The GUNNY'S SACK

August 2005 NCOM comes to PORTLAND, October 22!
Mark your calendars NOW! The West Coast REGIONAL CONFERENCE of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists – NCOM – is set for October 22nd, 10 am until 7pm, followed by a party, of course, the Freedom Fighter's Social. The conference is at the Airport Sheraton Hotel, and it's FREE to ALL bikers. Mention NCOM for the special room rate of $99.00 a night, single or double or however many you can load in.

AMONG THE ISSUES on the agenda is the new proposed Federal "Anti-Gang" act, along with the Patriot Acts, and the possible effects on BIKERS. Don't miss it – free, on Oct. 22.

NEWSBITS 'N' PIECES:

NEW YORK, NY: The SEC Starts Inquiry Into Harley-Davidson according to the Associated Press. Allegedly, Harley announced they intended to limit short-term production and decrease planned motorcycle shipments. On April 13, Harley-Davidson said it would increase motorcycle shipments from last year's 317,000 units to a target of 329,000 units, below original plans of 339,000 units. The company also lowered earnings forecasts for the year, citing weak first-quarter sales and a GLUT of 2005 bikes on dealer floors. In response, Harley shares plunged to their lowest price in more than 14 months. The Securities commission started inquiries because of complains from shareholders. Harley said it is cooperating with the SEC, and noted that in light of the pending shareholder litigation, it wasn't surprised by the inquiry.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND: A Kiwi set the world SIDE-HACK speed record. New Zealander Glenn Hayward, driving a 1000cc machine dubbed the Flying Kiwi, shattered the 19-year-old world speed record for motorcycle and sidecar on a straight stretch of highway on New Zealand's South Island. Riding with a 60 kilogram (132-pound) weight in the sidecar, Hayward reached a two-run average of 272 kph (170 mph), eclipsing the previous record of 222 kph (139 mph). A representative of the International Motorcycling Federation observed the record attempt, making it official. Y'wouldn't find ME at half that speed with a sidecar! Riding those things takes some special talent!

WASHINGTON, DC: Our unhappy dealings with Dr. Jeffrey Runge from NHTSA is ending with his departure from that agency to become Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Homeland Security. Hopefully, his replacement at NHTSA will have a more open mind when it comes to the welfare of bikers on the highways. Runge has been a headache for motorcyclists for the past four years. 'Course, havin' him involved in Homeland Security makes me kinda quiver too.

TACOMA, WASHINGTON: Thurston County residents who have to raise their voices to be heard over the noise of a neighbor's dirt bike or motorcycle now have recourse. A county ordinance makes motorized vehicle noise illegal when it reaches 55 decibels on a neighbor's property -- about the same level as a conversation. The ordinance covers ALL noise not just ORV (dirt bikes). The boom boxes in cars and carried on teen shoulders are part of it. Now THAT we can live without, but just the vehicle's OWN noise is a little different. Folks, have some kindness on your throttle and we can avoid more laws like this one!

GAS PRICES AT NEW RECORD: This isn't really news, but the national averages have gone crazy. Most of us SAVE bigtime on fuel when we're on our scoots, but it still STINGS worse and worse.

The real problem in my mind is the impact fuel costs have on the prices we pay for consumer goods. It's way past time for us all to be writing letters and sending E-mails to our elected officials in the Federal government. The people can stop this if we get mad enough to scream at Congress. The high cost of living is raising hell with us all, especially those on fixed incomes. Let's all get busy and write a letter or two.

DIESEL BIKE: There has been research for years on diesel aircraft engines. Why not diesel engines for motorcycles? Seems like a no-brainer to me. Motorcycles have been evolving for nearly a century. There is even electric technology. Think about it, you would never have fouled plugs and you could still have those loud pipes some folks like so much, plus the advantage of even BETTER fuel economy. Diesel fumes stink a little but what the hey! People will know we were there because their noses know! Emissions are LOWER than gas engines, too.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: There is a big fight brewing here in the Pacific Northwest, in Washington, over a BALLOT MEASURE designed to LIMIT your access to the courts there! There are enough mistakes made in the medical profession that a watchful eye is required to FIX the PROBLEM, instead of screwing the legitimately injured patients. To combat lawsuits by those patients INJURED by medical negligence, the Washington State Medical Association now has more than $3.6 million in the bank and $5.3 million pledged - all directed at taking away our right to our day in court, IGNORING the needs of people injured by medical negligence, and protecting insurance industry profits at OUR expense. The people who support this fund: Hospitals $1.8 million, Pharmaceuticals $100,000, Insurance Industry $830,000, Med.l professionals and practices $1.7 million, WA medical association. $733,000, and THIS just in Washington State.

We need to protect patients who are injured by the handful of bad doctors everywhere who cause most of the malpractice. We need also to protect our many good doctors from price gouging by the insurance industry.

WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN AND SCREAM BLOODY MURDER wherever you are. Remember to tell them that TORT DEFORM is bad for EVERYONE! This stuff is nasty.

STATELINE, ID: Remember the recent kidnapping of Shasta Groeneg and the murder of her family? Bet you didn't see it on TV, but BIKERS played a big role. More than 500 Harley-Davidson and other motorcycle riders came to empty their pockets on behalf of the biker's daughter who survived the horrific abduction, The six hour benefit drew more than a 1000 people who donated cash at the front door of Cruiser's Bar & Grill, a biker hangout in this town just east of the Washington state line. Total receipts were not announced.. "You say bikers and people think of gangs, but these people are the best people in the world," Groene said. "These people step up for anything and everything." And you and I know it, don't we?

THE GUNNY AGAIN: Remember, when bikers need help they are served by the best group of folks on the face of this planet. Our AIM (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) attorneys are there for US when we need them the most, because they ARE us – they ride, they KNOW what we face out there on the roads, and they look out for our interests. Ask anyone who's been hurt and someone else was at fault, what their AIM attorney did for them! You DON'T hear the same sorts of lawyer stories MOST clients tell. These AIM guys really care about our welfare. Call 1-800-ON-A-BIKE, or 1-800-531-2424, or here in Oregon Sam Hochberg is always available at 1-800-347-1106 toll free, or email at SamBikeLaw@aol.com. Your Gunny is AIMGunny@aol.com.