Friday, May 09, 2008 04:03:57 AM

Superstock Rene Maehr talks to KTM on eve of Monza
Rene Maehr, KTM’s newest factory rider talks about racing just before competing in his third International Superstock Series at his favourite circuit of Monza. Rene is riding the newly launched KTM 1190 RC 8 motorcycle in its debut year of racing.

What are your goals and expectations for Monza?
Firstly, it is always fantastic to come here to Monza. The venue and all the atmosphere here is unique. Its pure racing feeling! There’s a very good reason why Monza is my favourite circuit. As far as the race is concerned, my motto is to learn as much as I can. It is very difficult to predict where I might finish in the race on Sunday but one thing’s for sure, we will be doing everything possible to be as near to the front as possible!

Now some general questions about your career and your passion for racing. How old were you when you first rode a motorcycle?
I was quite old before I started riding a motorcycle. I was 12-years-old at that time and I took part in the Swiss Pocket Bike Championship.

When did you race for the first time?
My first race was at the Sachsenring (Germany) in 2004.

What is your race history?
In 2006 I was given a great opportunity to start in the GSX-R Suzuki European Cup and I finished the season on the second place. Because I was competing in the Suzuki European Cup, I wasn’t able to ride in all the races in the International German Championship but I still managed to finish in fifth place. My Rookie year in the Superstock 1000 European Cup in 2007 was a great experience. I finished the season in eleventh place.

What was your first impression of the RC8?
When I first saw the RC8 I was deeply impressed. It was really a “new” kind of bike. The design is great and it’s like no other bike. It’s a real honour to ride the RC8. I would never have dreamed about having such a great opportunity.

There are many competitors - like Ducati and the Japanese brands. What is it like to compete against them?
I believe the competition in the Superstock World Cup is extremely high. This is the reason why KTM and I decided together to race in the championship against the best stock bikes and teams in the world. I can learn a lot and so can KTM. We have a lot respect for all brands. It doesn’t matter if it is Ducati or one of the Japanese brands, because they all have tons of experience, and as we well know, they have great know-how. On the other hand, we are totally motivated to compete with them on the circuit - and to beat them in future!

And what would be your message to the motorcycle fans?
Don’t care about anything – as long as you can keep riding!
http://www.ktmpress.com/100297.0.html?nodeID=103132&cHash=98059aa104

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RIZLA SUZUKI MEN EYE TOP RESULTS - Team Suzuki Press Office - May 8.
Rizla Suzuki's Tom Sykes and Atsushi Watanabe are determined to secure strong results this coming weekend at the rescheduled first round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at the Brands Hatch GP circuit in Kent.

The first round of the Championship progressed as far as qualifying, with Sykes taking fifth place and Watanabe scoring a superb ninth on his first visit to the demanding 2.3 mile track. Unfortunately the meeting didn't continue as race day had to be abandoned due to heavy snow. The qualifying positions will stand and the two day meeting will consist of free practice on Saturday May 10th with race day on Sunday May 11th.

Sykes is hungry for a podium finish which has eluded him so far this season. He has shown that his Rizla Suzuki has the pace to win and believes it is now just a matter of time. Watanabe comes to Brands Hatch for the second time with the benefit of knowing the track and his top 10 qualifying has put him in a strong position for the race.

Race one will commence on Sunday at 1315 with race two at 1620.

Jack Valentine - Rizla Suzuki Team Manager:
"I'm looking forward to this weekend at Brands Hatch as we have already been there and have good settings for our Rizla Suzukis. We also have the benefit of two more race meetings under our belts allowing us to make the GSX-R1000s even more competitive - as we proved at Oulton Park.

"It will be an interesting meeting for Atsu as he has already been to Brands Hatch and will be under more pressure for a good result. He had a superb qualifying session last time and I think he can push hard for a top eight finish. As for Tom, we all know what he is capable of as we saw that at Oulton Park. I feel we are on for a successful weekend."

For more stories about Atsushi Watanabe, Click Here. For photos, Click Here.

For more stories about Tom Sykes, Click Here. For photos, Click Here.

