Good day to you all, hope your week has been better then mine and Darlene’s. This weekend is a busy one, so read on and pay attention to times and dates. Thank You.

Saturday 5/19/12: The 2nd annual B.I.N. Bug Run. Starts at 11 am and goes till 5 pm at 6963 Old Nasa Blvd, Unit #77 of Ample Storage in Melbourne, and is FREE to all. There will be food at the end also.

Saturday 5/19/12: The Saints MC will have a Welcome in the Summer Party at 2 pm at their Club House on Brown Ct, off Canaveral Groves Blvd in N. Cocoa with food and music and it’s Free.

Saturday 5/19/12: The AFMC will Celebrate Armed Forces Day at 3 pm at 1633 Sue Drive in Cocoa with Free food. Please join them.

Sunday 5/20/12: The Brevard Chapter, Independence Chapter and AVETS Project are having the Can You See Me Now Run. KSU at 10:30 at Post 81 so get there early and sign in. We will be stopping at Post 22 in Cocoa, Post 359 in Cocoa, and Post 1 in Titusville. From then on to the Saints & Sinners Pub at Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach. Ends at 4 pm. Lets all get together for a good ride and to get the word out to the cages to look out for us. Cost is $10 each and you get a free tee shirt to wear on the run.

And please remember Bike Night At Long Doggers and the Meet & Greet at the Post each week.

Tuesday 5/29/12: Independence Chapters General Meeting at 7 pm and Board Members Meeting at 6 pm, all at Post 81. Be there or be square. Voting for officers/trustees will be open. Thank You.

Please read and check dates and times and have some fun, take care.

Grumpy
President
ABATE Independence Chapter

http://abateindependence.org

president@abateindependence.org

Ho-Ho-Ho. No it’s not Christmas already just me thinking out loud.

I didn’t see as many Bikes for the Blessing of the Bikes, but we had enough and made all the rounds to the Club House’s in the Cocoa area. I want to thank Padre Tim for setting up things, he did a great job for us. And his Riders were on hand to Bless the Bikes and Riders. Thanks again. We had one accident at the Saints Club House. Brother James Breslin dumped his Bike but was ok.

Hope to see you this week at the Meet & Greet at Post 81. The USA Poker Run will be there also and we’ll have our Safety & Awareness setup there. Don’t forget Long Doggers Bike Night on Thursday nights. We enjoy seeing you there and meeting new people and doing the 50/50s and having fun with everyone.

We are still accepting aluminum cans and scrap metal for recycling to raise funds for our Birthday Bash in July. So save those cans and bring to our events or meetings or give Mark a call at 321-474-4730 and he’ll arrange for pickup. Every little bit helps.

Our elections are underway and we’ll be having our ballot box available when possible, so come out to our Meet n Greets, meetings and other events and cast your vote for your choice of the various positions.

Our May newsletter is out now. You can view it by clicking the Newsletter cover thumbnail image in the right sidebar.

Saturday 5/12/12: Tempest Motorcycles will hold a swap meet at their place from 9 to 4. If you need parts or want to sell some parts come on by. $20 to set up a 10×10 spot. This is to raise Money for the B.I.N.. So bring some food supplies if you have some or Hurricane supplies if you have them too. Our chapter will be there with our Motorcycle Safety & Awareness products.

Saturday 5/12/12: The B.I.N. will have their Open House at 6 pm this day and every Saturday. They are looking for bikers who need their assistance, so if you know anyone in need, contact them so they can lend a helping hand.

Sunday 5/13/12: The B.I.N. will have Church Services at 9:15 given by Kim and Scott. Please join in. Then at 10 am there will be drinks and food to honer Mothers Day.

Suday 5/13/12: United Soldiers of America Poker Run to benefit our local homeless and disabled veterans. Starts at USA Thrift Store at 10 am, ends at Post 81. Last bike in at 3. Doc Holiday spinning tunes, food & 50/50. $10 a hand.

Saturday 5/19/12: The B.I.N. will hold their 2nd Annual Bug Run. Lots of fun riding and getting hit by as many Bugs that you can. They count them at the end. Food and drink at the end. Enjoy.

Saturday 5/19/12: The AFMC will celebrate Armed Forces Day at 3 pm, free food and admission. 1633 Sue Drive, Cocoa, FL.

Saturday 5/19/12: The Saints will have a Welcome in the Summer Party at 2 pm, free food and admission. ON Brown Ct, off Canaveral Groves Blvd in N, Cocoa.

Sunday 5/20/12: The AVET Project, Brevard Chapter, and Independence Chapter will hold the Can You See Me Now Run. Starts at Post 81, KSU at 10:30 am and will end up at 1:30 at the Saints Pub at Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach, Fl. Cost $10 but you get a free Tee Shirt to wear on the Ride (while they last). This is a Great Ride to show the cages to watch for us on the road. Please join us.

Ok that’s enough for now. Take Care.

