Belle Chasse LA hosted its annual Mardi Gras Plaquedilla Parade for military families. The parade wound its way through the base housing areas, tossing beads and other throws to the young kids and the young-at-heart to everyone’s delight. Members of the Green Knights MC, MAC, Patriot Guard Riders, Ragin’ Goats and ABATE of La. joined the decorated trucks manned by costumed military volunteers. Military motorcycle dress requirements were relaxed for parade participants, except for helmets. The bikers, all astride their mounts and holding the bikes up at walking speed while untangling strings of beads followed the Young Marines, school band, and school dance teams. Despite the crawling pace and distraction of throws and hollering kids, there were no incidents. The parade route ended at McCann’s Pub, a military club, where riders were offered free hot dogs and chips with soda and bottled water. The bar was open for those who wanted to buy beer or other drinks. After a rest, the riders said goodbye to base until next year. D PHOTO BY TIKI TOM SEATON More parade photos by Tiki Tom Seaton may be viewed on his web site: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4153810575620.2135587.1594595721&type=3 8 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 PHOTO BY TIKI TOM SEATON 9 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 NORTH CENTRAL CHAPTER 3199 TERRACE AVENUE, SLIDELL LA (985) 641-3401 or (888) 300-2999 STORE HOURS 10 AM - 6 PM MONDAY thru SATURDAY 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 2012 OFFICERS Over 1000 Patches in stock sewn on FREE while you wait Rob Breedlove, President Bill Patton, Viice President Shanna Strozier, Secretary “Cut Thru” Crawford, Treasurer Weaz Crump, Sergeant-at-Arms “Cut Thru” Crawford, Delegate-at-Large J.B. Chrisman, Chaplain 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 GNO CHAPTER 2013 OFFICERS (FROM LEFT) Glenn McGovern, Vice President Harry Delaune, Secretary Dennis Melancon, President Sharon “Kinky Kathy” Gonzales, Delegate David Key, Treasurer 1609 NEW NATCHITOCHES RD. WEST MONROE, LA 71292 10 (318) 325 325--9578 Call (318) 801 801--5908 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 O We need your help to pass S. 344. You can send a prewritten email to your senators immediately by following the "Take Action" option and entering your information. The AMA encourages riders to personalize their message by drawing on their own personal riding experiences. n Feb. 14, U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and David Vitter (R-La.) introduced S. 344. The bill would overturn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency waivers that allowed gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15) to be used for many passenger cars and light trucks. Send a message to your federal lawmakers immediately, urging your senators to support S. 344 and to back an independent study to determine whether E15 is safe for motorcycle and ATV engines. “EPA’s flawed waivers allowing E15 amount to government bureaucrats issuing short-sighted regulations that negatively impact families and businesses across the country,” said Wicker, a member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. “The concerns surrounding E15 that existed prior to the waivers have increased instead of diminishing.” Please join the AMA to help us fight these efforts. More members means more clout against our opponents, and your support will help the AMA fight for your rights – on the road, trail, racetrack, and in the halls of government. To join, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/membership/ join. “Whether you drive a car, truck, boat, or tractor, misfueling with E15 could result in engine failure, increased emissions, and the voiding of warranty coverage,” said Vitter. “It is irresponsible for EPA to allow E15 without sufficient testing and technical analysis. I support an allinclusive energy strategy, but experimenting before understanding the consequences and potential cost of using E15 is unfair to consumers.” D NOLA The American Motorcyclist Association has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and allterrain vehicle engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15 when the new fuel becomes widely available, and has asked that motorcycles and ATVs be part of any scientific study into the effects of E15. Honoring Those Who So Bravely and Valiantly Served, and the Families Who Supported Them Please join us in supporting our Military and their Families http://www.nolapatriots.org/ The new E15 gasoline