Love bug season in Southwest Florida is a stubborn, sticky time for bikers who have to scrape insect debris off the front of their motorcycle to avoid paint damage. But try getting them out of your beard. "When I go through a cloud, you don't want to hug me," said Dean Lindquist, a local motorcycle rider known as the Mayor for the resemblance his stature and facial hair bear to the "The Wizard of Oz" character. In between the patches on the front of his black leather vest and around his matching angle-heeled boots are the telltale flecks of gray he couldn't remove after recent rides. Bugs in your whiskers and on your clothes may be one price to pay for choosing two wheels over four during the biannual love bug seasons, in April-May and August-September, but seasoned riders know there is more to it. Smart riding right now means motorcycle riders have to pull over regularly during daytime runs to clean off their goggles and, for the more protected, the small windshields on their bikes. Swarming, during which the adults emerge and partner up, occurs primarily from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Since the peak time for love bugs to be out is during daylight, night riders will have an easier time avoiding them. "Your destination can't get in the way so that you don't pull over when you should," said Alan Harris, a sales associate at Naples Harley Davidson. "Twenty minutes of hard riding will fill it up pretty fast," he estimates after a drive to Lake Okeechobee last weekend that required constant stops to clean off bug splatter that impaired visibility. The flight of these small flies lasts about five weeks in spring and fall, and they concentrate around areas with more decaying organic matter like preserves and farms. University of Florida entomologists describe them as a "nuisance pest," rather than destructive or dangerous. They become all the more bothersome without a thick windshield or windows to roll up. "The thing about it you don't notice in a car - they smell," added Randy Bryant, a Naples motorcycle rider. "They don't taste good either," he said with a laugh. Despite their plague-like cult status in Florida, research into love bugs isn't a priority for scientists since the only economic loss comes from individuals paying for car washes and paint jobs. Though the flies are an invasive species with no good natural enemies in Florida, the funding to research and deal with the population in the state is absent. The last big push to study the unashamedly amorous insects was in the 1960s, when their numbers in the state were much higher and the nuisance even greater, said John Capinera, chairman of the University of Florida's Department of Entomology. "Ideally you would go to Central America and find the natural enemy. That takes time and money, and those are in short supply these days," he added. While for the state, love bugs may not be a fiscal nuisance, inattentive vehicle owners might feel differently. Spattered love bugs left on a car and exposed to sunlight will turn acidic in 24 hours, which can damage paint. Doug Brann, owner of Doug Brann Paint & Body Repair in Naples, said old and new vehicles are as equally susceptible. "That acid is so strong from the love bug, it will eat right through anything," said Brann, who learned the hard way after not rinsing off his wife's new car following a trip across Alligator Alley several years ago. He ended up repainting the front of the one-week-old car. Wax might help protect the paint jobs, but there are no guarantees. Cooking spray is touted as an at-home remedy but can discolor certain paint finishes and isn't recommended. A clear lacquer painted on the front of the car can provide an extra barrier of protection. It will run car owners around $500; a new paint job costs at least twice that. The cheapest, though most labor-intensive solution, is rinsing off bug debris within 24 hours to help neutralize the acid, Brann suggested.

