Franks Biker News May 31st archive

Pioneers in motocross technology and apparel join AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce two more members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2009: Geoff and Bob Fox, pioneers in motocross technology and apparel. Geoff and Bob Fox will be among the motorcycling heroes honored at the 2009 induction ceremony at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas this Dec. 5.

"Geoff and Bob Fox's brands are among the few in motorsports that have transcended their status as simply retail products and established themselves as part of motorcycling's culture," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Now, as members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, their accomplishments will become part of our shared heritage, as well."

Geoff and Bob Fox are responsible for two of the most recognizable brands in off-road motorcycle racing. Geoff Fox, with Moto-X Fox Inc., gave the world the Fox head logo, and launched one of the most ubiquitous brands found at motocross starting gates around the country. Bob Fox, with Fox Factory Inc., made his mark producing state-of-the-art suspension components for off-road motorcycles, and is now a leading provider of mountain-bike suspension.

Said Tom White, member of the Board of Directors of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, chairman of the Motocross/Supercross Committee and owner of The Early Years of Motocross Museum: "Bob and Geoff Fox's state-of-the-art products and designs have continued to lead, not only the motorcycle market, but the entire action and motorsports industries, for the last 30 years. Action-sports enthusiasts around the world wear the Fox-head branded logo, and the Fox-tail branded suspension is popular in every motorsport, not to mention the world-class industry leader in mountain-biking. The list of racers and athletes who have been associated with the Fox brands includes the true greats of their disciplines."

"It is a high honor to know that in December my brother, Bob, and I will be inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame," said Geoff Fox. "Neither of us ever expected we would deserve this recognition. As for myself, I believe that although my wife, Josie, and I established the firm foundation of business success, it has been the second generation, led by our kids, which has constructed the imposing edifice that is so visible around the world today."

Bob Fox added: "The Motorcycle Hall of Fame is truly the Who's Who of Motorcycling past and present, and I am positively thrilled about being nominated to join that very special group. Over the last 35-plus years, I've had the pleasure and privilege of working with, racing with -- and just plain getting to know -- so many really terrific individuals in motorcycling. I look forward to further broadening and deepening those relationships as a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame."

Geoff and Bob Fox are the fourth and fifth members announced for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2009. The others already announced are off-road racer Randy Hawkins, suspension pioneer Gilles Vaillancourt and off-highway rights activist Mona Ehnes.

The Foxes and the other members of the class of 2009 will officially be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame this Dec. 5 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Impressive even by Las Vegas standards, with an 84-foot guitar marking the entrance and all the glitz and memorabilia that fans have come to expect at Hard Rock Café locations around the world, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has been recently renovated with new rooms, a new convention space and a new concert venue. Ticket information will be announced shortly on the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum website at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Located on the park-like campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to protecting and promoting the motorcycle lifestyle. Its members include those who have excelled in racing, road- and off-road riding, pushed the envelope in motorcycle design, engineering and safety, and championed the rights of riders in both the halls of government and the court of public opinion.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Committee includes 11 members in addition to the chairman. There are 10 committees, each representing a different aspect of motorcycling. Five represent various racing disciplines, and five represent non-racing interests.

More information about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at www.MotorcycleMuseum.org  .

AMA Racing/USA Speedway National Championship Series kicking off in Costa Mesa, Calif.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The 2009 AMA Racing/USA Speedway National Championship will fire off the line Saturday, June 6, when the series gets underway at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, Calif.
An impressive field of racers will battle for the title in this year's three-round championship, which will continue the action at Fast Fridays Motorcycle Speedway in Sacramento, Calif., on July 10 and Oct. 2. Included in that lineup is 1997 Speedway World Champion and seven-time AMA National Champion Greg Hancock.

Hancock, who is currently third in the European-based World Speedway Grand Prix Series, lives in Costa Mesa and said he was excited about racing in front of his hometown crowd.

"I started my career here in the Costa Mesa bullring as a junior, and won my first AMA National Championship here in 1995," said Hancock, who is currently tied in championships -- at seven -- with motorcycle speedway legend Mike Bast. "Now I want to be the first American to win an eighth U.S. National Speedway title."