Grumpy
President
ABATE Independence Chapter

http://abateindependence.org

president@abateindependence.org

Well friends, I hope you all had a good week at the Veterans Reunion and Leesburg. It was a busy but great time for me. We all need to get out and enjoy these times and friends.

As always I hope to see you at Long Doggers on Thursday nights and at the Meet and Greet at Post 81 on Sunday afternoons. Come on out and talk to some of your friends.

Sunday 5/6/12: Independence Chapter and the Spirit Riders will be holding the Blessing of the Bikes. come on out and get your Bike blessed and a prayer for yourself or family or even some friends. It will be at 10 am at the Rockledge Church of the Nazarene on 651 Barnes Blvd in So. Rockledge, Fl. Those of us on the south end of the county will meet at Post 81 at 9 am, kickstands up at 9:15 am to ride to Rockledge. Afterwards we will visit some of the M.C. clubs in the Cocoa area and finish up in Melbourne.

Sunday 5/6/12: Deputy Barbara Pill Run starting and ending at Bodine’s Honda. Give them a call for more information. 321-345-4256

Saturday 5/12/12: Tempest Cycles will have a Swap Meet from 9 am till 4 pm. If you have any parts you want to sell, then come out and rent a 10X10 spot for $20.00 and sell that stuff. All fees will be donated to the B.I.N.. Also bring non-perishable food or hurricane supplies for the B.I.N. please. Thank You.

Sunday 5/13/12: There will be a USA Poker Run from 1O AM TILL 5 PM. cost will be $10.00, and will start at the USA Thrift Store at 1442 N. Harbor City Blvd in Melbourne. Come out and check things out and enjoy.

Sunday 5/13/12: Biker Church at the BIN and Mothers Day Brunch after the service. Breakfast at 9:15 am, The Word at 10 am. Door prizes and carnations for the ladies!

Other things coming up very soon… AFMC will Celebrate Armed Forces day May 19th. The Saints will welcome in the summer on the 19th, both are free. Also on May 19th is the 2nd Annual BIN Bug Run. On May 20th is the huge ABATE/AVET Project CAN YOU SEE ME NOW RUN, cost $10.00 and you get a free Tee Shirt to wear on the run. On July 21st the Christmas in July Run To help Mr Mike Kelly get Toys for Families that can’t afford Christmas. He can use all our help. This promises to be a great event (flyer is on our events calendar). Supported by ABATE Independence Chapter.
Have a good week.
Grumpy

President
ABATE Independence Chapter

http://abateindependence.org

president@abateindependence.org

Mark “SkullZ” Gray is a Georgia boy who was raised in a nomadic military lifestyle as his step father is a retired 20 year veteran of the US Army and Air Force. After graduating high school a year ahead of his class in Brownsville, Kentucky, Mark joined the US Air Force at 17 years old. He retired after 20 years of service that included tours in South Korea and Germany. His military service was rewarded with 3 Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, an Air Force Commendation Medal and 2 Air Force Achievement Awards. Following his military retirement, he spent 6 years in Las Vegas and in 2001 moved to Sebastian, Florida to be closer to his family. He is now “semi-retired” and resides in Palm Bay, Florida.

Mark has been riding motorcycles since childhood. The first one he ever rode was an old bike from Sears (believe it or not!). After owning several rice burners over the years, he purchased an American built bike in 1999 from CMC (California Motorcycle Company) and has been riding it ever since.

In 2008 Mark was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and began treatments of chemotherapy and radiation. He had surgery to remove the cancer in 2009 and due to complications from surgery he was in severe pain and practically bedridden for well over a year. 5 surgeries and 2 years later Mark was finally able to live a normal life again.

After surviving cancer, Mark “woke up” and realized that life isn’t all about what the world can do for him. He decided then that he would pledge himself to help others in need. He was a member of the Bikers In Need (BIN) group and helped organize and promote the hugely successful BIN Run in Feb 2012.

Having joined ABATE Independence Chapter in September 2011, he was immediately appointed Webmaster trustee and has been very active in ABATE activities. He has volunteered his services in most every aspect of the chapter activities and was recently appointed as your chapter Vice President.

Although Mark is currently serving as your chapter VP and has attended every chapter meeting since joining, including general membership and board meetings, he is not on the ballot for elections due to the chapter elections by-laws “minimum meeting” requirement. He has indicated that he will continue to serve as your VP if elected via write in.

A mixup occured when Doc told we would get our $250,000 safety money for 2013. However, the governor vetoed it. We will have to be vocal and show cause why we should receive it. Prove our efforts of education and safety.

B. THANKS

Michigan thanks all ABATE and AMA members who called and wrote in support of their repeal of the 37 year helmet law. The conditions are:

1. be at least 21 years old.
2. have two years riding experience or do special safety training
3. carry at least $20,000 additional medical insurance

C. RIDING

Virginia has just passed HB97 that allows side by side riding or two abreast in a single lane. That leaves Vermont as the only state the prohibits this practice.

D. PERMITS

Kentucky has passed HB328 that restricts learning permits to one year. This stops people from just renewing permits for several years and allows 16 and 17 year old riders to once again get a cycle license.

