Category: Biker News

In the beginning, it was Jimmy who drove the motorcycle and Grace who rode on back. These days, Grace is the one gripping the handlebars and Jimmy, who has health problems and walks with a cane, is the passenger. In biker lingo, Grace is "packing her old man" when Jimmy shares the saddle of her 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 900. "That's what happens when you teach us to drive," said Grace Pulis, 68. "We take over." It was a novelty for a woman to drive a motorcycle in the 1970s, when Grace started riding. These days female riders are much more common, but she said others often seem startled by the sight of a gray-haired woman, who happens to be a great-grandmother, driving with a man behind her. "I've gotten everything from, ‘Don't you know where you belong?' — meaning I should be on the back, not on the front — to ‘Wow, that's marvelous that he lets you do that,' to ‘I don't know if I'd want a man who'd let me drive,'" Grace said. It began this way: Grace was a 15-year-old high student waiting for the school bus near her home in northern New Jersey when she noticed a man passing the spot each morning on his way to work. One day he sped past on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Another day he was at the wheel of a Jaguar, and then she saw him driving a new Chevrolet Bel Air. "My girlfriend dared me to wave at him," Grace recalled. "And four months later we were married," said Jimmy, 75.

In the beginning, it was Jimmy who drove the motorcycle and Grace who rode on back. These days, Grace is the one gripping the handlebars and Jimmy, who has health problems and walks with a cane, is the passenger. In biker lingo, Grace is "packing her old man" when Jimmy shares the saddle of her 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 900. "That's what happens when you teach us to drive," said Grace Pulis, 68. "We take over." It was a novelty for a woman to drive a motorcycle in the 1970s, when Grace started riding. These days female riders are much more common, but she said others often seem startled by the sight of a gray-haired woman, who happens to be a great-grandmother, driving with a man behind her. "I've gotten everything from, ‘Don't you know where you belong?' — meaning I should be on the back, not on the front — to ‘Wow, that's marvelous that he lets you do that,' to ‘I don't know if I'd want a man who'd let me drive,'" Grace said. It began this way: Grace was a 15-year-old high student waiting for the school bus near her home in northern New Jersey when she noticed a man passing the spot each morning on his way to work. One day he sped past on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Another day he was at the wheel of a Jaguar, and then she saw him driving a new Chevrolet Bel Air. "My girlfriend dared me to wave at him," Grace recalled. "And four months later we were married," said Jimmy, 75.

Getting pulled over just for wearing "colors" really ticks off outlaw motorcycle clubs, a local attorney who's represented them said, and now some of them are allowed to take out their frustrations in court. In an opinion issued last week, U.S. District Court Judge Jerome Simandle in Camden said two members of the Pagan's Motorcycle Club and one Tribe Motorcycle Club member can move forward with a lawsuit stemming from a July 30, 2009, traffic stop involving six motorcycles in Burlington County where New Jersey State Troopers ordered them to remove their "colors," the members' patched jackets. "The court has basically said, 'yes you have a right to wear a patch, these logos," said Norristown attorney Boyd Spencer, who represents the Eastern Pa. Confederation of Clubs. The group of bikers were on their way to a beef and beer event when they were pulled over. The bikers were ticketed for not having approved helmets, the original complaint alleges, and were told to remove their colors if they wanted to leave. The whole traffic stop, which lasted more than an hour, was captured by mounted cameras in the police cruisers. "Now you're all going to take your jackets off, because on this highway, these are the only colors," one of the state troopers told the group after nearly 50 minutes had passed, referring to State Police blue and gold. None of the bikers removed their colors, and at a later municipal court hearing, the helmets were found to be legal and a prosecutor dismissed the charges. The state filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit but Simandle, in his ruling said the plaintiffs "sufficiently alleged deprivations of a clearly established constitutional right." Simandle dismissed a conspiracy allegation and claims that the bikers were denied due process. "We had a little wound here and there but definitely, this is a victory," Spencer said. A spokesman for the state declined to comment Monday.

