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.

Motorcycle hearses have gone beyond being a gimmick to being offered in many parts of the world as a suitable way for a biker to take his final ride. But for those who need to make it from the church to graveside in the shortest possible time may look to England for their answer. Reaching speeds of 144 mph in a ‘trike-hearse’, Reverend Ray Biddiss wasn’t rushing a rider to their final resting place but chasing a world record on an airfield runway in York, England. The 57 year old vicar needed to exceed a speed of more than 80mph to be recognized by Guinness World Records. Riding a 2008 Triumph Rocket III which was given a trike conversion and then had a coffin carrier added, the holy ride was on a sleek black and chrome hearse. According to the Reverend, who calls himself ‘heaven's angel ‘, the modified Triumph is actually used for funeral services in Halifax, Yorkshire. Called ‘The Rocket’ the motorcycle hearse is a Triumph Rocket III with a 2.3 liter, three cylinder engine built by Liversedge-based DTB Panther Trikes to Reverend Biddiss's specifications and within the relevant road traffic regulations. “Many people who are or have been bikers agree that a motorcycle hearse is the only way to travel for your final journey," Reverend Biddiss told local reporters. He should understand that biker passion, he has been riding for over forty years himself. "I wanted to create the most powerful of all coffin carriers,” Biddiss said, “a vehicle that maintains the integrity of a motorcycle, appeals to the most passionate of bikers and brings a credible alternative to the traditional four-wheeled hearse or other motorcycle hearse outfits."

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 unique subculture of the motorcycle world is explored in a new book titled ‘Behind the Patch: Towards an Understanding of Public Safety and Law Enforcement Motorcycle Clubs ’ which looks closer at law enforcement officers that may try to emulate the very outlaw biker gangs they are tasked to police. Different groups of law enforcement have come together to create their own unique motorcycle club. Occasionally their members have made headlines over violent encounters, sometimes with motorcycle clubs considered among the ‘one-percenters’. From the books press release; ‘In contrast to the outlaw bikers, police officers are law abiding and sworn to uphold the traditional cultural norms and values of mainstream society. Law enforcement officers and outlaw bikers are most often viewed as being two distinct subcultures, whose norms, values, and beliefs are in complete opposition to each other.' 'However, according to law enforcement sources, the distinction between Outlaw Motorcycle Gang members and law enforcement officers, which was once a clearly drawn line is now becoming blurred. In fact, some law enforcement officers are creating and joining Public Safety and Law Enforcement Motorcycle Clubs whose members allegedly emulate the outlaw biker lifestyle. Playing cop by-day and biker by-night has placed many of these public safety and police officers in a tenuous position. As a result, numerous law enforcement officials at all levels have turned against their fellow police officers due to their membership in these types of clubs. Not only have the cop-bikers alienated themselves from some of their fellow law enforcement officers, but one-percenter Outlaw Motorcycle Gang members are also angered by police officers who imitate the outlaw biker image.’ Reportedly, ‘Behind the Patch ’, published by Dog Ear Publishing, goes behind the scenes of the Renegade Pigs, the Warthogs and the Iron Warriors Motorcycle Clubs. Written by Karen Katz, the author states she spent several years conducting in-depth fieldwork into the Public Safety and Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club subculture. Katz has long been interested in understanding both the Public Safety and Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Subculture and the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang subculture. Katz has received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Criminology and a Master’s of Law, specializing in Criminal Law. Katz is known for her impeccable research skills and she has a reputation as being the “data hound” for her unique abilities to track down even the most obscure primary and secondary data. ‘Public Safety and Law Enforcement Motorcycle Clubs represent a social response to the breakdown of the police subculture, specifically, the erosion of brotherhood, internal solidarity, and camaraderie within police departments,’ the press release reads. Katz writes in detail of this unique hybrid subculture. She delves into such topics as the law enforcement and outlaw biker controversies over the formation of the clubs; the history of the clubs; the purpose of the clubs; their political structure, and the role of women among other things.

