The GUNNY'S SACK

September 2005 I just returned from a meeting of the Oregon Confederation of Clubs (COC), down in Canyonville, OR. This 2005 summer, we continued the new practice of meeting MONTHLY in different towns around the state. Kind of spreading the thing around. And more members from the various clubs and other rider groups can more easily attend and see what goes on. I didn’t count the attendance, but it sure feels good to see the interest in the COC from around the state.

As in every meeting, clubs and other rider groups are cordially invited to send a rep to look us over. THE COC is here to serve the interests of all motorcycle groups through action, both in the Courts and otherwise. That includes you folks who ride those speedy sport bikes, or the very fuel-efficient motor scooters we are seeing. It doesn't matter what you ride, your group is welcome to send a rep. By working together we can accomplish so much more.

There were two things that struck me at this meeting. We need more participation from everyone involved in the confederation, and we need to get our people to the capitols of our states when our legislatures are in session. Elected officials pay attention to people who care enough about their issues to show up and be seen. If we aren't a presence in their minds they have other things to do. The SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS THE GREASE. We need to let those folks know we care enough to go and talk to them.

NEWSBITS 'N' PIECES:

KATRINA'S BIKER VICTIMS: We are all very aware of the vast suffering in the Southeast part of our country. ABATE of Louisiana is doing their best to assist bikers there who need it. Many lost everything. HELP OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS by sending contributions through ABATE of Louisiana. Send donations to their state mailing address, so the Treasurer can track the money and get the help flowing quickly: P.O. Box 541 St. Amant, LA 70774

Any questions on the relief effort, contact: State Executive President – James "Poet" Sisco 1-800-393-5966 abatepoet@aol.com, or the State Executive Treasurer – Barb Sikes, at barb1106@yahoo.com, or call her at 1-800-268-5416

NIGERIA: The Nigerian "Motocycle" Union received a letter from the Nigerian Commissioner of Information, asking their members to be law-abiding, to register their bikes, and to get their motorcycle licenses. He also commended this Nigerian biker group for their efforts in finding jobs for their members and others in the community. Doesn't sound TOO unfamiliar to this Gunny's old ears – most Sack readers who are in ANY biker association or club here in the USA have probably heard campaigns before about urging our people to get their motorcycle ENDORSEMENT! Just goes to show, no matter what country, continent or culture, bikers have similar issues, and we stick together to look after our own.

WASHINGTON STATE: A couple here were jailed for road rage recently, because they were charged with running a biker off the road. The driver of the car was charged with 1st degree assault for striking the bike with her car, causing him to leave the roadway and crash. Her husband was also charged, in his case with 4th degree assault, because THIS FOOL jumped out of the car, and went and TACKLED THE BIKER after he crashed! The biker was still lying on the side of the road, suffering from his injures. THIS CASE needs to be monitored, to be sure these people get what's coming to them. From the JUDICIAL SYSTEM, that is. As a side note, the organization that is tracking just such cases, and that does SO MUCH more in the way of INFORMATION FOR BIKERS, is the Sons of Liberty Riders. Let me give you just a little info about it, now that I have yer attention!

SONS OF LIBERTY RIDERS: These folks aren't a club, and they're not really an association, either. They're a group of biker activists of all stripes and from all over. They share information on the Internet, and gather at least once a year for their "TEA" conference. TEA = The Extreme Activists, since they are just that. My boss, Oregon AIM (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) lawyer Sam Hochberg, is knowledgeable about these folks, but here’s how YOU can find out MORE, and read all about it: GO to their website at www.solriders.com. You can also sign up for their VERY helpful email list. You'll get daily emails about BIKERS RIGHTS issues from around the country, and you can contribute your own words and actions, too. The group also sponsors a site on the "ROW", or "Right of Way" campaign, to increase penalties for drivers who cause us to CRASH! The ROW site is www.bikers4row.org – go look at 'em and BOOKMARK them now!