St. Clair County A.B.A.T.E. Chapter June 2009

What’s inside?

2009 Chapter Officers President’s Corner

A Ride Recommendation Membership Report

BOD Report Safety & Education

Legislative Report Respect

The VP’s 2 Cents Heads UP!

Regional Report The Last Word

St. Clair County A.B.A.T.E. Chapter

Meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:00PM At the Elks Lodge in Fairview Heights.

June 11th

State Website: http://www.abate-il.org/

Chapter Website: http://www.abate-il.org/StClairCo/index.htm

2009 Chapter Officers

President Vice President Mike Gallagher Breeze Hankammer yankeemike1@sbcglobal.net twlvgage44@aol.com (618) 791-5033 Treasurer & Secretary Membership Sheila Gallagher Renie KinKade gallaghersgetaway@sbcglobal.net rkrk143@ameritech.net Sgt At Arms Newsletter Jim (Hank) Hankammer Sonny Theobald hankman55@aol.com Sonny@6js.org State Board Rep Safety & Education Renie KinKade OPEN rkrk143@ameritech.net State Board Rep Legislative Rich KinKade Mike Gallagher rkrk2@Ameritech.net yankeemike1@sbcglobal.net Region Rep Honorary Chaplin Alex E Cortez Pastor Doug White alexkristi@sbcglobal.net pastorwhite@edgemontbiblechurch.org Alt Region Rep Activities / Shawn Beckett Public Relations Candi Rasch carasch@egyptian.net

President’s Corner - THE STATE OF THE CHAPTER  

  As we come up on June 2009 it’s hard to believe the year is nearly half over already. We have increased our membership every month so far this year but attendance at the meetings has declined. I’m not too worried about attendance as long as the membership answers the call to react when needed. And every time the call was put out for bodies in Springfield or at a local political fundraiser or a P.R. appearance somewhere we have managed to get the job done and get it done above par. St. Clair ABATE Chapter has been recognized by the ABATE State Legislative department and the Region Coordinator for the extra effort our members have put forth when the call was answered.  We always have the early shift in the ABATE booth at the Belleville Swap meet and Tony Rusteberg goes out of his way to make sure ABATE gets prime spots. The April swap meet we had six members show up before 7 am to work. The one before that we had record ticket sales by our members present.  We consistently get the job done whatever it is.      

The chapter has two officer positions that need to be filled at the next meeting.  Doug has been filling in as the Safety & Ed guru since Rich resigned a few months back. So let’s vote Doug in and make it official at the June 11th meeting.   Candy is holding on to the Activities position but gave up the Public Relations officer position. With around 200 members there is no reason for her to be doing double duty, so we are looking for someone or a couple to volunteer for the P.R. position.         

 

We kicked major butt in the legislative area this year so far. Didn’t get everything we wanted but we are quite satisfied with the way things are turning out. There are so many bills concerning transportation issues floating around, from cell phone text messaging while driving to increased speed limit laws for big trucks. They all have some effect on motorcycling but we have to be very selective on what issues we spend your money and effort on. I believe our State legislative department has been doing an excellent job staying focused on the issues.            

 

As with every organization, we too have our communication problems. Rich KinKade keeps our web site up to date and it’s one of the better looking and informative chapter web sites out there. Sonny does a bang up job on this newsletter. There was a time when we had a one page newsletter and other times we went months without one. We only send hard copy newsletters out to individuals which we don’t have an e‐mail address for. Everyone else gets it e‐mailed to them so were not too sure if everyone in the chapter gets a newsletter or not. If you want a hard copy via snail mail you must let us know, we will try to keep everyone as up to date and informed about chapter issues as we can.     

 

All this said and done, I believe the St. Clair County Chapter of ABATE of Illinois is doing just as good if not better than most ABATE chapters out there. With your continued help and support we will continue to get the job done, now if we could just get a few more of you at the meetings.  Mike Gallagher  

A Ride Recommendation 

Mountain Home, Arkansas has some exceptional rides in its immediate area. However, it is quite difficult to get to and almost every small Arkansas town between here and there has its own speed trap - the speed limits change almost without notice and often, even though the "town" might not even have any businesses, just a house or two plus the cop...(Yea, I got a speeding ticket: a big one).

Anyway, once you get to Mountain Home your only challenge will be to chose which ride to take first...there are many - all wonderfully beautiful on good surfaces with nice twisties and hills.

The Harley Touring book shows lots of them, but a Mountain Home resident, Pyong, K. An, pointed me to some that aren't in the book and WOW!

