Franks Biker News June 28th archive

June 21, 2009 - Round five of the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship returned to Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, Tenn.

D&D Sponsored Chris Carr Gets a Top 10 Finish and Takes 6th

Weeks of rain had left the small bowl of a race track in sketchy condition at best, but hard work by the track crew and the AMA Pro Racing show was able to go on.

A great show it was as Graham, Washington's Sammy Halbert willed his Halbert Family / King's Kustoms backed Harley-Davidson to his first Grand National Twins win. Just seven days ago it appeared Halbert's season may be over as he was in the middle of the horrific accident at the Dayton, Ohio half-mile, but the youngster proved to be very resilient.

Halbert was fast qualifier, won the second fastest heat, pocketed $1,000 and five points in the Dash before out dueling Blue Springs Screamin' Eagle's Jared Mees and Harley-Davidson Motor Company's Kenny Coolbeth.

Oppressive heat and humidity led to the threat of rain and the program was interrupted twice by weather, between the two Pro Singles heats and again during the Pro Singles Main.

Brothers Power Sports' Brad Baker led the twelve lap main from the start and had a comfortable lead over Red Bull / Team 95's JD Beach and Lancaster Harley-Davidson's Shayna Texter when the rain hit on Lap 8. With over sixty percent of the laps run the race was called complete.

The rain did not last long and trucks quickly ironed the track back into shape for the twenty five lap Grand National. Lightning was flashing on the horizon as the nineteen rider field rushed into the first turn. Halbert hustled his Harley to the point with Coolbeth, then Mees pushing for the lead. Mees grabbed the lead on Lap 5 only to have the red lights flash on one lap later.

AJ Eslick had spun down in Turn 2 and although he was trying to wrestle his Harley off the track, it was still on the racing surface, forcing the red.

AJ got his R&D Machine mount back for the restart, but was only able to complete six more laps before dropping out.

Mees picked back up where he left off and looked to be on his way to repeating his 2007 win on the high banked oval, but Halbert had other ideas and regained the lead on lap twelve. All the while the two leaders battled away Coolbeth was positioned to pounce on any mistake. Despite numerous challenges between the three the podium positions were set.

Screamin' Eagle Moroney's Harley-Davidson's Bryan Smith ended up in a distant fourth place with 2008 Rookie of the Year, Mack Daddy Racing's Matt Weidman closing in near the end.

Chris Carr Racing / D&D Peformance Enterprises / Lancaster Harley-Davidson's Chris Carr barely edged SuperTrapp's Jake Johnson for sixth.

Delano Sports Center / Donahue Racing's Jake Mataya, Rogers Lake Racing's Shaun Russell and Action Motorsport's Brandon Robinson filled out the top ten.

Of note on the night, Brian Phillips was able to get the Bonneville Performance Racing Triumph in the team's first National main. Hall's Cycles / Kiesow Racing's Logan Scherb and Team Movin' Mike / TNT Harley-Davidson's Kevin Vance also made their first National mains.

The Pro Singles Point Standings find tonight's winner Brad Baker back on top with 83 points. James Rispoli and JD Beach trail with 76 and 71 points respectively.

Defending Grand National Champion Kenny Coolbeth once again, after two races, leads the chase with 43 points. Jared Mees and Chris Carr follow with 38 and 32.

Coolbeth has also moved into the lead in the overall championship as he has 88 points. Sammy Halbert moves to second with 82, Jared Mees also slipped around previous leader JR Schnabel, 80-78.

RESULTS

PRO SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP MAIN EVENT (18 riders, 8 laps): 1. Brad Baker (Hon); 2. JD Beach (Hon); 3. Shayna Texter (Suz); 4. James Rispoli (Hon); 5. Lucas Scherb (Hsq); 6. Zach Palmer (Hon); 7. Michael Toon (Hon); 8. Jeff Carver (Yam); 9. Colt Chebultz (Hon); 10. Jacob Shoemaker (Suz); 11. Robert Jones Jr. (Hon); 12. Hunter King (Hon); 13. William Cato (Hon); 14. Corey Crawford (Hon); 15. Cory Strickler (Yam); 16. John Long (Suz); 17. Garret Wilson (Yam); 18. Andrew Smith (Hon).