TEKA SUZUKI SET FOR BULGARIA MX1 - Team Suzuki Press Office - May 8.
Team Teka Suzuki WMX1 riders Steve Ramon and Ken De Dycker will be looking for good results at this weekend's Grand Prix of Bulgaria held at the spectacular Sevlievo circuit during round four of the FIM MX1 World Motocross Championship.

Currently sitting second in the MX1 series, just six points behind the leader David Philippaerts, is reigning MX1 World Champion Steve Ramon. After winning last year's World Championship without winning a single moto, Ramon has been on much better form in 2008 and totally dominated in the muddy conditions of Bellpuig on his factory Suzuki RM-Z450 to win his maiden MX1 GP overall.

With rain forecast for this weekend's race, conditions could be similar to those seen at Spain although come rain or shine Ramon feels ready to excel on the Sevlievo circuit.

"It's a fast hard track and I like to ride there. It's a nice track with many big hills, it's fast and there are lots of jumps also - it's a fun track to ride for sure," claims Ramon. "Every year I have good results in Bulgaria and this year I'll be going there wanting to win but of course there are other fast riders like Sebastien Pourcel who excel on that kind of circuit also. My aim is to win but a podium result will also be okay."

Ken De Dycker entered the last round of the championship at Agueda in Portugal as MX1 series leader after putting in great rides in both Valkenswaard, Holland and Bellpuig, Spain. Unfortunately for De Dycker and the Teka Suzuki WMX1 team a forgettable day saw the lanky Belgian rider slip to fifth in the standings as crashes and blistered hands hampered his performance.

"I was disappointed to lose the championship lead in Agueda but also just about having a bad day," he says. "It was my own fault because maybe I wasn't well enough prepared. I've been working hard since then because I've not done so well in Bulgaria because it's a hard-pack circuit with no bumps. I need to have two very good heats there and I'm very motivated to do the very best I can do at this race and every race after this."

Suzuki still leads the manufacturer's championship by six points thanks to the combined efforts of both Ramon and De Dycker so far this season.er physiotherapy so as to be fit and ready to race. It'll will be great to be at Monza, riding in front of the Italian fans, my "home" crowd, as part of the Ducati Xerox Team."

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Roger Hayden Update Interview - News release
During the second round of the AMA Superbike Championship at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Roger Hayden was involved in a crash that has taken him off the circuit. Two and a half weeks later, Hayden took some time to give an update on his condition and thoughts on his return.

How’s it going? Want to give a little update on your injuries?

Roger Hayden: Well, I’m doing a lot better. I can get in and out of bed by myself now. I can walk a little bit, things like that. I don’t have to be in bed all day long. I am able to sit in a chair. I’ve made a lot a progress in one week, since I couldn’t even get out of bed last week without someone helping me.

And how’s your hand? How’s that healing up?

R.H.: Its better. I go in on Monday to have them uncover the bandage where they amputated my pinky. Also my ring finger where you would actually wear the ring got grounded down pretty bad too, so they are going to made sure that’s healing up alright. So it’s just a lot of little things I’m dealing with.

Overall you seem like you’re healing up pretty well.

R.H.: Yeah. Everyday it slowly gets better. It’s going to be awhile. My back and my pelvis are the injuries bothering me the most now. It’s been pretty painful in my back, but I know it just takes time. Other than that, I’ve just been bored to death. I’m trying to take it easy so I can get better as soon as I can, but it’s really tough. I’m such an active person

So what have you been doing to pass the time?|

R.H.: Well, we play Wii all the time. Olivia, (Tommy’s step daughter) has been playing with me. We play tennis, golf, baseball and bowling. Everyone has been great especially Sara (Roger’s girlfriend) and my mom.

Have you talked about when you might start therapy?

R.H.: I’m not sure when I can start therapy. I have to see what’s going on with my recovery, especially after I go see the doctor on Monday. For now, I have started walking but I still need to use a walker if I go a long distance. The doctor said toward the end of the week I could start walking up a few steps to start getting my strength back. Nothing too crazy, but its progress. I have to wear a back brace for two months. With the progress I’m making it might be less but that’s what they said.

Has anyone talked to you about coming back for the MotoGP round in Monterey?

R.H.: I want to come back for that. That’s definitely my dream and it’s obviously disappointing to have this happen when I had some stuff lined up this year. If I’m not healthy, then I can’t ride. I don’t want to show up to Laguna cold turkey. I wouldn’t want to do that in the MotoGP or AMA. So I hope I can get back before then and get to ride some because I would hate to have my first time back on a bike be at a race.

