|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Get Involved! ABATE AIM
NCOM AMA
Justice For All ASMI Fast
Fred's Motorcycle Rights Ezine MAC MRF
NAMS Riders
For Health |
2009Monday, March 2 Gray Lady Riders Website Hello Petra, I was looking for women to ride with, and while there are several groups within my area, they did not seem to fit. I like the idea of riding, but when I ride, I prefer to ride alone. But when I ride in a group, I would like it to be for a purpose. Most of the groups I have seen focus on the idea of being on the road. And why not? We are riders. But, in the past few years, I have begun to feel a pull to do something more, to be something more. I realized that this was a way to leave a footprint in life. As you grow older, you begin to look back on your life and ask “Is this all there is?” I knew that I wanted to make a difference, and knew that I could. So I trademarked the name “Gray Lady Riders” and created the Gray Lady Riders website. Not just because I ride a motorcycle, but because I like the ride of life! I want to focus on the great and wonderful journey and never focus on my destination. The joy is in the ride! Please take a moment to visit and see what I am doing! – Sheilah S. Dear Sheilah, Friday, February 27 1,500 Mile Ride Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research Dear Petra, I have pledged to raise $2,000 before August of this year. Can you help out? Thanks so much for supporting Cancer Research and myself. – S'miles, Jasmine Friday, February 27 Pink Ribbon Conga II Ride for Breast Cancer Awareness Hi Petra, Tuesday, January 22 Action Alert Dear Readers, H.R. 1076 aims at ending health care discrimination for individuals participating in legal transportation and recreational activities-activities like motorcycling, snowmobiling, skiing, horseback riding, and all-terrain vehicle riding. This legislation addresses a loophole caused by a Department of Health and Human Services' rule making it possible for health care benefits to be denied to those who are injured while participating in these activities. Please take a moment to check out the AMA Action Alert page, where you'll find the easy way to contact your House Representative about this issue. – Bobbye and Mama Wednesday, January 30 Dear VTwin Mama, I can see life insurance, but, health insurance?! I decided not to buy it. Now, that's crazy! I just can't sit around and do nothing! That's not me! I asked him, "What about a car? I have a Firebird." He just shook his head ... – Tonya Dear Tonya, Wednesday, January 31 Helping Individuals for the Pony Express Run in CA Hi
Petra, Dear
Bobbye, Friday, February 16 Tickled Pink Poker Run in Panama City, FL: 10/6/07 Dear
VTwin
Mama, *
Saturday, October 6, 2007 Tuesday, March 20 Charity Ride in the NE: HIV/AIDS fundraising Dear
VTwin Mama, Wednesday, March 28 Ladies Swap Meet April 28 in Fairview, NC 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine Ladies, clean out your gear closets and garages for all your pre-loved motorcycle related stuff. Sell or swap for things you really want or need. Clearly price all materials for sale. You can leave items for sale with a self-addressed stamped envelope with the central sales table . . . if it's not sold it will be treated as a donation to the next swap meet. Chili cook-off lunch available for a donation to the Women's Recovery Center of Western North Carolina. Live music. More info: email wercat@citcom.net with Swap Meet in the subject line. – Cathy Haker, Smoky Mountain Thunder chapter, Women In The Wind Friday, April 6 Breast Cancer Ride, October 7 in Visalia, CA Dear
VTwin Mama, Monday, April 30 Dear
Petra, Dear
Bobbye, Wednesday, May 3 Advocacy Opportunity VTwin Mama sister PurplePonyGal emailed in to let me know about the early parole possibility of a man who killed a woman motorcycle rider, Sherri Glover. If you would like to voice your opinion, this is the Background Information page and this is the Email Instruction page. – Mama Monday, May 8 Advocacy Opportunity Did you know that May is Motorcycle Awareness Month?! Are you up for a little bit of advocacy work? The AMA has come out with three new 15-second public service announcements for free distribution to radio stations. You could send a few emails and point out the need and the page! – Mama Hi Petra, Having ridden a
motorcycle for only 3 years it is amazing to me how many times since
beginning that stories have come up of a car driver killing, maiming or,
thank God, merely scaring the life out of a motorcyclist. The story
almost always includes the part about the driver not seeing the bike. When
I took the MANYS/MSF course our instructors told us we are putting our
lives in jeopardy if we do not consider ourselves, while on the road,
invisible at all times because automobile drivers all to often do not see
us. Well, it is spring time and I’m not sure what is popping up
more, tulips or motorcycles on the roads! It is up to us to change
the fact that we are not seen out there beyond at least addressing
