Thanking Those Who Defend Your Freedom

Being a Freedom Fighter isn't all politicians and legislation. It's also about supporting those who fight next to you, and for you. RC posted a great video sent to him by Papa John, illustrating a universal hand sign for "Thank You" that each and every one of us should be practicing. Check it out here.

Because I travel extensively in my job, I am in airports often. I make a point to address soldiers personally and thank them. They are often alone, and some seem to welcome conversation about where they have been and where they are going. Most are very young, and as a mother, I am struck by just how young they are and feel a strong sympathy for their families.

I know that not all people are as bold as I am, and might feel uncomfortable in addressing them in such a personal way, and some soldiers may also feel uncomfortable. And perhaps when you see a soldier you may be in a hurry to get somewhere and don't have time to stop and chat or vice versa. The universal sign for Thank You is the perfect way to let them know you care and appreciate what they do to protect your freedom. It's such a simple and easy thing to do.

These young boys and girls face atrocities most of us only hear about. Even though the nightmare of war affects fewer of our military than in past wars, that doesn't make it any less important. However, everyone should be aware and understand how significant that statement is when you consider what military personnel has gone through in past wars, and are still facing the aftermath of every day of their lives. Many of whom were spit on when they returned home.

I'm talking about our Veterans. The Vietnam Vets, those of Desert Storm, and many already in Hospitals resulting from injuries and trauma in the Iraqi war. For them, the war will never end.

Yesterday, I accompanied a group of people to the Veterans Hospital in Lake City, FL. This visit was planned and arranged by my friend Jewels (check out a past post on Jewels here), who is a National member of Rolling Thunder, a group dedicated to American POW/MIA soldiers and Veterans of all wars.

That's our Jewels, front and center with the ladened vest. And that's RC being conspicuously inconspicuous in the center back, and me kneeling on the left. The baby carriage holds two "mascot" Chihuahua's, always a hit with those interred in a hospital. Many thanks to Jewels for her big heart and huge efforts in making this visit happen and continue to happen for these deserving souls.

Some of the group dared the predicted thunder storms and rode their bikes, some rode in cars. We were to have lunch with these resident Vets and provide some light in their otherwise routine lives of dealing with any number of disabilities, in a place they have no choice in living.

Our gift to them was us. And it left me with even more respect for those who fight for my freedom. They sacrificed their own well being and happiness for me. For each and every one of us. It was the least I could do; so small of an effort for me, and so huge of a joy for them.

Let me describe to you some of what I saw there:

The hospital looked like most any other hospital; cleaner and nicer than some VA hospitals, and less than others. None that I've been in look like or feel like home. I know. Because of my job, I have been in many hospitals, including VA hospitals, around the country. I did see a view of a garden area where some residents can partake of gardening.

One delightful and very coherent man of an older age, probably of the Vietnam era, was confined to a wheelchair. On his head he wore a red, white and blue do-rag, and his chair was adorned with other American flag elements. He had lost one leg at the hip, and had no use of the other. He told me that the VA had sent him home at one point, but could not provide consistent nursing care for him, so he demanded to come back. He had no choice.

Another young man, with bright strawberry blond hair and the manners of a southern gentleman, who couldn't have been older than 40, was relegated to a walker due to back and leg injuries. I suspect his injuries also included brain or mental injuries as well, as he became overly tired after only an hour visit. But he was so obviously delighted to have the attention from women other than nurses, that I was reluctant to circulate more than I did. He was a delightful man, and was very proud of the lifelong military service his father contributed, and obviously his own as well.

Some of the vets in wheelchairs could not feed themselves, but were delighted to have someone assist. Many were quite aged, and some were very young men. A few had family members present, and their misty eyes matched ours throughout the entire visit. They know all too well the needs of these special people.

Some of the men could not respond to much of anything, yet if you looked closely enough, you knew they loved having us there.

As in the rides I participate in with the Patriot Guard, this visit will not be the last.

I went home to my big house, my daughter (who is home for the summer), and my computer; to write about this experience in hopes of convincing my readers to give a bit of your time to the Vets in your community. To get involved with an organization that contributes to our fallen soldiers; be they disabled Vets, or those who come home to bereaved families. It takes so little, and gives so much back.

It doesn't require a motorcycle, or anything else, except compassion and respect for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice; their lives, their well-being, their everyday joys in life. All because they were asked to serve, and many who wanted to serve. Their lives have been changed forever, in a service that directly affects each and every one of us. It's not about whether the war is right or wrong, it's about those who served in the name of the Freedom all Americans benefit from.

A quick Google search on Veterans will turn up many ways to volunteer a bit of your time. I have a busy life, like most people. It isn't about what I receive in doing this. However, in giving a small amount of my time to these Veterans and their families, I have received joy back tenfold in seeing the delight on the faces of those who get very little joy in life anymore.

Visit the Patriot Guard website. There are groups all over the country now. Membership is FREE, but no one must be a member to volunteer and participate. Most are motorcyclists, but owning or riding one is not a prerequisite. This organization is dedicated to protecting and preserving the Honor and Respect of our fallen soldiers and their families. Motorcyclist or not, you'll meet some of the most wonderful people, guaranteed.

Visit the Rolling Thunder website too. The link goes to their "About Us" fact sheet. These men and women volunteer their time selflessly and diligently to provide a better life for those who have served. Many of them Veterans themselves.

Both organizations are not-for-profit, yet contribute so much to our armed services.

Show your gratitude for the men and women of our armed forces. Because of them you live free.

New Links - Worthy Sites

I've got two new sites for you to check out, but first let me do a little whining ...

This past week has been simply HELL for me. Besides getting only 4 hours of sleep for the past five days in a row, keeping up with work deadlines, I also refuse to allow my personal life to get behind either. I am feverishly trying to get my house in order, after moving into it a month ago, in preparation for guests next week for the Florida Freedom Rally and Run-on-the-Capitol.

This morning, we had severe thunder and lightning storms, which knocked out my power. No biggie, you say? Well usually it is a no-biggie, but with temps up around 78 degrees at night, and the humidity level way up, no power is not a good thing. Not only am I unable to take a shower, but more importantly, I can't get my garage door open on my own without the garage door opener working. It is simply too heavy for me to lift. As a result I missed the ride I had planned for this weekend because my scooter is inside the garage. This problem is now at the top of my list to resolve, since "Florida Flicker & Light" is so unreliable.

But... I digress and all whining aside, perhaps it was an omen that I couldn't get the scooter out this morning, since it is now pouring rain again and the thunder-boomers are rolling through. I hope the power lasts long enough to finish this post before flickering out again.

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Recently I received a reply to one of my blog postings from the editor of an online Motorcycle Magazine, located in my home state of Florida. I didn't respond right away, because, you see, I get contact messages all the time from other online sources, mostly asking for link exchanges. But this one intrigued me.

I checked out the site, and was fairly impressed with the content, but as always, there wasn't much in the way of postings on bikers rights, which is really at the top of my list for things related to motorcycles, besides riding of course. So I wrote her back telling her of my views.

Long story short, we ended up chatting on the phone and I liked what I heard from her. And when she asked me to do a guest column for her e-zine, I agreed. The first of which is the open-letter I wrote to her initially.

Check out CurvesAhead.net. I think you'll be surprised at the friendliness of this website, for both male and female riders. And since it is Florida based, you'll find a comprehensive and thorough list of events to choose from when you're making that difficult decision this weekend of which event to attend on your scoot (that is, if you can get the garage door open).

And you'll find my open-letter to her, right there on the front page. Look for the image of our revered flag. And while you're there, cruise through and look at everything. There's something for every biker here.

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The other site is the brain-child of two bikers in North Texas, Jeff (Rummy) Rumminger and Phil (TJ Willy) Golden, who saw the need and got motivated. It is called Motorcycle Awareness Corps or M.A.C. for short.

They aren't a political organization, or a bikers rights group. They are all about Motorcycle Awareness, for everyone, and dedicated to making "Motorcycle Awareness" a household phrase.

Check it out and lend your support to them. I have no doubt whatsoever that this site will take off like wildfire. Do yourself a favor and be a part of it.

Thumbs up to Phil and Jeff for recognizing the need and not just talking about it, but doing something about it. See what this very worthy website is all about, post their link on your webpage, email them and encourage them, spread the word.

Ooops, the lights are flickering... time to save and post.

Ride safe, ride free.

The Short List

I am tall for a woman, just shy of six feet. At the tender age of 13, I grew three inches in one year, and another inch the following year. As I recall, it was very painful. Literally! One leg grew slightly faster than the other, producing back and leg pain, and of course, I outgrew all of my clothes. Although, back then, mini-skirts were all the rage, and the bane of my mother's existence.

