Text Messengers on the Chopping Block

States ban texting while driving

Congress is tightening the noose on motorcycle and car drivers that text message. Their recent proposals would ban text messaging while driving nationwide. With 6,000 text messagers killed last year, the U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is moving quickly to prevent further deaths. “Am I on a rampage? Yes, I am, and why shouldn’t I be?” LaHood shares that a half million people were injured in distraction-related accidents in 2008.

Nearly 345,000 people have logged onto Oprah.com to pledge to make their car a No Phone Zone. Oprah’s “No Phone Zone” campaign is paving the way to raising awareness to the danger of texting and cell phone usage. Meanwhile, the heated debate on texting when the stoplight is red continues on HandsFreeInfo.com. Twenty-three states have now banned text messaging while driving, the latest being Kentucky, Nebraska, Iowa and Wyoming. States with non-texting laws in place are even looking to tighten their existing laws. Any loopholes are being closed as The DOT releases its template for distracted driving legislation and text messaging law. States that fail to ban texting could lose billions in highway funding. At this point, it’s best to keep your texting habits confined to a safe place. Especially, since it has been proven to have deadly consequences.

Stay safe out there.

Five Great Motorcycle Rally Destinations for Memorial Day

Each Memorial Day, riding enthusiasts from all compass points of the United States will pack their saddle bags and point their beloved chrome horses north, south, east or west to head out of state for their motorcycle rally destination of choice.  Can’t decide where to roll this year? Here are five great Memorial Day 2010 motorcycle rally destination picks to consider for your next ride.

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally in Washington – Sunday, May 30, 2010
It will be all black leather and Purple Hearts at the Annual Memorial Day weekend Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally in Washington, D.C. Each year over 100,000 biker enthusiasts, many of them military veterans, proudly ride their bikes in to our nation’s capital in honor of those who died, are classified as still missing in action, or are in need of belated thanks for their service to our country. Whether veteran, spectator or riding enthusiast, all gather together for one reason – to remind a nation of those who sacrificed for freedom. The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally is a fitting way to pay tribute on Memorial Day to earlier and present American heroes while taking in history.

Red River Motorcycle Rally in New Mexico – May 28-31, 2010
Known by some as New Mexico Bike Week, the Annual Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally in Red River, New Mexico is a popular rally destination due to its scenic location and great climate. Centrally located in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range of New Mexico, the rally is surrounded by 1.5 million pristine acres of the Carson National Forest. Rally goers can cruise the “Enchanted Circle;” a scenic 84-mile tour that gives riders a spectacular alpine valley view that includes Angel Fire, Eagle Nest Village & Lake, and Taos. Rally activities come together in downtown Red River with a one mile long offering of food, leather, jewelry, motorcycle accessories, and live music with a vista of more than 30,000 motorcycles of all colors and makes. Don’t miss the Best Tattoo contest, the Strong Man/Strong Woman contest, the longest ponytail contest, oldest Red River Rally T-Shirt contest, or the Farthest Distance Traveled on a Motorcycle award. Memorial Day appropriately begins with a ride up to Angel Fire for the parade and ceremonies at the Vietnam Veterans National Monument.

Party in The Pines Motorcycle Rally in East Texas – May 28-30, 2010
Explore the Lone Star State and discover the variety of unique activities offered in each of the seven Texas regions with a bike trip to Longview, Texas where you’ll discover the Party in the Pines Motorcycle Rally. Held on the Longview Fairgrounds, the Party in The Pines Motorcycle Rally includes a great flag raising motorcycle rally Jump Start Party on Friday night to get this Memorial Day party under way. You’ll want to pack your red, white and blue riding wear when you join in the Patriotic Bike Parade through town on Sunday showing off our country’s colors and bikes. The police escorted route is not too slow for any bike! With a joker run, dyno drag competition, bike games, vendors, live music, and more, this ‘All Brands Invited’ Party in The Pines motorcycle event is just the ticket for people who love to ride, with Longview offering bike-friendly places to stay, eat and shop.