conspicuity and utilizing proper riding techniques. Now, I realize that various groups do what they can to raise awareness of motorcyclists on the roads but, being someone who thinks the TV is supposed to be on if I am awake as a form of white noise, I hate to say that I’ve never seen a public service announcement advising car drivers to be aware that motorcyclists use the road too. Not even once have I ever heard such an announcement on a radio station and, I’ve never seen a booth at a health fair or a shopping mall with folks passing out motorcycle awareness information. Only motorcyclists can make this change. Dear Diamond Lil, Friday, June 9 Advocacy Opportunity Dear VTwin Mama, Tuesday, July 11 Hi Petra, You have been so great here and I still look in almost daily. My friend Karlene who is new to riding says your site is one of the best on the web! I agree. [thanks!] Robin from Robins Ride said she saw you in Georgia -- she's one heck of a lady! I am living her trip vicariously through her ride. On another update, since you were there from the beginning, I am finally riding up north to join a ride with the Divas For A Cure. They are also riding across the states. I will be joining them for one stop -- from Oakland to Los Angeles. I have been riding now for almost a year and a half and it's been with challenges but mostly fun. Hope all is well, and again .... thanks for this site! – Kathy H. Dear Kathy, Angela Moore of Jacksonville, FL has shared a website about a lesser known form of breast cancer: Inflammatory Breast Cancer. It's well worth reading about. – Mama Tuesday, August 8 Ride For The Relay: Starts in Chicago September 9 Dear VTwin Mama, He hopes to raise at least $6,600 for the charity (in honor of the Route 66 trek he has planned.) He has invited people to join him for $33 and become a rider sponsor, to ride as far as they like. I lost my Mom to Ovarian Cancer in September of 2005 and both my husband and I (and lots of other GWRRA members) plan to join him. We hope that by getting the word out we can help not only the survivors, but also loved ones like us that lost family members, friends, or someone they know to this horrible disease. Please join him on this worthy ride . . . what more could you ask for? Gorgeous scenery, worthy cause, and to ride, ride, ride with other wonderful bikers! Sincerely, – Sara Stevens in Leasburg, Missouri Tuesday, August 22 Fund Raiser October 8th in Pelham, NY Dear VTwin Mama, Added note: The event will
be held on October 8th (a Sunday) at Big Mikes Pelham Grill at 600 Fifth
Avenue in Pelham, NY - there will be a run at 10 AM, then food, live
music, raffles, etc. from 1pm till 10pm. I don't have details yet on which
bands will be playing - although I do have at least 4 that have agreed,
and others that will be letting me know soon. We are charging $25 per
person, which of course includes all food and entertainment. Hopefully the
weather will still be nice, there is a patio outside and we would also be
able to barbecue if all works out. Dear Jen, Unfortunately, in my experience, people (other than those who know the accident survivor) and businesses are more willing to donate time and items when the cause is more general (i.e. cancer awareness, etc.) rather than to a singular person (unless it's a child who needs a transplant, so something similar). One "thing" that may alter this to some extent is the actual circumstances of the accident. For example, if the accident occurred as a result of a car driver making a mistake, which couldn't be anticipated or avoided by the motorcycle rider, then the media (local TV, newspaper, radio) may be interested in covering your planned benefit . . . the "angle" would be the "general" problem of drivers not seeing motorcyclists . . . and gives them something to research and report on, while incorporating a personal story that highlights the need for awareness.. I know that sounds callus, but media exposure hinges on that kind of thinking, but if you think that there is even a glimmer of possibility, I would contact every local media person to get the coverage. In regards to media . . . many papers offer free listings for events and if the community has a community TV bulletin board, I'd work on that as well. I would also ask to post a benefit flyer at every motorcycle-related place to increase the attendance at the benefit and at the same time, ask if they can donate a raffle item, whether it's coupon or actual item. If your fiancé is a regular parts and/or service customer at a particular dealer or shop in town, I would approach the owner with the need for help. Many banks will set up an account for free for a limited time in these cases, and it lends credibility to the effort. That way people know that any money they wish to donate is going straight to the cause. This information should be available when you contact media, get free event listings, and included on the flyers. I realize that your own time is stretched thin, and as all of this takes time and effort, you might consider drawing up the contact possibilities (look in the phone book, make a list of all TV, newspapers, with phone numbers, etc.) and then ask friends to take a small portion of it, so it gets done. I cannot think of anything else you can do, other than to
consider planning this benefit as a "first in a series" of rides
and fund raisers, with pre-planned dates . . . given the anticipated 6 month
hospital stay. Readers, any other thoughts? –
