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Oct 12
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BANNED : Chainsaws, Golf Carts, Lawn Mowers & More

By General Posts

from https://mrf.org/

Chainsaws, Golf Carts, Lawn Mowers… What’s Next?

Over the weekend, California Governor Gavin Newson signed a bill into law banning the sale of all off-road, gas-powered engines, including generators, lawn equipment, pressure washers, chainsaws, weed trimmers, and even golf carts. Under the new law, these machines must be zero-emissions, meaning they will have to be either battery-powered or plug-in.

This law is particularly concerning because of the status California holds within the national economy. The population and market size that California commands often forces manufacturers to react by changing products nationwide, to conform to California standards. Additionally, states with like-minded legislatures often follow with similar laws and regulations of their own.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is concerned that this action by California, will begin a cascading effect that will eventually result in the demise of the internal combustion engine and the fuel supply tied to it. During the legislative agenda setting meeting, held at the 2021 Meeting of the Minds, in Atlanta, Georgia this very issue was debated. Working with our state partners, the MRF is currently evaluating how best to address these concerns.

The final 2022 MRF Legislative Agenda will be made public in an upcoming American Biker Journal.

To read more on the bill click here.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. Visit the Website https://mrf.org/

Jul 21
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Women In Powersports Industry Meeting & Breakfast

By General Posts

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) is sponsoring a Women in Powersports professional meeting during the in-person Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference. The Women’s Industry Meeting & Breakfast Powered by MIC will be at the Crystal City Sports Pub on Thursday, August 19, from 9 am to noon, in Arlington, Virginia, not far from the nation’s capital.

Admission is $59 per person. CLICK HERE TO Visit the Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference for more information and to purchase tickets. Enter promo code WIP to unlock all the ticket options, including the breakfast.

2021 Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference
( August 19-22, 2021 )

SEE https://centennialride.com/motoconference/

This is the first LIVE Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference hosted by Alisa Clickenger and Women’s Motorcycle Tours. Thursday begins it all: the Women in Powersports Professional Development in the morning, and the arrival of the cross-country Centennial riders in the afternoon. Friday is the General Session (education) and evening connection session. Saturday begins the weekend Outdoor Motorcycle and Festival, starting with the historical Parade through Washington, D.C. Saturday and Sunday Indian Motorcycle, Polaris Slingshot, and Harley-Davidson will be offering demo rides, which are also open to the public, and there will be games, activities, MOTUL’s oil change pod for on-the-spot oil changes, as well as food trucks and fun!

CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE REQUIRES A SEPARATE TICKET

Space is limited to 300 due to Covid-19 restrictions so register today!

There are multiple registration options. There is an “everything” ticket which includes many meals, all entertainment, four days at the 2021 Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference (both indoor and outdoor events), the group parade through Washington, D.C., the group photo, plus the closing ceremony dinner. There are also a-la-carte tickets in which you pay for just what you want to participate in.

Ticket prices go up August 1, so book now and risk-free: all tickets are refundable up to 30 days before the event.

FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021 │ WELCOME DAY + RIDE IN

Industry Meeting Welcome Breakfast
Conference attendees arrive
Cross-country Centennial Riders arrive
Welcome Reception for Cross Country Riders and Conference Attendees
100 Years Past and Future Display
Centennial Ride Dinner and Completion Ceremony

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 │GENERAL SESSION

Breakfast Buffet
General Session: Educational Seminars, Networking, and other Activities
Lunch Break
General Session: Educational Seminars, Networking, and other Activities
Friday Night Connection Session with fun and games

For the full list of speakers and presentations click here

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021│OUTDOOR RIDE FESTIVAL + DEMO RIDES

Breakfast Buffet & Rider’s Meeting
Police Escorted Parade Ride and Fundraiser for Final Salute, Inc.
Outdoor Ride Festival
Demo Rides – Indian Motorcycle, Polaris Slingshot, and Harley-Davidson
Stage Presentations
Food Trucks
Fun!
Grand Finale Dinner Program

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2021│OUTDOOR RIDE FESTIVAL + DEMO RIDES

Event’s Final Breakfast Buffet
Outdoor Ride Festival
Demo Rides – Indian Motorcycle, Polaris Slingshot, and Harley-Davidson
Stage Presentations
Food Trucks
Fun!

