Frank (Stoker - ( AKA Biker Trash ) Van

Web Meister

 

SCRC #131028

ISRA #9099

ACA Chapter #140

 

< ><Priceline.com Airfare - save up to 40% > <

Good qualifying sees Rizla Suzuki MotoGP near the front

www.rizla-suzuki-motogp.co.uk

 SUCCESSFUL SHAKEDOWN FOR RELENTLESS - Team Suzuki Press Office - May 3.
In preparation for the forthcoming International North West 200 on May 17, the Relentless by TAS Suzuki team have completed a successful two-day test at Kirkistown, County Down with riders Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald.
 
The first of the two days offered wall to wall sunshine with both riders completing over 70 laps of the circuit on their GSX-R Suzukis. British championship riders Michael Laverty and Ian Lowry joined their road racing team-mates on the latter part of day one, and also on day two, when all four riders made the best of the changeable conditions.
 
It was very much a team building exercise, with Anstey offering his expertise to British Supersport rider Lowry on wet weather set-up, something the Kiwi is renowned for.
 
The main purpose of the test was to implement a final Pirelli tyre shakedown before the North West 200, with both Anstey and Donald equalling their best ever times around Kirkistown on the full range of GSX-R machinery.
 
Laverty and Lowry also got the opportunity to test updated parts for their respective GSX-Rs, and the wet weather on day two gave both riders additional set-up time prior to the Oulton Park BSB round on Bank Holiday Monday.
 
Philip Neill - Team Principal:

"We have been coming to Kirkistown for a pre North West 200 shakedown since 2001, and like previous years, it has again worked very well for us. We have good data for this circuit and I'm happy to report that all our bikes are working well for the North Coast event on May 17. Bruce and Cameron have made the most of the two-day test getting the opportunity to ride in both sunshine and wet conditions.

"It was an added bonus to have both Michael and Ian here for the test, as we don't often get the opportunity to put all four riders out on track together."

SYKES 4TH ON OULTON PARK GRID - Team Suzuki Press Office - May 3.
Rizla Suzuki's Tom Sykes finished in fourth place today at Oulton Park during free practice for round three of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, lapping the challenging Cheshire track in 1min 37.344secs.

Sykes and his crew worked steadily through a number of chassis changes to dial his Rizla Suzuki into the undulating 2.69 mile circuit and set his fastest lap right at the end of the session.

Atsushi Watanabe rode to 16th place during the dry 50-minute sessions putting his new found circuit knowledge to use, having completed a track day with John Reynolds at Oulton Park ahead of the race weekend. He gradually improved his lap times and moved up the ranks to achieve a top 16 placing.

The fastest rider during the session was Honda's Cal Crutchlow.
Qualifying takes place tomorrow at 1505 - 1555 and racing starts on Bank Holiday Monday with race one at 1300 and race two at 1530.

Tom Sykes:
"We are getting there; I could have got a better run on my fast lap but I made a little mistake, otherwise I would have been lapping in the 1min 36s which is where we need to be. We are working on the chassis and have plenty more changes to try; I know what direction I want to go in. I hope we get more dry track time but if we don't then it is the same for everyone and we can gamble on the settings."

Atsushi Watanabe:
"I'm still learning the track but my feeling for here is better than my feeling for Thruxton.  Some corners are very challenging and some very technical but there are lots of places to overtake. The bumps on the circuit are difficult but it is a good circuit."

Free Practice Results:
1: Cal Crutchlow (Honda) 1:36.596
2: Leon Haslam (Honda)  +0.151
3: Shane Byrne (Ducati)  +0.448
4: Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +0.748
5: Michael Rutter (Ducati) +1.022
6: Leon Camier (Ducati)  +1.197
7: Karl Harris (Yamaha)  +1.245
8: Simon Andrews (Yamaha) +1.782
9: Stuart Easton (Kawasaki) +2.001
10:  James Ellison (Honda) +2.170
16: Atsushi Watanabe (Rizla Suzuki) +2.682

