volume25 issue4 t april 2011 a.b.a.t.e of minnesota … 2011.pdfbusiness card $12.00 1/4 page $35.00...

Volume 25 Issue 4 The Official Publication of A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota, Inc. April 2011

American Bikers for Awareness, Training, and Education of Minnesota, Inc.Go to www.abatemn.org for the newest version in color!

How many Bikers do you know that are not anA.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota member?

Do they know that A.B.A.T.E. seeks to promote the positive aspects ofmotorcycling and strives to protect the rights of motorcyclists by beinginvolved in the local, state and national political process?

Have you told them that A.B.A.T.E. is fun, educational and a great wayto meet people and make new friends with similar interests?

Do they know: The efforts of our members have made Minnesota aleader in motorcycle safety?

Are they aware that their rights are worth protecting? That the positiveaspects of motorcycling are worth promoting? That education is impor-tant? That the cost of an A.B.A.T.E. membership is a small price to payto preserve and promote these principles?

Members are the most important thing that A.B.A.T.E. has,so Thank You for being a member, sign someone up with a

Membership, and thank them too!

A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota Membership form on page 48or online at: http://abatemn.org/join/join-abate-now/join-abate-now

A.B.A.T.E OF MINNESOTA MEMBERS

2 April 2011 A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota Inc.

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Road Noise2234 189th Ave NE

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GRAPEVINES AND REPORTSThe deadline is the 10th of the month prior topublication.- DO NOT submit in all uppercase, or insert back-

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line of the email that you send to the Road Noise.

Use the following basic outline:1) Chapter/Committee Name

2) Upcoming Chapter/Committee Meetings/Time, Place

3) Upcoming Events; What, Where, When

4) Meeting Updates, Important News, Comments

State Office Hours:Monday - Friday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

State Office Administrator, Liz HerzogE-mail: [email protected]. of Minnesota, Inc.P.O. Box 6Marshall, MN 56258(507) 487-5000 / 1 (800) 224-6570Not receiving your Road Noise,contact the State Office to ensure your

address is correct in our system, if it iscorrect, you will need to contact yourpost office to ensure that they are deliver-ing the Road Noise to you.Get address changes to me ASAP,Road Noise is bulk mail and will not beforwarded.

Membership tri-folds: can be requestedfrom the State Office, or from Mickey Lint(Membership & Retention Chair) at (320)766-1206, or [email protected] can also find membership forms on thewebsite at www.abatemn.org. If you recruita new member, write your name andChapter on the tri-fold so you receivecredit for the recruit. Make sure tri-folds,Chapter information forms, and other per-tinent business documents are writtenlegibly, including area codes, zipcodes, phone numbers, and e-mailaddresses. Use POSTAL CORRECTaddresses. The following are address tips:Do not abbreviate County Road, Min-nesota State Highway, Circle, do not use #sign (i.e. Co. Rd, ST, Hwy, CR, use Lot orApt. or TRLR number, example: Trailer +number =TRLR 201 or Lot 201, or Apt201).

Memberships: Postcards go out tomembers who will expire at the end ofthat given month. Renewals must reachthe State Office by the third Friday of themonth, regardless of the date, to ensureyou receive your next month’s RoadNoise. Use POSTAL CORRECT ad-dress!Please allow 4-6 weeks to receive yournew hard cards.

Minutes, from Chapter, Committee, andDistrict meetings can be e-mailed [email protected].

Mailing Labels: The State Office canprint current mailing labels for your Chap-ter’s newsletters, reminder cards, andevent flyers.

Feel free to call me with questions, con-cerns, and inquiries 3:00 pm to 9:00

pm, or leave a message and Iwill return your call ASAP.

A.B.A.T.E.of MN accepts no responsibility for the submis-sions, comments, opinions, or errors contained within this

publication.

A.B.A.T.E. OF MN STATE OFFICE

Road Noise Committee Members:Committee Chair: . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Open)

Editor: . . . . . . . . .Rachael Pesta-Miller

Treasurer: . . . . . . . . . . . . Becky Hasslen

Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Open)

Advertisements: . . . . . Michelle Backlund

Proof Readers . . . . . . . . . .Becky Hasslen

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michelle Backlund

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lori Matter

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nita Baker

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammy Winkels

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charles Fletcher

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sherry Edgett

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patty Barnes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Danita McDowell

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lee Plante

Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rick Arguello

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stash Rygh

ROAD NOISE [email protected]

Rachael Pesta-Miller (763) 753-2069Becky Hasslen (612) 554-0530

Road Noise2234 189th Ave NEEast Bethel, MN 55011

This publication is the Official

Newsletter of A.B.A.T.E. of MN, Inc.

Opinions expressed here in, by the

Editor and others, may not be those of

A.B.A.T.E. of MN. Articles may be

reprinted with proper attribution.

On the Cover:

Members are the most important thing thatA.B.A.T.E. has, so Thank You for being amember, sign someone up with aMembership, and thank them too!

Road Noise ContentChapter President List 3

State Coordinator 5

Asst State Coordinator 5

April 2011 BOD Agenda 6

A.B.A.T.E U Agenda 7

Committees & Reports 8

SEDD Grapevines 14

NWDD Grapevines 16

SWDD Grapevines 18

NEDD Grapevines 22

New & Renew for February 2011 34-36

Calendar of Events 38-39

State Rally Info 41-43

www.abatemn.org ROAD NOISE 3

CC HH AA PP TT EE RR PP RR EE SS II DD EE NN TT CC OO NN TT AA CC TT SS

A.B.A.T.E. OF MINNESOTA CONTACTS

State CoordinatorMark “Mack” Backlund(763) 226-9195 [email protected] State CoordinatorKevin Todd (507) [email protected] TreasurerMichelle“Mitch” Backlund (763) [email protected] SecretaryJan Loft-Pilgrim (507) [email protected] District DirectorJean Afrooz (763) [email protected] District DirectorEdgar Burke (218) [email protected] District DirectorStash Rygh (507) [email protected] District DirectorJim Orn (320) [email protected] Ernst (952) [email protected]

A.B.A.T.E. U ChairNoma Skinner (612) [email protected] Gruhlke (320) [email protected] Buddy Bear ManagerBarb Ziegler (952) [email protected] ChairPaul Tjepkes (320) 841-0473. [email protected] ManagerKim Ostlund (507) [email protected] Schwalich (703) [email protected] DirectorTodd Riba (952) [email protected] DirectorCarissa [email protected] and RetentionMickey Lint (320) [email protected]

M.R.F. LiaisonTodd Riba (952) [email protected] LiaisonFrank Ernst (612) [email protected] [email protected] Loft-Pilgrim (507) 537-1806 [email protected] Noise EditorRachael Pesta-Miller (763) [email protected] Office AdministratorLiz Herzog (507) [email protected] Rally ChairRon [email protected] and MeansKristie Orn (320) [email protected] Hasslen (763) [email protected]

4 Big Lake Sand Dunes Chapter Kim Hubred (320) 654-05725 Forest Lake River Riders Chapter Dave Bolduc (763) 354-44506 Finlayson Jack Pine Riders Chapter Dave Dronen (320) 630-80037 Parkers Prairie Freedom First Riders Chapter Michael Jeppesen (320) 760-0711A Worthington Southwest Chapter Kevin Harberts (507) 483-2062B Hutchinson South Central Chapter Galen Sundin (612) 669-7255C Bethel East Central Chapter Mark Braastad (763) 234-5642D Red Lake Falls Northwest Chapter Gary Johnsrud (218) 964-5147E Detroit Lakes Heart of the Lakes Chapter Justin Grotjohn (218) 849-2698G Twin Cities Metro Chapter Jay Pedersen (651) 255-0669H Marshall Buffalo Ridge Chapter Rick Dubbeldee (507) 247-5051I Mankato River Valley Chapter Steve Fry (507) 345-4828J Delano Lake Chapter Dawn Riba (952) 239-0929K Glenwood Glacial Ridge Chapter Dan Bursaw (320) 266-4945L Red Wing Mississippi Valley Chapter Curt Hermanson (507) 263-7601M Duluth Northeast Chapter DuWayne Montag (218) 727-0563N Rochester Lower Corner Chapter Scott Eggert (507) 993-2414O St. Cloud Central Chapter Kenneth DeWitt (763) 441-1437P Wells Flatlanders Chapter Gene Stegelman (507) 632-4571Q Savage Tri-County Chapter Charlie Dowell (630) 542-4897S Owatonna Straight River Chapter Jay Waalkens (507) 402-6727U Roseau Borderland Chapter Lee Heaton (218) 386-1619V St. James Rolling Prairie Chapter Robb Fehrman (507) 381-2830X Madison Way West Chapter Timothy Hansen (320) 598-3808Y Bemidji North Star Chapter Mark Peterson (218) 444-3597Z Vendors/M.R.O.’s


THE MRF & HEARTLAND S.T.E.A.M.A.B.A.T.E. ORGANIZATIONS

Motorcycle Riders Foundation M.R.F.

E-Mail: [email protected] Massachusetts Ave. NE Suite 510Washington, DC 20002 - 4980(202) 546-0983 • Fax: (202) 546-0986http://www.MRF.org

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois311 E Main StGalesburg, IL 61401(309) 343-6588 • Fax (309) 343- 6387http://abate-il.org

A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa1240 Washington St.P.O. Box 70Eldora, IA 50627(641) 858-5001 • Fax (641) 858-5012http://abateiowa.org

MINNESOTA ORGANIZATIONSMotorcycle PAC of Minnesota

Mark Senn (952) 949-22727160 Willow View CoveChanhassen, MN 55317

Minnesota Motorcycle Club CoalitionRyan Westphal 651-503-3097PO Box 68069Minneapolis, MN [email protected]

Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center - MMSCBeginning, experienced, and sidecar rider courses

(800) 407-6677www.motorcyclesafety.org

St. Croix Valley RidersPO Box 112St Paul Park, MN 55071www.scvr.org

Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Advisory Committee

Charles [email protected]

Motorcycle Dial A RideJohn ‘Trashy’ Smith (612) 708-9328contact@motorcycledialaride.orgwww.motorcycledialaride.org

MN Confederation of ClubsSpringer Greg612-282-7834

NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONSNational Coalition of Motorcyclists N.C.O.M.

21054 Sherman Way, 3rd floorCanoga Park, CA 91303 (800) ON-A-BIKEhttp://www.aimncom.com

American MotorcyclistAssociation (AMA)

13515 Yatmouth DrivePickerington OH 43147(614) 856-1900www.AMADirectlink.com

Dear fellow motorcyclists:

American Bikers for Awareness,Training, and Education (A.B.A.T.E.)of Minnesota is a not for profit,grass roots organization that iscommitted to educating motorcy-clists and the general public aboutmotorcycling. A.B.A.T.E. membersride many different types andbrands of motorcycles. We are allpeople with a common interest in acommon activity. The fact that weshare an interest in motorcycling ismore important than the type ofmotorcycle we ride.

There are chapters of A.B.A.T.E. lo-cated throughout Minnesota. Eachof these chapters is represented onthe A.B.A.T.E. Board of Directors(BOD). The BOD also includes theA.B.A.T.E. state officers. The BODmeets once each quarter to discussthe operation of the organization. Inaddition, each chapter holds amonthly meeting in their area of thestate. A.B.A.T.E. is a member drivenorganization. Members are encour-aged to participate in any of thesemeetings. A.B.A.T.E. seeks to promote thepositive aspects of motorcyclingand strives to protect the rights of

motorcyclists by being involved inthe local, state and national politi-cal process. Safer motorcycling,reducing accidents and fatalitiescan be best accomplished by edu-cation and training of both the mo-torcyclists and the general public,not necessarily through additionallegislation.

Our ability to enjoy many freedomswhile riding motorcycles in Min-nesota is the direct result of thework done by motorcyclists in ourstate. These people have joined to-gether to fight for our rights andfreedoms. The efforts of these people havemade Minnesota a leader in motor-cycle safety. We have one of thetoughest licensing standards in thenation, the best public awarenessprograms, and the most compre-hensive rider education programsin the nation. These efforts havehelped reduce motorcycle acci-dents, injuries, and fatalities inspite of the growing number of li-censed motorcyclists in Minnesota.

To continue these efforts we needyour support and participation.Show your commitment to protect-ing and preserving your rights as a

motorcyclist in Minnesota. Partici-pate in the meetings, rides, and thefundraising activities. You will beinformed about the motorcycle ac-tivities in the state by receivingRoad Noise, the A.B.A.T.E. monthlynews publication. A.B.A.T.E. is fun,educational and a great way tomeet people and make new friendswith similar interests.

With your help, we can continue topromote the positive image of mo-torcyclists. If you want more infor-mation about A.B.A.T.E., pleaseattend any of our meetings, meetother members, and ask questions.

We are pleased that you have de-cided your rights are worth pro-tecting, that the positive aspects ofmotorcycling are worth promoting,that education is important, andthat the cost of an A.B.A.T.E. mem-bership is a small price to pay topreserve and promote these princi-ples.

Members are the most importantthing that A.B.A.T.E. has, so ThankYou for becoming a member andwe look forward to seeing you atour events.

A.B.A.T.E. of NebraskaP.O. Box 30332Lincoln, NE 68503(877) 912-9889www.abateofne.com

A.B.A.T.E. of North Dakota1001 S 22nd StBismarck, ND 58504(800) 726-4094 • Fax (701) 224-0650abatend. com

A.B.A.T.E. of South Dakota#243 2601 S. Minnesota Ave, STE 105Sioux Falls, SD 57105-4750 http://www.abatesd.com

A.B.A.T.E. of Wisconsin438 N Water St.Black River Falls, WI 54615(800) 386-4442 • Fax (715) 284-7545http://www.abatewis.org


STATE COORDINATORMack Backlund(763) [email protected]

Happy New Year

New Year in April? I know what you’rethinking – your old State Coordinatorhas finally lost it. But for A.B.A.T.E. ofMinnesota members April is truly thestart of another year. The March elec-tions held in every chapter offer a freshslate of new and returning A.B.A.T.E.chapter officers who take office inApril. I want to offer a heartfelt thankyou to all who have stepped up. All ofthe positive things A.B.A.T.E. does inMinnesota would not be possible with-out your efforts. I also want to offer myappreciation to all past chapter officers.Many of you continue to help yourchapters and the new officers in count-less ways. It’s not easy being in a lead-ership role and sometimes just hearing“Let me know if you need any help” ismusic to the ears.

ASSISTANT STATECOORDINATORKevin Todd(507) [email protected]

Wow, what a month March was....with elections, chilifeeds and then to top it off with Heartland Steam. It was amonth of good activities for A.B.A.T.E.April is looking good with A.B.A.T.E. U in a few weeksand the snow is actually melting as I am writing this. Fi-nally winter has decided to let us take a break for a fewmonths.

I do want to thank all those that worked towards makingSteam the success it was. Marilyn did a fantastic job andwith her helpers we have set the bar yet again here in Min-nesota.

It would appear we are having success in the State Houseas our legislation moves towards completion this year.The Legislative Team has worked tirelessly to make thishappen and with our support, they can rest assured it willget done. If you see them out and about, tell them 'Thanks'for their work on your behalf.

With winter and A.B.A.T.E. U over yet for another year,we move into that time of the year where we are gettingready for riding and parades and rallies. Be sure and staycurrent on where your Legislator will be this summer andmake sure they know who you are. Down here, I know

At the start of this New Year I would alsolike to thank and acknowledge theA.B.A.T.E. Executive committee. Thelevel of professionalism, experience andcommitment these people bring to thetable is truly awesome. The fact that theyall ran unopposed must be a sign that ourmembers think they are the best for thejob.

Also, this New Year will bring a couplenew and many returning A.B.A.T.E.Committee Chairs. We will have a newnewsletter Editor and Products Managersoon. Take a moment and look at page 3of the Road Noise and think where wewould be without these people and thehardworking members of their commit-tees. Shake their hand and say thanksnext time you see them.

But this New Year would not be a happyone if it wasn’t for the most special groupin A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota. We would-n’t need all of the people mentionedabove and Minnesota would be the mo-torcycling equivalent of “Pottersville” ifnot for the devotion and dedication of thethousands of A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota

members across the state. This New YearI say “Thank you members!”

With the warming temperatures, the buzzof motorcycling shop talk and hearingabout everyone’s summer plans, there isno doubt in my mind that April is trulythe start of the New Year. So what areyour resolutions? New paint job? Newleathers? How about something reallynew: Total commitment to motorcyclingrights and safety in Minnesota and acrossthe nation. From what I see, it’s the newfad sweeping the country this year.

If we all just double our efforts, no mat-ter how great or small they may be, Min-nesota will continue to be a great placeto ride for many, many years to come.

Happy New Year,

Mack

both of mine as I worked last summer for them and we areon a first name basis. Make that effort to do that as it willreap big benefits down the road. Just because it isn't anelection year doesn't mean we can rest on past accomplish-ments. Make yourself known and stay informed.