35th Annual ‘49er Rally in California – May 27-31, 2010
If you’re a diehard BMW rider you’ll want to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Auburn, California at the West’s biggest and best BMW motorcycle rally. Come join the mass of BMW riders at the Gold Country Fairgrounds, close to Old Town Auburn’s dining shopping and attractions, and easy access to the Sierra Nevada mountain roads. Here’s the catch – the ’49er Rally is sponsored by BMW riders FOR BMW riders. Rally-goers will ride, eat, camp, talk and dream BMW motorcycles. If you don’t have a BMW but are curious about owning one, find a BMW rider to sponsor your attendance. Your local dealer may be able to hook you up with someone and then you’ll be hooked on this two-wheeled high-end ride for royalty.

Harley-Davidson Museum’s First Rumble – May 29-30, 2010
This isn’t a rally, but it’s an event we think is worth trying out. Check out the new Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Memorial Day weekend for indoor and outdoor activities. Choose from a myriad of activities, including H-D demos and racing dynos, American Motor Drome Wall of Death, grilling demonstrations by Motor Bar and Restaurant’s Chef Travis, live music and food. Sunday features a Bike Blessing given by Milwaukee’s new Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki and a special breakfast for H-D Museum Members. Have a flag that needs to be retired? Bring it to the Museum on Monday and partake in the flag retirement ceremony.

Support the Veterans
Want another way to support our veterans? Help the cause at www.diamondposse.com. As a Navy Reserves Seaman for 14 years and with family lost and currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, I hold this ride close to my heart. We donated transportation for the Diamond Posse’s 2010 Ride for the Fallen Heroes and we thank you for supporting this great cause along with us and Hupy & Abraham, among others.

Have you decided which rally you are heading to for Memorial Day?
If you don’t have a lot of time and you want to visit these or other Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally destinations with your favorite travel companion – your motorcycle – make sure to book any advance or return transportation of your motorcycle with an expert motorcycle shipper who is insured and has credentials. A good motorcycle shipper is there to take away any of your trip planning hassles, so that you can enjoy your vacation, not worry about it. There is no need to drain your gas or other fluids, crate or palletize your bike. It’s all revved up and ready for you to ride at the rally.

Plan ahead for 2011 Memorial Day Rallies! Learn more about round trip rally discounts when you ship your motorcycle ahead at HaulBikes.com.

Now is the Chance to Buy Captain Kirk’s Harley

Looking for an interesting motorcycle to buy? How about one “flown” by Captain Kirk of the Starship Enterprise? William Shatner is putting up his custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle for auction to benefit the Roddenbery Foundation. The Foundation’s namesake Gene Roddenberry is the creator of Star Trek and its mission is to support children, education and the environment.

“I handed the motorcycle over and it was a part of my heart, but that’s only figuratively speaking,” said Shatner. He also plans to auction his Golden Globe nomination certificate and the plaque he was presented when he got a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 1983.

If you are ready to bid on this out-of-this-world motorcycle, visit Planet Hollywood in Vegas on June 27.  Bids also will be accepted online and by phone.

We salute the captain on his charitable efforts and we wouldn’t mind riding that cycle into the stars.

From Texas to Wisconsin, Support and Follow the Motorcycle Ride for the Fallen Heroes

The Diamond Posse  is leading a ride from the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas to Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The ride is to signify commitment to provide hope and encouragement to veterans who are facing challenges as a result of their service. The posse consists of five women who know their way around motorcycles: Women Riders Now columnist Diva Amy Skaling; Director of Military Safety Services Curriculum and MSF Rider Coach Trainer Roberta (Bobbie) Carlson; Cat Hammes, a nurse who calls herself “the one-legged blonde;” Eldonna Lewis Fernandez (Pink Biker Chic), a women’s empowerment workshop presenter; and Vicki Sanfelipo, RN/EMT and Founder of the Diamond Posse.

The ride began Friday, May 14, 2010 in San Antonio where the posse interviewed veterans for their documentary film, “Forged Under Pressure” and ends Saturday, May 22, 2010 at the Harley-Davidson Women’s Celebration at The Iron Horse Hotel.

Follow their journey touring and supporting various VA Medical Centers across our nation and support this great cause at www.diamondposse.com.

As a Navy Reserves Seaman for 14 years and with family lost and currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, I hold this ride close to my heart, so HaulBikes is donating transportation to or from the ride for several of the bikers. Thank you for supporting this great cause along with us and Hupy & Abraham, among others.

Ken Durik, co-founder and director of HaulBikes