Franks Biker News June8th archive

Members of SoCal Biker Gang Plead Guilty to Drug, Murder Charges - FOX 5 San Diego - LOS ANGELES -- A number of Mongol motorcycle gang members have pleaded guilty to charges of drug trafficking, murder and other offenses, according to prosecutors.
The revelation came in court documents filed earlier this month by prosecutors, who asked a judge to seal all plea agreements in the case against 79 defendants.
Prosecutors wanted the plea agreements sealed because the suspects face possible retaliation from other Mongul members or other gangs, including the Mexican Mafia and rival motorcycle gangs.
The judge in the case granted the request Tuesday, but ruled that any further plea agreements filed with her must show evidence that the defendant faces retaliation or other danger.
A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office declined Tuesday to say how many people have pleaded guilty to what charges.
After infiltrating the Mongols biker gang, law enforcement agents served more than 100 arrest warrants in six states in October.
A racketeering indictment said the group, which is mostly Latino, attacked black people, committed robberies and stole motorcycles. It also alleged the group funded itself in part by stealing credit card information.
The gang's former national president, Ruben Cavazos, is among those charged.
Attorneys for 34 defendants opposed the request to seal all plea agreements, saying details about the plea agreements were vital to their clients' defense. Cavazos wasn't among those opposing the motion.
Besides the indictment, prosecutors Tuesday also secured an injunction that prohibits gang members, as well as their families and associates, from wearing, licensing, selling or distributing the Mongol trademarked logo.
Last year, five members of the Mongols were sentenced to a year in Nevada state prison and two were given probation for their roles in a deadly Casino brawl with rival Hells Angels gang members in 2002. Three people died in the fight.

 

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Musician, motorcyclist fighting for his life - The Muskegon Chronicle - MUSKEGON COUNTY -- It's been two weeks since James "Jimmy" Hunter was forced to lay down his motorcycle when, according to police, a vehicle pulled out in front of him at a Muskegon Township intersection.
Today, the 55-year-old husband, father and grandfather is fighting for his life at Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids.
Since the accident, Hunter has been listed in critical condition while heavily sedated, unconscious and unable to breathe on his own.
His wife of eight years, Deni Hunter, 52, hasn't left his side since the May 23 accident that occurred about 4 p.m. at the intersection of Apple Avenue and Dangl Road.
"He is making slow, slow, progress. His lungs are extremely damaged, but he had on the full helmet, which saved his life," she said.
Since the accident, dozens of people have contacted her, worried about Hunter's condition, she said.
"I've had phone calls from people who haven't seen him in 25 years. He is well known. He's been an excellent, phenomenal musician since the '70s," she said. "He's just a really, really likable, sweet guy."
Hunter, a singer and guitar player, has been a longtime member of three local bands: Pegasus, a classic rock band; Four on the Floor, an '80s rock band; and Refuge, a Christian band.
"The most important things in his life, after his family and friends, are his music and his motorcycle," his wife said.
Hunter purchased his 2008 Harley Davidson Sportster in June 2008. Before he would ride it, he took a safety course offered by the Harley dealership, she said.
"He is one of the most safety-conscious people that I know," she said. "He's also incredibly loving, incredibly giving. He loves the Lord and he cares about everybody."
Police say the accident occurred when the driver of a car, not seeing the motorcyclist, pulled out in front of Hunter, causing him to lay his bike down in the road, police said. Alcohol was not a factor for either driver in the crash, according to police.
The accident remains under investigation.
Meanwhile, Deni Hunter said her husband's quick actions should be applauded.
"He did exactly what he learned in biker's safety. He saved (the other driver) from having any injuries or damage to her car," she said. "To me, Jimmy is a hero. He put his life in jeopardy to insure that someone else did not get hurt. That is just the kind of person that he is."
Hunter is the father of a grown daughter and two grown stepsons. He is also the grandfather to two young children. At the time of the accident, Hunter was employed as a machine operator for Metal Flow Corp., in Holland.

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Motorcyclist killed in Stone County - KY3 Springfield - CAPE FAIR, Mo -- A deadly motorcycle crash in Stone County kills a biker from Kansas City.
Troopers say Robert Anderson was hit head on after his motorcycle crossed the center lane of Highway 76 near Cape Fair just after noon Saturday.
He died a short time later at the hospital.
The driver of the other vehicle was not hurt

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Ind. motorcyclist killed after hitting deer - Chicago Tribune - A 51-year-old motorcyclist was killed this morning and another slightly injured in northwest Indiana after the first hit a deer on an interstate highway, state police said.
The crash occurred about 6:20 a.m. as the motorcyclists headed west on Interstate 80/90 about two miles east of the Michigan City exit, Indiana State Police said.
The first motorcyclist, identified as Paul R. Stumar Jr., of South Bend, was ahead of the second when three deer ran out in front of them, according to a news release. The first motorcyclist, who was on a 1985 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, hit one of the deer, ejecting him from the motorcycle, according to police.
The motorcycle slid into a guard rail, and the motorcyclist died at the scene of massive head trauma, police said. He was not wearing protective leather gear or a helmet, police said.
The deer also died following the collision, police said.
The second motorcyclist, a 48-year-old man from Cassopolis, Michigan, swerved to avoid the other deer but was ejected from his 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, police said. He was wearing a helmet and leathers, and was treated for abrasions and contusions and released from St. Anthony's Hospital in Michigan City, according to police.
All westbound lanes were closed for two hours after the accident as emergency crews responded to the scene, and traffic was diverted off at the LaPorte Exit, police said.
The LaPorte County Coroner and the Indiana State Police were investigating the crash.