Are you going to be attending any races as a spectator?

R.H.: I’ll probably hang out at home. The last thing I want to do with the back injury is get on a plane. I would really love to be there. I miss it a lot.
Have you gotten any fan mail?

R.H.: Yeah, you know I got a lot more than I expected. There were a lot of people emailing or calling that I hadn’t talked to in a long time. I’ve gotten things in the mail from fans, which was a good surprise. The support has been really awesome.
We all hope to see you back soon!
R.H.: Thanks!

For the most recent Kawasaki racing action, interviews and more visit www.kawasaki.com/racing

Larry Pegram, LeoVince Foremost Insurance Ducati Team Owner and Rider, Signing Autographs at Koup's Cycle Shop - News release
Larry Pegram, of the LeoVince Foremost Insurance Ducati Team will be signing autographs at Koup's Cycle Shop Open House from 10 am to 2 pm this Saturday, May 10, 2008. The event takes place in Harrisburg, Pennslyvania.

Koup's Cycle Shop along with Ducati presents their 51st Annual Open House!

Koup's been doing it for over 50 year and it just keeps getting better!

. Check out all the new 08 bikes
. Special spring deals and financing
. Lots of savings storewide
. Meet AMA Superbike Star and Ducati rider Larry Pegram
. Meet factory representatives
. Free food
. Free Dyno races open to all makes
. And much more

It's the Open House riders look forward to every year. Koup's 51st Annual Open House sponsored by Ducati. Saturday May 10th from 9-3 at Koup's Cycle Shop in Harrisburg, PA.

For more information, please visit Koup's website at www.koups.com

"I am looking to part of this great event that has been going on for 50 years. I am sure there will be plenty of Ducati fans coming out to attend the event. The team is having a great season and we are only getting started," commented Pegram.

The next race for the LeoVince Foremost Insurance Ducati Team will be May 17, 2008 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California ( www.infineonraceway.com ).

About LeoVince Foremost Insurance Ducati

Hebron, Ohio-based, LeoVince Foremost Insurance Ducati is a professional motorcycle road race team competing in the AMA Superbike Championship Series. The team is owned and managed by Larry Pegram, a third-generation motorcycle racer who competes in the AMA Formula Xtreme class on a modified Ducati 848. Additional information about the team can be found on their web site at www.pegramracing.com .

Team sponsors include - Ducati North America, Leo Vince Exhaust, Foremost Insurance, Pirelli, Lockhart Phillips, Fieldsheer Leathers, Scorpion Helmets, Robb Report Motorcycling, Motul Oil, Sidi, Braking Rotors, Hot Bodies Racing, VP fuels, EBC, Vortex, Spiegler, Options Italia, Wiseco, Cometic, Canal Road Racing, Build-Momentum.com, Formotion, Triangle Cycle.com, TNG Scooters, Xceldyne, Anatech Ltd., Megacycle, Motion Pro, DID, Performance Drink, Yuasa Battery, Competition Accessories.com, STM, NCR, Sato Racing, Dan Kyle Racing, NGK, Domino Grips, Café-Razzi

About Koup's Cycle Shop

Koup's Cycle was established in 1957 and is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The dealership carries Ducati, Kawasaki and Suzuki motorcycles. David Koup is the owner and general manager. More information can be found at the web site www.koups.com .

Motocross Returns to Infineon Raceway at AMA Superbike Weekend, May 16-18 - News release
Motocross racing makes its return to Infineon Raceway during the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts, May 16-18. More than 500 riders are expected for the event, which is hosted by Wine Country Motocross.

The hills behind Turn 7 will come alive with 30 classes of competition, with riders battling for a pro purse of $25,000. This marks the first motocross event at Infineon Raceway since 2002 (Sonomafest).

The professionally-designed 1.3-mile course has been created with more than 100,000 yards of dirt and features a challenging combination of natural terrain and supercross-style elements. It even has a pedestrian tunnel for fans to access the incredible trackside and Sonoma Valley views.