Defending AMA National Champion Billy Janniro, however, said Hancock will have his hands full with the national-caliber field.

"Forget what Hancock says," Janniro said. "I'm winning that No. 1 plate again this year, and nothing's going to stop me."

Janniro won all three rounds in last year's AMA National Championship Series, and has been strong in his early showings this season.

Two-time U.S. Under-21 National Champion Ricky Wells, 17, will be another contender. Wells is returning to the United States after leaving the country to race for the Coventry Bees in the British Elite League earlier this year.

"I can beat those guys," said Wells, who in 2007 at the age of 15 became the youngest winner of the Costa Mesa Fair Derby race. "I'm flying in from England, and I don't plan on losing."

This is the fourth consecutive year that the opener has been held at the Orange County Fairgrounds' Costa Mesa Speedway. Promoter Brad Oxley said that the event has attracted a more dedicated following in recent years.

"This is serious high-dollar stuff," Oxley said. "The best of the best will be here. They want the title, and they want the money."

A 22-rider field (see below) is expected to compete for the $10,400 cash purse, plus contingencies.

The show starts at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 6, at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. More information can be found at www.CostaMesaSpeedway.net
Speedway racing began in the 1920s and is one of the most extreme versions of motorcycle competition. Using lightweight, single-gear bikes built solely for this type of competition, racers battle handlebar-to-handlebar on ultra-short oval dirt tracks typically a quarter-mile in length or less. Races typically last four laps, putting a premium on both good starts and the ability to slide the rear of the bike all around the oval.

Seeded Riders (based on 2008 Supplemental Regulations)
Billy Janniro, Vallejo, Calif.
Bart Bast, Foresthill, Calif.
Bryan Yarrow, Citrus Heights, Calif.
Mike Faria, Reno, Nevada
Ricky Wells, Yorba Linda, Calif.
Charlie Venegas, San Bernardino, Calif.
Kenny Ingalls, Foresthill, Calif.
Tommy Hedden, Auburn, Calif.
Buck Blair, Huntington Beach, Calif.
Jimmy Fishback, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Nate Perkins, Bullhead City, Arizona
Bobby Schwartz, Costa Mesa, Calif.

Wild Cards (selected by USA Speedway)
Eddie Castro, Ojai, Calif.
Greg Hancock, Costa Mesa, Calif.

Permanent Series Riders (begin in elimination round)
Jason Ramirez, Orange, Calif.
Tyson Burmeister, Norco, Calif.
Ben Essary, Rio Oso, Calif.
Alex Marcucci, Nevada City, Calif.

In addition, four riders will be selected by the promoter to compete in the elimination round.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

The biker feud lasting for 40 years - BBC News - Eight members of rival biker gangs the Hells Angels and the Outlaws have been convicted of taking part in a riot inside a Birmingham airport terminal.
The court heard the two gangs had a long-standing rivalry dating back more than 40 years.
Gang members came to meet Flight ZB499 from Alicante armed with machetes, iron bars, knuckle dusters, knives and meat cleavers.
One witness described seeing a man wielding a samurai sword.
But the two warring factions who clashed were not Japanese warriors but biker gangs.
The fight at Terminal Two in January 2008 lasted just 60 seconds but dates back more than 40 years to a feud between the Hells Angels and the American Outlaw Association which began in 1969 and, according to detectives, continues to this day.
Global biker wars
Some have called it the "global biker wars".
Members of the Wolverhampton-based chapter of the Hells Angels and members of the Birmingham Outlaws clashed after members of both gangs realised they were on the same plane arriving from Spain.
More than 30 people from across the West Midlands gathered at the airport.
Police say the real motive for the riot could be the Outlaws' move to open a new chapter in Spain, which is seen as Hells Angels' territory.
While bikers in the UK are traditionally seen as relatively peaceful there has been a vast expansion of chapters across the globe since the 1990s. This growth has also been linked to organised crime and increasingly bitter violence as rival gangs have fought over the drug trade.
The Hells Angels and The Outlaws have chapters in the Midlands
Both gangs have history in the Midlands.
Just five months before the airport riot, Hells Angel Gerry Tobin was riding home from the Bulldog Bash in Warwickshire when he was shot dead in an execution-style killing on the M40.
The seven men jailed for his murder were the entire Chapter of the South Warwickshire Outlaws, based in Coventry.
In recent months biker violence has flared around the world
Exactly the same scenario as the Birmingham Airport riot was repeated in Australia. At Sydney Airport in March this year a member of the Hells Angels was beaten to death.
His murder has sparked a series of shootings and calls for the government there to ban motorcycle gangs.
In Denmark a hand grenade was thrown into a cafe used by bikers - again ministers are due to meet to discuss tough new laws to crack down on biker gangs.
Silence code
The biker gangs have a strict code of silence. None of the men who appeared at Birmingham Crown Court were prepared to speak to the police let alone give evidence in court.
The men convicted in this crime see themselves as members of the "1%'s" - elite members of the Biker Gangs who see themselves as being above the law.
Birmingham International Airport
Some of the accused had just arrived on a flight from Spain
The logo worn by the Outlaws on their back patch is the skull and cross pistons known as Charlie. Their motto is "God forgives, Outlaws don't".
One Outlaw who was not in court was named during the trial as a prime instigator of the violence which erupted at Birmingham Airport. Captured on CCTV, he was referred to as Bandana man.
The trial was one of the most expensive ever held in the Midlands.
It is believed to have cost more than £2m in legal and security costs alone.
All of the men on trial were on bail and police convoys escorted both gangs to and from their club houses. 

