Missouri Helemet Update

Here is some info on the status of the Helemt Modification bill in Missouri thanks to our friend Greg (halfbreed) Mullanix, Legislative Co-Ordinator for FORR. This bill will allow motorcyclist over 21 to ride without a helmet in Missouri while NOT on an interstate highway.

"For those of you who do not know we passed out of the House tonight 93 yes 62no and no amendments. We need to thank Rep. Gary Dusenberg he worked his ass off for us (gary.dusenberg@house.mo.gov ) or 573-751-1487.

The next step is the governor desk, of which we are supposed to have an agreement with the governor."

Later he added the following explanation:

" Could not sleep so I thought I would explain some things. SCS/SB202 is the comparative fault and helmet modification bills all in one. We have an agreement with the Governor that he will not sign the bill but will let it set on his desk and become law anyway. The only stipulation was that it could not have a bunch of other stuff attached. We have done our part; this is as clean a bill as I have seen in a long time. What we need to do is encourage him to allow SCS/SB202 to become law. If he does this the effective date would be August 28th. Even if he would sign it it would still be august 28th."

May issue

The May issue is back from the printers and are being delivered some were delivered on Monday and Tuesday more will be delivered today and tomorrow and by Saturday you should be able to pick up a copy at your favorite places. Thanks for making us part of your biking life.

Not Associated

Some of you may know that the name of the actual company that puts The Biking Life out is named Bi-State Biking LLC. All should know that we have no ties to any events with similar sounding names. We in conjunction with Midwest Motorcycle Swap Meets are planning a big event at a location to be determined in July.

Motorcycle Stuff This Week and Weekend

Welcome to my blog sometimes I talk about stuf sometimes I post information. I got an email yesterday from a disgruntled reader. I thought about what they said and think there is a degree of validity in their opinion. So I may change my tone in some places. We'll see I am always interested though in what you our readers think so please email, call or get in touch with me in some way when you have any questions, complaints or suggestions. This is a busy week and weekend the events that are highlighted below or either for causes we believe in or places where we will be. If you know of any other events feel free to use your ability to comment to make them known.


Tuesday Bike Night the Third Tuesday of the Month at Down on the Corner n Hwy 96 in Marcelline, IL

Tuesday Two Wheel Tuesday at N0-Jacks on IL 159 in Smithton, IL

Wednesday CTs Night Bike Ride Call Paul at Dave Mungenast Motorsports for info

Wednesday Bike Night KJs Saloon on S Illinois, Belleville, IL

Wednesday Bike Night at Hot Shots South County on Union across from South County Center

Wednesday Show-Mes Wingsday Bike Fest Fairview Heights location on Lincoln Highway only

Thursdays STUNNA Thursdays At Paradise 1, 615 Missouri St East St Louis, IL (618) 482-5578 DJ

Thursdays Bike Night at Bikers Corner at 1924 N Vandeventer Ave in St Louis, MO

Thursday Thursday Night Bikers Delight special for bikers all day and night at PTs Showclub in Centreville, IL

Thursdays Road Kill Dinner Rides depart Chariots of Fire in Moscow Mills, MO at 6:00 PM

Thursdays Bike Night at Chuck-A-Burger St Charles 3150 Elm Pointe Industrial Dr., St Charles, MO 63301

Thursdays Hardriders call their hotline (314) 340-2000 for info

Thursdays Bike Night at Geos Wings and More on West Main in Belleville, IL from 6:30 to 10

Friday Bike Night at Fatboys in DeSoto, MO

Saturday Every third Saturday shop ride from Forever Endeavor in Eureka, MO

May
2nd Brothers 4 Brothers benefit run for Ken Kilam sign up 10:30 to noon at the Dinosores MC clubhouse 606 Country Fair Dr Champaign, IL

2nd 4th Annual LCPL Kyle Price Ride sign up 7 to 9 AM at the Woodlawn, IL Veterans Memorial

2nd Multi-HOG chapter Friendship Ride you must be a current member of one of the following HOG chapters in order to participate in this ride: Stone Celts HOG (Belleville), Alton HOG, Kirkwood HOG, Bourbeuse Valley HOG, St. Charles HOG, Gateway to the West HOG, or Festus HOG. This is an all-day event -- see your respective HOG chapter for sign-up times and details -- ride ends at Wild Country in Collinsville, IL; food, drink specials, door prizes, 50 - 50, live music