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is asking a key U.S. House panel to include motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in any future study of ethanol-blended gasoline. In a letter sent July 11 to the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee, the AMA, along with its partner organization, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), urged subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-Md.) “that on- or off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) be part of any scientific study by the NAS” related to ethanol-blended gasoline. NAS stands for the National Academy of Sciences. The subcommittee held a hearing on July 7 entitled “Hitting the Ethanol Blend Wall: Examining the Science on E15.” The hearing focused on E15, a new gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent alcohol by volume. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in October 2010 approved the use of E15 in model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, the EPA added model year 2001-2006 light-duty vehicles to the approved list. No on- or off-highway motorcycles or ATVs are currently approved. At its hearing, the subcommittee indicated that it may require the EPA to arrange with the NAS to study a full range of issues related to E15. In the letter, AMA Washington Representative Rick Podliska said the AMA and ATVA have concerns about: E15 being put in motorcycles or ATVs mistakenly and damaging engines; the continued availability of gasoline that has no ethanol, or gasoline with only a 10 percent blend that is safe for use in motorcycles and ATVs; the possibility that “blender pumps” — which dispense multiple grades of gasoline through a single hose — could introduce enough ethanol into gasoline to be used in a motorcycle or ATV to damage the vehicle; and that ethanol absorbs water, which could be harmful to motorcycles and ATVs. “In conclusion, to address our concerns, the AMA and ATVA urge that on- or off-highway motorcycles and ATVs be part of any scientific study by NAS,” Podliska wrote. “Not only should the study focus on the short- and long-term impacts on vehicles and engines, but should consider financial implications of increased ethanol use in gasoline on consumers; fuel producers, distributors and retailers; vehicle and engine manufacturers, dealers and service facilities; and the environment.”

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is asking a key U.S. House panel to include motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in any future study of ethanol-blended gasoline. In a letter sent July 11 to the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee, the AMA, along with its partner organization, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), urged subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-Md.) “that on- or off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) be part of any scientific study by the NAS” related to ethanol-blended gasoline. NAS stands for the National Academy of Sciences. The subcommittee held a hearing on July 7 entitled “Hitting the Ethanol Blend Wall: Examining the Science on E15.” The hearing focused on E15, a new gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent alcohol by volume. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in October 2010 approved the use of E15 in model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, the EPA added model year 2001-2006 light-duty vehicles to the approved list. No on- or off-highway motorcycles or ATVs are currently approved. At its hearing, the subcommittee indicated that it may require the EPA to arrange with the NAS to study a full range of issues related to E15. In the letter, AMA Washington Representative Rick Podliska said the AMA and ATVA have concerns about: E15 being put in motorcycles or ATVs mistakenly and damaging engines; the continued availability of gasoline that has no ethanol, or gasoline with only a 10 percent blend that is safe for use in motorcycles and ATVs; the possibility that “blender pumps” — which dispense multiple grades of gasoline through a single hose — could introduce enough ethanol into gasoline to be used in a motorcycle or ATV to damage the vehicle; and that ethanol absorbs water, which could be harmful to motorcycles and ATVs. “In conclusion, to address our concerns, the AMA and ATVA urge that on- or off-highway motorcycles and ATVs be part of any scientific study by NAS,” Podliska wrote. “Not only should the study focus on the short- and long-term impacts on vehicles and engines, but should consider financial implications of increased ethanol use in gasoline on consumers; fuel producers, distributors and retailers; vehicle and engine manufacturers, dealers and service facilities; and the environment.”