Gang fears cancel show
Chicago Daily Herald, IL - The abrupt cancellation of a Lake County motorcycle show expected to draw thousands today was sparked by warnings from a state agency of suspected gang activity, authorities said.
Organizers of the Ironhorse Roundup Bike Show had spent the week finalizing details of the event only to learn late Friday afternoon the village of Grayslake had yanked its permit to use the Lake County Fairgrounds.
"Everyone is looking for answers," said Mark Khayat, owner of Austin's Saloon in Libertyville, which sponsors the event.
"We've got people who rode here, they spent money on food and got their bikes ready. It's a real let-down."
Grayslake leaders refused to give reasons other than a terse statement citing "circumstances which threaten the health and public safety" of the village and visitors.
But Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran said the Illinois State Police's Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center received information that members of the Outlaws motorcycle club would be in attendance and passed it on to Grayslake.
Federal authorities have identified the Outlaws as an international criminal organization.
"They've been around for as long as most street gangs have been around," Curran said.
"They're bad guys, they're involved in homicides and drug dealing."
A crowd of 40,000 was expected at the fairgrounds. Now vendors and musical acts including Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil had to do a 180.
The decision reinforces negative stereotypes about bikers, organizers fear.
Despite concerns about gang activity that surface with motorcycle events, there's been no incidents at Ironhorse, which is attended by families, Khayat said.
"It's not a public safety hazard. That's why we hire police."
In fact, organizers said they spent months planning and meeting with village officials. They switched from a private security firm to Grayslake police and hired a helicopter pilot to patrol the grounds.
"We dotted the i's and crossed the t's," Khayat said.
The village informed Khayat of its decision around 4:30 p.m. Friday shortly before closing.
"I went to the village directly and everybody scattered," he said.
"The thing that's inexcusable is the terrible lack of communication," said Jhan Dolphin of RealWheels Corp.
The Gurnee company, which manufactures vehicle accessories, was ready to display some of its custom-designed Hummers.
"We had six vehicles completely detailed this week and we were ready to go," Dolphin said.
Hardest hit are vendors and bikers who traveled across the country to make the show, Khayat said.
"There's people staying in hotels from Colorado and Wyoming," he noted.
Austin's Saloon and the Lake County Fair Association have already spent thousands of dollars on preparation. Legal action is an option he's considering, Khayat said.
In addition to an e-mail frenzy protesting the cancellation, a local radio station got into the action. Kenosha-based 95 WILL Rock dropped musical programming to protest Grayslake's decision Friday evening.
Despite the publicity, Khayat said he still expects crowds to show up at the fairgrounds.
Grayslake police Sgt. Brian Ernst said officers will be on hand to redirect bikers with reinforcements from state police.
Grayslake Mayor Timothy Perry didn't return calls Saturday and declined to explain the decision Friday.
Asked for his assessment, of the village's call, Curran said, "I wouldn't second-guess. Better be safe than allow something to happen."
Khayat was hopeful the bike show will return possibly before the end of 2008. The event had been held at the saloon since 2005 but moved to the fairgrounds because they needed more space.
Meanwhile, "I'm trying to pump some life back into the employees. We really got the air knocked out of us."

