Bikers Opinions & Stories ...

I WANT TO SAY TO MY SISTER KIMMY N MY ADOPTED LIKE DAUGHTER KELLY THAT I AM SO PROUD OF YOU BOTH! KIMMY YOU HAVE BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL ON THIS ACCOMPLISHMENT! AS YOU KNOW I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY DOUGHT IN YOU SIS ! KEEP KICKIN ASS! I LOVE YA BUNCHES N MISS U N KELLY SO MUCH BUT I WILL SEE U BOTH SOON!!!!! RIDE SAFE LONG N HARD LUV UR SISTER SHADOW MUAHHHHHH N TIGHT HUGS TO U KELLY, BOY'S N STAFF!!!!
Shadow

WTF-Here i thought this site was about motorcyclist not bicyclist. I'm sure lowrider bicyclist is a good thing however WE are AZ. Biker Infomation Guide. I also like to see this many pictures from the next motorcyclist event.
Motorcyclist

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Motorcyclist, You are right of course this is a website about Motorcycles, not bicycles. However, with that being said when the call comes to a young photographer who wanted to share what he did for the first time, we make exceptions. This is a family owned and operated business and we like to encourage our youngin' whenever we can. I think out of the 60 plus galleries we post a year we can get away with doing a bicycle event. As they say you can't please everybody all of the time. So the bicycle gallery stays however just for you I placed a warning on the gallery page so others won't be fooled like you were. As far as the number of pictures posted, I post as many as our photographers gives me. (As long as they are in good taste)
Dave

ABATE Ride to AZ Veterans' Home
Kimmy and the Biker Guide Team,
 Thank you for all that you do to shed a positive light on the thousands of bikers who have a passion for their bikes, the ride, and doing good things for the community. The ride you covered with pictures of ABATE members visiting the AZ Veterans" Home is but one example of the great things you do with Biker Guide to help promote the many positive aspects of the biker lifestyle.
I am not an ABATE member, but should be based on the pictures you showed in Gotcha. I doubt it is just the holiday season that touches me when I see the benefits that you publish about motorcycle enthusiasts to help children, people on the down and out, and now the veterans who are really not forgotten because of your publications online and in the motorcycle hang outs across the valley.
Keep up the fantastic work with your team and may there be many blessings that go your way in the year ahead.
AHarpr

Hotbox,
Please email me at dave@azbig.com
Thanks
Dave

I am unable to find the pictures from the Unidos MC October toy gathering? Where are they? Can you please post them
Thanks
Hotbox

Regarding the post below from tnttom about how he was rushed out of Harold's....I don't think your treatment was because you're a biker. Harold's is the biggest Steeler bar/restaurant in the state and football Sundays there are overrun with Steeler fans, it's become a tradition. We stopped going there a long time ago though because the dishes were always dirty and the service was very slow.

Biker & Steeler Fan in Phoenix

This sunday decided to goto Cavecreek to have breakfast at Harold's ( like some of the other websites around here advertise). Well got there at a lil after 8 when they open, signed in for a table of four, looked around, there were 30 to 40 open tables. Well they call my name and sat us a a booth, I asked for a larger table, the server told us that they were reserved for Steeler fans. I was too hungry to ride to anyother place so we squeezed into the booth, we got our food promptly, and it was good, but no sooner the we finished our meal, the bill came and was asked to give up the table for the Pits fans, we were rushed out of the place, while the Pits fans were lining up out side. Now dont get me wrong, If your not biker friendly than state that and dont advertise your buisness as so, then treat others differently, I will not return to your business again, and advise people how I was treated. keep treating bikers this way and see how busy you are when football season is over.

tnttom (Phoenix)

Lavern Bertram of Bertrams HD Long time Harley go fast mechanic/teacher/mentor has passed on and went to paradise to be with JESUS;there will only be a memorial service;Horizon Church 12:30pm July 7th 2007,14120 N, 79th Ave Peoria Az 1 blk n of Thunderbird on 79th ave, condolences may be sent to his loving wife Lou 7604 W Banff Peoria Az 85381 if need be you may call Dogg 6023801369

Mad Dogg Schell

Thanks Kimmy, Kelly and Biker Information Guide's Crew for always keeping it real, staying true to us Bikers! Miss your'e smiling face get better Kimmy we miss you!

Scooter

My husband Gary whom is 60 yrs old recently rode to Palm Beach Florida to see his son that he had not seen in 7 yrs. His brother Dennis age 64 rode with him, it took them only 3 days to get there which I am sure was not easy but he never complained. His son Rick "Rosco" is the leader of the Enforcers whom are known thru many states. While there they rode with the Enforcers. He not only got to know his son but the history behind the Enforcers and the important part his son took in the making of them.When he called while there he said "He called me Dad!" I am very happy for my husband and proud of him.

Janet Viverito

G'day,
I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading your Magazine I have had the last 3 editions forwarded to me Down Under to Brissy
(Brsibane) Australia from a mate I met online, Ron and his wife Regina Fanire of Phoenix Arizona, I find your publication to have some Great articles and some fair dinkum (true) down to earth people. I am hopefully planning on getting to Phoenix within the next two years, and get to enjoy some of the places I have read in your Mag! If you like I could try to send some biker related pictures From Down Under. i may even be able to answer some Questions for your readers. I am looking forward to the next edition.

Dave Griffey
Queensland Australia

We've been here three years. It seems about the same as last year, and the last year. . it is all about the vendors - not many bike games or real activities - how about some real swap meets - we are looking for parts too not just t shirts and leather we don't need. . more concerts and entertainment. Thanks.

Marilin

I'm glad some is finally seeing the problems of Arizona Bike Week. Why should I pay West World to see what I can see for free in Laughlin. If they want to charge for the concerts that is one thing but to pay just to walk around to see the venders is stupid. The rides are another thing I realize the money goes to charity but how many can you afford? Some of the bars put on great events and they are free. maybe we should call it Arizona Charity Week. Just my two cents worth

Robert McClelland

Myself and two other harley riders left Phoenix at 7 am on Saturday and rode to the 2nd annual Biker Rodeo at Lake Havasu. We were not expecting much just a place to ride to and check it out.