The Tampa Bay Rays pitcher accused in a DUI hit and run crash in Port Charlotte, Florida on Thursday afternoon will be held without bond until at least Saturday. The Florida Highway Patrol says Matt Bush, 26, was driving a black Dodge Durango on US-41 near Town Center Mall around 5 p.m. when he struck the rear of a motorcycle driven by 72-year-old Tony Tufano, a personal friend of Krazy Biker Katz. According to reports, Tony was thrown from his bike onto the pavement. They also state that Tony was then run over by the Durango and that witnesses said the driver of the SUV "had blatantly left the scene of the crash." Tony was taken by Charlotte County EMS to Peace River Regional Medical Center for a MedStar helicopter to transport him to Lee Memorial Hospital Trauma Center. We at Krazy Biker Katz pray for Tony and his family and hope you all will as well. "Literally the tire on the SUV ran over the driver's head. Without the helmet, the gentleman would have been dead instantly," said witness Scott Sugden. CCSO deputies, along with Sarasota County Sheriff's deputies and Florida Highway Patrol caught Bush in North Port on Toldeo Blade Boulevard and took him into custody. According to reports, the arresting deputy said that he could clearly smell the odor of an alocoholic beverage coming from Bush. He continued to describe Bush as having bloodshot and watery eyes. Also, Bush did not have a license on him when he was pulled over. An FHP report says alcohol was a factor. In his breath test, deputies say Bush blew a 0.180 and 0.171. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with fleeing the scene with serious injuries, driving with a suspended license with serious injuries, DUI with serious injuries, and DUI with property damage. While speaking with officials at the Charlotte County Jail, Bush said he had also hit a pole with the same SUV earlier in the day. Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn issued this statement about the situation: "The Tampa Bay Rays organization is deeply saddened by today's tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim and his family. We will reserve further comment until we learn more about the incident that took place." FIRST APPEARANCE IN COURT At his first appearance Friday morning, Bush didn't have an attorney. The judge gave him 24 hours to find one and ordered him to appear in court again Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. with his lawyer. Until then, Bush will be held without bond in the Charlotte County Jail. A BATTLE WITH ALCOHOL Bush was the first overall draft pick in the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft. The San Diego Padres drafted him as a shortstop, and baseball experts say he's never lived up to his potential - due in large part to serious alcohol problems. His problems started shortly after being drafted, when he got into a fight outside a Peoria, Arizona nightclub. In 2009 he was arrested for assaulting a high school lacrosse player while drunk. He was also arrested for drunk driving and resisting arrest in 2009. He was trying to make the Rays roster as a middle reliever.

It’s Official! Myrtle Beach is no longer the location for two long-running motorcycle events. In an open letter to the public John Rhodes the Mayor of Myrtle Beach states “After many years, our residents grew weary of three weeks of noise and traffic congestion each May, and they asked City Council to end the events. As a result, the Harley-Davidson Dealers Association Spring Rally and the Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Bikefest will not be held in Myrtle Beach”. This was a difficult decision. Myrtle Beach welcomes visitors year-round, but the giant motorcycle rallies simply grew too large. Our staff, residents and businesses strained to keep up with these huge single-focus events. It may surprise you, but our economy is much healthier with a fully diversified visitor base, instead of a concentration on one or two extremely large events. Please know that Myrtle Beach is not anti-biker or anti-motorcycle. We want folks to come on the vehicle of their choice and enjoy all of the things Myrtle Beach has to offer. We are ending the motorcycle-related rallies because they grew too big and lasted too long. The huge rallies even kept visitors away from Myrtle Beach, and that’s not good. For everyone’s safety and welfare, City Council has added a few new rules and regulations. We believe these new laws will make Myrtle Beach a safer and more friendly destination. For example, with your safety in mind, we now require that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet and eye protection. We also have a 1:00 to 6:00 a.m. curfew for everyone under 18. These and other rule changes are explained on this web site. Thank you for understanding. As you know, Myrtle Beach is a great place to visit, and we welcome you at any time. I look forward to your next visit and am confident that you will have a great time in Myrtle Beach!”