Event raises funds for CMA
Neosho Daily News, MO - An estimated 45 Christian Motorcyclists Association members from the Glory Riders – Joplin Chapter converged on Neosho Powersports Saturday to be involved in a nation- and world-wide event: Run for the Son.
“This is our annual fundraiser,” said Roger Marney, the local CMA’s president. “It is the one time of the year that CMA goes outside of the chapter to ask for donations. And every dime that comes in on this goes to these missions. Nothing stays as administrative costs, it goes to Open Doors Ministries, it goes to Missionary Ventures International, 40 percent stays in the United States that goes to evangelism in the United States, and then to the Jesus Film project.”
The members met around 9 a.m. and handed in money they had raised for this event.
“On the first Saturday of May, we do a 100-mile ride,” said Marney. “We all get together throughout the United States. Everybody who is involved in CMA in the United States and internationally gets together and does this 100-mile ride. It is a chance for us to get out and show how Christians can have a good time and not go out in the bars and drink and party, and to fellowship and meet other people to spread the word. That is part of what we do. We do other things. We do rallies, and different ministries that we work in. This is one time that we raise funds just strictly for this.”
According to information provided by CMA, “our plan is to spread the light of Jesus around the world as a result of the work leading up to this day.”
Run for the Son has enabled CMA to equip people here in the United States to reach to the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the last 20 years, they have raised more than $27 million to help spread the Good News.
Prior to them taking off Saturday morning, they received a biker’s blessing from Jacob McFadden, the club’s chaplain.
One of the newest riders to ride in the annual event was Chrissy Hall. She rode her 2002 Honda Magna.
“I have been riding this one (bike) for about a year now,” said Hall. “But have been on them before.”
She received a biker’s blessing.
“When you are out on the road, you get people pulling out in front of you and all kinds of stuff all of the time, and everything that I do, I want God’s blessing on all of it,” Hall said.
As of ride time, the group was informed that they raised more than $15,400. Last year, the local chapter raised more than $20,000 and was number one in Missouri. But they have until May 30 to get money in for this year’s total. After May 30, the money raised will go into next year’s total.
After the riders took off, they headed to Siloam Springs, Ark. and then headed to Fayetteville, Ark., where they stopped for lunch. They then headed back to Neosho on a different route. The ride lasted about five hours.
On the riders’ jackets are CMA patches, which members said get a lot of attention everywhere they go.
“Some people will stop you and say ‘Hey that is a really good patch’ or they will stop you and say, ‘Do you have a minute, can you pray for me? I am going through a problem’,” said Marney. “The patch symbolizes to the world that we are Christians, and we are working for the Lord, we are not working for anybody else but him. It is an opportunity for us to witness and talk to them.”
Marney said he would like to see CMA and the Run for the Son event grow.
“The biggest thing that I would like see in CMA, and especially with Run for the Son, is 100 percent participation throughout the United States and the world,” Marney said. “If a 100 percent of the members of CMA gave one dollar, we are looking at figures of 200-$300,000, on everybody who is actually a member. In our chapter alone, my biggest thing is that I would like to see is that we have 100 percent participation. Last year, we had 95 percent participation which is awesome and to get a 100 percent participation would be just unreal, we would be happy.”
For more information, visit the CMA organization at www.cmausa.org .

Motorcycle crash closes westbound US 20
The Courier News, IL - BARTLETT -- Police on Saturday night closed westbound U.S. 20 at Naperville Road after a man was thrown from his motorcycle after it struck the median.
David Cupal, 49, of Des Plaines, was riding his 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle eastbound on U.S. 20 (Lake Street) approaching Naperville Road when he hit the median and lost control of the bike, police said.
Cupal was thrown from the bike but suffered injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening and was transported to Sherman Hospital, police said.
Police said they closed westbound U.S. 20 because of the crash but did not give the time of the accident except to say it was at night and did not specify how long the highway's closure lasted.
Cupal was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. He was ordered to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. June 12 in Rolling Meadows.

2 motorcyclists die in LeFlore County
Tulsa World, OK - Two motorcyclists were killed Friday and Saturday in separate crashes in LeFlore County, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported.
Killed were James L. Ross Jr., 57, of Howe and Kevin Nickell, 48, of Grain Valley, Mo.
Troopers said Ross was driving a 2005 Harley Davidson south on U.S. 271, 11 miles north of Talihina, at 11:04 a.m. Saturday when he crossed the center median, sideswiping one vehicle before colliding with another.
Ross was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, troopers said. He was wearing a helmet, OHP reported.
No one in the other vehicles was injured.
Nickell was killed when his 2005 Kawasaki ran off a curve on Oklahoma 1 in LeFlore County about 4:30 p.m. Friday.
The motorcycle then hit a tree, and Nickell, who was thrown about five feet, died at the scene, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported. He was wearing a helmet.