formulation may appear at a fueling station near you and you need to be careful where you use this new fuel blend. That is because the EPA, in October 2010, approved E15 for use in model year 2007 and newer light duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, it added model year 2001-2006 light duty vehicles to the approved list. PATRIOTS No motorcycles or ATVs are currently on the list. Since the approved list includes many light-duty vehicles in use today, refineries, distributors, and fueling stations may choose to offer primarily E15 gasoline because of this action by the EPA. This should concern all motorcyclists and off-highway enthusiasts since this may affect the availability of gasoline with less or no ethanol (E10 or E0). 11 Also see us on Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 PAPA HOODOO’S CORN AND CRAWFISH BISQUE I’m a “foodie” and a fan of scratch-and-slow cooking, but with so many roads to ride and so little time, we need short cuts. So here is one of my favorites: Corn and Crawfish Bisque. Ingredients 1 10- or 12-ounce bag of PictSweet Seasoning Blend 1 can of Low-Sodium Whole Kernel Corn Preparation In a good, heavy or soup pot, sweat the whole veggies (PictSweet, drained Whole Kernel Corn) in butter with herbs and spices When veggies are soft, add garlic and sweat another minute Add Cream Corn and Cream of Celery soup Stir until well-combined and simmer for 2 minutes 1 tsp your favorite Cajun Seasoning Add half of the Half and Half and simmer for 5 minutes 1 tsp Italian Herb Seasoning Add cheese and crawfish. 3 cloves garlic, minced When cheese is thoroughly melted, taste for seasoning and adjust as needed if thinner consistency is desired and retaste. 1 can Cream Corn 1 can cream of celery soup 12 or 16 oz Crawfish Tails (Fresh-Cooked or Frozen) 2 tsp Dried Parsley ¼ stick Unsalted Butter (or Margarine) Stock or bouillion cube, fish or shrimp 1 qt Half and Half By using the soup and cream corn, you skirt the need for roux and cooking for a long time, and it gives tat cooked-allday restaurant-quality taste for which you’d pay a high price. And the secret: 3-4 slices Swiss Cheese — Papa Hoodoo THE OFFICESports Bar Wednesday Nite Bike Nite Longnecks $1.50 Well Drinks $3.00 Premium Drinks $4.00 5266 Cypress, West Monroe, LA 318-304-9176 EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT 6:00-9:00 [email protected] SIMPLE CHECKLIST 4117 Jefferson Hwy Jefferson, LA 504-828-2928 12 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 COME JOIN YOUR FELLOW MOTORCYCLISTS AT ABATE’S 32nd ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE BIKES EASTER SUNDAY March 30, 2013 2pm Please be on time at Shelter #1 (across the street from Landry’s Restaurant) New Orleans Lakefront 13 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 HOG POLAR BEAR RIDE J anuary 20th marked the date for the New Orleans Harley Owners Group Annual Polar Bear Ride. This year’s ride took us to Hymel’s Restaurant in Convent, LA, via Hwy 61 and River Road (East Bank). The weather was sunny but cool, and the ride was pleasant and incident-free. Some 37 bikes showed up, so for the sake of safety, we split into three groups since there was no police escort. One of the groups missed a turn and took a longer route, but hey, it’s the ride, not just the destination, right? The food was good, but Hymel’s was short of staff—one waitress—and it took about two hours to get all 43 riders and passengers fed. A couple of people were unhappy about the wait and left without eating, but the rest of us just enjoyed the fellowship, even though stomachs were growling. We’re all looking forward to the 2014 Polar Bear Ride and hope the weather will be at least as good as it was this year. 14 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 HIWAY TIDBITS—FRENIER LANDING RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR O Frenier Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar is located off Hwy 51 / I-55 frontage road on Peavine Rd., less than a mile north of I-10 at Laplace. Come on out and enjoy! n the southwestern shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Frenier Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar is a great place to break for lunch on a ride. It sits on land built up from the bottom of Lake Pontchartrain and was built to withstand hurricane-force winds. The restaurant was built four years ago using reclaimed (from Katrina) woods and furnishings, which lends a colorful and tropical air to the place. For more information check out their web site at: http:// www.frenierlanding.com/ We covered Frenier Landing in a previous issue, but while it was being printed, Hurricane Isaac damaged the propane gas storage system forcing the Landing to close for a while. However, this biker-friendly restaurant is open again and is such a great place that it is worth another mention. The Landing offers a tasty variety of seafood dishes, as well as great salads, steaks, and poboy sandwiches, and their char-grilled oysters are excellent. Their unique dishes include Grilled Alligator Sausage, Ponchatoula Pork Chop, Lake Omelet, and Bronzed Catfish. Inside, the dining room is big and airy with a view of the lake. When the weather is good, diners can enjoy their meals outside on the back or side balconies. The restaurant also features a bar area separate from the dining room and covered parking for motorcycles on a paved surface under the building. Seafood Combo Platter 15 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 HUMBLE HEARTS & HELPING HANDS POKER RUN The following letter came to us from a mother whose son is having multiple life-threatening medical problems. Please join in on the Poker Run for Braxton Richards. H On the 19th of December 2012 the neurologist said that Braxton's brain is deteriorated more since September and October 2012. Eventually he will be a vegetable and don't have much longer to live. We don't know how much longer, it's just a day by day living. umble Hearts & Helping Hands is having a Poker Run Benefit on March 2, 2013 for my son’s illness. Now my son is on oxygen all the time. Plus he only has one kidney and is missing chromosomes 22 and has a extract piece of 14. He is non-verbal and doesn't walk. He is also very low-tone and also has seizures. Braxton is a 3 year 6 month old child who carries a diagnosis of Phelan - McDermid syndrome resulting from an unbalanced translocation between Chromosomes 14 & 22 His deletion on chromosome 22 also includes the Arylsulfatase A gene, which is associated with Metachromatic Leukodysprophy as an autosomal recessive disorder. He also shows excessive sulfa tides in his urine. Braxton also underwent a nerve conduction on October 19th, 2012 which showed a non-uniform, predominantly demyelinating sensory motor polyneuropathy. The non-uniformity of the nerve conduction study was not consistent with the classic demyelinating motor and sensory polyneuropathy seen in typical Arylsulfatase A-deficient patients. Braxton has had two MRIs of the brain. The first one was February 14th, 2011, at the age of about 1 1/2 years old. It was normal. We repeated his MRI September 18th, 2012. There has been interval global atrophy with confluent subcortical white-matter sparing consistent with the findings seen in Metachromatic Leukodysprophy. Braxton also has a involuting Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney on the right. The donations are for medical expenses and the cost of needs for my son and doctors’ appointments, etc. God Bless Everyone!! Brittany Richards My cell is 985 687-8904 Loving My Life & The Ones In It D Wedding Photos Home Weddings Church Weddings “Uncle Jerry” Forstater rie New Orleans and Surrounding xp e E Area rs yea 504-231-0266 (Cell) 5 3 nce 16 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 17 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 ASK OUR LAWYER this, a rider could have 42.6 million billion thoughts while flying 125 feet at 40 MPH. I would suggest that, given this number of thoughts passing through a person's brain, it would SEEM to extend the perception of time and artificially expand it. Hence, "It seemed like I was airborne for about 10 minutes." That is why the old wives' tale of one's life passing before one's eyes at the point of death is not unfounded. Digger Phelps Rechecks My Numbers D igger is an old friend and an original member of the Executive Board of ABATE. He has a habit of trying to keep this lawyer honest (claims its a full time job). In my last column I wrote about flying through the air after getting hit on a motorcycle. Here are Digger’s interesting observations about my article: Rod, after reading the most recent article, I had to pause and question your calculations regarding the time spent waiting to hit the ground when one is launched from a bike by another vehicle. The particular that caught my eye was your assumption that it would take a "couple" of seconds to accelerate once hit. I suggest that the rider is already moving at X speed when hit and therefore, upon collision, the bike decelerates but the rider would continue at the original speed and decelerate due to wind