Hundreds gather wreaths at veterans’ cemetery

Amidst a sea of white headstones, more than 400 people collected Christmas wreaths Sunday afternoon during the culminating event of the eighth annual Friends of the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery’s Wreaths for Veterans project at the cemetery.

Despite the bitter cold wind, Sgt. Secoya Allen, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command, happily gathered wreaths alongside fellow members of the nonprofit motorcycle club, Unleashed Beasts.

“In the club, we’ve lost a few friends that are buried here. It’s a good thing to do,” Allen said. “It makes you feel good.”

Local motorcycle groups are active in community service, said Amy Shores. She is a member of the Queens of Sheba, an all-female motorcycle club.

“We come out here every year. Many of our members are military veterans. It’s a beautiful thing,” Shores said of the community support for the military.

“This is our way of paying respect to the fallen soldiers,” said Pam Townsel, an Army veteran. “It touches your heart.” she said, citing the mixture of sadness and pride she feels as she looks out over the rows of grave markers, contemplating “our brothers and sisters in combat.”

Each year the cemetery adds about 1,000 graves.

“We started with 400 wreaths, and now we have over 5,000,” said Hilary Shine, Killeen city spokeswoman. The event is a massive undertaking that requires thousands of volunteers and fundraising throughout the year.

The wreaths were prepared before Thanksgiving, and then placed at the headstones Nov. 30 by thousands of volunteers.

Following Sunday’s retrieval, the wreaths will remain in storage until next year.

Six cadets and four senior members of the Shoemaker Composite Squadron, of Belton, and Apollo Composite Squadron, of Georgetown, Civil Air Patrol attended the wreath gathering in uniform.

“It’s not as flashy as putting (the wreaths) out, but we do the things that need to be done,” said Cadet Collin Grahl.

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Source: Killeen Daily Herald (Lozano, 01/06)

Polaris Brings Back Indian Motorcycles

The Indian Motorcycle Company fizzled out after World War Two, but now one Siouxland company is proudly resurrecting the brand and motorcycle enthusiasts are getting revved up about the launch of an American classic.

Production is just beginning on the Indian Motorcycle line at Polaris in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Polaris is rolling out three new models of Indian Motorcycles: the Chief Classic, the Chief Vintage, and the Chieftain. They were unveiled at Sturgis in South Dakota earlier this month. There were bikes available for demo rides, and they were received well.

Not only are potential customers excited, but so are workers that will be assembling the bikes.

"It's exciting to be part of the re-launch of Indian Motorcycles," Mike Hoffman said. He works on the production line and can't wait to take home his own Indian. "It's such a historic company with so much nostalgia. I mean, people are so excited about the re-launch of the brand."

Cory Knudtson, director of motorcycle operations at Polaris, said Indian Motorcycles are going to be a big hit thanks to the great memories they'll stir. "The nostalgia, the heritage, you know, the Steve McQueen riding an Indian across the desert! That's never left the American psyche."

The style of the new Indian bikes will look familiar, but the technology definitely isn't vintage. It's like 21st century technology and convenience meets 1940's style.

"They really ride phenomenally well," Hoffman said. "I mean, the handling is great, the power is great, they sound really nice."

A 33,000 square foot addition made room for the new production line, in addition to the other products and motorcycles Polaris already makes.

The Indian Motorcycles are expected to be ready as soon as September.

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Source: KcauTV (DeRoin, 8/21)

DPS Urges Motorists to Use Caution Around Motorcyclists

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding drivers on Texas roadways to use extra caution around motorcycles as part of Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, which is observed during the month of May.

“Because of size and visibility, motorcyclists face unique challenges on the road that make them more vulnerable,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “We encourage all drivers – whether on two wheels or four – to actively watch out for each other and obey traffic laws. Motorcyclists can further protect themselves by wearing helmets; and other drivers can help by looking twice and giving extra space to motorcyclists.”

Currently, there are more than 440,000 motorcycles and mopeds registered in Texas, and that number is expected to grow.

DPS recommends all drivers “Share the Road” and “Look Twice” for motorcycles, which are Texas Department of Transportation public awareness campaigns that highlight motorcycle safety. Motorists should use caution, especially at intersections and when changing lanes – two common places where serious motorcycle collisions occur. Half of all fatal motorcycle crashes in Texas occur because a car or truck driver never saw the motorcyclist.

In 2012, 460 people in Texas died in motorcycle crashes – down from the 488 motorcyclists who died in 2011. However, those deaths accounted for approximately 13 percent of all traffic deaths in the state last year, and 89 percent of motorcycle crashes in Texas result in death or injury.

In addition to the annual awareness campaign, May 2013 also marks the 30th anniversary of the DPS Motorcycle Safety Unit. The unit coordinates training courses at more than 200 locations around the state for both basic and experienced riders. Motorcyclists must be properly licensed to operate a motorcycle in the State of Texas. For more information on motorcycle training or to find a training location in your area, please call 1-800-292-5787 or visit www.dps.texas.gov/msb.

Drivers and motorcyclists can significantly reduce their chances of being involved in a serious or fatal crash by adhering to basic safety measures, including:

• Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width – never try to share a lane.

• Perform a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections.

• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.

• Allow more following distance – three or four sec¬onds – when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emer¬gency.

• Never tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

• Never drive while distracted.

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Source: KBTX (AP, 5/2)

Maypearl rally aids wounded heroes

MAYPEARL – Downtown Maypearl was thundering with the thrum of motorcycles as thousands turned out Friday-Sunday for Rally Round Our Heroes.

Big B’s Leather and Wounded Heroes of Texas organized the motorcycle rally, concerts and vendor fair to raise money and awareness for disabled veterans and the veterans associations of Dallas-Fort Worth.

“This is basically the first family-oriented biker rally in North Texas. We didn’t expect it to be this big, but we will definitely do it again next year,” said Chuck Perry, Wounded Heroes of Texas founder. “We wanted this to be an event to honor our disabled vets and raise funds for our Galveston retreat. It’s really just a feel-good event and helps vets.”

