Franks Biker News May 5th Archive

Sven Breugelmans wins Round Four MX3 World Championship

KTM factory rider Sven Breugelmans of Belgium came home strongly in the two motos of the fourth round of the MX3 World Championship in Plomion in France to finish third and first and take the top podium spot for the day.

Riding for the JM Racing Team, Sven was third in the first moto but lacked a little feeling and rhythm. But after consultations with team boss Jacky Martens in between the two heats he went out hard and fast in the second. He was second at the start behind teammate Alvaro Lozano and made one small mistake. But then Lozano lost the front wheel on a tight corner and crashed. He had to stop and free up his hand from the mud from the crash and Breugelmans was able to slip past for the victory in the heat and the GP of the day.

The 45 championship points bumped up his total to 156 and he trails Beggi, the leader, by just five points.

Teillet ahead in European Championship
In what was a good day for KTM and the JM Racing Team, French rider Valentin Teillet was also successful in securing the top podium spot in the European championship. On the hard and stony circuit, he was second at the start of the first heat behind Frenchman Larrieu and the two riders fought a good battle that was won in the last three laps by Teillet. He then missed the start in race two but charged back up through the pack making up 12 seconds to secure second at the finish line. Teillet now leads the championship with 172 points, a clear 24 point lead in front of second placed Larrieu.

Results Race 1
POS. RIDER MANUFACT. NAT.
1 180 Thomas Allier Husqvarna
2 94 Cyrille Coulon Yamaha
3 2 Sven Breugelmans KTM
4 55 Cristian Beggi Honda
5 115 Michael Staufer KTM

Results Race 2
POS. RIDER MANUFACT. NAT.
1 2 Sven Breugelmans KTM
2 94 Cyrille Coulon Yamaha
3 55 Cristian Beggi Honda
4 8 Christophe Martin Husqvarna
5 20 Patrick Caps Kawasaki

Standings
POS. RIDER MANUFACT. NAT. POINTS
1 55 Cristian Beggi Honda 161
2 2 Sven Breugelmans KTM 156
3 17 Jan Zaremba KTM 140
4 20 Patrick Caps Kawasaki 117
5 5 Alvaro Lozano KTM 101
http://www.ktmpress.com/6306.0.html?nodeID=103107&cHash=52f41a31dc

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP’s Loris Capirossi was deprived of at least a top five position at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai today, through a mixture of bad luck and a small mistake.

Capirossi was looking to challenge for a much higher position on lap five, but an error at the end of the back straight caused the Italian racer to run off the track. He re-joined the race in 12^th place and began the task of chasing down the pack in front of him. Capirossi used all his experience to close in and pass five more riders to move him into seventh on the penultimate lap, but he suffered a transmission problem on the last lap and crossed the line in ninth position. This result gave Capirossi seven points, and moved him up to fifth in the riders’ championship.

Chris Vermeulen had an afternoon he would rather forget. The talented Australian had looked impressive during yesterday’s practice, but a similar technical fault to Capirossi which began directly from the start of the race caused Vermeulen to enter the pits and retire from the race at the end of lap six.

Today’s race was declared ‘wet’ after heavy rain this morning, but with warm air temperatures of 22ºC drying the track, all riders started on slick tyres. A crowd of just over 20,000 witnessed former World Champion Valentino Rossi win his first race since September last year.

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP now travels back to Europe for fifth round of the 2008 MotoGP World Championship at Le Mans in France – the scene of Vermeulen’s premier Grand Prix victory last year – on Sunday 18^th May.

Loris Capirossi: “It’s difficult to say that this was a positive day, but we did improve a lot and if it wasn’t for my mistake early on it could have been a lot better. I didn’t want to lose touch with the top guys and my rhythm was really good, but I ran off and that cost me some places. I got back up to seventh and then I had a technical problem and I lost two positions right at the end. Now we will go to Le Mans and make sure that we are competitive there – we had the potential to do much better today!”

Chris Vermeulen: “Obviously I’m not happy with today’s result; in fact that’s probably an understatement! I had a problem right from the start and the chain kept slipping making the bike really difficult to ride. I felt like my pace was quicker than the four guys in front of me, but every time I tried to pass them the chain would just slip and I’d lose my momentum. Then towards the end of lap six the chain came off and I had to go into the pits and that was the race over. I am really disappointed with what happened, but we have to learn from this and make sure that it doesn’t happen again. We now have to re-group and come back even stronger in France!”

Paul Denning – Team Manager: “Today has been a disappointing end to what has been a good weekend’s work. Chris suffered an extremely unusual technical problem which I know the Suzuki factory will react to very quickly and he deserved much better – he’s an awesome racer who just needs his luck to change.

“For Loris it was his most competitive race on a Suzuki so far, and he had the pace to finish at least in the top five if everything had gone to plan. Unfortunately he made a mistake early on – which can happen when you are pushing to the maximum – and although he fought back to seventh he was denied by a similar problem to Chris.

“The Team is feeling very disappointed at the moment, but we have made some steps this weekend both in qualifying and with race pace, and the guys still have the confidence to look forward to Le Mans and pushing for the front positions.”

Mr Masahito Nishikawa – General Manager of Motorcycle Engine Design Department: “It has been a good experience for me to visit the team and work with them here in China. I will now take my report back to the Factory and make sure that we can start to be more competitive. We will try to take the steps we need to make this bike a race winner.”

1. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 44’08.061: 2. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) +3.890: 3. Casey Stoner (Ducati) +15.928: 4. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) +22.494: 5. Marco Melandri (Ducati) +26.957: 9. LORIS CAPIROSSI (RIZLA SUZUKI MOTOGP) +31.440: DNF. CHRIS VERMEULEN (RIZLA SUZUKI MOTOGP):

1. Pedrosa 81: 2. Lorenzo 74: 3. Rossi 72: 4. Stoner 56: 5. LORIS CAPIROSSI (RIZLA SUZUKI MOTOGP) 33: 14. CHRIS VERMEULEN (RIZLA SUZUKI MOTOGP) 14:

SYKES ON OULTON BSB FRONT ROW - Team Suzuki Press Office - May 4.
Tom Sykes has put his Rizla Suzuki firmly on the front row of the grid in third place for round three of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park in Cheshire.

The single 50-minute qualifying session was held in difficult conditions as the track was drying out following heavy rain which had fallen until just prior to the session.

Sykes's team spent the weekend honing the chassis settings on his Rizla Suzuki which paid dividends during qualifying. His team opted to run the same tyre which he intends to use on race day; this allowed Sykes to build up to his fast lap in the tricky conditions. Just as the chequered flag came out Sykes posted his fastest time sealing third place.

His team-mate Atsushi Watanabe started the session on his number one machine running wet settings. As the track was drying rapidly he came in to change to dry settings which cost him some time. Once back out on track his number one machine stopped leaving him to make his way back to pick up his second bike which he ran for the remainder of the session, working hard to achieve 17th place.

Both riders are confident for race day and have spent time on the undulating 2.69 mile track in both wet and dry conditions so they are well prepared for either.

Racing takes place on Bank Holiday Monday May 5th with race one at 1300 and race two at 1530.

Tom Sykes:
"I started the session on intermediate tyres but when I got on track I realised it was pretty dry. I came in changed to slicks and got back out there. I stayed on the same race tyre and posted my fastest lap on lap 20, so to pull off third place on the front row of the grid is not too shabby. I'm happy with my front row start, I just want to get away well and see what happens. I'm not bothered either way if it is wet or dry, I was second fastest this morning in the wet and third in qualifying in the dry. My Rizla Suzuki technicians have worked really hard to give me ideal setting on my Rizla Suzuki so a big thinks to them."

Atsushi Watanabe:
"The conditions were difficult today as the track was drying out. It is still a new track for me so I am learning every lap. I'm not happy with 17th but I like the track and will do better in the race."

Jack Valentine - Team Manager:
"I'm very pleased with today as the team did a superb job. They found a good race set-up to claim third place on a tyre that has done over race distance. I'm really looking forward to the race; we need a good start and then we should be battling for a win. Atsushi had a difficult time due to the conditions, however, but he is only just outside the top 16 and I'm confident he will pull of an improved result."

Qualifying Results:
1: Cal Crutchlow (Honda) 1:36.605
2: Shane Byrne (Ducati) +0.583
3: Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +0.639
4: Leon Haslam (Ducati) +0.785
5: Michael Rutter (Ducati) +0.905
6: Karl Harris (Yamaha) +1.303
7: Leon Camier (Ducati) +1.484
8: Michael Laverty (Suzuki) +1.960
9: James Ellison (Honda) +2.048
10: Simon Andrews (Yamaha) +2.107
17: Atsushi Watanabe (Rizla Suzuki) +3.139

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month was officially launched with a news conference on Thursday, May 1, 2008 on the grounds of the nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Speaking at the event were the co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, Rep. Michael C. Burgess M.D. (R-Texas) and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), along with Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters, Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) President Tim Buche and American Motorcyclist Association President and CEO Rob Dingman. The gathering of national leaders was organized by the MIC and called attention to the annual spring surge of motorcyclists on America's highways and encouraged responsible riding and driving by all roadway users.

"As a doctor, I've been in plenty of emergency rooms and trauma centers," said Rep. Burgess, who is a motorcyclist himself. "Take it from me, you don't want to be involved in a crash of any kind, especially one involving a motorcycle. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For riders, that means ride responsibly. For everyone else on the road, stay alert and don't let dangerous distractions divert your attention from the road."

Burgess added that he has introduced a bipartisan bill to fix a loophole in the HIPAA law that allows insurers to deny payment for injuries sustained while engaged in recreational activities like motorcycling.

"There are many other reasons why motorcycles are so popular, but one explanation is simple economics: the rising cost of gas," said Rep. Giffords. "Motorcycles offer a more fuel efficient and cheaper way of getting around. I am proud that, as a motorcyclist, I am leaving a smaller footprint on our earth by just riding my bike."

Burgess and Giffords have sponsored a House resolution (H. R. 339) that highlights Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Secretary Peters said, "As a biker myself, I know motorcycle safety begins and ends with riders taking personal responsibility. That means proper training, proper gear, and a DOT-certified helmet every time you ride."

Speaking on behalf of the AMA's 290,000 members, Dingman said, "I strongly encourage motorcyclists everywhere to re-familiarize themselves with the basics of safe and responsible riding to get the most out of every trip and arrive at their destinations safely. But it is not only motorcyclists who need to hear our safety message today. Far too many motorcycle crashes are caused by inattentive car drivers who pull into oncoming traffic, often turning into the right-of-way of approaching motorcyclists. With the popularity of motorcycling at an all-time high in America, these crashes often injure or take the life of a friend, family member or co-worker. We urge everyone, no matter what you ride or drive, to focus on the task at hand and be aware of traffic around you, in particular motorcyclists."

Dingman also encouraged Secretary Peters and the DOT to urge state highway safety offices to do more with federal 402 funds to educate motorists regarding the importance of watching out for motorcycles.

Prior to making their remarks, the leaders shrugged off raindrops from a passing shower to view a motorcycle riding simulator, several late model bikes and the latest protective riding gear. Flanking the assembled group was a detachment of the U.S. Capitol Police Department's motorcycle corps.