A who’s who of the Nation’s defense will essentially become honorary bikers for a day as Secretary of Defense Robert Gates among others will join in the 24^th Annual Rolling Thunder demonstration later this month. Joining the Secretary of Defense will also be Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Director of POW/MIA Personnel office Norman Kass (RET) and Commander Kirk Lippold (USN RET). Commander Lippold is the former commander of the USS Cole, which was the target of a deadly terrorist attack in Yemen in 2000. Beginning in 1987 and continuing through the present, Rolling Thunder has conducted the “Rolling Thunder Run” on Memorial Day Weekend with members converging on Washington, D.C to show their continued support for the efforts to find lost service men and women of past conflicts. At this year's event the guests will be featured speakers at Rolling Thunder's 24th annual demonstration in Washington, D.C., May 27-29, 2011. They will speak during the May 29 program, which will also include appearances by Lynn O'Shea, director of research for the National Alliance of Families for the Return of America's Missing Servicemen along with Veteran's Advocate Nikki Mendicino and other supporters of Rolling Thunder and the POW/MIA issue. This year due to construction, the stage will be located in the field between the Reflecting Pool and the Korean Memorial.  Weekend highlights include: Friday, May 27 Candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Wall led by Gold Star and Blue Star families to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to their country, and those who are still missing or held prisoner, 9 p.m. Saturday, May 28 Salute to the Troops program at the stage in the field between the Reflecting Pool and Korean Memorial, noon to 3 p.m. Reception honoring Gold Star/Blue Star families, wounded veterans from area hospitals, and families of POWs/MIAs at the Hyatt Crystal City at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 29 Program of speakers and music at the stage in the field between the Reflecting Pool and Korean Memorial from 1:30-5 p.m. Providing musical tributes at the Sunday event once again will be internationally known singer/entertainer, actress and long-time veterans' supporter Nancy Sinatra, country singer Gordon Painter, the Loch Rannoch Pipes & Drums Band, singer Kelly Trudell and Southern Fried Musicians. A new addition this year is a dynamic group of singers known as 4TROOPS. These four young veterans' mission is to honor their fellow servicemen and women and recognize the sacrifices our armed forces make in service to their country. They have been featured on The View, Good Morning America, ABC's Nightline, and other programs and are touring nationally and internationally. Bios on all speakers and musical performers are available in the Rolling Thunder online press room. The Rolling Thunder Inc. Flame of Freedom will also be transported via motorcycle escort from Oklahoma to Washington, DC, arriving May 27. The Flame will be used at the candlelight vigil to escort Gold Star families as they walk along the Vietnam Wall during the May 27 candlelight remembrance.

“Thunda Around the Rotunda” draws speeches from union, political leaders Saturday afternoon

The decibel level inside Capitol Square was heightened Saturday afternoon by the clamor of more than 300 motorcyclists revving their engines in opposition to Gov. Scott Walker’s controversial plan to limit public union collective bargaining rights. Sponsored by AFL-CIO and Milwaukee Ironworkers Local 8, the event, dubbed “Thunda Around the Rotunda,” saw traditional motorcycles, mopeds and some cycles make a couple loops around Capitol Square, which was lined with motor enthusiasts and protesters alike. Speakers at the event, including prominent Democratic and union leaders, bolstered attendance by emphasizing the connection between motorcycling, collective bargaining rights and the state of Wisconsin. “There were two great things invented right here in the state of Wisconsin,” Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, told the crowd. “One of them is public sector collective bargaining rights and the other one is Harley Davidson.” He added no governor “in his right mind” would attempt to eliminate either of those institutions. Motorcylist Dino Lucas, a 50-year-old Madison water utility worker and union member, rode a Harley motorcycle Saturday. He said it was ridiculous that the governor limit their bargaining rights and ask them to pay more for pensions and health care. “People don’t know how much we give for benefits already. We pay our fair share,” Lucas said. Lucas said he already contributes 50 percent of his pension. Matt Speer, 49, of Madison, rode into Capitol Square riding a black Ducati ST4, and has been at more than eight rallies protesting Walker’s bill curtailing bargaining rights. He runs a small business, and said he and other business owners benefit from unions because of the workers’ effect on the economy. “If labor does well, we do well too,” Speer said. “If workers are well paid they make the economy roll.” He said he thinks workers occasionally ask for too much, but rarely are all their requests met. Other speakers at the event encouraged attendees to work hard to increase awareness of the upcoming recall elections that have the potential to unseat nine elected senators. Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller, D-Monona, said the recall elections would be a referendum on Walker’s policies, but the final “nail in the coffin” would come in January when recall efforts against the Walker himself can begin taking place.