resistance and eventually contact with solid objects. (earth, trees, sign posts, other vehicles, etc.) In order to compute the time spent airborne it would be difficult to account for the acceleration caused by a vehicle's energy transferred to the rider upon collision from behind or the side. To avoid this problematic calculation, let’s simplify it by removing the acceleration from the equation and say: Given: MC traveling at 40 MPH is passing through an intersection and strikes the side of a car which has turned left in front of the MC, launching the rider upwards and over the car with no rider contact. (fat chance, but bear with me), resulting in a launch distance (airborne) of 125 feet: Interestingly, another Internet source states that although the laws of physics state that nothing happens faster than the speed of light, it is conceivable that thought can exceed this speed and is not bound by physics. "Thoughts can be faster than the speed of light - I think. Proof? Deja vu? That's what happens when you exceed the speed of light and make time twitch. You create a temporal disturbance, although highly localized in your brain, which is then interpreted by our intellect as a delay in a thought already conceived in the past. This makes us think we just had this thought, which we did. We registered the thought twice, once as the super-physical faster-than-light disturbance and once as pure physical information that our senses can register." NOTE FROM ROD - Digger, I like the way you make me think and make my head hurt at the same time. Thank you. Rod Taylor ABATE Legal Services A.) In that event the rider is arguably still traveling at 40 MPH; CENTRAL CHAPTER B.) 40 miles per hour = 40 X 5280 ft. = 211,200 feet per hour; = 211,200/60 minutes; = 3520 feet per minute; = 3520/60 seconds; = 58.6666667 feet per second; C.) total distance 125 ft./ 58.6666667 = 2.13 seconds total time in-flight; NOW CONSIDER: According to an unnamed online expert at http:// www.ualberta.ca/~chrisw/howfast.html "A human being has about 100 billion brain cells. Although different neurons fire at different speeds, as a rough estimate it is reasonable to estimate that a neuron can fire about once every 5 milliseconds, or about 200 times a second. The number of cells each neuron is connected to also varies, but as a rough estimate it is reasonable to say that each neuron connects to 1000 other neurons- so every time a neuron fires, about 1000 other neurons get information about that firing. If we multiply all this out we get 100 billion neurons X 200 firings per second X 1000 connections per firing = 20 million billion calculations per second." 20 million billion calculations (thoughts) per second X 2.13 seconds = 42.6 million billion in-flight thoughts. Based on 2013 Officers (L to R) Debbie Bouton, Secretary/Treasiurer Brenda Ramo, Activity Coordinator Marion Polk, Sergeant-at-Arms President, Charlie Eschette Lynn Stoneman,Vice President Beverly Polk, La. Freedom Fighter Coordinator 18 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 NORTHEAST CHAPTER NORTHWEST CHAPTER 2012 OFFICERS 2012 OFFICERS Theresa Sullivan, President Jack Klorik, Vice President Lynn Reynolds, Treasurer Anita Furgason, Secretary Mike Reynolds, Seargant At Arms Laura Postlethwait, Membership Coordinator Clint Furgason, Chaplain Jim Lindsey, Local Government Liaison Bobby Murphy, President Marc Jolly, Vice President Susie Bailey, Secretary Sondra Brown, Treasurer Bobby Bailey, Delegate SHOW CURRENT ABATE CARD, GET 15% OFF MSRP!! Does your chapter have a member who deserves some special mention? Send us a name and a picture, and tell us about 19 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 ETHANOL-RELATED PROBLEMS continued from page 6 NORTHLAKE CHAPTER E15 gasohol with an octane rating of 87, phase separation occurs around 82 to 84. This is too low for a gasoline powered engine to run efficiently and causes loss of power and engine damaging pre-ignition. Ethanol produces about 34% less energy than the same amount one gallon of gasoline so in an E10 mixture you will lose 3% to 5% of your horsepower and MPG. 3. Ethanol is corrosive. Ethanol is an excellent solvent and will clean all of the gunk and grime that an engine will accumulate but these same strong cleaning qualities can lead to trouble for your engine. As I had stated earlier in this article ethanol is a great cleaner and this alone can cause issues as it dislodges built up dirt sending harmful and filter clogging particles through your fuel system and engine. Ethanol is also a drying agent and can