In the end, my legs grew to be the same length, and I stretched out to become a tall, slender high school girl, who was taller than most of the other kids.

I didn't want to be tall, I can tell you. I heard all the lines; how's the weather up there? are you an Amazon? are you a lesbian? was your dad a basketball player? And the worst part was, I was invariably taller than the boy I wanted to date, and who would not be seen with a girl who was taller than he.

I did, however, come to love being tall. It added to my self-confidence over the years. I could reach things that others could not. I also discovered I could do more of the sports that boys could do, and be taken seriously as well. It was my love for the extreme, and the "adrenaline rush" that came with it, that motivated me. And my dad, who "walked on water", was a car mechanic, so, of course, I had to be good at that too. Playing with machines, meant fixing them.

I was one of the "boys", and could hold my own. Oddly enough, even though I was tall and did all manner of things that were normal hobbies of the male persuasion, none of those guys thought I was anything but a woman through and through. Most of them respected me for my skills and my desire to participate in their sports.

When I started riding dirt bikes, I rode the same as any of the guys did, without any trouble, and kept up with them too! When it came time to buy a street bike, I had no trouble choosing, since I fit them all without a problem. I didn't even think about height, and made my decision based on looks and feel. I didn't know any other women who rode their own in the early days, so it never occurred to me that height should be a problem.

These days I ride my '02 Dyna Wide Glide with a lot of other women. Some of them are fairly short in height and I have heard all manner of stories about their experiences with buying their bikes. Why it never occurred to me that anyone would have a problem finding a bike short enough for them, I have no idea. Maybe it's because I'd never ridden with a lot of different women before. The few women I'd ridden with in the past were all tall enough to choose from a wide variety of bikes, and the short ones rode with their men.

So why have I written all this, if not for your amusement? Because last night I ran across a website for the "vertically challenged" woman rider!! How cool is that? Here's that link:

Short Women Riders

With all the women riders out there, and many of them shorter than the average man or woman nowadays, it stands to reason there would be a website somewhere that supported them (d'oh!), and the problems they face with finding a suitable bike for their height.

And what do they have on this website? A list of bikes available for short women! It's not obvious where this list is, so you can surf your way directly there at this URL:

Short Bike List

This list contains only metric bikes, and are categorized by rider height in inches. If you're 5'5" and over, and can sit a bike flatfooted (in boots of normal height in sole thickness), they say you're not short. If you're a short woman, and you ride a Harley, I'm sure they would love to hear how you've had it modified to fit you.

Note that they list heights for manage, and flatfooted. Manage means you can balance your bike at a stop while on your toes. My guess is, this list does not address wearing platform boots to lengthen your reach, which is employed by some women.

New and beginner riders should try a smaller bikes at first. They create the confidence needed before trying to master a larger, more powerful bike. I rode a smaller bike (physical size) for a while before moving up to a larger one. And from that one, it was a matter of simply moving up to a larger more powerful engine. Many women go for the huge bikes first, and then quit when they lose confidence.

Metric bikes in general are less expensive, and good used ones are easier to find. I would wait until you are ready for your final size and engine displacement before buying a brand new bike. Although resale values of metric bikes are improving, they still depreciate rapidly, and faster than a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The trade-off is Harley's cost more.

It occurred to me to question why motorcycle manufacturers are not offering more height variables for their bikes, since women make up a much larger percentage today than ever before. It almost seems like manufacturers believe a small woman is not strong enough to ride a larger displacement motorcycle, for it makes no sense to me why they would not address this issue.

Let's explore that theory for a sec.

Most of us who ride know where that thin red line is; when your bike is leaning too far off center for you to muscle it back upright. Your size and strength determines how far off center that line can be, and is the only strength parameter that applies (aside from hoisting it up off the kickstand and backing your bike up an incline). Yes, it's true, most of us women are weaker in strength than most men. What that means is we learn to deal with less "window" between the left and right point of no return. Strength plays no part in riding your bike with balance and finesse.

Any bike will continue to fall on it's side after crossing that magic red line, and the rider must get off (or get up) to pick it up. I don't know of anyone who can hoist their bike upright of the ground, from a straddling position. Oh, there may be a few "bruisers" out there who can, but I would bet the bike is not a 600 lb - 1000 lb cruiser. (Anyone who knows such a person can feel free to send me a video of this stunt, and I will post it here - we can all ooh and ahhhh over it.)

Check out this website for a great tutorial on picking up a fallen bike.

So, aside from the limitations of your balance zone while standing still, the height or strength of the rider has nothing to do with riding a motorcycle safely and efficiently. So why then the disregard for features that would enable more [women] to ride, particularly the vertically challenged women? It's anyone's guess, but it doesn't matter how tall you are or aren't, how strong or weak you are or aren't, you can adapt, and you can ride. Strength of character and determination is all you need. Manufacturers will catch up eventually, once they put down the big club and stop pounding their chests.

Short woman or tall woman, if you want to ride, here's some simple tips to remember:

1. Sign up for and attend a reputable Rider Safety Course. Before you buy.


2. Get your permit or endorsement. Riding without one is against the law.


3. Start small (physical bike size), no matter how confident you feel after taking the safety course. You can always trade-up at a speed you feel comfortable with. Some riders start out too big and drop their bikes too often, or have trouble learning to corner at low speeds. This can discourage you from getting the miles and time you need to become confident. There is a reason (the small bikes used) that you feel so confident after you complete the safety course.


4. Find a patient, experienced woman rider to accompany you on rides. If you have a husband or male friend who is patient enough, they will suit. (Sometimes those closest to you will feel anxious about you as a new rider, and may be too critical, and thereby eroding your newly found self-confidence.)


5. Wear suitable protective clothing, and a helmet. Once you've got some miles (and time!) under your belt, and you prefer to ride without a helmet, it's your choice. Read up on your state's helmet laws first. In Florida, you must carry at least $10,000 of medical insurance, either on your bike policy, or a personal medical policy, and be at least 21 years of age, to ride without a helmet. If you rely on your personal medical coverage, you must carry proof of this with you when you ride or risk getting a ticket for no helmet.


6. Read all you can on safety tips. There are scads of websites out there with excellent tips published. For example, most H.O.G. chapter websites list safety tips, as do Motorcycle organizations such as AMA, and state ABATE sites.


7. Learn to pick up your bike by yourself. This alone will build incredible confidence as you learn where that "red line" is. It can be very disheartening to have your bike fall over when you are out alone, and no one to help you. And no matter what anyone says, or how long they've been riding, male or female, we all drop our bikes at some point. It is nothing to be ashamed of (though it can be embarrassing). Restoring your bike into the upright position, all by yourself, can make a huge difference in how you feel about resuming the ride.


8. Never, never, never drink and ride. Even one beer (which may be under the legal limit for you) can impair your ability to react in time. Sitting behind the wheel of a car is far different than operating a motorcycle. I won't even go there on illegal drugs. Using them is against the law, and shows the most basic disregard for yourself, and for others you may be riding with.

Woman Biker Spotlight: A Jewel Among Women

I’ve recently come to know a very special soul in the world of women bikers. This post is about her, and the role she has played in honoring this country’s Veterans, and her life as a woman biker.

Jewels, so nicknamed after her given name of Julie, is a blond woman of 55 years. She is a woman of great passion, evident in everything she says and does. Like me, she is a very trusting soul, and she shared her innermost thoughts with me; about life, and also about her life.

Listening to her tell me the stories of her childhood and family background in the red clay farm country of Donalsonville, Georgia, her ‘Southern Belle’ accent makes one think of Mint Juleps and sultry afternoons on a porch swing overlooking endless fields of cotton.

Originally a ‘left-coaster’, I found myself listening with studied intensity to catch the meaning of words or phrases I’d never heard of, and laughing delightedly at the definition of those I asked about. Her unique way of speaking in half sentences, one running into the next, almost as if her speech cannot keep up with her thoughts, was a challenge for me. But as I came to know her and understand the complex person beneath the small town southern upbringing, I discovered a very intelligent and grounded woman, with a very big heart and a great deal of honesty and integrity. One has only to leave preconceived ideas behind to see what is beneath the surface.

Jewels left her family home, after graduating from high school, seeking to learn about the world beyond what she’d known for 18 years. She realized that staying in the small town where she was raised would eventually suffocate her. Her journey took her to Europe where she met, and married her first and only husband. (When her two sons were small, she divorced, and set about raising them on her own. She never remarried.)

While in England, she owned a 1972 Triumph motorcycle (her first), and rode about the English countryside with friends. Somewhere along the line, she experienced a crash as a passenger and decided riding wasn’t conducive to her safety. Twenty years passed before she rode a motorcycle again.