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a non-profit organization with 290,000 members. The Association's purpose is to protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its members. For more information, visit the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com.

Bikie gang in city shootout
NEWS.com.au, Australia - A BIKIE gang shootout with semi-automatic weapons on Adelaide's most popular restaurant strip forced dozens of bystanders to dive for cover early yesterday.
At least 15 shots were fired in the gun battle among about a dozen men in three cars.
Security vision shows some of the men chasing each other on foot while firing and bystanders diving clear of a speeding car on a footpath.
Police were investigating if the suspects were linked to the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang and the Middle East Boys street gang.
The shooting has sparked a political debate over anti-bikie laws that the Government says are being delayed by "Mickey Mouse" amendments.
Four other shootings in the city in the past year have involved 10 victims but no one was injured in yesterday's shooting, on the busy Gouger St restaurant strip at 1.20am.
Detective Superintendent Des Bray said it was lucky no one was caught in the crossfire. He could not rule out revenge as a motive.
"It was only good luck no innocent members of the public or bystanders were killed or seriously injured," the Crime Gang Task Force chief said.
"You've got three vehicles in a popular nightspot with each of those vehicles carrying people armed with semi-automatic weapons. One shot is frightening, let alone 15."
The proposed anti-gang Bill, now in the Upper House, would give police unprecedented powers to crack down on bikie gangs and their associates.
Powers include anti-association orders for gang members, banning bikies from specific locations and making it easier to confiscate bikies' assets.
Attorney-General Michael Atkinson said the Bill, which the Government wants in place by July 1, was being held up by "Mickey Mouse" amendments by Greens MP Mark Parnell.
"My message to Mark Parnell is to get on and pass this Bill," he said. "Don't obstruct it with more than 100 Mickey Mouse amendments.
To the Liberal Opposition, don't indulge this infantile behaviour by the Greens which is holding up the law necessary to crack down on outlaw motorcycle gangs."
Mr Parnell agreed with the Government about being serious on crime but said the proposed laws went too far.
"Of course we need powers and resources with the police to deal with organised crime and bikie crime but that doesn't mean we have to throw out centuries-old human rights in the process," he said.
"The Bill makes it illegal for families to get together if one of those members is a bikie, a former bikie or some with a criminal record."
Opposition police spokesman David Ridgway said the Bill had the support of the Liberal Party. "The ball is in the Government's court to bring it on," he said.
"It's a bit cute to say it's been frustrated by amendments. That's what a democratic process is all about."
Yesterday's drama began when shots were fired in Gouger, Field and Wright streets about 1.20am. The hail of bullets sprayed a shop window, an alfresco dining area and hit at least one other car.
Supt Bray said the "precise motive is not clear".
"Some of those we suspect of being involved are known to us through their involvement in the drug trade and for their relationship with outlaw motorcycle groups," he said.
"There are a number of witnesses who are providing varying accounts of what occurred and those accounts differ somewhat . . . how it unfolded isn't exactly clear."
Police interviewed three people after stopping a white Mercedes four-wheel-drive, which had a smashed side window, on Hampstead Rd, Clearview.
The occupants were released without charge. Police also seized a black Chrysler sedan, parked in Wright St, which was hit by gunfire, and a silver Mazda 4WD, abandoned in Franklin St.
They were looking for a red or maroon Toyota Landcruiser, suspected of carrying gunmen.
Security vision shows one gunman chasing the Landcruiser, running between two cars parked outside Gaucho's restaurant. He put his hands on the bonnets.
Police have appealed for the cars' owners to come forward in the hope fingerprints could be lifted from their vehicles.
Auckland tourists Ivan Yukich and Jasmine Piplovic were at Gaucho's only hours before a bullet shattered the outdoor glass partition where they had been eating.
"It just shows it could be the wrong place, wrong time and it could be your lot," Mr Yukich said. "It is the last thing I would have expected to see in Adelaide".
The popular Gouger St strip is part of a police "target area" but some businesses say police need a stronger presence. "More police are needed.
They are here sometimes just never when they are needed," one eatery owner said.

Motorcycle event that draws thousands canceled
ABC7Chicago.com, USA - Officials say concern over public safety, not discrimination, led them to cancel a motorcycle show Sunday.
Thirty-five thousand people were expected to attend the Iron Horse Roundup in north suburban Grayslake.
A number of bikers gathered at a Libertyville bar where the event used to be held. This year, it was supposed to move to the Lake County fairgrounds, but Grayslake officials cancelled it Friday.
Mayor Timothy Perry said the idea that his community was discriminating against bikers is 'ridiculous.' He said officials canceled the event after getting word that rival motorcycle groups might cause trouble.
Story continues belowAdvertisement
[Blocked Ads] "If I cannot with any level of comfort guarantee the safety and security to our residents based upon information presented to me about any event, then I've got very few choices," Perry said.
"Maybe they're profiling. Predjudiced to bikers. From what I understand people are coming in today saying they tried to pull in the car show and they won't even let bikes pull into the car show," event organizer Mark Khayat said.
Mayor Perry said he understood the concerns of vendors and organizers who lost thousands of dollars.

