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2008 Watchfire Sees Record Crowd

admin — Mon, 26 May 2008 03:53:19 +0000

By all accounts, the 2008 Watchfire, held at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY, was an overwhelming success. Estimates are that 15 to 20 thousand people turned out to honor those who faithfully served and are currently serving this nation.

The annual event, which is organized by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 103, has grown significantly from when it was first held to honor WWII and Korean War Veterans. Current events dedicated to all Veterans and Active Duty Military personnel.

Additionally, the event enables people from all over a venue to properly dispose of old and worn-out American flags; at last year’s event, 40,000 to 50,000 flags were burned.

According to their website, the Watchfire comes from the “ancient tradition that following a battle or long march a large fire was started so that those who are missing or lost could rejoin their comrades”… So, in this time honored tradition we use the warmth and peace of the Watchfire to remember those who have gone before us. It is a chance for reflection as a community upon those that made our nation strong through their sacrifices.

41 Second Video:

View Slide Show Below:

Vietnam Wall Replica Draws Hundreds of Motorcyclists

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:59:23 +0000

Updated 5/25/08

Hundreds of motorcyclists turned out for the Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall™ replica escort run which took place in Western New York on May 20th, 2008. The Wall will be placed in the Seneca Lake, NY State Park for Memorial Day weekend. Admission is free.

“The Vietnam Wall™ replica is a, three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Honoring all U.S. veterans and dedicated to Vietnam veterans, the faux-granite replica is 240 feet long and eight feet high”.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. commemorates more than 58,000 U.S. soldiers who died or are missing-in-action during the Vietnam War, and has long been noted for its tremendous emotional impact.

Each year the Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall™ Replica travels to cities across the country, which has enabled millions of Americans to visit the monument to “pay tribute to the service-men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for flag and country”.

Source: Dignity Memorial – Vietnam Wall Experience

Click Image Below to Visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Page:

Motorcyclist Flips Off Police, Pops Wheelie, Then Crashes…

admin — Sat, 10 May 2008 03:42:42 +0000

Yaphank NY:Frank Patti, 26, of 537 South Chicot Avenue, West Islip , was operating an unregistered 2006 Kawasaki motorcycle westbound on Dixon Avenue near the intersection of Great Neck Road , Copiague . The officers were parked in a service station at that location. Patti looked at the officers, raised his middle finger in their direction, brought the motorcycle up onto the back wheel, a maneuver often referred to as a “wheelie”, and took off southbound at a high rate of speed. He dangerously weaved in and out of traffic, changing lanes erratically. At Great Neck Road and Oak Street , he executed another wheelie and continued southbound on Great Neck Road . At the intersection with Montauk Highway , Patti turned left into a shopping center parking lot and tried to enter Montauk Highway . He crashed into a marked police car and was arrested.

Patti was taken to Southside Hospital where he was treated and released for minor injuries sustained in the crash. In addition to the charges listed above, Patti was issued several summonses for vehicle and traffic law violations. He will be held overnight at the First Precinct pending arraignment at First District Court, Central Islip . The motorcycle was impounded by police for verification of ownership.

Read The: Suffolk Police Department Press Release

April is “Check Your Helmet Month”

admin — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0000

Harley-Davidson Encourages Motorcyclists to Get Their Helmets Ready for Riding

MILWAUKEE (March 27, 2008) – As the motorcycle riding season gets fired up around the country, now is the time to make sure helmets are ready for riding. During April’s “Check Your Helmet Month” and throughout the year, motorcycle enthusiasts are reminded to follow a few simple rules to make sure their helmets are ready for summer riding:

Fit is vital – a helmet must fit properly to be effective, and not all helmets fit the same. A good fitting helmet should rest one inch above your eyebrows and shouldn’t roll forward or sideways on your head. To ensure a comfortable fit, wear a helmet for 15 minutes before making a final buying decision.

