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Motorcycle Riders Foundation Meeting of the Minds 2003


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Motorcycle Riders Foundation Meeting of the Minds 2003 Review
by Spotman

I left for the 19th Annual Meeting of the Minds in Green Bay Wisconsin on Wednesday, Sept 17th, 2003. I was to meet my buddy Aaron Frank (ABATE of Iowa District #5 Coordinator) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and we were gonna spend the night at his in-laws cabin on the Mississippi River at Guttenburg. There were wind advisories and after about 20 miles on the I-80, I had had enough. I took county roads the rest of the way. Even so, I got to Cedar Rapids a little early and stopped by "The Dog Zone", which a "doggy-daycare" owned by my good friends Dick & Dawn Walton. Dawn looked a beautiful as ever and she told me Dick was home. I went over to Aaron's and we then went down the alley to Dick's for a quick beer. We then said good-bye to Aaron's wife Carol (who told us NOT to kill each other) and we were off for our wild adventure.

We made good time as traffic was light. We stopped in Manchester to get gas, when Aaron noticed my "blue" (right-side) gas tank was leaking. We had just passed a buddy's of his place, but I said "Let's just ride on." Yep, bad mistake! Not 2 miles down the 4-lane running very fast, the rear stud pulls out of the now full gas tank leaving a gaping ¾ inch hole out of which all the gas dumped in about 10 seconds. I couldn't see from the steam that billowed up and my eyes were full of gas. I was grabbing for the ignition switch while stomping the rear brake and trying to get off the highway…all the while thinking "I'm riding a freakin' BOMB!" Once I got the bike stopped, I jumped off, grabbed my leatherman tool and pinched off the crossover hose so as to save as much gas as I could from the left side tank. Aaron saw the steam, spun around and came back. With his help - we dug around and found a bolt & a hose clamp and clamped off the crossover hose. At this point, I'm all for going back to his buddy's house for some assistance. We get there…and after some discussion (and begging!), Terry (I hope I got the name right!) says he'll weld the stud back in. After taking the tank off, we rinse it out, fill it with water and Terry does a masterful job of welding. We put the tank back on, leaving the cap off so it will dry out. I thank him profusely and back down the road we go. We finally get to the cabin and the first thing I do is to take a shower and put my gas soaked clothes into a zip-lock bag.

The next morning, I fill the blue tank with gas and the weld holds! Excellent and we're off to Green Bay. However, both Aaron and I kept getting each other lost in Madison…it was actually comical how each of us thought we knew where we were going. But we made it through and finally got to Green Bay. Before I even got checked in…I ran into Karen Bolin and Tom Wyld. It was great to see them so fired up and ready to go! After packing all my stuff up to the room, I took off, found an "Off-Sale" and bought a ton of beer and pop.

Thursday night was the "Meet the Board" question and answer session. By this time, I was wasted and in full party mode. I didn't realize how many people I actually knew. I spent most of that evening renewing old friendships and consuming massive amounts of alcohol. Later on, Fast Fred (ABATE of South Carolina State Coordinator), some "other" friends and myself ended up in the "nudie" bar just down the street. (As it was within walking distance - we didn't ride). I was very glad to have my sunglasses with me when the bright lights blinded me at closing time!

Friday morning was a fog. However, after swilling a bucket of coffee - I was ready for the day. The first session was titled "History of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation"…in which Charlie Williams and others told the story of how and why the MRF was founded and milestones in the organizations history…very informative.

The next session was "Riding Through Legislation" Tom Wyld explained to everyone what the MRF has been doing over the last year as our advocate in Washington, D.C. He touched on the big three…HIPAA, the EPA and reauthorization of TEA-21. For the most part, this was a review as I have been in the middle of all these issues. But for those who had been on the sidelines - this was very eye opening as Tom did a masterful job of not only explaining the issues, but "why" these issues are important and what the MRF and others have been doing this past year to win these battles. Three things I didn't know: It was stated that the MRF spent $13,127.83 fighting the EPA for the fiscal year 2003. The EPA is NOT prosecuting motorcycle importers who do not meet emission standards - as NHTSA caught one company that shipped 6000 bikes into America that did not meet EPA regs. One motorcycle company put out an 8-page service bulletin and a recall on an ECN Valve, which was supposedly overheating the engine…however, further investigation revealed that the heat was caused by the placement of the catalytic converter which resulted in eight cracked cross-member welds and BUSTED FRAMES.