GRAND NATIONAL TWINS CHAMPIONSHIP MAIN EVENT (19 riders, 25 laps): 1. Sammy Halbert (H-D); 2. Jared Mees (H-D); 3. Kenny Coolbeth (H-D); 4. Bryan Smith (H-D); 5. Matt Weidman (H-D); 6. Chris Carr (H-D); 7. Jake Johnson (H-D); 8. Jake Mataya (H-D); 9. Shaun Russell (H-D); 10. Brandan Robinson (H-D); 11. Joe Kopp (H-D); 12. Brandan Bergen (H-D); 13. Steve Murray (H-D); 14. JR Schnabel (H-D); 15. Logan Scherb (H-D); 16. Kevin Vance (H-D); 17. Bryan Bigelow (H-D); 18. Brian Phillips (Tri); 19. AJ Eslick (H-D).

LA Raceway in LaMonte, Missouri is a well known 3/8-mile clay track for Sprint cars, Street Stocks, Modifieds, and Hobby Stocks. The track was superbly prepared as a lighting fast motorcycle track for Round 3 of the AMA Pro Flat Track National Hot Shoe Series.

Four AMA Pro National Hot Shoe classes were scheduled, for competition between riders such as seven-time AMA Pro Grand National Champion Chris Carr, current AMA Pro Grand National Champion Kenny Coolbeth, this year's Springfield Mile Pro Singles winner Michael Toon and last week's National Hot Shoe Pro Singles winner Shayna Texter.

More than 3,000 fans filled the grandstands for an evening of flat track motorcycle racing at its best.

Toon, one of the hottest Pro Single riders in the country right now, chalked up yet another win aboard the No. 22L Price Truck Line Honda CRF450R in the Pro Singles main over D&D Sponsored Corby Scherb on the No. 32N SSR/Chico Racing Honda CRF450R. Texter rounded out the top three aboard the No. 25A Lancaster Suzuki RM-Z450.

In the Pro Twins main event things got turned around a bit with Corby Scherb on the No. 32N SSR/Chico Racing Harley-Davidson taking the win over Texter, who made her twins debut on the No. 25A Lancaster Harley-Davidson. Jeff Carver, aboard the No. 24P Stevens Racing Suzuki, finished third.

Running in the Expert Singles class puts D&D Sponsored Chris Carr out of familiar territory, having won all of his Grand National Championships on specialized flat track framed motorcycles.

"These new kids coming up have much more experience than I do riding these production bikes," said Carr, arguably the most dominate rider in the country in past AMA Pro Grand National seasons.

However, Carr proved that skill can make up for a lack of experience in the production class, as his Kenny Tolbert-tuned Honda proved untouchable in the Expert Singles main event.

Carr rode his No. 4 Chris Carr Racing/DFW Honda CRF450R to the win over Jared Mees and his No. 21 Pro Honda Oils Honda CRF450R, with Sammy Halbert pushing his No. 43 Halbert Family Yamaha YZF450 to the limit for third.

The Expert Twins main event resembled more of an AMA Pro Grand National than a Hot Shoe, including top riding talent such as Coolbeth, Carr, Mees, Shaun Russell and JR Schnabel.

Riding the No. 28 Rogers/Lake Racing Harley-Davidson, Shaun Russell took the win in the 12-lap final. Mees' No. 22 Blue Springs/Screaming Eagle Harley-Davidson took second over No. 33 Memphis Shades/Parts Unlimited Harley-Davidson mounted Schnabel. The only non Harley-Davidson in the main event was Michael Kirkness on the No. 87 Yeager's Cycle Suzuki, who finished a well respected seventh.