They don’t last forever – manufacturers and the SNELL Foundation recommend helmets be replaced every three to five years, depending on use. Glues, resins and other helmet materials break down over time and can make a helmet less effective. Every new Harley-Davidson helmet comes with a “purchased on date” sticker that can be placed under the comfort liner for a quick reference.

Keep it clean – a clean and well cared for helmet will protect better and longer. Use a mild soap to wash the outer shell and internal liners. Never use solvents or chemicals for cleaning as they can destroy protective coatings.

Mirrors are not hangers – hanging a helmet on a motorcycle’s mirror can damage the impact absorbing liner inside.

A Helmet Designed for Women
Harley-Davidson recently released the Skyline Helmet, the first and only helmet designed specifically for ladies who love to ride. The Skyline has a deeper cavity to provide a better fit, 3D-type comfort padding with removable and interchangeable pads for a custom fit, a notch for a pony-tail and an anti-static liner to keep hair smooth.

Who to Ask?
Harley-Davidson dealers can work to find the right helmet and fit for every rider. Harley-Davidson carries a range of helmet styles including half, three-quarter, full-face and modular helmets, and dealers can provide even more detail with “The Heads-Up on Helmets” brochure.

In addition to the information provided by MotorClothes Specialists at local dealerships, consumers can visit www.harley-davidson.com for detailed information about helmet styles, components, fit, care and replacement, as well as check out the selection of helmets offered by Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

Related Link: www.harley-davidson.com/helmets

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

admin — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 03:23:09 +0000

Freedom Fighters Wanted

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for the 2008 Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame.

The Freedom Fighters Hall of Sturgis Motorcycle MuseumFame recognizes the sacrifices individuals across the nation, and world, have made to protect the rights of motorcyclists through their efforts in the political arena and in grass roots motorcyclists rights organizations.

To show our appreciation for their commitment the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame established the nation’s first and only Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame in 2001.

You are encouraged to participate in the nominating process by submitting the name of an outstanding Freedom Fighter from your state, or province, along with a brief bio as to why this person deserves to be recognized. Biographical information and credentials should be no more than two pages. All nominations must be received by April 1, 2008.

Nomination forms are available by email. If you have questions or would like to submit a nomination, contact Executive Director Christine Paige Diers, 605.347.2001 or email christine@sturgismuseum.com.

New Motorcycle Helmet Detects Crash, Sends Help

admin — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:01:44 +0000

University of Massachusetts Amherst engineering student, Brycen Spencer has designed a safety helmet that could help save the lives of many motorcycle riders involved in accidents.

The new helmet, called the Wireless Impact Guardian (WIG) is designed to call rescue services if the wearer is left unconscious or has lost use of their arms, legs, or neck due to injuries sustained in an accident.This revolutionary concept is redefining helmet safety and adds an important function, which extends the helmet’s usefulness by providing help beyond the impact.

The system is activated when the helmet is buckled on. According to the helmet’s designer, when the “high g” sensors detect traumatic deceleration the helmet will beep for about a minute. If the user does not deactivate the unit within that time, the helmet will use a cellular network to call emergency services.

Included with the message will be a GPS location giving the geographical coordinates so the emergency responders know precisely where the rider is located. While Spencer continues to refine and improve the WIG design, he is also working out the details for product development and marketing. The price for a WIG-enabled helmet is estimated to be about $50-60 more than the price of a normal helmet.

Related Links:
UMASS Amherst – Article

Missouri Bill Could Modify Helmet Requirements For Motorcyclists

admin — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:05:27 +0000

Jefferson City, Mo – Senate Bill 1067, sponsored by Sen. Luann Ridgeway, R-Smithville, could exempt “persons 21 years of age or Helmet Imageolder from wearing protective headgear except when operating or riding motorcycles upon interstate highways”.

Supporters of the bill have argued that Missouri would see a significant increase in motorcycle tourism. The bill’s supporters point out that along with increased tourism comes increased revenue for both the state and local businesses.