There are also two bills in the House we must watch closely…HR 110 - a bill wherein Congress will vote on "early rule/federal regulation" BEFORE an agency may enact ANY regulation. Also we must watch HR 2542 - a bill wherein Congress sets up a committee to review and approve ALL administrative rules and federal regulation before enactment.

Then it was time for lunch…sponsored by Harley-Davidson. I wasn't going to eat their "suck-up-to-the-freedom-fighter meal" as I saw this as a way for the Motor-Company to kiss ass and stay in the good graces of the same bikers they're trying to screw over by working WITH the EPA and the European Union to introduce the "one-world-bike". However, if they're willing to give me (the enemy) a free lunch, why shouldn't I take it? So I did. Bratwurst and beans…boy they went "whole hog" on THAT meal!

For the first breakout session, I attended "How to Put Together a Federal PAC" by "Boz" & Rita from ABATE of Illinois. This was something I am VERY interested in. However, I couldn't hear very well and lost interest. I grabbed my handouts for future reference and left early.

The next session I went to was "State PAC Funding" by Mark Buckner of Colorado and past MRF President. Here, I gathered a ton of good information as well as added my voice to the discussion.

After dinner was the PAC Fundraiser. Games of skill and chance were played to raise money for MRF PAC. As usual, my luck and skills sucked so I simply made donations. A large contingent from both North and South Carolina made their way over to the "nudie" bar…so I tagged along. We had great fun and meaningful discussions…all the while surrounded by beautiful naked women. (I love this stuff!!!)

Saturday morning was almost as foggy (in my own head) as it was on Friday morning…but another bucket of coffee and I was raring to go.

After a short Award's Ceremony where Deb Buttita of AZ received the President's Award, Charlie Umbenhauer of PA got a "special" award, Pennsylvania got the National Legislative Award, Susan Buck got the Thomas Paine Award, and "Fast Fred" of SC got the Outstanding State Reps Award…there was a panel discussion surrounding the EPA.

Amongst this panel was a guy named George Coates, who has invented a new revolutionary rotary valve engine. This engine design has been built into a V-Twin platform and installed on a motorcycle. This engine is 44% efficient with zero emissions and a 12:1 compression ratio. After the session, I saw a video and Powerpoint presentation on this engine…and I'm impressed. At this point, the engine is still being evaluated and they only sell complete bikes…but I asked them to consider a bolt-on kit that could retrofit old 4-speed Harley style frames. For more information go to www.coatesengine.com.

Also on this panel was Dr. Radwan Saade…from the Small Business Administration Office of Economic Research, Office of Advocacy and a Regulatory Analyst. He has been working with Tom Wyld on this EPA issue. This session was very informative and at times combative. Dr. Saade stated that when concerning the EPA, once the process reaches a critical point, proposed rules go on cruise control. The proposed rule concerning highway motorcycle emissions has already gone past that critical point. Dr. Saade also told us that we all need to get involved in the regulatory process BEFORE the proposed rule is written. Of course, the question was asked, "How do we KNOW BEFORE the proposed rule is written?" Dr. Saade said we need to "create contacts". Dr. Saade is the MRF's "contact" in the Small Business Administration. His office gets notifications of proposed regulatory rules before they are written. Dr. Saade says the best place for small motorcycle manufactures to stay on top of issues like this is through their own trade magazines.

Representing the Office of Advocacy, Dr. Saade's job consists of fielding questions from Congressmen and Senators that ask if "Regulatory Panel Reports" are accurate. So, I only had one question and Tom Wyld allowed me to ask it: "In your opinion Dr., has the EPA met it's regulatory obligation under Executive Order 12866 and under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA) to consider a less stringent alternative to the proposed emission standards". Unfortunately, the good Dr. gave the simple answer…"Yes". He also went on to state that the fact that "small entities" (manufacturers) DID NOT step up and offer public comments during the public comment period is NOT the fault of the EPA. So, as far as the Small Business Administration is concerned - that angle of attack is closed.

However, ALL IS NOT LOST!!!