2nd 1st Annual Fred Ford Memorial Poker Run sign up from 9 till noon at Sit-N-Bull in New Memphis, IL

2nd Bike Show and Corvette Roundup at Hot Shots at Hot Shots on St Charles Rock Road in Bridgeton from 11:00 to 4:00 PM put on by Ridaz

2nd 3rd Annual Bikers for Kids sign-up at Steves Customs, Route 37 North, Johnston City, Illinois from noon-1:00 p.m.; last stop Linemans Lounge, Johnston City, IL; prizes, auction, raffles; music by the Blues Bandits; all proceeds donated to Chance Hasty, 9-year old diagnosed with lymphoma; for more info call 618-983-8488

3rd 1st Annual May Rally a day in the park at Union City Fairgrounds, bike blessing, games and more hosted by Borbeus Valley HOG, FORR Local 42, Cross Road Riders and American Legion Riders

3rd Bikers Helping Veterans Poker Run donation of $15 per person ...Poker Run starts at L and D Patio, McClure, IL at 9am .. ends at the MO Vets Home 12pm in Cape Girardeau, MO. This benefits the individual needs of the Veterans in the home...there will be a bike car/tractor show, blesssing of the bikes, auction, food, 50/50 with ALL monies going to the Veterans in the Home....Poker run is for anyone...car,truck,bike,etc....open to the public....Info contact: Cheri Parsons at 573-545-4591 or Gary Mouser at 573-262-3321....to date we have donated over $57,000 to the individual needs of the Veterans in the home

3rd Gallaghers Getaway March of Dimes Benefit and Poker Run all day event, poker run sign up from 11 to noon at Gallaghers in Freeburg, IL

Biker Killed By Lightning

I was just on AOL and saw this story and thought it might be of interest. Especially since it has a BACA tie in.

Workers Need to Unite

This was sent to me over the weekend by a friend. At a time when the American worker is attacked from all sides. We all need to help to insure that good jobs stay in this country this is one way you can help.

Jim i am asking a favor, my union at AT&T is having some problems with the company. It's called corporate greed, 13 billion dollars made last year and they are not wanting to give us a fair contract. Our contract was up April 4th. We are working without one right now. This site is one people can visit to support us www.standupforworkers.com you can sign a petition and try to help. Could you pass this along?"

On a further note we allow our jobs to be transferred overseas when we buy foreign goods. I am guilty here to, I want the best prices but sometimes the best price doesn't guarantee the best value. We also let it happen the first time someone with a foreign accent, called us or was answering the phone at a help desk and now it continues. So please lets al of us make an effort to support our nations workers.

Our Condolences to Donna Thacker

Donna is a friend and a valued member of our staff. Her husband recently passed away after a bout with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.I as if you could to say a brief prayer for Dennis and for those he left behind. If you know are or a friend of the Thackers here are the arrangements:

Dennis V. Thacker
January 5, 1952 - April 23, 2009

Memorial Service May 2nd 2009 County Line Family Church, Donnelson Ill

family visiting 10:00 AM
friends and family visiting 10:30

Memorial Service at 11:AM Officiated by Adam Hahs, and members of the Christian Motorcycle Association

Motorcycle escort home at noon, followed by a dinner in Old Ripley

Have Bible Will Travel Church Fund Raiser

The Have Bible Will Travel Church, 11510 Old St. Charles Road - Bridgeton, Missouri 63044
is having a fund raiser to improve their parking lot. They need your T-shirts and your support also on May 13th they are having Their regular fellowship at the church, well regular except I'll be there. I invite you all to come out for this night of fellowship and fun and if possible bring your t-shirt donation then. This evening will be featured in a future issue of the magazine. Thanks



Donate A Harley-Davidson T-Shirt From Your Favorite State!

50 Harley Davidson T-Shirts For 50 Parking Spaces - One For Each State - Online Fundraiser!

What Is Your Favorite State?

All States And Countries Are Always Welcomed & Appreciated

Any Adult Sizes (Men or Women) (Long Sleeve, Short Sleeve Or Tanks)



Visit Your Local Dealer Online And Have Them Ship It For You!

http://www.harley-davidson.com/DE/LOC/en/DealerLocator.asp?LL=en-US&AD4=USA

Or
Visit Your Local Harley-Davidson Dealer!


email office@hbwt.org

Mail Your T-Shirt To Along With Your Information

Have Bible Will Travel

11510 Old St. Charles Road - Bridgeton, Missouri 63044

Thank You For Your Claiming A Spot On Our Parking Lot!