In addition, the proponents argue that while helmets may provide a margin of safety at lows speeds, the helmet has little effect at high speeds. They contend that the forces exerted at speed often exceed the helmet’s ability to absorb impact energy and that the mass of the helmet actually adds energy to the impact which, many times results in more severe injuries.

They argue that a better way to reduce injuries is through education and training, for both motorists and motorcyclists. The bills supporters add that while other activities, such as horseback riding or climbing a ladder are equally or more hazardous, there are no helmet laws for those activities. They say motorcyclists are being unduly singled out and adults should have the right to choose which gear is appropriate to wear while riding.

The bills opponents disagree. They say helmets save lives and reduce injuries. The opponents add that injured motorcyclists burden the general public with high medical costs.

The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) are also opposed to the bill. During Wednesday’s hearing, Kathryn Higgins of the NTSB testified against the proposal stating that the decision to repeal helmet laws would be poor public-safety policy.

Note: Last year the NTSB issued a statement urging all states to adopt universal helmet legislation – Click here to read the 2007 NTSB Safety Recommendation.

Click here to read a Related Article
(from the CruiserLinks archive)

Syracuse Super Swap A Success!

admin — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 22:05:44 +0000

Syracuse, NY – Motorcycle enthusiasts were all revved up for the largest cycle expo and swap meet in the Northeast. The show wrapped up Sunday and, even with periodic heavy snow fall and blizzard like conditions outside, bikers from all across the east-coast turned out to see unique bikes and check out the goods. The [...]

Motorcycle Drag Racing Event To Benefit The March Of Dimes

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:16:45 +0000

Southwest Florida is the place to be on February 16th, 2008 when the first “Rally to Rock n’ Rumble” kicks off at the Immokalee, Florida Regional Raceway. The event features adrenaline-charged motorcycle drag races, custom bike shows, burnout contests, poker runs, and the area’s hottest rock bands, “Head Count” and “Liquor Box, playing well into the night. Proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes. To learn more visit the “Rock n’ Rumble” and Immokalee Raceway websites.

Florida Puts Motorcycle Speeding Bill On Hold… For Now

admin — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 13:42:37 +0000

A Florida bill introduced in an effort to crackdown on motorcycles speeding and performing stunts along public roadways has been put on hold. The bill, HB-137, titled “Offenses Committed While Operating a Motorcycle”, was originally introduced by Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami back in September of 2007.

The bill packed some tough penalties against motorcyclists committing certain offenses and as stated in the Staff Analysis, “The bill would increase law enforcement authority to arrest persons, seize property for forfeiture, and restrict drivers’ licenses under certain conditions”.

The bill states in part: “When a law enforcement officer charges a person with exceeding the speed limit by 30 miles per hour or more while operating or in actual physical control of a motorcycle, the officer shall arrest the person, take him or her into custody, and seize the motorcycle, which shall be subject to forfeiture under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act”.

The bill also provided for a 10-year license suspension upon conviction.

This deferred bill also has a related bill: SB 802, filed December 14, 2007 and titled “Motorcycles or Mopeds/Reckless Driving”. SB-802 requires the operator of a motorcycle or moped to maintain both wheels on the ground at all times and requires that the license tag of a motorcycle or moped be affixed horizontally.

Similar to its sister bill, SB 802 also allows for the arrest of the offender, seizure of the motorcycle, and license suspension.

Click below to read full text of the bills.

Note: The PDF Files (below) show the verbiage and content of the bills as they were on January 12, 2008. Visit the Florida House of Representatives link below to view updates or changes to these bills.