Well, I had to write and say, "What a Rip Off". We arrived at 11 am paid our fifteen dollars expecting to see at least something going on. No rodeo in the enfield and no sign of any participants. All we got for our fifteen dollars was about six vendor selling sunglasses, insurance, leather goods, jewelry and porn videos out where the kids could see. I asked for our money to be returned and was told to stick around that it might get better. Didn't look like it was going to get any better so we left. Please publish my response so others won't get ripped off next year. Hope you didn't advertise their event in your publication.

Thank you
Leo Ewing
Phoenix, Arizona

Help! Help! Help!

Hi, my name is Sheryl Bingham & I need HELP from anyone that attended: ROCKYPOINTRALLY.com 2006.

I am looking for any or all of the following:
- The Driver of the white sand rail’s name
- ROCKYPOINTRALLY.com Photos (specifically the parade)
- Video of the Children’s Parade

Saturday November 11th, 2006 from 3-5p.m. there was a mile long parade for kids. The parade consisted of throwing American candies to the children for their enjoyment. There was a BIG white sand rail occupied by two older ladies (60-70 years) so I got on... The driver popped the clutch and I rolled off the back, busted my hip, and shattered my leg. I am now crippled.

The driver of the sand rail went to jail and the other lady passenger paid $1200.00 for her release. The two ladies do reside in Phoenix; however I have not been able to locate them. The Mexican hospital took me to the Red Cross where I awaited transportation to the Phoenix trauma center.

If anyone attended the 2006 event & can assist me with my search, please email me at: SherylRbingham@yahoo.com or call me at: 602-374-4917.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

This weekend will be the last weekend at the Pinon Pines. We will be completely closed on the 5th. We would like to thank everyone for all your support. We are out of money. Amy and Bev have done there very best, not even taking a paycheck last week. We owe them allot,they have worked very hard. Please stop by if you can. We will miss doing the pig roast Thanksgiving turkeys and prime rib on Christmas. We tried everything to keep your bar open. But with the heart attack and fire it took it toll. We also tried to sell to someone other then a titty bar before we lost everything but that didn't work. So we did not sell but are just loosing everything all of us have worked for. We have made some wonderful friends and will never forget all the great times we have had here. We are sorry and gave it our all.Hopefully we will make enough money this weekend to pay our cook and bartenders  and maybe end up with 1000.00 for us to move on. Your support would be great. A big thanks to Abate,  MMA and the Arizona  Confederation of Motorcycle clubs for all your support and making this a place where all colors can fly. We gave the Pines our heart and soul.
Thank you ride safe and God bless

Wayne and Leah
Pinon Pines

Still,

Congratulations, unopposed or not, you had the guts, courage, and willingness to throw your hat in the ring, to be involved, knowledgeable and abused, (as all people trying to make a difference are). Just be gentle, the outside world isn’t used to just plain ol’ common senseJ Good luck to you!

L & R Jan
Vice President/Treasurer
Medieval Maidens MC
Central Valley I

Got a felony? Can't vote? Maybe you can fix it.

Years back I had what I like to refer to as 'time off for bad behavior'.Upon completing the conditions of parole, I had my 'civil rights restored.' That one is an automatic in many cases, some you have to take a letter from the PO to the court. A couple of years later, I petioled the court to have my 'record expunged.' You have to appear in front of the judge that sentenced you, he tells you how nice it is to see you under these circumstances, and you go home a citizen who can vote with no felonies on your record. No telling where that can take you, today not only can I vote, but I can be elected. Today I was elected to be the Precinct Committeeman for the Republican Party for my district. In all fairness I have to say I ran unoppossed,but the results are the same. I have the chance to bend some politician's ear. Maybe both ears.

Still Ray Pres
JOURNEYMEN M/C

Everyone, Riders and Passengers need to contact your U.S. Senitors and ask them to support S. 577

http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/rapidresponse.asp

ACTION ALERT - WRITE NOW - SENATE INTRODUCES HEALTH INSURANCE BILL FOR MOTORCYCLISTS! U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) recently introduced S. 577, "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act." Last Congress, the full Senate unanimously passed similar legislation. S. 577 aims at ending health care discrimination for individuals participating in legal transportation and recreational activities-activities like motorcycling, snowmobiling, horseback riding, skiing and all-terrain vehicle riding. This legislation addresses a loophole caused by a Department of Health and Human Services' rule making it possible for health care benefits to be denied to those who are injured while participating in these activities. "What many people don't know until it's too late, is that currently health insurance providers are legally permitted to deny benefits for injuries sustained while participating in certain recreational or transportation activities such as motorcycling, snowmobiling, skiing, and horseback riding," said Collins. "This policy is unfair, and I am worki ng with my colleagues to change it." Collins was joined by Senator Feingold (D-WI) in introducing the Senate legislation. "From riding Harley Davidson motorcycles to visiting the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain, these activities are part of Wisconsin's heritage and economy," Feingold said. "It simply doesn't make sense to exclude those participating in these activities from health care benefits." On August 21, 1996 an important opportunity arose when President Clinton signed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), prohibiting employers from denying health care coverage based on a worker’s pre-existing medical conditions or participation in legal activities. In 2001, the Health Care Finance Administration released the final rules that would govern the law. The rules recognize that employers cannot refuse health care coverage to an employee on the basis of their participation in a recognized recreational activity. However, the benefits can be denied for injuries sustained in connection with those activities. Essentially, the regulation grants equal status to motorcyclists without any substantive benefits. "Because of this loophole, someone who participates in motorcycling or snowmobiling could be denied health care coverage, while someone who is injured while drinking and driving a car would be protected," Senator Feingold said. "It is time that Congress corrected this so that those who are abiding by the law are not discriminated against." The AMA is urging all motorcyclists to notify their Senators and tell them to co-sponsor and support S.577, "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act."