Now before I get too long winded, I want to be sure to tellyou to check that bike and make sure everything is workingas it should. Last year was a bad one and we want no repeatof that. Be safe and be responsible. Set the pace for safetyand others will notice.

As ever, call me with questions or comments.....

Kevin


A.B.A.T.E. OF MINNESOTA, INC., APRIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Pre Board meeting Friday April 8, 2011, 8:00 PMBoard of Directors meeting Saturday April 9, 2011, 9:00 AM

Holiday Inn, Alexandria, MN

CALL TO ORDER9:00 AM Call to order.......................................................................................................................Mack BacklundPledge of allegiance and InvocationWelcome..............................................................................................................................................Edgar BurkeRoll call............................................................................................................................................Jan Loft-PilgrimAgenda approval / changes.............................................................................................................Mack BacklundSecretary Report-January 2011......................................................................................................Jan Loft-PilgrimTreasurer’s Report......................................................................................................................Michelle BacklundLEGISLATIVE REPORTSLegislative Director...................................................................................................................................Todd RibaMotorcycle PAC of MN............................................................................................................................Mark SennNCOM (National Coalition of Motorcyclists)..........................................................................................Frank ErnstMRF (Motorcycle Riders Foundation)......................................................................................................Todd RibaWrite to Ride..........................................................................................................................................Frank ErnstCOMMITTEE REPORTSCommittee Chairs submit written reports, up to 5 minutes for verbal report, if more time needed request in advance

ABATE University..............................................................................................................................Noma SkinnerBuddy Bear...........................................................................................................................................Barb ZieglerEducation............................................................................................................................................Paul TjepkesGambling..............................................................................................................................................Kim OstlundHistorian........................................................................................................................................Cathy SchwalichMembership / Member Retention..........................................................................................................Mickey LintPublications (Road Noise & Web Page).................................................................................Rachael Pesta-MillerRally.........................................................................................................................................................Ron ErnstRevisor............................................................................................................................................Jan Loft-PilgrimWays and Means....................................................................................................................................Kristie OrnOTHER REPORTSMarketing Director......................................................................................................................Carissa WalkoviakProductsState Office.............................................................................................................................................Liz HerzogMCDAR (Motorcycle Dial-A-Ride)...........................................................................................................Jon SmithMotorcycle Safety Advisory Committee.........................................................................................Charles FletcherMinnesota Motorcycle Club Coalition and Confederation of Clubs of Minnesota.....Jane Jenson and Frank ErnstOLD BUSINESS2011 BudgetNEW BUSINESSUpdate on AIL Life Insurance ProgramState Officer Election ResultsAnnounce Chapter Officers and Presentation of AwardsOFFICER REPORTSTreasurer.....................................................................................................................................Michelle BacklundSecretary.........................................................................................................................................Jan Loft-PilgrimNorthwest District Director...................................................................................................................Edgar BurkeNortheast District Director.....................................................................................................................Jean AfroozSouthwest District Director..........................................................................................................................Jim OrnSoutheast District Director.......................................................................................................................Stan RyghAssistant State Coordinator....................................................................................................................Kevin ToddTrustee...................................................................................................................................................Frank ErnstState Coordinator.............................................................................................................................Mack BacklundANNOUNCEMENTSADJOURNMENT


22001111 AA..BB..AA..TT..EE.. UUnniivveerrssiittyySchedule of Events (subject to change)

Friday, April 8th6:00 pm Rally meeting6:00 pm-10:00 pm Dart Walk ~ Darts thrown at 10:00 pm7:00 pm Publications Committee meeting7:00 pm-8:00 pm Welcome A.B.A.T.E./A.B.A.T.E. 1017:30 pm-8:00 pm Group Riding & Planning a Group Ride8:00 pm Pre-Board meeting

Pulling Your Bike Out of Storage8:00 pm-11:00 pm *Conceal & Carry Certification

Saturday, April 9th8:00 am President & Vice President Training

Chapter Rep Training/Secretary TrainingTreasurer TrainingProducts TrainingSgt @ Arms Training

9:00 am-12:00 pm *Conceal & Carry Certification9:00 am-1:00 pm Board of Directors meeting12:00 pm-1:00 pm Basic Bike Maintenance12:30 pm-1:00 pm Insurance Policies 1011:00 pm-1:30 pm Insurance Policies 101

Group Riding & Planning a Group Ride2:00 pm-3:30 pm Luncheon/Speaker/Panel Discussion3:00 pm-3:30 pm Gambling Class3:00 pm-4:00 pm Basic First Aid/CPR3:30 pm-4:00 pm Earn your Write to Ride patch

How to Pack a Bike & Trailer, Cold Weather RidingRoad Noise / Social Media

4:00 pm-5:00 pm Share the RoadBasic Bike Maintenance & How to Lift a BikeBasic First Aid/CPR

5:00 pm-6:00 pm MC/MRO~Understanding the Difference6:00 pm-7:30 pm Dinner break (on your own)7:00 pm Dinner break (on your own)7:30 pm Auction9:00 pm Band10:06 pm Drawing

Sunday, April 19thHave a safe ride home!

*Contact Laura Rameriz (218) 252-1631 or www.permittocarry.org to register


EDUCATION REPORTPaul Tjepkes (320) [email protected]

Keep those numbers coming in. It's looking good for us!Hope all of you who are doing classes have the materials youneed. If not, let me know and I will help you get them. Keepup the good work!

A.B.A.T.E. U is just about here. Plan to attend this greatfunction to educate yourself.

See you there, Paul

GAMBLING REPORTKim Ostlund (507) 334-7592229 Wilson Avenue Faribault MN [email protected]

Upcoming Meetings: April 8th, Holiday Inn, Alexandria, 7:00 pmMay 14th, Bonfire Bar & Grill, Litchfield, 6:00 pm

Well, most of you won't see this report until after A.B.A.T.E.U. I hope everyone had a good time. I will report on that raf-fle in the May report. Since we scaled that raffle back downto 800 tickets, I am hoping that we sold them all and can doa payback to the chapters. As of this writing, it's not look-ing so good. A lot of tickets out there and not money turnedin. For those of you that attended my seminar, I hope thatyou found it educational.

I handed out tickets for the State Rally 2011 raffle atA.B.A.T.E. U to all chapter reps. Keep in mind that therewill be no cash option on the Grand Prize. I started the chap-ters out with half of the amount that they sold last year. Ifyour chapter did not get any tickets or you would like to signout some tickets yourself, please don't hesitate to contact me.I will be more than happy to mail them to you.

I recently had an unusual situation come up that I feel bearsmentioning. When selling our raffle tickets, we need tomake sure that any payment that is taken for these tickets iseither U.S. currency or the payment is drawn on a U.S. bank.I know that the U.S. currency is kind of a no brainer. But wedid have a situation where a buyer did give us payment inU.S. dollars but the check was issued on a bank that is out ofthis country. We can't accept any check or any other type ofpayment instrument that is not from the U.S.. I realize thismay not ever happen again but for you northern chapters,that may get folks into your area from Canada, I felt that Ineeded to mention this.

Well, that really is all I have for now. Once again my com-mittee is pretty small and we could always use some newmembers. Come and check out one of our meetings. Theyonly last, at most, an hour. We always try and have them co-incide with the B.O.D. or some chapter fundraisers. So comeout and join us and have some fun as well.

Kim

Committees and ReportsA.B.A.T.E. UNIVERSITY REPORTNoma Skinner (612) 616-2403 [email protected]

Upcoming event:April 8th-10th, A.B.A.T.E. UNIVERSITY,Holiday Inn, Alexandria

Greetings to all..one last time!

Hope you are going to be in Alex, or were, depending onwhen you get your Road Noise! One thing I do want to tellyou all is that we have something really cool Friday night.It's the Honda SMARTrainer, a motorcycle simulator! It willalso be at Freedom First Rider’s Bike Show on Saturday.Check out their website. It's easiest to just Google hondasmartrainer. We have a lot of great things happening, so Ihope to see you there!

I also wanted to say Thank You to A.B.A.T.E. of MN for al-lowing me to be Queen! Not to mention everything else Ihelped with. I have been on the committee for A.B.A.T.E.U since 2005, secretary for 2 years, then I became Queen.I may not be turning my scepter over, but I will be turningover leadership of A.BA.T.E. U! It's been great! Thanks toeveryone who helped bring A.B.A.T.E. U into a reality everyyear.

Love and Kisses,Noma, and I will always remain your Queen!!


RALLY SPONSORSHIP REPORTWendy Steinborn [email protected]

Thank you to everyone that went out and obtained sponsorsso far. As of this writing, we have a total of 20 sponsors andout of the 20 we have 5 chapters that stepped up. Has yourchapter brought up being a rally sponsor? Do you want a freeticket into this years rally? All you have to do is go out and get2 sponsors (new or returning) for this years rally. Go back toyour chapter and see if they would like to be a sponsor. It’s notjust for businesses; get an organization, club, or any group tosponsor. It is not just the sponsorship committee that goes outto seek sponsors it is everyone in A.B.A.T.E.. Remember wehave a traveling plaque going to the chapter who sold the mostsponsorships. Will your chapter win it this year and dethroneBuffalo Ridge? Sponsorships come from all over, not just theLitchfield area. If you have any questions about the sponsor-ship program please contact me.

Wendy Steinborn

WAYS & MEANS REPORTKristie Orn (320) [email protected]

Next meeting:April 3rd, Ugly Bar, Montrose, 1:00 pm

The next Ways & Means meeting will be on Sunday, April3rd at 1:00 pm at the Ugly Bar in Montrose. Come join us.

Kristie

STATE RALLY REPORTRon Ernst [email protected].

Next meetings:April 8th, Holiday Inn, Alexandria, 6:00 pmJuly B.O.D., Friday evening

Workers of the month: Dale and Wendy Steinborn, Jim andKristi Orn.

A big word of thanks to Freedom First Chapter. They willbe conducting this year's Memorial Ride. I still need a chap-ter or group for Waste Warriors. Duties are the distributionof collection barrels, a trip around the grounds daily to col-lect the full ones, and Monday morning collection and bar-rel return to the shed.

Advance ticket prices are now $30 each until and includingthe July B.O.D.Call or email with questions... Thanks, Ron

STATE OFFICE ADMINISTRATORLiz Herzog (800) 224-6570, (507) 487-5000 A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota, Inc.PO Box 6Marshall, MN 56258

Now that elections are over we can get back down to busi-ness. Congratulations to all officers! I hope that you willtake advantage of A.B.A.T.E. U to learn your new jobs orrefresh your old ones.

I know that sometimes it seems that I harp a lot in my arti-cle but I just want things to run smoothly for both you andI. If I get correct information then you get your benefitssooner. So I am going to harp about expiration dates whensomeone is paying with a credit card. I used to have a ma-chine that allowed me to enter any expiration date that Iwanted as long as the card number was good. Now I don'thave that luxury and I MUST have the correct expirationdate or else I cannot run the card. If I can't run the card thenthe person does not get entered.

I know I harp a lot also about zip codes. This seems to begetting better but can still be improved upon. It's kind oflike if you call an ambulance and tell them you live in ----city but don't give them a house number. How can they findyou? A zip code is like that.

Thanks to all of you who were patient with me the last cou-ple of months. Election time is a very busy time for me andI try to return calls as soon as possible.

Working Together To KEEP our FREEDOM!Liz HerzogState Office AdministratorA.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota, Inc.PO Box 6Marshall, MN 56258(800) 224-6570

STATE TREASURERS REPORTMichelle "Mitch" Backlund (763) [email protected]

All Chapters should have made the decision by now if theywant to continue to have their Chapter President and Chap-ter Representative receive a 1st Class Road Noise. Chapterswere to accept or decline receiving these mailings as part ofthe election packets. Since there is a charge to the chapterfor this, it should be discussed at a chapter meeting whetherit is worth the charge to continue.

With postage and printing costs increasing, the charge to thechapter needed to increase also. Effective May 1st, thecharge to Chapter's that request continuing the 1st class mail-ing will be $2.00 per copy per month.

Any questions on this, give me a call.

Mitch


Road Noise Editor NeededThe Road Noise Committee needs your help!

Contact:

[email protected]

or [email protected]

REVISOR REPORTJan Loft-Pilgrim (507) [email protected]

The hope had been to have all the updated State and Chap-ter Officers pages for the Operation and Procedure Manualprinted in time for distribution at the April Board of Direc-tors meeting. As I write this report it is not certain the pagescan be ready in time. Having the new and updated pagesready in time for the Board meeting depends entirely on howtimely Chapters are in returning their election results withcontact information. After the Board meeting this month askyour Chapter Representative if they came home with the up-dated sets (one set for their Manual and the other set for thePresident's) or if the pages will be distributed at a later date.By the way, if the Chapter Representative and/or ChapterPresident changed in your Chapter as a result of the elec-tions, please remember that the Operation and ProcedureManual is to be passed on to the newly elected person. It isexpected the Manual will be passed on; it is a responsibility.So, if your previous officers do not want to pass along theManual for some reason please report this to the State Co-ordinator Mack Backlund.

Jan Loft-Pilgrim

LEGISLATIVE REPORTTodd Riba (952) [email protected]

Keep The Pressure On

At the time of this writing we are almost half way throughMarch and riding season is right around the corner here inMinnesota. The political season is still in full swing and atthis time the news is pretty good.

We have not had any attempts to take away our adult freedomof choice and there haven’t been any attempts to raid our mo-torcycle safety fund. Our "Enhanced Penalties Bill" is makinggreat progress in the Minnesota House of Representativeshowever we have hit a bit of snag in the Minnesota State Sen-ate.

We have come across some State Senators that are concernedabout some of the language in the bill and we are workingthrough it. I can’t predict at this time how it will all play outbut I do know that we have some strong supporters in theMinnesota State Senate that are lending a helping hand. Wewill get the most current information about this bill as newdevelopments occur.

The legislative session will be coming to a close soon afterthis issue of Road Noise reaches your mailboxes, please stayvigilant and stay in contact with your elected officials. Pleasecontact me with any questions, comments or complaints. Ifyou are not on my legislative alert list please send me an emailand I will get you added.

NCOM REPORTFrank Ernst (612) [email protected]

As I mentioned last month, I will share some more informa-tion and observations gathered while at the NCOM boardmeeting in Hawaii. When I left for Hawaii I expected to ex-perience extreme crowding, a dense population of people andmany people riding motorcycles. I also had hopes of a verylarge attendance at the meeting. The NCOM meeting wasconducted in Honolulu and we did not have as many peoplein attendance as I had expected. I will also mention in generalthe population and crowding was far less then I had expected.

HEARTLAND STEAM REPORTMarilyn Colsch

Unfortunately Heartland STEAM has not happened yet as Iwrite this….

With that being said let me tell you all about how HeartlandSTEAM came to be. I am certainly not the only person inthis state that is making this event a huge success. I want toextend a huge thank you to Tri–County Chapter of A.B.A.T.E.for stepping up and Donating $1000.00 and many volunteerhours to host the hospitality room for Heartland STEAM. Inconjunction with Tri County, Dial-A-Ride is donating nonal-coholic beer, water and soda for the hospitality room.

Media Com has graciously donated the fundraising enter-tainment for Friday evening. Tyler Engquist, my State Farmagent, has also donated a $100.00 to support our cause. Sev-eral chapters have donated auction items and also cash dona-tions. Metro Chapter has donated $100.00 plus a gift basket.Flatlanders chapter has also donated $100.00. Lake chapterhas donated $200.00.

I have had countless people extend the offers to help wherever

needed and I am thankful for all of you. Together we are mak-ing Heartland STEAM a success.

I would also like to thank all the other states for their promptresponses for the class presentations and offers to assist in anyway they can. It is an honor to work with and be supported byother freedom fighters from Minnesota and the surroundingstates.

I promise to have pictures and an overview of the conferencein the next issue.

Marilyn ColschHeartland STEAM Chair


DIAL-A-RIDE REPORTwww.motorcycledialaride.org [email protected]@motorcycledialaride.org or call Trashy 612-708-9328 ([email protected]) for more info.

Next Meetings:April 1st, 5:30, place to be determined, Packing BoxesMay 14th, between 3:00 & 4:00 pm wayside rest East of St.James, Hwy 60

It's that time of year again I hope everyone is ready to ride.I know I am.

Dial-A-Ride is a great tool that we as bikers have to help ourfriends and ourselves ride another day in this beautiful State.Remember Dial-A-Ride is here to help all motorcyclists inMinnesota.

If you have questions contact me at (612) 708-9328 orthrough our web site listed above. Now is also the time tostart looking for new locations for the material as you areout riding and if you stop for a break look for our posters. Ifthey don't have any get their information and let us know sowe can get some information there. We are hoping to covermore bars that you, (Minnesota bikers), go to.