Before this session, Tom had taken me aside and told me that Dr. Saade would be holding a small question and answer session, separate from the general session after the panel discussion. He also told me I SHOULD attend. Thus, I missed most of the "Global Test Bikes" sessions given by Imre Szauter of the AMA and Eric Lundquist of HD Government Affairs. (OH yeah, I was bummed about that ;) I spent some quality one-on-one time with the good doctor instead. And here are the results of our discussion:

Dr. Saade told me that he and Tom Wyld are working closely to monitor what the EPA and other agencies are planning/doing that could adversely affect motorcycling and small volume manufacturers. You see, Dr. Saade told me he has been riding bikes his whole life…these issues affect HIM on a personal level. He cares deeply about our causes and he will work with us. Dr. Saade is committed to helping us in this fight, but he can not do it all by himself. He needs us, the motorcycling community to get out there and spread the word to other motorcyclists and to the small motorcycle shops.

Once the EPA rule on Highway Motorcycles is finalized, there WILL be another public comment period concerning how this rule IS affecting Small Business's. That's right - we have ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY. The year will be 2006. During some point in that year, another panel will be convened and the panel will ask small entities to give public comments on how the EPA rule has affected their livelihoods since the Highway Motorcycle Emissions rule went into effect. However, we MUST get as many small manufacturers' informed and ready to act as possible. It is imperative that we get our EPA information into the hands of every motorcycle shop. (For a one-page handout that puts the whole EPA issue into perspective, download the .pdf file at the bottom of the following webpage: http://www.solriders.net/solr/index.php?showtopic=20.)

We must also inform these little shops that through their own Trade Publications, they will learn what is "going on" and get first warning of what the EPA and other government entities are trying to pull that will affect their business. If these little shops don't read these trade publications and just shove them into the circular file, they will continue to be blindsided by regulation that could hurt their business. At the very least, these small shops need to keep each other informed via email, snail mail…whatever. We have been fighting this battle on our won…it's time the business' that are going to be adversely affected step up and get involved. They blew it during the first Pubic Comment Period by NOT sending in their comments. If this happens again in 2006 - the war will be over.

Tom also gave me a link to the "Final Report of the Small Business Advocacy Review Panel on Control of Emissions from Nonroad Large Spark Ignition Engines, Recreational Engines (Marine and Land-based), and Highway Motorcycles" dated July 17, 2001. http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/is_marinerpt01_0717.pdf If any of you have a couple of hours to kill, this is some fascinating reading! To get to the important "stuff" about highway motorcycles, who put forth comments to the panel, and what their comments were start on page 28. You'll have to surf through all kinds of comments from all kinds of manufacturer's (not just highway motorcycles) - but it will be an eye-opening read! For sure, get to page 40. After these comments, is Section 9, PANEL FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. Be sure to read pages 57 to the end of the document.

OK, so after all of THAT…I was beat. I skipped the 1rst afternoon workshops and went to lunch with Aaron to this little Irish Bar (can't remember the name). Good food (big ol' mushroom burger) and once back at the hotel, I went straight upstairs and took a nap! I woke up just in time to run downstairs for the HIPAA and the EPA General Session Panel Discussion. Something happened though, and Karen Bolin was up there by herself…no panel. However, she did brief us on a couple of issues.

She told us that SB 243 and HR 1749, the companion bills for fixing the loophole in the HIPAA Act will be moving through both the House and Senate in the spring of '04. If you're Congressman and/or Senator has yet to sign on as a co-sponsor to either of these bills, there is still time to get in there and get them to sign on. We motorcyclists NEED all the help we can get and each co-sponsor is one-step closer to us winning the battle.

We also heard from Antonio Perlot, Secretary General, Federation of European Motorcyclists Association. NHTSA is taking our hard earned tax dollars and testifying in Geneva before the United Nations "Inland Transport Committee: Working Party on Road Traffic Safety" Working Group considering United Nations Acceptance of Mandatory Rider Apparel.

Karen also informed us that NHTSA is going ahead with it's "Proposed Study of Characteristics of Motorcycle Operators", (see the MRF's thoughts at http://www.mrf.org/articles/2003/03NR1603nr16nhtsaproposesstudyofcharacteristicsofmotorcycleoperators.htm)… regardless of the tons of negative public comments received from motorcyclists nationwide. Karen says the MRF will find out who put this proposed study together, who signed it and they will let us know what they find.