BIKER CLEARED OF RIOT CHARGES - Burton Mail - A BURTON biker who describes himself as ’no angel’ has been cleared of involvement in a riot between two rival gangs inside an airport terminal building.
News - Bob Haywood marries Shelly Harrison Bob Haywood, known as ’Junk’, was one of 12 gang members accused of taking part in a ’battle’ between dozens of Outlaws and Hell’s Angels at Birmingham International Airport on January 20 last year.
The 46-year-old, of Stanton Road, Stapenhill, was one of just three defendants to be cleared of riot and violent disorder charges at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday. Eight men were found guilty and warned to expect ’significant’ jail terms while the jury failed to reach a verdict on the 12th defendant.
Jurors were told that the mass brawl — involving gang members armed with knives, a machete and other weapons — left passengers at the airport frightened and distressed.
A club, knuckle-dusters, three hammers and a meat cleaver were recovered after the violence.
The jury, which viewed CCTV footage showing members of the public wheeling suitcases near brawling gang members, convicted Mark Larner, Paul Arlett, Mark Price, Sean Timmins, Leonard Hawthorne, Mark Moseley, Jeremy Ball and Neale Harrison of riot.
Haywood, Maurice Ison and Marc Wilden were cleared, while Kevin Timmins will learn within the next fortnight whether he will face a retrial.
The trial was held six months after seven members of the Outlaws gang were sentenced to life at Birmingham Crown Court for the murder of Hell’s Angel Gerry Tobin, who was shot dead on the M40 in Warwickshire in August, 2007.
The ongoing feud between the two gangs was also the reason police refused to allow the Outlaws to stage the Rock and Blues Festival at Catton Park last year, fearing the event would prompt further outbreaks of violence.

HOGS to rally next week in Murfreesboro - Murfreesboro Post - The Harley Owners Group (affectionately known as the H.O.G.s) will hold their annual statewide rally in Murfreesboro from Wednesday, June 3rd-Saturday, June 6th.
The epicenters of activity will be the Clarion Inn and Suites on Old Fort Parkway and Bumpus Harley-Davidson on Northwest Broad Street. Murfreesboro last hosted the event in 2000 and we are excited to bring it back!
The H.O.G. Rally has grown since 2000, so expect to see a lot of leather and chrome in town. This is not an outlaw group-they are just your neighbors who own the American-made motorcycle that is loved all around the world.
There are many activities planned for the four-day event. Most are private to registered rally attendees but some activities are open to the public. Public events include a vendor mall at the rally site, Harley-Davidson demo rides (must have a valid motorcycle endorsement) and access to the staging of the bike parade.
The H.O.G.s will line their bikes up on the square Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. then will leave out in a parade down Main Street at 9:00 a.m. This will be a sight to see!
We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy this police-escorted parade which will include all visiting H.O.G. chapters, bike show entries and rally attendees. If you enjoy seeing and hearing Harley-Davidson motorcycles, you don't want to miss this.
At the parade staging, a donation will be taken up to benefit the Rutherford County Red Cross.
Some of the private events include concerts on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings, guided rides to some of the best riding spots in Tennessee, and a competition day that includes field events, rider skills challenge and a bike show. To register for the rally, you must own a Harley Davidson motorcycle, be a National H.O.G. member or a guest of a H.O.G. member.
Rally registration is $25.00 for the whole four-day event.
We want to thank the city for welcoming us back and we encourage you to come out and see what we love about our Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the family that this shared love creates.