We have a $99/night group rate at the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington for all registrants. When you register we’ll send you a link to our room block.

What’s NOT Included:

Accommodations, incidentals at the hotels, alcoholic beverages, gas, tips, tolls, and museum entry fees.

Apr 28
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Laconia Motorcycle Week gets approval for parking and traffic

By General Posts

from https://www.wmur.com

Laconia City Council approves 100% parking, traffic capacity for Motorcycle Week

Council considers lifting all COVID-19 restrictions on vendors, beer tents.

Pre-pandemic parking approved for Laconia Motorcycle Week. The Laconia City Council voted Monday night to return to pre-pandemic parking and traffic flow for this summer’s Motorcycle Week.

LACONIA, N.H. — The Laconia City Council voted Monday night to return to pre-pandemic parking and traffic flow for this summer’s Motorcycle Week.

Last year, the event was scaled down and pushed to August. There were no vendor tents or big scheduled events as organizers and state officials hoped to cut down on the potential spread of COVID-19.

With Monday night’s vote, the council opened the door to having full capacity at this year’s event, which is scheduled for June 12-20.

Some council members also want to do away with COVID-19 restrictions when it comes to vendors and beer tents.

“Everything is going 100% — restaurants, bars — everything,” said Councilor Tony Felch. “There’s no reason why we shouldn’t open things up for this event.”

Others argued there should be some restrictions to limit risk as the pandemic continues.

“We’re really asking people here who have health concerns to be totally not considered, and I do think we have some responsibility,” said Councilor Henry Lipman. “Above all else is safety.”

Motorcycle Week organizers plan to revisit the issue at a special meeting in the next week or two.

Mar 26
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Bikers inside the Beltway Meeting for May 2021

By General Posts

BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY 2021
FLEXIBLE & MOVING FORWARD

The pandemic and the events of January 6 brought changes to meetings with members of Congress and large gatherings. The MRF has restructured Bikers inside the Beltway to comply with pandemic mandates and directives for assemblies. The 2021 Bikers inside the Beltway will take place in Washington, D.C., May 18.

“It is our right to address Congress” said MRF President Kirk Willard. “While attendees will need to take a flexible approach to scheduling meetings with their members of Congress, Bikers Inside the Beltway will take place as scheduled.”

New security restrictions necessitate that visitors to Congress establish appointments before arriving in D.C. The MRF will provide members with contact information to begin the process of setting your D.C. agenda.

Flexibility with appointments and expectations is a must. Some congressional offices will welcome in person meetings within the Capitol Complex. Other offices may seek meetings outside the official government buildings. Still others may only do a meeting over the phone or via zoom.

Bikers inside the Beltway will be dual-faceted to accommodate in-person visits to Congress plus visits to local offices.

To ensure that the mission of getting our message to Congress does not fail, here are a few items to consider:

Once infrastructure funding legislation is assigned a Senate and House number, that information will be shared.

  • Make your appointments locally or in Washington.
  • Familiarize yourself with the briefing points.
  • Confirm your appointment locally or in Washington.
  • Virtual or in person, make notes on your meeting.
  • Share your meeting notes with the MRF.

Although bill numbers have not been assigned to the infrastructure funding legislation, Congress has classified it as a high priority. Language that the MRF amended into the 2020 highway funding legislation has not changed. The MRF’s 2021 High Priority Objectives are on track to be included in the upcoming highway funding legislation.

A meeting of the MRF Board of Directors will take place on May 17 at the Embassy Suites, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, VA 22314. Rooms are available through the hotel direct line 703-684-5900 and use reference code MRF when making reservations. Hotel cut-off date May 13. Updated Flyer here.

A pre-event briefing and Q&A for visits to Congress is at 7:00 p.m., May 17, and is required for all attendees. Briefing packets and “leave behinds” will be available during the briefing.

Make appointments with your members of Congress, attend the MRF board meeting, briefing session, and Bikers inside the Beltway. Bikers inside the Beltway 2021 – flexible and moving forward.