disintegrate plastic, rubber, some types of fiber glass, aluminum and magnesium. Ethanol is most corrosive to ferrous metals (metals that contain iron, such as steel). This corrosion leaves behind salt deposits and a jelly like substance, both of which can clog fuel filters, fuel pumps and carburetors. Ethanol also burns at a higher temperature than gasoline causing damage to pistons. Any car or truck that is not a “Flex Fuel” vehicle is most likely not equipped with ethanol resistant parts and even fewer small engines like lawn mowers, motorcycles, etc. are equipped with ethanol-resistant parts. Marine motors and ethanol just do not get along at all due to the high water content in their operating environment. Due to the high damage rate and risk of marine motors developing polluting gasohol leaks from ethanol damage, a lot of marinas are currently offering ethanol free gasoline. According to the FAA ethanol is forbidden in airplane fuels (excluding air craft licensed as experimental). Using E10 in 2-cycle outdoor power equipment (weed whackers, chainsaws, etc.) can seize motors and most manufacturers will not honor warranties on their equipment if E10 is used. E10 is bad enough, but if E15 is put into place we can expect severe damage to any vehicle not equipped like an E85 Flex Fuel vehicle. Please consider that the levels of ethanol are not closely monitored by most gas stations, but you can purchase inexpensive ethanol test kits to be sure the ethanol percentage is not over 10%. 2013 OFFICERS (from left) Carl Hursky, Vice President Luanne Wilton, Secretary Bruce Roberts, President , Treasurer Ollie “Laddie” Elkins NCOM Board of Directors Region V: AR, KY, LA, MS, TN NCOM Rep for A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc. [email protected] 225-305-7436 Biker Chad Road Guardians Biker Chad—Chad Hensiak—is a published writer and photographer who has worked as a mechanic, product tester, technical adviser, motorcycle sales associate, and parts consultant. He currently works as a motorcycle mechanic at the Road Guardians Compound in Big Bend, Wisconsin (http://www.rgcompound.com/) Part II of this article will appear in the May-June issue of BBN. Also see AMA Action Alert on page 11 of this issue. 20 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 Patriot Guard Riders Standing for Those Who Stood for Us 541 W Laurel Ave, Eunice, LA 70535 Phone: 337-457-2004 21 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 MOREHOUSE PARISH CHAPTER Just North of LaPlace on the West Shore of Lake Ponchartrain 2012 OFFICERS JJ Gregory, President Don Shivers, Vice President Kim Dean, Secretary Bruce Gregory, Treasurer Ralph Daniels, Sergeant at Arms 22 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 2013 MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR TRAINING SCHEDULE All courses are Basic level unless otherwise indicated Basic Rider Course Bossier City: Thibodaux: February 7. 9-10 March 14, 16-17 April 11, 13-14 May 16, 18-19 January 11-13 March 8-10 April 19-21 May 3-5 May 31-June 2 Gonzales: Motorcycles used in Basic Rider Course may not exceed 550cc Training Cost: $25 Motorcycle Reservation Fee: $75 (if not using personally owned motorcycle) Advanced Rider Course To be determined Hammond: West Monroe: Training Cost: $25 February 22-24 February 23-24 January 25-27 February 1-3 For more details: http://www.lsp.org/motorcycle.html April 26-28 April 27 (Intermediate) June 21-23 Lafayette: March 1-3 March 10 (Intermediate) April 26-28 May 10-12 June 7-9 February 8-10 March 15-17 March 16 (Intermediate) April 5-7 May 17-19 June 21-23 Westwego: February 23-24 March 16-17 April 26-28 May 17-19 Lake Charles: Zachary/Baton Rouge February 9-10 March 9-10 April 19-21 May 10-12 May 31-June 2 January 25-27 March 23 (Advanced) March 24 (Intermediate) April 19-21 April 20-21 May 31-June2 June 7-9 or call Larry Ourso at 225-925-6113, ext. 224 NOW $3,000 ! MEMBERSHIP NEWS If you have a change of address please email it to [email protected] Barbara Sikes Membership Coordinator D 23 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 State President State Vice President State Secretary Charlie Toth Randy Postlethwait Carol McCarthy 800-393-5966 985-974 -1429 318-871-6409 504-874-1292 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] State Treasurer Legislative Coordinator Legislative Coordinator Jim Lindsey Cecil Crawford Theresa Sullivan 318-286-8226 318-255-8096 318-564-2765 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Share The Road Coordinator State Public Relations Web Master Clint Furgason Jack