Riding for the memory
News-Herald.com, OH - Mike "Red Beard" Warren has a dramatic way of trying to prevent any more of his fellow bikers from heading out onto the great highway in the sky too early.
"Ouch!" Warren exclaimed after pricking his thumb with a knife until it bled in front of a crowd gathered Sunday at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
"If there's gonna be blood spilled on the highway, it might as well be mine," said Warren, organizer of the 25th Annual Louie Run.
Twenty-five years ago, Michael "Pan Head" Robinson was among about 60 motorcyclists who rode to the cemetery to honor the memory of Louie Ivcovic, who owned the biker-friendly Peppermint Stick Lounge in Willoughby.
On Sunday, Robinson - a former Mentor resident who now lives in Atlanta - was one of an estimated 7,000 bikers who rode out to Painesville Township for the Louie Run, which was inspired by Ivcovic.
"In the beginning, this was very small, very localized," Robinson said.
"Just a few friends who knew Louie would meet up at a cemetery or a bar, and we'd get 100 people at the most."
After Ivcovic's death, a group of bikers got together and vowed to ride together every year on that date.
Robinson has been to all 25 Louie Runs. The goal of the event is to remember fallen bikers while raising money for charity.
Robinson, who made the trek from Georgia this year with his wife, Jackie, took a lot of good-natured ribbing from fellow bikers after showing up in a - gasp! - car instead of his Harley.
"We didn't bring our motorcycle," Robinson said sheepishly. "I rented a car that gets 32 miles to the gallon, so I respect someone who gets on a bike and rides 10 or 12 hours."
Madison Township resident Dan Wachs was eager to show off his new Harley Euell, a sport/adventure bike.
"I've been coming here on and off for 15 years," Wachs said. "There's a lot of good people here. Nothing too wild happens."
Lake County sheriff's Capt. Frank Leonbruno agreed.
"This is a phenomenal event," the captain said. "Everyone works very well together."
The Louie Run Foundation has raised more than $250,000 for Northeast Ohio charities, including the Lake County Society for Rehabilitation, Cleveland Sight Center and Eastlake Police Athletic League program.
During the opening ceremony, Warren expressed gratitude for the sheriff's office for their work in keeping motorcyclists safe on highways.
Fittingly, the event is held in May, which is Motorcycle Awareness Month.
Motorcycle death rates have doubled in the past 10 years. Motorcycles represent just 2.5 percent of registered vehicles but 11.3 percent of all traffic deaths, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Warren had a few choice words for motorists who don't respect bikers on the roads:
"Don't pull out in front of us. Don't tailgate us. And stop putting your makeup on and talking on your cell phones!"
He also warned motorcyclists to be more careful.
"We also have to look out for the drivers," Warren said. "If we do anything stupid - like weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds - it's only a matter of time before we end up a statistic."

Heavy rains dampen poker run
SouthCoastToday.com, MA - DARTMOUTH — It's hard to hold a charity event outdoors when the weather does not cooperate.
Sunday morning's heavy rains had organizers of the fifth annual poker run and pig roast for the benefit of cystic fibrosis looking to the heavens and asking why.
It marked the fourth year where it has rained on their fundraiser.
Usually there are about 2,000 motorcyclists who ride the 85- to 90-mile course. They have been responsible for helping to raise $165,000 for cystic fibrosis over the four years.
There were only a couple of dozen riders on Sunday.
"The rain was so hard that only about 20 bikers did the run," said Ronald Geary, who organized the event with his wife, Patricia Geary, in memory of her daughter, Jennee Wing, who died in 2001.
"We've had bad weather four out of five years," he said.
Mr. Geary, shaking his head at the weather's unpredictability, said there were days last month when the weather was beautiful with temperatures in the 70's.
"This is definitely the last time we'll have it in May," he said.
He thanked the "generous" people who bought tickets and came to the event despite the rain.
He said they will still be able to make a donation to cystic fibrosis, but it will not be as much as they had hoped.
However, the enthusiasm of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation officials was not affected.
"The weather not withstanding," said Pamela Spitzer, executive director, "this is an event that is based on family, friends, love and people who want to find a cure for cystic fibrosis.
"Everyone who showed up today, is committed to making a difference."
Mrs. Geary said the pig roast, held promptly at 1 p.m., was as popular as ever.
"The rain hurt us a bit, but everyone had a good time," she said.
She said they will give the leftover food to shelters across SouthCoast.
Andy Vincent of Dighton and his son, Alex, who was a passenger on his motorcycle, were two people who drove the course, which followed back roads through cranberry bogs to Plymouth.
Their friend, Bill Hubbard of Fall River, also rode the course.
Rider Andy Vincent said he got "soaked" driving the course and was heading home for a nice, hot shower.
It was so rainy, he said, that there were areas where there was so much water on the road that he could used a dinghy instead of a motorcycle to navigate the course.
"It's for a good cause, and you have to make the best of it," he said.

Motorcycle champion is killed in race crash
Irish Independent, Ireland - MOTOR racing champion Martin Finnegan who died in a road racing accident at the weekend is expected to be buried on Wednesday.
His remains are to be brought home to his native Lusk in Co Dublin today.
The father of one, who was recognised as one of the best road racers in Britain and Ireland, was killed following a crash at the Tandragee 100 motorbike race in Co Armagh on Saturday.
Mr Finnegan's wife, Brenda, daughter Rachel and father, James, were among the spectators when tragedy struck. They had to break the terrible news to his mother, Margaret.
Mr Finnegan (29) was on the second lap of the Supersport 600cc race when he crashed off the circuit at the Marlocoo corner shortly after 2pm.
Racing competitor Ryan Farquhar described how the biker was flung about 20ft into the air, after apparently having mechanical trouble with his machine.
Three spectators were injured in the crash. A woman suffered head injuries and was taken to hospital. Two men suffered minor injuries. The race was immediately stopped.
Meanwhile a 20-year-old man, Lucas O'Reilly, was killed yesterday when the car he was driving veered off the road, hit a tree and plunged into a river, at 3am at Cloncovet, Kilcogy, Co Cavan.