Perry said the Wounded Heroes of Texas helps disabled veterans adjust to life after service and reintegrate into society. The nonprofit organization’s annual Galveston fishing and sailing retreat for veterans is one of the ways it helps.

The three-day event featured live music from Southern Heat, Curb Service and Janis Joplin tribute band Piece of My Heart, while several vendors sold “everything from mufflers to mints,” Perry said. Rally Round Our Heroes also featured raffles, displays and bike washes.

He said the Wounded Heroes of Texas serves veterans from the Oklahoma border to Temple, Texas, and he is hoping to start a chapter in Brownsville next year. The organization is part of the national Veteran Association’s reintegration program and aims to continue to serve more of Texas every year.

The Rally Round Our Heroes received support from the Maypearl city council and mayor, as well as local support from businesses. Bruce (the big ‘B’ of Big B’s Leather) and Cupcake Helsing helped host the event, organize the vendor fair and promote the event to their customers.

“We’re a traveling vendor and have the store here (in Maypearl), so we invited all of our contacts to come set up at the rally,” Cupcake said. “We’ve got vendors clear from Iowa to local vendors out here.”

The event attracted a lot of visitors and customers to downtown Maypearl.

“We set it up spread out like this so people would want to walk through town to see everything and spend time visiting the businesses and vendors,” she said. “We hit some logistical bumps in the road this year, but it is the first year we’ve hosted it.”

Cupcake said she worked with Perry to host the event in Maypearl, because she wanted to see the small town flourish. The Helsings opened their store four years ago in downtown and the Farm-to-Market Roads 66 and 157 have become favorite routes of bikers.

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Source: Waxahachie News (Schwaderer, 4/15)

Gender makes no difference when it comes to having fun or accidents on motorcycles

EL PASO — The 2006 Suzuki GSXR 600 roars down the I-10 freeway going 60 mph at 6:30 a.m. on a weekday and exits on Schuster Avenue. The woman at the wheel, Tory Lewis, a fit 5’ 2’’ blonde, then turns left onto Hawthorne from Schuster Avenue entering the University of Texas at El Paso campus. Her bike comes to an abrupt stop behind the Administrative Building and she parks in a spot designated for motorcycles.

She removes her dark-blue helmet and is ready to start her day as she walks towards her graphic and design fundamentals class located in the Liberal Arts Building.

“I just love how I’m able to feel the speed,” said Lewis, a medical engineering student at UTEP.

Lewis, 28, was born and raised in Michigan and served in the United States Army for about seven years before being stationed at Fort Bliss in April of 2005.

Growing up around motorcycles motivated Lewis to learn to ride at the age of 15 and she hasn’t been able to get off since.

She bought the Suzuki, her first motorcycle, in 2006 and is proud to say she has never been in an accident.

“I always take precautions and I wear my safety gear,” she said. “I have also taken the motorcycle safety course and the advanced one.”

She understands it’s a risk to ride a motorcycle because no matter how safely she drives other vehicles are unpredictable and larger vehicles sometimes do not see her.

And she remembers getting pulled over by a police officer for speeding one time. The officer acted surprised when she removed her helmet. “He said he never expected he was pulling over a girl and talked about it nonstop,” she chuckled.

Lewis’ mother, Vickie Knake, 50, has also been riding since the age of 15 and has always been a member of motorcycle clubs. She currently lives in Baldwin, Michigan, and now only rides for fun and occasionally attends motorcycle events. Knake said a lot has changed since she started riding as a teenager.

“Riding used to be exiting and free. Now it’s a money maker and (full of) politics,” said Knake, explaining that most motorcycles clubs and events now seem to focus on making money rather than cruising and enjoying the ride.

El Pasoan Timothy Daniels, 44, has been riding since he was 18. He likes to ride with Lewis, and sometimes jokes about being a better driver than women motorcyclists. He has been a member of various motorcycle clubs for about seven years and is currently a member of the Moto Family, a driving club created about two years ago. Moto Family has 18 members, mainly men, and just three women members. The club participated in the Toys for Tot’s Bike Run last year in Las Cruces. Bike members usually cruise the city in groups when time allows, and try to ride together every Sunday morning depending on the weather.

“We treat women just how we treat the guys in the club,” Daniels said. “No one is better than anyone else.”

He added that although men have always outnumbered women in the club, the few female riders who join like to stick around.

Although accidents are common among motorcycle drivers, the sex of the rider is usually not a factor. Most motorcycle-related deaths occur because the riders aren’t wearing a helmet, according to accident statistics. What matters most is that drivers take precautions like driving safely and wearing a helmet.

There were 426 motorcycle deaths in Texas in 2009, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. This is a 13.6 percent increase from the 375 motorcycle deaths recorded in 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Sixty percent of these bike drivers were not wearing helmets and 39 percent of the motorcyclists killed had a blood alcohol level greater than .08.

According to NHTSA, motorcycle riders are 35 times more likely to be in traffic accidents than someone driving a passenger car. The agency does not break down the statistics for men and women motorcycle drivers.

A possible factor in the increase of motorcycle accidents is that the number of states requiring riders to wear helmets has decreased in the past 40 years. In the 1970s, for example, 47 states had laws requiring the use of helmets by motorcycle riders; today only 19 states have a law requiring helmets. The rest of the states, including Texas, only require riders to wear helmets partially, meaning once they reach a certain age. Here is a map from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showing helmet laws in all 50 states.

Although some men claim that women don’t drive as well as men, gender does not appear to be a factor in accidents and motorcycle deaths.

“I was about to sell my bike a few years ago because of how dangerous it is and all the deaths (I read about) but I wasn’t able to,” Lewis said.

“You’re always going to have accidents, either on your motorcycle or car, and you just have to be as cautious as you can,” she said. “I enjoy riding too much; it’s hard to get rid of something you have had almost your entire life.”