Check Donations Accepted Too!

HBWT - 11510 Old St. Charles Road - Bridgeton, Missouri 63044 - Put In Memo: 50 Spaces

Your donation is tax deductible!
Please make sure your contact name, address and phone is included with your donation.

Motorcycle Rides and Stuff Coming Up Soon

Hello bikers it is another busy weekend starting with tonight's activities. We will be at Geo's Wings on West Main and the weather looks great. Afterwards I may head down to PT's Showclub in Centreville, Il for there bike night festivities. Then tomorrow night there is the Spring Biker's Rally at Edgemont Church on Illinois St in Fairview Heights, IL. We will have a booth set up there and you can get the new shirts or a 2008 DVD. Then on Sunday we will have the first The Biking Life Riders group ride. We will leave the Flying J at Ill-15 and I-255 at 9:30 for a ride to the blessing of the bikes at Bald Knob. We will also be filming for the 2009 DVD soooo. I hope to see you where we will be but if not enjoy some of the great events going on this weekend.

Thursdays Bike Night at Geos Wings and More
on West Main in Belleville, IL from 6:30 to 10

Thursday Thursday Night Bikers Delight
special for bikers all day and night at PTs Showclub in Centreville, IL

Thursdays STUNNA Thursdays
At Paradise 1, 615 Missouri St East St Louis, IL (618) 482-5578 DJ

Thursdays Bike Night at Bikers Corner
at 1924 N Vandeventer Ave in St Louis, MO

Thursdays Road Kill Dinner Rides
depart Chariots of Fire in Moscow Mills, MO at 6:00 PM

Thursdays Bike Night at Chuck-A-Burger St Charles
3150 Elm Pointe Industrial Dr., St Charles, MO 63301

Saturday Every third Saturday
shop ride from Forever Endeavor in Eureka, MO

April
24th Spring Biker Rally
hosted by the Narrow Road Riders; on the campus of the Edgemont Bible Church, 5100 North Illinois Street (Route 159), Fairview Heights, Illinois, vendors, live music by Skyline Band, inspirational speaker, group prayer for bikers for a safe riding season; no alcohol please, colors welcome without attitudes; attendance award; ALL BIKERS WELCOME! For more info contact Terry Miller 618-530-8801 or Doug White 618-593-2277

25th Piasa-Gateway Top Gun M/C Skills Competition
sign up 11 to 3, comp noon to3 at Teds Motorcycle World

25th Ozark Mountain Chapter of Lebanon HOG Spring Poker Run
Registration begins at 11 am, last bike out at 1230 pm Directions to event: Ozark H-D, Lebanon, MO 65536, exit 129 I-44

25th Steel Justice Dice Run
sign up noon to 1 at the Steel Justice MC clubhouse

25th Midwest Drifters Branson Annual Party
at the clubhouse JCT of 160 and 76 outside Forsyth, MO 5 PM till

25th Road Riders for Jesus Blessing of the Bikes
at Niehaus Cycle Sales, 718 Old Route 66 North, Litchfield, Illinois, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m

25th Benefit and Poker Run for Our Friend Andy
sign up 11 at TJs Bar and Grill Pevely, MO

25th Bleed for a Brother(Blood Drive)
from 1 to 4 PM at Shady Jacks 1432 N Broadway St Louis, MO

25th Capital Ride
for more information contact www.abateformissouri.com

25th 3rd Annual Hawgs for Dogs Poker Run
ALL VEHICLES WELCOME SIGN UP 10:00 to 1:00 Bourbeuse Valley Harley-Davidson, Villa Ridge

25th Shoal Creek ABATE Chapters Fallen Riders Hog Roast
Vandalia Lake Club, advance tickets $6, at the door $7, serving from 5:00-8:00 p.m., cash bar (no carry-ins please), band starts at 9:00 p.m., prize drawings, auction, 50/50, in-house walk for rights, Hogs on High Seas Cruise raffle drawing

25th Ride for Africa
fundraiser ride to support a mission team going to Lusaka, Zambia; $15 per rider; $5 per passenger; registration 9:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 7110 State Route 162, Maryville, Illinois; kickstands up at 10:00 a.m.; lunch at the Barefoot Inn in Hardin, Illinois

26th Kirkwood HOG Spring Ride
sign up at Docs Harley Davidson from 9 to 1200 AM

26th 17th Annual Blessing of the Bikes at Bald Knob Cross
Alto Pass, IL; off Illinois Route 127 south of Murphysboro or Illinois Route 127 north of Anna / Jonesboro; sponsored by The Lord's Paheece CMA chapter; FREE road kill stew and chili served at noon; live music; message at 1:00 p.m.; RAIN OR SHINE EVENT; all motorcyclists welcome; for information call Brad Rogers at 618-318-6013

26th Lions Club Ride for Sight
The route starts and ends at the House Springs Lions Club at 6482 Hwy MM, approximately one half mile south of Highway 30 in House Springs.Registration begins at 8:30 am and closes at 10:00. Cost is twenty dollars per person.