Feb 05
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Automated Driving Systems and SMRO Visits

By General Posts

RIDING FREE FROM DC: Your Weekly Biker Bulletin from Inside the Beltway

­Automated Driving Systems (AKA Autonomous Vehicles)

Late last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a rulemaking process for developing a “Framework for Automated Driving System (ADS) Safety.” As part of the process public comments were solicited by NHTSA. This week the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) submitted a 6-page formal letter outlining our thoughts on the development, testing and deployment of ADS.

Building on past submissions to both Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the MRF laid out important priorities that NHTSA should consider. Some of the main topics the MRF highlights include the need to account for the unique attributes and characteristics of motorcycles, cyber security concerns, liability provisions, the role of individual states, the need for public transparency, threats to the protected communication spectrum and the challenges of regulations keeping pace with this technology.

While ADS has promising potential, the devil will be in the details. How this technology is developed, tested and deployed will impact all Americans. We at the MRF will continue to fight to ensure motorcyclists are included in these discussions.

To read the full letter from the MRF to NHTSA click here.

SMRO Meetings Around the Country

January and February are traditionally the busy season for state motorcyclist rights organizations (SMRO) annual meetings. This year many of those meetings have been rescheduled, held virtually or have unfortunately been cancelled all together. While we know these are difficult times, the MRF remains committed to working with our state partners and participating in these events when possible.

In January, MRF Vice President Jay Jackson travelled to Bowling Green, Kentucky to attend the Kentucky Motorcycle Association/Kentucky Bikers Association Freedom Fighters Forum. Also, that month MRF lobbyist Rocky Fox traveled to Austin, Texas for Texas Bikers Legislative Weekend. This event was sponsored by the Texas Council of Clubs and Independents, Region 1 Texas Defenders and hosted at the Veterans Collective facility.

Both events included a number of speakers and elected officials discussing issues important to all motorcyclists. Elected officials from Kentucky included, Secretary of State Michael Adams, State Senator Jimmy Higdon, staff from U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s office and via video message Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Slider Gilmore from Iowa even made a presentation in Kentucky! The Texas event included a townhall style question and answer with State Senator Drew Springer. Texas also welcomed leaders in the motorcycle rights movement from California, Illinois, New Mexico, New York and Pennsylvania to Austin. Thank you again to the riders in Kentucky and Texas for including the MRF in these events and working hard to deliver results for riders in those states.

If your SMRO has hosted an event in 2021 please submit your pictures and details to communications@mrf.org so we can share them with your fellow riders across the country!

Jan 28
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Motorcycle Riders Foundation Announces Historic First

By General Posts

Atlanta, Georgia – The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., along with ABATE of Georgia, announced a historic first with the announcement that the organization’s annual Meeting of the Minds Conference will take place in Atlanta in September this year.

“The MRF has met several times in the Southeast. However, we have never had the opportunity to meet in Atlanta, and we’re looking forward to the occasion.” MRF Conferences and Events Director, Fredric Harrell announced at the organization’s 2020 annual conference in Indianapolis in September.

“ABATE of Georgia worked to meet the MRF’s conference guidelines and we’re reaching out to our neighboring state motorcyclists’ rights organizations for participation.” Donna Nunez, ABATE of Georgia Activities Director, said when the 2021 conference was announced.

This “historic first” will bring the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference to the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel, September 23-26 and will be the kick-off point for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s 2022 legislative agenda. Attendees are encouraged to make reservations as early as possible for this much-demanded conference.

Past keynote speakers at the annual event include, Keith “Bandit” Ball, former editor of Easyriders Magazine, Dave Zein, former Wisconsin State Senator, Paul Landers, Texas Freedom Fighter, Chopper & Slider Gilmore, Freedom Fighters & Motorcycling Safety Advocates, Mark Buckner, Former MRF President & current MRF Executive Director, among other notables who have added insight, levity and strong messages on freedom and individual rights to the MRFs annual conference. Conference agenda includes, but never limited to general sessions, 15 break-out sessions, safe riding demonstrations and awards banquet.

The first Meeting of the Minds Conference, held in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1985 witnessed barely 100 motorcyclists’ rights advocates and a very limited agenda. The Meeting of the Minds Conference has grown to over 500 participants from state motorcyclists’ rights advocacy groups in addition to representatives from Canada, the European Union, Australia and Liberia.