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Source: Boderzine (Gonzales, 3/28)

Ten Things to Take on Every Trip

Spring is here, which means sitting down and planning those long summer trips that you'll be dreaming about at work to keep yourself sane. But your dream trip can easily go from a story you'll tell your friends about to make them jealous to a trip that airs on When Vacations Attack in 2.5 seconds. To keep things on the right track, always pack a few necessary things:

An A Plan: Whether you like to schedule every little thing down to what undies you want to wear on what day or you're a free spirit that like to go wherever the road takes you, some sense of a trip outline is a must. Sure, you can deviate from it a little as you go, but knowing where point a is and where point b is and how to get between the two before you hop on your bike is a must. Plus, it doesn't hurt to map out where gas, food and places to sleep along the way so that you don't end up stranded on a road somewhere with no gas and only a pack of gum to snack on.

Once you get all that figured out, feel free to tell a few people so that they'll have an idea where you are and which way to send the search team if you don't make it to your final destination. Have someone at home that will be freaking out if you don't call every hour on the hour? Invest in a Spot II Personal GPS Satellite Messenger. The thing tracks where you are by satellite and can send messages to your loved ones telling them your exact coordinates and that you're okay.

Speaking of GPS: Getting lost is one of the fastest ways to kill a good trip, especially if you're the group's navigator. Taking a GPS unit with you is a great way to keep everyone on track or get back on track if you find yourself in some unexpected places. Either leave it on to guide your whole way or only turn it on in emergencies; either way, you'll be glad you had it. Take one of these GPS units, for example. Still stubborn about taking modern day technology on your "into the wilderness" trip? At least take a map and a compass.

For the things that happen after you say, "This couldn't get any worse": Survival kits are the items you hope you never have to use but are glad that you brought if you need them and it's always that one time that you leave them out that they're necessary. So, despite how mild of a trip you plan to be taking, never leave out waterproof matches, a decent knife, a flashlight, a rescue blanket and some water purification tablets. They won't take up that much room but can be a real butt saver in the scheme of things.

Aid of the First: Scars are sexy. Or so we've heard. Bleeding out or having to ride with a broken appendage, not sexy. Unless you're into that kind of thing, bring a first aid kit in case your body takes a beating if something goes south or if you get a blister. Even the smallest of injuries can be a huge pain in your ride. Grab a handful of band-aids, some burn cream, butterfly sutures and sunscreen.

Your ride's survival kit: Just like you might hit something unexpected, your bike might too. And while you may plan your entire trip down to the bathroom breaks, you can't plan for when your ride breaks. Bring with you a small tool kit with all the essentials for patching your trusty steed up. Most multi-tool tool kits will have the basics while staying small and organized so that they're easy to bring with you. Otherwise, make sure to at least have pliers, a screwdriver, Allen wrenches and an adjustable crescent wrench. Whether you're rocking the kit or your own collection, just remember, duct tape and zip ties can fix almost anything, at least temporarily.

You ride's first aid kit: Even on the simplest of rides there's a chance a part could break. Set your bike on its kickstand in a softer area of the road and you could find it chillin' on its side with a broken control lever and no way to get to a new one. If you're planning a more adventurous trip, then spare parts are a definite must have. Depending on the ride you have planned, think about packing some spare levers, bolts, screws, fasteners and even a fresh oil and air filter.

Snackage: Let's face it, we all have alter egos that come out when we're hungry. But you don't want that cranky beast to be the one enjoying your ride when it should be a happily riding you enjoying it. Pack some snacks and plenty of hydrating fluids (no, beer does not count) to keep your stomach sated so you can focus on what really matters. And it won't hurt to bring a little extra, just in case you do get stranded and have to wait it out for help to arrive. You can live a few weeks without eating but why the heck would you want to?

A space suit: Well, maybe just a rain suit instead. No matter how well you plan your trip around the sun, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. So if your parade does happen to get rained on, don't let it slow you down. Pack a Two-Piece Motorcycle Rain suit. Their inexpensive and light weight do they won't weight you down but you'll be glad you have one when you're not trying to ride while being soaked to the core.

Say Cheese: We know it's a little cheesy, no pun intended, but a bringing a camera can immortalize this phenomenal trip you've been planning and dreaming about forever. Whether it's a good ol' fashion camera, a riding camera or even your smart phone's lens, snap a few pictures here and there so that you'll be able to remember it like was yesterday when you're pruney and telling your grandkids about the trip or even when you want to brag to the fools who chose not to take time off work and join you. You'll be happy you did when the trip is over.

A Winning Attitude: Your attitude can have the biggest effect on your trip no matter how perfect everything turns out. As long as you prepare by following the guidelines above, chances are that everything will go smoothly. So be sure that the second you hop on your ride, you've forgotten about all your worldly troubles and are open to anything. You may have most of your trip planned out but allow for the unexpected to happen. And if anyone else on your ride has a bad attitude, don't let them get you down. Just threaten to leave them at the next rest stop if they can't turn their frown upside-down.


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Source: Bike Bandit (AP)

Revving up for the Wild Hog Motorcycle and Music Rally

Get your bikes revved up and mark your calendar the weekend of April 25-28 when the Wild Hog Motorcycle Rally and Music returns for an 11th engagement.

The 2013 lineup was officially unveiled Tuesday night at a special Business After Hours held at the Wild Hog Saloon. Delbert McClinton, a regular performer at the King Biscuit Blues Festival, will headline this year's Wild Hog Music Festival.