Team Obsolete will display classic bikes at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has welcomed many noteworthy machines from motorcycling's past to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, including 1920s-era Scott Flying Squirrels and six-cylinder Laverdas. On July 24-26 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, BSA is being honored as the event's 2009 Marque of the Year, and some wonderful examples of the classic British machines are expected, including several from Rob Iannucci's Team Obsolete.

"AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days welcomes all AMA members to come and celebrate the heritage of the greatest sport and pastime on Earth, and this year we're particularly enthused that Rob Iannucci's Team Obsolete will be on hand with some incredible machinery," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Rob has some one-of-a-kind British machines, and we're thrilled that he's bringing them out to be part of the show this year."

Team Obsolete will be on hand with several historically significant machines that will participate in on-track activities and be on display for vintage bike enthusiasts in the paddock.

"AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days has always been one of the most exciting weekends in motorcycling, and Team Obsolete is excited to participate this year, as we have in year's past," said Team Obsolete owner Iannucci.

The following bikes will be among those in the Team Obsolete paddock at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days and will participate in special events:

* AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Grand Marshall Don Emde will do demo laps on the late Don Vesco's 1966 BSA ex-factory A50R road racer. Vesco and Gordon Menzie restored the machine in the late 1990s, but with a non-original frame. Team Obsolete recently tracked down the original factory frame and reunited it with this historic machine.
* The ex-Dick Mann BSA Rocket III A75R will be on display. Mann raced this fabled machine in 1971 through 1973. Thereafter, it had a glorious two-decade second career, ridden by Dave Roper, Yvon Duhamel, John Cronshaw and Iannucci.
* A 1960s BSA DBD34 Gold Star dirt-tracker, restored by Mann to be historically correct for early 1960s AMA Class C competition, will see action during the dirt-track program of the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships.
* Roper will do demo laps on the ex-Al Gunter 1959 Matchless G-50 that he rode to an epic victory in the 1984 Isle of Man TT, the only American victory ever in the 100-year history of the world's most challenging race. The bike was restored to 1984 specs by Iannucci and Roper for the 2007 Centennial Celebration of the TT.

"AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2009 marks the beginning of a new program where we will be bringing out examples of our exotic machines for demo laps and display at selected AMA-sanctioned events," said Iannucci. "These include historically significant multi-cylinder Grand Prix machines from Honda, M.V. Agusta and Benelli, plus other ex-factory road race machines from Harley-Davidson, Norton, Triumph, BSA, Matchless and AJS, and also representative bikes from Tom Kirby Racing, Arter Bros Racing, Team Hansen and of course Team Obsolete Racing. Stay tuned."

Team Obsolete is sponsored by Vanson Leathers, AVON Tires, Works Performance Suspension, Airtech Streamlining and RD Springs.

About AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days includes national-championship 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, and the AMA Used Bike Corral. 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. More information can be found at AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com .

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 for information about participating in the parade. Information is at MotorcycleMuseum.org .

AMA Racing WORCS Bike Week will feature two WORCS rounds, hare scrambles, motocross and WORCS X-cross
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- If you've ever come away from a race weekend still craving track time, then the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS) has a week in store for you. AMA Racing WORCS Bike Week, set for Aug. 1-9 at Straddleline ORV Park just north of Elma, Wash., is a new American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) championship event that will pack four disciplines into one massive week of racing, awarding AMA Racing national championships to overall class winners.

WORCS Bike Week will include two rounds of the WORCS series, an AMA Racing Western National Hare Scrambles Championship Series event, a motocross race, and a WORCS X-cross event, which puts riders up against extreme natural and manmade obstacles.

"The first-ever AMA Racing WORCS Bike Week National Championships will be a thrilling contest for riders across a number of disciplines," said AMA Off-road Manager Chuck Weir. "WORCS racers bill themselves as the fastest racers on the planet, and now the AMA Racing WORCS Bike Week National Championships will give them a chance to prove just how fast they are in these other disciplines, as well. Whether you're a fan or a competitor, this is something you won't want to miss."