Featuring a new 40-rider starting gate, paved pit area, live entertainment, factory participation and vendors, this will likely be the start of a new tradition at Infineon Raceway during AMA weekend.

Action gets started with practice on Friday, May 16, with races slated for both Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to register, be sure to visit www.winecountrymx.com.

Children 12 and under are admitted free and parking is free. All tickets include access to the pits. The race weekend will also feature the AMA Superbike Series on the 12-turn road course, as well as Supermoto USA and SBFreaks Street Freestyle competition.

WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts

WHEN: May 16-18

CIRCUIT: 12-turn, 2.22-mile road course

2007 SUPERBIKE POLE WINNER: Ben Spies (Suzuki)

2007 SUPERBIKE WINNER: Mat Mladin (Suzuki). Mladin won both ends of the doubleheader.

NOTABLE: The race weekend will feature a doubleheader of AMA Superbike racing, as well as Supermoto USA, Motocross and SB Freaks Street Freestyle.

TICKETS: $15-$35 single day/$60 weekend; 12-and-under FREE and parking FREE. Discount tickets are also available at participating Kawasaki dealers.

INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com , www.ticketmaster.com

Outlaws and Hell's Angels showdown on beach - Sent By Reader
PANAMA CITY BEACH — A member of the Hell’s Angels motorcycle club was selling T-shirts on Panama City Beach when he was confronted by members of the Outlaw Motorcycle Club, deputies with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office wrote in an incident report. The Outlaws consisted of three men on motorcycles and a fourth man in a gold Lincoln. A woman wearing a property of Outlaw vest was also with them, deputies wrote.

Each of the Outlaws pulled guns out of their pants while the Hell’s Angel held a knife, the Hell’s Angel said. The Outlaws told the man to leave their territory or they would kill him, the Hell’s Angel said. The Outlaws then took the man’s shirts and left, deputies wrote.

The case is under investigation. http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/14239

Ex-Hells Angel gets 57-month sentence
Worcester Telegram, MA - WORCESTER— Declaring that there is “little here that is promising” about a former member of the Hells Angels, a U.S. District Court judge yesterday sentenced the Auburn man to 57 months in prison and fined him $7,500.
Russell Sinkis, 37, of 45 Oxford St., Auburn, was also ordered to be on supervision for three years after release from prison for his conviction for being a felon in possession of ammunition. The charge stems from Mr. Sinkis shooting a gun — with which he was not charged because, unlike the ammunition, it could not be proven to have crossed state lines — at the Boston Gun Range in Worcester on Oct. 26, 2006.
Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV said there were conflicting pressures on his decision to sentence Mr. Sinkis to 4 years and 9 months. The judge credited the argument of defense lawyer James J. Gribouski that illegal possession of ammunition by a felon is less serious when it is at a gun range rather than on the street or in his home, and less serious than possession of a gun.
While the crime is not relatively serious, the judge said the nature of the defendant is another matter. Judge Saylor noted that restraining orders have been taken out against Mr. Sinkis by three different women. Judge Saylor said Mr. Sinkis beat a man while the man’s children were in the next room and that one of Mr. Sinkis’ victims was a 78-year-old woman.
He had been a motorcycle gang member and his most recent employment was as a disk jockey at a strip club, Judge Saylor noted.
While Mr. Sinkis said that he has severed ties with his friends and his past, Judge Saylor said that was not entirely voluntary, since he has been in jail and “his fellow members of the Hells Angels kicked him out of the club.”
Judge Saylor said that Mr. Sinkis’ parents, who were in court yesterday, are supportive, but that is insufficient to reduce his sentence.
Judge Saylor said he did not take into account two charges of statutory rape, which are still pending against him in Dudley District Court. A hearing is scheduled Monday in that court on charges that he had sex in 2004 and 2005 with a 14-year-old girl, a family friend that he had hired to be a babysitter when he lived in Webster.
The judge rejected Mr. Gribouski’s request to sentence his client to a non-guideline sentence of 13 months, but he sentenced him at the low end of the federal advisory sentencing guidelines. The judge also denied a request from Mr. Sinkis, who has worked as a tattoo artist and body piercer, to be taken to a tattoo artist to cover his tattoos.
The safety of Mr. Sinkis, who is in custody, “is in danger if his tattoos are not either removed or covered,” Mr. Gribouski said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul G. Casey prosecuted the case. It was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Music Festival Cancelled Following Hells Angel Motorcycle Death
Gigwise, UK - A music festival in Derbyshire has been cancelled amid fears that bikers may have used the event to avenge the death of a motorcyclist.
The Custom Rock and Blues Festival was due to take place this August.
However, organisers withdrew their application for a license after police said they feared "high-profile” retaliation over the death of Gerard Tobin, a Hells Angel Motorcycle club member.
Mr Tobin was shot dead as he drove home from a biker’s festival in South Warwickshire last year.
Seven men are awaiting trial for the murder, which took place on the M40 motorway near Leamington Spa.
Organisers of the festival said they had a “duty to customers, employees and the general public to take very seriously any representations made by the police based on intelligence which they have, no matter how sensationalised we believe it to have been..."