26th Motorcycle Swap Meet
Shadow Rock Park Forsyth, MO gates open at 9 AM

26th Bush Pilots Poker Run
sign-up 11:30-1:30 p.m., Teds Motorcycle World, Alton, Illinois

26th Lincoln Circuit Tour Ride
the 2009 Lincoln Circuit Ride will be held on four different Sundays to complete the entire circuit. The first weekend begins in Springfield at 9AM at 8th and Capitol, just north of the Lincoln Home. Registration will begin at 8:00 AM departing from Springfield and ending ending at the McLean Logan marker

26th The Biking Life Riders Ride
we will meet at the Flying J truck stop at Ill-15 and I-255 at 9:30 to ride down to the Blessing of the Bikes at Alto Pass all are welcome ride at your own risk

Motorcycle Riders Foundation Vice President Michael "Boz" Kerr Passes Away

Early this morning we received the most sad and unfortunate news that
Michael "Boz" Kerr passed away peacefully in his sleep overnight. He had
just returned from a very successful Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF)
Beast of the East Motorcycle Rights Conference. At the time of his
passing "Boz" was the current Vice President of the MRF and Chairman of
the Legislative Committee. Prior to his being elected Vice President he
served as an MRF Board Member in the capacity of MRF PAC Chairman. "Boz"
was instrumental in setting up the stand alone MRF Awareness and Education
Organization (MRFA&E) and was the driving force behind the upcoming
National Motorcycle Awareness day in Washington D.C., known as "Bikers
Inside the Beltway".

"Boz" was also a past President of the Chicago Chapter of ABATE of
Illinois and recently retired as Chairman of ABATE of Illinois FEDPAC. In
the past year he was awarded the MRF Presidents Cup of Distinction and
ABATE of Illinois' highest honor, the Rich Neb Award.

"Boz" was the finest political operative I have ever had the privilege to
work with and his concern and passion for motorcycle rights and his
genuineness will be greatly missed by the MRF and the entire motorcycling
rights community. We have certainly lost one of the great ones in our
movement. Words cannot express the amount of sadness and the profound
impact that losing another one of our own will have. Our heartfelt
sympathy goes out to his wife and family, his ABATE family, and his MRF
family", said MRF President Kirk "Hardtail" Willard.

"Boz" was well known for his speeches, such as the "Greatest Generation",
"Mr. Jones", and most recently "Making Thunderbirds; long, low, lean, and
fast". Godspeed brother, you will be missed.

Details of the services can be found on the Chicago Chapter's website at
www.chicagoabate.com

Harley Drags and The Biking Life Bike Show Cancelled

I know this is very late to be posting this on here but the Harley Drags and The Biking Life Bike Show both of which were to be held at Gateway International Raceway were canceled. If any of you made the trip there only to find out at the gate my apologies. I am working on an idea for a bike show later on this summer that should rival this one watch the web site and the magazine for details. Thanks for making us part of your biking life.

I was hanging with some friends last night

When one of them told me he had been stopped on his bike by a Belleville, IL police officer. It appears from what the officer told my buddy that they are going to be seriously cracking down on motorcyclists in Belleville this riding season. Pretty much without reason just suspicion. I guess bikers must be among the biggest problems that Belleville has, and if that is the case then I'm cool with this. But if there are any child predators lurking, any known drug houses that get ignored, any murderers or thieves then this is just another way that folks are harassing motorcyclists.

I believe that is because a bike is one of those symbols of freedom and there are many out there right now that are afraid of freedom, of people speaking their minds, of people gathering together, of media telling the truth and not skewing the story for the sake of the government. I used to hear people talk like this and I thought they were whacked but now the longer I am around I see that the things some folks had forecasted are going to life and that is truly scary.