Please contact U.S. Senitors John McCain and Jon Kyl and ask them to support S. 577 Health Insurance Bill for Motorcyclist. Contacat information is;

Senitor John McCain Web form: mccain.senate.gov/index.cfm?useaction+Contact.Home

Phoenix office:
5353 N. 16th. St.
Suite 105
Phoenix,Az.85016
Phone 602 952 2410

Senitor Jon Kyl Web form:
kyl.senate.gov/contact.cfm

Phoenix office
2200 E. Camelback
Suite 120
Phoenix,Az. 85016
Phone 602 840 1891

Thank You,
Tim O'Reilly ABATE OF AZ. State Pac

Helmet Law:
It would be extremely interesting to see & hear how each half of riders were killed with or without helmets ? . Were the drivers of these automobiles who ran them down wearing cell phones or not ?

Jesse

Helmet Law:
I think we ALL should be writing. We ALL should be talking to anybody that will listen. Bobbi will write I'm sure, I think a handful of letters from John Q. Public are worth as much as a lobbyist's letter.(ABATE people already know, they don't count).They are coming at us with all the money AAA can muster. I think we pissed them off. We surprised them in the beginning , but now they got our number, plus our people don't have the heart they once had. I think you will have to put a helmet on their head for them to show some heart. You will find the figures and arguments for your writing at mrf.org,also look for a MRF news release with news in our favor on the national level. I don't want to spoil the surprise. Make no mistake, it is a national push for helmets. I have watched these articles spread across the country like wildfire, very systematic. I understand the main topic at the Meeting of the Minds in Indianapolis is going to be this subject. I will take notes as to how everybody else in the country is handling this. If I can't read them the conference will be broadcast on BIN, and I'm sure they will have handouts, etc., for rabble-rousers who can't write.

Still Ray Pres
JOURNEYMEN M/C

Ya know, we all love our bikes.  But, there is something that just irks me  about how many bikers feel they must park thier machines on the sidewalks as close as possible to the entrances of the businesses they frequent.  Do ya think that no one's gonna steal it if you park it in front of the entrance?  The only other possible reason not to park in a regular parking space is to avoid the bozo's on 4 or more wheels.  Yeah it would suck to have somebody plow your ride into another car or a pile of shopping carts.  If you have adequate insurance, you'll recover.  Let me tell ya somethin'.  If ya park inside a fire zone, which most stores have in front, marked by a bright red line, and your bike is in the way of the fire trucks, they will show no mercy my friend.  And your insurance company is gonna tell you to take a hike.  So, be a man, suck it up and park with the rest of us poor slobs.  There may even be dedicated motorcycle parking where you shop.  If not, it doesn't hurt to ask for it.

Snake

Kelly,
What a great idea the Sport & Metric Biker Information Guide. Thanks for thinking about us and not just the Harley Riders.

Sport Bike Rider

Guest Story
By Donald A. Rayos
a.k.a. Sarge

 Ride Safe, Ride Free

As an old bikers information guide contributor and supporter, I also told Kimmy to keep it up and never give it up, that this little book would go along way.  I was glad to know that she had a birthday recently and so will I.  I decided to take some time off, from the daily hustle and bustle as a writer, photographer and contributor for different motorcycle publications; too slow down the pace and check out the real world.  I discovered that many bikers that I know, old timers and old school, have been spending sometime at LAKE PLEASANT, where the have BIKINI J's BAR & GRILL, where you can celebrate life it self and become a water biker, Better known as JET SKI RIDER'S.  Or enjoy the pleasure of boating and fishing at your leisure.  I highly recommend celebrating the 4th of July there.  It has the best 40 minutes non-stop Fireworks, which can be seen from the highway, or on the water boat show.  Support it and proudly presented by KNIX102.5, Lake Pleasant Harbor, where all events were free, which such bands as Mogollon, Zona Jones, and many others delighted the public with great entertainment.   Other supporters were, Maricopa Water District, All Pro Hydro-Jetting, Pleasant Harbor Marina, Sun Country Marine, Arizona American Water, Bill Luke Chrysler-Jeep, CAP, & City of Peoria. I missed Arizona Bike Week, and I missed going to Sturgis as well, as I have been reading about my late departed biker friends, I got in touch with some old biker friends in Phoenix and invited them to come out and experience something new.  On a hot sizzling Arizona day, you can ride your motorcycles to Vista Point Mountain and jump in the water and enjoy the coolness and refreshing, soothing water of the lake.  Fish if you want to or hop on your bike and ride home again.  Everyone knows that the Southeast corner of Arizona holds some awesome roads to ride on and I have enjoyed the company up here of some celebrities such as Brascombe Richmond, Lorenzo Lamas, and many others to just mention a few. As I catch up with some honey-do's at home, I will be starting back up in the future the Muddy’s Mine Poker Run and Motorcycle Show and featuring some motorcycles built locally just a good as any other motorcycle builders in the nation.  As a Veteran of the United States of America and a real motorcycle rider, I say to you, this is Sarge, Ride Safe and Ride Free.

Sarge
darraraz@vtc.net

The riders them selves should be able to choose whether or not they want to wear a helmet! Not some used up drug addict who already had his 15 minutes of fame trying to make a come back! I understand everyone has a right to their opinion, but what about our freedom of choice? Just because someone was in a few movies doesn't make their opinion greater than ours. The choice should be that of the individual riders!
If I remember correctly Gary's drug incidents happened after his so called awakening! I dont mean to offend any body but I'm entitled to my own opinion.
If Gary wants to help people who ride be safer he should have some bill boards posted on freeways and major streets that say:
"LOOK OUT FOR MOTORCYCLES!!!!" Or help to make sure people dont do their make-up while driving and also not talk on cell phones!! There are such things as hands free cell phones!!! Thanks for listening to me bitch!!

P.S Be safe out there!!