United Way. Remember you can have your contributions goto Dial-A-Ride. If you choose to give through the UnitedWay, you can write in Minnesota Motorcycle DIAL-A-RIDEas the designation request, along with the address of 82 38thAvenue NE #1 Columbia Heights, MN 55421. We do nothave an agency number so that is why we need to have theaddress listed. The United Way sends out the donated monieseach quarter throughout the year. Please let your fellow bik-ers know that they can contribute through the United Wayand their contributions are tax deductible. We are a 501 (c)3organization (non profit) and any organization with gamblingaccount funds can make a charitable donation to Dial-A-Ride. If you have any ideas that you think might make usbetter, come to one of our meetings and let us know. Every-one is welcome to sit in and join.

Remember, "Swallow your pride and Dial-A-Ride."Till nextmonth ride safe and enjoy the riding season. It may go fasterthan you think.

Trashy - Jon W. Smith, Dial-A-Ride

Although Oahu is the most populated island and Honolulu isthe most populated city many of the Hawaiian attendees hadto fly in from the other Islands. I am not sure how many of theseven populated islands of Hawaii were represented at themeeting, but it would have been nice to have more attendees.

After the meeting Vicki and I had some time to travel aroundthe island of Oahu and also went to the island of Hawaii, alsoknown as the big island. On Sunday while traveling aroundOahu I saw far fewer motorcycles then I had expected. Thiswas more pronounced after we got out of the city of Honolulu,the number of motorcycles diminished considerably. We didsee a few small groups riding together but less than I ex-pected.

This trend continued when we arrived on the big island ofHawaii. In the ocean front community of Kona, where westayed a few days, there were a few more motorcycles pres-ent but still not what I expected to see. Many of the motorcy-cles we saw were late model Harleys and many of the riderswere wearing helmets. This made me curious, did the ridershave a strong belief in the protection helmets provide or wasit part of a rental agreement required by some dealers rentingmotorcycles. We also saw a large number of scooter rentalbusinesses and people riding scooters in this area, adding tomy belief that many of the scooter and motorcycle riders wereon rental machines. As we traveled around the big island mo-torcycles were almost nonexistent until I arrived in Hilo. Hilois an older, I will call more industrial city. We did see a fewmore people on motorcycles there but still not what I ex-pected.

Hawaii, is a state with seven populated islands that have acombined population of less than 25% of Minnesota. I do notknow what the population would be if you added tourists butI expect it would increase significantly. I was told by one ofthe participants at the meeting that Hawaii has already hadnine motorcycle related fatalities reported in 2011. If that in-formation is accurate and that trend continues, they will havean incredible loss this year. We also learned a universal hel-met use bill had been introduced in the senate and passedthrough its first committee assignment that day. Since return-ing I have learned that the senate bill has continued movingforward and a house companion bill has been introduced,passed a first reading and referred to a committee hearing.This may result in increased interest and membership in SBU(Street Bikers United) the local motorcycle rights organization(MRO). Unfortunately, the SBU does not seem to have thesupport they should if they are expected to protect the free-doms of motorcyclists. If they do not get active immediatelyand defeat this attempt to restrict their riding freedom theymay be put in a position of attempting helmet law repeal ormodification in the future. If the helmet bill does pass I expectthe participation in the local MRO will grow.

As we have been saying for years, we are in a better positionif we are protecting ourselves from a helmet law rather thanattempting to modify or repeal it.

Until next time ride safe (it is sure good to say that again)fe

GGOOTT SSOOMMEETTHHIINNGG FFOORRSSAALLEE??

The Classified section is FREEfor A.B.A.T.E. Members


M.R.F. REPORTTodd Riba (952) [email protected]

Here are just a few of the issues the Mo-torcycle Riders Foundation is keeping trackof in Washington D.C. right now. And as youcan tell, there are way too many attacks on a national levelagainst our motorcycling freedoms.

As many of you may have heard, some states are applying forfederal funds in order to conduct motorcycle only roadsidecheckpoints. One such state, Georgia, feels that by doing soit can reduce motorcycle fatalities. Lt. Colonel Mark McDo-nough, GA DPS Deputy Commissioner, explained that thereason for the checkpoints is the continued rise of motorcyclefatalities in GA from 2005-2008. (There were 167 motorcy-clists killed in crashes in 2008.) And while McDonough didacknowledge the States education campaign in 2009, whichfocused solely on raising awareness of motorcyclists with allother road users, he seems to feel that unfairly singling outmotorcyclists is the best way for his state to lower motorcy-cle related fatalities.

What would such a stop look like? A motorcyclist would beforced to exit the highway at various pre-designated points, atwhich they would be required to produce proper licensing, a

MEMBERSHIP AND RETENTION REPORTMickey Lint (320) [email protected]

Hello Motorcyclist,

Well, I hope it starts to warm up out there. I'm sure we all aregetting the itch to ride. Just a couple reminders: don't takeeveryone for granted in vehicles. I'm really starting to noticethat people are not paying attention at all to their driving.I'm driving eighteen wheels and I, myself, have had twoclose calls in the last couple of weeks. Can't even imaginewhen bikes get out there! Again, gas looks like it might getto $4.00 a gallon. So we will get a run on new motorcyclists.It is imperative that we try and sign these people up. Also,don't forget the sport bike crowd. Yes, the younger riders.Some of us are not getting any younger (maybe a little wise-asser HA!HA!).

Next: don't forget your yard signs. They will be for sale atS.T.E.A.M., Donnie Smith show and at A.B.A.T.E. U. Theystill are only $15.00. Also, don't forget we could use somehelp at the Donnie Smith show. The times are in last month'sRoad Noise. Email me or call if you can help - thanks!

It would great if you are gone to Algona to give me fourhours. Sorry, not me our A.B.A.T.E. OF MINNESOTA!This is our biggest membership drive so your help would bemuch appreciated. Your Chapter Rep will have sign-upsheets that they will get at B.O.D. in April.

Think spring!!RIDE SMARTMickey

DOT helmet and valid tags. In addition, the motorcycles gen-eral operating condition would be checked over, and the op-erated would be checked to make sure that he or she was notunder the influence of alcohol.

Now if this type of behavior was inflicted upon a driver of acar, based on the color of the drivers skin or the make of thevehicle, then everyone would be crying foul. So why shouldthese types of unprovoked stops be allowable against motor-cyclists?

United States Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI)feels that this behavior is unacceptable. He has always beena staunch supporter of motorcyclists, and as such, he wrote aletter to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation (USDOT) asking forsome clarification on the agency's plan to fund these motor-cycle only roadside checkpoints. When the USDOT fundedGeorgia’s program to the tune of $70,000 before bothering torespond to Rep. Sensenbrenner’s letter, the Republican fromWisconsin took another tack and introduced legislation onMarch 3rd that would defund the program entirely. Sensen-brenner introduced an amendment that would strip all fund-ing for the controversial program and would make it illegalfor the USDOT to use any money to conduct checkpoints orany program to check for helmet usage. In addition to Sensen-brenner, Reps. Tom Petri (R-WI) and Paul Ryan (R-WI) areoriginal cosponsors.

Please take a few minutes to contact your U.S. Congressper-son and ask that he or she support the defunding of these mo-torcycle only checkpoints as they are discriminatory and havenever been proven to alter motorcycle related fatalities.

One piece of good news that the MRF can report is that theU.S. House and Senate passed the Highway Bill Extension,known as the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011,which effectively extends funding of states’ motorcycle safetyand awareness projects. The measure now goes to the Presi-dent's desk, where it is expected to be signed into law soon.

Another piece of news in the positive side of the motorcyclerights equation has to do with fundraising. Your MinnesotaMRF Team (Todd Riba, Mary Berger and I) recently hostedthe 2nd annual Fish-n-Freedom Ice Fishing Contest on LakeWaconia. As they say about the fish, we didn’t catch manybut they sure were small! The largest fish (measuring in at 6-1/4 in.) was caught by MRF Sustaining Member Buzz Plante.Buzz also caught the most fish! And we raised about $200 to-wards keeping the fight going in Washington D.C.!

Finally, I wanted to remind you of the 3rd annual Michael“Boz” Kerr Bikers Inside the Beltway national lobby day thiscoming May 12th in Washington D.C. The MRF will havesecure, free parking for motorcycles just steps from the USCapitol Building, and the agenda looks like this:

9:00-11:00: Arrival, registration, instruction and lobby ma-terial pickup 11:00-2:00: Lobby your federal elected officials2:00-3:30: Program with invited Congressional speakers atRayburn House Office Building.

If you plan on attending, you’re encouraged to schedule yourown appointments with your Representative and Senators


PUBLICATIONS [email protected]

The Publications Committee would like to thank all the of-ficers stepping down and congratulate all the new officersstepping up. We’ve got another big year ahead of us as andwe wouldn’t be the organization we are if it wasn’t forpeople like you volunteering your time.

With a packed issue, I’ll close short with a few Q&A:

Are you interested in learning more about this Committee?Come to our next meeting.

Do you have any letters that you would like to submit?Send them in.

Do you have any ideas to for the Road Noise or the web-site to share with other A.B.A.T.E members? Yes, you do!

See ya’ll at the ‘U’.

during the lobbying hours. It is best to begin scheduling themnow as the calendar will fill up on this busy legislative day.If you plan to arrive promptly at 9:00 AM you can schedulemeetings anytime from 9:45 until 2:00 without conflict withthe program. If you plan on arriving at 11:00 then you shouldschedule meetings from 11:30 until 2:00. Should you not beable to get appointments, plan on dropping by as many of-fices from your state as you can during the scheduled lobbytime.

Exact locations for the free motorcycle parking will be an-nounced soon. (For those of you anxious to get a feel for howlong your ride will be, just use the US Capitol for a final des-tination in Google Maps.) And of course, feel free to contactthe MRF office with any questions about the event or thescheduling of appointments.

Additionally, this years Bikers Inside the Beltway nationallobby day coincides with the MRF's eastern regional confer-ence, BEAST of the East, which begins the next day, FridayMay 13, in Baltimore, MD, and is just a short ride or traintrip away from Washington, D.C. Details for BEAST of theEast, including registration and hotel information, are on theMRF website at www.mrf.org/events.php and an event flyerfor Bikers Inside The Beltway is also available atwww.mrf.org/2011/BEST/BIB_2011v2-BW.pdf.

Remember, many state level threats begin on the nationallevel. Just imagine what it would be like to have those mo-torcycle only checkpoints here in Minnesota. You will quicklysee why you need to be a member of the MRF and why yourfreedom depends on you getting involved. If you have anyquestions about any of these issues or if you’d like to haveone of the members of your MRF Minnesota team come to anevent or a meeting, just give me a call and I will do everythingI can.

Respectfully,Mike BergerAsst. State Rep

� Heart of the Lakes at Bikerday 2011 �

A.B.A.T.E. University 2011Luncheon and Speaker

Saturday, April 9th, 2011 Holiday Inn, Alexandria, MN

While at A.B.A.T.E. University please join us for agreat lunch and motorcycle rights discussion. Wewill hear from the President of the MotorcycleRiders Foundation, Kirk "Hardtail" Willard, on fed-eral motorcycling legislative activity and motor-cycle related regulatory trends nationwide andglobally. A roundtable discussion with peoplefrom the Minnesota motorcycling rights andsafety community will follow. Questions, ideasand suggestions are very much encouraged.

All this while feasting on the award winning foodof Rudy's Redeye Grill. This year's luncheon fea-tures chicken, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy.All for just $7.00. But seating is limited. Only 75people maximum, so order now. Don't want toorder on-line? Then call Becky at 612-554-0530.

‘DON’T FIND FAULT. FIND A REMEDY.’

HENRY FORD

ATTENTION: A.B.A.T.E. OF MINNESOTA

CHAPTERS

Are you interested in the future of advertising andthe value of social networking? Learn about FREEadvertising for your Chapter events through SocialNetworking.

Come to the Social Media Class at A.B.A.T.E. U on Saturday, April 9th at 3:30

for ideas and details.


SSOO UU TT HH EE AA SS TT DD II SS TT RR II CC TT DD II RR EE CC TT OO RRStash Rygh (507) [email protected]

Hi Folks,

There are a lot of fundraisers going on, bike shows, electionmeetings, a little something for everyone. Try to get out andattend something. Riding time is not that far away. Heart-land Steam has come and gone and many Thanks to all whoworked so hard on this. I hope to see all the new (and re-turning) chapter reps at A.B.A.T.E. U. I hope everyone'sready for another year of fighting the good fight. We'll seey'all soon. Oh, and before I forget," Matt, I owe you one".Get your State Rally tickets early and save yourself somebucks. I'm sure there's a lot more stuff I've forgotten, but Ihave a house full of sick females. So I'll either see you at ameeting or in Alexandria. Any questions or problems justpick up your phone or mouse, I'll respond.

Later, [email protected] Stan.Rygh

LOWER CORNER

Next meeting: April 3rd, Strikers in Stewartville, 11:00 am

Upcoming events: April 8th – 10th, A.B.A.T.E. University in AlexandriaMay 14th, Fun run starting in Racine

Hello everyone. I hope you are doing well. I would like tothank all of the out going officers for their hard work anddedication this last year and to congratulate the in comingofficers. I would also like to invite all Lower Corner mem-bers to attend our meeting on Sunday April 3rd at Strikers.This is our last scheduled meeting at Strikers and we are try-ing to decide if we should continue there or move. We cur-rently have seven to eight members who show up out of 49members. So 1/5th of the membership are making the deci-sions for everyone. I don’t like it and if you think thingsshould be different then please come to the meeting and letyour voice be heard. Otherwise no one will hear what youhave to say and believe me we want your input. We are plan-ning a fun run on May 14th to start out of a new bar and grillthat will be opening this month in Racine. A.B.A.T.E. U. isjust around the corner and should be informative and fun.Tickets for the State Rally this year are on sale on-line atwww.abatemn.org and are only $25.00 up until A.B.A.T.E.U. So save some money and buy early. Have a great monthand be careful riding. The streets are not cleaned yet and

FLATLANDERSwww.flatlandersabateofmn.org

Next meetings: April 16th, Wells VFW, 1:00 pmMay 21st, Blue Earth West Bound Rest Stop I-90, Meetingto be held after Wash Out

Upcoming events: April 8th – 10th, A.B.A.T.E. U., AlexandriaMay 21st, Wash Out, I-90 West Bound Rest Stop BlueEarth, 12:00 – 3:00 pm

Hellooooooo Flatlanders!

Well first off I want to thank all the out going officers fortheir service to the chapter this past year. Looking back wehad a fun year Flatlanders. I want to highlight the positiveswe had. We have seen active membership on the rise. This isa very good sign of a healthy chapter. We increased our pub-lic awareness of A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota by working a pa-rade, along with good numbers at chapter functions. So all inall it was a great year for the chapter.

On to the next topic. I want to thank all the people that

Chapter Grapevinesstepped up during the election period. As of right now I don'tknow what position I will hold in the chapter, so I look for-ward to working with you all and expanding our chapter. Ihave all the confidence that this year will be another suc-cessful year for the Flatlanders.

Lets start thinking of May Flatlanders. The Wash Out is com-ing up. This is an important day for A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota.This event lets us, the motorcycle enthusiast, get out and talkto motorists about safety for them and us. You never know ifyou just reach that one person you might save a life, perhapsyour own! I hate to leave you on a downer my fellow Flat-landers. It’s APRIL; GO get some Wind in your Face!

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the inten-tion of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body,but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thor-oughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming,'Wow! What a Ride!" ~Hunter S. Thompson

I love that Quote!Jeremy


STRAIGHT RIVER

Next meeting, April 2nd, at the Legion, 1:00 pm

Greetings all,

By the time this is read, we will have new officers and get-ting ready for A.B.A.T.E. U. Congrats to the new officersthat we have. Please make a note that our April meeting is onthe 2nd at the Legion. Riding season is coming upon usquickly. Hope you are checking over your bike and getting itready for the up coming season.

Brain storm time Straight Jackets. Please think about any pa-rades, bike wash, or anything that we can do to be out anddoing more for our community. This is something we couldtry to do more of. Also, if you need a Straight Jacket zip upor anything like that please let me know.

Another BIG congrats to our New Officers.

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY

http://www.frontiernet.net/~mississippivalleyabatemn/Wel-come.htm

Next meetings: April 17th, Crossroads Bar and Grill, Randolph, 12:00 pm

Well our fundraiser is now over. A good time was had by all.I think Mark's ladies made it a special night for him.

We would like to thank all who donated items and those whoput in a lot of time and effort to get the items for our auction.We can't thank you enough.

Riding season is approaching. Make sure your bikes areready.

Keep it SafeSheila

TRI-COUNTYwww.tricountymn.org

Next meetings: April 5th, Turtles Bar in Shakopee, 7:00 pmMay 3, Turtles Bar in Shakopee, 7:00 pmJune 7, Turtles Bar in Shakopee, 7:00 pm

Upcoming Event: A.B.A.T.E U, April 8-10th, Alexandria, Holiday Inn

As the weather warms up we may change to members’homes for meetings. Watch future grapevines for updates.