A motorcycle concept from Europe is riding into two of the most famous American cities as motorcycle taxi services are introduced to New York and Los Angeles by Moto Limos Club. While the company isn’t trying to make avid bikers out of everyday executives, Moto Limos Club are promising to move professional business types through the heavy congestion and daily traffic jams that plague most major cities. First, the motorcycle details; the fleet will include 15 2012 Honda Goldwing motorcycles and an undetermined number of the three-wheeled Bombardier Can Am Spyders. And the top executive of the hottest company won’t have to worry about a grey beard flying in his face or hang onto a pinned and patched leather vest. According to the website, the chauffeurs are ‘highly skilled and qualified riders each possessing over 15 years of riding experience coupled with extensive histories in related motorcycle activities.’ ‘Our chauffeur riders are trained to take every care and precaution with their passengers and trained to react correctly in case of any emergency,’ states the website, ‘Our riders aren't just enthusiasts, but professional daily riders.’ The concept isn’t a new option to business people around the world with motorcycle taxis regularly seen in England, Sweden, Indonesia, Cambodia and India. But where this two-wheeled form of transportation may be the less expensive form of transportation in other parts of the world, the new American service sees its clientele base as a little more affluent. Memberships are required to use the service and they range from $125 to $250 with the actual service reaching $90 an hour. Consequently, only the latest technology is being offered to those power-brokers on the go. The technologically advanced full face helmet offered to paying passengers is Bluetooth enabled and has separate lift action goggles and face plate. Passengers can communicate with the chauffeur easily as well as take personal calls. Entertainment comes in the way of personal MP3 players or the onboard radio on state of the art speakers and equipment. All weather gear will be provided for those less than perfect riding days with a ‘comfortable body suit keeping passengers both warm and dry’ along with heated seats and arm rests. And who knows, executives could find boardroom battles fall to their favor after they turn up for the meeting biker-style.

City police want to be sure members of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang understand them clearly – the organized crime syndicate isn't welcome here. More specifically, they're not welcome to broadcast their biker gang affiliation if they're going to toss back brewskies in local bars. Earlier this month, city police announced that signs were coming to the city, cautioning that people wearing gang colours, gang insignias and gang support were unwelcome in downtown bars. The signs also state that failing to abide by the rules could result in a trespassing charge. At the time, no specific group of people were mentioned in the announcement, resulting in a few raised eyebrows, a few letters to the editor, and a few comments questioning the move. City police Const. Dan Gemmiti said officers working the downtown beat began hearing concerns from business owners when the Outlaws, and their friends, began hanging out at local bars. In November the Outlaws set up a clubhouse just outside the city limits, on Lansdowne St. W. Officers asked bar owners if they were interested in putting up a "no gang colours" sign, Gemmiti said, and received 16 requests for signage. Gemmiti said the bars pay for the signs, with some funding through the DBIA. That sparked another initiative, he said, with officers stopping in at those establishments and educating bar staff about biker gang insignia looks like. "Not everyone understands what support wear is," he said. In some cases, it's a patch with a biker gang's logo on it. Other examples include a "1%" patch. Police want to send a very clear message, and let any member of a criminal organization know that they're flat-out not welcome in the city, Gemmiti said. Police have no intention of targeting biker clubs, or any group, that has no involvement in organized crime, he said. Insp. Tim Farquharson said there was no indication that the Outlaws were interested in setting up downtown. The move is part of a bigger war the police force is waging on the drug trade, he said. Drugs, organized crime and organized gangs go hand in hand, he said, adding that it's an issue of public safety.