Polaris Industries, a company that has built the Victory Motorcycles brand one eye-catching model at a time has surprised the riding world by bringing the historically reverent pedigree of the Indian name into their line-up. “Polaris closed the acquisition of the Indian Motorcycle Company, one of the most storied brands in heavyweight motorcycles,” Polaris CEO Scott Wine said on a conference call, “By uniting the Indian brand with the capabilities Polaris has developed in its 13 years with Victory, we are confident over time that we will accelerate the growth and profitability of both brands and our overall motorcycle business.” Recently, Polaris led its Victory Motorcycle brand to the front of the American motorcycle manufacturing industry pack with its increased sales and more importantly, improved profits. Officials feel they can do the same for the sometimes struggling, but historic brand. “A brief review of history will show that Indian built the first American motorcycle in 1901 and the world’s first V-Twin engine in 1907 and went on to become one of the great motorcycle companies in America in the first half of the 20th Century,” Wine confidently stated. The announcement and excitement rode through the motorcycle world after an agreement was made between snowmobile and off-road vehicle manufacturer Polaris and the two U.K. investment firms that control Indian Motorcycle, Stellican Limited and Novator Partners LLP. While no dollar figures were cited (‘Unless required to, we will never disclose what we paid for an acquisition’, Wine replied to the question of price) Polaris view the new acquisition as a fresh riding road for the American multi-vehicle manufacturer, noting it was "excited to be part of the revitalization of a quintessentially American brand." And it appears the company will have the cash to help the Indian brand ride out of any marketing storms. Yesterday Polaris reported its sales increased in the first quarter over the same time last year by 49%. Sales for the first quarter 2011 totaled $537.2 million compared to last year’s first quarter sales of $361.7 million. "We are extremely pleased with our first quarter results, as the momentum we built throughout 2010 continued into 2011,” Wine stated while reporting the financial results, “Retail demand for Polaris products in North America remained strong throughout the first quarter and we continued to gain market share.” Formed in 1901 in Springfield, Massachusetts by a group of bicycle enthusiasts, Indian Motorcycle Co. was actually the first of its kind in North America. Its brand is considered by many as iconic as Harley-Davidson’s. Aside from its unique styling and reputation as an uphill racer the American manufacturer also pioneered a number of engineering firsts, including electric start and lights, swing-arm suspension, leak-proof engine cases and the first V-Twin motorcycle engine built in North America. But the original company ceased production in 1953 and while the legendary name endured different attempts at a revival, it wasn’t until the present group of investors opened its factory doors in 2006 in the North Carolina town of Kings Mountain that the Indian brand really was ready for the open road again. “We have no intentions of living in the past and fully recognize that the brand has had many ups and downs over the past 60 years but the heritage and style that Indian brings to Polaris significantly expands our target customer base,” explained Wine on the conference call discussing the acquisition. While the amount Polaris paid for the Indian Brand may not be known, what they intend to do with it and who they plan to attract is no secret. “As we look at the breakdown of motorcycle consumers, Victory has established a strong brand position with the performance enthusiast segment where customers are most interested in our modern styling, performance, quality and value of the bike,” Scott outlined, “With the Indian brand in our stable, we will gain access to what we call the “die-hard” segment where riders look for classic styling and iconic brand. This acquisition more than doubled the scope of our target market.” It’s not just the name Polaris has purchased, but the entire Indian Motorcycles company including the engineers, production line and its people. It seems Polaris is aware of the dangers of the appearance of homogenization of the most recent incarnation of the Indian motorcycle. This careful dance will be made with the harsh realities of manufacturing efficiencies and cost effective production lines motorcycle manufacturers have been working so hard to perfect over the last few years. “It’s just not scaled there right now,” Wine observed about the Indian production facilities, “We’ve got very good assembly capability and capacity in Spirit Lake but it’s worth noting again that buying this iconic brand, we will be very disciplined to make sure that there’s a very distinct difference between any Indian bike we develop and any Victory bike that comes out of Spirit Lake.” And just because you have the riding world’s attention, the change of ownership doesn’t necessarily mean they be jumping into the saddle of a new Indian motorcycle anytime soon. “There’s a distinct difference between having access to and actually penetrating any segment of the highly competitive heavyweight motorcycle market,” Wine contemplated, “We made this investment to pursue the capabilities, including a world-class engineering team and a demonstrated ability to execute new product introduction that are strongly correlated to what the Indian brand needs for success.” The feedback from Indian fans has been positive with the expectation of more dealerships featuring the famous motorcycle and a possible wider price range, making it more affordable to ride the classic brand. A possible hint of the range of models from the new owners of Indian came as Scott Wine outlined the short term future with the phrase ‘new heritage’ making its first (possibly official) appearance. “Indian Motorcycle sales were approximately $11 million in 2010 and we project shipments will decline slightly before they accelerate with the re-launch of the new heritage bikes we develop” Wine said, “This business will be distributed to suppliers as we make these necessary but national investments, but we are confident that in time these investments will yield quite strong returns. We have a detailed plan and a strong team to accomplish the hard work ahead to make Indian Motorcycles the top contender and to continue its legacy.” And as for dealerships, Polaris may take this opportunity to expand its own presence in the marketplace. “We put a lot of thought and study into how this might work and our Victory dealer network has done a decent job of expanding over the last 18 months, but we’re still very much under-represented in the Top 100 markets in the United States,” Wine explained, “So we’re not going to try and push Indian into all our of our dealers but we are going to make a concerted effort to improve and leverage the Indian brand and the strength of those bikes with Victory to establish better representation in the top markets for motorcycles in the United States. I think over the next couple of years you’ll see that strategy play out.” Although not discussed during the conversation about the acquisition, taking an American brand abroad must certainly be in the long term plans of the captains of the Indian brand. In the first quarter results for Polaris, the company’s international sales were up 21% compared to the same period last year and they celebrated the grand opening of its European headquarters in Switzerland during the quarter. Speaking of international, the now-former owners of Indian Motorcycles are confident they are leaving the famous name in very good hands. “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Polaris,” said Stellican Chairman Stephen Julius in a statement, “Polaris will utilize its well-known strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and distribution to complete the mission we undertook upon re-launching the brand in 2006: harness the enormous potential of the Indian brand.” “Polaris is the most logical owner of Indian Motorcycle. Indian's heritage brand will allow Polaris to aggressively compete across an expanded spectrum of the motorcycle market,” Julius said. Novator Partners LLP, Indian's other former owner, is a London-based investment firm founded and led by the investor Thor Bjorgolfsson, an avid motorcycle enthusiast. “After a troubled past, our goal was to bring the legendary Indian bikes back on the roads,” Bjorgolfsson said. “The initial phase of that project is done and now our great partners at Polaris will carry on the work to realize the full potential of this classic American brand.”

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.