The concept of WORCS Week was the brainstorm of Roger "Homer" Hamel, the father of WORCS series founder Dave Hamel. The goal is to combine a week of championship-level racing with ample opportunity for family-friendly activities.

"For many families, their lives revolve around racing, and this will give them an opportunity to combine their first love with some downtime," said WORCS CEO Sean Reddish. "We've opened up the schedule so there's plenty of time to enjoy all that northwestern Washington has to offer.

"But don't get me wrong -- this week will be about racing, first and foremost, and lots of it," he said. "There will be $12,000 of Pro/AA purse money paid that week alone. With WORCS racing, a Western National hare scrambles, a WORCS X-cross and a motocross, each rider will get a chance to showcase his or her specialization -- or flexibility. The goal is crown multi-discipline champions for off-road racing."

Riders who have the highest point total across all disciplines will earn AMA Racing national championships and be invited to the AMA Racing Champions Banquet, set for Dec. 4 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The following night, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum will honor its 2009 inductees at the same location.

For more information about AMA Racing WORCS Bike Week, see WORCSRacing.com.

The AMA-sanctioned WORCS Bike Week will run the following schedule:

Aug. 1-2: AMA Racing Western National Hare Scrambles Round 4 (in conjunction with AMA Racing WORCS Round 7, paying points for both series)
Aug. 3-4: Off
Aug. 5: WORCS Motocross (motocross track only; two-moto format)
Aug. 6: Off
Aug. 7: 2nd Annual WORCS X-cross (under the lights)
Aug. 8-9: WORCS Round 8 and AMA Racing awards ceremony

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.

Special guest announced for AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell
Deborah Grey to be Keynote Speaker for Friday International Street Party
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that Canadian Deborah Grey will be the keynote speaker at the Friday evening International Street Party during the fifth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell, on Aug. 19-22 in Keystone, Colo.

Grey, who is legendary as the first-ever Reform Party Member of the Canadian Parliament, is also an avid motorcyclist.

The Friday night International Street Party is being organized by the Motorcyclists' Confederation of Canada (MCC). Liz Jansen, an MCC director and chair of its Women Riders Council, said she was delighted by Grey's selection as the keynote speaker.

"We are proud and thrilled that Deborah Grey will be delivering the keynote address at the International Street Party," Jansen said. "She is a role model as a Canadian, woman and motorcyclist. Above all, her life exemplifies the conference theme of 'Riding to New Heights.'"

A master storyteller and the author of "Never Retreat, Never Explain, Never Apologize: My Life, My Politics," Grey is renowned for her ability to combine her no-nonsense attitude, wit and humor into a compelling presentation.

"Throughout her political career, Deborah Grey has exemplified the highest standards of integrity and leadership," said Tigra Tsujikawa, marketing and special events manager for the AMA. "We are honored to have such an inspiring woman and fellow motorcyclist address our conference attendees."

The 2009 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell, is the country's premier event for women motorcyclists. With the theme "Riding to New Heights," the conference not only honors the contributions of women riders to motorcycling's past and present, it also celebrates the fast-growing role that women riders are playing in the future of motorcycling.

The registration fee covers admission to all seminars, as well as opening ceremonies on Aug. 19, a barn dance on Aug. 20, the International Street Party on Aug. 21 and a closing banquet on Aug. 22. Both the barn dance and closing banquet include dinner.

Registration, which includes a commemorative t-shirt, is $165 through Aug. 3. Registration after Aug. 3, as well as on-site registration, will cost $185. Participants can register now at
https://home.ama-cycle.org/iwmc/registration/register.aspx or by phone by calling (800) AMA-JOIN. While the event focuses on women riders, it is not limited to women. Men are welcome to participate with a paid registration.

Sign up for conference e-mail alerts at http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1101360655061&p=oi&id=preview , and follow conference updates on Twitter at http://twitter.com/womenandmoto .
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.

2009 AMA Amateur Racing Champions Banquet heads to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
Event will kick off celebratory weekend that includes AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- At the end of each racing season, the best amateur racers in the country are honored at the AMA Racing Champions Banquet. This Dec. 4, these stand-out members of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) will receive the well-earned respect of their peers, family, friends and fans at one of the event's coolest locations ever, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.