ells ultimatum: Your lover or your gang
Calgary Herald, Canada - In 1997, a man's love for Julie Couillard forced him to make a tough decision, choosing to marry her over working as a Hells Angels drug dealer.
It was a decision Stephane Sirois would later regret.
Julie Couillard, who was connected to both Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier and Sirois, is at the eye of a political storm, and little is known about her. But bits and pieces have been revealed through court proceedings involving Sirois.
Couillard, a 38-year-old Laval, Que., resident, drew attention in August by wearing an eye-catching dress to the Ottawa ceremony where the minister was sworn in. Now questions have been raised about her past relations with men in Quebec's underworld.
But there was nothing mysterious about the clear ultimatum Maurice (Mom) Boucher put to Sirois more than a decade ago about Couillard.
With the biker gang war at its violent peak in 1997, the Hells Angels leader was seeing potential police informants under every rock.
So he wanted to be sure Sirois understood he had to make a choice between marrying Couillard, who had previously dated a man Boucher suspected was an informant, or continuing his life dealing drugs as a member of the Rockers, the Hells Angels puppet gang.
Sirois chose Couillard.
Their marriage lasted only two years before the couple divorced. The marriage seemed doomed from the start. Just hours before the wedding, members of the Rockers gang paid Sirois a visit and claimed he owed the gang $5,000.
Feeling that his life was in ruins, Sirois sank into a depression in 1999 when he suddenly remembered the business card a police investigator gave him just after he married Couillard.
Police knew Sirois had fallen out of favour with the Rockers by marrying Couillard and they took a chance and approached him about working for them.
"I told them clearly that I was not interested," Sirois would later say during a 2002 trial in reference to the police's initial approach.
"I was already married and had been on my honeymoon. Two detectives approached me. I told them no. I kept their card."
He became an undercover agent.
When Sirois testified at a later trial in 2003, he alleged Boucher was so suspicious of Couillard he once had a contract out on her. Sirois said Couillard went around asking people tied to the Hells Angels if this was true.
Boucher's problem with Couillard apparently had to do with the fact she had previously dated Gilles Giguere, a close associate of Robert Savard, a notorious loan shark who operated in Montreal with Boucher's blessing.
Giguere was shot to death in April 1996 and his body was left in a ditch next to a road.
In 1995, Giguere, Savard and lawyer Gilles Daudelin were arrested along with Couillard after police investigated alleged threats and the attempted extortion of a Montreal real estate agent.
Couillard was quickly released without being charged.