Mama Wednesday, August 23 For Jen who is noodling out fund raising ideas to help an accident survivor: Sorry to hear about your fiancé's accident! As far as items for raffling go, you might try approaching some of the local motorcycle shops (is there a Harley or Honda dealer?) for donations of items, free service or gift certificates. Local restaurants or hotels might also give gift certificates for a dinner or a weekend stay. It might be worth a try . . . – Li in Florida (note from Mama: I looked up the population of Pelham, NY and it's about 12,000 people. So, in this smaller community setting, I can see that area businesses might be more inclined to rally around with items . . . thanks for expanding that thought!) Petra, Dear Susan, Monday, October 16 Input on Accident Scene Management: Free Spirit Chapter, Michigan's largest independent women's riding group (77 members), has supported ACM by participating in the annual Women In Motion ride for the past four years. Current members are instructors and all 11 of our Road Captains participate in mandatory refresher classes annually. The RC's carry confidential medical forms of each of our members in their saddlebags at all times along with Trauma Kits. We've used the forms on occasion, mostly for non-bike related emergencies. I can't say enough good things about the great work that Vicki and her crew are doing within the bike community!! Accidents are traumatic, but the bottom line for me is this; most of us ride with our best buds . . . when there is an accident, are you going to stand around screaming for help or will you be just a little prepared to possibly save your friend's life? Keep up the good work! – Laura "Hopper" Reutter, FSC Lead Road Captain (note from Mama: how wonderful to hear from your group and the importance it places on rider safety and accident management! I've given your group a slot on my Women's Sites page and will note that the ACM link can always be found on my Rider Advoccy page, for future reference.) Tuesday, October 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Dorathy, Wednesday, October 25 An Interesting Post on the Message Board Hi Readers, Friday, February 18 Press Release from the AMA AMA'S 'JUSTICE FOR ALL' GAINS MOMENTUM, SUPPORT -- Individuals & organizations contribute time & money to campaign -- PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that its "Justice for All" campaign enters its second year with promising legislative momentum, as well as active participation and generous financial support from enthusiasts nationwide. Justice for All focuses on the inadequate sentencing of drivers who kill or seriously injure other motorists. The AMA hopes to get new laws passed in all 50 states to increase penalties for these drivers, and seeks to include motorcyclist-awareness instruction in each state's driver-education programs. The AMA has confirmed that 16 states -- including Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia -- are considering Justice for All-related legislation. Other states already have taken action. Pennsylvania increased penalties for careless driving resulting in injury or death; ABATE of Pennsylvania, backed by the AMA, was the driving force in getting the bill passed. The Washington (state) Road Riders Association worked for a law that makes it more likely that reckless motorists who injure or kill others will be charged with vehicular assault. The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association led a successful effort to include a motorcycle-awareness component in state driver-education classes; a similar law was enacted in Washington state. Massachusetts and Washington join Maine, New York, Virginia, and West Virginia in educating drivers to become more aware of motorcyclists, and comparable bills are being considered in five other states. Beyond legislative advocacy, others are contributing financial support to Justice for All. The Hey Dude! Foundation Trust donated $4,000 -- on top of $3,500 donated the year before -- raised through a charity golf tournament. The Floribama Riders, an AMA-chartered club of sport and touring motorcyclists, donated $400. George Kemmerer of Pennsylvania, whose son, Eric, was killed by a careless driver, contributed $4,000. Along with donations, the AMA is fielding a daily stream of calls, letters and e-mails from motorcyclists asking how to get involved in Justice for All. The AMA launched Justice for All in February of 2004, after a number of cases involving inadequate sentences made national and regional news. An Iowa driver crossed the center line and struck a group of six motorcyclists, killing three and seriously injuring two, and yet received only a $70 fine. An Oklahoma motorist ran over a motorcyclist who was slowing to make a right turn, pleaded guilty to negligent homicide, and was sentenced to 30 months probation and unspecified "acts of kindness." And in South Dakota, a U.S. congressman and former governor with a long history of traffic offenses sped through a stop sign at more than 70mph, colliding with and killing a motorcyclist. He was convicted of second-degree manslaughter and sentenced to only 100 days in jail. For more information about Justice for All, visit www.AMADirectlink.com/justice, e-mail justice@amadirectlink.com, or call the AMA's Terry Lee Cook at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1288. Wednesday, February 23 In response to the press release from the AMA's Justice For All Program: This