Jewels obtained an education in the world of real estate and insurance (life, health, and variable annuities) from the University of MD, and the University of VA. In the course of her life, she took other educational courses to supplement her knowledge. She made Washington, DC her home. Through her work, Jewels made friends and rubbed elbows with powerful, high rolling executives, and the common man alike.

I can easily see how Jewels could be at home with anyone, switching from her easy southern speech to that of a professional woman in a very visible position in the world of finance. She is loveable, kind, and holds her own with anyone who presumes to push her around. She is comfortable with who she is, and shows it.

Since I am also one who left the ‘comfort zone’ in life to raise children as a single mother, and to pursue a professional career, I know what it takes to become assertive enough to survive among the professional men of the world. It’s not easy, and it eventually shapes your attitude into one of confidence, with a sometimes solitary content. You want acceptance, but you no longer need it.

Women don’t often successfully achieve that plane of existence, where we feel equal in a professional world. It takes many years to get there, struggling and persevering throughout. The results come from seeing and learning much about the world, and the people in it, learning about ourselves in the process, and adapting.

Washington, DC is the extreme opposite of Donalsonville, GA, and even Tallahassee to some extent. The daily traffic in DC alone can shake even the most confident driver. The business world is dog-eat-dog and only the sharpest survive. You learn, you adapt, or you fail. I can’t see Jewels giving up or failing at anything. Her tenacity is the root of her success.

Throughout her life, Jewels has met life’s challenges head on; even the painful ones. No moss-growing for Jewels. She made many trips back and forth between DC and Georgia to deal with the death of her sister-in-law, who died tragically in a drunk-driving accident. She held her family together and fought for her brother’s right to keep his children as he lay in a hospital fighting for his life. Her worldliness helped her niece and nephew learn to overcome this tragedy and move on with their lives. She allowed these ‘bumps’ in the road to help her grow as a person, rather than let them drag her down.

Around 1995, Jewels met Tommy Rhodes, who became her ‘other half’ and though they chose not to ‘ruin a good thing’ by marrying, Tommy is still a major part of her life.

Tommy was and is an ‘old school’ biker, and Jewels decided that riding full time again was where she wanted to be. Having owned and ridden various motorcycles on and off since 1992, Jewels was secure enough in the world to make it a consistent part of her life. She jumped into the world of bikers, the way she does everything else, with conviction and purpose.

She became actively involved with Rolling Thunder at the national level. Following that, she became a lifetime member of National H.O.G., an active member of Fairfax, Virginia H.O.G., and a member of Ft. Washington H.O.G.

In October of 2002, one month after the 1st anniversary of 911, the Fairfax, VA H.O.G. chapter was contacted by Congressman Frank Wolf, who pointed out that inpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC received all the attention of well-wishers and volunteers, while overflow, outpatients, and families housed on the base received little or nothing.

Fairfax H.O.G. members brainstormed the issue and decided upon a Pizza Party and biker show for these brave souls. With help from the Red Cross, Jewels among others, began the planning and execution. It was their first 'Operation Atlas' Event.

As Jewels tells me of this event, the emotions are evident in her voice and expression. It was the beginning of an effort Jewels needed in her life; giving back to those who gave so much to us in the course of serving our country.

She recalled how heart wrenching it was to see those men, women, and their families, enjoy some respite from the harshness of military service, and how delighted they were that ‘someone’ cared. The smiles were everywhere, and the tears flowed freely.

Speaking for her involvement in the H.O.G. chapter and these charity events, Jewels declared, “No matter which way the wind blows, we will not cease events such as these until the last soldier comes home”. The intense emotion elicited from such an experience would not bar the way.

One is reminded of the passion of Scarlet O’Hara in Gone With The wind, “As God is my witness…..”.

Other events followed at Walter Reed. Jewels arranged for the first decorating party in the recreation center for the Christmas holidays. Fairfax H.O.G. members were also asked to hold the first breakfast for the soldiers on Christmas morning (some 200 hungry participants) at the Maloyne House. Add to that, along with other organizations who helped with the expenses, they purchased gas and phone cards for the troops and their family members.

In August of 2005, with her sons grown and off on their own, Jewels decided it was time to “go home”. She packed up and moved back to southern Georgia, and then to Tallahassee to be closer to the employment pool, which presented another challenge.

Tallahassee is termed a “little big town”. It may be where the Capitol of Florida is, but employment in Tallahassee is nothing like Washington, DC. Many years ago, I moved to the high-tech region of New England and Boston, where high paying jobs are plentiful for the educated professional. Tallahassee is a college town, and for every job there are 20 applicants. Pay is directly proportional to the low cost of living in the area. Nevertheless, Jewels chose to move home regardless of the job opportunities.

However, armed with the numerous rental homes Jewels owns to supplement her income, she searched for the right job. After trial and error positions, she moved into a job with AAA Insurance.

“The pay here is nothing like working in DC,” Jewels tells me, “but I love the work, and I’m happy”. (How many of us can make that claim?) A further testament to Jewels adaptability, and character.

Jewels’ need for charity work continued in Tallahassee, with her involvement in a local motorcycle group called the Chrome Divas, consisting of all women riders. She also became an active member of the local Tallahassee H.O.G chapter.

“These days, military facilities are off limits to civilians, because of Journalists.” Jewels informed me.

“Getting in to visit Veterans now takes an ‘act of Congress’, unless you have a track record and know the people who run the volunteer programs.”

In April of 2006, Jewels began what would be a lengthy attempt to contact the right person at the Veterans Hospital in Lake City, FL. She never gave up.

More than a year later, in June of 2007, after speaking to many uninterested people and months of leaving many phone messages, she connected with someone who could give her the permission to organize a visit to the Veterans residing there; a gentleman by the name of Michael Allen.

The initial reluctance to allow this visit to happen was met with the tenacity Jewels is so famous for. She patiently explained that it was not a solicitation, and she merely wanted to gather a group of bikers together, and bring them out to visit the Veterans; a gift of appreciation, nothing more. Michael Allen decided to trust Jewels, and allowed her to make the arrangements.

The ride was scheduled for November 10, 2007. All 13 riders were proud members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a nationwide organization dedicated to serving and honoring those who fight for our freedom. Six of those riders were also members of the Chrome Divas. Jewels was the only member of Rolling thunder. You can read Jewels’ account of this visit here.

If Jewels has her way (and I have no doubt she will), this will become a regular thing. Thank God for people like Jewels. She is certainly anything but “ordinary”. Those with such big hearts, like Jewels has, will always have room for others, and her selfless motivation to include so many deserving souls in her world makes her stand out in the “spotlight” of women bikers, and the world in general.

Jewels currently resides in Crawfordville, Florida, a small town south of Tallahassee. She shares her home with her tiny (and old) dog, Tyler, and rides her Dyna Low Rider whenever the opportunity arises.

The Choices We make In Life

The choices we make in life are ultimately what shapes our future and makes us who we are. God gave us the ability to make choices, and each of us exercises that ability every day. We are responsible for what we do, as individuals, and the outcome of those actions.

It is truly a sad situation when the safety of others is threatened by those who would act irresponsible and then claim it is their right to act in that manner.

This, then, passes on the choice of placing oneself in the position of being unsafe, to the person whose well-being is threatened.

Take, for example, the alcoholic, whose actions are solely their own, to drink in excess and operate a motor vehicle. It is their choice to drink, or drink in excess, regardless of the law. No one forced them to do it.

It is not the choice of those who do not drink and drive to share the road with a drunk or alcohol impaired driver and be at risk. The safe choice may be not to drive at all, to avoid encountering a drunk or impaired driver. However, society has decreed that driving while alcohol impaired is against the law, to protect the lives of innocents.

No one sensibly denies that driving while drunk is wrong or unsafe, and indeed society provides strictly enforced laws to bring those who do drive inebriated to answer for their actions. Those who are not caught eventually cause harm to another, and by then the crime is already committed. The injustice is done. Someone is injured or dies. Families suffer.

As a motorcyclist, I know that reaction time could mean whether I live or die in the event an auto driver should violate my right of way. I practice all the safety skills learned by riding many years. I am continually on the lookout for those who don't see me. To ignore this ever present danger is to invite disaster, sooner than later.

I enjoy riding my motorcycle, and every moment that I do not have to spend looking out for 'the other guy' is a moment I can bask in the enjoyment of riding.

Just as there are those who drink and drive autos, there are many who drink and ride. Just watch the newspapers if you want to see the results of motorcyclists who drink and ride. They are the ones who ride too fast and lose control, misjudge a curve and leave the paved road, or cause injury to another rider or driver, and many times end their lives then and there.