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Drive to wipe out helmet law gains speed - KTAL Shreveport - A plan to drive out a Louisiana law requiring bikers to wear helmets or pay up is gaining speed.
Some lawmakers say putting on headgear should be a choice. Others argue it's too dangerous not too.
It's a passion for hitting the road, crossed with danger. "It can happen anywhere, anytime. I thank god I was wearing a helmet that day." John Godfrey was biking home from work; when a deer ran in front of him, he lost control. “After the accident came, I came out of my coma. They showed me my helmet. It was shattered. If I didn't have a helmet on, my head would have been shattered.”
Louisiana requires all motorcyclists to wear protective headgear or face fines, but now a drive to wipe out that law. It's a plan allowing bikers over 21 to ride without helmets,
if they have health insurance and $100,000 in liability coverage. "I think it's up to the person. If I want to wear a helmet, I’ll wear one. If I don't, I shouldn't have to,” biker Gary Pilcher said. "The helmets they have are very heavy. If you do a lot of traveling, the distance puts a lot of strain on your neck," biker Elizabeth Walker said.
The house approved the no helmet bill with a 64-33 vote. Now the measure heads to the senate. Lawmakers axed a similar proposal last year. "He could have gotten killed without the helmet,” biker Buddy Stovall said.
The risk of not wearing a helmet, opponents say, would drive up insurance rates. "It saves a lot of serious injuries and deaths," biker Wayne Nitshce said.
Just last night, an a motorcycle crashed on North Market street in Shreveport. Last month brought three fatal accidents: including a Blanchard couple who lost control and veered into a car. Plus a collision in Belcher killed a man and 11-year-old child. “The helmet is going to save you somewhat, but not if you wreck bad enough. It's going to kill you either way," Walker said.
But headgear saved Godfrey’s life. Still, Godfrey says strapping one on is his personal choice.

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Crash kills biker - The Post-Star - HAGUE - A 39-year-old Massachusetts man attending Americade was killed Friday when he lost control of his motorcycle on Route 9N in Hague, the Warren County Sheriff's Office reported.
Police said Russell M. Gjeltema of Leominster, Mass., was northbound on Route 9N on the north side of Tongue Mountain when he entered a sweeping left-hand curve. Police said his motorcycle, a 2004 Suzuki 1300 Hayabusa, skidded before hitting a guard rail.
Police said Gjeltema was thrown as a result of the impact and the motorcycle continued in a northerly direction, crossing both lanes of travel.
According to authorities, Gjeltema was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said he was traveling with two other motorcyclists, and that he and his traveling companions were attending the Americade Motorcycle Rally, a large annual gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Police said excessive speed entering the curve is believed to be the cause of the accident.
Members of the Hague and Bolton fire departments and emergency squads responded and assisted at the scene, police said.

 

 

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D&D And Brass Balls Support the Troops... So Can You

Help D&D & Brass Balls Bobbers support the returning vets that have sustained head injuries.

Brass Balls is raffling off the Military Bobber with the proceeds going to the Intrepid Fallen Heros Fund. For just three Starbucks you could put a custom Digger motorcycle in your living room!

This fund is helping the returning veterans that have sustained head injuries. It is a way for you to support the troops and feel good at the same time.

We Need Your Help
Please help us help the men and women who are serving this great nation of ours. For just $10 you could be saving a life. Skip a few Starbucks and put your money where it will positively impact a soldier’s life.

Sponsors Include
Our team of sponsors include Bikernet.com, K&N Filters, Torian Chopper Leathers, D&D Performance Exhaust AFT Customs and Saddlemen.

The bobber will be given away at the 2009 Daytona Oktoberfest. Click here for more details.

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Team AMSOIL Gathers Top 10 Finishes in Opening Motocross Rounds
San Bernardino, Calif.
The opening round of the 2009 AMA Motocross season was held May 23 at Glen Helen Raceway Park in San Bernardino, Calif., where all four Team AMSOIL 250 riders finished in the top 10. Rookie racer Justin Barcia got off to a great start in his first professional moto, passing teammate Trey Canard for the lead and holding it for the first half of the 14-lap race. Although he eventually succumbed to arm-pump, he finished the race in ninth. Teammates Canard, Brett Metcalfe and Blake Wharton finished third, seventh and eighth respectively. In moto two, Barcia again busted out to an early lead, leading 10 of the 13 laps before being passed by Ryan Dungey and Tyla Rattray. Barcia finished third, giving him sixth overall; Canard finished eighth, giving him fifth overall; Metcalfe finished sixth, giving him seventh overall and Wharton finished 10th, giving him 10th overall. In the 450 class, Dan Reardon started sixth in the first moto, but a fall on lap two put him back in 16th. Working his way forward, he eventually finished 10th. After dropping out of moto two with a bent front-brake caliper carrier, Reardon finished 17th overall.