Held on the eve of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame 2009 Induction Ceremony, also scheduled for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the event will provide a special opportunity for racers and fans to not only celebrate the accomplishments of racing's present, but witness the elevation of individuals from all of motorcycling's past.

"Amateur racing is a big part of both our heritage and our future, and we're excited about giving our racers the recognition they've earned," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Whether you race motocross, in the woods, the desert, on a dirt oval or asphalt, you most likely are chasing an AMA National No. 1 plate or a national championship. The AMA Racing Champions Banquet will honor those who achieved that goal during the 2009 season.

"We're particularly thrilled about this year's celebration, which lead us into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame 2009 Induction Ceremony," Dingman continued. "Today's champions will get a first-hand look at what a career of dedication and effort can bring: a place in the revered AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame."

Racers who will be recognized at the AMA Racing Champions Banquet include those who've won AMA national championships by coming out on top in a season-long AMA Racing National Championship Series, such as the AMA/Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series, or by winning their class at AMA Racing Amateur Championship events, such as the AMA/Air Nautiques Amateur National Motocross Championships. Competitors who've earned AMA National No. 1 plates will also receive their personalized hardware for 2009 at the banquet.

The following evening on Dec. 5, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame will induct nine new members. These include motorcycle apparel pioneer Robert Bates, off-highway rights activist Mona Ehnes, industry entrepreneurs and technological trailblazers Geoff and Bob Fox, off-road racer Randy Hawkins, longtime motorcycle safety proponent David Hough, noted race team manager Gary Mathers, successful dirt-track racer and tuner Chuck Palmgren, and suspension pioneer Gilles Vaillancourt.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino -- which was recently renovated with new rooms, a new convention space and a new concert venue -- is an ideal location for celebrating the speed, excitement and enthusiasm that defines all forms of motorcycling. With an 84-foot guitar marking the entrance and, of course, all the glitz and memorabilia that fans have come to expect at Hard Rock Café locations around the world, it's a fitting stage for the country's best racers and history's two-wheeled stars.

Information about buying tickets to attend the 2009 AMA Racing Champions Banquet will be announced shortly at AMARacing.com and AmericanMotorcyclist.com .

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.

Days numbered on former Outlaws clubhouse - London Free Press - Large rats, not outlaw bikers, live in what used to be the clubhouse of what was once London’s dominant outlaw motorcycle gang.
Soon the vermin may be homeless, too, after city officials took steps Friday that could lead to the demolition by summer's end of what was once the home of the Outlaws biker gang on Egerton Street.
City bylaw officers have posted an order on the building to make it safe, no small task considering it was boarded up after a 2002 police raid.
The foundation is crumbling, the wood rotting, the roof dilapidated and the walls punctured by what neighbours say have been large rats that have chewed into the home.
With the edge of the building nearly abutting public sidewalks, passerbys are at risk from falling debris, said Orest Katolyk, the city’s bylaw enforcement manager.
Ward 4 Coun. Stephen Orser was even more pointed in his concern.
“It’s a death trap,” he said.
According to a notice on the building, it’s now owned by the Ontario government, which moved to seize it years ago as proceeds of crime, petitioning the courts under Ontario’s Civil Remedies Act.
But the building’s registry title lists its owner as a numbered Ontario company.
No matter who owns or controls it now, if no one makes the building safe by July 17, the city will seek a demolition permit, a process that would lead to the leveling of the building likely sometime in August, Katolyk said.
Orser can’t wait to see the wrecking ball.
“Everybody will feel better when this property is gone,” he said.
The closing of the London clubhouse was part of an Ontario-wide campaign by police to crack down on the Outlaws. More than 500 officers took part. The subsequent arrests and charges were followed by a massive prosecution, Project Retire, that led to 16 guilty pleas and a costly retrofitting of the London courthouse to create adequate security for the trials.