Current membership: 166

A special thank you to all the past chapter members who heldchapter positions and thanks to our newly elected officers.President: Monte Thue, Vice President: Kent Slavik, Secre-tary: Marlene Slavik, Treasurer: Michelle Peterson, ChapterRep: Lyn Anderson, Sgt of Arms: Kent Slavik, LJ Johnson,Bill Ernst, Mike Pfarr, Phil Schmoll, and John Wacholz

Thanks to all and remember, we as chapter officers supportyou and are available to help you when needed!

And, step up to the plate we did, for Heartland STEAM heldin Shakopee this year. Our chapter voted to host the hospi-tality room for this event, and obviously, as I write this, ithasn't happened yet! We will be providing food and bever-ages and volunteering to man the fort as well! Thanks to allwho made the arrangements, bought and made food, did theshopping, Kent for the church service, and those who vol-unteered, whether you worked in the hospitality room or theregistration table or other jobs! When we work as a team, itmakes it more fun and easier for all involved!

Our chapter also voted to donate $250 to the State Rally, and$200 to the Carver Fun Run being held on May 7th.

Stand up yard signs that say "Look Twice, Motorcycles areEverywhere" are available for $15, see page 31 in the Feb2011 Road Noise. These will be available at A.B.A.T.E. U.This is a great idea! Also, as the weather warms up, we willhave chapter rides scheduled. We will let you know aboutthis as it progresses! See if everyone of us can sign up a newmember too! New faces and ideas are always welcome!

JOKE OF THE DAY: Reasons to Celebrate Easter: You absolutely love the movie "The Ten Commandments"

You look really, really good in yellow! You just went on a low cholesterol diet, and didn't want to waste

all those eggs in the fridge. You figure any holiday that starts with "Good Friday"

can't be all bad. It’s a good time to check out your neighborhood church

and not be noticed. Even though you don't know what it is, you really like the

sound of going to a "Passion Play" And you just love to bite the heads off of those

chocolate bunnies!

Enjoy your Easter holiday!!Riding soon, gerry

early morning riding can pose some slippery spots. Ride safe,ride free.

Christopher CallierLower Corner Chapter Rep.


NN OO RR TT HH WW EE SS TT DDII SS TT RR II CC TT DDII RR EE CC TT OO RREdgar Burke(218) 849-5021 [email protected]

Howdy Folks,Elections are over and you should take time to THANKthose that are new or still involved Officers. My hat goes offto YOU. You are the ones WE trust to keep this bike rollin’down the road with good tires and a good mind on yourshoulders. Good tires because you took time to do somemaintenance. A good mind on your shoulders because youtook time to get educated our maybe took an advanced rid-ers course so you feel confident when behind those handle-bars. There are a lot of people out there that don’t see us oreven look for us, that’s why we need to stay alert and watchthe other guy.

A.B.A.T.E. UHope to see everyone there! This is one of the most funweekends ever. It’s gonna be good. Good people and goodclasses to help you with what ever you need. Good luck toall ticket holders. Also take time to Thank Noma and thegang for puttin’ together such an awesome A.B.A.T.E Uweekend.

Heartland Steam is over already and I hope you got out of itwhat you put into it. Fun time indeed. It’s always cool to talkto people from other states and figure out that we can worktogether.

Call me if you need anything, otherwise I’ll see you on downthe road. I got the ole shovelhead runnin' today so hopefullyby the time you read this I’ll have a few miles on.

TAKE CARE and RIDE FREEEdgar218-849-5021

RIVER VALLEY

Next meetings: April 17th, Eagles Club, Mankato, 1:00 pmMay 8th, Ealges Club, Mankato, 1:00 pm

Upcoming events: April 8th - 10th, A.B.A.T.E. University, AlexandriaMay 7th, Motorcycle Awareness ParadeMay 21st, Ditch Clean up

Greetings again, I would like to congratulate all the officersthat were elected for the new term. As I pack my bag to headfor A.B.A.T.E. U. I look at the trailer frozen in the snow bankthat holds my motorcycle and peal the sun burnt skin off myforehead from my recent trip to Arizona. My snowbirdneighbors, who are members of our chapter, invited severalof us to come and visit them. So we packed our bags andheaded south. While we were there they had a bike night andwe ran into the East Valley Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. of Ari-zona. It was interesting to visit with members of a chapterfrom a different state. We had a great time riding motorcy-cles in the valley and it was really hard to head back home.

Don't forget the motorcycle awareness parade coming up onMay 7th. Line up at noon at MSU Free Parking Lot, paradestarts at 1:00. It is important that we have a big turn out forthe parade to make people aware that we are out for the rid-ing season. We still need a few volunteers to be road guards.Also we will have a fun run after the parade for anyone whomay be interested.

We will be doing the ditch clean up Saturday morning the21st of May at 10:00 am. Meet up by Hillcrest in the CHStruck lot. Hopefully the snow will be gone! Not much elsefor news.

Together we ride free.Steve


continued on page 18

HEART OF THE LAKES

Next Meetings:April 15th, 7:00 pm, Todd and Cindy Murphy's, DetroitLakesMay 13th, 7:00 pm, Zorbaz Restaurant ,Detroit Lakes

Upcoming Events:April 8-10 A.B.A.T.E University, AlexandriaMay 20-22 Northwest Chapter Spring Ride In, St. Hilaire

Spring, hopefully we are enjoying it by this time. I sure amready for warm weather.

I'd like to congratulate all our new and our returning officersfor another year. Let's keep our chapter growing and im-proving.

We have been seeing an increase in our numbers at Chaptermeetings. There is strength in numbers. The more membersyou have the more depth your chapter has. Like a sportsteam we need every member on the team to use their indi-vidual skills to help us be winners in the big game of motor-cycle rights. So attend all of your practices (meetings) andwork on strengthening your knowledge of motorcycle rights.Our offense and defense need to be ready to play, everyone'sfreedom depends on if we can stay on top of our game!

Murph

BORDERLANDwww.borderlandabate.org

Next meetings:April 12, Roseau Eagles Club, 7:00 pmMay 7, Roseau Eagles Club, 5:30 pm

Upcoming Events:A.B.A.T.E. U, Holiday Inn, Alexandria, April 8-10.Borderland Chapter 12th annual Membership Drive, at theRoseau Eagles Club, May 7, 6:30 pm.

Hello Borderland!

At our March meeting we voted in the 2011 state and chap-ter officers. 2011 officers are: Prez; Lee Heaton. Vice; JasonFuller. Sec; Arno Borreson. Treas; We need someone to stepup for that. Rep; Tim Sandland. Sgt@Arms; Brian Walton,John Strength(very fitting), Mike Ness, Robert Sheridan,and Ron Kjelland. Congratulations! We welcome all newmembers. One of those being, Keith Bitzer, who has beencoming over from Baudette to attend chapter meetings.Keith wants to recruit more members from that area, righton! We need more members from that area. MaybeBaudette will be one of our first ride in meetings.

By the time you read this our Membership drive will be onemonth away. We need door and silent auction items and, ifnothing else , just bring yourself, a friend and a few bucksto play Poker Darts for Motorcycle PAC of MN. It's a greattime! It costs 10 bucks to get in, after that the food and funis free. Remember; this is a chapter fundraiser as well.

A.B.A.T.E. U. is right around the corner. If you want a yardsign, I'll be picking those up at A.B.A.T.E.U. so get yourorder in (689-7969). Check them out at:[email protected] or RN page 31, February issue.Any other questions contact Lee H. That's about it for now.Watch out for that mud and gravel that gets on the pavementfrom those off roads and don't forget about thoseA.B.A.T.E.U. raffle tickets. Ride safe and pray for a safe rid-ing season.

Twistin' da wick. Tim

FREEDOM FIRST RIDERSwww.freedomfirstridersabatemn.org Growing strong! Visit now!

Up coming events, mark your calendars: April 9th, 4th Annual FFR Fundraiser at the RunestoneCommunity Center, West Hockey Arena. (We are still look-ing for volunteers and items for the silent & live auction.April 8th-10th, A.B.A.T.E. U Convention at the HolidayInn, Alexandria, MN.April 30th, Monthly Meeting 6:00 p.m., Sheila’s in RoseCity, MN.

*Continue to check out our FFR web site for upcominginfo, events, rides, pictures and directions to the meetings.

March 9th, the snow is melting and the bikes are running inthe garage. I can’t wait to get back on the road. We are leav-ing to Cancun in five days it will be great to escape this snowfor a few days. By the time you all read this Donna, Dannyand I will hopefully be home darker, happier and ready forthe upcoming riding season. We had a great Chapter meetingthis last February at Leaf Valley Mercantile. Great attendanceand a bus trip to the Glacial Ridge Chapter, Blizzard Bash inSedan. Thank you, Glacial Ridge for the great music, foodand beverages, lots of beverages :). Last year at this event Ihad a broken leg. This year I was able to bust a move or two.Good times had by all. Well I have to go start practice pack-ing for Cancun. I also need to go turn off the bikes, I thinkthey are warmed up by now. See you all soon at A.B.A.T.E.


continued from page 17

U and our, 4th Annual FFR Fundraiser. Be sure to bring somefuture Freedom First Riders along to enjoy the events.

Remember every one dies but not everyone lives.Make some memories and share some memories.

Freedom First Riders,Ride safe, Ride free, Ride proud.You deserve it.

And always,“Expect the Unexpected”Santa

NORTH STARwww.northstarabate.org

Next meeting: April 9th, 5:00 p.m. at Cattail's, Be-midji

Last meeting: Saturday, March 5th at 5: 00 p.m. at Cat-tail's.

This is, for me, the start of our season. Chapter elections,A.B.A.T.E.U and bike events begin to fill our calenders andthoughts. Thanks to all who showed, voted and accepted of-ficer positions for 2011! Our next meeting is during theA.B.A.T.E.U weekend. I encourage everyone to attend theB.O.D., but if you can't make it, there will be information atCattail's. Be sure to send me your pic's from events or justmembers enjoying themselves so we can send them into theRoad Noise. Speaking of, did you catch Big Jim, Joan &Oprah in this last issue. Watch for our chapter spring eventsor check out the web page for the latest information.

"Ride United ~ Ride Free" - Doc

NORTHWESTwww.iridemine.org

report not received

SSOO UU TT HH WW EE SS TT DD II SS TT RR II CC TT DD II RR EE CC TT OO RRJim Orn (320) [email protected]

It’s April already and I know in my article last month I toldeveryone its March, get out there and check on your bike.Well as we go through March I have more snow outside mywindow than I’ve had all year. I just keep telling myself thatspring is coming.

Let’s start to look forward, it’s April and I hope you haveyour room reserved for A.B.A.T.E. U. If you don’t have aroom by now, you’re probably out of luck. From what I’veheard the hotel has been sold out for awhile. Noma and hercommittee have lined up a great weekend full of educationand fun. Between the low price of the ticket and havingHardtail from the MRF as the luncheon speaker, I’m surethat will be sold out as well.

I would like to tip my hat to all the Chapters in the SouthwestDistrict. From the chili feeds put on by Buffalo Ridge andRolling Prairie, Way West’s Memorial Bash, Glacial Ridge’sold fashioned St. Nick day and their Blizzard Bash, Lake’sGrounded Hogs party, South Central’s Toys for Kids andSpring Fling, and Southwest is working on a street dance forthis summer. I’m very proud of all the hard work that all theSouthwest District Chapters are putting in working togetherand getting it done.



LAKEwww.abatelakechapter.org

Next meetings: April 2nd, Tommy Sue’s upstairs, 4:00 pmMay 7th, place and time to be determined

Upcoming events: April 8th- 10th, A.B.A.T.E. University in AlexandriaApril 16th, Benefit for Gary Riba, Chaska VFW, 4:00 to8:00 pmMay 14th, Spring Dart Run leaves Delano Legion at 12:00pmMay 22nd, Lake Chapter ERC (Experienced RidersCourse), Eden PrairieMay 28th, Lake Chapter Memorial Run, more details tocome

And the winner of the Member of the Year award is DawnRiba. BIG Thanks for all her hard work as Madame Presi-dent and keeping our Chapter on the right road! Speaking ofthe road, the winners of last years chapter mileage contestare: 1st – John Lamar, 2nd – Terry Vigil and 3rd – SherryEdgett.

BUFFALO RIDGE

Next Meeting(s): April 2nd, Lyndwood Tex Mex Bar and Grill, Lynd, 1:00 pm May 7th, Lyndwood Tex Mex Bar and Grill, Lynd, 1:00 pm

Greetings All,

We had a very successful Chili Feed this year. Better thanlast. Maybe the economic turn down is really on the way up.We packed KB’s Bar in Ghent. Thanks! To all the folksAngie and I depend on to make this kind of function happen.This is the fifth year we have been Chili Chairmen, and itgets easier each year for all concerned. Thanks to membersupport (before, during & after) experience, planning andknowing we can depend on a great crew!

March meeting: local elections were held and as I warnedyou, your newly Re-elected President is: Rick Dubbeldee.Thank you for believing in me. Ranata Norgaard is our newVice President. She is the First woman to hold this seat inour Chapter. Way to go women! Welcome aboard! AngieDubbeldee is our new Secretary, behind every successfulman is a good woman, and she is! Into the future we go!Linda Moser is our re-elected Treasurer, welcome back!Doug Pilgrim is our re-elected Chapter Rep., welcome back!Our Sergeant at arms position was by far the most highlycontested with eight nominees and only room for six. Whenit was all done I got a good mix of old dependable and new-bie’s, this will be a good. The experienced will teach thenew. Our re-elected and new Sergeants are: PD Drown, JoeMoser, Jim Holien, Sam Drown, Eva Bruns and Rick John-son. Participating in Shades of the Past Car Show this yearis not going to happen. We are leaning towards other venues.Fundraising ideas are always welcome; maybe we can doanother during the warm months?! Chili dogs? Walkingtacos? Just need a place and a time. There are fundraisers toconsider and members to be signed. Food for thought, allideas welcome. Remember A.B.A.T.E. U is happening onApril 9th. Please join us! Get that rusty crusty thing you calla motorcycle out of storage and start making it think it’sgoing to hit the road, because that’s what I’m going to do.Remember, I drive old stuff. It’s mine, gets down the roadand runs just fine.

Ride in Freedom,Rick DD

GLACIAL RIDGEwww.glacialridgeabate.org/

Next Meetings: April 2nd, Rooney’s in Sedan, 6:00 pm May 7th, Rooney’s in Sedan, 6:00 pm

Greetings Glacial Ridge Members!

Congratulations to our newly elected officers. To the mem-bers, now we must support our officers, as it is not an easyjob being a leader. A.B.A.T.E. U. is the week after our meet-ing. Again this year Glacial Ridge will have a hospitalityroom on Saturday night. Stop by, say hi, and have a beverageor two. It is a nice way to take time to get to know one an-other.

We got membership counts the first part of the month andGlacial Ridge was one of only two chapters that have had anincrease of members in the last year. We went up 13 mem-bers. Good Job Guys/Gals !!! Now we need to keep thatgoing and maybe next year we can have a bigger increase.Remember to carry a tri-fold on you so if you have someonewho would like to become a member, you have the tri-foldto do it! And remember, “Take the Money and Run!”

I am filling in for Spoon this month as she got hung up atwork and called and asked if I would send in a report. Sowith that I hope to start seeing a number of you at our meet-ings, I love to see all your smiling faces and besides we missyou! Till Next Month,

Love, Mom

The Southwest District will be hosting the Board of Directorsmeeting in July. More information on that will be coming atthe April B.O.D.

I will see you all at A.B.A.T.E. U, and as always, if you haveany questions or concerns, drop me an e-mail or give me acall.

Till next time,Jim



The Chapter ERC class will be May 22nd. If you are inter-ested, contact Mary Berger at [email protected].

Our chapter made a donation to the Heartland STEAM con-ference, A.B.A.T.E. U., and the upcoming benefit for Todd’sdad, Gary Riba. All great causes and I hope to see lots of ourmembers at each event. Our Buddy Bear donations will alsobe taking place soon, now that it has warmed up and we canride. Watch for e-mails of dates for these donations.

The July B.O.D. will be closer to our area this year, in Kim-ball, and looks to be a good time. Make plans now to attend.Look for more information in this and future issues of theRoad Noise.

The Memorial Run will again end in Buffalo and be followedby a gathering at Becky and Dave’s home. This is a great timeand if you can, please attend.

Chapter Officers for 2011 are as follows: President: DawnRiba, Vice President: Mike Edgett, Secretary: Sherry Edgett,Treasurer: Jim Kosse, Chapter Rep.: Patty Barnes, Sgt. AtArms: Batman, Charlie, John, Brian, Mike and Steve. Spe-cial Thanks to Bill and Sheryl for their past officer duties andgood luck to the new ones. You have big shoes to fill and wewill be watching!!

New products are now available in limited quantities. FindRhiannon at a meeting or the Spring Run to get yours.