Some of us know a few who have died. Many will shake their heads and say they never thought it could happen to him, he was such a good rider. Alcohol impairs the brain's normal functions and awareness. They don't mean to crash, but they do. It is always sad when someone dies, motorcycle or not. It is even sadder when it can be prevented.

Alcoholism is a disease. It wrecks lives, and the lives of family and friends. It is also a threat to strangers; all in the name of demanding the right to drink and drive. In the throes of this disease, the afflicted is blind to their own sickness. Denial is prevalent. Those close to them try to help and then finally realize it is futile and retreat to a safe distance. It is impossible to help those who will not help themselves.

I am continually amazed at the blatant disregard for the safety of others, when riding in a group, from those who exercise their selfish right to drink and ride and violate the law. Can we predict the sudden appearance of a dog in the road, or a deer? What about a rider in the middle of the pack whose reaction time is slow due to alcohol and fails to stop in time, or swerves into your 'safety zone'.

We've all heard the inebriated person state they are fine to drive, and off they go weaving all over the road. We often take keys away from such individuals to prevent them from injuring themselves or someone else.

Where does this perceived arrogance come from? Do I have the right to set fire to some one's home, were I a pyromaniac? Just because I choose to?

No, I don't, but this is the logic of the non-addicted person, not an addict. The alcoholic's need for the "fix" overwhelmingly overrides any logical right or wrong. They become irrational and paranoid. (Why are you trying to ruin my life?)

Almost always, the alcoholic has succumbed to their affliction out of the need to feel good about themselves when they otherwise do not. Does this excuse their behavior? No. Can we help them? We can try. More often they must seek help from professionals, which most of us are not.

We have all either heard stories or witnessed a collision caused by a rider who is impaired from alcohol. Some are killed, while others live to change their ways. At what cost? The unintentional death of a fellow brother or sister? The death of themselves?

I choose to ride safely, but that includes not riding and drinking, or riding with those who drink. And though it may appear that I am selective with who I ride with, it's not personal. It's a matter of wanting to live another day to ride.

You may choose to drink and ride. It is, after all, your right to make that choice. It is not, however, your right to endanger the well-being of others by doing so. If you can't drink responsibly, don't ride. If you don't want to ride without drinking, ride alone and allow others to be safe from you.

And if others decide they don't want to ride with you because you drink, take a long hard look in the mirror, preferably when you are sober. In the end, the choices you make in life determine whether you reach the light at the end of the tunnel, or run head on into an oncoming train.

Ride safe, and watch out for trains.

Brotherhood (and Sisterhood)

Brotherhood is not about discrimination, it is about uniting in a commonality. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes, and those who ride are the commonality, not the type of bike they ride.

Regardless of what someone rides, they are a "biker" and belong to the Brotherhood of bikers. Women are part of that analogy, though we are women. In this sense, Brotherhood encompasses all of us who ride.

If we are to be united in order to fight off those who would take our freedom to ride and stomp all over it, we must recognize that no matter what you ride, or what someone else rides, we are all part of this Brotherhood!

Read a post on RC's blog, Big Bend bikers For Freedom, sent in by a Sportbiker.

If you've done this sort of thing to a Sportbiker, to any biker, you may hang your head in shame right now. This makes you nothing more than a bigot, and worthy of nothing from anyone except pity.

I dislike this type of attitude (does that make me a bigot?). If you're one of "them", be sure to keep your mouth shut around me, or expect a new orifice to appear somewhere on your body.

Ride free, ride hard, ride whatever you like, just ride.

Jouralism By the Light of the Moon

Or should I say "by the light of Moonrider"?

I've spent a lot of time harping on Jouralism, and the ignorance or unethical writings of this country's Journalists. But I'd like to bring your attention to one Journalist who could write the book on Journalism.

She goes by the name of Moonrider. She is a Journalist, a true Journalist, meaning that's her profession. And she lives by the creed that all Journalists should live by, but sadly do not. She's also an avid motorcyclist.

All of her blog posts are well written and refreshing. Here you'll find not just editorials on the M$F, but on other subjects. Many of them will make you snark, chuckle, or just laugh hysterically. And some will inspire you to join the Freedom Fighters of this country who despise those who would take away our right to ride free.

Take a moment and view the video created by Moonrider below. This video is also posted on Big Bend Bikers For Freedom along with another editorial about it.

As in all of Moonrider's videos, this one is extremely well done, and spells it all out in plain words:

We, as motorcyclists face another foe who has no qualms, feels no remorse, about killing us. The very people who sell us our rides are in league with the M$F, and unless we come together to fight it, our next generation riders are going to suffer.

It's time to start asking questions, folks. Do the motorcycle dealers in your area support this farce? What is the M$F's agenda anyway?

Check out Moonrider's blog here and see for yourself. You'll find all the answers there, the data to support it and a huge eye-opener.

Ride free, keep your friends close, keep your enemies even closer.

Dissension Among the Troops

Recent issues surrounding motorcycle rights have glaringly brought to the forefront a wide dissension among the ranks. Why this is can only be discerned from a number of sources. I apologize up front for the long post. However, this post encapsulates many related issues of late.

Since coming to Tallahassee, I have become accustomed to frequenting several "bike nights" in the city. This is a great place to share information, find out who is doing what, and enjoy camaraderie. Tallahassee has two such bike nights that attract a large number of motorcyclists; Famous Dave's BBQ on Wednesday night, and Hooters on Thursday night.

About three weeks ago, information about a new bill in Florida raised its ugly head. A bill that, if passed, would allow law enforcement to permanently confiscate your motorcycle and remove your endorsement for 10 years. The violation? Speeding at 30 mph over the speed limit in what is deemed reckless operation of a motorcycle. The call on reckless driving would be up to the officer's judgement.

Now this bill is first and foremost a HUGE discriminatory move on the part of law makers. No mention of automobile drivers committing the same act is included.

Many of us who actively work independently as freedom fighters immediately called all those we know to action and wrote or called the state rep responsible for the bill.

The question cropped up, as it has in the past; where is ABATE?

ABATE of Florida, who claims to work for all Florida motorcyclists, was silent. No word of encouragement that all would be well, no alleviation of fears. Upon opening the ABATE of Florida's website, I expected to see a call-to-action. Nothing. Not until a few weeks later, when out of the blue Doc handed a "directive" down for everyone to cease and desist with the phone calls to the state rep. The missive said - the bill is killed.

Calls to the rep's office for days afterward confirmed it was not - as Doc stated - killed, but very much alive. Rumor has it that Doc was negotiating for different wording! Not for the demolition of this bill. Did Doc offer any information on what he was really doing? No. Just the usual "run along, children, it's all taken care of".

With all the "helmet" stuff going on with NTSB and NHTSA, and no substantial information on any assistance from ABATE of Florida, I had just about had it with ABATE-come-lately.

Then, recently, the city of Delray Beach, Florida, announced a hearing and their intention to ban ALL motorcycles from a 5 block stretch of road in their city, simply because diners along that stretch of road do not like loud motorcycles. A huge outcry from many biker sources ensued.

NO WORD FROM ABATE. Nothing. Nada.

I am a frequent visitor to a forum called Bruce-n-Ray's Biker Forum, where all issues surrounding motorcycle rights are posted by many freedom fighters around the country. Bruce Arnold of this forum is like the rest of us. He wants the protection of biker's rights for all, and has drawn us all into a unified army of freedom fighters through this forum. His logic is sound, and his motives are non-judgemental, and if biased, only heavily so in favor of our basic right to ride free and safe from cagers.

Many of us voice our "opinions" of ABATE, and other various motorcycle organizations around the country, but Bruce carefully remains "politically correct". (Remember this later when I tell you about an unwarranted attack on Bruce, by one ABATE chapter president and then by Doc himself.)

As a blog writer, I enjoy the freedom of saying exactly what I think, but always try to substantiate those words with facts. My goal is to get readers to think, and to sit up and take notice of what is going on around them.

Florida bikers, sit up and take notice.

Now, I've never met the president of ABATE of Florida. But here's what I know about ABATE and the infamous Doc. I will leave out what I have heard from RC of Big Bend Bikers For Freedom, as it is common knowledge that there is no love lost between RC and ABATE, and I wish for you to understand that these are my own conclusions. The words that follow are based upon articles and letters written by others about Doc and ABATE of Florida over the past many years. It is also based on ABATE meeting videos as well. I'll add my comments to the statements in italicized text in square brackets.

Doc is a paid lobbyist and President of ABATE of Florida. ABATE hired him on a contract to lobby for them. He cannot be fired from the job without being paid off for the guaranteed two years of salary. Doc is also reimbursed for all expenses incurred.