Sacramento, Calif.
All four Team AMSOIL 250 riders finished in the top 10 once again at the second round of the 2009 AMA Motocross season held May 30 at Hangtown Classic in Sacramento, Calif. Canard finished third in the first moto and second in the second moto for a second place podium finish, Metcalfe finished fifth in the first moto and fourth in the second moto for fourth overall, Wharton finished ninth in the first moto and fifth in the second moto for seventh overall and Barcia finished second in the first moto and 29th in the second moto for 10th overall. In the 450 class, Reardon finished seventh in the first moto and fifth in the second moto for sixth overall.

 

 

 

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Perry King takes the racing challenge at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days - Actor will join fellow AMA Board Member Charles Goman on track at this summer's AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Long-time motorcyclist and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Board Member Perry King has battled injustice as Cody Allen in the NBC series "Riptide," global warming as President Blake in the movie "The Day After Tomorrow," and societal norms as Chico in "The Lords of Flatbush." But the accomplished actor has faced few challenges that stack up to the one he'll tackle this July 24-26 at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio: racing a vintage off-road bike.

"Vintage racing seems fitting to me," said King, who has raced cars but never competed on a motorcycle despite decades of riding experience. "I'm pretty vintage myself now. I feel like a vintage guy, and I love motorcycles, so it seems like a perfect fit."

Accepting the invitation of fellow AMA Board member and vintage motorcycle racer Charles Goman, King will line up with Goman to race in the vintage hare scrambles and motocross programs at the event, which are part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, a three-day celebration of motorcycling heritage that includes bike shows, seminars, North America's largest motorcycle swap meet and vintage and post-vintage competition.

Goman said that King showed particular enthusiasm in vintage racing at a recent AMA Board of Directors meeting. Goman was happy to oblige King's interest.

"Perry and I just hit it off, and I let him know about coming out and vintage riding," Goman said. "I offered him a ride on one of my bikes, and he was very interested in doing it. I told him I normally ride the hare scrambles and then vintage motocross, and he was game."

While King said he's thrilled and excited to compete at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, he doesn't intend to ride on the edge in either the woods during the hare scrambles or on the track during motocross.

"There are just three rules: don't crash, don't crash, don't crash," King said. "You just can't heal the way you can when you're young. I do tend, certainly in cars, to find it hard not to go for it. But I want to make sure I have many years left of fun. I'm not looking for the red mist to descend over my eyes."

Goman is an Ossa aficionado, and will likely loan King a 1974 Ossa Phantom 250 to ride at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships.

"I don't know much about it, but I love everything with two wheels, so I know I'll love it," King said. "If I were Charles, though, and I had more than one race bike, I'd give the other guy the more difficult one to ride."

King said that the vintage racing program isn't the only activity he's looking forward to at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

"I'm a motorcycle addict. If it's motorcycles, it fascinates me. I'll be in heaven there," King said. "I have 26 bikes now, and half of them are vintage. I like them all in different ways. Certainly one favorite is a '68 Bonneville that I built from a basket case in 1977, then used up and rebuilt again. Another is a '71 BMW R60. It had been sitting in the corner of some guy's shop, and he just wanted it to go away. I got it for 600 bucks. It took me two hours to clean the carbs and put a battery in it, and it was running. I just love old bikes."

Goman added that the people are an equally big attraction of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

"Just seeing everybody and meeting all these old and new friends is great," Goman said. "It's a fair thing to say that in the vintage racing world, if it wasn't for the people I've been meeting, I'm not sure I'd still be doing it. When it comes to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the motorcycles are great, but it's really the people -- in the pits, in the swap meet or on the track -- who do it for me."

King and Goman will race in the inaugural AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships. The AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships will crown AMA National Champions in road racing, motocross, hare scrambles, dirt track and trials. Winners of select classes will earn AMA National No. 1 plates to defend at the 2010 AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships.

In addition, the rider with the highest cumulative point total in select dirt-track and road-racing classes will be honored as the AMA Track Racing Vintage Grand National Champion, and the rider with the highest cumulative point total in select motocross, hare scrambles and trials will be the AMA Off-Road Racing Vintage Grand National Champion.

More information and online entry forms are at AMARacing.com and AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com.
 
About AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days includes vintage racing, North America's largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows, demo rides of current production bikes, motorcycling seminars, stunt shows, the new product Manufacturers' Midway and club corrals featuring marque and regional clubs. The Marque of the Year for 2009 is BSA, whose bikes became synonymous with racing in the United States when the brand swept the top five positions at the Daytona 200 in 1954. The Classic Clubs this year will be the Sandcast Only Owner's Club (SOOC), and the International CBX Owners Association.

This year will be particularly special because it commemorates the 85th anniversary of the AMA and will feature a parade of classic motorcycles representing the past 85 years. Volunteers are encouraged to contact the Museum about participating in the parade. Information is at MotorcycleMuseum.org.