HB-137 (PDF File)
SB-802 (PDF File)

Related Links:
Florida House of Representatives

Patent Granted For Motorcycle Cancer Prevention Seat

admin — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:29:35 +0000

January 9, 2008
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – The United Kingdom has granted a patent to Canadian inventor Randall Dale Chipkar for his innovative ‘electromagnetic shielding motorcycle seat’. The invention is designed to shield motorcycle electromagnetic field radiation from penetrating the rider’s vital organs.
“I am grateful to the U.K. for sharing my vision and I appreciate their recognition of this serious health concern for motorcyclists. This is a major step in my quest to protect riders worldwide,” Chipkar says.
“Various types of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) radiations have been linked to health disorders including cancer. Many motorcycles generate excessive ELF EMF radiation up through the seat penetrating directly into the rider’s groin and torso. The prostate is of major concern as it is one of the closest delicate glands invaded by the radiation. The colon and neighboring organs are also at risk,” adds Chipkar.
ELF EMF radiation at close exposure is unnatural and over time could have devastating biological consequences. Major organizations now agree that ELF EMF magnetic fields are a possible carcinogen. People should not have to gamble with their health because they love riding motorcycles. Consumer safety is priority.
“ELF EMF magnetic fields penetrate through steel and even lead. Only highly processed material can dramatically shield us from these cancer controversial forces. With patent protection, we can now aggressively market this innovative shielding seat to provide riders with peace of mind,” Chipkar says.
Chipkar adds, ” I am now open to licensing or even selling some of my worldwide patents as long as I am assured the seats can reach consumers immediately. Hopefully, this new seat will revolutionize the motorcycle industry to keep riders safer.
“Let’s put ‘true freedom’ back into riding motorcycles!” Chipkar concludes.

Chipkar can be reached through his website at http://www.motorcyclecancer.com

Bluetooth® Technology Now Being Used In Motorcycle Helmet Kits

admin — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 23:56:22 +0000

French based electronics manufacturer Parrot introduces its first Wireless Hands-Free Music Kit for Motorcyclists.

Parrots SK4000, a Bluetooth®-enabled helmet headset is said to bring comfort and ease of use to motorcyclists. The kit features an FM RDS radio and wireless mobile remote control.

Parrot, who was one of the very first companies to produce Bluetooth® based wireless hands free car kits, says their new offering, the Parrot SK4000, uses innovative noise reduction and echo cancellation technology and provides the widest range of features available in this market segment.

“Motorcyclists can now switch between their favorite songs — whatever the format — and answer calls with the clip-on wireless remote fixed to the motorcycle’s left handlebar”. The Parrot SK4000 offers the motorcyclist the ability to listen to streaming music via Bluetooth A2DP, or on the FM radio (RDS inside) or from analog sources via its mini-USB line-in connector.

The Parrot SK4000 uses Parrot’s new multi-speaker voice recognition software, which eliminates the need to record voice tags: the kit will recognize the contact’s name spoken by whoever is using the kit and will dial the number automatically. In addition, the unique Text-to-Speech (TTS) voice synthesis feature reads contact names from the user’s phonebook through the earpiece and will audibly identify radio stations to help the user select a station without taking his hands of the handlebar.

”With simplicity in design, the Parrot SK4000 upgrades a standard motorcycle helmet to a multifunctional wireless hands-free kit,” says Ed Valdez, president and COO of Parrot, Inc. “With nearly 6 million motorcycles in use throughout the US, the Parrot SK4000 enables their riders to enjoy convenient phone communication and wireless music either from their own digital files or from the radio station of their choice.”

The Parrot SK4000 kit mounts easily in most motorcycle helmets and its rechargeable lithium ion battery provides 10-hours of talk time. The handlebar mounted wireless remote control allows the driver to select the sound source, handle calls and choose music. The kit also has automatic volume setting, which adjusts to the surroundings and automatic phone book synchronization to allow for voice-activated dialing.

Like all Parrot car-kits, the Parrot SK4000 is compatible with virtually all Bluetooth mobile phones on the market.

If you happen to be in Las Vegas during the next few days, you can see the SK4000 in action at the world’s largest consumer electronics tradeshow. (You may also get a chance to hear Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates deliver the pre-show keynote speech in the Venetian, Palazzo Ballroom)… If, like most of us, you’re no where near Nevada, then you’ll have to wait for the product’s official release which is said to be sometime in the second quarter of 2008.

The product is expected to retail for $189.99.

For more information, visit the Parrot website at www.parrot.com