A Texas native, McClinton grew up listening to Bob Willis and His Texas Playboys. Some of the masters of blues music served as his tutors including Jimmy Reed, Howlin' Wolf and Sonny Boy Williamson. During a tour of England, McClinton demonstrated a few of his harmonica licks to a young John Lennon. The lineup card also includes a return engagement by 7 Bridges The Ultimate Eagles Experience, The Return – A Beatles Flashback, Geneva, Grand Theft Audio and Purfek Daze. The times of the performances will be announced at a later date. Originally from Nashville, Tenn., Geneva and her self-titled band have been touring for several years. They were the first band to perform for U.S. troops in the Middle East at the onset of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Geneva has written, recorded and released 5 CDs featuring songs primarily inspired by their experiences on the bike rally circuit. Geneva filmed a reality show, “Geneva's Rock –N-Ride”, which airs seasonally on select Fox networks. She has graced the cover of over a dozen mainstream biker magazine covers. This year marks Geneva's 10th anniversary headlining the biker world.

 Besides all the live music and full display of motorcycles, all of the usual activities are on tap for this year's festival. They include field events such as the poker run, weenie bite, burn out, slow race, balloon toss and more. There will be a bike parade and bike show plus all the food you can eat. Other events on the card are the Dyno Shootout, mechanical bull rides, the ever-popular Ms. Wild Hog Beauty Contest and new this year, oil wrestling. The festival will open Thursday evening April 25 with the traditional early bird and registration party for early registrants, sponsors, volunteers and wild hog riders groups. The event will close Sunday, morning April 28 with a worship service and the blessing of the bikes.

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Source: Helena-Arkansas (Hogan, 2/14)

Bikers rally at State Capitol for new motorcycle bill

Hundreds of bikers rumbled their way to the State Capitol Monday morning to promote a new piece of legislation.

The group of bikers is asking state lawmakers to pass the Motorcycle Crash Prevention Act, a bill aimed at lowering the number of motorcycle accidents across Texas.

Among other things, the bill would provide funding to expand Texas’ “Share the Road” program--a public service campaign intended to make drivers more aware of motorcycles on the road.

If the proposed bill becomes law, it would also fund more training for riders.

One of the event’s organizers says she's optimistic about the bill passing, thanks to the motorcyclists' lobby.

"We're all registered voters and we're heavily involved in all the politics of the state,” Terri Williams with the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association said. “We want to make them aware of us in large numbers to let them know that we have the backing of the state of Texas with the motorcyclists."

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Source: YNN (AP, 1/28)

Driver sought in hit-and-run

A Hallsville man died Sunday night after wrecking his motorcycle and then being run over by a pickup truck whose driver fled the scene in rural Upshur County, said investigating Texas Depatment of Public Safety Trooper Brandon Love.

Officers were seeking a white pickup which ran over Maxwell Kyle Hardin, 35, as he lay in the roadway of FM 726 after wrecking the motorcycle in an accident which also injured his girlfriend, Love said.

Hardin died after being taken by ambulance to East Texas Medical Center Gilmer, where Upshur County Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace W.V. Ray pronounced him dead at 8:35 p.m., said Love.

Donna Rene Miller of Hallsville, who was marking her 36th birthday, was taken by ambulance to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview with possible head injuries, but was expected to recover, Love said.

She and Hardin had left a birthday party for her at her home in Hallsville, the trooper said.

Authorities do not know whether it was the motorcycle crash, or the pickup, which killed Hardin, Love said.

The trooper gave this account of the accidents and related events:

The couple was southbound on FM 726 between the intersections with Hwy. 154 and FM 1650 (near Glenwood), when Hardin swerved the 1999 Honda Shadow to miss a deer. The driver lost control and ran into a ditch on the roadway’s right side, throwing him and Ms. Miller off the motorcycle.

Hardin was lying in the southbound lane when, probably within 30 seconds, the southbound pickup ran over him and stopped momentarily before continuing southward on FM 726.

A man who was sitting on his porch witnessed the motorcycle accident and was going to help when he saw the pickup run over Hardin.

The witness couldn’t tell anything about the driver, but said nobody exited the vehicle. Authorities have no description of it, other than it was a white pickup, and anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Tyler DPS office at 903-939-6000 or the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office at 903-843-2541.

Leaving the scene of the accident was a felony offense.

Hardin and Ms. Miller weren’t wearing helmets, but she was able to call 911 on her cell phone. Love was notified of the incidents at 7:15 p.m.

Those were the first of four traffic crashes attributable at least partly to animals in rural Upshur County Sunday evening. The other two, both caused by a calf who strayed into FM 2263 three miles northeast of Gilmer (off Hwy. 155), resulted in no serious injuries, according to Love.

David Sterling, 55, of Gilmer, was southbound when his 2001 GMC pickup struck the calf, Love said. Sterling exited the truck, was charged by the animal, and received a minor knee injury when he ran and jumped back into the vehicle, said the trooper.

Love said he was called to that accident at 10:30 p.m., arrived at 10:39, and was turning his patrol car around when he witnessed the second crash. The calf had run northward up the road, and 55-year-old Amron Dailey of Gilmer overturned her southbound 2005 Chevrolet Malibu when she swerved to miss the animal, the trooper said.

“I saw her car rolling in my headlights  in the ditch. . . I saw it roll twice,” Love said at the scene. Ms. Dailey escaped injury when the vehicle ran off the roadway’s right side and ended up right side up, straddling a ditch.

Ms. Dailey was wearing her seat belt, which “definitely saved her from getting ejected,” Love said.

Both accidents occurred near the intersection with Blue Bell Road, and both Sterling and Ms. Dailey were alone in their vehicles, Love said. Both reside on FM 2263, he stated.

Love and an Upshur County Sheriff’s Deputy used a flashlight to spot the calf in a pasture beside the road. The animal jumped up and ran a short distance away from the officers into the pasture.

Rain began within an hour after Ms. Dailey’s crash.

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Source: The Gilmer Mirror (Williams, 1/31)

Motorcycle crashes, shootings, train accidents killed Fort Hood soldiers in 2012

While Fort Hood saw 19 suicides in 2012 — nearly double that of 2011 and just three less than the record 22 suicides in 2010 — even more soldiers suffered untimely deaths at the Army post in incidents ranging from motorcycle crashes to shootings to train accidents.