If you have questions or comments you can contact the cur-rent Chapter President, Dawn Riba, at 952-239-0928.

Until next time, Fare thee well!

Mitch’n

� Dawn Riba : Member of the Year award �

SOUTH CENTRALwww.scabate.com

Next Meetings: Saturday, April 2nd, Bonfire Bar and Grill,11:00 am Saturday, May 7th, JAKES PIZZA in theHutchinson Mall (upstairs room), 11:00 am. The meeting isbeing held at Jakes because the Bike Show will be goingon in the Mall at the same time. Possible ride after the BikeShow. Saturday, June 4th, Bonfire Bar and Grill at 11:00 AM,Ride after meeting!!! NOTE: Because our Chapter chose tobe a Rally Sponsor, we have 4 Rally passes to give to ourmembers. We will draw one pass at our April, May, Juneand July Meetings. To be eligible, come to the meetings

“YES THAT IS RIGHT; IT SAYS 11:00 AM”

Upcoming Chapter Events: April 8 – 10, A.B.A.T.E. “U” at the Holiday Inn, Alexan-dria, MN May 7th, Motorcycle Bike Show at the Hutchinson Mall,9:00 am May 14th, Annual Spring Fling at the Bonfire Bar andGrill, 7:00 pm

The March 5th meeting was attended by 5 officers, 2 Sgt.@ Arms and 22 members for a total of 29 dedicated Free-dom Fighters. Thank You Peggy Sundin for covering theSecretary duties.

Election Results: President: Dale Steinborn Vice President: Galen “Porkchops” Sundin Treasurer: Tammy Winkels Secretary: Peggy Sundin Chapter Rep. Kristie Orn Sergeants’ @ Arms: Dan “Animal” Schrader, Charlie“Breeze” Ardolf, Lori “Shadow” Matter, Andy Bogatzki,Curt Schmitz, Richard Winkels

Thanks to all of last year’s officers and congrats to thisyear’s winners.

Thanks also to our Election Judges, Chair person JessicaEthen, Lia Nistler and Clarence Schmitz.

According to the January Road Noise, South Central Chap-ter had four renewals in January. Thank You to the mem-bers who renewed. Let’s all try and sign up a few newmembers so we can get our Chapter Membership back ontop for this year’s riding season. We all know there aremany motorcyclist and supporters out there and we needtheir support.

We now have “Yard” signs available for sale. They are$15.00 each and say “Look Twice Motorcycles are Every-where”. They should be available at A.B.A.T.E. U. Contactme or Kristie Orn if you want a few.

Thank You to the Bonfire Bar and Grill for all of their con-

GET YOUR A.B.A.T.E OFMINNESOTA

"WRITE TO RIDE" PATCHor if you have already have a patch,

make sure you have your 2011 rocker.Its easy and free.

For details call Frank @ 612-801-2920.


SOUTHWEST

Next Meetings: Friday, April 1st, Rushmore Senior Center, Rushmore, 7:30pm Friday, May 6th, Rushmore Senior Center, Rushmore, 7:30pm Friday, June 3rd, Rushmore Senior Center, Rushmore, 7:30pm

By the time you read this, A.B.A.T.E. U. will either be infull force or another one in history. Hope everyone that at-tended had a great time & met some new friends & caughtup with old. And hopefully everyone took advantage ofthe many educational sessions that were available!!

CONGRATULATIONS to all new officers!!!! SouthwestChapter officers are: President: Kevin Harberts, Vice Presi-dent: Todd Homan, Chapter Rep: Jerrit Prins, Treasurer:Kerry Prins, Secretary: Traci Kracht, Sgt @ Arms-PatLange, Dave Murphy and Del Strehle.

Southwest Chapter is busy making plans for our fundraiserstreet dance in July. There’s PLENTY to be done so if youwould like to be a part of it…PLEASE step up and contactany officer for direction! We will appreciate and welcomeany help!!

Sure hope Mother Nature is finally done dumping snowand cold on us and the weather starts cooperating so wecan look forward to getting the bikes out again!!! I knowwe’re ALL ready for it!!!!

Never be afraid to slow down.

Until next time, Traci

WAY WESThttp://waywestmn.webs.com/

Next Meeting: April 1st, V.F.W., Madison, 7:30 pm May 6th, V.F.W., Madison, 7:30 pm

Upcoming Event: Memorial Day Bash May 28th – 30th, Watson HuntingCamp

Hey y’all, ready to start those engines and go cruising on 2wheels instead of 4? I know we are! Our March meetingsaw the elections held with some new faces stepping up tolead our chapter. Election results are: President: MikeDiekman, Vice President: Andy Thompson, Secretary: DebTjepkes, Treasurer: Donna Jackson, Chapter Rep: PaulTjepkes, Sergeants-at-Arms: Becky Johnson, Master MikeJohnson, Tim Longman, Butch Jackson, Nate Johnson, andLeanne Stone.

We also want to say a huge thank you to Tim “Skimmer”Hansen, Nathan and Tif Johnson for all the time, work, andskill they put into leading our chapter for as long as theydid! We still expect to see y’all at the meetings everymonth.

There is not much going on in our neck of the woods thismonth. We are working hard getting everything ready forthe Memorial Day Bash which will be held at the WatsonHunting Camp again this year. We hope to see everybodythere! Tickets are available now! Be sure to get yours!Not only are there great camping areas, but there are about5 private rooms available for the weekend and abunkhouse that sleeps eight. Get a group of friends to-gether and have a sleep-over at the Bash! The rooms andbunkhouse do cost extra but if you are like me and have tohave the basic amenities, they are great!

Don’t forget to attend A.B.A.T.E. U. this month. Always agreat time! Not only do you get to learn new things butyou get to see friends from other chapters and meet newfriends from around the state!

Ride safe and be sure to watch out for those cages – ‘causeyou know they don’t always watch out for us!

Weyrlady

tinued support. Check out the classifieds in the Road Noise,they are free to members. Thank You to ALL South CentralChapter members for your support. Thank You to ALL therest of the Chapter’s members that make A.B.A.T.E. of MNsuccessful.

This will be my last Road Noise Grapevine at least for thenext year. Thanks for a good last year and let’s work hard atmaking this year an even better one with Dale at the“Wheel”.

My Contact info will remain the same so if you need myhelp with something, let me know.

Galen “Porkchops” Sundin, President 2010, Vice-President2011 10506 Dairy Ave, Plato, MN, 55370 [email protected] (anytime) 612-669-7255 (cell best time 8pm to 11pm any day) Motor Safely, May God Bless us All, “Porkchops”

HappyEaster!

Easter Sunday isApril 24th this

year!


For A Good TimeSee the Calendar of Events on

pages 38-39.

Support your neighboring chapters by attending their

fundraisers!

NN OO RR TT HH EE AA SS TT DD II SS TT RR II CC TT DDII RR EE CC TT OO RRJean Afrooz (763) [email protected]

It's April and A.B.A.T.E U is just about here! Hope you gotyour room and made your luncheon reservations. HeartlandSTEAM was awsome and a huge "thank you" to all thosewho volunteered so much of their time to make it a success.Marilyn Colsch from Metro Chapter put in a lot of hard workbeing the chair person for this event (actually her whole fam-ily probably got involved!). Several chapters made cash do-nations and most chapters also donated items for the silentauction. Everything is very much appreciated.

Northeast Chapter had their annual Bun Warmer March 19thand it was a great time. I won't miss it again! NortheastChapter seems to have a good reciepe for a sucessfulfundraiser. At our District meeting they shared how they canafford to buy four large billboards (2 in MN and 2 in Wisc.)by partnering with A.B.A.T.E of Wisconsin.

East Central and Jack Pine Riders shared how they each gotabout 24 new members at several "meet n' greets" at bars inthe area. They did their leg work so the event was held inconjunction with snowmobile runs or a popular band wasplaying, thus "a packed house"! Both chapters made sure tohave Roadnoise magazines to hand out and plenty of Tri-folds. A couple of East Central Sgt.@arms had a contest onwho could sign up the most new members. I didn't find outwho won.... oops!

The WHOLE Chapter won by increasing their membership!

As I'm writing this we will spring ahead.......that means rid-ing season is here. Now if the snow would just melt in mybackyard.

Hmmmm I guess, Th-th-th-th-th-th-that's All Folks! (fade inthe Looney Tunes soundtrack.)

Jean (Red Hot Mama) AfroozNEDD

EAST CENTRALwww.eastcentralabate.org

Next Meetings:April 3rd, Hunter's Inn, Cedar, 11:00 amMay 1st, Hunter's Inn, Cedar, 11:00 amJune 5th, Hunter's Inn, Cedar, 11:00 am

Upcoming Events:June 11th, Chapter Fundraiser, Jumpin' Jacks,Weber

Hello East Central!!

Welcome to the new members who signed up at the Chaptermembership drives at Route 65 in East Bethel. I want tothank everyone who worked to make this such a success andto Route 65 for allowing us to be there.

ROLLING PRAIRIE

Next Meeting(s): Saturday, April 16th, Madelia Legion, 1:00 pm Saturday, May 14th after the Washout, Wayside Rest St.James, 3:00 pm Saturday, June 4th, Freedom Riders Clubhouse, Mt. Lake1:00 pm, ride to follow Saturday, July 9th, Buckshot’s Bar, Butterfield 12:00 pm,Buddy Bear handout to follow **Event meeting one hour prior to normal meeting time**

Upcoming Event(s): A.B.A.T.E U, April 8th - 9th, Alexandria Washout May 14th, Wayside Rest Hwy 60, St. James 9:00am

By the time this goes to publication our Chili Feed will beover with. I hope we had great weather and a great timewas had by all. Thank you to all of the committee mem-bers and workers who helped out. This wouldn’t be a suc-cess without you!! A huge kudos to Connie Krause who isthe lead of this committee!

Our March meeting was time for some change as new offi-cers were elected. Here are the results: President: RobbFehrman, Vice President: Paul “Dog” Krause, Treasure:Connie Krause, Secretary: Kelly Lorenz, Chapter Rep:Michael Taylor, Sgt @ Arms: Doug Louris, Doug McLel-lan, Janet Rucker, Cory Lorenz, Cody Fedder, and RogerRieck. Congratulations to the newly elected and a bigthank you to those outgoing officers. Janet Rucker is ourfirst woman Sgt @ Arms in Rolling Prairie history!!

We have been working on getting our membership num-bers up. Thank you to Robb Fehrman, Doug Louris, CodyFedder, Michael Taylor, and Paul “Dog” Krause who havereally been out there signing people up. We are now the2nd largest chapter in the state!!! Just remember it onlytakes each member to sign a new person up for our num-bers to keep growing. The number of members at themeetings has been really low. Remember that this is ourchapter and things cannot get addressed without you there.

See ya at the next meeting! Kelly


CENTRAL

Next Meetings:April 9th, A.B.A.T.E. U, Alexandria, 4:00 pmMay 7th, Jiggers, Milaca after the washout, 12:30 pm

Upcoming Events:June 3rd-4th, Buddy Bear fundraiser, Full Throttle Saloon,Morrill

Central Chapter,Elections were held at our March meeting with the follow-ing results: President-Ken Dewitt, Vice President-DanBraunwarth, Treasurer-Jan Dewitt, Secretary-JessicaLoidolt, Chapter Rep-Ken Huckenpoehler, Sgt. @ Arms-Rick Dewitt, Justin Loidolt, Shay “Butters” Thomas, Al-bert Peck, Barry Shaw and Gil Weitemier.

Our next meeting will be on April 9th after the B.O.D. meet-ing at A.B.A.T.E. U in Alexandria. All members are wel-come to attend A.B.A.T.E. U for the weekend. We have tworooms reserved for our Chapter. Come up and learn moreabout how the organization runs. You can sit in on meetingsand socialize with our Chapter and members of other Chap-ters.

JACK PINE RIDERSwww.jackpineriders.org

Next Meetings:April 17th, Cricket Liquors, Rock Creek, 2:00 pmMay 15th, Gas Light Bar, Sandstone, 2:00 pm

By this writing our Chapter and State elections are over. Ido not (at this time) know who was elected but will post itin May Grapevine.

We are planning for "Upper Kettle River Shakedown -2011". We want and need your input! Stop by the next meet-ing and give us your thoughts.

Check out the slide show of "Upper Kettle River Shakedown- 2010" on our website. www.jackpineriders.org

Our bill to increase the penalty for careless driving when adeath occurs was tabled in a motion offered by Senator Ju-lianne Ortman.

This was not debatable and the voice vote seemed dividedbut no one called for a roll call. Quite a shocking develop-ment given that Senator Ortman has voiced support for thislegislation in the past. This bill can be taken from the tablefor further consideration if we can satisfy some of the ques-tions posed by Ortman. If you disagree with the tabling ofthis bill please contact Senator Ortman at 651-296-4837oremail [email protected] and respectfully askthat she reconsider her opposition to SF201.

Looking for a volunteer to be Chapter Historian and morevolunteers for Dial-A-Ride contacts. Contact any J.P.R.Chapter Officer for information.

Addios,Unc.

Well the officer elections are over. I want to thank Deb forbeing our Chapter Rep these past years bringing back to theChapter all the information from the B.O.D.’s. I want to thankour returning Officers and welcome our new Officers.

It is that time of year!! Time to start planning this year’sfundraiser. We have formed a Committee and in the processof working out the details. If you would like to help or haveany ideas in making the Chapter fundraiser a success, contactthe chapter to see what you can do. If you know of any busi-nesses for door prizes or donations let us know or bring themto the meeting.

I have tickets for the A.B.A.T.E. U $100 motorcycle raffle.This year they are only selling 800 tickets so your chancesare even better than in the past but only if you get a ticket.There is nothing better then waking up and having to decidewhich bike to ride that day. There are a couple things betterbut If you would like a chance at winning contact me @ 763-234-5642 before they are all gone.

As the riding season approaches we will be planning someChapter rides. Hope to see you at the meetings and putting onsome miles together.

As always if you have any ideas, questions or concerns re-garding the Chapter, A.B.A.T.E. or website, email or call me.Remember this is your Chapter and without you and your sup-port we would not be able to enjoy the riding freedoms wehave here in Minnesota.

Keep looking at the State and Chapter websites for updateson what is happening. Keep the chrome side up.

Mark "Red" BraastadPresident A.B.A.T.E. East Central [email protected]

Our May meeting will be after the wash out on Saturday May7th. The washout is a kick off to the "Start seeing motorcy-cles" campaign. We will meet at the Rum River way side rest(18 miles North of Milaca on Hwy. 169) at 9:00 am. We willbe washing motorists windshields for free and handing outA.B.A.T.E. literature and "Start seeing motorcycles" bumperstickers. The meeting will follow at 12:30 pm at Jiggers lo-cated 3 blocks north of Hwy 23 on Central Avenue in Milaca.

Our Buddy Bear fundraiser will be in Morrill again this yearat the Full Throttle Bar June 3rd-4th. Remember to start col-lecting items for door prizes and auction items.

From Zimtown, the rainman [email protected]

Spring is nature's way ofsaying, "Let's party!"

~Robin Williams


METROwww.metromn.com

Next Meetings:April 12th, Kraus-Hartig VFW, Spring Lake Park, 7:00 pmMay 10th, Kraus-Hartig VFW, Spring Lake Park, 7:00 pmJune 14th, Meeting Location TBD! (Summer MeetingsMove) 7:00 pm

Upcoming Events:April 1st, Dial A Ride 'packing party' - See Ron for loca-tion, 5:30 pmApril 1st, Jay's Birthday!April 8th-10th, A.B.A.T.E. University, Holiday Inn,Alexandria, MNJune 9th, Parade, Spring Lake Park (Tower Days)

THANK YOU to all of the Officers who have served ourChapter over the last year. Your contributions and effortsare much appreciated and have made our Chapter and ourstate stronger. Congratulations to those who have beenelected to office this year. Jay, Sandy, Marilyn, Charles,Uncle Bill, JJ, Keith, Brandon, Putz, Frenchy and Nick willsee us through the next year and continue to drive progres-sive change and make this Chapter better than ever. Makesure if you see them to give them your thanks.

STEAM was quite the event last month. Thanks go to every-one who attended. It's not every year we're able to attend aconference so big. We were lucky to experience Meeting ofthe Minds last year and Heartland STEAM this year. Makesure you're taking advantage of these opportunities so thatyou can be an informed and informative rider!

This month we're looking forward to A.B.A.T.E. U! Thereare a lot of good classes this year so make sure that you at-tend and get your fill of valuable information. Special thanksto Noma Skinner and Marilyn Colsch for pulling it togetherthis year.

As the snows start to thaw engines start to rev and the sun be-gins to shine. We'll also be looking at re-starting the 'Sharethe Road' program. We will be teaching this course at localtraining schools. But in order to reach more motorists weneed more instructors. If you're interested please see MeganSpafford or Marilyn Colsch for more information. We'd liketo see these classes taught to teenagers, older drivers, truck-ers and the general population. We can't do it without yourhelp!