[I view this as a direct conflict of interest. As President AND lobbyist for ABATE, membership is helpless to oppose Doc's final decisions, many of which are indeed opposed by the majority.]

Doc has never disclosed a financial report as a lobbyist for ABATE, nor has ABATE disclosed when they've received government monies or how and when it was used.

[More suppressed information.]

ABATE of Florida is either late in confronting serious issues with regards to Florida's bikers, or does not deem it their responsibility to inform all of it's membership (or other Florida bikers) of what is happening, when it happens.

[It is my opinion that ABATE does not feel it's their responsibility to inform Florida's bikers. I also believe that Doc develops his own agenda until his actions are brought to light, and then changes them to align with what is supported by all. What I do know along these lines, is even when the ABATE membership wants a particular issue handled in a certain way, Doc has the authority to change it without the membership's consent. He did this blatantly with the cell phone bill. The membership wanted the bill to say 'ban all cell phones', and Doc amended it to 'all but hands-free'.]

Doc informs all government officials in Florida that he, as a lobbyist for ABATE, speaks for ALL Florida's bikers.

[Doc does not speak for me, or many other bikers of Florida. Doc speaks for himself, and a small number of ABATE members. This is a concern for me. What arrogance and disregard for those of us who differ in opinion from Doc. I am entitled to my opinion of what my rights are as a biker. So is Doc. However, Doc is paid by ABATE to lobby for it's membership, is NOT entitled to inform anyone that he speaks for me.]

ABATE of Florida has a history of bickering over who was the organization responsible for resolving individual issues.

[My, my, my. Are we talking about adults here? Or children arguing over who found the best tree house first. This is surely an overflow of Doc's arrogance onto it's membership.]

Now, let me break away for a moment and address a few things. First of all, when I first started reading about ABATE and their President, Doc Reichenbach, I started with a clean slate. I wanted to be objective in the outcome of my view of this person who has caused discontent with so many for so long. So one of the things I did was to ask others, face to face, what they knew of or thought of this person. What I heard was overwhelmingly negative.

Interview question: "Do you know who "Doc", the President of ABATE, is and what he does?"

Out of approximately 100 people, 43 of them were women, 57 were men. All own motorcycles. Of those 100 people, 66 did not know who Doc or ABATE was. Of the remaining 34, 26 were women. Here are the main threads of comments in this survey:

Those women who knew who Doc was, had starry-eyed praise for Doc as a figurehead, but when asked, had very little clue of what he does or doesn't do.

The men who knew of Doc merely stated Doc was a lobbyist, or president of ABATE.

Those women who DID know about Doc, and what Doc does, had a common thread to their comments; Doc is a sexist.

Now, I won't print their comments here, as I do not want to worry about meeting up with some hit man in a dark alley, but some of these comments would make any woman's skin crawl. It is enough for me to know that Doc feels threatened by women of any intelligence. I guess that means there will never be a chance to ask Doc questions and get reasonable answers. I am, after all, a woman engineer of reasonable intelligence, and very tall (strike three).

But I digress.

I got two line items from this interview with local bikers:

A very alarming number of motorcyclists in this state do not know who or what ABATE is.

Those women who have had any interaction with Doc aside from exchanging pleasantries, thought he was a sexist.

I don't know which one alarms me more; the fact that a great majority of bikers know nothing about ABATE, what they do or are doing (even members), or that Doc, who presumes to speak for me as one of Florida's women bikers, is a sexist. At this point, I'm struggling to find a reason why I should like or trust Doc with any of my freedom fighting.

Somehow I don't think I'd get idle pleasantries from Doc. So here's a few questions for ya Doc, so you can be prepared if and when we ever meet and we can avoid the idle UNpleasantries:

Why do you think you have the right to tell me whom I can and can't write to, when no one (other than maybe a choice few) has any clue what you are up to, at any one given moment?

Why is it that a place like Bruce-n-Ray's Biker forum broadcasts issues long before ABATE does? And very often from forum visitors, not moderators.

What gives you or ABATE the right to criticize those of us who fight for the rights of bikers?

As a public figure, and paid lobbyist for ABATE, why is it no one has ever seen a financial accounting for the ABATE money you spend?

If you have nothing to hide, and you know people are questioning your motives and actions, why won't you disclose to the public what you are doing?

So let's look at a recent squabble involving ABATE and another Florida motorcycle club, the Enforcers. We've already covered the fact that ABATE is more often than not late in addressing serious issues at hand. Last week, Bruce Arnold sent out a call-to-action requesting help in stopping the Delray Beach motorcycle ban ordinance. The highest of praise and heartfelt thanks should go to Bruce for calling in all freedom fighters and swamping the email boxes of the city commissioners who will decide this issue tomorrow.

NO ONE HEARD ANYTHING FROM ABATE.

However, apparently the Enforcers MC planned to rally and protest this city hearing, and since ABATE had already made contact with the city's officials, an argument ensued. Not about the fact that another club was organizing a protest, but about who got there first! And of course, the president of the Palm Beach ABATE chapter had to throw in a slur against the Enforcers MC, and Bruce Arnold as a scapegoat for anyone hearing this call-to-action from other than ABATE, because once again, ABATE failed to inform anyone of what they were doing!

Here's a few quotes from the Palm Beach ABATE President, "Strongbow" in answer to an inquiry as to what is going on (see the thread here and judge for yourself):

Of the Enforcers MC, he says, "In fact this group of cops and ex cops are not welcome at alot of local establishments and motorcycle events for the very same reasons that this ordinence had been proposed. This action is purely for their own purpose.

"Their trying to make it appear that they are responsible for organizing this rally when in fact they contributed to the the city taking this action."

Read a rebuttal to this comment from a member of the Enforcers here. Now there's a man with integrity.

And here's what Strongbow says about Bruce:

"You must have received an email from Bruce Arnold who has had a hard on for ABATE since he was rejected as a candidate for webmaster for ABATE of Florida 4 years ago."

A "hard on"? This is an elected chapter president? Is this how an organization conducts itself, who claims to represent me, a biker of Florida?

So I ask you, the reader, is it any wonder our right to ride free is being challenged more and more frequently? That we are losing ground, losing respect?

What else can we expect, can I expect, from these immature little boys making an attempt to play at being adult.

Can we focus on what the issues are at hand? Can we unite as bikers, one and all, in an effort to thwart the ever increasing violations to our rights as Americans to ride free?

Over and above the obvious kowtowing to Doc Reichenbach by a whole lot of bikers who can't think for themselves,

Over and above the fact that Doc Reichenbach is a sexist (my opinion based on numerous other comments made directly to me),

Over and above ABATE's sad organizational and social skills,

The issues at hand are more important than anyone's ego.

Get over yourself, all of you. Put aside your differences, and GIT'R DUN!

Rumor now has it that Doc went into a tirade, in an ABATE meeting no less, about RC and his blog. It seems that Doc doesn't like that RC prints things about him. Yet, when RC has tried to ask Doc questions Doc doesn't want to answer, Doc gets angry, Doc gets nasty, and Doc threatens RC with his bodyguards. If this is how Doc has treated the women I interviewed, no wonder they have a low opinion of him.

OK, so let's recap here.

Doc Reichenbach has treated some women bikers with less than acceptable decorum.
[Surely does make me anxious to meet him! I can't imagine any woman biker would want to support ABATE or Doc knowing that Doc treats women this way.]

ABATE is slow on the take when it comes to critical issues, and squabbles over who got there first.

Doc and ABATE's reputation is gaining notoriety which causes Doc to launch into a tirade at a state ABATE meeting. [Enough to cause someone to warn RC to watch his back. Read a threatening letter from Doc to Bruce here, when he posted his support of RC.]

ABATE and Doc Reichenbach continually warn off those of us who would add our voices to the others in Florida who are not ABATE members, stating that we 'might screw up' Doc's (ABATE's) chances of achieving his agenda. [They insist "we" must join them, but they will not join "us" and unite in a common cause.]

And to all this I say, to Doc and ABATE of Florida: You are not the majority I think, not anymore. You're screwing with OUR goals now. (Squabbling with, and defamation of, the Enforcers MC. Lagging and withholding of information on critical issues. Opposing what Florida bikers want on legislative issues.)

I guarantee you, Doc, I won't be having a temper tantrum in front of multitudes in a state ABATE meeting and make idle threats over one person (now two) who isn't afraid to ask the right questions. I left that behavior behind in my teenage years. What I'd be happy to do is provide you with a mirror, for there you will find that which must be corrected; your own behavior, your own actions.