In particular, 341 South from 201 in Mountain Home and then either way on 14.

Going North from Mountain Home on Highway 178 it skirts Bull Shoals Lake before going West to Summit, Arkansas where it intersects Highway 14 offering a different perspective by going a different direction on it - again, quite beautiful.

As you can see, Arkansas does not believe in paved shoulders - there is almost never a place to stop or get off the road (at least on the pretty ones).

Mr. An, the owner of Day's Inn in Mountain View ( 870-425-1010) loaded me down with ride maps...he was enthused about my wanting to ride down there and went out of his way to mark recommended routes.

That particular Day's Inn is way above average in appearance, cleanliness and amenities...they always welcome bikes and have at least two large groups visit them every year.

There are, of course, many ways to get to Mountain Home. Perhaps the most direct is to take I-55 South into Arkansas, then go West on 140 to Marked Tree. From there take 14 West to Mountain View and from there 5 North to Mountain Home.

It is in the neighborhood of 400 miles from Belleville.

Note: If you have a Sprint cell phone it will not work EVER after you leave I-55 unless you go to Paragould or Jonesboro. The closest Harley dealer is in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

I'm going back just as soon as my probation period is over!

Enjoy and be safe...

John Moore

Membership Report

Our chapter is slowly growing and getting better.  Welcome to our new members and our members that have returned:  John Wheeley, Tim Wall, Jeff Schnierle, Bruce Kasper, Bill & Vicki Iler, Chuck & Lisa Dixon, and Dan Reinhart (Reinhart’s in Millstadt).  Thank you Crehan's and Shady Jack's for renewing your ads with us.    Have a great and safe summer.

Renie KinKade Membership

BOD Report: May 3, 2009 ‐ 19th Annual Freedom Rally ride to State Capitol in Springfield, IL;   

What a perfect day to ride.  Arriving at the IDOT meeting site was a sight to see.  The entire parking lot was full.  

We did not hear the total number of bikes but would venture to guess 700+ bikes. We rode escorted non‐stop to the state capital.  At the capital we listened to a few guest speakers and most importantly was the words spoken about the hard work ABATE and others did throughout the state to fight for the “No Helmet Bill”.  You the people spoke and our legislators listened.  

There were other rides that day also in our area so not everyone could attend.  We are again in the riding season. We did have a few members from our chapter in the ride and our chapter  and ABATE of IL says “Thank You”   

Ride knowing you still have your freedom of choice.   

Rich & Renie St. Clair County BOD

Affordable Lady Biker Accessories

www.coolbikerbling.com

Fairview Heights, IL (618) 978-5761

SAFETY AND EDUCATION

Recently an announcement came through the yahoo group mailing regarding the Experienced Rider Class and the need to sign up for it. I am signed up for it with two of my sons and my son-in-law. It looks like we are 4 of the 5 who signed up for it! 6 is the minimum number for the class to happen at all. I would like to vouch for this “class”.

The whole class is on-the-job-coaching. You cannot fail the class and you do not have to do the exercises offered in it, if you do not want to do them. You use your own bike and equipment. What makes this class a great one is that you have experienced rider/instructors coaching you as you ride. They watch as you ride and give you pointers on how to improve your riding skills. Key instructions in it are safe and improved cornering, safe braking, proper swerving skills, slow speed maneuvering skills such as are needed in heavy traffic situations. I have found the instructors to be helpful and encouraging. It is great for riders who have been riding a while and who may have over time picked up some habits that may actually be inhibiting a great ride. A look at the website (http://mrp.siuc.edu/ERC.htm) reveals that the classes are all closed now but I would like to encourage all to take it as soon as it is offered again. It is possible to get in it even when it is fully registered by going to the SIUE site and waiting to see if one of the registrants shows up late or does not come. First come, first served if they do not show or if they are late!

Perception is everything! In mid-May ABATE St. Clair County was offered the opportunity to join the Scott Air Force Base safety team with a booth to present motorcycle safety awareness. The officer working the event was enthusiastic and encouraging about our being there. The ABATE state safety and ed officer, Laura Mayer, was coming loaded with goodies to give away, brochures and information. At the last minute, the event was postponed until June and we were dis-invited! It seems that someone spoke to the commanding officer over the event who was told ABATE should not be invited because we are anti-helmet. Currently the military is going through a lot of intense safety changes for motorcycles in light of the growing number of motorcycle fatalities among military personnel. The perception of ABATE is that it is a single-issue entity whose only cause is being against wearing safety helmets. In order for us to be effective in our goal of education we are going to have to change that perception.