It was at this point, that Karen and Tom proceeded to hand out the "Motorcycle Riders Foundation Ride with the Leaders Awards". I was very cordial, clapping for all of the recipients and wondering what they were gonna serve us for the banquet dinner when I heard someone on a microphone say, "The Sons of Liberty Riders." I thought I was dreaming…I looked at my buddy Fast Fred and he looked as surprised as I felt. I went up front and received an "Honorable Mention" award presented to Sons of Liberty Riders dated Sept 20, 2003. I almost passed out! Then the next thing I know, Fast Fred received one for the work ABATE of South Carolina had done in the last year. Yep, that's right…both spotman and Fast Fred were left speechless! John Mullendore, State Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of PA took a pic of me and Fast Fred. If you want to view the actual award, go here: http://www.solriders.net/mrf/Ride%20w-leaders%20award%2003.jpg

I went upstairs and got ready for the banquet. The food was OK. There was Powerpoint slideshow that ran all through the banquet chronicling the life of Buck Kittredge. Congressman Mark Green of Wisconsin spoke eloquently and passionately about his good friend, Buck Kittredge and challenged us all to keep up the work that Buck started. Mark Buckner did a masterful job as the "auctioneer" (as usual) and a ton of money was raised for the MRF. One of the highlights of the evening was Still Ray Fitzgerald from Arizona accepting the John "Farmer" Eggers Award. The other highlight of the evening was John Bolin outbidding everyone else in the room for Buck's favorite belt and buckle that the family had donated to raise money for the MRF…to the tune of $3000! Then, he did the most compassionate deed I have witnessed in a long time - he gave the belt to Buck's son. How cool is that?!!! After the festivities, it got a little "nutz" in the Hospitality Room and I ended up joining ABATE of Minnesota, Lake Chapter as a new member. Man, are they gonna be pissed when they realize that I am now "one-of-them"!

The rest of the evening is kind of a blur. I was very tired and burned out. I turned in early and was up ready to go a little after 8am as that is when Aaron and I were supposed to take off for home. Of course, I had to say goodbye to tons of people, so we got a late start…but once on the road - well, it just felt great to have the wind in my hair! That was until the "red" (left side) gas tank (the one that hasn't given me any problems) looses the nut that was holding the rear of the tank to the frame. At this point, I'm loosing what's left of my mind…I had enough problems with gas tanks on the way to Green Bay…I was really hoping to get home without any more problems. Anyway, Aaron looks around the '51 while I'm cursing the day I was born and finds a 5/16" nut I can take off my trailer hitch. Of course it's coarse thread and the stud is fine thread…but once I got it screwed on there - it didn't come off. The wicked vibration that had plagued the '51 since coming home from Sturgis was getting progressively worse. I could only run about 75 mph and after 80 miles - every part of my body had vibrated asleep. At one point I said to Aaron, "Go ahead and ride on, I'll be fine". Aaron says, "I'm a Marine, and we don't leave our brothers behind!" Yeah, how cool was that? Even though he was trying to get to the D#5 meeting and meet Carol, he babysat me all the way to Anamosa. Straight up: if you're reading this Aaron, thank you for your patience with me & the '51. It wasn't necessary, but it WAS appreciated. Of course, after I left Aaron in Anamosa, it started raining buckets. I took the county roads home so as to not shake the '51 into little pieces and we both made it home A OK.

Now, for the bottom line: We have a LOT of work to do folks. We have to fix the loophole in the HIPAA Act, the battle with the EPA is never over until I quit breathing, we still have the reauthorization of TEA 21 to get passed, NHTSA is not only going forth with a foolhardy, limited study in this country but they're STILL lobbying American statehouses along with the United Nations (on YOUR dime) and there is helmet repeal legislation in states all over the country. Not to mention "Right of Way" legislation, expanding Rider Education, continuing to bring "Share the Road" to every person in the nation and get in some good, long, hard riding! If you're not yet a member of the MRF, it's past time to step up and not only give them a couple of bucks for dues, but it's time to get involved and do the work necessary to win these battles that matter to all motorcyclists.

Finally, Meeting of the Minds '03 in Green Bay was the BEST MOTM I've attended to date. The ton of information shared in public was concise and accurate. The information shared in private was PRICELESS!!! It was great enjoying the company of old friends and networking with all the new friends I met. There's no way I can mention everyone by name (as this is too damn long already!) But rest assure, I'll be seeing ALL of you at next years Meeting of the Minds in Saint Louis. And we'll begin right where we leftoff…fighting the good fight and doing what it takes to win hearts and minds in the culture war!

-spotman
Sons of Liberty Riders Regional 3 Director

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