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant;if we did not sometimes taste of adversity,

prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet

Thanks for reading. If you've got stories or anecdotes thatyou'd like to see here, please e-mail them to [email protected] prior to the 10th of the month each month.

~Megs

NORTHEAST

Next Meetings:April 7th, Ray's North Pole Bar, Duluth,7:30 pmMay 5th, Ray's North Pole Bar, Duluth, 7:30pmJune 2nd, Ray's North Pole Bar, Duluth, 7:30 pmJuly 7th, Ray's North Pole Bar, Duluth, 7:30 pm

Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month atRay's North Pole Bar, 7:30pm. In event of a holiday or otherdate change, notification will be made in this publication. **Note: There will be a date change for September. Detailsnext Road Noise or via email**

With the calendar filling up for riding season please checkthe web site, Road Noise or the calendar for upcoming eventsas there are many. We will make every attempt to post asmany as possible.

A VERY special thanks to all of last years Officers. Theirhard work and dedication make this all possible.

Election results for this years Officers: Sergeant at Arms-Dave Barnick, Dave Brenna, Brigid LaPlante, Brian Viele,Lana Angel and Dean Holms, Chapter Rep.- Eric Larsen,Treasurer- Amy Larsen, Secretary-Miijalisa Viele, Vice Pres-ident- Darrell Sam, President- Lisa Gould.

Lana will be our new Dial-A-Ride person. Please get in touchwith her if you know of an establishment who would like toparticipate. Dean will be in charge of Share the Road and isrequesting input and help to make this a success. Miija wouldlike any requests for products so that she can order them andhave them available at the meetings. If you are a new mem-ber please let her know if you would like a patch or pin in ap-preciation of your membership to our chapter. Eric will beordering yard signs. Those interested please get in touch withhim by the next meeting so he can place your order. Cost foreach sign is $15.

Any one planning on going to A.B.A.T.E. U/B.O.D. pleasecontact Brigid so that she knows how many rooms will beneeded for that weekend.

Please send an email or contact Amy for any upcomingevents or additions you would like posted on the web [email protected]

Bill has been keeping our Facebook page current. Please feelfree to friend us and add your own pictures and additions.

One of our newest members and friendly bartender "Buck"has started a small engine, motorcycle repair and custom mo-torcycle shop. Due to the high cost of living he will only becharging $20 per hour for labor and will also be available forbike detailing at the low cost of $45 per bike. Please stop inand say hello and give him a little of your patronage.

Looks like our hope for stiffer penalties on the failure to yieldbill SF201 may have a set back. Please voice your opinion in


SAND DUNESwww.sandduners.org

Next Meetings:April 17th, KJ's Refuge, Orrock, 1:00 pmMay 1st, KJ's Refuge, Orrock, 1:00 pmJune 5th, KJ's Refuge, Orrock, 1:00 pm

Hey Sand Duners and Friends,

Enough with the snow already!!! Hopefully we will all belooking forward to a great time at A.B.A.T.E. U. What a greatplace to meet up with old friends and make some new ones!Noma and all the others that put this event on really do abang up job dottin' the i's and crossin' the t's. It should be an-other great one. I hope everyone takes advantage of the bikeraffle. Pretty tough to find one with better odds at winningand supporting our own cause.

Now that we have had our elections I want to again thankJean, Steve, Jess, Kurt, Pat, Joe, Brian, Jennifer, Matt, Sandy,Mary and Terry for the great job you did as Officers the pastyear. Life is always changing and thanks to those that step upto replace those who have moved on.

The Sand Dunes Officers for the coming year are Vice Pres-ident-Steve Stano, Chapter Rep-Matt Collins, Secretary-Jess"Dusty Bottoms" Kloss, Treasurer-Sandy "Cinnamon"

RIVER RIDERSwww.riverriders.org

Next Meetings:To be determined.

Well everybody, riding season is upon us. Just a quick re-minder to be sure to do a thorough safety check on yourbikes. As we climb on our scoots we need to remember allthose massive potholes along with all the sand and other de-bris on the roads. Keep in mind that the cages are not usedto having the bikes out there and they tend to become blindto the fact that we are back on the road!!!

Now get out and rack up some miles!Safe riding all.

Dave (Papa Bear) Bolduc.President River Riders ChapterA.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota

support of this bill by phoning, sending an email or letter toSenator Ortman. She has been in support of this bill up untilnow and perhaps just needs to hear your voice. We believelives could possibly be saved by making the penalties stifferin the event of injury or fatality from inattentive driving.

Hope to say hello to everyone at the "Bunwarmer". It's nearlyriding season. The snow should be gone soon. More dateswill be published in next months issue or check on the websight.

Peace, Lisa :)

Hunczak, Sargeant at Arms-Brian Shinabarger, Kurt Kloss,Dan Larson, Jay Schulz, Pat Gorman, Joe "Lucky" Gormanand your humble President Kim "George" Hubred. Thanks toyou all for taking this challenge on.

With spring coming there are many events rocking us into theriding season. I hope you take the time to support a few ofthese. We can even attend one during A.B.A.T.E. U thanks tothe Freedom First Riders! Not long after that is Lake Chapter'sSpring Dart Run. Mitch almost guaranteed there will be norain and the sun shinin' (almost). Should be a great time rainor shine. Those are just a couple off the top of my head. Getout and be seen. Make a difference!

I hope we will continue to look for new members and recon-nect with those that have let their membership lapse. I willhave the proud moment of selling an A.B.A.T.E. membershipto my son Tedd. His first!! (I wonder what chapter he willpick?)

I included a couple of pics that are important. One is of Joeand Pat Gorman before the bike was green and another is Jeanand Steve on their wedding day just over a year ago. Congratsguys! And the last one is some unidentified pole dancer whois obviously under qualified and over matched in his attemptto regain his youth.

Ride free and ride often.

�Joe and Pat �

�Steve and Jean �

A picture is worth a thousandwords! �


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SF478 PASSES SENATE COMMITTEE

SF478, the A.B.A.T.E of MN supported bill that streamlines the process to acquire a handicap li-cense plate for a motorcycle, passed the Minnesota Senate Transportation Committee unani-mously and was sent directly to the Senate floor for approval at a later time. This important pieceof legislation will lift the burden of subjective approval for a second handicap plate on a motorcy-cle.In testimony and with A.B.A.T.E’s letter of support, it was clear to committee members that motor-cyclists make up a larger percentage of veterans than the general population in Minnesota .Many of these folks have serious injuries that inhibit mobility but have no effect on the operationof motor vehicles or motorcycles. And with the tremendous advances in prosthetics, many activi-ties, including motorcycling, are accessible to more and more people who are physically chal-lenged. A.B.A.T.E of Minnesota is in favor of SF478 and thanks Senator DeKruif for sponsoringand Chairman Gimse for bringing this before the Minnesota Senate Transportation Committee.

Action in the Minnesota House is expected soon.


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BB UUSSIINNEESSSS OOFF TTHHEE MMOONNTTHH

Swan’s Café1015 E. Frontage Road

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KIDS JUST WANT TO RIDE ACT Two years ago theConsumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) imple-mented the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act(CPSIA) of 2008 to regulate the lead content in chil-dren’s toys, inadvertently banning the sale of youthmodel all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcyclesdue to trace levels of lead in some inaccessible com-ponents. On January 25, Representative Denny Re-hberg (R-MT) introduced H.R. 412, the Kids Just Wantto Ride Act of 2011, which would exempt child-sized dirt-bikes and ATVs from the “Lead Law” and provide a leg-islative fix to the misapplied restrictions. The Kids JustWant to Ride Act aims to clarify the previous federal law,which the consumer agency claims they must strictly in-

terpret as written despite having twice postponed en-forcement. Rep. Rehberg joined 22 fellow lawmakersfrom both parties in the House to introduce the new bi-partisan act, calling the legislation “…the best way toclarify congressional intent and ensure that childrenhave access to the youth-sized vehicles that will keepthem safe.” Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) has announcedplans to introduce similar legislation in the Senate. Con-gress conducted initial hearings on the CPSIA on Feb-ruary 17 in the House Subcommittee on Commerce,Manufacturing and Trade, and reviewed CPSC re-sources for implementing the lead law.

TAKING AIM AT CHILD PASSENGERS A VirginiaBeach lawmaker has tried and failed to prohibit childrenunder 8 from riding on motorcycles, but despite the de-feat of HB 1850 the issue is recurring in states acrossthe country. In opposing the measure, Matt Danielson,legal counsel for the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists(VCOM), said that there have been no fatalities amongchildren under 8 riding on motorcycles in the past tenyears. "I don't look at this as a governmental issue. Ilook at this as a parental issue," said Danielson on be-half of VCOM, a political action committee that repre-sents motorcyclists' interests in the General Assembly."I think the parent can make a better decision aboutwhether their child is ready to ride than can some legis-lator in Richmond." Such reasoning hasn’t deterredother state legislation, such as HB 2232 in Oregon thatwould ban kids under 7 from riding as a passenger, de-spite existing state law that requires a motorcycle pas-senger’s feet must reach the footpegs. Furthermore, ina bid to ban children from riding motorcycles in the



N E W & R E N E W A L S F O RF E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1

BorderlandJohn Strength R

Buffalo Ridge Ken Nelson / Jessica Nelson R

Jadie Livingston /

John Livingston R

Marissa Neubert R

Bill Wellnitz / Janelle Wellnitz R

Vince Zylstra / Mary Zylstra N

Mike Pingeon / Pam Pingeon R

Curt Canfield / Roxie Canfield R

Todd Bretschneider /

Sheila Bretschneider R

Marti Deuel / Kathi Deuel R

Art Milner Jr / Michelle Milner R

Jamie Laleman R

Central Ben Ament N

Barry Shaw / Gloria Nelson R

East CentralJames Gow Jr. R

John Ward R

Timothy Braastad /

Pamela Braastad R

Stan Bedbury / Barb Bedbury R

Jim Marinaro N

Francis Hadtrath R

Dan Dobbs / Lauren Dobbs R

Jim "EZ" Kise R

FlatlandersRandy Waalkens R

Jeremy Mauseth R

Bob Stiehl R

Jerry Peak / Sarah Nicholson R

Freedom First RidersHowie Ogaard / Donna Ogaard R

Bruce Aspelin R

Robert Hedine /

Roxanne Hedine R

Ryan Harris N

Dan Nelson / Michelle Nelson N

Steven Drummond /

Sue Drummond N

John Nori R

Keith Fimon / Sandra Fimon R

Bryce Albertson N

Glacial RidgeJerry Fettig / Arlis Fettig R

Robert King R

Steve Dobmeier /

Julia Dobmeier N

Scott Richter N

Nola Petsche R

Tyson Cluever / Jon Cluever R

Heart of the LakesJoe Grotjohn / Julie Grotjohn R

Justin Grotjohn R

Anthony Brune / Laura Brune N

Dan Jager R

Dan Carlson R

Noel Harrenstein N

Rob Thiel R

Donald Pope / Anna Robinson N

Jack Pine RidersPat Youngbauer / Patricia Y R

Rodney "Gumby" Meyer /

Dawn Cierelli R

Tom Gahler N

Bill Gronke N

Shelly Domino N

D. Kevin Traurig / Jan Traurig N

Jerrid Haavisto R

Brad Wachtler R

Donald Hanson / Carol Hanson R

Samuel Halonen /

Kathie Halonen R

Kevin Johnson R

Senator Tony Lourey R

Bruce Weisert N

Tracie Myers N

Cheri Peil R

Jeremy Lesmann R

Edwin Schmidt N

Bill Poirier / Kathy Poirier R

LakeBruce Kaufhold R

Wayne Vandenboom N

Ken Jorgunson /

Shelly Jorgunson R

Michael Schmidt R

Karen Osfar / Edward Osfar N

Mike (TC) Strobel /

Olga Strobel R

Christopher Kanduth R

Scott Devitt / Bonnie Devitt R

Keith "Smoker" Efron /

Blyth Bucher R

Richard Oglesby / Lisa Wobick R

Gary Ernst R

Judy Potter R

Jeremy Kulla R

Mike Jencks R

George Kappas / Cheri Kappas N

Jeff Hughes R

Donald Goodale / Suz Bedell R

John Anderlie R


Danny Armstrong R

Lower Corner Eric Roddy R

MetroMatthew Heffron / Arika Heffron R

Jerry Pinske R

Daniel Glynn R

Don Lloyd / Ginny Lloyd R

Kris Myhre R

Keith White N

Bill Schmidt / Sandy Schmidt R

Mark Berger / Evie Berger R

Brian Donaldson N

Rob Marx R

David Winkels / Julie Winkels R

David Ehlers R

Tom Nielsen R

Bill McLaughlin R

Ronna Ludders R

Doug Mickle R

Charles Fletcher /

Sarah Fletcher R

Mississippi ValleyJill Kielblock R

Pete Otto / Liz Otto N

North StarCole Hardy / Jenny Hardy R

NortheastJerry LaVigne / Peggy LaVigne R

David O'Connor N

Lawrence Bartlett R

Jim Hase R

Kenneth McEwen R


Rick Johnson N

Steve Chupurdia /

Barb Peterson R

Roy Webb / Leslie Webb R

Joshua Marks N

Brigid LaPlante /

Mark LaPlante R

NorthwestGregory Luckow /

Tina Cameren N

Laura Desrosier N

Michael Delgado /

Idalia Delgado N

Kelly LaCoursiere N

Gary Johnsrud /

Peggy Schmitz R

Shawn Qualley / Kelly Qualley R

Ryan Donarski /

Ashlee Donarski N

Justin Luckow / Tina Luckow N

River RidersDave Byzewski /

Sandy Hansen N

Paul Kline / Berna Kline R

Mark Robotti / Gloria Robotti R

River ValleySteve Fry / Pam Fry R

Michael Reich R

Russel Gebhardt /

Judy Gebhardt R

Dave "Heimy" Solheim R

Rick Pongratz /

Denice Schroeder R

Harvey Hallman /

Laurie Hallman R

Todd Anderson N

Brad Riba R

Rolling PrairieTerry Rust R

Ed Connell / Linda Connell R

Cody Fedder / Kari Karschnik R

Ben Hirschman R

Curt Leimer R

Chris Alexander N

Dwayne Thormodsgard /

Jessica Thormodsgard R

David Leinenweber /

Lynette Leinenweber R

Don Rathman N

Richard Otte R

Larry Martin R

Karla Lothert R

Cleo Erickson R

Curt Olson / Lois Olson R

Dave Fowler / Rhonda Fowler R

Trevor Tolzman R

Doug Louris R

Jill Jose N

John Jensen / Pat Jensen R

Robert Jandl R

Mark Schenk / Brenda Schenk N

Carrie Lawson N

Benjamin Andert /

Bryana Malner R

David Satre / Colleen Satre R

Jack Fehrman /

Sandy Fehrman R

Dean Sawatzky /

Denise Sawatzky N

Matt Fisch / Rebeca Fisch N

Jesse Karschnik N


Rolling Prairie continued

Robert Anderson N

Blaine Braaten /

Connie Braaten R

Andrew Fisch / Mandy Fisch N

Kenton Stoesz N

Scott Rathman N

Dustin Fedder N

Rick Armon R

Francis Wagner R

Sand DunesKurt Kloss / Jessica Kloss R

South CentralPerry Yungk R

Leonard Ardolf / Sharon Ardolf R

Tammy Winkels /

Richard Winkels R

Dave Herzog / Liz Herzog R

Amanda Stolt N

Jim Ellingson / Betsy Ellingson R

SouthwestDoug McClure N

Wayne Bents / Ruth Bents R

Dean Smestad / Nene Smestad R

Straight River Jeff Lemke R

William Marx R

Melissa Zimprich R

Gary Smith / Teresha Smith N

Jim Pitts R



Tri-CountyPaul Thour R

Ron Jerich N

Monte Thue / Joy Thue R

Marsha Millonig R

Gigi Nielsen N

Phillip Schmoll /

Bonnie Schmoll R

Jim Meisinger N

Way WestLeAnn Stone R

Scott Winters R

Michael Prekker R

Diane Kreyer N

Senator Gary W Kubly R

Philippines, a ranking senator has cited the State’spower to invoke parens patriae, or the constitutionalmandate to “assume and act as a natural parent orguardian in order to safeguard the welfare of any childor individual or an incapacitated and dependent minorwho is in need of protection against danger, risk of livesand limbs.” With the growing number of motorcycleusers worldwide, and with economic influences makingmotorbikes the most affordable mode of transportation,the matter of children riding and who is ultimately re-sponsible for their safety and welfare will be a mountingconcern.