While much of the nation’s focus has been on the federal government and the political budget debate, Oregon safety advocates and riders have kept an eye on its own state legislature and a bill that would have offered a choice over mandatory motorcycle helmets. But even as the Federal government found their compromise, Oregon politicians admitted in emails that the motorcycle helmet state legislation was stuck on the side of the political road. Bill 3141 was introduced at a public hearing earlier in April and would have allowed motorcycle riders and their passengers 21 years and older a choice of whether to wear a helmet. Where similar attempts had failed before, the bill’s sponsors felt the political make-up of the Oregon legislature and a unique sunset clause allowing for the law to be reviewed after being effect for eighteen months would be enough to see the bill succeed. Under the proposed law, other riders who choose not to wear a helmet would have to carry $25,000 in personal injury protection in their vehicle insurance policy. Oregon is one of 20 states that require all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet.  Twenty-seven states have motorcycle helmet laws that only require younger riders to do so, and three others do not have any helmet laws. But apparently the bill became mired in the House Transportation Committee and doesn’t appear to moving forward with needed ‘work sessions’ to allow continued consideration of the legislation. While opponents of the bill haven’t made any public statements, comments from those supporting the legislation felt not enough time or attention was given to those who were in favor of Bill 3141. But as with past sessions of the State government, the bill’s proponents promised to be back next year to try again. “We will be back next year. Perhaps next time we will have the courtesy of being actually listened to,” Mel Yeager of Albany, secretary-treasurer of BikePAC Oregon told the Democrat Herald.

A leading expert on motorcycle safety is continuing its efforts to reach out to other road-users as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation tackles to ongoing problem of distracted drivers. Using the opportunity of backing April's national awareness month to combat this deadly highway hazard, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is strongly urging all motorists to stop driving while distracted. And the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certainly comes with the authority and expertise drivers should pay attention to. The group promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests and public information programs with its standards recognized worldwide since 1973. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. "Distracted driving is of great concern for motorcyclists as we simply have more at stake," said MSF President Tim Buche. "Riders are obviously more vulnerable than car or truck drivers, the ones with far more access to a variety of distractions. Most motorcyclists are focused on one thing: riding. Other motorists should be focused on driving." The U. S. Department of Transportation's website reports a variety of sobering statistics: In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in crashes involving driver distraction (16 percent of the total fatalities). The proportion of fatalities reportedly associated with driver distraction increased from 10 percent in 2005 to 16 percent in 2009. 20 percent of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving. 18 percent of fatalities in distraction-related crashes involved reports of a cell phone as a distraction. "With these alarming, increasing reports of driver distraction and resulting injuries and deaths, we support every effective effort, including legislation, to fight this growing hazard," Buche said. "We're very pleased that Oprah Winfrey, an influential TV personality with huge national reach, has come out so strongly against distracted driving." Introduced by former U.S. Representative Betsy Markey, the resolution to create a National Distracted Driving Awareness Month was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on March 23, 2010. Most states currently have laws regulating distracted driving. The DOT reports that 30 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam ban text messaging for all drivers. Last year alone, 12 of these laws were enacted. To increase driver awareness, the MSF presents key facts about motorcycles and their riders and has created a website with valuable resources for drivers. 10 Things All Car and Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles and Motorcyclists 1.  There are many more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road and some drivers don’t “recognize” motorcyclists. They ignore them, usually unintentionally. Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection. 2.  A motorcyclist may look farther away than he or she is in actuality. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, estimate that a motorcycle is closer than it looks. 3.  A motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots or masked by objects or backgrounds outside the car. Thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections. 4.  A motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Again, don't immediately rely on your perceptions. 5.  Motorcyclists sometimes slow down by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Don't tailgate motorcyclists. At intersections, anticipate that motorcyclists may slow down without any visual warning. 6.  