Biker-club members charged in bar fight  - GoErie.com - Millcreek police have charged 14 people in a large fight involving a motorcycle club at the Last Shot Bar and Grill on May 9.
Police said several members of the Lucky 13 motorcycle club fought with another group in the parking lot of the bar, 3064 W. 12th St.
Police said knives, crowbars, chains and other weapons were used in the fight, which began shortly before 11 p.m.
Police arrested nine members of the club Thursday and Friday. Several were arraigned before District Judge Paul Manzi, of Millcreek Township, on charges of riot, assault, disorderly conduct and recklessly endangering another person.
Police arrested five members of the other group on similar charges.
Police would not say what started the fight, or whether the other group also was a motorcycle club.
Police arrested Michael J. Henry, 48, and Toby J. Shaffer, 40, both of Erie. They were being held in the Erie County Prison on $50,000 bond.
Police also arrested Joseph A. King, 39; Daniel L. King, 52; Matthew D. Smith, 42; Roger G. Murphy, 59; and Timothy J. Carder, 31.
Those men, all from Erie, have been freed on bail.
Police also charged Frederick Stover. They issued citations to Dara Thompson, 42, of Fairview; Melinda A. Sheckler, 23, of Erie; Edwina Kirby, 32, of Erie; Kevin A. Skrutsky, 45, of Erie; Nicole Spinelli, 38, of Erie; and Kimberly A. Bessette, 42, of Erie.

Hogs For Horses poker run Saturday - Journal-Advocate - Remember the days when the majority of people would run the other way when we saw a big group of motorcycle riders coming? The misgivings of the reputation that motorcycle gangs where to be feared.
Well here is one group of riders that have proven those misgivings wrong a hundred fold. And in my book should be looked up to for the generosity and for the caring ways that they help proved needed therapy for so many of the children and adults in Northeastern Colorado, who want and need Therapeutic horseback riding.
The Hogs for Horses motorcycle poker run will be held on Saturday, May 30, with only one goal in mind, to raise funds for the Blue Skies Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center based in Sterling Colorado.
Blue Skies Riding Center has been established in Northeastern Colorado for 20 years quietly keeping their eyes and hearts on the goal of providing free Therapeutic Horseback Riding to all of Northeastern Colorado. .
Motorcycle riders with many different brands and styles of Motorcycles come from many different towns in Colorado to participate in the Annual Running of the Hogs for Horses event and helped raise more the $3,000 for the facility last year. It is a fun time for all involved with the route starting in Sterling at Chester’s Pub for registration at 8:30 a.m., then heading to Akron, Brush, Fort Morgan, Hillrose and ending back at Chester’s Pub for your last draw.
One biker stated it perfectly last year, when he said “we ride for the ones that can’t, When I pay the $25 fee to ride I know that Blue Skies in going to be able to provide the ride of a life time for a special needs child.”
Many children and adults from Northeast Colorado have participated in the sessions that Blue Skies have to offer. And all have received this beneficial therapy free of charge.
Therapeutic Riding is recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Physical Therapy Association.
Therapeutic horseback riding is a special world that brings together horses, disabled children and adults, caring volunteers, and of course one of the most intelligent animals on earth, the horse. In the process, the lives of everyone involved are enriched. Therapy is fun instead of painful when provided on horseback. And Learning becomes a game rather than a chore.
Imagine the difference between taking a child to a setting every week that is full of doctors, nurses, needles, gadgets stethoscopes and monitors that is all enclosed in some building. Then taking that same child to a setting that has fresh air, birds chirping, volunteers who are smiling and laughing with the children and their doctor being a horse that is lead into the arena that they get to ride.
If you would like to participate in this years Hogs for Horses or if you have a loved one or friend, child or adult who would like to ride with Blue Skies and would like more information please call (970) 521-9965.

