The Beast of the East – 2007
On Tuesday the 24th, Bruce and Carol Downs completed their 4 day 2200 mile ride
from Colorado at my home. They had managed to stay ahead of the rain that was moving
East. After unloading and securing the bikes, we headed into Canandaigua for a nice
dinner at an Italian restaurant. Returning to my home after dinner, we sat down to discuss
all things motorcycle related over copious amounts of adult beverages and then we retired
for the night.
Wednesday the 25th, we loaded the bikes, topped off the fuel tanks and headed East on
I-90 toward Vermont. By this time, the leading edge of the rain, in the form of annoying
drizzle had found us. The weather was cloudy, cold and wet. Somewhere around Syracuse,
we pulled into a service area for some breakfast, hot coffee and another layer
of clothes. The rest of the way to Killington, VT, the weather remained the same. We
pulled into the hotel about 4 pm and we all were very cold and a bit wet. It took me 15 min.
in a very hot shower to thaw down. The rest of the evening was spent organizing
for the meeting and looking for any new arrivals.
Thursday the 26th, Bruce and I had our orders from Carol and we went to work. By this
time the members of the MRF Board had arrived and began their meetings. Bruce and I
finished our assignments and as there was a welcome break in the weather, we took our
bikes for a tour of the area. We headed North to Killington Mountain and pulled up to the
base. Guess what, people were still skiing. What’s with that? It’s supposed to be Spring!
The town of Killington was mostly dead as the major part of skiing season was over.
Leaving Killington, Bruce and I headed out to VT 100 for a ride. It was a very nice area
and I for one enjoyed seeing all of the country, barns and gun shops. After a bit, we
found VT 103 and headed up and over Green Mountain and down through Green
Mountain National Forest. One thing I’ll say about Vermont roads, they sure have a lot
of “frost snakes”. Those are the cracks that develop in the pavement in the thaw and they
throw you and the bike all over the road. Give me the New York “tar snakes” any day.
Friday morning, we set up the MRF products store and the registration area, did the meet
and greet thing as folks arrived. By this time the rain had returned and it remained cloudy,
cold and wet. A lot of people who normally ride in on 2 wheels, arrived in 4
wheelers. Considering the rain and cool temps, I don’t blame them. That evening, was
the official meet and greet by the MRF to introduce the various SMRO’s and MRO’s
in attendance. From the conversation of the evening, it appears that everyone is having
much the same issues state to state. ROW laws, helmet issues in free states are the
outstanding items everywhere.
The Saturday morning general session started with a legislative update given by Jeff
Hennie, MRF VP of Government Relations. Hot topics are HIPPA, Alcohol involvement
and the increase in fatal crashes, along with the continuing push for helmet regulations
and mandatory helmet laws in all states. The 2nd half of this session continued with the
topic, “Alcohol Awareness – What Can We Do?”. This was presented by Dave Dwyer
(MRF Board member – ABATE of WI) and Paulette Pinkham (ABATE of IL). NHTSA
and others are making the case for increased enforcement of DWI and DUI laws. There
is even talk in some areas of lowering the BAC rule to below 0.08. What is before all of
us is that if we bikers don’t police ourselves, some or all government agencies will do
it for or to us.
Our 2nd half general session dealt with the topic of “Helmet Legislation – What Are We
facing in 2007?”, given by Jeff Hennie (MRF VP), Kirk Willard (MRF President) and
Steve Zimmer (MRF Board Member). What’s to say about this? All government agencies,
NHTSA, insurance companies and all “safety nannies”, keep pushing for
mandatory helmet laws as the answer to reducing the number of bike fatalities and head
trama cases. They appear to be unable to grasp the concept of “Education and Awareness”
as doing more good in reducing accidents and fatalities.
At this point, I will cover the 2 breakout sessions as separate topics in separate posts. So
if I haven’t put you to sleep by this time, look for the posts on “Positive Political
Relations” and “Lobbying and Testifying for Novices”.
The ride back home was much the same as the ride up to Vermont, except the rain was a
tad heavier. Once again my rain suit saved the day. Just about Utica, NY, the weather
began to clear and I was riding in sunshine the rest of the way home.
Bob Bancroft
MRF Assistant State Rep, NY
New York Freedom Riders
C.A.P.M., Quebec – Life Member
ABATE of NY – Life Member