I think there is still time but we need to make the people in government who speak for us truly accountable and we need to do it now before even more of our freedoms are eroded.

Upcoming Motorcycle Events

Well with the passing of Easter one can see that the ride calendars are truly filling up. There is something for everyone going on in the next few days. It all starts on Thursday Night where you will find us at Geo's Wings on West Main St in Belleville, IL. Another fun place to check out on Thursday is Biker's Corner on North Vandedventer in St Louis. If you live out west Chariots of Fire has their weekly road kill dinner ride or you can cruise into Chuck-A-Burger. The weekend is very busy beginning on Friday night with the AHDRA preparties at the Surdyke family of dealerships. Then there is the Harley Drags going on at Gateway International with prelims on Saturday and the final eliminations on Sunday along with The Biking Life Bike Show. Doc's and Ted's are both having Open Houses on Saturday then there is also the Moonshine Lunch Run. You need to experience this at least once in your riding life. And I would truly be remiss of I didn't tell you that the Paderborn Rat Pack Spring Ride is this Sunday. It starts at Karban's Knotty Pine in Paderbron and is always a good time.

Thursdays STUNNA Thursdays
At Paradise 1, 615 Missouri St East St Louis, IL (618) 482-5578 DJ

Thursdays Bike Night at Bikers Corner
at 1924 N Vandeventer Ave in St Louis, MO

Thursdays Road Kill Dinner Rides
depart Chariots of Fire in Moscow Mills, MO at 6:00 PM

Thursdays Bike Night at Chuck-A-Burger St Charles
3150 Elm Pointe Industrial Dr., St Charles, MO 63301

Thursdays Hardriders
call their hotline (314) 340-2000 for info

Thursdays Bike Night at Geos Wings and More
on West Main in Belleville, IL from 6:30 to 10

Friday Bike Night
at Fatboys in DeSoto, MO

Saturday Every third Saturday
shop ride from Forever Endeavor in Eureka, MO

April
17th AHDRA Kick-Start Parties
starting at 4:00 p.m. at Gateway Harley-Davidson in St. Louis, Missouri, Surdyke Harley-Davidson in Festus, Missouri, and Dales Harley-Davidson in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Race and raffle tickets will be available at all three dealerships. Times to be announced. Live entertainment, free food and free drinks, and racer appearances

18th Docs Harley-Davidson Spring Open House
at the dealership

18th Desoto Chamber of Commerce Outdoor Extravaganza Bike Show
sponsored by Squatty Speed Shop De Soto Mo. SIGN UP FROM NOON to 3:00 PM AWARDEDS at 4:00 PM It is called Desoto Chamber of Commerce Outdoor Extravaganza for more info 636-586-5559 or 636-586-5591 we will be across from Walther Park at SMCI WE WILL HAVE SIGNS UP

18th 5th Annual Moonshine Lunch Run
sign-up starts at 7:00 a.m. at the Comfort Inn in Casey, Illinois; FREE coffee and sweet rolls from 7:00-9:30 a.m.; Blessing of the Bikes by CMA at 8:30 a.m.; Long Distance Motorcycle Show from 8:00-10:00 a.m.; starting at 8:30 a.m. and about every 30 minutes thereafter, groups of riders will ride to Moonshine, Illinois to eat some infamous Moonburgers. RAIN OR SHINE event!

18th Benefit Fundraiser for Kevin Pound
at the VFW 215 Military Rd, St Louis, MO4 to 10 PM

18th-19th Gypsy Rendezvous Memorial Ride
will leave three Harley-Davidson dealerships (Dales, Surdyke and Gateway) en route to rendezvous at the Roadside Park located in Randolph County, Illinois on Route 3, Mile Marker 18; ride continues on Bluff Road to Jefferson Barracks National Veterans Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri for the military memorial and donation to the cemetery; ride then continues on to the Post Ride Party at Gateway Harley-Davidson in St. Louis, Missouri; free ride patches available to all ride participants

18th Red Knights #1 Poker Run
sign-up 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Teds Motorcycle World, Alton, IL

18th Teds Motorcycle World Spring Open House
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Teds Motorcycle World in Alton, IL Fun, food, music...more info to come

19th Alton HOG Chapter Spring Poker Run
ign-up 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Teds Motorcycle World, Alton, Illinois

19th Paderborn Rat Pack Spring Ride and Poker Run
Sign-up 11:00-12:30 at Karbons Knotty Pines in Paderborn, Illinois, all bikes and cars welcome, 50/50, food available for purchase