Jamie
jamielovesstretch@yahoo.com

Wife and I went for a ride yesterday 7/8/06 around 5 a.m. with a friend and decided to do the ole Wickenburg to Flagstaff run via Yarnell, Prescott, Jerome, and Oak Creek Canyon (OCC).  We stopped in Prescott at the Waffle Iron for breakfast (great place to eat) and then headed on.  We'd never been through Oak Creek Canyon as we're faily new riders, and my God is it beautiful.  And yesterday couldn't have been a more gorgeous day.  Till we got just outside of OCC around 10:30a.m.  Then the sky started looking very ominous.  Few more miles and some sprinkles started, which turned into a face stinging downpour, which turned into tooth cracking hail, and then hail with near zero visibility.  People and bikers forget how to drive/ride or don't want to and they're pulling off the road and backing up into the freeway; doing all kinds of crazy things like standing under trees with lightning over head (mostly bikers).  We forged on laughing our asses off (what else could you do) at the 180 degree change of weather to the nearest Chevron completely drenched where we parked, dripped, gassed up, and waited about an hour and a half for the storm to pass.  It's 61 degrees.  It was amazing to see how many people were actually riding that day in that weather.  So after the storm let up a little we took off taking our chances on weather going by Mormon lake and into Payson.  Again we got slammed with face stinging rain and low visability several more times till we hit Payson.  We decide to stop at the Knotty Pine Cafe for lunch around 3 p.m. now and still soaking wet b/c we see two more storms in the distance and though we'd wait it out to see what happens.  Off we go again around 4:15 where we still hit rain until about 35 miles south of Payson.  All the sudden we come through this bend, the temperature jumps 20 degree's, the sun comes out to play and we finally start drying out after being soaked for the last 6 1/2 hours.  We stop for a pit stop in Fountain Hills and then proceed on back to Surprise.  Home sweet home around 5:30.  Still a little wet down in the seat area but for the most part dry b/c it's 106 today.  We threw back a cold beer after having hot chocolate just a few hours prior and reminisced about the day and how that's gotta be the best ride we've ever done and we'd do it again in a heartbeat.  Just thought I would share that with you guys.  Thanks for reading.

Rogue Runner
justin.fabiola@cox.net

The day before Memorial Day 3 years ago, I crashed my Road King in a single bike accident just south of Prescott, AZ.I was not wearing a helmet. The DPS officer at the scene believes my cabeza hit a guard rail post. I was flown back to Lincoln Hospital where I remained for 17 days in an induced coma. I was not expected to live. After I awoke, I was transferred to Barrows Neurologic Hospital where I stayed for 2 months in ICU. I have no memory what so ever of the accident. I don't know why I crashed. I've been riding for over 30 years.

Well I'm all better now and back on the Road King. I wear a helmet now, but I do it by CHOICE. I have yet to tell some one I think they should wear a helmet. My friends don't need me or the government telling them that they should wear one. They are ADULTS and are able to decide for themselves.

Gary Busey should mind his own business and quit trying to save the world. Sara Bradey and him have a lot in common.

Pat Scroggin
Pascro@cox.net

An open letter to the biker community in Arizona

Last week FilmWorks LSD Studios produced a national commercial for Harley Davidson which starred actor Gary Busey. At the time we hired Mr. Busey we were unaware of his stand on the helmet issue. Upon his arrival in Phoenix, Mr. Busey was invited to appear on several Radio station talk shows in the Phoenix area. Again, we were unaware of the subject matter of which he would be speaking. After his appearance on these shows it became apparent to us, that Mr. Busey had struck a nerve with the biker community in Arizona. Please be aware that we at FilmWorks LSD do not take a stand on either side of this issue. We are filmmakers and as such our only concern was the quality of the commercial we were filming.

It is also important to understand that the commercial we filmed has nothing at all to do with whether a helmet should or should not be worn when riding. Our commercial's purpose is to sell Harley Davidson Motor Cycles not Harley Davidson Helmets. There is never any mention or suggestion in this commercial that helmets should be worn when riding. It is necessary and required that anyone appearing in a national commercial for Harley Davidson must wear a helmet as the commercial will be broadcast in a state where helmet use is required by law.

As far as Gary Busey is concerned, he was cast as an actor in a commercial, not as a spokesperson for helmet use. That is his personal issue. I am sure that many of you are aware that Mr. Busey was in a near fatal motorcycle accident in which he suffered a catastrophic head injury as a result of his not wearing a helmet. All of his doctors agreed unanimously that had he been wearing a helmet his injuries would have been much less severe. Now, Mr. Busey feels it is his mission to speak on the subject whenever and wherever he can. This is America and the first amendment guarantees Mr. Busey the right to speak on this subject. We must, as bikers, respect that. I do not think that the laws in Arizona regarding helmet use will change as a result of Citizen Gary Busey speaking on the subject.

In the final analysis, we want to state emphatically, that the commercial, entitled, "Live the Dream" that we filmed and I, Lee Shargel, a Harley Davidson rider for 40 years, wrote, had nothing to do with wearing a helmet. It was to promote the feeling that only a Harley owner can understand, "Stop Dreaming and Start Living." When you ride a Harley with or without a helmet, you, "Live the Dream." We would also like to extend our thanks to the staff at Chandler Harley Davidson, the Chandler H.O.G. Chapter and everyone that helped us on this shoot.

Sincerely,

Lee Shargel and Danae McKillop
Executive Producers

Some of you might have seen these headlines in the Arizona Republic this last week. "Actor in town filming ad, promoting helmet use". But don't let that headline fool you. What he is really here for is to promote the changing of Arizona's helmet law to make it mandatory for everyone riding a motorcycle to wear a helmet. Yes, I said "mandatory", meaning not by your own "choice". I'm sure everyone knows that Arizona does not require motorcycle riders over the age of 18 to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. But for some reason Busey has singled out Arizona as a place to try and impose his will on the rest of us.

Barry

I worked on the 4-part commercial filming this weekend. Note, it was a commercial. Actually, a pilot commercial to be pitched to the Harley board for review of the concept. I will have a copy of the finished concept pilot in about two weeks.

The commercial required the use of helmets because it was for Harley, and they require helmets regardless of the state and local laws. This can be verified by checking out their rentals in AZ, CT, KY, and other helmet-free states.

Anyway, without monopolizing your time on this one, the ad was a cute concept filmed as a 4-part run during a TV show. The first part has Busey in his SUV with his wife in curlers nagging at him about gas prices when a Harley pulls up with a couple on it. They get $5 in gas and ride off, with Busey and his nagging "wife" daydreaming about the two on the bike. The gas pump shows the numbers spinning upwards, surpassing the $500.00 mark as the commercial segment fades. The second part builds on that with Busey going to a dealership with his "wife" as they notice Harleys everywhere and encountering the couple from the gas pump. The guy takes Busey over to a FLH-style bike and they yak while the dude's woman take Busey's wife to the clothing area for a biker-chick makeover. Fadeaway to segment 3. This segment has Busey buying the bike and getting blown away by his old lady's new look, and the Harley comes home to a for sale sign in the SUV. The final installment has a nerdy dude with a nagging wife pull up to purchase the SUV while Busey's wife is now the gorgeous "babe" hopping on the Harley as we all ride up and ride off together.