Memorial ride honors Nampa biker
Idaho Press-Tribune, ID - NAMPA — About three dozen people gathered in Lakeview Park on Thursday to remember Nampan Dean Cranor and start a motorcycle ride in his honor.
An avid biker well known in the community, 46-year-old Cranor died Sunday in Gooding County when, investigators said, an 89-year-old Hagerman woman pulled into the path of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Viewing planned today
A viewing and visitation for close friends and family will take place from 10 a.m. to noon today at Alisip Funeral Home in Nampa. Final funeral service arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dean and Sue Cranor Benefit Fund through the Bank of the Cascades.
His wife, Susan Cranor, 52, who was riding with him as a passenger, remains in critical condition at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise.
Those gathered for the memorial and ride also offered support to family members hoping for his wife Susan’s recovery.
Tears flowed as friends and relatives of the Cranors arrived at the park. The family made a special cross and decided to place it as a memorial at the scene of the accident in the Magic Valley. Fellow bikers set out on a trip to the site Thursday evening.
As word of the plans spread, more and more people asked to come along to show support.
Those who came to the memorial remembered Dean as a friendly, easygoing man who always had kind words for those around him.
Many are members of the Boise-based Intermountain Chapter of the Harley-Davidson Owners Group, of which both Dean and Susan were members. A caravan of 16 motorcycles and several passenger vehicles set out from the park at about 6:30 p.m., with several additional groups planning to join along the route to Hagerman.
The Cranors’ children — Brian Williams and wife Kristie of Parma; Christy Thomas and husband Tim of Caldwell; and Tracy Cranor of Meridian — along with extended family members issued a statement through the hospital. It offered thanks for “friends and neighbors across the Treasure Valley for their outpouring of support in this difficult time as they pray for the recovery of their mother, Sue.”
“My dad was a great guy,” son Brian Williams said as mourners gathered at Lakeview Park. “We just want to thank everyone who’s thinking of Dean and Sue Cranor, thank them for their prayers and thoughts. Me and my sisters are very grateful.”
Dean’s sister, Denise Batista, said the procession of cycles was a fitting way to remember her brother.
“I’m going to miss him a lot,” she said through tears. “Dean just had the biggest heart of gold and did everything for everybody.”
Dustin Gilmore met Dean about 10 years ago and rode with him frequently, although in recent years their riding had been limited to four-wheeling in the Owyhees. Gilmore has rarely gotten on his bike since an accident three years ago, but Thursday was an exception, he said.
“As long as I’ve known Dean he’s just been a really nice, easy-going guy, always real happy, always had something nice to say to everybody,” Gilmore said.
Kristie Williams urged all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, but added that while Dean was not wearing one, doing so would not have prevented the injuries that caused his death.

Neighbors brace for bikes
Myrtle Beach Sun News, SC - For nearly 70 years, motorcycle rallies have attracted visitors to Myrtle Beach and residents have adjusted.
They take a different route to school or work, or avoid the busy areas. Generally, folks know the drill.
This year, with one of the top biker events moved out to the new Hard Rock Park, organizers are not sure how many people will take the exit off U.S. 501 and make it out to the park, or how it will affect residents around the Fantasy Harbour area.
Residents who live near the park said they are ready for the anticipated flood of traffic.
"I have no idea if they will swarm or if they will trickle," said Mike Shank, a spokesman for the rally that kicks off today. "I would like to say thousands and thousands. I have no idea what to expect out here."
The event at Hard Rock Park, which will feature the corporate Harley-Davidson showcase beginning next week, is one of several that will feature vendors selling items such as T-shirts and motorcycle accessories. The spring motorcycle rally runs from today through May 18.
This year, an added concern is whether bikers will be able to figure out the looping route to the park's entrance around local roads to get to the event at Hard Rock Park.
"People, when they come out here, they have no idea where they're going, it's almost comical," Shank said. "It is going to take some time for people to figure out the way in here."
There will be extra S.C. Highway Patrol officers to help people figure their way around, Horry County spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier said.
Also today, the park kicks off its regular season. For the past few weeks, it's been in "soft opening" mode, which means park operators have been working out the kinks, adjusting show schedules, making sure rides run smoothly and adjusting opening hours.
Many residents near the park said they did not know the official Harley-Davidson event would be in their backyard this year.
Some people said they'd change their routine. Britany Pressley, who lives in Brickyard Plantation on Clay Pond Road, said she would take S.C. 544 instead of U.S. 501 to drop her son off at school before going to work, but the bikers do not bother her.
Hard Rock Park officials point to their success at handling the thousands who came to a car show a few months ago as proof that traffic flow will work.
That worries resident Lauren Valery, who is graduating from Coastal Carolina University this year. She said it took her 20 minutes to get from her apartment to a stop sign on George Bishop Parkway, where the cars were coming in and out.
Valery said she felt uncomfortable driving around so many motorcycles.
"It's nerve-racking," she said.
Many said the rally was just part of Myrtle Beach in May.
"We're used to it," said Catherine Egeberg of Auburn Court Apartments on Clay Pond Road. "What can you do? Just go with the flow."
Her neighbor, Tina Gravel, agreed.
"I think everyone in the world should get to do what they enjoy, but traffic is going to be an issue," she said. "To each their own."