At least a dozen Fort Hood soldiers died in vehicle crashes in 2012; eight were on motorcycles. Motor vehicle crashes, and especially motorcycle crashes, are a long-standing problem throughout the military, and a 2012 Statesman investigation found similarly high numbers of motor vehicle crashes among Texas veterans who died after returning from war and leaving the military.

The motorcycle deaths come despite the extensive training and safety measures that Fort Hood officials require of all soldiers who ride a motorcycle. Officials and safety experts have said that returning service members can struggle with driving outside a war zone, where aggressive habits such as fast driving, avoiding unknown objects on the road and not coming to a stop help keep soldiers alive.

Riders must take up to three training courses, participate in a mentorship coaching program and wear fluorescent vests, helmets and eye protection. And soldiers returning from deployments must take a refresher course before riding again.

Several of the reported deaths were the result of extremely risky behavior on the part of soldiers. Among those killed in 2012 were a soldier who lost control while “doing wheelies” outside a Fort Hood-area restaurant in April and another who died during a February police chase after participating in motorcycle races on a Killeen avenue, according to Fort Hood safety memos.

Three Fort Hood soldiers were killed by gunshots last year. One was killed in October during an argument outside an off-post house party; another by a fellow soldier who told authorities he was trying to cure the victim’s hiccups by scaring him with a gun he thought was loaded with dummy rounds. One soldier was shot and killed by Fort Hood police after they came under fire while approaching his car, which was parked near a lake on the post.

Two soldiers were killed in train-related incidents outside Fort Hood. In the first, a soldier drove past lowered gate guards at a railroad crossing and was struck by an oncoming train. In the second incident, freight train engineers said they saw a body on the tracks in Copperas Cove before running over a soldier. It’s unclear how the soldier ended up on the tracks; police refused to release further information on the incident. One Fort Hood soldier died from an unintentional drug overdose, according to Fort Hood officials. The 2012 Statesman investigation found overdoses, particularly of prescription drugs, were nearly as prevalent as suicides among Texas veterans receiving disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Several of last year’s untimely Fort Hood deaths remain unexplained. Five soldiers, ranging in age from 24 to 47, were found “unresponsive” in their homes or barracks, according to Fort Hood officials, but their deaths weren’t ruled suicide or overdose by medical examiners. Fort Hood officials didn’t provide their causes of death.

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Source: Statesman (Schwarts, 1/19)

BMW Recalling 2,385 Motorcycles for Kickstand Problem

BMW is recalling 2,385 of its 2012-13 motorcycles to keep gravity from having its way with them.

In a report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW said the kickstand on its S 1000 RR models could fail, allowing the $15,000 motorcycle to topple over.

BMW told the safety agency that the problem was that the attachment threads were not properly cleaned. So the remaining bits of metal could allow the bolts to loosen and the kickstand could separate from the frame.

BMW told the agency it had its first report of a problem in March followed by five more in June and July. “Given the low number of warranty claims and the long period of time in which the claims were received,” BMW said it continued to “monitor” the situation.

Following some additional reports in Germany – as well as in the United States – BMW began investigating in October, found the cause and concluded a recall was needed.

BMW described the recall as “voluntary,” but once a manufacturer finds a safety problem it has five business days to inform the safety agency of its plan for a recall or face civil fines.

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Source: The New York Times (Jensen, 12/28)

EXCELLENT IDEA OF THE DAY: CUSTOM WOOD HELMETS

While many in the helmet industry are busy finding the latest technological innovations to build new, safer helmets, one man in Oregon is turning to a primitive material to make custom-designed helmets that absorb more energy than the standard plastics: wood.

Dan Coyle has been making helmets (and paddles and even eyeglass frames) since the 1990s, Outside Magazine reports. Now, with some help from Indiegogo, Coyle is selling his Tree Piece Helmets and billing them as "The First Sustainably Built Natural Fiber Bicycle Helmet."

The helmets are made of salvaged wood -- mostly Douglas fir -- and lined with cork, making them more durable than polycarbonate. At 21 ounces, they're heavier than a racing helmet, but on par with a typical recreational helmet. There's some circulation and venting from the cork liner, but the company admits the helmets are generally warmer than plastic.

Although Coyle has had the helmets tested (favorably) at an impact lab, certification calls for large-scale production. He's hoping to get funding for two of his models to be certified through his current Indiegogo campaign.

One of the most frequent questions Coyle gets is, "Won't the wood crack?" The answer is a partial yes, in an accident.

"The cracking that happens in a wood shell as in a foam helmet is energy being diverted into the destruction of the helmet rather than the skull," his website explains. "On the other hand, it is still important that the shell retain some integrity and not fragment. HMVK, the polyurea compound we coat the inside of each shell with, allows the shell to absorb energy without fragmenting in an accident."

One undeniable difference, however? The price tag. The helmets start at $375.

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Source: Discovery News (Eldred, 12/14)

Oklahoma's lack of helmet laws for adult motorcyclists still gets debate

The most recent statistics available from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office show there were 98 motorcycle fatalities in 2011.

It's the freedom of choice they like.

They ride their motorcycles with the wind in their hair and say helmets shouldn't be required by law.

This is a motocycle helmet worn by Jim Watson, of Edmond, during motorcycle safety training Saturday July 26, 2008 at Edmond Fire Station 5.

Our position is very simple, that helmets are a very good device but it should be our choice whether to wear one.”

John Pierce, Legislative chairman for the American Bikers Active Toward Education In Oklahoma, adults 18 and older don't have to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, only those younger than 18.

John Pierce, 69, of Collinsville, staunchly defends bikers' choice to wear a helmet. Pierce is the legislative chairman for the American Bikers Active Toward Education, a group of about 1,100 motorcycle enthusiasts in the state.

“Our position is very simple, that helmets are a very good device but it should be our choice whether to wear one,” Pierce said. “We believe we have the right to decide whether to wear a helmet.”