View From The Rear

By:  Sylvia Cochran

Love is what legends are made of, and it’s the number  one ingredient in a good motorcycle relationship. To millions of women, there’s nothing more appealing than a summer day’s ride with a good looking man on a motorcycle.  I probably didn’t realize just how desirable motorcycle men are until I’d been in this business for a few years. I started noticing that more and more of my divorced single female friends and acquaintances would ask, “Don’t you know any single good looking motorcycle guys you can hook me up with?” If I paused, they would almost always continue with “heck, they don’t even have to be that good looking!” What I suspect these women really want is a companion who isn’t “dull and boring.” Valentine’s is the day we celebrate love and there’s nothing we motorcyclists love more than sharing the highway with the people who are closest to us.  How many of you have been on a ride where everything seemed perfect. The day was warm, but not too warm. There was hardly any traffic, and the road was so smooth that you felt nothing but the breeze. Maybe you stopped for lunch in a little diner beside a bubbling stream, or sat underneath a tree on the side of a mountain soaking in the warmth of the sun. If you’re like me, these little moments are the flowers that add fragrance to our lives. The phrase, “stop and smell the roses” means much more when you take it in the context of motorcycle riding. That’s why so many of us “love” our motorcycle trips and especially our motorcycle men. This year I will celebrate being married to my best friend for a quarter of a century. (When you say it like that it seems longer than it really is.) My relationship with Sweetie Pie became richer and more adventurous after he brought that first motorcycle home. I still remember the first year he rode to Sturgis, without me. We had school age children at home and there was no way I could go. I wasn’t a happy camper those ten days while he was gone, and he admitted he didn’t enjoy it as much without me. We’ve been a dozen times since and I never tire of riding in the Black Hills. I hope this year to return with a close friend who has always wanted to go. It will be fun sharing the trip with someone who is seeing it for the first time. I’m still looking for those diamond earrings, and I’m sure one of these Valentines Days my Sweetie Pie will surprise me. But I’m not complaining. As long as we get the opportunity to take a long, leisurely motorcycle tour each summer, I’m more than satisfied. After all, diamonds are pretty to look at, but motorcycle memories are much more fulfilling.

View From The Rear

By:  Sylvia Cochran

Love is what legends are made of, and it’s the number  one ingredient in a good motorcycle relationship. To millions of women, there’s nothing more appealing than a summer day’s ride with a good looking man on a motorcycle.  I probably didn’t realize just how desirable motorcycle men are until I’d been in this business for a few years. I started noticing that more and more of my divorced single female friends and acquaintances would ask, “Don’t you know any single good looking motorcycle guys you can hook me up with?” If I paused, they would almost always continue with “heck, they don’t even have to be that good looking!” What I suspect these women really want is a companion who isn’t “dull and boring.” Valentine’s is the day we celebrate love and there’s nothing we motorcyclists love more than sharing the highway with the people who are closest to us.  How many of you have been on a ride where everything seemed perfect. The day was warm, but not too warm. There was hardly any traffic, and the road was so smooth that you felt nothing but the breeze. Maybe you stopped for lunch in a little diner beside a bubbling stream, or sat underneath a tree on the side of a mountain soaking in the warmth of the sun. If you’re like me, these little moments are the flowers that add fragrance to our lives. The phrase, “stop and smell the roses” means much more when you take it in the context of motorcycle riding. That’s why so many of us “love” our motorcycle trips and especially our motorcycle men. This year I will celebrate being married to my best friend for a quarter of a century. (When you say it like that it seems longer than it really is.) My relationship with Sweetie Pie became richer and more adventurous after he brought that first motorcycle home. I still remember the first year he rode to Sturgis, without me. We had school age children at home and there was no way I could go. I wasn’t a happy camper those ten days while he was gone, and he admitted he didn’t enjoy it as much without me. We’ve been a dozen times since and I never tire of riding in the Black Hills. I hope this year to return with a close friend who has always wanted to go. It will be fun sharing the trip with someone who is seeing it for the first time. I’m still looking for those diamond earrings, and I’m sure one of these Valentines Days my Sweetie Pie will surprise me. But I’m not complaining. As long as we get the opportunity to take a long, leisurely motorcycle tour each summer, I’m more than satisfied. After all, diamonds are pretty to look at, but motorcycle memories are much more fulfilling.