If you can't do that, stand down and allow the army of freedom fighters to march on, uninhibited by the dissension of your making.

ABATE Blunder

Recently, on October 7, I participated in an annual poker run put on by none other than the Chrome Divas, Tallahassee Chapter. This event raises money to fund breast cancer victims. Each year dozens of Tallahassee merchants contribute a considerable amount to this very worthy event.

A large number of Chrome Diva members, dressed in bright pink T-shirts, hustled through set-up, registration and the sale of raffle tickets in a smooth and efficient manner. The Director of this chapter worked long and hard, along with dozens of volunteers, to make this happen. Bikers from all over come out to this event. All in the name of breast cancer victims. Kudos to all.

In spite of being deathly ill the two days before, I went out to help with this event also. There were over 200 bikes registered that morning. Everything looked to be running smoothly with no lines at the registration table and lots of people with smiles on their faces.

ABATE makes an appearance

While mingling with the crowd and chatting with my good friend, RC, a tall man approached us and addressed RC. He had on a rider's vest emblazoned with ABATE of Florida patches and all manner of pins and such. My first impression was of surprise, since I rarely see ABATE members flying colors at any event, so if they attend anything, they surely don't advertise. However, it became apparent after a moment that he was simply there to solicit. I'll explain that in a moment.

He asked RC to print something on his blog, Big Bend Bikers For Freedom, and since I was not addressed directly I didn't catch what specifically he wanted printed. I later asked RC just who this person was, for just moments after he was there, I turned around and he was gone. I hoped to meet up later with this person [I had questions, you see] and went off to the last stop of the poker run to collect photos (see them here). I waited, but I never saw him come through.

The end point of this poker run is held at The Moon, a large dance club in Tallahassee. A good portion of the netted donation to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare comes from the silent auction displayed at The moon. All the food offered to participants was donated by local merchants as well. (WingStop on Mahan (RT 90) donated 500 wings for this event! Mmmmm). With live music and good camaraderie, I was looking forward to it.

So, when I arrived at The Moon, I went looking for this ABATE person. I figured I'd just missed him at the last stop and would find him somewhere there. Not so apparently, and not substantiated as factual, but it appears that this ABATE representative was merely there to gain ABATE recruits and didn't ride or register or donate.

Now, as a woman, this poker run is near and dear to my heart, in more ways than one [two?] and I feel even more warm and fuzzy toward ABATE of Florida now. NOT!

So he came to the registration gathering for this event to solicit members but couldn't bother to fork up $15 to register? Someone needs to educate this man on the fine art of diplomacy. Do I even want to reconsider joining ABATE of Florida now?

Secret machinations of ABATE

Currently, the president of ABATE of Florida is claiming to have 'killed' a bill that would, if passed, allow Florida law enforcement to permanently confiscate your motorcycle, AND suspend your endorsement (10 years!) for exceeding the speed limit by 30 mph (just motorcycles, mind you, not all vehicles - hello? discrimination here folks).

Since I don't ever plan to exceed the speed limit by 30 mph, my main concern for this bill is the outright discriminatory implication of its existence. And, in light of the current pitiful penalties for failure to yield-the-right of way and killing a biker, and the blatant refusal of our lawmakers to rectify that, this bill is indeed a slap in the face. Apparently it is justifiable (to one politician at least) to severely penalize the act of motorcycle speeding, and not cagers speeding or even killing through negligence or traffic violations.

And even more disturbing, word has it that this bill is still very much ALIVE, not dead as the President of ABATE states (see RC's blog here). A call this morning, October 12, CONFIRMS that this bill is NOT DEAD. So who is misleading whom here?

Not only that, the information broadcasted loud and clear to ALL motorcyclists of Florida (not just some ABATE members) is to cease and desist with calls to government officials about this bill. No real or accurate information on what is really going on has been published anywhere that I know of, and certainly not on ABATE of Florida's website.

Excuse me folks, I didn't know that ABATE was a law enforcement agency. Who are they to tell me what I can and can't do? They are not the only freedom fighters in Florida, but it would seem to me that the President of ABATE would have politicians believe HE is the final word on what I, as a biker in Florida, want. That is so far from the truth it makes me laugh hysterically. And believe me, you don't want to hear that laugh.

I informed someone I know about this directive to cease and desist from the president of ABATE. She IS a member of ABATE of Florida, and she had received no communication whatsoever on this directive. OK, so now I'm truly laughing. My view of ABATE's president [Napoleonic dick-tator] becomes more descriptive by the minute.

And why is it that this so-called president doesn't deem it important to notify all ABATE members, or even update them on what is obviously a serious issue? Never mind the website. At this moment, there is NO accurate information on what this president is doing. Why is that, I ask. What is he hiding?

ABATE makes a social and political blunder

So I ask you, if the above confusion over the bill at hand (that is an obvious slur against all bikers), and the secretive machinations of the ABATE president were not in the obvious forefront, would I want to donate my money (join) to ABATE of Florida? Not on your life! Especially after seeing ABATE solicitation at a charity event and seeing no reciprocation/participation. How crass.

Now, there may have been other members of ABATE attending this poker run, but I didn't see any of them flying ABATE colors, so I wouldn't know. Maybe they don't want me to know either. (Sounds like a trend, doesn't it?)

This event was for a charity that affects all women, including women bikers, your daughters, mothers and grandmothers, and some men too, in a very personal way. I didn't see anyone else soliciting. It would have been a social blunder to do so. And, in my view it certainly was for ABATE to do so.

Thanks to local bikers for your support

The total donation collected for this Breast Cancer Poker Run is not in yet (will post later), but it will be substantial I'm sure. I would be negligent in my blogging not to thank all who participated and supported the Chrome Divas of Tallahassee in this event. Your good will does not go unnoticed by them or me.

Message to ABATE of Florida

If you want me to support ABATE, come forth in the open, tell me how you are going to rein in your president and force him to work for what ALL bikers in Florida want. Show me you aren't just a bunch of sheep blindly following a dictatorship. Only then will I consider supporting an organization that has sadly been misled down a path far from its original Grassroots intention.

And, although I am a friend of RC, I have read all the history myself, and come to my own conclusions. I do not blindly adopt the opinions of others without substantiation. Don't even imply that I do.

If you want me to support your president and his actions, get them out in the open so I, and others, can make an informed decision. Don't ask me to blindly join the flock. I have too much respect for myself and other bikers to do that.

So far, I've only voiced my opinion on Doc's secretive ways, but if he makes another compromise on a bill that goes against the majority, it will be all out war. Hell hath no fury....

Message to ALL Bikers of Florida

Ride free, live free, write or speak to whomever you wish. The United States Constitution gives you that right. Now get the flock outa here and ride!

Disclaimer: The views of this blog post are solely my own and not those of any other member of the Chrome Divas of Tallahassee, or of said organization as a whole.

Thunder Beach Biker Rally

My summer vacation

This past weekend, and my first vacation in a long time, I rode my bike, along with Viking on his bike, down to Panama City Beach. We left on Thursday afternoon with plans to stay until Sunday. I was looking forward to no work, no worries, and lots of R&R. My friend, Jeanne, joined us on Friday night, and the three of us bummed around together all weekend.

However, my first attendance at the Thunder Beach Biker Rally left me with mixed opinions on whether I'd do it again or not. Perhaps a one-day trip, but certainly not a 4-day weekend.

Weather

The weather cooperated for the most part. I assured Viking that we would not be rained on during our ride down from Tallahassee. Each time I looked up at the clouds filling the sky, it sure looked to me like we were going to skate by and miss anything serious. Of course, I must have jinxed the ride by saying so, because about mid-trip, it started to rain. Not hard, but enough to make the road wet, and Viking passed me up to take the lead after deciding that I should "eat" his spray, instead of the other way around. After all, I did say we would not get rained on! Fortunately, it was one of those edge-of-the-clouds rain showers while the sun was still shining on our patch of the road, and it didn't last long enough to soak us. I wisely kept my mouth shut during the rest of the ride down to PCB, and we stayed dry the rest of the weekend, with clear skies, and hot but reasonable temperatures.

Accommodations

I had booked a hotel room at the Beach Break Hotel at the west end of Panama City Beach for three nights. It is a smaller, 4-story hotel with an adequate continental breakfast, and all beach-facing rooms with balconies. I'd stay there again. It was clean, comfortable, and not overpriced. The staff was courteous and accommodating. The best part was the view from the balcony, and we had close-in parking for the bikes, with 24/7 security. There were no mishaps or problems, and we even had no trouble finding good parking each time we returned at the end of the day. Nice.

Notice anything missing in this beach photo above (taken from my room balcony)? No people. Or very few. How I managed to find a hotel far enough from the main bars, yet close enough to everything to make it a short jaunt to find things, I'll never know. But it was quiet and relaxing.