19th Outdoor Swap Meet
at KJs Saloon on South Illinois in Belleville, IL

19th The Biking Life Bike Show
sign up 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Gateway International Raceway entry is free with paid admission to the Harkey Drags

19th Second Annual Motorcycles Awareness Ride
sign up at 12:30 at Remingtons, 1655 Republic Rd, Springfield, MO

I've BeenThinking Again

My thoughts took me back to the events prior to the hugely successful Midwest Motorcycle Swap Meet. A couple of things puzzle me though,one is that the gentleman that manages the hall we rented knew of my involvement with a bike show held in Belleville. Since that event occurred I have tried to put a lot of distance between it and myself, certainly not something I have told a lot of people about. So I wonder where this man got that information. Another thing that bothers me is nowhere did I say who was going to have a booth there or what motorcycle clubs would be represented. Yet somehow law enforcement got it in their minds that certain groups would be there. I wonder how they got that information listening in on conversations or did they get a tip. Thirdly they did a better job of estimating beforehand how many people would attend, in fact I was pleasantly surprised when I heard their numbers but how did they have any clue how many would attend a first time event, which by their very nature many vendors shy away from because it is hard to judge how many folks will show up. These are questions I ponder. Oh and there is one more which is how many people would have shown up if there hadn't been so many law enforcement officials.

Happy Easter

I know it is late in the day and I should have done this much earlier but still I want to wish all of you a Happy Easter before the day passes. Joy and I took the weekend off and went and visited my parents. Our trip was good and we hope you all got to spend the day with someone you love. And got lots of chocolate bunnies.

5th Annual Moonshine Lunch Run - Saturday April 18

The 5th Annual Lunch Run to the Moonshine Store is on Saturday April 18. This event has grown so large that people are coming from all over the country for the famous Moonburgers. Moonshine, IL is about 150 East of St Louis off I-70. There is no registration fee for this event but it is strongly recommended that everyone sign-up in advance to insure there is enough food. The Moonburger has been featured on the CBS Sunday Morning show with Bill Geist.

Check out the flier on The Biking Life Web site or use one of the links below

For more info and to sign-up go to http://www.moonshine-run.com/

To view the YouTube video from CBS go to
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGkBilF6GU8

Upcoming Motorcycle Events

Thursday Night is Bike Night at Geo's Wings so you will see The Biking Life staff members here. I think we will also have our new shirts available for sale here too. This is the Easter / Passover weekend so there are not a lot of events going on but there are some. Here is a brief listing of those we know about.

11th BACA BBQ and Membership Drive
all day event at Chariots of Fire in Moscow Mills Plaza, Moscow Mills, MO

12th Outdoor Swap Meet
at KJs Saloon on South Illinois in Belleville, IL

Abraham Licoln Circuit Ride

For three years now, The Lincoln Circuit Ride has brought motorcyclists and others Lincoln enthusiasts in cars along the old 8th Judicial Circuit that Abraham Lincoln rode as a lawyer. At the various courthouses where Abe practiced, local historians give entertaining examples of what Mr. Lincoln did in those communities. This has been recognized as an excellent melding of history and a contemporary road event.

The 2009 Lincoln Circuit Ride will be held on four different Sundays to complete the entire circuit. The first weekend begins in Springfield at 9AM at 8th and Capitol, just north of Lincoln’s Home. Registration will begin at 8:00 AM:

April 26 ~ departing from Springfield and ending ending at the McLean/Logan marker

Jun 14 ~ departing from Postville Courthouse in Lincoln 9:00AM and ending at Piatt/Champaign marker

July 19 ~ Departing from Urbana at Carle Park 9:00AM and ending at Coles/Shelby County line marker

Sep 20 ~ Departing from Shelby County Courthouse 9:00AM and ending at Christian/Sangamon County line marker

Clothing Police Strike Again

After last weekends concern over what law abiding citizens were wearing in Collinsville, IL, it should have come as no surprise to me that the clothing police would be out in force in Belleville this weekend. It seems The Biking Life gear was inappropriate wear there. A friend of mine that plays in a band was told he could not wear his gear and play there. I must admit that it makes me smile that someone is that afraid of me, and my magazine, because I have no power, all I have is loyal readers like you who support me no matter what.

Biker Events This Weekend

Now that the weather is getting better, the rides are all beginning. On Saturday there are several choices: St Charles HOG Hot Hogs and Chili Dogs Poker Run open to all bikes, ABATE Benefit Dinner for Matt Michel, and the Weasels Support Your Local Stripper Run.