U.S. HOUSE BILL ENCOURAGES STATE VEHICLESAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAMS U.S. Represen-tative Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX) has introduced HouseBill 229, the Michael Jon Newkirk Transportation SafetyEnhancement Act of 2011 that establishes national stan-dards for state safety inspections for motor vehicles.The bill requires states to establish minimum annual ve-hicle safety inspection programs or lose specific federalfunds. Included in the requirements listed in the lan-guage of this new bill, states must enact and enforce "alaw that requires the owner of a motor vehicle registeredin the state to present the vehicle for inspection on anannual basis to ensure that the vehicle meets or ex-ceeds motor vehicle safety standards to be established

continued from page 31by the state." Less than half the states have vehiclesafety inspection programs and of those programs thatdo exist, many have inconsistent standards, a situationthat HB 229 intends to address by standardizing suchsafety inspection procedures.

WARNING: AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY DEVICES COM-ING SOON TO MOTORCYCLES Within the next twoyears, motorcycles could be sporting collision detectionand other safety features more typically found installedin cars. The new safety systems being tested for mo-torcycles include speed limit warnings, informationabout neighboring vehicles and changing lanes, and in-formation of the tightness of road bends and the speedin which to turn. According to a report from the BBC(British Broadcasting Corporation), tests are being com-pleted to bring the latest technologies found on cars totwo-wheels, and the rise in motorcyclist fatalities hasprompted researchers to adapt the first bike-basedsafety systems by late 2012. MIRA (the Motor IndustryResearch Association) acts as a testing and innovationcenter for carmakers and has been carrying out testson the “Saferider” systems on road bikes and simula-tors. An ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) con-sultant at MIRA, Jonathan Moore, said of the project:“Saferider takes the driver safety systems that are be-coming standard on cars and tries to adapt them to the


BBIIKKEE OOFF TTHHEE MMOONN TTHH

Mike EdgettLake Chapter

2004 Road King Custom

My first Harley was al-ways called "Frank'sbike" cuz it was his old1996 Road Glide.

Now I have my own andowe it all to learning toride with Frank & Vicki.

unique needs of motorcyclists.” Moore said makingsafety systems on motorcycles useful was "challenging"because of all the distractions to which riders were sub-jected. With traffic noise and motorcycle helmets insu-lating riders from the traditional audible alarms found oncar collision systems, researchers have looked for waysto alert bikers of pending danger with tactile warningsystems such as vibrating seats and special gloves.New hi-tech systems could also protect riders fromthemselves, as one system being tested warns that arider is going too fast to negotiate a turn. MIRA has de-veloped “smart” software that acts as a "co-pilot" which,with the help of a digital map, knows what speed a mo-torcyclist should be travelling to make it around an ap-proaching curve in the road.

MOTORCYCLE SALES CONTINUE DECLINE, BUTSHOW SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT Sales of new mo-torcycles, scooters and ATVs dropped from 2009 to2010, but some increases were seen in the month ofDecember according to a recently released sales reportfor 2010 from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). In2009, motorcycle sales saw a drastic drop. Close to360,000 fewer motorcycles were sold in 2009 as com-pared to 2008, and sales have continued to decline.Total motorcycle sales, including scooters, through 2010dropped 15.8%, or 82,198 fewer units in 2010 for a total

of 439,678 motorcycles sold this year. If you break itdown into category, off-road, dual-sport, highway, andscooters all saw a decrease in sales this year. Thebiggest loser was off-highway motorcycles, which saw a23.3% decrease with a drop of nearly 25,000 bikes. Thescooter segment saw the smallest decrease at 9.4%,amounting to 3,000 fewer units than were sold in 2009.ATV sales were down 64,000 units, or 20% down. De-cember saw increases in some segments over the prioryear month. Scooter sales were up 20% over the year-ago month, with an increase of 322 units. Dual purposemotorcycles also increased, at 7.2%, with a rise of 86units over December 2009.

SOUTH CAROLINA BILL WOULD ALLOW CHARITA-BLE RAFFLES With many states around the nationcracking down on everything from poker runs to raffles,lawmakers in South Carolina moving to ensure thatlocal churches, schools and nonprofits do not unknow-ingly break the law when they hold charitable raffles.Legislation, already approved by a Senate committee18-4, would change the state Constitution to allow thegroups to hold a limited number of raffles and casinonights annually -- as long as 90% of the money raisedgoes to benefit charitable causes. “It’s a good start,”said Austin Coates of ABATE South Carolina, a motor-cyclist rights nonprofit that holds hundreds of raffles an-



April 1 Motorcycle Dial-A-Ride meeting, 5:30 pm, location TBDSouthwest Chapter meeting, Rushmore Senior Center, Rushmore, 7:30 pmWay West Chapter meeting, VFW, Madison, 7:30 pm

April 2 South Central Chapter meeting, Bonfire Bar & Grill, Litchfield, 11:00 amBuffalo Ridge Chapter meeting, Lyndwood Tex-Mex Bar and Grill, Lynd, 1:00 pmStraight River Chapter meeting, American Legion, Owatonna, 1:00 pmLake Chapter meeting, Tommy Sue’s, St. Bonifacius, 4:00 pmGlacial Ridge Chapter meeting, Rooney’s, Sedan, 6:00 pmLost 202 5th Annual Spring Party, CR’s, Coon Rapids, 7:00 pm. Door prizes, music by “Porkchop”. More info: www.lost202.com

April 3 East Central Chapter meeting, Hunter’s Inn, Cedar, 11:00 amLower Corner Chapter meeting, Striker’s Corner, Stewartville, 11:00 amWays and Means Committee meeting, Ugly Bar, Montrose, 1:00 pm

April 5 Tri-County Chapter meeting, Turtles Bar, Shakopee, 7:00 pmApril 7 Northeast Chapter meeting, Ray’s North Pole Bar, Duluth, 7:30 pmApril 8 Rally Committee meeting, Holiday Inn, Alexandria, 6:00 pm

Gambling Committee meeting, Holiday Inn, Alexandria, 7:00 pmApril 8-10 A.B.A.T.E. University, Holiday Inn, AlexandriaApril 9 A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota’s Board of Director’s meeting, Holiday Inn, Alexandria, 9:00 am

Freedom First Riders 4th Annual Bike Show and Fundraiser, Runestone Community Center West Hockey Arena at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, Alexandria, 10:00 am-5:00 pm. More info: www.freedomfirstridersabatemn.orgPublications Committee meeting, Holiday Inn, Alexandria, 1:00 pmCentral Chapter meeting, Holiday Inn, Alexandria, 4:00 pmNorth Star Chapter meeting, Cattails Bar and Grill, Bemidji, 5:00 pm

April 12 Borderland Chapter meeting, Eagles Club, Roseau, 7:00 pmMetro Chapter meeting, Kraus-Hartig VFW, Spring Lake Park, 7:00 pm

April 15 Heart of the Lakes Chapter meeting, Todd and Cindy Murphy’s home, Detroit Lakes, 7:00 pmApril 16 Flatlanders Chapter meeting, VFW, Wells, 1:00 pm

Rolling Prairie Chapter meeting, American Legion, Madelia, 1:00 pmApril 16-17 Red River Valley Motorcyclists Annual Motorcycle Show, Alerus Center Ballroom, Grand Forks, ND. More

info: www.rrvmnd.orgApril 17 Mississippi Valley Chapter meeting, Cross Roads Bar and Grill, Randolph, noon

River Valley Chapter meeting, Eagles Club, Mankato, 1:00 pmSand Dunes Chapter meeting, KJ’s Refuge, Orrock, 1:00 pmJack Pine Riders Chapter meeting, Cricket Liquors, Rock Creek, 2:00 pm

April 30 Freedom First Riders Chapter meeting, Sheila’s, Rose City, 6:00 pmMay 1 East Central Chapter meeting, Hunter’s Inn, Cedar, 11:00 am

Sand Dunes Chapter meeting, KJ’s Refuge, Orrock, 1:00 pmMay 3 Tri-County Chapter meeting, Turtles Bar, Shakopee, 7:00 pmMay 5 Northeast Chapter meeting, Ray’s North Pole Bar, Duluth, 7:30 pmMay 6 Southwest Chapter meeting, Rushmore Senior Center, Rushmore, 7:30 pm

Way West Chapter meeting, VFW, Madison, 7:30 pmMay 7 Central Chapter’s Washout, Rum River wayside rest, 9:00 am, followed by a Chapter meeting, Jiggers, Mi

laca, 12:30 pmSouth Central Chapter’s Motorcycle Show, Hutchinson Mall, Hutchinson, 9:00 amSouth Central Chapter meeting, Jakes Pizza, Hutchinson Mall, Hutchinson, 11:00 amRiver Valley Chapter’s Awareness Parade, free lot at MSU, Mankato, line up at noon, parade at 1:00Buffalo Ridge Chapter meeting, Lyndwood Tex-Mex Bar and Grill, Lynd, 1:00 pmBorderland Chapter meeting, Eagles Club, Roseau, 5:30 pm, followed by the 12th Annual Membership Drive, 6:30 pmGlacial Ridge Chapter meeting, Rooney’s, Sedan, 6:00 pmAssociation of Independent Riders 30th Annual Spring Biker Dance, Bellechester, 8:30 pm-12:30 am. Moreinfo: www.associationofindependentriders.com

May 8 River Valley Chapter meeting, Eagles Club, Mankato, 1:00 pmMay 10 Metro Chapter meeting, Kraus-Hartig VFW, Spring Lake Park, 7:00 pm

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May 13 Heart of the Lakes Chapter meeting, Zorbaz Restaurant, Detroit Lakes, 7:00 pmMay 14 Rolling Prairie Chapter’s Wash Out, Wayside Rest, Highway 60, St. James, 9:00 am, followed by a Chapter

meeting at 3:00 pmLake Chapter’s Spring Dart Run, American Legion, Delano, sign-in 10:30, run leaves at noonMotorcycle Dial-A-Ride meeting, Highway 60 wayside rest, east of St. James, 3:00 pmGambling Committee meeting, Bonfire Bar & Grill, Litchfield, 6:00 pmSouth Central Chapter’s Spring Fling, Bonfire Bar & Grill, Litchfield, 7:00 pm. Silent auction, music by Starscream. More info: Dan Schrader (320) 587-3664

May 15 Jack Pine Riders Chapter meeting, Gas Light Bar, Sandstone, 2:00 pmMay 20-22 Northwest Chapter’s Spring Ride InMay 21 Flatlanders Chapter’s Wash Out, I90 westbound rest stop, Blue Earth, noon-3:00 pm, followed by a Chap

ter meetingRiver Riders Chapter’s fundraiser

May 28-30 Way West Chapter’s Memorial Day Bash, Watson Hunting Camp, Watson. Hog roast on Saturday, band, beer, camping. More info: www.waywestabatemn.org

June 2 Northeast Chapter meeting, Ray’s North Pole Bar, Duluth, 7:30 pmJune 3 Southwest Chapter meeting, Rushmore Senior Center, Rushmore, 7:30 pmJune 3-4 Central Chapter’s Buddy Bear Fundraiser, Full Throttle Bar, MorrillJune 4 South Central Chapter meeting, Bonfire Bar & Grill, Litchfield, 11:00 am

Rolling Prairie Chapter meeting, Freedom Riders Clubhouse, Mountain Lake, 1:00 pmGlacial Ridge Chapter meeting, Rooney’s, Sedan, 6:00 pm

June 5 East Central Chapter meeting, Hunter’s Inn, Cedar, 11:00 amSand Dunes Chapter meeting, KJ’s Refuge, Orrock, 1:00 pm

June 7 Tri-County Chapter meeting, Turtles Bar, Shakopee, 7:00 pmJune 10-12 A.B.A.T.E. of North Dakota’s 36th Annual State Rally, Menoken Grove, ND. More info: www.abatend.comJune 11 Honor the Vets Rally, Wabasha, 11:00 am-7:00 pm. Motorcycles, classic cars, DJ, magician, live eagle show.

More info: www.honorthevets.orgEast Central Chapter’s Fundraiser, Jumpin’ Jacks, Weber

June 14 Metro Chapter meeting, 7:00 pm, location TBDJune 16-19 A.B.A.T.E. of Wisconsin’s Summer Hummer, A.B.A.T.E. Acres, Greenwood, WI. More info:

www.abatewis.orgJune 18 Diabetic Run, Mr. D’s Bar and Grill, Duluth, registration 10:00 am, ride leaves at noonJune 23-26 Black River Rumble, NCN Adult Campground, Black River Falls, WI. More info:

www.blackriverrumble.comJune 30-July 2 A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa’s Freedom Rally, Algona, IA. More info: www.abateiowafreedomrally.comJuly 7 Northeast Chapter meeting, Ray’s North Pole Bar, Duluth, 7:30 pmJuly 9 St. Croix Valley Riders Round Barn Run 2011, Gas-Lite Tavern, Trimbelle, WI, registration 9:00 am. Camp

ing, beer and soft drinks, music, pork roast and fixings, post-run dinner. More info: www.scvr.orgRolling Prairie Chapter meeting, Buckshot’s Bar, Butterfield, noon

July 14-17 A.B.A.T.E. of Indiana’s 31st Annual Boogie, Lawrence County Recreational Park, Springville, IN. More info: www.abateofindiana.org

July 16 A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota’s Board of Directors meeting, Kimball, 9:00 amJuly 28-31 BRR “The Raw Version”, NCN Adult Campground, Black River Falls, WI. More info: www.blackriverrum

ble.comJuly 30 1st Annual Operation Independence Motorcycle Ride to support our Armed Forces and Veterans, Running

Acres Harness Park, Forest Lake, registration 10:00 am-noon, ride leaves at 12:30 pm. More info: www.thunderroadsminnesota.com

2011 AIM/NCOM CONVENTION.Pre-Registration Form is downloadable at: http://www.aimncom.com/ncom/convention/pdf/2011_NCOM_convention.pdf

2011 26th Annual NCOM Convention

MAY 5 - 8, 2011Hyatt Regency Albuqerque

330 Tijeras Ave. NW Albuquerque,New Mexico

For reservations - (800)233-1234


51 years of riding and 30 yearsrepresenting bikers who

are hurt or in trouble in Minnesota.

CALL1-800-770-7008

St. Cloud (320) 259-5414“Ask your friends about us.”

If you have any legal problem and you wonder what to do

CALL US and we will find someone to Help!

www.minnesotapersonalinjury.com

1505 Division StreetWaite Park, MN 56387

“Justice For the Injured”


DIAMONDDIAMOND::KLFD AM 1410Litchfield, MN

www.klfd1410.com

RRAALLLLYY 22001111 SSPPOONNSSOORRSS

GOLD:GOLD:Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc.

Dassel, MN(320) 275-2737

SILVER:SILVER:Buffalo Ridge Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. of MN

Marshall, MN(507) 247-5051

Crow River Harley DavidsonDelano, MN

(763) 972-6282

Freedom First Rider's Chapter of A.B.A.T.E of MNParker's Prairie, MN

(320) 760-0711

Lake Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. of MNDelano, MN

(952) 239-0929

2nd Street Customs, LLCLitchfield, MN

(320) 693-0775

Bonfire Bar & GrillLitchfield, MN

(320) 693-9176

C & L DistributingSauk Rapids, MN(320) 248-2541

Davis MotorsLitchfield , MN (320) 693-3224

Haug ImplementLitchfield, MN

(320) 693-2438

CHROME:CHROME:Litchfield LiquorLitchfield, MN

(320) 693-8563

Monie’sMaple Plain, MN(763) 479-2717

Jim & Kristie OrnKimball, MN

(320) 250-4000

Schlauderaff ImplementLitchfield, MN

(320) 693-7277

Snake Iron CustomsRockford, MN

(763) 477-3336

Sons of Silence MCHutchinson Chapter

South Central Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. of MN

Hutchinson, MN(612) 669-7255

Swan’s CafeLitchfield, MN

(320) 693-3279

Tri-County ChapterA.B.A.T.E. of MN

Savage, MN(320) 510-0551


A.B.A.T.E. OF Minnesota 2011 State Rally Sponsorship

Sponsor Information

Business Name:___________________________________Business Address:___________________________________City/State/Zip:___________________________________Business Telephone:___________________________________Business Contact Name:___________________________________

Sponsorship Level:

- CHROME - SILVER- GOLD - DIAMOND___________________________________Check Number:___________________________________Program Ad/Business Card:- Enclosed - Business will mail/emailDo not staple or deteriorate the scan quality of your ad/business card

Recruiting Member

Name:___________________________________ Chapter:___________________________________Telephone:___________________________________Date:___________________________________

Promotional Tickets

- Mail tickets to Business Contact* Tickets will be mailed mid-July, 2011

- Tickets will be picked up at the Rally by:Contact Name:__________________________

* Identification will be required

Quantity given:_________________________

Ticket #’s: _____________________________

Please mail all sponsorships to: Wendy Steinborn, 30896 – 722nd Avenue, Dassel, MN 55325

If you have any questions please contact: Wendy Steinborn at (320) 398-5600 or email [email protected]

Sponsor Receipt

A.B.A.T.E. OF Minnesota 2011 State Rally Sponsorship

Date: ___________________

Business Name: ________________________________________

Sponsorship Level:______________________________________

Recruiting Member Signature: _____________________________

A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota, Inc. thanks you for your support!