Motorcycle run held for Camp FLEA
Towanda Daily Review, PA - TOWANDA — The Camp F.L.E.A. (Family Life Enrichment Adventure) Motorcycle Poker Run was held Saturday, which benefitted Camp F.L.E.A. out of Camp Brule. A total of 27 riders took part in the four-county run that began in Towanda with card stops in Wyalusing, Meshoppen and Dushore. The route went through Bradford, Susquehanna, Wyoming and Sullivan counties.
Dustin Bell, 12, was the driving force behind the run, which was organized by the Dushore American Legion. Last year Bell heard that Camp F.L.E.A. was getting its budget cut and may not be held, so he put out jars for people to put money in to help out the camp. Rob Brown, the secretary of the Dushore American Legion, saw one of the jars back in February and donated. Bell asked him if he could help and the Poker Run was the end result.
Robin Shaffer, the camp’s program director, said the goal of this event is to bring in enough money to turn over to the camp. She mentioned the camp has had some budget cuts which, coupled with price increases, have threatened Camp F.L.E.A.’s existence.
Dustin said that at the camp youths have a lot of fun, with fishing derbies and presentations by the game commission and fire department. His father, William Bell, remarked that he is very proud of his son for doing so much to help the camp, saying that “a lot of people don’t think a 12-year-old can do this.” He mentioned that Dustin went to the camp to “see kids who don’t have a lot” and when he heard that it might be shut down he came up with the idea of putting out jars for donations. William Bell added that Dustin has raised thousands of dollars so far.
Camp F.L.E.A. is for “at-risk youth,” according to Brown. Shaffer mentioned that the “kids get a lot out of it,” as they have fun and “learn a lot, too.” The camp, now in its 11th year, draws from Bradford and Sullivan counties. For more information on the camp or to donate, contact April Seeley, Bradford County Child and Youth Services, or Liz Wilcox, Sullivan County Child Youth Services.
The Dushore American Legion will be holding another fundraising motorcycle ride, Autumn Thunder, on Sept. 20 in Dushore.

Auburn woman seriously hurt in motorcycle crash
The Union of Grass Valley, CA - A 22-year-old woman was hospitalized in serious condition Friday after she crashed her Harley Davidson motorcycle into a friend's motorcycle, CHP and hospital officials reported.
Kimberly Ann Bailey, 22, of Auburn, was riding her motorcycle on Penn Valley Drive south of Highway 20 at 12:56 p.m. Thursday when she failed to slow down to avoid hitting another bike ridden by Garrie L. Horton, 48, of Sacramento, California Highway Patrol Officer Jeff Pingree said
Bailey was ejected from her motorcycle and sustained major face and head trauma, Pingree said.
Bailey was transported by helicopter to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where she was in serious condition Friday afternoon, hospital spokeswoman Liz Madison said.
Horton was not injured, Pingree said.
Both motorcyclists were wearing helmets, and alcohol was not a factor in the crash, he said.
It is unknown why Bailey failed to slow down, Pingree said.

Motorcycle rally, folk festival to affect traffic
Arizona Daily Star, AZ - The Tucson Thunder Hog Rally and Folk Festival Downtown will provide a lot of entertainment and some road closures today.
Fifth Avenue will be closed between East Congress Street and East Broadway through 4 p.m. today for Tucson Thunder Hog Rally events.
North Church Avenue is scheduled to close from West Alameda Street to West Congress Street until 11 p.m. today for the 23rd Annual Tucson Folk Festival. West Pennington Street will be closed during the same time from West Congress Street to North Stone Avenue
East Congress Street will be closed from Toole Avenue to Sixth Avenue until 8 a.m. today for the Tucson Thunder Hog Rally Block Party.

Motorcycle ride to benefit addiction recovery
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA - The Livengrin Foundation in Bensalem will host its annual Ride for Recovery motorcycle tour May 18 to raise funds and awareness about addiction recovery.
The motorcycle ride will be a tour of Bucks County's country roads, covered bridges and scenery. The tour will begin and end at the Livengrin Foundation campus at 4833 Hulmeville Rd.
After the tour will be a family-style picnic that includes live music, vendors, games, children's activities, and a raffle of a Harley Davidson motorcycle and other prizes.
Tickets are $20; $10 for the picnic only. Registration will be from 9 to 11 a.m., and the picnic will be from noon to 5 p.m.
For registration and more information, call 215-638-5200, Ext. 310 or visit www.livengrin.org  (click on "Calendar" and "Events").