Sunday is the 23 Annual Blessing Of The Bikes, this is a rain or shine event with plenty of room inside in case of inclement weather.



For more information see the flyers on The Biking Life Web Site.

Another Report of Someone Impersonating Me

I got a phone call this evening from Don Kleinhans, one of the owners of Full Throttle magazine. He asked me why I was going around telling his advertisers about another family business. I told him I had no idea what he was talking about. Don then proceeded to tell me that someone was saying they were me and calling his advertisers and, in some cases, writing his advertisers and spreading stories. I have done no such thing and I told Mr. Kleinhans that. I told him I just put on a swap meet and now have been delivering magazines so I had no time to do such things.

If you hear about me contacting a business and saying uncharacteristic things, please see if you can get any info at all about the incident and get that to me, particularly a phone number or a document with my purported signature. I want the person or persons doing this to feel the full extent of the law and after that, I'll see them in civil court.

Magazine Cover Policy

I have held the view since The Biking Life's creation that the cover was not for sale. While I doubt The Biking Life will ever win any magazine industry awards it does please me to know that we try and follow the same guidelines as legitimate magazines. It has always seemed that the cover of The Biking Life should be about making you want to pick it up and not about lining my pockets. This may have cost me some but in the long run I believe it has given me credibility. Thanks for making us part of your biking life.


The following is from AdAge an industry publication and speaks to this very issue.

Scholastic Parent and Child just went all the way and published an ad directly on its April cover, with another one planned for May. That set off alarms around the magazine business. Covers need protection from advertisers' influence, according to industry orthodoxy, if magazines are going to retain readers' relatively strong trust.

ASME says off-limits
Now it sounds like the American Society of Magazine Editors, whose guidelines declare covers off-limits to advertisers, is gearing up to address marketers' growing familiarity with those covers.

"We want to make sure that everybody in the industry understands why the cover is important," said CEO Sid Holt. "We're happy to articulate those reasons. The ASME guidelines reflect long-standing industry practice. In the case of the cover, the use of the cover for editorial and circulation purposes is a use that's two and a half centuries old.

"Parent and Child is a black-and-white violation of the guidelines, and we will be taking the appropriate action," Mr. Holt said. "The guidelines say quite explicitly that for repeated and willful violations the magazine can be barred from competing in the National Magazine Awards."

ASME hasn't come to any conclusions regarding any other covers, but the creative cover executions by Entertainment Weekly and ESPN have been brought to its attention, Mr. Holt said. "We're going to be taking a look at them."

Skirting the boundaries
ESPN said it permitted the ad after careful consideration -- but, looking back, may have skirted the boundaries. "We would never move forward with anything we felt infringed upon the magazine's editorial integrity," a spokeswoman said.

"In retrospect, we may have pushed the envelope in this case," she said, "but we continue to innovate and experiment, both editorially and in our advertising, to deliver one of the most compelling magazines on the market."

Esquire has said repeatedly that its editorial department, not the business side, is driving its cover innovations.

A spokeswoman for Entertainment Weekly said its "notch cover" ad was proper. "The ad is separate and distinct from the cover, is clearly labeled and does not have any logos, so it is very clear to our readers that this is simply an invitation to view the ad," she said. "We also made sure there was no connection between the ad and our cover subject, so we have no concerns about crossing ASME guidelines."

Rolling Stone said it published the "Gossip Girls" cover an extra time only to get the vertical gatefold done, not to otherwise involve the front cover in advertising. "The one without cover lines was printed ahead of the one with the cover lines in order to accommodate the production process we had to go through in order to get that flap," said Matt Mastrangelo, executive director-corporate sales and marketing at Rolling Stone.

"I've gotten three different e-mails from agencies that thought it was an amazing idea and amazing execution," said William Schenck, publisher of Rolling Stone.

One last thing about police over reaction at the swap meet

Do you know another way I know it was an over reaction? Because the insurance company tells me it was. Okay that didn't really say it was but it was implied. When I was filling out the paperwork for my event insurance, they asked what kind of event it was I said motorcycle swap meet. They asked if beer would be sold, and I said yes. That cost me extra and from the amount that was consumed I could've said no. Can you believe this 2,000 bikers get together and don't go through one half barrel. They asked me how many people would be there and I gave them an estimate. The never asked me if club, not gang, members would be there.