Mills 318-294-8414 Position Open 504-914-1857 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Voter Utilization Coordinator Voter Utilization Coordinator NCOM Representative Anita Furgason Clint Furgason Ollie “Laddie” Elkins 318-294-8414 318-294-8414 225-305-7436 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] State Store Co-Manager State Store Co-Manager State Membership Coordinator Bruce Roberts Carl Hursky Barbara Sikes 985-773-3553 225-567-5370 225-698-9070 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] State Advocacy Coordinator Growth Coordinator Bayou Bikin’ News Editor Bobby Murphy Harry Delaune 318-348-9508 985-415-3468 [email protected] [email protected] Position Open [email protected] 24 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 ABATE STATE BOARD MEETING—JANUARY 12TH Chapter Officers, Trustees, Visitors Executive Board (minus President Charlie Toth, still out on sick leave) Executive Officers GNO Chapter North Central Chapter Northlake Chapter Dennis Melancon Rob Breedlove Bruce Roberts Chapter President Chapter President Chapter President 504-450-0521 318-680-0269 985-773-3553 [email protected] Meets 3rd Thursday of the month at Randazzo’s Family Restaurant 4462 Wabash St Metairie, LA [email protected] [email protected] Meets 4th Thursday at 6:30 PM Patton Service Company 2569 Highway 33 Ruston, LA Meetings 1st Sunday of the month, at Ya Ya’s Daquiri Depot Hwy 190 & Hwy 25, Covington, LA Morehouse Parish Chapter Central Chapter JJ Gregory Charlie Eschette Chapter President Chapter President 318-366-6439 318-452-7604 [email protected] [email protected] Meeting date and time announced 1 week in advance. Meet at: Meetings 1st Wednesday of the month, at AmVets Post #7 3409 England Drive Alexandria, LA Skeeter’s 3482 New Monroe Rd Bastrop, LA Northwest Parish Chapter Northeast Chapter Teresa Sullivan Bobby Murphy Chapter President Chapter President [email protected] [email protected] Meets 1st Tuesday at 7 PM Odd months: El Chico’s, 2127 Greenwood Rd, Shreveport Meets 3rd Thursday at 6:30 PM Big Top (off Thomas Rd) 2055 Old Natchitoches West Monroe, LA Even Months: Café USA, 3380 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, LA 25 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 Runs and Events Mar 8-10: ABATE of Louisiana, Inc. Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival, Independence LA; more info: indysicilianfest.com Mar 8-17: Daytona Bike Week, Daytona FL Mar 9: ABATE of LA State Board Meeting; Alexandria LA; more info: Henry Daigre, 318-729-9968 Mar 9: Blessing of the Bikes; Alexandria LA; Mar 9: Blessing of the Bikes Run; Monroe LA, Chennault Park, 10 am - 3pm; Free Lunch, Proceeds to CMA’s RFTS; contact Terry Trichell, 318-355-1568 Mar 9: Fallen Fighter Memorial Ceremony, Baton Rouge LA. ; www.facebook.com/LaF.F.Memorial Mar 9: Community Benefit for Ms Betty, Alexandria LA; 10 am - 2 pm, Renegade Harley-Davidson Mar 16: 4th Annual NELA ABATE Membership Drive; Big Top, West Monroe LA; registration 9 am, KSU 9:30 am more more info: Jolly, 318-348-3036 Mar 23: Hooters Spring Bike Show; West Monroe, LA; 9 am - 3 pm ; more info: Squirrel, 318-325-9578 Mar 22-23: 10th Annual Ride for Autism, 724 I-10 S. Frontage Rd, Scott, LA; 2 days: ends Orange Beach AL; more info: Carol Mesa 985-237-0429 or http://www.lightningcustoms.com/events/event_28932.html Mar 31: ABATE 32nd Annual Blessing of the Bikes, 2:00 pm, Shelter #1, West End Blvd at Ponchartrain Lakefront, New Orleans LA; more info: [email protected] Apr 4-6: Louisiana State HOG Rally, Houma, LA; more info: 225-925-1180 or http://lastatehogrally.com/ Apr 13: Bear Morgan Ride to Angola Prison, LA; more info: Terry, 318-355-1568 Apr 14: Biker Sunday, The Church on Garrett Rd, Monroe LA; more info: Terry, 318-355-1568 Apr 20: Sunshine Festival, Jonesboro LA; Bike show and other activities Apr 21: Harley for Horses, La Place, LA; Registration 10 am, LaPlace Travel Center Apr 20: Jennings Lions Club Poker Run, Piggly Wiggly, corner of N. Cutting and Roberts Ave, Jennings LA; more info: http://www.lets-ride.com/event/louisiana.htm Apr 27: Hogs for Paws; Rabb’s Steakhouse, Ruston LA, 8 am till….; more info: Tammy, 318-265-3552 May 2: Arkansas State HOG Rally, Hot Springs AR; more info: http://www.arstatehogrally.com/ May 3-5: ABATE State Rally, Arcadia LA; in conjunction with Confederate MC Rally; Located at Bonnie & Clyde’s May 11: 3rd Annual Ride for Camp Quality, Brother’s Keeper MC of Monroe, Monroe LA May 16-18: Texas State HOG Rally, San Antonio TX; more info: http://www.txstatehogrally.com/ May 18: Ride