Turn signals on a motorcycle are not often automatically self-canceling. Some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off. Try to determine whether a motorcycle’s turn signal is for real. And if you’re driving a car, remember to use your turn signals too. They’re a great communication tool for riders and drivers when used properly. 7.  Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily, to avoid road debris, and deal with passing vehicles and wind. Understand that motorcyclists often adjust lane position for a purpose, and it's not an invitation for a car to share the lane with them. 8.  Maneuverability can be one advantage for a motorcycle, but don’t expect that motorcyclist can always steer or swerve out of harm's way. Please leave motorcyclists room on the road, wherever they are around you. 9.  Stopping distance for motorcycles can be nearly the same or better than that of cars. But wet or slippery pavement can put motorcyclists at a disadvantage. Don't violate a motorcyclist's right of way, especially in bad conditions. 10.   Don’t think of it as a motorcycle, a machine: Think of the rider; the person on board is someone's son, daughter, spouse or parent. Unlike other motorists, protected by doors, roofs and airbags, motorcyclists have only their safety gear and are at greater risk from distracted drivers. In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study, distracted driving contributed to more than 22 percent of all the crashes and near-crashes that were recorded. This research gathered its data from video recorders and instrumentation installed on the vehicles before they were placed back, for months, into everyday traffic. The MSF 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study will soon do the same with motorcycles, for six to 18 months, and will combine unobtrusive, continuous data collection with post-incident interviews. The study will create a comprehensive picture of many factors, possibly including distracted driving, that contribute to both crashes and near-crashes. The MSF, its members, and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) are now engaged in this study, likely the world’s first large-scale, naturalistic research on motorcycle riding. "While the solution to ending distracted driving is clear – better, smarter, safer decisions – upcoming research will shed more light on the nature of the problem," Buche said.

Law enforcement agencies may have found their secret weapon against motorcycle noise and the answer comes on four legs. After ten years of perfecting training techniques, Kanine Kings, a company in Phoenix Arizona that supplies drug-sniffing dogs to law agencies all over the world has announced today it can effectively produce four legged friends that will react to specific loud noises such as those produced by what many call ‘loud pipes’. Motorcycle noise is an ongoing debate with even manufacturers advising riders to keep the levels low if not to prevent any legislation regulating motorcycle but also help the public’s perceptions of bikers. Many legal experts feel with this new furry weapon, the final hurdle of legally implementing legislation targeting motorcycles blasting more decibels than is recommended both federally as well as in different states around the country could be overcome. ”Just as the court system recognizes the legality of searching a suspect when a trained dog detects drugs,” noted legal expert Lawdon Suit, “There isn’t much work to be done to set the bar to allow the same for a dog to alert law officials to suspected loud pipes.” Effectively, any alert given by a trained animal would allow police to conduct an electronic test with reasonable cause. Motorcycle advocacy groups appear to have mixed opinions on the matter with many ABATE chapters prepared to ride to Washington over a perceived infringement on a biker’s rights while the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) is reviewing the matter with its legal counsel. Meanwhile, municipalities around the country have reacted quickly to the news. Many cities such as Myrtle Beach view this as an opportunity to curtail any further attempts to revive the motorcycle rally that grew to become one of the largest in the country. Officials began implementing a variety of laws several years ago to effectively chase the event out of town and some city commissioners have noted this could be the ‘magic bullet’. Other cash strapped cities and towns are eyeing this latest training technique as an opportunity to help with struggling budgets in dire need of balancing. “Depending on the cost of the trained canines this could prove a cost effective method of bringing in much needed revenues,” said a mayor from a small New Hampshire town who asked not to be identified. But the law enforcement agencies may have to what just a little bit longer for the decibel sensitive dogs, the owner of Kanine Kings is looking for some clarification on the legal front. “There are several standards of how much is too much noise when it comes to motorcycle exhaust systems, “ explain Dale Collie, owner of the dog training company, “Once the canine is trained, its embedded for the rest of its life, so we have to make sure we have the correct noise amount to train to.” Collie estimates by the time attorneys establish the correct decibel level and the dogs are trained accordingly, it be twelve months before the first specialized dog is delivered. More information on those hurdles were discussed in an article published last year. “”I don’t foresee any canines trained to detect loud pipes on the streets before April 1^st of next year,” Collie said with a smile, “but then bikers better beware.”