Marine Corps drops reflective vests from required biker gear - Hilton Head Island Packet -  Marine Corps officials say more Marines will be more upfront with their superiors about owning motorcycles after the Corps eliminated a requirement earlier this month that ordered Marines to wear reflective safety vests while on their bikes.
As of May 8, Marines who ride motorcycles are no longer required to wear the reflective vests, according to a directive from the Marine Corps' 21st Executive Safety Board, a body that advises the Corps' Assistant Commadant, Gen. James Amos, on safety matters.
Gunnery Sgt. Sean McCullough, owner of a 2007 Triumph Speed Triple, said that while he didn't think the vests were effective at saving lives, he followed orders.
"When it was the requirement, I wore it as any good Marine would," said McCullough, a Marine stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. "A lot of us thought that the vests didn't really have the effect that maybe the Marine Corps thought they would. It did increase your visibility but it didn't seem to prevent any of the accidents we had last year."
This move comes as the Corps tries to curb rising fatalities that have seen record numbers of Marines die on motorcycles over each of the last four years. A record 25 Marines were killed in motorcycle crashes between September 2007 and October 2008, including Cpl. Jason L. Davis, a 21-year-old Marine in the Weapons and Field Training Battalion at Parris Island. Davis died July 5 after crashing his motorcycle on Sams Point Road on Lady's Island.
Eleven more Marines -- none in South Carolina -- have been killed since then, according to the Naval Safety Center
Retired Gunnery Sgt. Adam Gray, the tactical safety specialist at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, said many of those killed were wearing the reflective vests.
"Last year, we lost a record number of Marines to motorcycle mishaps and many of them were because of something beyond the rider's limits, like speeding and not knowing how to control there bike properly," he said.The few that died (who were struck by cars) were wearing the proper protective gear and the brightly colored vest didn't seem to work."
The order has been on the books since at least 2000, according to Headquarters Marine Corps in Virginia.
McCullough, who has been riding motorcycles for 14 years, said many motorcycling Marines fall into one of two camps: Those who think the vest requirement wasn't stringent enough, and those who believe Marines shouldn't be required to wear any protective gear while on their bike.
"I think we should have to wear a motorcycle-specific jacket that is designed for impact," he said. "If you're wearing a denim jacket or a long-sleeved T-shirt, you only have to be going 20 mph before that denim shreds and you start tearing into skin. You also have some Marines who think you shouldn't even have to wear a helmet, which is nuts."
The policy change does not mean the Corps is easing its stance on motorcycle safety, said Lt. Joshua Diddams,Corps spokesman at Headquarters Marine Corps in Virginia.
"The goal of this move is to encourage safety," he said. "We find that a lot of riders don't want to register their bikes with the Marine Corps because they don't want to wear the reflective vests. The Marine Corps found no correlation between reflective vests and motorcycle accidents."
Last year, the Corps ordered all Marines to register their motorcycles with their commands and to seek permission if they wanted to buy new ones. This requirement forced many Marines to hide their motorcycles from their superiors, risking punishment to avoid perceived headaches, Grey said.
"In the past, most Marines who rode motorcycles complained about the reflective vest and its ability to save lives," Gray said. "They never wanted to wear them and they didn't like the way it looked. Many Marines would not tell their command they had a bike because they didn't want to wear a vest. The order requiring vests as mandatory gear for operation was written about 20 some years ago by a person who didn't ride a motorcycle. This change was met with overwhelming enthusiasm amongst motorcycle enthusiasts."
Marines are required to wear other protective gear, including helmets, long-sleeved and long-legged clothing, full-fingered gloves and hard-soled shoes. Those who don't abide the rules are subject to non-judicial punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to the Corps.