Accident injures motorcyle rider
Sioux Falls Argus Leader, SD - One man was injured Saturday afternoon when his motorcycle collided with a sport utility vehicle.
Martin Benning, 45, was driving a Chevy Blazer south on Norton Avenue about 4:30 p.m. when he collided with Darren Wildeboer, 20, who was riding a Suzuki motorcycle east on 27th Street, according to the Sioux Falls Police Department.
Wildeboer was injured and transported to Sanford Hospital with nonlife- threatening injuries. He was cited for failure to yield, police said.

Part of leg found in bumper after hit-and-run on I-35
Houston Chronicle, United States - AUSTIN — A truck driver accused of fleeing an accident after a motorcycle smashed into the back of his tractor-trailer faces an evidence-tampering charge after part of the dead cyclists' leg was found lodged near the bumper.
Jimmy Stanley, 47, was arrested after the wreck on Interstate 35 early Wednesday. The motorcyclist, Troy D. Uranga, 24, died at the scene. According to a police affidavit, Stanley called a mechanic to repair damage to the truck. When the mechanic started working on the bumper, the affidavit says, a shoe dropped to the ground. The mechanic called his supervisor, who then called police.

Man, 55, Killed When Motorcycle Slams Into Truck
The Ledger, FL - A Lake Wales man died Thursday from injuries he suffered when his motorcycle was hit by a truck, the Florida Highway Patrol reported.
Larry L. Davis, 55, was flown to Tampa General Hospital where he died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The FHP reported that Davis was riding a 2004 Harley-Davidson motorcycle south on Rifle Range Road when he stopped to make a left turn onto Eloise Loop Road in Winter Haven.
A 1996 Ford truck, driven by Robert W. O'Neill of Auburndale, was heading north on Rifle Range Road when the motorcycle turned directly in front of the truck, which struck the motorcycle on the right side.
Davis was not wearing a helmet, the FHP reported.
O'Neill, who was wearing a seat belt, was not injured.

Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally
Austin 360 (subscription), TX - AA-S Best Bet - 12th annual Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally:
The 12th annual Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally wraps up its four-day lineup of events today with a final Cowboy Breakfast and Sunday morning service.
Motorcycle enthusiasts congregate in Luckenbach, outside Fredericksburg, for live music, food, bike games, bike shows, drawings, and miles of rural roads in the picturesque surroundings of the Texas Hill Country.
Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Optimist Club, who invite participants to explore their quaint German town, the rally kicks off at 412 Luckenbach Town Loop in Fredericksburg. Registration is $42 and includes all four days of festivities; individual day passes available

Motorcyclist dies near home
Hickory Daily Record, NC - CLAREMONT -- A motorcyclist died Friday night after striking a deer on B&B Road.
Jerry Lynn Bumgarner, 54, of B&B Road, died due to injuries he suffered from the crash, which occurred at 11:15 p.m.
The impact of the collision caused the motorcycle to overturn and threw Bumgarner roughly 60 feet from the bike, Highway Patrol Trooper C.M. Trouille said.
The wreck occurred about one mile southeast of Claremont and less than two-tenths of a mile from Bumgarner’s home, Trouille said.
Bumgarner was pronounced dead at the scene. Trouille said his investigation doesn’t indicate Bumgarner was speeding or driving recklessly.
“It’s just a tragic accident,” Trouille said.
The deer sustained severe injuries and ran several hundred yards toward a nearby wooded area. Trouille said the animal was put down by emergency personnel.

Stockton motorcyclist seriously injured
News-Leader.com, MO - A Stockton man was seriously injured this evening in St. Clair County when his motorcycle ran off the road and into a ditch, the Missouri Highway Patrol said.
The accident happened on Route J, seven miles southwest of Collins, when Gregory Barnes, 58, lost control of his 1996 Harley Davidson on some gravel, according to the patrol’s report. He ran into a ditch and was ejected from the motorcycle, as was his passenger.
Barnes suffered serious injuries and was taken to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, the patrol said. He was reportedly wearing a helmet.
His passenger, Monica Peer, 44, of Stockton, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, the patrol said. She was reportedly wearing a helmet.