In addition to the riding that we did for 2 days filming this concept, we read the script and there was nothing in the text about helmets or helmet safety speeches. The only reference to helmets was the actors strapping into them before firing up the bike and riding off.

Maybe you saw something that was different, smeared by somebody else. I don't know. I do know that I spent 13 hours on Saturday and 9 hours on Sunday working as "ride talent" for a clever concept of a commercial that had absolutely nothing to do with pro-helmet legislation.

Regards,
Steve

Chandler Harley-Davidson has "no position" on the content of the commercial. We merely provided a backdrop for the shoot, and were not affiliated with it in any way. That is the extent of our involvement.

What I really want people to know, is that we were not told the truth. While I was told that this was a series of commercials being done to promote the "live the dream" concept, Chandler Harley-Davidson was not informed of all of the details. We are pro-choice, and that is our stance on the issue. I hope that all of your readers understand this, and can see what a bad situation we were put in.

All I can do now is move forward and hope that the riders of Arizona understand the history of Chandler Harley-Davidson. We were and are separate and unassociated with the history and intentions of the film makers and paid actors involved.

Kimmy,

I appreciate that you have put this out for as many readers as possible.
My article that I am in the process of writing for your next magazine will include my praises of Rick Hatch, and Hacienda Harley Davidson and Hacienda Customs. I know him to be a stand up guy and this Gary Busey has been a thorn in my side since the late eighties. I put Gary Busey in the same category as Jane Fonda. He did a lot to hurt the California riders in their quest to ride with freedom of choice. Gary Busey should be doing anti drug ads instead of something that he knows so little about. Gary Busey talks without thinking and it is too bad that he gets any press whatsoever. So pass the information to as many as possible that Rick Hatch has our respect and Gary Busey is just a bad act.

Ray Huston

I want to see all the pictures from the Unidos MC run "Old Scooter Days!!!" When are they going to be posted?
stretchesollady

-------------
Sorry for the delay on this we had 2 photographers taking pictures and I am waiting for the other set of pictures to post. If I don't get them by tomorrow I will post what I have.
Dave the Website Guy

dear sir i noticed in one of the gatherings to rase funds for a domestic violence fundraser shelter that right next to it was and no attitudes and weapons,say yes dear,say no dear.p.s say hello to sonny,p.s i hear that the red and white are going to have a fundraser to rase money for the wayward youth in foster homes or shelters,ain,t that right sonny,and we well have them kick around a harrley davidson, sonny donating tax right off, 100 dollars a ticket followed buy poker run. winnig hand 1000, 500, lowest hand. say goo goo ga ga.

Stan

Williams Arizona. This is a true story!

There are thousands of biker friendly bars and restaurants in hundreds of Arizona towns but nobody tells bikers of the towns that have police that are not biker friendly like Jerome and Williams. The Jerome Chief of Police loves to hassle bikers and the town passed noise ordnance against loud pipes.

Every year there are thousands of motorcycles that ride to Williams Arizona and every year, thousands of riders are ticketed and motorcycles are impounded. This is BIG business for the City of Williams.

We went to Williams to meet a couple of girls who decided to go see a country western singer that was playing in Williams. We decided to sit at a local bar for a few beers and shoot pool. An hour later when the girls came back, we decided to head back to the hacienda at 10:15 for a little R&R. We walked out. They walked to their car and we went to our scooters.

As we were following them back to their place, far out in the country and my friend was about 100 yards behind me. Actually, we were 6 miles out of Williams. I was watching the girl’s car when I looked in the rear view mirror and saw there was no one behind me and not a headlight within miles. I turned around to see what happened to my friend?

Approximately, 2-3 miles from my turn around, I saw red lights and as I drove by the local Williams Police car, I didn’t think it would be a good idea, or safe, to pull a U turn in the middle of the road with a cop there so I continued on.

About ½ mile away was a driveway to a convenience store. I pulled in and turned back around towards my friend so I could see what was happening. I shut off my bike and I believe I got off for a split second to see if I could call his cell. I realized that I only had his home phone so I got back on. (I decided that it would be better not to interfere with what ever was going on and if he did get arrested, I could help get him out so I sat on my bike.)

Another cop pulls in with his headlights towards me and my headlight facing almost towards him. I was on private property with my motorcycle off and key out of the ignition and was in my left jacket pocket.

The officer arrived after I was stopped. Since my motorcycle was facing towards the cop ca, he couldn’t have followed me in? The officer asked if that was my friend and I said yes he was and I was waiting to see what is happening. I explained as to what we did and we were heading home for the night.

The officer asked to do a roadside sobriety test? I asked why I needed to do that when I was parked? ( I might as well have been sitting on the curb, playing tennis or in church?) My vehicle was on private property and not running? There is no need for a roadside sobriety test? Something is not right?

Owning a bar in the past, I know it is not an Arizona Revised Statute to require me to take a roadside sobriety test. (The “Monkey Test” is designed for you to fail! The officer can make his “opinion” which then gives him probable cause to arrest you…..even if you pass!)

I asked what my other options were and was arrested for “suspicion of DUI”? I asked how he could arrest me for “suspicion of DUI” when I was parked on private property and my vehicle was not running? He never stated what his suspicions were? Nothing?

After being placed in the back of the patrol car, I was read my Miranda Rights and asked if I understood these rights? I said No, I do not understand why I am being arrested when I am parked off the road on private property and my vehicle is not running and I am being arrested for “driving” under the influence?

At the station, I was shackled to a bench and again read my Miranda Rights and was told” I have the right to have a lawyer present during questioning and if I cannot afford one, one will be appointed to me by a court of law”. I stated that in my 60 plus years, I have never been charged with any DUI, ever, much less a traffic ticket within the last 15 years and I feel that this was “questioning” and I would like to invoke my Miranda Rights and have a lawyer present during this questioning?