Others say it is a safety issue and helmets should be mandatory. No helmet law increases insurance rates, they say.

The most recent statistics available from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office show there were 98 motorcycle fatalities in 2011.

Of those killed, 81 percent were not wearing helmets. In 2010, the figures were 78 people killed and 85 percent not wearing helmets.

Oklahoma City police have reported 10 motorcycle fatalities this year. Seven of those people were not wearing helmets, police Capt. Dee Patty said. In 2011, Oklahoma City police worked eight fatal motorcycle crashes; six people who died did not wear helmets, Patty said.

AAA Oklahoma, a company that sells insurance, supports enacting an Oklahoma helmet law to save lives, spokesman Chuck Mai said.

“The proof is there. AAA Oklahoma strongly supports enactment of legislation requiring motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets and encourages all motorcycle riders to educate themselves of the lifesaving qualities of helmet use,” Mai said.

He said motorcycle insurance premiums can be affected by claims in a geographic area.

Texas does not require a helmet for adult riders age 21 and older who have $10,000 medical insurance coverage. Kansas requires motorcycle riders younger than 18 to wear helmets.

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Source: NewsOK (Medly, 12/17)

Motorcycle deaths, injuries cost $16 billion

WASHINGTON— Direct costs from deaths and injuries due to motorcycle crashes were $16 billion in 2010, but the full cost is likely higher because long-term medical expenses are difficult to measure, a government report said.

Motorcyclists are involved in fatal crashes at higher rates than drivers of other types of vehicles, and are 30 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than passenger car occupants, according to the Government Accountability Office report.

In 2010, 82,000 motorcyclists were injured and 4,502 were killed in crashes, the report said. The average cost for a fatal crash was estimated at $1.2 million, while the cost for injuries ranged from $2,500 to $1.4 million depending upon the severity.

It's difficult to determine the full costs with accuracy because some types of costs are difficult to measure, the report said. For example, treating serious injuries can be long and expensive, but follow-up analyses of costs are conducted only for a few years. Also, other consequences of long-term injuries such as changes in employment and living status can't be fully measured, the report said.

Laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets are the only strategy proven effective in reducing fatalities and injuries, the report said. Several studies have estimated helmets reduce the risk of death by as much as 39 percent, the report said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated helmets saved the lives of 1,550 motorcyclists in 2010.

However, there has been strong opposition from motorcycle groups to "universal" helmet laws, and only 19 states have them. Another 28 states have "partial" helmet laws that require only some motorcyclists to wear helmets, usually riders under age 21 or under age 18.

Three states have no helmet laws: Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire. Earlier this year, Michigan legislators repealed that state's helmet requirement for motorcyclists over 21. Other proposals to repeal mandatory helmet laws were considered in California, Maryland, Missouri and Tennessee.

While many motorcycle groups endorse the use of helmets, they also oppose mandatory helmet laws as infringements on personal liberties and their right to assume the risk of riding without a helmet, the report said.

"We are 100 percent pro-helmet, and 100 percent anti-helmet law," Jeff Hennie, vice president of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, said. "Putting a helmet law in place does not reduce motorcycle fatalities."

Educating other motorists to look out for motorcyclists, and teaching motorcyclists how to ride safely, "is the ultimate solution for saving lives," he said.

But Jackie Gillan, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, which supports mandatory helmet laws, said: "Education is not a substitute for wearing a helmet." "It's like saying if you take a driver's ed class, you don't have to wear your seat belt," she said. "Now how silly is that?"

Partial helmet laws are also difficult to enforce because it's hard for police to tell the age of motorcyclists as they go whizzing by, she said.

The National Transportation Safety Board dropped mandatory helmet laws from their list of ten "most wanted" safety improvements earlier this month, angering some safety advocates.

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Source: AP (11/28)

Holiday gift ideas for bikers

The holidays are just around the corner. If you are having difficulties on getting something for that special someone, do not worry, Biker Lawyer has you covered!

Great gifts for him:

Water-resistant 100% nylon twill with poly-twill quilted lining. Zipper front. Rib-knit collar, cuffs and waist. Two zipper hand-warmer pockets and two interior pockets. Embroidered appliqué on right sleeve, front and back.

The Microwire™ is woven into a heating matrix within the glove and provides consistent heat coverage to the entire length of each finger, including the thumb as well as the back of the hand. 95% leather, 5% neoprene gloves with waterproof, breathable Aquatex™ lliner. Electrical plug-ins built into gauntlet cuff. Includes connecting harness, power switch, and three prong harness to go up jacket sleeves. Can be worn alone or with other heated clothing. Padded palms, drawcord closure and graphics in contrasting colors.

Hybrid fiberglass composite shell that results in a lighter weight than traditional fiberglass shells. Quick release face shield mechanism. Front and rear vent to provide maximum air flow. Removable, washable Nylex® liner wicks moisture away for maximum comfort. Fits P&A Helmet Headset and Road Tech™ Helmet Headset with Bluetooth® 2.0 Technology (P/N 98272-09VM) sold separately. Helmet bag included. Custom graphics.

Great gifts for her:

Ideal vest for adding patches and pins. Lightweight leather with poly-twill lining. V-neck with snap front. Embroidered graphics on left hem.

Constructed of full grain leather upper, full length cushion sock lining, and YKK® locking inside zipper. Rubber mini-lug outsole and Goodyear® welt construction. Shaft height: 12.5"; Heel height: 1.5". Riding appropriate footwear.

Fiberglass shell. Double D-ring chin strap. Chin and forehead venting. Tool-free removable face shield. Helmet bag included. Allover graphics. Meets DOT requirements. KBC®, 3 lbs. 8 oz.

Preventing Motorcycle Theft

The holidays are just around the corner and its a season to enjoy family, but we must not forget that it is also the season for high theft rate. Here are some tips to prevent theft during the holidays.