Sober Motorcycle Club
Fox 12 Boise, ID - Meridian -- Bikers from all over the Treasure Valley road their hogs for a great cause this afternoon. "The Sober Riders Motorcycle Club" hosted the event at the Harley Davidson store in Meridian in support of the City Lights women and children program. The club is made up of men and women recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, and is the largest club of it's kind. According to leader "Diamond" they've been looking for a way to give back to the community.
'Well we're a clean and sober motorcycle club, we know first hand what it's like when drug addiction, alcohol, homelessness affect a family, and women and children tend to suffer in silence and are victims right away and we wanted to make sure we didn't leave them behind," said Diamond.
There were upwards of 600 riders at the rally, and they hoped to raise around $2,000 for the City Lights program.

Motorcyclist killed in Deltona
Daytona Beach News-Journal, FL - A Deltona man died in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident near Galaxy Middle School this afternoon, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.
Steven Louies Cruz, 23, of Fruitland Drive, was riding his motorcycle east on Eustace Avenue at a high rate of speed shortly after 4 p.m., said Brandon Haught, sheriff's spokesman.
"He lost control while rounding a corner near the school," Haught said. "He went up over the curb and ran into the fence that surrounds the school. He hit one of the fence posts."
Cruz was pronounced dead at the scene by EVAC ambulance paramedics, Haught said. He was not wearing a helmet.

Christian motorcyclists begin 100-mile run for charity today
Nevada Appeal, NV - The Christian Motorcyclists Association will hold its 2008 Run for the Son annual fundraiser today.
Members of various chapters participating in the run gain sponsors for the 100-mile motorcycle run for charity. Each rider gets fixed or per-mile rider pledges, similar to other charities that use walk-a-thons as fundraisers.
This year's event marks the 20th anniversary of the run.
"This is our yearly event to give support to missionaries throughout the world," said Brad Hall, area representative for the Sirra Shepherds chapter of CMA.
Hall said participants do not have to be members of CMA and there is no fee to make the run. However, donations will be accepted by any of the chapter's members.
"Anyone who wants to make the run with us can meet me at the McDonald's on North Carson Street no later than 8 a.m.," he said.
"We'll be meeting the Reno chapter at the Topaz Lodge at 9 a.m. to make the run to Bishop, Calif. Kickstands go up at 8 a.m.
The Reno chapter will then be going to a campground in Browns Town, just south of Bishop and meeting up with a Gold Wing group for a barbecue. The 'Wingers,' as they are called, are having a big event there. Some of the Reno group will be staying over for the campout, and some will be turning around and coming back home the same day, Hall said.
"Our group will serve the Wingers breakfast Sunday morning."
Hall said in addition to this being the organization's big fundraiser for the year, it is also simply a fun ride for the chapters.
"There is no cost to anyone, it's basically a fun ride. We're trying to get people to see what we're doing.
"This is actually an international thing. Wherever there's a chapter in the world there's a Run for the Son."
Hall said about 25 members of the local chapter will be participating. The chapter has another event in a couple of weeks, its regional picnic and state rally.
For information on CMA and chapter events, visit www.cmausa.org/run-for-the-son.
Over the past 20 years, CMA has been able to extend its outreach to millions of people throughout the world by the fruits of Run for the Son.
By giving to fellow ministries, they have been able to place the message of hope in front of the multitudes in hundreds of other countries.
In addition, Run for the Son has enabled CMA to equip missionaries in the United States to reach the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The successful efforts of the past 20 years have raised more than $27 million dollars to help spread the good news.
According to the organization's Web site, money from the run is distributed as follows: 40 percent to Home Missions (to reach motorcyclists in the world); 20 percent to the Jesus film project; 20 percent to Open Doors; 20 percent to missionary ventures.
For information on the run, contact Hall at 722-6112.