I explained to the officer, that I would be glad to do exactly what he wanted as soon as my lawyer was present to council me according to my Miranda Rights? They handed me a phone and phone book top call a lawyer so I called one of the 24 hours lawyers and was told they would be there on Monday morning.

Then I was asked to take a Breathalyzer. I did not refuse. I simply stated I would be glad to perform any test they would like as soon as my lawyer was present to witness and advise me. I stated this repeatedly and asked for a lawyer. I know it is against the law to refuse, but I agreed to the test as soon as my lawyer was present. That is not against the law.

About an about a half hour or later, 6 officers returned with a search warrant for my blood! Now I was pissed and said, “now I REALLY want a lawyer present while you guys are invading my body”. None was given to me. I gave my blood without a struggle and told them I was not doing this willingly as I do not have my lawyer present according to my Miranda Rights?

I noticed that he never sealed the medical box and should be on videotape. Normally, when I have ever had blood drawn, it is sealed and you sign the label as for tampering.? That never happened? Wonder why?

Later they asked my to sign a ticket that would give me my license for 15 days until my court appearance. Again, I stated “I would do exactly and anything that they would like me to do……a song and dance…..anything, just as soon as my lawyer is present to advise me under my Miranda Rights!”

I don’t get married without a lawyer, I don’t get divorced without a lawyer, I don’t buy a house without a lawyer and I don’t go to jail without a lawyer? I asked them what they don’t understand about Miranda Rights? They read my rights to me? I didn’t make them up?

They put down that I refused to sign. They also put down that I refused the Breathalyzer and blood test. The only thing that was totally refused was my Miranda Rights. It is required by law to be read your rights. It should be required by law that your rights are enforced. They were not!

Meanwhile, the officer that stopped my friend, was at the station said that he had followed us and he stopped the lead vehicle? I was the lead vehicle? How did that happen?

Then he said he pulled in behind me at the stop? How can he do that when I see his lights a ½ mile downs the road? I told him that he was lying! This is all recorded by the officer at the stop and in the station. There is no second cops voice at the recorded stop. And of course, I am not invited to the Policeman’s Ball this year?

I was cited for unsafe lane usage, weaving dangerously from side to side, blood shot eyes in appearance and slurred speech? What’s up with this?

The officer never stated that I was weaving. He couldn’t because nobody was behind me and I was stopped, parked along side the road with the engine off?. How could he follow me if we are parked face to face?

I was cited for weaving. ARS “Operation of motorcycles on lined roadway: exceptions: “All motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane”. Basically says that we can weave all we want and have 9’-12’ to do it. Weaving is not “probable cause” to stop a motorcycle. Wind on the day in question was at 29 mph and gusts to 64 mph. That will move most cars and severely move motorcycles. We know that? That does not count for looking for things on the road like rocks, sand, oil or animals.

The local police don’t seem to understand that as soon as our feet leave the ground, we are balancing act until the next stop. Every motorcycle weaves at some time. A little or a lot.

I was charged with being in “actual physical control” of a motor vehicle? How can I be in “actual physical control” of a non-running vehicle and no key in the ignition? I cannot find an ARS that defines “actual physical control”? Maybe if I were pushing it, I would be in actual physical control cause it sure wasn’t running?

Red eyes are easily caused by wind in the face. Any motorcycle rider knows this. I had no glasses, as it was night. Many riders use goggles to prevent this and with high winds, there is plenty of Arizona dust in the air. I am allergic to dust and cause sneezing. Sorry but true. Sneezing causes red eyes.

I find no ARS statute that defines “unsafe lane usage” nor was this mentioned at the stop? What is “unsafe” lane usage? Please enlighten us? And which part of the parking lot lane did I change while I was stopped? The officer had no probable cause to stop me…….cause I was stopped?

Speech was not slurred nor was it mentioned? Ever? That should be on tape also?

I was taken to the Flagstaff jail. During the ride, another officer driving verbally threatened me when he said, “ Shut the f--k up! If I have to pull this car over you’re going to get a taste of 50,000 volts” This was said to a incarcerated handcuffed prisoner in the backseat cage. I would call that a physical threat to someone that cannot physically defend themselves and certainly unprofessional? Once out of the car, I mentioned this to the jail personnel that I would like a copy of the car audio tape. They said I would have to contact Williams PD. Like that is going to work?

Upon released from Flagstaff jail, inside my left coat pocket was my car key and my motorcycle key? If I was in “actual physical control” of my motorcycle what is the key doing in Flagstaff. That is like saying when you are in church, you are in “actual physical control” of your house that is being robbed because you have the key in your pocket? Or the car being stolen out of your driveway? I don’t think so?

I reported it to the jailer and asked that he put it on the list of items listed on my release sheet. He refused but said everything was on tape so I waved my motorcycle key to the camera with 5 other inmates being released as witnesses. Imagine that? A cop overlooking something……..something very important?

This is how the Williams scam goes!

Two days later when we finally talked to the girls, they said they noticed an unmarked cop car down the street close to the bar. She said the car pulled out behind us and they pulled out directly behind the cops and are willing to testify as to what they saw. I don’t know these girls. My friend did, but I didn’t.

I could never understand why 5 Williams Police cars are 6 miles out of town for a routine traffic stop on a Saturday night with a town full of people? It didn’t make sense? I would like to have the recorded dispatch calls subpoenaed for any calls about 10:30 – 10:45pm. I would also like their cell phones records subpoenaed to compare.

In my opinion, a transmitted call between the two officers of Williams PD is collusion and conspiracy to entrap. The unmarked car had any reason to stop us if he wanted to, but he cannot target bars. However, a simple call to another car can pick up patrons with his assistance and description, once he has followed them to get which road and direction leaving town. Barney Fife simple and completely illegal!

This is why I was wondering why 5 Williams PD were doing on a lonely road at 10:30 with a town full of people on a weekend? That has to be every cop car in town? It didn’t make sense, nor did the stop, nor did the conversation. It was a set up. And why do 5 police cars show up for a routine traffic stop unless someone aired it? Maybe they were racing for the “collar”? No Miranda Rights? Why is one taken to Flagstaff and one to Williams? Nothing made sense?

