What is the coolest thing made in the state of Wisconsin? If you said Johnsonville Sausage or littoral combat ships made at Marinette Marine, or even cheese, you are wrong. After 20,000 people nominated over 200 businesses in a survey conducted by the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the Harley-Davidson was voted the coolest thing made in the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce announced the winner during a luncheon in Madison on October 18… President Pat “Partz” Dotson and Road Captain Chad “Pow” Powell of Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 in Ohio rode to the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky to donate $5,668 to help in support of the vets at the home. The money was raised by various fundraisers and community events, all for the purpose of helping the guys in the home be able to get out or afford what necessities they may need to purchase. Way to go, RT 2 of Ohio… Phil “No Hands Man” Comar, a motorcycle riding instructor at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan, fell short of 680 miles while riding with no hands on his 1997 Dyna Low Rider October 16. He holds the unofficial record of 534 miles. He did break that record on this attempt, racking up 588 miles. He attempted to ride from the Michigan/Ohio state line to the Mackinaw Bridge. He does this to honor his father who had Parkinson’s disease. He has raised over $21,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research… Over 550 motorcycles gathered at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for the 31st annual ABATE Region 3 of Ohio Toy Run. The monies collected are used to purchase toys for the children in the surrounding seven counties. ABATE of Ohio has raised over $480,000 in 31 years to help brighten Christmas for the area’s children… I am looking forward to the 2017 AMA Pro Flat Track season, which will feature the new Indian Scout FTR750 V-twin. The new factory race team is made up of “Flyin” Bryan Smith of Flint, Michigan, Brad “The Bullet” Baker, and Jared “Jammer” Mees. They will try to become the new Indian Wrecking Crew following in the footsteps of the 40’s and 50’s team of Ernie Beckman, Bill Tuman and Bobby Hill. Good luck, guys… Lucky Harley-Davidson in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been sold to Evan Schipper owner of Bluegrass Harley-Davidson in Louisville, Kentucky. Current Lucky H-D owners Dennis Atherton and Edwin Adler own ABC Harley-Davidson in Waterford, Michigan, decided the time was right to concentrate on just one dealership. The dealership will be renamed Harley-Davidson of Fort Wayne… An as-yet unnamed Harley-Davidson employee has been charged for abusing the Harley-Davidson Tuition Assistance Program. The female employee is alleged to have collected about $164,000 between 2011 and 2014 when her employment ended at the company. She would sign up for classes at Ottawa University in Brookfield and at the online Ashford University then cancel the classes and keep the refund. She also kept reimbursements they claimed were paid out in her paychecks… That’s it for this month. It’s all about you, the Midwest biker. Ride fast, but ride safe.