Promotional tickets will be mailed mid-July, 2011.If you don’t receive your tickets by July 30th, 2011 contact Wendy Steinborn (320) 398-5600

Visit our website at: www.abatemn.orgContributions to A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota are not tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor.


A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota2011 State Motorcycle Rally

Sponsorship ProgramA.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota (American Bikers for

Awareness, Training, and Education), a not for profitmotorcycle rights organization, is seeking sponsors forour 2011 State Rally, to be held September 2ndthrough September 5th, 2011 at the Meeker CountyFairgrounds in Litchfield, MN.

As part of our Sponsorship program we are offer-ing generous recognition, advertising, vendor space,and passes for the participation of you, your employ-ees and customers in our event.There are four levels of Sponsorship:

Diamond SponsorshipThe initial investment for a Diamond sponsorshipis just $3,000.00. This is highest level of sponsor-ship and has significant rewards for your com-pany, including:

• Highest-level signage. Your business will have signage on either side or above the stage area in the bar and band hub location.

• Your company name and logo published in the Road Noise magazine.

• Waiver of vendor fees to set up at the Rally• A full page ad in our Rally program and yourcompany name and logo included on the front cover

• Your company name and logo listed on our website

• 20 free weekend passes to the Rally to dis-tribute as you please.

Gold SponsorshipThe Gold Level Sponsorship is $1,000.00 andcomes with even more benefits! It includes:

• Medium signage in the bar and band hub lo-cation

• Your company name and logo published in the Road Noise magazine

• Waiver of vendor fees to set up at the Rally• Your company name and a half page ad in our Rally program

• Your company name listed on our website• 10 free weekend passes to the Rally to dis-

tribute as you please

Early Bird Special for Gold Sponsorship:Purchase a sponsorship by April 1st, 2011; receive 4extra free weekend passes.

At only $500.00, the Silver Sponsorship is very af-fordable for small and medium size businesses.Your Silver Sponsorship includes:

• Signage in the bar and band hub location• Your company name published in the Road Noise magazine

• Your company name and a quarter page ad inour Rally program

• Your company name listed on our website• 6 free weekend passes to the Rally to distrib-ute as you please

Silver Sponsorship

Early Bird Special for Silver Sponsorship:Purchase a sponsorship by April 1st, 2011; receive 2extra free weekend passes.

Chrome SponsorshipThe Chrome Sponsorship is only $250.00 and in-cludes:

• Signage in the bar and band hub location• Your company name published in the Road Noise magazine, A.B.A.T.E.’s official publi-cation (circulation 3,000+)

• Your company name and business card ad printed in our Rally program

• Your company name listed on our website• 3 free weekend passes to the Rally to distrib-ute as you please

Early Bird Special for Chrome Sponsorship:Purchase a sponsorship by April 1st, 2011; receive 1extra free weekend pass.

Although A.B.A.T.E. is a not for profit organiza-tion and contributions are not tax deductible, you may beable to deduct this investment in your company’s advertis-ing budget. Check with your tax professional.

Partnering with us will make the 2011 A.B.A.T.E.State Rally the biggest and best ever. A.B.A.T.E. of Min-nesota is 4,200 members strong and our goal for attendanceat the 2011 Rally is 2,000+.

Our members are avid motorcycle enthusiasts whosupport those businesses who support them. For more in-formation about A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota please visit ourwebsite at www.abatemn.org.

For more information, please contact:Wendy Steinborn, State Rally Sponsorship Committee Chair30896 – 722nd Avenue, Dassel, MN 55325(320) 398-5600 or email [email protected].

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to fur-ther discussing this exciting opportunity with you soon!


SF201, the companion to HF68, was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee onMarch 1st. Regrettably, our bill to increase the penalty for careless driving when a deathoccurs was tabled in a motion offered by Sen. Julianne Ortman. This was not debatableand the voice vote seemed divided but no one called for a roll call. Quite a shocking de-velopment given that Senator Ortman has voiced support for this legislation in the past.This bill can be taken from the table for further consideration if we can satisfy some of thequestions posed by Ortman. While this can certainly be viewed as a negative develop-ment, we are working hard to establish common ground with those opposed and will up-date you with any new progress. We are in a good position in the House and will continueour efforts in the Senate. If you disagree with tabling this bill, please contact Senator Ort-man at 651-296-4837 or [email protected] and respectfully ask that she re-

consider her opposition to SF201.


nually for Special Olympics, breast cancer prevention,burn victims and others. “But there’ll be a fight aheadbefore it becomes law.” The bill next heads to the fullSenate for consideration. Should it survive there, itwould go to the House. Ultimately, however, voterswould have to approve any change in the state Consti-tution.

MOTORCYCLE CHECKPOINTS IN GEORGIA DUR-ING BIKE WEEK The state of Georgia has received a$70,000 federal grant to launch motorcycle-only check-points in early March, just as Daytona Bike Week is get-ting underway. For most travelers, their route will takethem through Georgia and likely into awaiting road-blocks to check for such things as proper license andcurrent registration, insurance, DOT-approved helmets,EPA-approved mufflers, working horn and lights, etc,etc. “We were informed by unnamed sources that theCheck Points would start in early March to coincide withthe Daytona Bike Week event,” said Dan Forrest, StateDirector of ABATE of Georgia. “Most points of entry toFlorida will be involved, so anyone traveling throughGeorgia to Daytona might want to rethink their route.”The US Defenders have issued a Call To Action re-garding the proliferation of these motorcycle-only road-blocks being funded by NHTSA grants, and are urgingthe motorcycle community to voice their opposition tothese so-called “Safety Checks” by contacting NHTSA,the U.S. DOT and most importantly by asking your ownfederal legislators to support H.R. 1498 by Rep. JimSensenbrenner (R-WI) to retain a ban on NHTSA's abil-ity to lobby State Legislators using our federal dollarsthrough the "Motorcycle Law Enforcement Demonstra-tion" grant program (DTNH22-10-R-00386). “Theseroadblocks or checkpoints for motorcycles ONLY arebeing conducted illegally and are discriminatory to saythe least,” says Escondido Paul, National Lt. Com-mander of the US Defenders. “This is one more pieceof evidence of the constant profiling attempts targetingour community at large.”

WASHINGTON STATE BILL WOULD PROHIBIT MO-TORCYCLE PROFILING The Confederation of Clubs,US Defenders and ABATE of Washington are seekingsupport for legislation that would condemn and preventthe widespread law enforcement practice of motorcycleprofiling. The Washington Courts have confirmed thatthe Washington State Patrol is guilty of unlawful profil-ing and discrimination against motorcyclists. In 2002 theCourt granted a permanent injunction against the StatePatrol’s use of a training pamphlet titled BIKER 101(Wulfekuhle v. Washington State Patrol). However, onNovember 23, 2009 the WSP, under oath, explicitly ad-mitted that they profile members of motorcycle clubsand continue to use BIKER 101 as a training manual.This gross violation of a Washington State SuperiorCourt injunction proves that the pattern of motorcycleprofiling continues and that the WSP brazenly violatesthe liberties of motorcyclists even in the face of judicialreprimand. To curb such injustices, Rep. Steve Kirby(D-Tacoma) introduced HB 1333 on January 19 to re-quire law enforcement agencies to adopt a written pol-icy that condemns and prevents motorcycle profiling,review existing procedures, and institute training to ad-dress the issue of motorcycle profiling, which meansusing the fact that a person rides a motorcycle or wearsmotorcycle-related clothes as a factor in deciding tostop and question, arrest, or search a person or a vehi-cle without legal basis. (Companion: SB 5242).

UOTABLE QUOTE: “Nobody made a greater mistakethan he who did nothing because he could do only a lit-tle.” Edmund Burke (1729-1797), British statesman andphilosopher

compiled and edited by Bill Bish - FEB 2011National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)


Have you ordered your yard sign* yet?

They’re only $15.00!!

To place your order, contact: Mickey Lint (320) [email protected]

*dimensions: 24x18

C l a s s i f i e d

The classified section is open to all members of A.B.A.T.E. of MN. The ads are free of charge and run for a three month period.

Photos are acceptable as room permits. No business ads willbe accepted.

Send your ad to: [email protected] mail to: Road Noise 2234 189th Ave NE, East Bethel, MN 55011

3/11 For Sale: 2007 Trekker Cargo Trailer, 18.5 cu ft, 150 lbs, 40"wide, excellent condition. Includes chrome spare wheel, interior light,12 v power supply, carpet on floor and sidewalls, new tires and bear-ings, made in Quebec. Save on shipping, $2700. Call Jackie (218)368-8070

3/11 For Sale: 2002 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 XLC. 15,000miles, detachable sissy bar, Harley saddle bags, detachable wind-shield. Recently added a Harley Sundowner touring seat, I have orig-inal Badlander seat which is included. Tires and brakes have lessthan 4000 miles on them. Vance and Hines short shots exhaust.$4000 firm. Seth Reinke, St. James, MN, (218) 310-4715

4/11 For Sale: 2002 Suzuki Savage 650, silver, 10,000 miles.Good tires, runs great. SuperTrapp exhaust, Dynojet carb kit, newbattery, sissy bar bag. Soon to be former Princess Putt Putt bike. InHutchinson, call Princess Putt Putt: (218) 232-1484. $2500

4/11 Wanted: Used older model Sportster. Must be in good run-ning condition. Please call (763) 286-1542

4/11 For Sale: Standard size windshield with quick attach chromebrackets for Harley Fatboy, $175.00. Call Mark at (507) 236-6151

4/11 For Sale: Several boxes of ‘new’ parts for 2002 HD Fatboy.Parts include: front forks, mirrors and brackets, wheels, stock ex-haust pipes and seat. Call Roger, home: (218) 378-4371, cell: (218)689-8933

4/11 For Sale: Dan Post Cowboy boots, light brown, worn twice,womens size 7. Cuarda-Stingray leather, worn twice, womans size 7.Brand new price is $500+. Both pair still in box. Call and get a gooddeal on either or both. Call Wac (507) 327-1731

4/11 For Sale: Chevy pick-up topper. Fits 2007-2011 Chevy CrewCab. Bought new June 2010 for $1,300. Selling for $800. CallChristopher (320) 333-2265

4/11 For Sale: 1976 FLH Shovelhead. Engine rebuilt from thecrank up 4,500 miles ago. New brakes, new tires, new steel pushrods, adjustable Lepera Jell seat, new S&S carb and much more.Looks and runs great! Call Tim (218) 442-2468

4/11 For Sale: Pop-up camper for motorcycle, Torsion axel, 12”wheels, screen door, windows, changing room. Fits queen bed. Wildeliver. $2,700. Call Christopher (320) 333-2265


THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON STORY

William Harley was 21 when he drew up plans for an116cc engine, which was built and fitted to a pedalcycle. That was in 1901. He was joined by his friendArthur Davidson, and together they worked on whatwas really a motor-bicycle. With the help of Arthur'sbrother, Walter, they completed the project in 1903,however the boys were so dissatisfied with their firstattempt, they scrapped the bike, but not without gain-ing valuable experience along the way.The second machine, with a 405cc engine is classedby many as the first real Harley. The bigger engineand frame design meant this machine was somethingother than a motor-bicycle, and was a forerunner ofthe modern motorcycle. The prototype was built in aten by fifteen feet shed be-longing to the Davidson fam-ily, although the engine partswere said to be built at theWest Milwaukee Railshops,where older brother WilliamDavidson worked as a fore-man. By 1905 this motorcy-cle was been offered to thepublic on a very limitedbasis. Three were sold thatyear.The shed was eventuallymoved to the Juneau Avenuefactory to serve as a re-minder of the company's humble beginnings, butsadly was accidentally demolished by contractorsduring the 1970's. By 1907 production had reached150 motorcycles, and in that year they began sellingtheir machines to police departments.Also in that same year, a prototype 880cc, V-twin en-gine was developed and displayed at the ChicagoAutomobile Show, although very few V-twin motorcy-cles were sold before 1910. By 1909 well over 1,000motorcycles were being produced, a tribute not onlyto the boys' engineering skills, but also to their entre-preneurial attributes.In 1917, when the USA entered the arena of WorldWar 1, new demands were placed on the company,as the military needed a robust, reliable machine.Harley-Davidson rose to the challenge and produced20,000 motorcycles for the war machine. This nodoubt helped the company take their place as theWorld's largest motorcycle manufacturer, and by1920 they were producing over 28,000 units whichwere sold in 67 countries.The depression of the Thirties hit the company hardand production fell to less than 4,000 in 1933.Through necessity, they produced a three-wheeled

delivery vehicle which was named the 'Servi-car', adesign that stood the test of time and only ceasedproduction in 1973.As war came again, Harley-Davidson copied the de-sign of the BMWR71, and produced the XA model,as once again the company answered the demandsof the United States Army and produced large num-bers of motorcycles. They also built the WLC for theCanadian military, and sent more than 30,000 unitsto the Soviet Union.After the war, the company flourished and the 'Super10' and 'Topper' scooter were produced. In 1960 theybought fifty percent of Aeronautica Macchi's motor-cycle division and the importation of the 250cc hori-

zontal single began. Thisbike wore the Harley-David-son badge and was mar-keted as the'Harley-Davidson Sprint'.The company became soleowners of Aermacchi in1974.Hollywood too has played apart in the development ofHarley-Davidson, sadly tar-nishing the company'simage and leading the brandto be associated with

groups. In 1969 AMF bought the company, decimatedthe workforce and began to produce a machine whichwas much inferior to its Japanese rivals. Salesslumped and the company was on the edge of theabyss. The company's reputation became almost ir-redeemable.Under pressure from Harley-Davidson, the US government introduced a 45% tar-iff on imported motorcycles over 700cc, but insteadof going head to head with the Japanese, they con-centrated on the 'Retro' style of bike. Many of thecomponents for these machines were built overseas,and the quality of the finished article took a turn forthe better.In 2008, a Harley-Davidson Museum opened in Mil-waukee. The three building complex contains a largecollection of motorcycles and other Harley-Davidsonmemorabilia. This represents a huge leap from theshed in the Davidson's backyard and the austereyears of the Great Depression. Proof enough that Harley-Davidson is more than amotorcycle, more than a company; it has become away of life for motorcyclists all over the world. Williamand Arthur would be delighted.http://www.scribd.com/doc/16523139/Motorbike-Stories


A.B.A.T.E. Of MNPO Box 6 • Marshall, MN 56258

Attention Postmaster: Time Dated MaterialNON-PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

SPICER, MNPermit No. 32

MN GOVERNORGovernor Mark [email protected] State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Saint Paul, MN 55155 Voice (651) 201-3400 or (800) 657-3717

U.S. SENATORSSenator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) www.klobuchar.senate.gov302 Senate Hart Office Building Washington, DC 20510(202) 224-5641 Fax: 202-228-2186

Senator Al Franken (D-MN) http://franken.senate.gov302 Senate Hart Office Building Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5641 Fax: 202-224-0044

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

FIRST DISTRICTTim Walz (D-MN) http://walz.house.gov/ 1722 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515202-225-2472 Fax: 202-225-3433

SECOND DISTRICTJohn Kline (R-MN) • http://kline.house.gov//2439 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515

202-225-2271 Fax: 202-225-2595

THIRD DISTRICTErik Paulsen (R-MN) • www.paulsen.house.gov/1127 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515202-225-2871 Fax: 202-225-6351

FOURTH DISTRICTBetty McCollum (D-MN) • www.mccollum.house.gov/1714 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515202-225-6631 Fax: 202-225-1968

FIFTH DISTRICTKeith Ellison (D-MN) http://ellison.house.gov/ 1027 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-4755 Fax: 202-225-4886

SIXTH DISTRICTMichele Bachmann (R-MN) http://bachmann.house.gov/ 103 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515202-225-2331 Fax: 202-225-6475

SEVENTH DISTRICTCollin Peterson (D-MN) • www.collinpeterson.house.gov2211 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515202-225-2165 Fax: 202-225-1593

EIGHTH DISTRICTChip Cravaack (R-MN) • https://cravaack.house.gov/contact-me/email-me508 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515202-225-6211 Fax: 202-225-0699

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/leginfo/cong.pdf

MOTORCYCLE PAC of MINNESOTAUnless you opt-out by signing below, $2.00 fromyour membership dues will go to Motorcycle PAC ofMinnesota, a Political Action Committee of Minnesota Motorcyclists:

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Dues: $20.00 single or $30.00 per couple per year.Make checks payable to A.B.A.T.E. of MinnesotaChecks or Money Order #

Mail to: A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota, Inc. P.O. Box 6 Marshall, MN 56258

Check your expiration date. Please use the form below to re-new your membership with A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota, sothat you may continue to receive the Road Noise and be informed!

volume25 issue4 t april 2011 a.b.a.t.e of minnesota … 2011.pdfbusiness card $12.00 1/4 page $35.00...

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