Aug 27
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Register for MOTM

By General Posts

It’s taken 36 years for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation to get to a point that an event agenda can be pulled together in a few months, plus or minus a few days. If you’ve been following these E-blasts, then you may have recognized an undercurrent of the “five W’s” – WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN and WHY, and a constant reminder that the 36th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference is getting close.

You’ve been given samples of WHO helped start the Meeting of the Minds and the MRF, along with WHAT it was all about, WHERE and WHEN it came from and WHERE it’s heading, along with WHY it’s so important to attend. Here’s the tentative (subject to change) agenda for the 36th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference. Time’s running out to use this link and register at Meeting of the Minds 2020. Room Reservations:  317-767-4769.

For those of you getting in on Thursday, September 24, join the MRF Board of Directors in a “Meet & Greet” at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Ballroom.

 

With a presentation of the Colors, the General Session opens at 9:00 a.m. Friday, then it’s non-stop with…

  • Opening Remarks – Kirk “Hardtail” Willard
  • MRF Financial Report – Kirk “Hardtail” Willard
  • Legislative Update – Rocky Fox
  • Election Year & Effective Use of CQ – Rocky Fox
  • A series of MRF award presentations by Dave Dwyer & Ryan Hubbard, Michelle Holcomb & Duane Justus.

Then it’s on to more presentations, a few awards and recognition of the future of motorcyclists’ rights…

  • MRFA&E – Deb Butitta
  • MRFA&E Young Activist Awards – Deb Butitta
  • Young Activist Scholarship Winners Panel – Deb Butitta
  • MRF Rep/Reps of the Year Awards – Doc D’Errico
  • Presidents Cup – Kirk “Hardtail” Willard
  • A Primer: How Strategic Planning can help your SMRO – Mark Buckner

Lunch by Bill the Chef; a riding and turning demo by Lane Triplett, then an afternoon of workshops…

  • 2020-21 Legislative Strategy – Kirk “Hardtail” Willard
  • 3R’s MRFA&E – Ron Braaksma & Lane Triplett
  • Media Madness: How to Survive these Wild Times – Brian “Skinny Bob” Clifford
  • Executive Directors Town Hall – Kirk “Hardtail” Willard
  • Kickin’ Ass and Taking Names – Pennsylvania’s 35-year Winning Quest for Freedom of Choice – Charles Umbenhauer
  • Public Relations in a Changing World – Cathy Brush

 

The afternoon winds into dinner by Bill the Chef and moves into an “evening of festivities and a rodeo!” provided by the folks from ABATE of Indiana.

Saturday morning begins with a breakfast by Bill the Chef… In case you’re wondering, for the first time in recent memory, meals are included with your registration packet. Bill the Chef, renowned for his biker pleasing menus, generous proportions and never failing to make a few thousand hungry bikers happy at ABATE of Indiana’s world famous, Bean Blossom Boogie! You’ll have to specifically ask for a PBJ or a county jail bologna sandwich! They aren’t on Bill the Chef’s menu!
Saturday’s General Session opens with Jay Jackson and blasts WFO into…

  • State of the Safety Training Programs – Jay Jackson
  • Ron Sheppard Award – Jay Jackson
  • Strategic Planning for Your SMRO: Writing Your Own Plan – Mark Buckner
  • Political Action Committee? Why the Hell Does a Biker Need One? – Ryan Hubbard
  • MRFPAC Awards – Ryan Hubbard
  • State Reps Meeting – Doc D’Errico
  • With Freedom Comes Responsibility – Dave “Chubby” Charlebois
  • Bridging the gap Clubs/SSMRO – Russell Radke & Paul Landers

All of that before it’s lunch with Bill the Chef! Plus, another Lane Triplett riding demo. After lunch it’s another afternoon filled with more information than you can haul home in two saddlebags!

  • Sustaining Clubs Meeting – Russell Radke
  • Advocacy – Beyond Face to Face – Rocky Fox
  • Kickin’ Ass and Taking Names – Pennsylvania’s 35-year winning quest for freedom of choice – Charles Umbenhauer
  • CQ & Using technology to Win in Washington – Rocky Fox
  • Media Madness: How to Survive these Wild Times – Brian “Skinny Bob” Clifford
  • Public Relations in a Changing World – Cathy Brush

Yeah, there’s a few duplicates, because the presenter and the subject are in such demand there’s only one way to satiate this crowd’s demand – give them the information and tools they need to be more effective at their state legislatures!