• Lock your ignition and remove the key. Most bike thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked.

• Lock the forks or disk brakes with locks that have large, brightly colored tags.

• If traveling with other riders, lock motorcycles together when not in use.

• If riding alone, lock your bike to a secure, stationary object that can’t be easily dismantled, such as a light pole.

• Add an audible alarm to your motorcycle.

• When traveling and spending the night at a hotel, locate an outdoor security camera and park your bike in the camera’s view. If this is not possible, park your bike close to your room.

• Keep an eye on your bike. When parking at a public event, check your motorcycle periodically, especially immediately after leaving your bike, to make sure there are no suspicious individuals lurking about.

• If parking in a garage, block your bike with automobiles, close the garage door and make sure it is locked.

• Don’t store your title in your bike’s storage compartment, tank bag or saddlebag. The safest place for your title is at home.

• Uniquely mark and then photograph your bike. If thieves take your bike, note its unique markings to law enforcement using the photos you have taken.

• Keep your bike registration and insurance identification card on you when you ride.

• Be careful about giving out private information on where you live, work or play.

If you use a trailer to transport your motorcycle, follow these safety tips:

• Park the trailer in a well-lit location near security cameras or in an area easily seen by restaurant, hotel or event staff.

• Lock the trailer doors and hitch.

• Secure doors by backing up to a wall, so there is not enough room for doors to be opened.

• Know your trailer identification and license plate registration numbers.

• When riding home, make sure you’re not being followed.

Guard against theft when selling your bike:

Using fake identities has become common in bike thefts. Don’t turn over the title until you can verify the check or money order is valid and has cleared the bank. Mail the title to the new owner.

• Ask the buyer for his or her name, address, date of birth and driver’s license number. Then ask to see the driver’s license and check that the information given matches the license.

• Be especially cautious of anyone who presents out-of-state identification.

• Make sure the potential buyer wasn’t dropped off by another party and is planning to take a one-way test ride with your bike. Verify that the buyer owns the vehicle he or she arrived with, and that the vehicle is of equal or greater value than your bike.

• Check that the buyer's driver’s license carries a valid motorcycle endorsement.

• It isn’t necessary that you provide a buyer with the title right away. A written document signed by the seller and buyer indicating price and method of payment can serve as proof of purchase. You can forward the title to the buyer once the check has cleared the bank.

• If you decide to sell your motorcycle on consignment, do not provide the signed title to the dealership until you have received your money in full. Make sure the dealership is a reputable business before you trust them as an agent.

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Source: Motorcycel Safety Foundation

Motorcycle sales fluctuate

WILLIAMSTOWN - As gasoline prices fluctuate from around $4 per gallon and fall to $3.70 per gallon, many people have been looking for ways to save money, but not by purchasing a motorcycle.

"A lot of people are coming in to buy bikes, but we haven't heard much from customers about gas prices," said Patsy Hardy, co-owner of S&P Harley Davidson in Williamstown.

Kenny Hardy, general manager of the Thunder Road facility, said that the store has seen a surge in motorcycle sales, but fuel savings is not a main factor.

The average motorcycle gets anywhere from 35 to 60 miles per gallon, while the average midsize car gets roughly 20 to 30 miles per gallon, according to Environmental Protection Agency 2009 gas mileage statistics. Combine fuel economy with increased motorcycle publicity and that helps explain why more people have turned to this two-wheeled form of transportation, Kenny Hardy said.

Hardy continued that gas mileage for a motorcycle is the same as for mileage for a vehicle.

"Gas mileage depends on the model of the bike and the riding style," he said. "You could have a bike that gets 60 miles per gallon and only average 40 miles per gallon because of the way it is being ridden."

Other motorcycle enthusiasts are warning potential buyers that while the fuel savings will draw you in, there are costs in bikes.

"People who enjoy riding and the sport of motorcycles are more likely to get their money's worth out of the purchase than someone who buys a bike for fuel economy," said Mike Radcliff, sales manager at Lemon and Barrett's ATV and Cycle in Mineral Wells.

Radcliff said his store has not seen an increase in motorcycle sales at all, let alone due to increased gasoline prices.

"A few years ago when gas initially spiked and prices reached $4 per gallon, we saw a huge increase in sales and people realized they could save some money in gas if they rode a motorcycle," Radcliff said. "Unfortunately, it ended up costing them more because they don't love to ride."

Radcliff said that unless you enjoy motorcycles and are passionate about riding them, you will end up losing money on the cost of the bike's purchase, safety equipment and insurance than you will save on fuel.

"I have seen it 100 times," he said. "A guy comes in and buys a bike to save money and he loses money because he doesn't ride the bike enough to offset the cost.

"Unless you are someone who just loves to ride, don't invest in a bike for savings," Radcliff added.

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Source: News and Sentinel (Craig, 10/21)

10 Ways to Avoid Looking Like a Squid

A motorcycle is more than a fashion statement, it is a taste of freedom, danger, and responsibility. Here are ten ways to avoid looking like a squid (noob).

Your First Bike Should be a Tool, Not a Fashion Accessory

Bikes are inherently cool— which is one of the many reasons we ride— and we all want to exploit that fact when we're on a motorcycle. But your bike choice— whether you're a first time, intermediate, or advanced rider— should be chosen to make you a better motorcyclist, not make you look like you blew your 401K on a race-ready literbike, a custom paint job, and a matching helmet. Besides, you can always step up to your dream bike after you've cut your teeth on something more manageable.

Save Bare Skin for Bikini Models

One of the telltale ways to spot a squid a mile away is their blatant disregard for safety gear and their decision to wear shorts, flip-flops, and t-shirts; as any experienced rider will tell you, it's not yourself you want to look out for, it's other people on the road. Grab a DOT-approved helmet, a solid jacket, gloves and boots; if anything, going to the trouble of gearing up just might uphold Murphy's Law and ensure you keep the rubber side down.

Turn Off That Blinker!