Passenger in motorcycle crash dies - The Daily News of Newburyport - A second person has died following an accident on Bachelor Street Thursday evening involving a motorcycle and a small SUV.
Sgt. Jeffrey Durand of the West Newbury Police Department said both the driver and passenger of a 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle died from injuries sustained during the accident, one at the scene Thursday night, and one yesterday at a Boston Hospital.
Earl Morris, 63, 659 Primrose St., Haverhill, the driver of the motorcycle, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Maryella Morris, 63, with a license address of 107 Valley Road, Etna, Maine, died yesterday at the hospital, where she was taken Thursday night via helicopter. Although holding a Maine driver's license, Durand said it is believed that she was Earl Morris' wife and lived with him in Haverhill.
The driver of the 2002 Toyota Rav4, Alan Pearsall, 67, 563 Main St., West Newbury, was not injured.
The accident, which took place about 5:55 p.m., is still under investigation by West Newbury officer Royster Johnson and Sgt. Daniel Cena, as well as the Amesbury regional accident reconstructing team. Durand said more information will be released when the investigation is complete.
Durand said he believed both of the deceased were wearing helmets.
Bachelor Street is a narrow back road in West Newbury with "two lanes, no divider and a lot of hills and curves," Durand said. The road has no shoulder, offering nowhere for vehicles to pull over, he said.
Durand said he is unaware of the road having had a history of accidents.

26-year-old motorcyclist dies in accident on Pontotoc County highway - KFSM - LATTA, Okla. (AP) — A 26-year-old motorcyclist has died after an accident on State Highway 1 in Pontotoc County.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says Danny Collins of Ada died in the crash about one mile south of Latta that happened about 1 p.m. Friday.
Troopers say Collins was exceeding the speed limit when his motorcycle ran off the road for an unknown reason and went into a slide. Collins was ejected.
He was taken by helicopter to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, where troopers say he died at 4:22 p.m. Friday.

NY motorcyclist killed in I-95 crash in Greenwich - Stamford Advocate - A 24-year-old Dutchess County (N.Y.) woman was killed late Thursday night on Interstate 95 in Greenwich when she hit the back of a truck with her motorcycle and was struck by two other vehicles after she fell off her bike, state police said.
Jillian Bragg, of Holmes, N.Y., was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which shut down all three southbound lanes of the highway just before Exit 4 around 11:30 p.m., according to an accident report.
Investigators say Bragg was traveling at a high rate of speed in the left lane of the highway and was trying to change lanes when the accident occurred.
Bragg struck the rear of a truck with her 2008 Kawasaki Ninja, which ejected her from the bike and into the path of a Harley Davidson that side-swiped her and a Nissan Sentra that hit her, the accident report said.
Paramedics from Greenwich Emergency Medical Service found Bragg on the left shoulder of the highway.
"Once they arrived on the scene, they determined that the patient had passed away at the scene," said Joseph Soto, director of operations for GEMS.
Bragg, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, died of multiple blunt-trauma injuries, said officials at the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Farmington.
None of the other drivers involved in the accident were injured, nor were they charged with any motor vehicle infractions, according to the accident report, which said the crash is still under
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investigation.
All four vehicles were towed from the accident scene.
First Selectman Peter Tesei said he was alerted of the accident Friday morning by the Fire Department.
"It's the second one we've had," Tesei said, referring to a May 9 motorcycle accident that took the life of a town man.
Keith Crocco, 39, died of multiple injuries after rear-ending a vehicle on of I-95 north near Exit 2.

Today's motorcycle ride fund raiser to benefit injured officer - Cape Coral Daily Breeze - It has been the better part of a month since Cape Coral motorcycle officer Damien Garcia was critically injured in a serious accident, and it appears that the positive signs of improvement from his Miami hospital bed have caused the community to rally together stronger and more cohesively on his behalf.
Dave Lawler, a friend of officer Garcia's and an avid motorcyclist, rallied the help of the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge to put together a motorcycle ride fund raiser for Garcia and his family.
"Damien has been a very good friend of mine for the past couple years," said Lawler, a 40-year motorcyclist. "It's very important for people to come out. Damien is just an all around super great guy. It's going to be a good time, it's going to be a great event."