is certainly an issue that must be pursued to the fullest extent. I
thought everyone should see the following; this was so senseless but at
least the driver didn't get off with a slap on the wrist. Monday, September 5 Sponsorship Needed! Dear
VTwin Mama, Please visit my website www.rideafrica.co.uk and pass the details on to anyone you think may me interested. – Paula Johnson Dear
VTwin Mama, If you have heard about this already please forgive me. But I thought you would be interested if you haven't. I recently stumbled across it myself. "In 2004 twenty young breast cancer survivors challenged themselves to a 1,000 mile ride to raise funds and understanding of the disease they battled. Along the way they made a big dent in the way people with the disease were treated and supported, especially younger women. This year teams of young survivors from the UK, US and Australia will take on a global ride across all three continents to take their message even further." http://www.changinggears.org/ – Joyce Dear Joyce, Wednesday, October 19 Hey
Petra (yes, that's VTwin Mama's name!), What an amazing group of women they are. The reason I know? One of the women that is riding the Aussie leg is a friend of mine. She became a friend when an Internet call for help reached my computer last July in the form of a “Craigslist” ad in the motorcycles for sale section. The ad told all about how Changing Gears was setting up these rides and how this survivor had signed up to do the Oz ride. Her problem? She’d never ever been on a motorcycle before and her safety class was another two months away. She said she was looking for someone to teach her, preferably a woman. Beings that I’m both a women and an instructor (?!) I thought I could help. I emailed her and before I knew it, we were meeting up at my instruction range for her first lesson. I borrowed a neighbor’s ‘85 Rebel 250 (her and I have a great deal working, I borrow her bike for private lessons and in exchange I do all the services and repair work on the bike) Jen, (http://www.changinggears.org/jenniferdillan.htm) proved to be a natural. After a few lessons, she started looking for a used bike to practice on. I found a Rebel 450 (again on Craigslist) for a good price and she took it from there. Then she called me all excited when she passed second best in her safety class and had her endorsement! Am I braggin’ about being the one to teach this amazing woman to ride? Oh HELL YES!! I just want to burst with pride every time talk about it. In all the years, of all the women I’ve helped along the way…. Jen will forever be the student I will be the most proud of. Sadly, she will be selling the Rebel when she gets home. She made a deal with her husband that when this is over she won’t keep the bike. I understand the deal because I had also decided not to own a bike while I was raising my son and Jen has two small children. Though she did confide in me she will be keeping her riding gear, just in case she wants to rent a bike every now and again. As you look at the Changing Gears website, don’t forget to consider a donation to these extraordinary women’s fundraiser. ~Ride Safe~ – HammerLady Dear HammerLady, Saturday,
October 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Cheryl, Wednesday,
October 6 "It is our intention to form a Not for Profit Corporation in order to bring our cause to the attention of the Law Makers. A Committee is now being formed to do so. Please feel free to join in. This site is growing and changing daily so check back often." Angie Arcand, Founder Sunday, October 31 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Cecilia, Tuesday, November 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, After three months of planning we had our kick-off awareness ride this past weekend. I'm excited to say that we had in excess of 150 motorcycles take part in this ride through the city. We recruited over 35 new dues paying members, bringing our membership to probably a little over 60. We are excited to begin beating the path to driving schools, civic organizations, and whomever else will listen to our cry of "Share the road, share the ride." This was but a dream in late July. A small group of motorcyclists banded together to ride to the trial of a young woman who negligently killed two motorcyclists last summer. While talking on the courthouse steps this idea was born. We are still in our very early stages, but I wanted to let you and your readers know that you can do something to actively make the roads a safer place for you and your fellow motorcyclists. It just takes effort, time, and lots of heart. I hope to keep you updated periodically on our accomplishments. Ride safe, – Tracy (www.motorcycleawarenesscampaign.org) Dear
Tracy, Your letter will be archived on the Rider Advocacy page and I'll begin going through other recent posts on the subject (mostly housed currently in the more general Viewpoints page). I'll also get links to other groups (AIM/NCOM, ABATE, etc.) done soon. Work in progress as they say! Readers, although you'll find that the MAC program concentrates on Louisiana, Tracy and I had discussed that this might be a "blueprint" for riders in other areas/states to follow, and they are more than willing to talk with you. Good work Tracy and we look forward to hearing more about how your group is progressing! – Mama |