These folks have people that deal in numbers all day long. They are called actuarials, if they thought, or had numbers to show, for one instant that the way people were dressed was cause for concern they would have asked and probably charged me more for a policy. The fact that they didn't I think speaks volumes.

Another thing I spoke to one of the officers that was inside the building yesterday to ask why they harassed us like that, did they get an anonymous tip, he said those guys hat showed up at the end would've been trouble. I asked him if he knew anything about them, had he gone to their website. He said no, he didn't need to be confused by facts, okay that last little bit was me editorializing, at any rate he said no. So I told him I did they are non-territorial, not a support club, not a 1% club, some of their members have jobs as police officers and they pride themselves on their charity work. Seems like a major threat to me. Granted some are not pleased that they didn't go through the proper channels to be recognized in this area. This led to some ignoring their presence at the event.

Someone else is telling people they are me

This is an email I received this morning along with reprint of a story that appeared in the Post-Dispatch. Apparently there are some who think even after this past weekend that I do not support motorcyclists rights. I would be more than willing to make my phone records available, to show that I have not called any bars since Saturday I don't think. I've been too busy delivering magazines.

Hi Jim,

Just wanted to let you know what happened with the helmet law. I made phone calls yesterday and one bar had told me that you called them yesterday morning and told them that we have a helmet law. I am not sure where that info came from but would like you to know what really happened as chapter members sat in Springfield all day yesterday and I mean all day before the bill was called late yesterday afternoon. Here is the article from the Post Dispatch and there is also info on yahoo groups. Just wanted to let you know and maybe you could put it on your web page.

Thanks





Here is one Terry Miller sent from the Post Dispatch

Illinois Senate rejecting a mandatory motorcycle helmet law
By Kari Andren
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
04/01/2009

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Illinois Senate rejected a plan Wednesday that would have required all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet.

Illinois remains one of only three states --including Iowa and Vermont -- with no motorcycle helmet law on the books.

The measure by state Sen. Donne Trotter, D-Chicago, failed 14-42.

"While I want you to have all the fun you want, we should not have to pay for it," said Trotter, a longtime motorcycle rider. "We have romanticized motorcycle riding, but it's serious business."

Efforts to require motorcycle helmets have stalled in the past, in part because of strong lobbying by motorcycle advocate groups that argue wearing a helmet is an individual riders' choice, not state government's.

"Let us have our freedoms. Let us ride the bikes," said state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, an outspoken opponent of the measure. "If we wanna wear a helmet, fine. I don't care, but let me personally ride my bike without a helmet."

The Missouri Senate advanced a measure last month to repeal the state's helmet requirement for riders over age 21.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that helmets saved 1,784 motorcyclists' lives in 2007 and that 800 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn a helmet.

In 2007, Illinois had 142 motorcycle riders killed. More than 80 percent were not wearing a helmet. By contrast, Missouri, which requires riders to wear helmets, had 84 deaths in 2007, according to NHTSA data.

Terry Miller
President
Narrow Road Riders

Biker Friendly Events

We at The Biking Life put on an event last weekend where all motorcyclists were welcome. And we all got along. It was a celebration of life on two wheels. This weekend there are events where not all motorcyclists are welcome. I think you should ask yourself do they really deserve my hard earned money? We arranged for you to see vendors for $5 I believe they want more. Being a motorcyclist is about brotherhood when you roll down the road do you wait to see what someone has on before you wave? I don't think so. You do it because of that very spirit of brotherhood. Some events do not want you or your brothers and sisters there or want to control what you wear or don't wear. Is that what you want, for someone else to let you know what clothing it is okay for you to wear? It is time to stand up for yourselves let promoters who don't really want anything but your money, feel the power of the wallet that you have and don't show up at their doors. And politicians who allow law enforcement to trample on our rights don't deserve our votes.

Magazine on Web will be at least minimally available by late this evening

The new issue has been on the streets for a couple of days and tonight if it is not magically done before then I will at least get the full version on the web and then start working on other stuff thanks for making us part of your biking life.

Mechanic

We here at The Biking Life don't drive the newest of vehicles. So from time to time we have problems. I am tired of taking my car to someone I don't know and don't know if I can trust to not rip me off. That said I am asking any of you who know someone that is excellent with four wheeled vehicles to help me locate someone to care for my cages. I would prefer Illinois but peace of mind is worth the drive, so I'm saying anywhere is good. Well within reason.