Holy rollers! A priest blesses bikes
OCRegister, CA - Bikers, in their loud T-shirts, leather clothes and sunglasses, approached Rev. James Smith every few minutes on Sunday and lead him this way and that across the parking lot of Cook's Corner in Trabuco Canyon.
They wanted blessings from the priest, which he gladly bestowed, sprinkling holy water from a plastic bottle onto their motorcycles, which were almost always Harley-Davidsons.
Smith, a priest with St. Michael's Abbey in neighboring Silverado, spent about six hours at the biker bar in the eighth annual Blessing of the Bikes.
He performs the blessings every year.
"I love this," Smith said as he strolled from one bike to the next. "This is one of my favorite activities."
Smith said the land to build St. Michael's was purchased from Jack Cook decades ago, and when he was asked in 2001 to bless some bikes, he was happy to do it.
Hundreds of bikes lined the parking lot, and bikers tossed back cold beer, ate barbeque, listened to rock music, and polished their bikes or their boots (there was a booth for boot shining). The event and the blessings were free, but donations were accepted for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.
Costas Papacharalambous, co-owner of Cook's Corner, said he estimated there were thousands of visitors Sunday. Although he became co-owner in 2004, after the blessings began, he said they must go on.
"It became a tradition," he said. "Now it's part of Cook's."
As for the bikers, at least a couple of them said they wanted blessings for a little extra luck on the road.
Marty Miller, a 47-year-old finance manager for MediaSpan in Irvine, got his 2008 Road King Classic Harley-Davidson blessed.
"All bikers go down eventually," Miller said, before getting on the bike with his girlfriend Michelle Diaconescu, who bought him the two-seater last Christmas.

10th Annual Thunder Beach
WJHG-TV, FL - Well it's that time of year again, Thunder Beach hit Panama City Beach bringing in thousands of motorcycles which you can hear from just about anywhere.
The roar of these motorcycles can be heard all over the beach. It's the 10th anniversary of this event and it attracts thousands of people each year.
There are all types of vendors set up for these bikers. It all kicked off today and will run through Sunday.
We've talked with some bikers from all across the southeast and they tell us it's worth the trip.
Biker Danny Guy, "We just love bikes and love the people we meet so we're just having a good time."
Biker Eric Turner agrees. "We've been coming for 5 years now. It's just a good place to get away and kick back for the weekend."
And some bikers get the reputation of being not so nice. But the bikers we spoke with today are top notch and are just ready to have a good time. But police tell us to make sure everyone knows to use caution because there are a lot of bikes on the roads right now.
Thunder beach runs through Sunday with events at Frank Brown Park, Sharky's, Spinnaker, Newby's Too, and Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort.

Motorcyclist killed by truck on bridge
Northern Virginia Daily, VA - FRONT ROYAL — A Maryland man died Saturday after his motorcycle crashed on a bridge spanning the North Fork of the Shenandoah River north of Front Royal.
Derick A. Sigmon, 42, of Glen Burnie, Md., died of injuries from a crash that occurred at 4:35 p.m. on U.S. 340-522, said Sgt. F.L. Tyler of the Virginia State Police.
Sigmon was driving his 2001 Harley Davidson motorcycle north on the bridge when he struck a 2005 Chevy pickup in the rear, Tyler said.
"The motorcycle and the rider then went into the southbound lanes, where they were struck by a 2002 Ford F-250 truck," Tyler added.
Sigmon died at the scene. Speed appears to have been a factor in the crash, Tyler said.
No one else was injured.
The crash closed the roadway for roughly three hours, Tyler said.

West Palm Beach: Motorcyclist killed in crash west of Summit Boulevard
Sun-Sentinel.com, FL - A 20-year-old motorcyclist was killed late Saturday night when another car pulled in front of him on Summit Boulevard.
Daniel Limauro, of Lake Clarke Shores, was driving a Suzuki motorcycle west on Summit Boulevard about 10 p.m. when Roberto Flores made a left in front of him onto Easy Street, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Flores hit Limauro with his Chevy Camaro, and Limauro was thrown from his bike. He was not wearing a helmet, the Sheriff's Office report said.
Flores showed signs of being impaired, the report said. He was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter and not having a valid driver's license, according to the report.

Man dies in motorcycle crash in Redwood City
San Francisco Chronicle, USA - A 27-year-old Sunnyvale man died Sunday morning after he crashed his motorcycle while exiting Highway 101 in Redwood City, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Carlos Ramirez Garnica was taking the Shoreline Boulevard off-ramp from northbound 101 when his motorcycle struck the guardrail on the edge of the road shortly after 7 a.m., officials said.
Ramirez Garnica was thrown from the bike, according to the CHP. He was taken to Stanford University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

3 people injured in motorcycle crashes
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI - A 31-year-old man suffered a severe head injury and was flown to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa after his motorcycle collided Sunday afternoon with a sport utility vehicle in Germantown, according to a news release issued by Germantown police.
Anthony M. Kastern of Menomonee Falls was riding a motorcycle south on Fond du Lac Ave. about 3:30 p.m. when he collided with an SUV that was turning left onto southbound Fond du Lac Ave. from Division Road.
Kastern was thrown from the motorcycle. The SUV's driver, a 17-year-old girl, was not injured in the crash, a dispatcher said. The name of the driver was not released.
Two Milwaukee residents were being treated Sunday for non-life-threatening injuries after a motorcycle crash on Highway 100 at Woelfel Road in Franklin, authorities said.
A motorcycle carrying the two was heading north on Highway 100 from Drexel Ave. about 10 a.m. Sunday when the driver, a 32-year-old man, lost control, according to a news release from the Franklin Police Department.
The motorcycle crashed onto the median shoulder, a witness told authorities. Both the driver and passenger, a 34-year-old woman, were thrown from the bike. They were not wearing helmets.
Franklin police and fire personnel went to the scene. Fire Department employees took the driver to Froedtert Hospital; Flight for Life took the passenger there.

