Every Fall I remind you to be careful while riding the back roads because of wet leaves and other crud in the road. This year a new obstacle has been brought to my attention—walnuts and acorns. A rider in Michigan went into a curve and hit acorns, which caused his Road King to slide out from under him leaving him with critical injuries including the loss of an arm. Please be careful… In Council Bluffs, Iowa, local car dealership Edwards Motors has been donating Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the city for over 10 years. Every couple of years they donate two motorcycles, but this year they donated four. Todd and Brett Edwards said they have been doing this as a tribute to their great-grandfather, Robert F. Edwards, who was captain of the police department and worked on the motorcycle traffic unit… ABATE of Michigan has released a report that shows, despite the predictions, fatalities have dropped by seven percent without a helmet law. Vince Consiglio, president of ABATE of Michigan, said they have been monitoring the statistics using Michigan State Police and the Michigan Secretary of State information. Vince said that the data proves conclusively that the helmet law change had no adverse effect on motorcycle safety… Black Diamond Harley-Davidson and their Harley Owners Group #2345 in Marion, Illinois, has donated over $3,000 to the City of Harrisburg to help in the recovery from the February 29, 2012 tornado that hit the city pretty hard. Black Diamond owner Chad Zimbro and H.O.G. Director Bryce Cramer presented the check to Mayor Eric Gredd in the Walmart parking lot where a strip mall that was destroyed by the tornado once stood. The H.O.G. chapter consists of about 80 members who helped with various fundraisers over the course of the year. The money will be used to rebuild the park in Gaskins City with new tables, benches and swings so the children will have a new place to play… Jim Stillwagon (former Ohio State football player) has been charged with felonious assault after a road rage incident in Delaware, Ohio. Stillwagon was riding his motorcycle and was apparently cut off by a man in a pickup truck. Stillwagon took a few potshots at the truck and followed him off the highway ramp into a parking ramp where he confronted the man. He hit him in the head with his pistol and the gun went off, grazing the man on the head. Stillwagon was jailed on $350,000 bail. Road rage between a motorcycle and pickup truck? No, thanks; they are both lucky to be alive. I always say drive like they are all out to kill you, bot not to kill them… Lucky Harley-Davidson in Fort Wayne, Indiana, held their first “I Wear Pink” ride that was attended by about 100 motorcycles to help begin the journey to finding the cure for breast cancer. The event was organized by Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center, Francine’s Friends, Lucky H-D and 21 Alive. Lucky GM Scott Wyman said that breast cancer has touched the lives of every family in the country, and it is time that we find a cure. Wyman says he’ll host the ride every year, and help continue the fight. “Our goal is to get this to where we can raise $100,000 in one day for Parkview Breast Cancer Foundation,” said Wyman… The winner of the 26th annual Superior Harley Owners Group Chapter #1523 Bay Cliff Bike Raffle was Dave Edwards of Marquette, who won a 2012 Heritage Softail. The chapter is sponsored by Bald Eagle Harley-Davidson in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Marquette. Tom Spencer, Linda Spencer, Rich Trudell, Brenda Trudell and Joe Kerekes of the ticket committee presented a check for $65,757 to the Bay Cliff Health Camp for Children. Due to the economy the normal $80,000 was not donated, but they hope to improve next year… Mike and Franscene Davis have opened their new Rubber City Harley-Davidson in Akron after a complete makeover of the former Circuit City building. During the course of the open house, over 5,500 visitors stopped to see the new building. Over half of the staff from the old dealership made the move to the new store, which has a lounge, as well as a delivery room for the new buyers. When you take ownership of your new scoot the staff honks the horns on the bikes in the showroom and makes lots of noise. The Davises also own Adventure H-D in Dover and Mad River H-D in Sandusky. The advantage of the new dealership over the old Liberty is easy access to the Route 8 freeway. Looks like they have Northern Ohio locked up, folks!… The American Red Cross got a $250,000 donation and Rick Brandt, president and CEO of Brandt Agricultural Products in Springfield, Illinois, got a new motorcycle. A custom chopper designed by Paul Jr. was commissioned by DEKALB Seed Company and spent 12 months traveling the country to trade shows and events. After the motorcycle was displayed it went on sale on an online auction, and Rick was the high bidder. Jason Hoag, DEKALB brand manager, and Brandt presented the check for $250,000 to the American Red Cross… Times must be rough in the state of Kansas, as they are clamping down on poker runs as illegal. Isn’t this how we make money for good causes? Quite a few events had to be cancelled this year under threat of raids and all monies confiscated. Charities are not exempt from the gaming laws. Thunder on the Plains, which has raised more than $60,000 for the families of southwest Kansas military members over the last six years, learned about the law too late and cancelled this year’s event. Rally director Mel Watson said, “We are planning on having a rally next year, in the later part of August and, one way or another, we’re bound and determined to do it,” he said… That’s it for this month. It’s all about you, the Midwest biker. Ride fast, but ride safe.