Veteran riders can be just as guilty of this visual (and potential safety) offense as newbies. Unless your bike's equipped with self-cancelling signals, switch your blinkers off after you've completed your turn or changed lanes. Nobody, especially a new rider, wants the look like a blue-haired permablinker.

Batten Down the Hatches

Saddlebags can be lifesavers when it comes to carrying cargo. But if they're not fastened properly, they can end up bouncing across the highway like a pinball. Learn how your saddlebag latches lock into place, and give them a good shakedown before starting your ride—otherwise, you might not be the only thing hitting the road.

Get to Know Your Kickstand

Kickstands are squirrelly little contraptions. Their spring-loaded mechanisms can make them trickier to operate than you might think, and if they're not completely deployed, all it takes is a light graze of a boot to quietly load them back into a stowed position. Few things are as disconcerting as the slow-motion horizontal parking maneuver, and making sure your kickstand is all the way down will help you avoid that fate.

Resist the Urge to Showboat

Adrenaline's pumping, the engine is eager, and the light just turned green. You may be tempted to pound the throttle, drop the clutch and wheelie your way through the next quarter mile, but don’t get suckered into showing off your misguided motorcycle prowess; chances are you don't have the chops to pull off that mind-blowing maneuver, especially if you're a new rider. Resist the urge to impersonate pros like Jason Britton, and you'll save yourself the dishonor of looking like a chump.

Work on Getting Slow Speed Maneuvers Right

Going fast is easy; it's slow speed maneuvers that take serious skill. Practice parking lot drills like figure 8's and slaloms, and you'll sharpen your balance and bike control, which will eventually help you become better at more delicate moves like u-turns. A squid focuses only on speed, while a serious motorcyclist can make an 800 pound bike move with the grace of a bicycle.

Focus, Grasshopper

Your early experiences aboard a motorcycle usually involve a boatload of distracted thoughts: "Which one's the clutch again? Did I leave my blinker on? Am I going to die today?" Manage your mindcloud and think like a Buddhist monk by breathing calmly and focusing on only the purest essentials; practice this discipline enough, and everything else will fall into place.

Don't Be a Jerk

A squid gives himself (or herself) away by grabbing the front brake and making the fork dive, yanking the throttle and lurching ahead, and taking a turn by cutting four imaginary apexes when only one is necessary. Learn the art of smooth controls, and you'll up your cool quotient exponentially while also becoming a better rider.

Ride Within Your Limits

This relates to the "No showboating" tip, but applies towards the general dynamics of everyday riding. Cross the line, and the consequences usually aren't pretty; learn how to master proper braking, smooth shifting and speed management, and you'll soon taste the sweet challenge of becoming a better, more controlled, and ultimately safer rider.

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Source: About. (Wasef)

“No Hand Man” motorcyclist attempting hands-free 525-mile ride

Phil Comar has a bit of a double life. The 63-year-old Adrian, Mich., man works as a motorcycle safety trainer, teaching proper techniques to new riders. But for the past 20 years, Comar has been putting extra danger into his Harley rides by training himself to steer without using his hands. This weekend, he'll attempt to beat his own world record for charity by riding 525 miles hands free, without stopping. That's one way to keep from being distracted.

Comar -- nicknamed the "No Hand Man" -- says he encourages no one to follow in his wake and attempt to go 70 mph without using the handlebars. "I am about as close to being a professional as anyone has been when it comes to riding with no hands," he says, telling The Cincinnati Enquirer that he's never had an accident.

After Comar's father died in 2008 from Parkinson's disease, Comar began a series of fund-raising rides. His first ride in 2010 went 314 miles; last year he attempted the same 525-mile trip from the Mackinac Bridge to Covington, Ky., but only made 327 miles -- still good enough for the Guinness Book of World Records. His bike has a couple of modifications to make the trip, namely an extra fuel tank for range, but there's no secret device to keeping it on the road beyond Comar's legs.

Keeping a 550-lb Harley cruiser going straight without hands might not sound so hard. But as the video from one of Comar's rides shows, steering with your body requires a whole different set of skills. It looks impossible to make the smaller, constant corrections as you would with handlebars, and Comar has to plan ahead for any combination of traffic and turns. While a freeway offers far fewer corners, it also raises the speed to dangerous levels; Comar takes some precautions by having chase vehicles and another rider always nearby.

There are easier ways to raise money for charity, and if you want to help Comar reach his goal of $25,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, you can donate here.

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Source: Yahoo (Hyde, 9/26)

Getting Started: The First Steps to Riding a Motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle isn't a right. It is a privilege one must not take for granted.  Here's a checklist for newbie riders to consider before jumping in the saddle:

Safety Gear

Motorcycling is a high-risk activity, and the most vulnerable riders are new ones. Protecting yourself with proper safety gear is an easy way to save yourself from injury, but the cost of gear adds up, and you'll want to add this to your biking budget.

Training Courses

Though it's common practice to experience your first ride in a parking lot, leave motorcycle training to the pros and take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. The skills you'll learn will last you a lifetime, and MSF instructors will educate you with fundamental skills that will make you a better, more competent rider.

Consider Your Bike Options

Will you be borrowing a bike? Are you considering buying your first bike? Plan ahead by either borrowing, renting, or buying a bike, and you'll be more committed to following through with your path to motorcycling.

Start Slow

As a newbie, you're most likely to make potentially dangerous mistakes. Relax, take it easy, and learn at your own pace; motorcycling is an acquired skill that takes plenty of practice, and it's important that you keep that in mind while you learn.

Learn The Rules of the Road

Traffic laws are different for motorcycles, and each state's Department of Motor Vehicles has online manuals for motorcyclists. Download one, and educate yourself on the laws that govern motorcycling.

Get Licensed

There's no excuse for riding on public roads without a license. Once you've taken a MSF course and learned the basics, schedule an appointment at your local DMV office and take the test.


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Source: About: Motorcycles (Wasef)