Biker hurt in US
cairns.com.au, Australia - HE survived a war and three serious bouts with cancer, but for Vietnam veteran Bruce Eklom a dream motorcycling trip across the US has ended in tragedy.
Mr Eklom, of Cow Bay north of Port Douglas, has been left a possible paraplegic after a horror accident on a Californian highway.
The 62-year-old was touring with a group of Australian and American veterans, travelling from Los Angeles to the Vietnam Veterans Wall of Remembrance in Washington, when disaster struck five days ago.
He and his companions, who also included Roger Wickham, the father of swimming legend Tracey Wickham, planned to make the month-long ride across the US to join thousands of other veterans for the annual US Memorial Day parade on May 26.
On day two of the trip, Mr Eklom’s neck was broken when he lost control of the bike after taking a tight corner at 70km/h on Tuesday.
The Cairns Post understands the injury happened when the rented Harley-Davidson ridden by Mr Eklom fell on him.
Ljuba Svecova, Mr Eklom’s fiancee, made a mercy dash from the couple’s Daintree-area home to be by his side in intensive care when he wakes up.
"Bruce is such a good driver I cannot believe it has happened," she said. "This was his dream trip that he had been planning for years.
"My heart hurts so much seeing him lying there with all these tubes in him."
Ms Svecova said they had only moved to their dream home in December but the seriousness of Mr Eklom’s injuries meant the couple would have to return to the Gold Coast to access medical care.
Peter Board, who fought along side Mr Eklom in Vietnam, said his mate of 40 years was a fighter but loved ones were concerned he may not walk away unscathed.
"It looks as though he will be a paraplegic but we are all hoping for a miracle," he said.
"They want to see if he can breathe on his own when they wake him up and see if he can move his upper body but sadly it does appear that he has lost the use of his legs.
"We all have our fingers crossed but I don’t think he will walk away from this one."
Mr Board said his mate had survived three bouts of cancer, had been married three times and fought with courage in Vietnam and no matter what life threw at him, he always lived on the edge.
His approach to life was giving friends and loved ones hope.
"In Vietnam, we all survived on camaraderie and mateship and Bruce was in the thick of it," he said.
"He was a great soldier and a great man, who even his ex-wives continued to like. They loved him but just couldn’t live with him."

Poker run to benefit guide dogs
The Desert Sun, CA - Some do it for the hogs. Others do it for the dogs.
Guide Dogs of the Desert will jump start its first Desert Dog Run on Saturday when motorcycle riders will travel a multi-city route to raise cash for the organization that trains guide dogs for the blind.
The ride will take form as a poker run where cyclists - and participants riding in cars - will make pit stops to draw one card from each venue in hopes of flashing the best hand at the end.
Winner takes all: $150.
Raising the ante will come easy at the final stop at Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace in Pioneertown.
The riders are expected to reach the facade of saloons, stables and jails at about 6 p.m., the ride's finishing time.
"People will get to meet the dogs at the stops and when they get to Pappy's we'll have a puppy-kissing booth," said Kathie Flamm, the event organizer.
For animal lovers who don't love animals that much, "We'll have puppies they can hold and play with," she said, laughing.
Proceeds from the ride and festivities, which are collected through participation fees, will go to the Guide Dogs of the Desert's funding for breeding, raising and training guide dogs for the blind and the subsequent training of the blind to work with the canines.

Panama City's Thunder Beach motorcycle rally
Tallahassee Democrat, FL - Panama City's Thunder Beach motorcycle rally, local blues-rock quartet King Cotton hops back in the saddle at Paradise Grill & Bar, 1406 N. Meridian Road, from 7 to 11 p.m. today and once more from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Second Annual Po' Boys Crawfish Festival at the Killearn location, 1425 Village Square Blvd. Visit www.myspace.com/kingcottonblues or call 556-4906.