After jail, I was arraigned in court and released to pre trial services and given a court date. Now I have to report weekly to a probation officer. I showed up at my hearing in Williams two weeks later and no charges have been filed? Hmmmmmm? But I still need to report? Maybe forever if charges are never filed?

I still have never seen a lawyer according to our Miranda Rights or even know what the results of the blood test were? It cost me a night in jail and over $250 to get my bike back. Yes, they can make it hard for you even if they are wrong.

We all know that it is impossible to fight city hall and in my opinion, some very crooked cops, but maybe I have a simple solution? We have all enjoyed Williams in the past and bikers bring millions of dollars into the city of Williams. We support the hotels, bars, restaurants, gas stations and convenience stores. Now we have discovered we are supporting unethical police.

Maybe it’s time we find a new town that treats bikers fairly and welcomes our business and community support money. Maybe we should take a break for a couple years? Let their local community deal with their unethical cops? I think when they see a revenue drop for the city, the local businessmen may have a chance to voice their opinion? Legally!

Does every city need cops? Absolutely! Is there room for the good ol boy mentality? Absolutely not! I have worked closely for years with local law enforcement, lived with cops and tried to be one myself and I don’t have any tolerance for making up the rules as you go along type of crap. That’s BS!

So, I know we won’t be back to Williams. There are better places to spend my money and I’m sure I will need some “pro bono” help from other fellow bikers. There is not one of us that need to go through this again and when we got our scooters out of the impound lot, there were plenty of other bikers going through the same thing? Maybe why I was hauled to Flagstaff to keep bikers separate?

Lets all just take a few years off from Williams Arizona? The money and the arrest record you save, may be your own!

Names are withheld to protect the innocent and all opinions are mine. Just backed up with cold hard fact.

I travel for a living and attend a lot of bike shows all over the country. If you want to make AZ Bike week better, I think you may want to pattern some of the famous events.

In Reno the best thing about the show is that the bikes park center stage...the main street. You can show off your bike and see all the others. The vendors are dispersed in and along the venue. Most of the great gatherings do the same. You want a great bike week? Then make it user friendly. Let me park my bike among the action, not off in the dirt. Get good bands, get the bikers involved with contests, races etc. Lower the price for food and drink and you'll sell more with volume. Make it family friendly in the AM and biker friendly in the PM. And last but not least get a decent T-Shirt design! The last couple was colorless, boring and way too commercial!

But don't worry my friends and I will be there with evil road sprit bells on!

We are looking forward to the changes for Arizona Bike Week 2006. We hope the new owners keep there promise, if so it will mean they are back on track and it will be like the old days in 1997 & 1998.
Coming since the first Bike Week in 1997.

Big D from Chicago

What a great website for us Riders to find information

Buck & Crew

There hasn't been an ABW worth a shit since Kimmy stopped putting it together.

Jim & Teena

You already know per this magazine that there are new things in the works for 2006 ABW. You have been told there are new people running it. So why get off their backs and give them the opportunity to improve it.

I see posts on here such as more poker runs, wet t-shirt contests, organized rides, and women in free etc. I even saw a post that said, "Bikers want babes and beer".

I think you forget that not all or even the majority of bikers are hardcore most are professionals or corporate such people who enjoy dressing up and riding. If you think that bike events are all about tits and beer you live in a pipe dream this isn't the 1960's. Those of you who want to boycott ABW.... wow good luck.

Poker runs and rides are not set up by ABW those are the dealers and club's who do it from there own locations, you want more go talk to your dealer or club president. ABW deals with the event itself. The beer and food they don't even have control of that is the location of the event they control that.

You wait this year it will be the biggest and the best ABW Arizona has ever witnessed and when it is all over I'll be back here watching you eat your words or with no opinion at all because you did not go and loosed out on the show down in the west.

See ya
joe240R

Hey promoters of bike week.
Why not have all the Harley Dealers put up prizes or cash for a daily poker run with a card stop at each dealership . That way they all get traffic and we get better poker runs.

Dozerwayne
bruceofharley@hotmail.com

Al

I've been running a motorcycle business in Tombstone for several years now and I hear it all year long about the problems with AZBikeWeek. What a shame. All these folks show up to ride and get exploited. They are going to keep showing up, so why not fix the problems. You know what they are, do something about it.
I help organize the ride every year that comes from there to Tombstone and it is always a huge success. For a measly fee they get the poker run from Phoenix to Tombstone, a room overnight at the Holiday Inn here, a great cowboy dinner and a band to party all night to. You need to do more of this. Organize rides all over this beautiful state and great stuff to do when they get there.
Bikers want babes and beer and stuff to do all day long and not pay a huge fee to do it. How hard is that?

Casey
Tombstonehawgcorral.com
Tombstonehawgs@aol.com

I just read your Customers Feedback in the July issue, here is an idea, what about your readers feedback? Well here is mine, WE LOVE IT and yes we have it in our saddlebag! It is the Bikers Bible, like Skunk Motorsports said...Keep up that great work.

Bill & Peggy

Here's some sugguestions, beer $3.00, women in free, let the men pay, paved, wet tshirt contest,az bikeweek queen pick at bars before the event, dont overcharge the venders for space, maybe you'll get more, bike rodeo games for people to watch, most important, no one under 18 after 7pm, take the dam kids home where they belong, and get them dealers involved, make it four days tops so we dont get bored there a whole bunch of other shit going on.

onehunglo

I have alot of suggestions. I have been trying to contact someone @ AZBW to set up a meeting. I have done several large events in town and out of state. I believe the best thing is to have AZBW set up an open forum to discuss items that need to be addressed.
Sponsor, vendors, patrons, etc should attend this. This should also be done soon so that preparations can be made for 2006.

MIKE
indyrednek@hotmail.com

Az Bike Week in "SNOBSDALE" I went last year for 2 hours and that was enough!!! This year I didn't even bother I've had more fun at the lil' runs and events. I went to wild west and it was great!!! Cheap beer, Camping ,loose women, games and crazy bikers!!! What else you need? Not a bunch of unorganized bull to fight with and mud and dust to eat!!!!!!!!