Registration for the ride will take place Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Victory Lane Cafe, located at 4120 Hancock Bridge Parkway, at a cost of $20. The ride will begin at 11 a.m. and will end at GEO's Italian Restaurant on Pine Island Road. Live music, food, raffles and much more will be available at GEO's as part of the fund-raising efforts.

Though Garcia remains in critical condition, he continues to show positive steps towards a possible recovery, said city spokesperson Connie Barron earlier this week.
The extent of his recovery remains to be seen, but the support and prayers of Garcia's community has touched the hearts of his family, Barron said.
"When I first found out about this, it was not only shocking, because Damien is a fantastic rider... It was like getting kicked in the head," Lawler said. "I couldn't believe it. I was at the hospital every day since this happened."
Lawler said safe driving and awareness are components that can prevent many motorcycle accidents from occurring.
"People in cars really need to pay attention," he said. "They need to stay off the phone, stop texting. If you're getting in the car to drive it, drive it. Cars really need to look out for motorcycles, they really really do."
Lawler is a member of motorcycle group ABATE, which he says is a proponent of tougher traffic laws.
"Florida needs to get a lot stricter with their motorcycle laws," he said.
FOP representative Cape Coral Sgt. Robert Wardrop expressed the importance of the community's support and that of people like Lawler.
"It means a lot to us," Wardrop said. "We're very appreciative of the community support, the businesses and the donations."
Money donated during the event will be placed in an account at TIB Bank opened earlier this month, called the Special Needs Account, C/O FOP Lodge 33.
"Whatever the family deems necessary, that's what the money's for," Wardrop said. "The more people that show up, the more support for the family, which is what we want."
ABATE will also hold a fund raiser from 6 to 10 p.m. at Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft.
Lowes Home Improvement Center, on Pine Island Road, will host a July 4 fund raiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to raise funds for Garcia and his family.
A dunk tank, classic car show, Fire Department truck display and raffle and bucket drive will be components of the event.
Cape Coral Police Chief Rob Petrovich continues to be heartened by the various events and continued support of the community.
"I think when you see and hear about these kinds of things... it's very touching and it's wonderful," Petrovich said. "The fact is that everybody is taking a crisis, a bad situation, trying to make sense of it and trying to make good of it as well as they can."

Ada man killed in motorcycle accident - KXII-TV - ADA, OK -- An Ada man has died from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident Friday afternoon.
OHP troopers say 26-year-old Danny Collins was riding a motorcycle about one mile south of Latta, on SH1 when he ran off the road for an unknown reason. slid and was thrown from the bike.
Collins was flown by medical helicopter to OU Medical Center in critical condition, but died a short time later.
Troopers say Collins was not wearing a helmet, and excessive speed may have been a factor in that accident.

Motorcyclist killed in crash on Route 146A - Woonsocket Call - NORTH SMITHFIELD — An East Providence man died early Friday morning after a single motorcycle crash on Eddie Dowling Highway, Route 146A.
Forty-year-old Carlos Lemos, whose last known address is 142 Central Ave., East Providence, was operating a motorcycle on Eddie Dowling Highway on Friday morning around 5:45 a.m., when the vehicle crashed near the entrance to the Family Fun Center, according to police. No other vehicles were involved in the collision.
A preliminary investigation shows that the motorcycle was traveling northbound along Eddie Dowling Highway. The vehicle veered to the left and struck the guardrail, causing its operator to be ejected from the motorcycle upon impact, police said.
Lemos was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.
According to police, Lemos received fatal injuries resulting from the collision. Police would not say whether or not the motorcycle operator was wearing a helmet.
The collision remains under investigation by members of the Accident Reconstruction Unit.
State Police assisted North Smithfield police with the response. A few lanes on Route 146A were temporarily closed on Friday due to the crash.