Kent police officer loses part of leg in motorcycle crash
Lower Hudson Journal news, NY - KENT - A 23-year-old town police officer had part of his left leg amputated after his motorcycle collided with a sport utility vehicle yesterday afternoon, police said.
Kevin Radovich was off-duty when he rode his 2008 Suzuki east around a curve and over the center line of Farmer Mills Road, where he collided head-on with a 2002 Ford Explorer about 12:40 p.m., police said.
Responding to a 911 call, emergency responders from Kent and Lake Carmel treated Radovich at the scene before a STAT Flight helicopter transported him to Westchester Medical Center.
"He did lose the lower part of his left leg," police Lt. Alex Divernieri said last night.
Neither the driver of the Explorer, 46-year-old Gary Martin of Stormville, N.Y., nor his 9-year-old son of the same name was injured, police said. No charges were expected to be filed.
Police were investigating the cause of the crash.
"Alcohol definitely was not a factor," Divernieri said.
Divernieri last night spoke highly of Radovich, who joined the force a year ago.
"He is the most outstanding young man that I know that we've hired," Divernieri said. "Being a police officer was something that he wanted to do since he was a kid."
As a teen, Radovich was a part of the Kent Police Department's cadet program, Divernieri said. Within a week of graduating from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology, he was hired by the department, Divernieri said.
Radovich's father, David Radovich, owns a musical instrument store, Radovich and Dean, in Carmel.
On the store's Web site, it says the son, "an accomplished clarinetist," pitches in to help the business.
Efforts to reach the family last night were unsuccessful.
"He's got a good family, and he's an all-out good young man," Divernieri said.
Divernieri said that with 21 years of experience working for the Kent Police Department, he probably could not recall a Kent officer injured so seriously.
The lieutenant said he hoped that Radovich might be able to rejoin the force someday.
"I don't know the total extent of his injuries, but I am hoping to have him return," he said.

Bikers Keep On Keeping On
Yankton Daily Press (subscription), SD - Gas prices may be at an all-time high but as the summer riding season revs up, area motorcyclists are ready to roll.
Area motorcycle enthusiasts gassed up their rides and trekked to Riverside Park Saturday for the 14th annual Bike Blessing hosted by the Midwest Motorcycle Club.
While the main agenda for the day was to have each bike and rider blessed by either Rev. Bill Greaver or Rev. Joe Mason, the riders also participated in a fun run.
With the price of gas hovering around $3.50 a gallon, fuel economy was also on the mind of several riders.
"We put a lot of miles on every year," said Wanda Walter of Yankton, who along with her husband, Wes, ride mostly for recreation. "Last year, we traveled down south and put 4,000 miles on in two weeks."
Although the Walters said they didn't plan to cut down on recreational riding, Wanda said she might start using her motorcycle for more mundane tasks.
"Gas prices haven't really affected us yet, but this year they might," she said. "I might end up riding to work more than usual."
David Willman of Yankton - who said he rides as often as possible, even in the middle of winter - said gas prices are definitely on his mind.
"I probably won't go on as long of rides as I used to," he said. "I did 140 miles last weekend and when I filled up it cost $13. I thought 'Holy Cow!' I never believed I'd see the day when it'd cost that much just to go 140 miles on a bike."
While Willman and the Walters may see a pinch in the pocketbook, most of the bikers at Saturday's event said they aren't deterred.
"Gas prices won't affect me much," said Ordell Akland of Yankton. "I ride just for fun. I go back and forth to work a little bit, but mostly it's for relaxation.
Bob Born, who has been riding for the last 60 years, said he'll dish out the extra dough to continue his hobby.
"I only ride in the summer," he said.
Terry Rueb and Troy Rueb, both of Yankton, said they ride whenever they can, weather permitting, but don't think gas prices will affect their riding much.
"We usually just do short day trips of 100-200 miles," Terry said.
Deb Overseth said she plans to ride whenever she can this summer.
"Our club rides every eight days and my husband and I get out whenever we can," she said. "Gas prices won't affect us too much. My husband and I talked it over and he said if we can't afford the gas, then we can't afford the bikes. I think we'll just be planning rides more carefully."

One man dies in motorcycle wreck
Natchez Democrat, MS - NATCHEZ — Adams County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a motorcycle accident late Saturday night in which there was one fatality.
Deputy Maj. Jody Waldrop said Bobby P. Hawthorne, 54, of Harrisonburg, La., was pronounced dead at the scene.
Waldrop said Hawthorne was traveling on Liberty Road, near the Second Creek Bridge, when his motorcycle left the road, striking an embankment and then a tree.
No other vehicles were involved in the accident.
Adams County Coroner James Lee said Hawthorne’s death was caused by head and neck trauma.
“It’s a terrible tragedy,” he said.
Lee said Hawthorne’s autopsy was being conducted on Sunday afternoon in Jackson.
Waldrop said the while the cause of the accident was unknown investigators were continuing to interview witnesses from the scene.
Waldrop said a toxicology screening would be conducted.

‘Blessing of the bikes’ kicks off motorcycle season
KTUU, AK - ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Hundreds of motorcyclists turned out to kick off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Saturday, and the annual bike blessing.
"We pray Lord, that you will keep the motorcycles upright," participants prayed.
After parading from the Anchorage City Church to the Park Strip, the bikers gathered at the veteran's memorial.
Gov. Palin read the proclamation designating May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Hundreds of bikes of all shapes and sizes were on display.
Enthusiasts, like Scott Easler, hope the public event will serve as a reminder to other drivers to watch for motorcycles on the road.
"It's an opportunity for motorcycle awareness to convey to the community that we're out there in force," Easler said. "And I guess this is the first showing that Anchorage has a pretty big bike population."
Along with the City Church, the Alaska Motorcycle Dealers and the rider education group ABATE sponsored the event.