Vintage motorcycle unearthed at Camp Ripley
WKBT, WI - CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. (AP) - A bit of military history has been unearthed at Camp Ripley.
Plumbers were digging a 15-foot-deep trench to lay a new sewer line when they uncovered a World War I military motorcycle and sidecar.
David Hanson, who directs Camp Ripley's Military Museum, says the cycle is at least early 1918, 1919 or maybe early '20s vintage.
Hanson says the motorcycle was discovered only 200 yards away from the museum.
He says there have been rumors that the Army dumped dozens of similar bikes in the old Camp Ripley landfill, which was located at the spot where the plumbers made their discovery.
Hanson says the cycle will be restored and displayed at the museum.

Rotary Rumble fundraiser
Friday Flyer, CA - The second annual Lake Elsinore Rotary Rumble motorcycle ride will take place Saturday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m. The ride will start at 520 Chaney St. in Lake Elsinore and, after touring the Santa Rosa area, will end at Quaid Temecula Harley Davidson for lunch and drawings for prizes. The grand prize is a 2008 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle valued at over $22,000. Tickets for the drawing are $20 each and are available at the Lake Elsinore Chamber of Commerce or from any Lake Elsinore Rotary member. For more information contact Chance Edmondson at 674-5589.

Motorcycle accident victims identified
Newsday, NY - STONINGTON, Conn. - Stonington police have released the names of two people killed in a motorcycle accident.
Town authorities say 33-year-old Lenn Eller of Ledyard and 26-year-old Morna Marolda of Groton died shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday when they lost control of the motorcycle around a sharp corner on Hewitt Road and crashed.
Police say neither was wearing a helmet.
It was the second fatal motorcycle accident this week in Stonington.

Prostate Ride for Dad
Lake Superior News, Canada - THUNDER BAY, ON. - MAY 8, 2008 - Thunder Bay - The roar of over 300 motorcycles simultaneously starting their engines at 9:30 on a Saturday morning can mean only one thing - the fight continues. Prostate cancer in Northwestern Ontario will take another hit on Saturday, June 14, 2008 by the 8th annual BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad.
The fundraising event has become a Thunder Bay favorite, raising $413,000 in the past seven years. Funds support prostate cancer research, education, diagnosis and treatment in Northwestern Ontario.
For the first time in its eight year history, the BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad will raise funds for the new Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s Northern Cancer Fund, which continues the work
of the Northern Cancer Research Foundation.
“Prostate Cancer counts for 26% of total cases in men in Northwestern Ontario,” says Glenn Craig, President & CEO of the Health Sciences Foundation. “Sponsors and participants of the BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad are helping save lives by encouraging men to talk to their healthcare providers about prostate health.”
Awareness is key to avoiding prostate cancer and catching it as early as possible. Caught early, the disease is treatable. “The BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad is making a difference,” says Bernie Blake, Chair of the event. “The level of awareness of prostate cancer in our region is significantly higher now than ever before.” Proceeds helped create the award-winning Prostate Man campaign, which brought prostate health to the forefront.
Superhero Prostate Man made an appearance at today’s media conference, encouraging attendants to “Take it like a man” and get annual prostate exams. Notably trimmer, Prostate Man credits his recent weight loss to adhering to his own recommendations. “Eat fruits and vegetables every day, be active and maintain a healthy weight,” he advises. It also helps to support initiatives like the BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad.
The event includes breakfast and the “Roar for the Cure” kick start at The Keg Restaurant at 9:30 am on June 14, the day before Father’s Day. Participants then enjoy a parade down Memorial Avenue, a scenic Poker Run in and around the city and a silent auction (also at The Keg).
There are many impressive prize incentives to register early and raise high pledges, including an Executive Weekend for two at the Victoria Inn. To register for the BELL Motorcycle Ride for Dad, visit www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca or call 345-HOPE.
The Northern Cancer Fund of the Health Sciences Foundation raises funds that are 100% dedicated to support excellence in cancer care in Northwestern Ontario.

Motorcyclists collect donations for nursery
Mid Columbia Tri City Herald, WA - Mid-Columbia motorcyclists collected nine months worth of diapers Saturday and raised nearly $2,000 for Kennewick's Safe Harbor Crisis Nursery.
The 10th annual Horse Heaven Hills Motorcycle Event collected clothing and nearly 5,000 diapers for the nonprofit nursery.
This was the third year the group of several local motorcycle clubs participated in the diaper run to help Safe Harbor.