Saturday “slows down” just enough for a quick thirst quencher before the banquet starts. It’s an evening filled with a soon-to-be-announced keynote speaker, dinner by Bill the Chef, awards, and a live auction that if history ever repeats itself, this will be one not to miss.

Sunday morning travelers get sent out on the road after a “Blessing of the Bikes” and while everyone else is heading home, the MRF Board hunkers down for a review of The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, of the entire conference and ending it with a commitment to take everything that was learned at the 36th Meeting of the Minds Conference and put it to use on behalf of motorcyclists’ rights.
Apr 10
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Harley-Davidson to hold virtual annual meeting, acting CEO says More Roads plan is working

By General Posts

by Margaret Naczek from https://www.bizjournals.com

Amid the instability of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harley-Davidson Inc.’s acting president and CEO Jochen Zeitz reflected back on the advancements made in the More Roads to Harley-Davidson strategy in 2019.

2020 already was a pivotal year in the company’s strategic plan to grow more riders and expand dealership reach, but the year became a lot more crucial as the Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) looks to also overcome the difficulties during a pandemic.

With concerns over public health and travel restrictions, Harley-Davidson organized its 2020 annual shareholders meeting to be conducted virtually via a live audio webcast on May 21, 2020. The annual meeting will elect nine directors to the board, approve the compensation of the company’s executive officers, approve amendments to the company’s restated articles of incorporation, approve the company’s 2020 incentive stock plan and ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as Harley-Davidson’s independent registered public accounting firm.

“As we embark on our next chapter and seek new leadership, we are steadfast in our belief that we have both much to be proud of and much to look forward to,” Zeitz said in his letter to shareholders.

On Feb. 28, Harley-Davidson announced former CEO Matt Levatich had stepped down and Zeitz would assume the role of acting president and CEO. The company is currently engaged in a search for new CEO.

In his letter to shareholders, Zeitz shared some of the company’s accomplishments in 2019. While U.S. motorcycle sales continue to decline over consecutive quarters, Zeitz noted that in 2019 the rate of decline significantly tempered.

“After four years of accelerating declines, such improvement was supported by our More Roads actions, notably in how we’re Amplifying our Brand and delivering on our New Products catalysts for growth,” Zeitz said in the letter.
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Some other company milestones included the launch of the first Harley-Davidson electric motorcycle, the LiveWire, the introduction of Reflex Defensive Rider System, the acquisition of StaCyc and the launch of the company’s IRONe two-wheelers for children.

In its efforts to continue to grow new riders, Zeitz noted that in 2019, 75% of people who purchased Harley-Davidson products on Amazon were new to the company. Harley-Davidson dealerships that participated in company consulting engagements also saw a nearly 6% increase in motorcycle retail sales compared with dealers not in the program, Zeitz said. Internationally, Harley-Davidson also added 27 new dealerships.

“In 2019, we also continued to manage our business to address current market conditions across the globe. We expanded our Thailand plant to serve the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) markets and increase customer access with more competitive prices, and we continued our work to mitigate the bulk of the impact of recent EU and China tariffs,” Zeitz said.

Zeitz said the company now expects the impact of tariffs to be significantly less in 2020 compared with 2019. According to its annual report filed in February, Harley-Davidson expects the impact of recent EU and China tariffs to be approximately $35 million, which is down significantly from the 2019 impact of $97.9 million.

Zeitz also stated that in 2019, Harley-Davidson finished with 3.1 million riders in the U.S., 55,000 more total riders than 2018. Throughout 2019, the company saw 527,000 new people join the brand.

“The number of people who continue to join Harley-Davidson each year is a testament to the power of our brand and our strengthened capabilities. We are becoming a company that excels at and exists to not only build great bikes, but to build riders,” Zeitz said in the letter.

Zeitz said that in 2020, the company will expand its focus from heavyweight motorcycle shipments to revenue from motorcycles and related products.

“This measure best reflects our comprehensive efforts to expand into new product segments and foster a customer-creation culture,” he said, “one that is laser-focused on our riders and fans who are passionate about our great brand.”