(NCOM) Convention in Houston this coming May, just around the corner from now. I can’t think of a better way to spend your time and money than to learn ways to communicate with our elected officials or how to use the justice system to our advantage. When those things fall into place we benefit not only ourselves but the public around us as well. And, it’s a great place to network with fellow freedom-fighter bikers from around the US.

As always, things convene during the week prior to Mother’s Day and end with the awards banquet on the preceding Saturday night, so you can get your tail home the next morning to honor that mother who brought you into this world.
A very special lady. If you’re lucky and she’s still part of your life, take her out to a nice lunch or just spend the day with her. She will appreciate it.

Back to the Convention: NCOM is just one of the many important biker get-to-gathers that occur around the country every year. We should all attend every one we can get to, but the annual NCOM National is the biggie.
This year we’ll be in Houston, Texas at the Sheraton North Houston Hotel from May 8-11, 2008. It’s 281-442-5100 for reservations and be sure to mention the NCOM special rate. The AIM Chief of Staff meeting will take place May 8 at the same place, just ahead of the NCOM conference. For you AIM COS’s and AIM Reps this is an important meeting geared to help you in your work getting the word out to prospective AIM card carriers. AIM (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists)  of course is where NCOM gets it’s support for the whole shebang. That being the portion of attorney fees that are dedicated to helping the motorcycle community not only legislatively but judicially as well.

The seminars and sessions there will enlighten you in many ways as to how you can be influential in your state legislature and also bring back to your organizations the pointers and techniques you’ll learn at the many workshops during these intense few days. Doesn’t mean we don’t do some partying and hanging out, but we’re there to learn from each other and the hours are long and packed with information. The time and money spent is absolutely some of the best investments we can make in our future. If we don’t do it we won’t necessarily have all the tools we need to insure we have a future, as bikers. In at least one country there are efforts to OUTLAW motorcycles altogether. We can’t let that happen here.

NORWAY: BAN MOTORCYCLES, SAFETY EXPERT SAYS Motorbikes should be banned as part of a plan to eliminate road deaths, a safety expert says here. The idea of stopping deaths on the highways is not new. In several European countries, it’s called “Vision Zero.” And yeah, who wants to die on the road? But take away my BIKE for it? I don’t think so. A hell of a lot more people die in cars. Are they gonna outlaw them, too? I bet not.

This Norwegian safety expert, Rune Elvik, says that to lower or eliminate highway deaths, policy makers should consider the radical step of banning motorbikes. That this sort of thinking even exists is terrifying to me.
There are people who think that way here in the US, too. Keep your eyes peeled for ‘em.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA: Tom Cruise was the first on the list to get Ducati's newest motorcycle. Get this: A $72,500 superbike with titanium, magnesium and carbon fiber technology that can scoot up to 200 mph. It must be nice to have the means to be able to order a machine like that. Enjoy it, Tom.

LEAKY OLD BIKERS: We've seen the articles in the biker press - including right here in the Gunny's Sack - about how more and more of us over 50 are riding motorcycles. Here's more proof of the trend: Our Sack reporter, AIM Attorney and ever-vigilant media junkie Sam Hochberg, saw a TV commercial with a silver-haired grandma happily riding on the back of a bike. The product they're advertising? Adult diapers, "Depends!"  Your Gunny isn’t there yet, but who knows, I might be gettin’ close.

APRIL SHOWERS, it don’t take hours: If warmer weather is getting you out on your scoot again, don’t forget to do a thorough safety check first. TIRES are the first thing to check, since you can lose air pressure if you haven’t ridden in a few months. You can’t always tell just by eyeballing the tires, either. Use your gauge. Check all your belts, chains and cables, too. You want your BIKE on the road, not your body. 

DURHAM, NC: An off-duty officer of the law was stopped here for traveling at
84 miles an hour in a 45 mile an hour zone on his motorcycle. Although the officer making the stop detected the smell of alcohol on the breath there was no ticket issued. Whoops! After the media started to ask some pointed questions it was decided that maybe an investigation was warranted. The trooper involved is now under review for his activities that night. If that had been you or me we would have been arrested and very likely the bike would have been impounded. How much justice can we stand?

AUSTRALIA: Police v Biker War Looming
New laws in South Australia are causing some concern in every community involved. You may have read in the SACK or elsewhere that they’re outlawing motorcycle clubs there. Wearing local club colors might get you arrested.
The Aussie bikers as well as social analysts are fearing confrontations.
It’s unfortunate that there are those in society who are so intolerant of folks who think and live their lives differently. It’s a sad state of affairs when your mode of transportation, the clothing you wear, and the folks you choose to associate with can brand you as a criminal element and in some cases as a terrorist.

GUNNY AGAIN: Remember the AIM attorneys all over this country are there for us, they ride with us and know who we are. Why in the world would you want anyone else to work for you if you have an accident or a run -in with the law? Call your nearest AIM attorney any time you have a legal problem, and in particular injury claims. If the AIM lawyer can’t help you he will try to send you to someone who can. Call 1-800-531-2424, or have a look online at www.aimncom.com. Take advantage of it. They will help you.

Keep the round side on the bottom,
Gunny, Oregon AIM Chief of Staff

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