Duce

Rawhide is a family place, it is a wonderful place to take your kids, but when it is time for bike week, bikers love to live the biker life, for the week.(cheap beer, rat bikes, very little clothes, music, free camping, tits) most of all friendly bikers that just want to party and not have to worry about how much cash they will loose. Scottsdale is not the best place for bikers, we are thought of as the low life, to that location, we all do not ride 30,000 dollar bikes, take AZBW to a new valley location, where we bikers can enjoy this event. Scottsdale bikers have the cash to ride anywhere let them pay for hotel rooms, gas, food, camping, ETC... I would like to thank all bikers for your opinions....be safe, see you at the next rally ....later...

chiefneverwash

10 days way too long. It would be nice if the major dealerships would get their act together and collaborate with each other for rides and other events. Wish more vendors would come out with parts for sale. Rawhide is horrible, too much dust, not enough events throughout the day, security not the best, and 5 bucks for a beer ???AZBW should move back to the West Valley.

Kelly
limpydog57@hotmail.com

The Wild West Bike fest was really a great time. I spent less that 35.00. This was bring your own. 3 to 2 day camping kick off bike week event. I just wanted to pass this along. I will return next year "God Willing ".

Dee Dee

*Dave the website guy here. Dee Dee went on to say how successful the event was. She copied the text off the front page of the website, sorry Dee Dee can't copy it due to copyright laws however I do want everyone to read how great the event was so go to www.wildwestbikefest.com and see for yourself.

I'm not a big fan of AZ Bike Week either. For years I have felt that a smaller town would be a much better location. Somewhere like Globe, where there is beautiful riding in any direction. There is plenty of lodging, camping and "real", friendly bars. The town would really benefit and those of us who actually like to ride would enjoy it a lot more. The only event I go to during Bike Week anymore is the drags, and that is only because we've been allowed to bring in our own beer. The whole thing is way over priced, and it seems to be more about putting money in someone's pocket than about bikers riding and having a good time.

Michelle
troubleone@cox.net

I went to the first AZ bike week in Avondale, It small but you could see some potential, #2 was a bit bigger with a few big name vendors, like Broken Spoke and some HD shops getting involved. Down town Avondale was packed with vendors and everthing was centralized. Then all the big Bike shops seen they could make money so they took over, moved the event to scottsdale and everyone had to have there own ride. Every year I spent less and less time at all the rides, too much money and not much for the buck. Last year I was at Raw Hide for about 3 hrs and that was all I needed.YAWN.Did not bother this year. Raw Hide Is for tourist and Families,Get a central location, one that could use all the money we bikers bring,not up in the north part were they don't like us and don't really need us. I have more fun at small runs like the Dutchman,H.A. and Loner runs than I do at AZ Bike week.There's even Real Bikers at all the small ones. lol. Hopefully Az bike week will eventually find a soul and then It will become It's own entity. Let me know when it gets there.

azhogdog
www.azstormrider.com

Drag races and $5.00 beers. been there been screwed!!!!!

Rawhide and $5.00 beers. been there been screwed!!!!!!!!

$20.00 rides that charities hardly see any of the money.

COME ON THE LOW LIFE PROMOTER HAS IT ALL IN HIS POCKET.
BOYCOTT

Mountain Man

Arizona has great Highways,I enjoyed the ride in and the ride home. Didn't do much at the event. But like most of us that do alot of biker gatherings, I went for the ride. These bike events are starting to look all the same to me anyway. Kinda like Boob-job tits;I like-em but deep down inside you know you`re being played. For me it`s the ride not the destination, I can get a cheap beer right here at home, fake boobs and all.I`m really kinda glad that vendor`s and promoter`s are always cookin up some other hoop-de-do for us to ride to {and sometimes bitch} about. All in all it was O.K. All of us have been to enough event`s by now to not be surprised by greedy behavior, and besides everyone has to make a living. I always thought that Harley-Davidson, Edelbrock, Dynatek, etc. was what made my Harley go but it`s really money that does the best. Anyway,I`ll see ya in Laughlin or some where around Laughlin,you know the "Screw Laughlin Run" maybe. Ride Safe and often,........

Helicopter Jim...aka...LiquorStore Jim
chpprplt3@aol.com

I bought the 10 day pass but only went friday nite and sat morn, that was enough for me. Fri nite too many damm kids running around, beer too much, not enough women, and the AZBW queen contest, what happen to the bars entering the picks. I had more fun at the HD dealerships. I wish it was back at Westworld, it was fun back then, I wont go back next year.

Cheated

BIKE WEEK HAS TURNED INTO SOMETHING ONLY "SNOTTSDALE" WOULD ENJOY. WHEN I ARRIVED AT RAWHIDE I DID NOTICE THAT THEY TRIED TO MAKE IT BETTER. THE GROUNDS WERE OK AND THE TRAFFIC DIRECTION WAS ALOT BETTER. AS FAR AS THE VENDORS I WAS NOT IMPRESSED. THE BIG NAME VENDORS WERE NOT SELLING TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THE VENDORS THEY SUPPLY WERE NOT THERE. MOST OF THE RIDERS THAT I CAME IN CONTACT WITH WERE THE "SNOTTSDALE" TYPE. SOME OF THE VENDORS THAT WERE THERE CLOSED UP EARLY. I JUST HOPE THAT WHEN IT DOES MOVE IT WILL BE DONE BETTER AND CATERED TO A DIFFERENT CROWD. ALL I CAN DO IS HOPE THINGS CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.

INDYREDNEK

Bikeweek Arizona, SO I HAVE NAMED IT.
Until it is run not just for (RICH) the low life promoter,it will never be any good. He is such a (&%#$@hole) it's unbelievable.

Go to any other rally in the country and you don't have to pay to drink.
Every bar etc, goes with the flow. Rich's bike program is just for Rich.
I'm glad to see Hacienda did their own thing. BOYCOTT ARIZONA BIKE WEEK SHOULD BE THE CRY FOR THE NEXT YEAR

Wolfman

Thanks Arizona

This is the third year that we have come up from Texas to enjoy your Arizona Hospitality and such a wonderful place to ride. I know that we had a couple of rainy days, but over all we had fantastic weather to ride in, and the bottom line for us average folk is that is why we come up here. We have made so many friends here that you can be sure we will be back next year.

Bobcat Charlie

Terry Lee