Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone receiving this newsletter has been able to enjoy the beautiful riding weather we’ve been having in Florida.  I have been either sitting in my office or sitting at my house as the Oak pollen has been unbearable and I haven’t been able to go outside.  I’ve been in Florida for almost 18 years and this is the worst allergy season I’ve ever endured.  But, the forecast has definitely gotten better and I can’t wait to see everyone at the motorcycle events, soon.

March and April flew right by us, but, a lot has been happening behind the scenes.  We had a photo shoot for all the upcoming magazine ads and a 2010 Calendar.  Sincere thanks go out to all the custom builders and friends that hauled their gorgeous bikes up to be included in the photo shoot.  (Click here for pictures - Photo Shoot for Calendar and Ads)

We’ve also had a chance to work with Focus Inc. on a few different TV commercials.  We spent the day filming at WEDU and are now almost done with the editing process.  We’ll be airing the commercials on Born To Ride TV, network and cable television and Full Throttle.  Special thanks to Ron Galletti with Born To Ride TV and Magazine for coming out and doing another “Behind the Scenes” which will be airing soon on BTR TV.  (Click here for pictures - Behind the Scenes of New TV Commercial)

We’ve teamed up with Rider Now Productions to help spread the word out to our biker community.  Many of you know Valerie Smith and we are excited to have her as part of our team.  She’s recently been at Quaker Steak and Lube Cruise for Kids, Rock ‘N’ Wheels, WingHouse and H-D of Ocala Benefit, and Fox Crossing Caliber Show.  If you see the beautiful red head out and about with her camera, make sure to give her your best smile!

If you haven’t heard the great news about our latest giveaway, here it is:  I’M SENDING 2 LUCKY PEOPLE TO STURGIS 2009!!!  We will be providing two round trip tickets to Rapid City, SD, a four night stay at the Quality Inn Rapid City and round trip transportation with Motorcycle Freight (1-800-BIKE-TOW) for two bikes (or bike rental).  One lucky winner will receive the package and will be able to take whomever he or she wants.  The Law Office of Fran Haasch will be holding the drawing for the lucky winner at Quaker Steak and Lube on Wednesday July 15^th at 9:15pm.

I’ve been trying to think of something that would be different, but equally exciting as the 2009 Harley-Davidson Cross Bones Giveaway we held in February.  I think we all get a little spoiled with Daytona basically being in our backyard.  Biketoberfest and Bike Week are amazing events, but Sturgis really is the ultimate Biker destination.  Many people have told me that going to Sturgis was a life changing event for them in many unique ways.  I want to send you out there to have a trip of a lifetime!

I didn’t get a chance to make it to Leesburg this year; I heard it was the best year, yet.  But, I did get a picture mail about 10 seconds after my good friend Norman Dicks, a.k.a. The Trofeho, won the Rat’s Hole Bike Show.  Norm has been kind enough to let me take pictures with his bike and some of you might recognize his beautiful Harley-Davidson Deuce from the ads over the years.  Congratulations Norm!!!

One sad note that I need to share is that I recently lost my best pal, my dog Buddy Fritz.  He was a rescue dog that I was able to love for 12 years; he truly was a miracle dog. 

We have added almost 500 new pictures to our website!  Please click here to check them out. 

PROTECTING YOURSELF

                A common theme in the world of motorcycling is the plea to ride safely and defensively.  However, that barely scratches the surface of what you must consider in order to protect yourself to the greatest extent.  Safe riding and hoping that other cars see you can only get you so far.  What happens if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of accident victim?  If there is more than one vehicle, is the other driver sufficiently insured?  Lastly, should you seek out the help of an attorney to help you navigate through what is likely to be a drawn out and complicated process?

                The prospect of being in an accident is stomach turning to say the least.  Considering that motorcycle riders are less protected and ultimately no match for a car or truck, serious injuries or even death are the not too uncommon result of such accidents.  Even more sickening is the information recently released by the Insurance Research Council (“IRC”).  According to the IRC, the recent economic downturn and rise in unemployment are having a drastic effect on the amount of uninsured motorists.  The study states that by the year 2010, approximately one in six drivers in the United States may be driving uninsured. 

                In 2007, Florida was among the top states in terms of uninsured motorists, and not in a good way.  The study shows that almost a quarter of Florida drivers went uninsured in 2007.  This does not even take into account under-insured drivers.  States with the lowest percentages of uninsured drivers include; Massachusetts, Maine, North Dakota, New York, and Vermont.  This just reinforces the need for sufficient insurance coverage.

                On top of having adequate insurance coverage already in place, in the event of an accident, you should also consider the services of an attorney in order to obtain the most complete relief possible.  Having an attorney who is experienced with Florida’s traffic laws concerning motorcyclists can be vital in the post-accident process.  An attorney can advise you of your rights, come up with a plan on how to proceed with your case, and properly determine the compensation to which you are entitled.  Even though the daunting process of a law suit may require persistence and patience on your part, an attorney is your best advocate in the quest to make you as whole as possible.

SILVER LINING

                Even though the official statistics have not been released, it is estimated that the sad state of the economy may have a positive effect on Florida’s highway safety.  According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (“FDHS”) “Florida ended 2008 with 2,986 traffic fatalities, the lowest the statistic has been in eight years according to preliminary data from the [FDHS].  The last time Florida’s total number of fatalities was less than 3,000, was in 2000 when there were 2,999 fatalities.” 

                Gordon Morgan, an employee with the Florida Department of Transportation stated that “[n]ormally [fatalities have] increased each year.  We may not see an increase for 2008.  The souring economy has caused people to drive less.  People are trying to save money.  They’re combining trips, avoiding unnecessary trips.  Perhaps they don’t have a job so they don’t need to drive anymore.” 

                It is also believed that motorcycle fatalities may see a piece of this drop.  Even though motorcycle deaths have been skyrocketing, there may be an 8 percent decrease in fatalities compared to the 517 in 2007.  Maybe not as much of a difference as we would like to see, but it is a step in the right direction.

NEW AMA MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT

                The American Motorcycle Association (“AMA”) is a motorcycle advocacy group which lobbies on behalf of all motorcyclists.  In the process of working with the government, the AMA promotes the interests and rights of motorcyclists and their beloved lifestyle. 

                The AMA recently announced that all members who enroll in automatic renewal of their annual dues will get free roadside assistance.  For the $39 annual fee to become a member with the AMA, the roadside assistance will cover all of the member’s motorcycles and all of his or her other vehicles, including motor homes and trailers.  For more information on this and other great member benefits go to www.ama-cycle.org.   

LEGISLATIVE CORNER

                A new bill is floating around the Florida legislature which has the potential to increase penalties to a driver who injures a motorcyclist.  The bill, which was introduced by Senator Garcia, “[p]rovides that a person who is convicted of a moving violation that causes or contributes to causing serious injury to or the death of a person riding a motorcycle commits a misdemeanor offense.”  The bill would require “that the offender pay a specified fine, serve a minimum period of incarceration, and attend a driver improvement course.”  It would also require the court to revoke a person’s license for a specified period.

                The bill is still being reviewed in the Legislature; however, it could be effective as soon as July of this year.  We will keep an eye on what looks to be promising for the motorcycling community.  If you would like to look at the specific language of the bill go to www.myfloridahouse.gov and search for SB 968.