More than a blessing for one Pigeon Forge officer
WVLT, TN - SEVIER COUNTY (WVLT) -- Pigeon Forge Police Lieutenant Steve Helton was almost killed last August when a hit and run driver slammed into him while he was off duty and riding his motorcycle.
The wreck put him in a coma for more than 30 days and he spent several more months recovering in the hospital.
"I basically had to learn to walk and talk all over again," he said.
On Sunday afternoon, Lt. Helton joined his fellow bikers for the annual Smoky Mountain Blessing of the Bikes in Kodak. It had just been a few weeks since he started riding again, but he was happy to be among friends.
“It’s hard to be back in and around after everything I went through, but I'm here and that's the best thing I can say,” he said.
There among more than 100 bikers, Lt. Helton received the bike-side prayer that he believes saved his live.
"God is the reason why I'm alive and I know that,” he said, acknowledging that since the accident, his life has been filled with strength through scripture.
Jim White of the Shiloh Riders Association helped organize the Bike side prayer.
"We bless the machine and we bless the individual,” he said. “Through the blessing, we're asking that they be protected through the year and their life."
Faith is seen on the bikers jackets, helmets and motorcycles, to remind them that they should have no fears.
"You're continuously thinking about going down,” said Rev. Dennis Maples who gave the blessing. “The thought is always in a riders mind."
According to Lt. Helton, even his serious crash can’t get him to stop riding. Like his faith, his motorcycle is a way of life.
“I have got to put my trust and faith in God to know that I am able to go back to my home,” he said.
When the event ended, Lt. Helton mounted his motorcycle and took off, knowing that combined with his weekly physical therapy, he has both his home on earth and in heaven covered.

Two suffer injuries in motorcycle crash
Centre Daily Times, PA - State police at Clearfield said a Philipsburg woman riding on a motorcycle was injured when it crashed Friday night on state Route 879 in Covington Township, Clearfield County.
Daniel L. Cutler, 35, of Morrisdale, was driving his 2006 Harley Davidson east on Route 879 near Gormont Drive when he hit a deer. Cutler and his passenger, Alissa C. Hick, 30, of Philipsburg, were not wearing helmets, police said. Cutler was transported by ambulance to Clearfield Hospital for moderate injuries, and Hick suffered minor injuries.
Police said Cutler will be charged for driving the motorcycle without a Class M license.

Man in good condition, faces charges after motorcycle wreck
St. Joseph News-Press, MO - A Maysville, Mo., man remains in good condition after he was injured in a motorcycle accident without a helmet Saturday night.
John L. Palmer, 44, was driving north on Taylor Street in Maysville when he attempted a right turn onto Grant Street and overturned his 2004 Harley-Davidson at 6:45 p.m., according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.
Mr. Palmer hit his head and was transported by helicopter to Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, the report said. He was in good condition Sunday night, according to a Heartland nursing supervisor.
The patrol issued summonses to Mr. Palmer for careless and imprudent driving, driving while intoxicated, failure to register a motor vehicle, no helmet and no motorcycle endorsement, according to the report.

Ride honors memory of aspiring fireman
Meriden Record-Journal, CT - SOUTHINGTON - Tears filled Jill Wisniewski's eyes as she showed off her new, three-wheeled "family bike" -- a motorcycle decorated with designs to commemorate her family, their experiences and most importantly her son Justin, who fell to his death while training to be a firefighter.
Four years ago, Wisniewski admits she would never have considered getting on a motorcycle, but she and son Matt led more than 140 other motorcycle enthusiasts on a memorial ride through Southington to the Wolcott State Fire School during the third annual Ride-4-Justin on Sunday.
"I like the freedom that comes with riding, but what I really like is the feeling that Justin is with me," she said. "Every time I ride I feel like he is right here with me, sitting next to me. It's that feeling that makes me really happy and that's why I started riding."
Justin Wisniewski, 18, died on April 3, 2005, from injuries suffered in a 20-foot fall at the fire training facility, where he was training to be a firefighter for Southington Fire Co. 1.
Family and friends said he was known for his kind heart and generous nature. He was an Eagle Scout and did service work for local church groups and the Lions Club.
Even in death, Wisniewski found a way to volunteer, by donating his organs to those in need. That has led many of his friends to register as organ donors as well, his family said.
"I still remember the bright-eyed kid who lived across the street for 14 years," said family friend Marianne Frega. "He was always very polite and would come over and help babysit my kids or lend a hand if we needed help. He was just a wonderful person."
Matt Wisniewski said there is no better tribute than the ride to honor his brother, who had always been interested in riding and turned in a dirt bike for a motorcycle as soon as he was old enough. The annual ride was establish one year after Justin's death as a way of honoring his favorite hobby and share his passion for volunteerism, said his father, Eric Wisniewski.
The family established the ride with the help of friends and the Fire Department as a way to provide two $500 college scholarships to area student-volunteers. The event has quickly turned into one of the larger rides in the area.
"The response from the community has been overwhelming for this," Eric Wisniewski said. "When we went to businesses seeking help, many of them reached out to us despite the economic struggles because they recognized Justin's name and what this event does for the community."
Despite threatening morning weather, the event drew more participants for the second straight year. More than than 300 guests enjoyed the post-ride cookout at the Elks Lodge in Southington. Wisniewski said the growing interest will help the family continue to keep their son's memory and legacy of volunteerism alive.
"I wish he could see this today," Wisniewski said. "I can picture him on his bicycle, helping lead the whole event. I just hope he is able to look down and see all the good that has come from this and has come because of him."