For Your Rights IX, sponsored by Northlake Chapter; info: [email protected] May 19: Louisiana Ride for Kids, Alexandria LA; benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation; info: 800-253-6530 May 25-28: Gulf Coast Memorial Day Blowout, Gulfport, MS; more info: 228-392-8281 or http://www.lightningcustoms.com/gulfportblowout.html May 26: Rolling Thunder XXVI; Washington DC; info: http://rollingthunderrun.com/ 26 Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc. STRATEGIC PLAN VISION: ABATE 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. Serve as an information source pertaining to current laws, 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. Harry says: Thanks to those who contributed to the BBN. WE WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR CHAPTER EVENTS AND PHOTOS! Contact us at [email protected] CORE VALUES: Motorcyclists are dedicated to freedom of the road. Motorcycles serve as a legal means of transportation be it primary or recreational. Motorcycles are environmentally friendly when it comes to fuel consumption and wear/tear on roadways. Motorcyclists are community minded as shown and represented by all the events participated in, in the name of charities and benefits. BAYOU BIKIN’ NEWS ADVERTISING FEES Published Bi-Monthly Business Card $10.00 per Issue / ¼ Page $20.00 per Issue / ½ Page $40.00 per Issue / Full Page $80.00 per Issue Ads pre-paid for one year get 1 issue FREE and a sponsor spot on our website! KEY STRATEGIC GOALS: Promote the continued use of motorcycles on the public highways and byways. Continue gaining support of the public and policy makers to enable ABATE to fulfill its mission. To increase partnerships with other groups and allies that will help accomplish the mission of ABATE. Assess all activities, programs and operations of ABATE in order to strive for continual improvement of our organization. Business Card $50.00 per Year / ¼ Page $100.00 per Year / ½ Page $200.00 per Year / Full Page $ 400.00 per Year Send check or money order to: A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc. Newsletter, P.O. Box 25, Garyville, LA 70051 Bayou Bikin’ News Deadline: 15th day of even numbered months D Bayou Bikin’ News Editorial Guidelines- A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana Inc. welcomes your news, opinions, comments, complaints and suggestions on motorcycle-related issues. All articles must include your name and address, and may be edited for contents and clarity. Any articles from any other publication must include the name of the publication, page number and issue number. We do not accept slanderous, accusing letters, profanities or nonABATE of LA related letters. A.B.A.T.E. of LA reserves the right to refuse or edit any article, photo, letter or advertisement that is determined not to be in the best interest of the organization or it’s members. A.B.A.T.E. of LA accepts no responsibility for the comments or opinions from reprinted materials contained within this publication. A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc Newsletter P.O. Box 25 Garyville, LA 700051 www.abateoflouisiana.org 27 Renew ___ Date ____________________ Signed ____________________________ I agree to comply with A.B.A.T.E. rules for motorcycle events. I understand that all benefits become effective upon receipt of my membership card. I agree not to hold A.B.A.T.E. responsible for accidents that may occur at A.B.A.T.E. events. Membership dues and donations are NOT tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Emergency Contact Number __________________ Legislaive Donation (Optional) ______$5 ______$10 Voter Registration Number________________________ ______Other (Enter Amount) Chapter __________________ Amount Enclosed _______________ Referred By ______________________ Emergency Contact Name ________________________ Email _________________________________________ Date of Birth____________ Phone: (____) _______________________________________ City __________________________ St _____ Zip __________ Address ____________________________________________ Name _____________________________________________ New ___ RETURN ADDRESS: ABATE of Louisiana, Inc, Newsletter P.O. Box 25 Garyville, LA 70051 A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc. P.O. Box 541, St. Amant, LA 70774 Mail to: Make check of Money Order to A.B.A.T.E. of LA., Inc. of Louisiana A.B.A.T.E. Membership Application New Members/Renewals Only $20.00 each Youth Membership: $5.00 Life Membership: $150.00 single, $225.00 couple Bayou Bikin’ News March-April 2013 28