That perception has weakened our ability to have meaningful relationships with the Gold Wing riders and the sport bike riders who both, as a general rule, wear helmets for most of their riding. For all the work we do in all types of motorcycle, ATV, OHV issues, they do not see us as “speaking for them” for we are perceived as only against helmets. We are going to have to articulate better that we are for the right to choose to wear or not wear a helmet.

Ride safe, ride hard and ride free! Doug White

LEGISLATIVE REPORT 

RIGHT TO REPAIR BILL REINTRODUCED

Earlier this spring, in announcing the government's blueprint for saving the big three automakers, President Obama said, "The United States government will stand behind your (car) warranty." While it's unlikely many car owners would trust the federal government with an engine overhaul, a bipartisan bill called the Right to Repair Act of 2009 has just been introduced in the House of Representatives that would, in fact, make it cheaper and easier for millions of consumers to have their cars repaired. Although similar legislation has been introduced in previous Congresses but not voted on, it takes on additional urgency in these tough economic times, especially with the closing of many auto dealerships.

Currently some manufactures only make diagnostic tools and software available to their dealerships, severely limiting repair opportunities for consumers. Enter HR 2057, introduced by Edolphus Towns (D-NY), which would require car manufacturers make the tools and diagnostic information needed to repair their vehicles available to independent repair shops on the same basis that they make them available to their dealer-operated shops. (The legislation expressly protects manufacturer trade secrets from public disclosure.)

Basic consumer choice in vehicle repairs means more fair market competition, which helps keep repairs affordable. In addition to the economic and convenience issues connected with this legislation, it is well known that vehicles that are well maintained operate cleaner and more fuel efficiently. Enactment of the Right to Repair Act of 2009 would be a win both for small businesses and consumers at a time when both need a boost. Although HR 2057 does have a greater likelihood of passage this Congress than similar bills have in the past, it still has a long way to go before being signed into law. The MRF asks that you contact your US Representative to ask that he/she co-sponsor this important piece of legislation. Motorcycle Riders Foundation   

Thank you for being a member Mike Gallagher 

Respect

Respect while it is often demanded cannot be enforced from another individual. Respect has to be earned and Respect can be given. However to demand respect may get the action you want from some people. Demanded respect seldom last long if it not from the heart. As soon as those that are demanding the respect are gone the respect that they might force upon us is also gone. And if respect is demanded from an individual or community of people when they can the will rebel against that forced respect. Some times that might result in coup or an over-throw. In our country when that respect is demand against another group then that group has the right to ask for police protection or try to pass laws or ordinances to protect their freedoms.

While this is not going to be popular with many of you reading this I don‘t think it is such a bad thing that is going on in Hannibal.

Imagine you are a factory worker working the midnight shift and you get home at 9:00 AM. You are dead tired! All you want to do is to go to bed! So you kiss your wife good night (or good morning in this case) and head off to bed. You fall peacefully asleep. You get to the point where you just start dreaming. All of a sudden you wake up to noise you feel is shaking your house apart. Once you are awake you realize some bar right down the street is involve in a poker run for a very good cause. But you just got to sleep. But now you won’t be able to sleep for the next several hours because of all the bikes going up and down the road.

That night back on the job you are dead tired because you couldn’t get some sleep.

So you go to the city council and ask that do something about it only to find out that you are not the only one that feels the way you do. What does the city council do about it? Ask Hannibal!

All of a sudden we as bikers feel that Hannibal is against bikers.

Is what has happen is one group failed to give the respect due to one community from another community. It seems to be happening more and more. At first it was Grafton, then I heard about Maryville and now it is Hannibal. And down on the River road headed south there is one house with some sort of sign in the front yard asking bikers to quite it down. Yet I have heard many bikers rev up their engines as they go past that house.

Yeah Loud pipes save lives. But it also wakes up the dead and disturbs the peace of others. We in ABATE all about Biker Rights and we should be. But I think we also need to respect the rights of others. If we as a biker community (whether or not we are in ABATE) want respect and freedom to ride our bikes wherever we want then maybe we also ought to respect the rights of others to have a peaceful quite afternoon. If we can’t police ourselves then maybe it is the job of a Police Officer to do it for us. Sonny Theobald – Newsletter Edit

The VP 2 Cents Worth GREAT TIMES AHEAD

Well here we go my friends!!! Another season of RIDES – RUNS – RALLY’S & PARTIES!! I can’t keep up with all the events happening. But if ya want the info contact Sandy & Roger @ cmariders@charter.net . This great couple has ALL the info you could ever want about the riding season.