Memorial to honor fallen police officers
Rocky Mount Telegram, NC - The 2008 N.C. Peace Officer's Memorial will be held in Rocky Mount on Friday and honor one of the city's police officers who was killed in the line of duty last year.
Alan Silver, who died in May 2007 as the result of a traffic accident while answering a robbery-in-progress call, will be one of four fallen officers honored at this year's memorial.
The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Englewood Baptist Church on Winstead Avenue. The event is open to the public.
Sponsored by the N.C. Department of Justice and the N.C. Fraternal Order of Police, the annual event is held at various locations across the state each year to remember police officers who gave their lives or were seriously injured in the line of duty.
Rocky Mount Senior Police Officer Ricky Parks is helping to coordinate the event with the department of justice. He also is a sergeant-at-arms for the N.C. FOP.
Parks said that several state leaders are expected to attend the event.
One of those will be N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper, a Nash County native. He will serve as master of ceremonies for the memorial ceremony.
Law enforcement officers from across North Carolina will attend, Parks added.
"It's an honor to host such a huge event for those that protect us daily," Parks said.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers Sean Clark and Jeffrey Shelton and Jason Campbell, a Greenville police officer, also will be honored at the event.
He added that because Silver was a good friend of his, the event becomes meaningful on a whole other level.
"When it's someone that you truly spend time with, it just hits so close to home," Parks said.
A flyover by the 82nd Airborne from Fort Bragg, police motorcycle units from across the state and the N.C. State Highway Patrol Caisson Unit also will honor the fallen officers.
In addition, 30 pastors from church congregations across the Twin Counties are expected to attend the memorial ceremony.

Man injured in motorcycle crash
News-Herald, PA - A Strattanville man was injured and flown to UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh after crashing his motorcycle around 1:05 a.m. Saturday on Stone House Road in Clarion Township.
State police said Jeffrey S. Bartley, 22, sustained head injures in the crash when he lost control of his motorcycle on the wet roadway.
Bartley remained at the hospital Sunday night and was listed in fair condition, said a nursing supervisor.

Woman Suffers Seizure, Falls Off Motorcycle
Kentucky Post, KY - A local woman is in serious condition Sunday night after suffering a seizure while a passenger on a motorcycle.
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office says 33-year-old Robin Marcum fell off the motorcycle her husband was driving on East Miami River Road in Colerain Township late Sunday afternoon.
She was not wearing a helmet and did suffer a head injury.

Fort Pierce man, woman killed in motorcycle crash on US 1
Fort Pierce Tribune (subscription), FL - BREVARD COUNTY — A man and a woman from Fort Pierce were killed Friday when they lost control of their motorcycle and crashed while traveling through Brevard County.
Joseph Selph, 42, and Marina Selph, 35, were riding south on U.S. 1 in the Malabar area when they drifted in the median and crashed into a guardrail, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash happened at the curve near Rocky Point Road at 8:55 p.m., FHP said.
No cause for the accident had been determined.

Liberty man dies in motorcycle wreck
Middletown Journal, OH - WASHINGTON TWP., Montgomery County — A man who died in a motorcycle crash this weekend has been identified as William Thorn III, 31, of Liberty Twp., the Montgomery County Coroner's Office said.
Thorn apparently lost control of his new motorcycle and crashed on West Social Row Road at Sheehan Road Saturday, May 3, according to Montgomery County Sheriff's investigators.
The accident occurred about 3:15 p.m. Saturday as Thorn was traveling south on Sheehan Road, said sheriff's Sgt. Kurt Althouse. As he attempted to turn right, he apparently lost control of the motorcycle and slid into on oncoming car.
A family member told investigators Thorn had just purchased the motorcycle.
Investigators were trying to determine whether he was an experienced rider, Althouse said.
Investigators also are trying to determine if high winds at the time might have contributed to the accident, Althouse said.
Thorn was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet and other protective gear, deputies said.

Bikers Day Sunday Brings Bikers and Prayers Together
WITN TV - If you have a motorcycle, you probably decided to take a ride to enjoy the sunshine, and hundreds of riders did just that..after saying a prayer.
The second annual Biker Sunday brought Harley's and halos together as christian bikers arrived to Blackjack Original Freewill Baptist Church for service.
It's a growing trend across the country as more leather-clad, motorcycle lovers are meeting at churches and are regular churchgoers themselves.
It's an image change that organizers say it the reason for this event.
"We just wanted to get everybody together to get that stereotype that bikers are bad people that they don't go to church and they're trying to commit crimes and do bad thinks, these are good people."
says Co-organizer, Ed Moore.
Riders enjoyed free food, music and fellowship, as well as prizes for the most unique bikes among the bunch.

Motorcyclist involved in crash in critical condition
Port Huron Times Herald, MI - COTTRELLVILLE TWP. — A man involved in a motorcycle crash today on Marine City Highway is in critical condition.
Shortly before 4 p.m., a westbound car pulled in front of David Timmer while he was eastbound on his motorcycle.
Timmer, 48, of Sterling Heights was taken to St. John River District Hospital and airlifted to University of Michigan Hospital.
The driver of the car, 26-year-old Alan Ray Jr. of Warren was uninjured, according to his father Alan Ray, and was concerned about the motorcyclist.
The younger Ray was turning into a driveway to attend a baptism party, his father said.
Alcohol and speed are not believed to be factors in the crash, said St. Clair County Sheriff Department Deputy Scott Braun.