Party Establishments

Not so quiet for those who booked rooms at nearby larger hotels whose larger bars were mostly populated until 4am with hundreds of loud, drunk bikers and locals. Besides the loud rock music (which was not really a problem for me), they served beer to those who wanted it well past the normal "last call". We saw numerous people staggering out to their bikes and riding away! To their credit, the local PD was on hand, but not to the point of being intrusive. Kudos to the PCB PD for that.

Usually when attending a large drinking establishment, the bathroom facilities are not too bad, for the women at least. But these were appalling. And I was even further disgusted by the lack of class by many of the women. I would have preferred a portable outhouse to what was available any day. At least I'd have privacy and not be subjected to the disgusting women the equally disgusting men were drooling over. Some people have no couth at all.

Navigating the area

Going anywhere, for the most part, was not bad, and the number of bikes in the vicinity was not too overwhelming (as it is every year at Daytona in March). However, the number of drunk and obnoxious bikers increased exponentially with the lateness of the night (or early morning hours). Navigating through local and visiting cagers was bad enough, but having to negotiate drunk or dangerous riders was even more annoying.

Once we were out on Beach Front drive, you could jump on the express route and get most anywhere without having to put up with the stop-and-go traffic down on the beach route. There were, however, a few moments when Viking mentioned "chestnuts roasting on an open fire....", while we were waiting for the light to change for the 3rd time before moving forward in a higher gear than 2nd. Gotta love them Harleys.

Sharing the road

I noticed that most of the riders on bigger "dresser" type bikes, who also were carrying passengers, were polite, careful and courteous. Not so for the many single riders on customized bikes and choppers in the area.

It seemed like every time we headed across the area on the express route that paralleled the beach, we were confronted with several of these solo riders, whose main mission was to prove to us their bikes were louder and faster than ours. I began calling these individuals "the little-dick riders" of the rally. I mean, really, when one must continually rev engines, and rip away from red lights at obnoxious speeds, only to slow down enough to pace just ahead of us, one has to wonder why the need for so much attention.

Sport bikes in large numbers were conspicuously absent. And though I have no problem with whatever type of bike you ride, I like to avoid those on sport bikes who cannot keep both wheels on the pavement, and maintain a reasonable speed, especially around me.

Interestingly enough, I did not see one woman rider, snazzy bike or not, doing this same type of rev-and-race thing. Apparently women riders don't have to prove their "balls" are big enough to handle a sizeable machine. My own bike is no slouch, and has after-market pipes that "can" be obnoxious, yet I don't feel this urge either. Well, maybe when I'm out on a rural road where I'm the only one soaking up the sound (and grinning like a fool), but I don't think that's the same thing.

Vendors

The vendors were disappointing. The one vendor I wanted to find was not there; Kuryakyn. I found one retailer who carried this product, but had limited inventory. J&P was there, but had only one booth at Frank Brown Park. The rest were all low-grade leather dealers for high prices. We found rally T-shirts at a reasonable rate of 3/$20 in a number of very cool designs, and most came in regular T-shirts, and women's styles.

Several venues had indoor shopping, but those were limited (and very crowded). One venue had all of THREE vendors. On boy, makes me want to rush back there. NOT.

Food

Food was adequate. Panama City Beach has some good eats. We all met up one of the nights at Captain Andersons for Steak & Seafood. They got our group of 8 seated quickly, in spite of being crowded, and the food was delicious. The atmosphere was nice also, as the restaurant is situated on a small harbor on the east end of the beach.

The ride home

The best part was our ride home. We took the long route back to Tallahassee, following Route 98 east and along the coast, then up through Wakulla County. It was an all-day ride, and we stopped in Mexico Beach for lunch. There was no traffic to speak of, and it was an easy cruise in the absolutely great weather. Around 9:00 PM, with wings from Outback restaurant safely stowed, we pulled into the garage, tired, grimy, but happy to be home.

We could do that ride from PCB along the coast any weekend, so would I go back to the Thunder Beach Rally? As I said, maybe for a day, but I think I'll find a nice beach front hotel on a different weekend for my next vacation, complete with white sand, no people, lots of good eating establishments, and local riding scenery. I think I'll leave the drinking in excess to the rallies, buy my Kuryakyn parts online, and enjoy my bike riding elsewhere. Perhaps I'll even design and print my own T-shirt: "My Vacation Biker Rally, group of two, [City, State, Date].

Ride safe, ride free.

Mark Rosenker (CREEP), Chairman of NTSB

Below is a letter I sent to Mark Rosenker, Chairman of the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB), a position he was appointed to by President Bush.

"CREEP" is in reference to Mr. Rosenker's involvement with Committee to RE-Elect the President (Nixon), and those who were involved with Watergate in 1972. The photo above is from that era. I find CREEP to be an acronym appropriate for Mr. Rosenker, given his actions and incompetency I have seen to date.

Mr. Rosenker has announced NTSB recommendations to all states to implement a mandatory motorcycle helmet law, siting inaccurate statistics as a basis for this mandate, and implying that motorcyclists are responsible for their own deaths by not wearing a helmet, even in the 80% of deaths caused solely by another motorist, and where head injuries were not involved.

• I urge you to write to your representatives and voice your concern over spending millions of tax payer dollars on this farce to remove the right of legislation by the states.


• I urge you to write to President Bush and ask for Mr. Rosenker's removal from his post.


• I urge you to speak out on behalf of yourself and of all Americans who appreciate life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as our country's forefathers envisioned.


• I urge you to take opposition to yet another move by government officials to exert authoritarian control over American citizens who pay their salaries.

And before you decide not to believe in this effort, please read my letter below and see the truth for what it is. Then check out the links below, which contain supporting data and statistics for those of you who are still on the fence. We need ALL Americans to oppose this mandate, and support change in the way our government views the overwhelming cause of highway fatalities.

What you see in the media is mostly slanted material (gee, are you surprised?). I have not heard one report of motorcycle fatality statistics quoted accurately to date. The media continues to blame rider deaths and injury on the presence/absence of a helmet, whether the rider died as a result of head injuries or not. And especially when the rider is not at fault.

I urge you to consider these points when you see or hear a report of a motorcycle death in the media:

• Was the rider's right-of-way violated?


• Was the rider at fault?


• If the answer is NO to either, then all other comments are irrelevant.

Please note: This is NOT about whether or not I want to ride with a helmet!

• It is about our government mandating laws based on false information to further a political agenda.


• It is about protecting all of us with sound safety laws.


• It is about the trend of controlling the few, to falsely satisfy the needs of the many.


• It is about our tax dollars being spent on futile efforts and ignoring the true issues.

Links to supporting information:

http://pub42.bravenet.com/forum/3562429698/fetch/860082/
http://pub42.bravenet.com/forum/3562429698/fetch/859099/
http://ntsb.gov/events/Boardmeeting.htm
http://www.checkyourfacts.org/latest-journalism-news-updates-54.php
http://pub42.bravenet.com/forum/3562429698/fetch/860126
http://ntsb.gov/Publictn/2007/AB07-Motorcycle_Safety_Rec-Ltr.htm
http://www.motorcyclists-against-dumb-drivers.com/

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Letter to Mr. Rosenker

To: Mark Rosenker (mark.rosenker@ntsb.gov)
Chairman
National Transportation Safety Board
429 L'Enfant Plaza
Washington, D.C. 20024
202-314-6000

CC: President Bush (President@WhiteHouse.gov)

Mr. Rosenker,

As a citizen of this country, I expect, no, I demand, that NTSB focus on the VIOLATORS instead of implementing laws intended to control the VIOLATED.

The majority of highway injuries and deaths are caused by the other drivers in some negligent form or another. Continuing on this path of "band-aiding" the individual "effects" merely chips away at the iceberg but never really makes a substantial difference. Until you take measures to address the root cause of collisions, fatalities will continue in spite of your ill conceived decisions. The NTSB MUST address the root cause in order to protect ALL Americans.

VIOLATION OF DRIVING LAWS is the ROOT CAUSE of HIGHWAY FATALITIES in this country, Mr. Rosenker. Please read this line over and over until you understand this concept. One does not need statistics to see this truth.

Driving violations are caused by many things; distractions, blatant disregard, lack of education, each with underlying sub-categories. The more driving violations there are, the more deaths there will be. There are states that have implemented laws controlling these aspects of driving and have lowered their fatality rate.

Drunk driving is indeed a distraction, but it is NOT THE ONLY distraction that drivers participate in. It is one of MANY. Addressing one without the others is criminal on your part.