RIDES RALLY’S RUNS AND PARTIES…..it’s gonna be A HELL of a season. We all know that $$$ are budgeted, and time is short, in between rain drops, but I am asking you to PLAY with your state ABATE chapters at least once this season. If we all hooked up with a neighboring chapter just ONCE this season—that would be 190 something rides across this state!! New doors opening, new friendships, and all with the same goal in mind………..FREEDOM………..need I say more?!

Happy trails my friends Be safe—be informed

BREEZE

Faye Inn Bar & Grill 2503 Main Avenue

Fayetteville, IL 618 677-2060

Open Weekdays 10:00 AM – Midnight Open Weekends 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM

The Grill is open daily 11 AM to 9 PM Daily Featuring burgers and appetizers

http://www.thebikinglife.com

HEADS UP!

THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE will be doing unannounced

“Motorcycle Safety Checks” along Illinois highways and roadways this year.

Motorcycles found not complying with Illinois State Vehicle Codes will not be permitted to continue on

their intended journey until in compliance. Since they cannot be left along the roadside either the motorcycle will have to be hauled to a storage

collection point until the owner can be in compliance!

Keep documentation current! *Current Operator’s License *Proper Registration Papers

*Proof of insurance And

Your bike’s equipment working!

HANNIBAL, MISSOURI

The city of Hannibal Missouri has decided to target all Harley Davidson motorcycles. Their noise ordinance is

being enforced supposedly by public sentiment. It is purely a judgment call by the officers. No decibel

meters or anything like that! Just an officer’s judgment! They are stopping bikes right and left and the warning

period is over....the fine is $135.00. Second offense up to $500.00.

Come at your own risk!

Region Meeting May 7, 2009

Mike and I went to the region meeting last Thursday We discussed on what we should do about some of the bars that don’t open till noon or later. We need some ideas form the chapter so we can make some rules that all chapters need to abide by( hours they should open by, days closed ect) for next years Marble Run.

The band Four Wheel Drive is Back together should we try and get them for the party this year or find another band. Does anybody know a good band that will play for $600 or less.

At the next Belleville swap meet on September 27 or chapter will have the same time 7-10 we need volunteers to help with this.

If there is a change in officers we need to let state know as soon as possible.

There are a lot of ABATE rides coming up at different chapters so try and support them if you are out and about.

Alex Cortez Region Rep

THE FINAL WORD “EDUCATION”

Ignorance is a hassle! When I was about 12 I was operating my father’s tiller in the hard rock pit in Arkansas we called a garden. That tiller would bounce me all over the ground with every larger rock I hit. At my size, it was survival just to stand behind it while running! I think that was why I did not notice that it was running odd. I did not know it was out of oil and was just before “freezing up.” When it stopped, it would not move again. I had ruined it. My father assumed I knew about oil in a machine. I knew nothing about machines at all. He assumed I knew everything that experience had taught him. My early years in the city had not educated me about tillers, gardens and engines freezing up. I was ignorant and it cost us our tiller.

Jesus said that when we know the truth, the truth would make us free. Truth and freedom go hand in hand. Unless a person knows the truth he is not a free man; he will still be a slave to ignorance!

That’s why our name, ABATE, says that our target is “Education.” Personal education is first. We educate ourselves on our equipment, our riding skills and safety, why we hold the positions we do and the manner in which laws that limit freedom are made. By our very nature as a Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO) we cannot be strangers to political activism.

We educate the public in the public schools through motorcycle awareness programs and in the general public through courses like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Riders courses taught at SIUE and Mid America Airport this summer. We need to do more with the public.

We educate other riders by helping them understand the issues at the governing level that are going to affect their riding freedom as well as ours. We need to do more with other riders such as the “retirement” riders and the sport bikers.

We educate our state and national congressional representatives, local officials and governmental agencies armed with the truth of our positions and why they are critical to all American freedoms not just bikers. They are not operating with full knowledge of the issues having been primed often by some political supporter or patron to pass laws for their benefit. We must help them “get it.”

ABATE is a Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education. We cannot afford to assume that everyone else knows what we know or even wants to. With respect for each other, full of freedom’s passion let’s set our sights on ignorance and educate everyone around us. Freedom’s are at stake! `

Pastor Doug White