Seat belts save lives by increasing the percentage of survival in a crash as an additive to other safety features of an automobile, not the least of which is a metal cage around the driver. Yet even seat belts only address the RESULT of crashes, not the CAUSE. Put a seat belt on a motorcyclist and it does nothing for them without a metal cage around them, in the event of a collision with an automobile.

Motorcycle helmet laws also only address the effect of the crash and not the cause, protecting the head to a small degree, but leaving the rest of the body still vulnerable to blunt force trauma. In most cases of motorcycle collision with an automobile, a helmet does not prevent death, and certainly not catastrophic injury to the body. Prevention of collision does.

The prevention of distracted driving should be the primary focus of NTSB, which provides safety for ALL; motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Everyone benefits. The fact that you continue to ignore this, only serves to show your incompetency in spending my tax dollars to control the very few when this effort could save a great majority of lives, including the very few you seek to sensationalize.

Over the years, the creation of laws to make man invincible inside automobiles, has perpetuated distracted, complacent, and deadly drivers; running over bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians, all with a punishment for killing most often resulting in less than the fine for littering! Because our safety laws target the victim, not the perpetrator. Adequate penalties are needed to deter traffic violations. An automobile is, after all, a deadly weapon.

In addition, you conveniently ignore the onslaught of electronic devices inside vehicles that further distract drivers. This can be controlled, while shaving, reading, putting on makeup, cannot. However, overall distractions can be controlled by stiffer penalties for violating traffic laws that maim or kill a victim.

Is it that you are afraid of becoming unpopular in the process of saving lives, Mr. Rosenker? I'm sure you and your "esteemed" colleagues are not too keen on giving up your own selfish distractions while driving. And you are most certainly unpopular with the small minority you are now targeting. How do you sleep at night, knowing you can stop the majority of highway fatalities through competent recommendations, but instead choose only to target a small minority in order to further your ambitions?

Or is that you feel imposing your authoritarian laws on motorcyclists, through the support of the uninformed public, is the easy path? For most certainly, much to your advantage, the public has only seen one side of this story. I think it's called propaganda - "The NTSB is responsible for saving millions of lives through seatbelts, airbags, blah, blah, blah". The public has not seen the accurate fatality statistics that I know are available, even to you, but you have seen fit to ignore they even exist. The public is unaware of the political intonations of the NTSB actions. The public is unaware of all sides of this issue.

The public in general [auto drivers] has no worries, because they will survive the crash (thanks to seat belts and other safety enhancements), with only a minor traffic violation in most cases, while the victims of negligence are severely injured or dies. And the public is led to believe that the victims are responsible for their own deaths. How pompous is that?

I, as one of the general public, am outraged that you consider protective gear and equipment in cars and on motorcycles to be the cure-all for deaths due to traffic violations, and that if I am injured or killed by another negligent driver, it is MY fault.

Over and over I see reports of motorcycle deaths in the newspaper where the motorcyclist was in no way at fault, and run down by a negligent driver, yet the "tag" line is always: "He was/wasn't wearing a helmet". Where does the media get this type of attitude? From our government, from NTSB, from YOU, Mr. Rosenker.

What does wearing a helmet have to do with an unsuspecting motorcycle rider being run over and killed through an auto driver's negligence? I ask you, how does a helmet prevent that driver from violating a rider's right-of-way? It isn't about helmets at all. It is about sharing the road with responsible drivers who avoid distractions and drive within the law. No amount of protective gear will promote that, Mr. Rosenker.

In fact, drivers may feel it is OK to drive within MY space if I am NOT wearing a helmet! After all, if I'm not wearing one, it will be deemed MY fault if I am killed by them, though I rode safely and within the laws of the road. You are, through your incompetent decisions, promoting loss of safety for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrains by not addressing the root causes of traffic fatalities.

Auto drivers everywhere will tell you with a straight face and adamant conviction that they can handle all the extra distractions they participate in while driving (and I'm sure you're among them), until they kill someone. Why must people die before a driver realizes what distractions can cause? Each year, a new distraction manifests itself (i.e. in-vehicle electronics), and accumulates along with all the other distractions available to drivers. Is it any wonder that traffic fatalities rise? And, when drivers are allowed to walk away without penalty for taking a life, how can you expect them to even bother paying attention while driving?

Our government has created a monster by allowing our children to drive at younger ages, unsupervised, while using cell phones, texting, and all manner of distractions. Yes, laws are now surfacing to curb these habits (instigated by states), but these laws will be looked upon by our youth as just another age limited law to overcome, such as drinking, smoking, and now, using a cell phone while driving after 18 or 21 years of age. And, media reports show that young people adamanatly object to these laws, proving they are not even aware of the reasons behind them. Society has been led to believe over and over that injury and fatality in traffic accidents are the responsibility of the victim, not the violator.

What about the millions of children that have already come of age, who have already learned these bad habits? Too little, too late, wouldn't you say? We already have 10 years of our youth who will continue these deadly habits, but who are too old to be regulated by these laws. Who will protect me from them, Mr. Rosenker? You demand better child restraint, but do not protect our youth from themselves before they are old enough to know better. And again, perpetuate more driver caused accidents that maim and kill through your ignorance.

What I find most significant about your integrity (or lack of), Mr. Rosenker, is that you were involved in Watergate back in 1972. I am not surprised that you have managed to end up where you are, given the state of our government today. How many other "interesting" political scams were you involved in since then, that are not known? Your resume shows your involvement in many election campaigns since then, in spite of your involvement in Watergate.

I am further dismayed to learn that President Bush, a President I supported, placed you in this position. Did he not learn from history?

I am not impressed thus far, in your move to impose yet another series of laws to limit MY individual rights, when I am not the one doing the violating, and while you do absolutely nothing to address the root cause of the majority of traffic fatalities. All I see is your misguided attempts to control specific groups, and suppressing individual rights that will have no effect on the root cause, and very little effect on the results.

I already CHOOSE to drive without distractions. I already CHOOSE to ride with a motorcycle helmet. I AM educated in motorcycle awareness and safety. Yet I am still confronted daily by a majority who is not, and who attempt to take my life in spite of those precautions. And not threatened just from young people, Mr. Rosenker, but from people of all ages, gender and race. Crashes are not specific to any "groups", they apply to all.

If your helmet law had any merit, you would require ALL drivers to wear them, including auto drivers, for surely that would save a few more lives, based on your reasons for it's recommendation. Pedestrians should also be required to wear them, as it may save them from a head injury also, should they be run down by a distracted driver. If you're going to rob me of my right to choose, at least be fair about it.

But it isn't about being fair, is it Mr. Rosenker? It's all about your "image" as Chairman of the all-knowing, all-seeing NTSB. For I find it hard to believe that you are not intelligent enough to see the truth of my words. And that makes YOU the violator of my safety.

The choices I make will not save my life, Mr. Rosenker, should an auto driver run me down out of driver "inattention". My choices will not stop a driver from gabbing on a cell phone and miss seeing me coming. They will not stop a driver from being a repeat offender after being let go with a $45 traffic violation fine. They will not pay my bills or care for my children in the event my helmet saves my head, but not my body. And if that happens, I will be coming after you, Mr. Rosenker, for you were made aware, and did nothing to protect me.

It doesn't take extensive reports to figure this one out, Mr. Rosenker. What it requires is for you to look at all the facts, not just the ones that lend credence to your personal egotistical agenda. It requires you to see the whole picture. It requires you to think. All of which you are sadly failing at. So far, all I see is "lip service" and bombastic announcements.

Please do not send me one of your "form" letters, as I have already seen the ones you've sent to others repeating the same dribble you've already announced to the public.

Instead, please reply and SPECIFICALLY tell me what you and NTSB are going to do to reduce multi-vehicle crashes so that I might live, whether I wear a helmet or not. Get rid of the liberalistic view you have of the world. It has no place in the realm of safety FOR ALL. Your position requires accurate facts and logical thinking, neither of which I have seen to date.

If you cannot base your recommendations on accurate data, then I will consider you to be acting upon your own agenda and ignoring my rights as an American who pays your salary, and will have no choice but to join the effort to remove you from this position.

If President Bush continues to support you, I will have no choice but to withdraw my support of him as well.

I am speaking out solely as a citizen of the United States of America, and as a tax payer who contributes to your livelihood. In short, you work for me, not the other way around. I expect to be treated as such. Please choose your words carefully, as I will be posting your reply for all to see, unedited.

[My name and address]

Mother of two, educated, gainfully employed, group member of one.
http://rider-sam.blogspot.com/

Advocate for the truth:
http://www.motorcyclists-against-dumb-drivers.com/

Believer in the Constitution of the United States of america.