E. INCREASED PENALTIES

Wisconsin has signed into law, with help from ABATE, clarification and increased penalties for right-of-way violations, including higher fines, up to 9 months, license suspension and complet an “awareness” class before being reinstated. They also added 30 minutes of motorcycle awarenenss training in ALL drivers education classrooms statewide.

F. COLORS

New Jersey police pulled over a group of bikers (Pagans MC) for so-called helmet violations. They were told to remove their colors (patched jackets/vests). They refused! This was discrimination as it was later determined that their helmets were legal. They were there over an hour. Police said the only colors allowed were their “blue and gold”.

G. E15 GASOLINE

Help – we to contact our representatives and senators on this HR3199 bill that would require more study and testing on the harmful effects of this 15% ethanol blend gasoline. It is already approved and on its way to stations – it is possible that it will REPLACE E-10%, that we currently use. It may also VOID WARRANTIES! It was never approved for cycles, ATVs and other air cooled motors. Contact the EPA… this is a federal issue. Contact House Speaker John Boehner and their reps. You can both call and write!

H. MOTORCYCLE CHECKPOINTS

On February 28th, the Virginia governor signed legislation to PROHIBIT cycle only checkpoints – making it the third state to forbit this practice. This is the state that stopped “Rolling Thunder” riders and harassed them in May 2011, which is a ride to bring awareness to POW & MIA issues. The others who have passed reversals are New Hampshire and North Carolina. Other states are considering it.

I. MOTORCYCLE SOUND BILL

Here we go! Even though there is a national standard (106 decibel), New Hampshire has adopted lower sound levels and the SAE J2825 standards for testing. The levels of each motorcycle. This house bill (HB1442) lowered the decibel level to 92 db for all street motorcycles at idle. Other levels address 3 or 4 cylinder cycles or less than 3 or more than 4 cylinders, as well as levels for motors at 75% of maximum speed. On the flip side the EPA given up on requiring EPA stamps on ALL exhaust systems because of the ability to drill out the pipes and still show the label.

This is an area that we most watch closely. The motivation for this is the public outcry for the few riders that abuse and demonstrate careless behavior.

NOTE: The above issues are ones we of ABATE must follow and try to influence policy makers that primarily do not ride motorcycles.

Why do 29 or out 30 registered motorcycles in Brevard County not care?

Well it’s a great time of year for riding. Not too hot and not too cold so get out there and ride and be safe.

I asked for a vote and it passed to appoint Mr Mark Gray as VP at Tuesdays general meeting, someone I enjoy working with and has done a real good job for our chapter since he joined. So I’m hoping there’s a spot on the Ballots for write-ins as he is my choice for the the job as your VP and is not eligible due to our by-laws. It makes no sense that if someone holds a position of VP, they still can’t be eligible for nomination for the next year. We need to get our by-laws changed to fix that. He will remain as VP until the end of the June meeting when elections are completed and the new officers/trustees take their positions.

It’s up to you who you want to run this chapter. I think I’ve done a fair job and I know I’ve made some mistakes but am willing to do the job for another year. So check on things before you vote and make sure you get who you want in these positions.

Thursday thru Sunday, the 26-27-28-29 is the Vietnam Reunion at Wickham Park all day long. So come out and enjoy and stop by the Legion Riders Tent for some good Food. Stop by the AVETS tent to and visit with us as we may have our Safety and Awareness booth there with them. Stop by Post 81s food tent and get a good breakfast and some real good lunches while you are there.

The Leesburg Bike Fest is also taking place this weekend. All who are riding to Leesburg have a great weekend but most importantly make it back home safely.

Sunday 4/29/12: We will be taking the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall down and picking up the Wreaths. No Meet n Greet this day.

Sunday 5/6/12: Blessing of the Bikes run at the Rockledge Church of the Nazarene at 10 am. Those of us on the south end of the county will meet at Post 81 at 9 am, kickstands up at 9:15 am to ride to Rockledge. Afterward we’ll be visiting various MCs in the local area. Come ride with us, get your bike blessed and visit our MC friends and family.

You all take care and enjoy the events of the next few weeks.

Grumpy
President
ABATE Independence Chapter

http://abateindependence.org

president@abateindependence.org

Hello to all, this week coming up will be a busy one so pay attention and write this down.

Saturday 4/21/12: Our ABATE Independence Chapter Chili Cook-Off and Poker Run. KSU at 11 am at Ferrara’s Victory Motorcycles at 670 S. Wickham Rd with four more stop’s and ending at Post 81 for some good old Chili for all to eat. Cost is $5 for the Run, $5 to enter your Chili, and $2 to be a judge. Let’s get out to enjoy the Chili and after effects. This is one of our few fundraising events for the year, so come have some fun and help the chapter raise a few dollars.

Saturday 4/21/12: The Warlocks will have a Patch Burning at their Clubhouse and they will be burning Bears Patch and Vest. So come on out and mind your P’s and Q’s. Gates open at 5 pm and the burning takes place at sunset. Thanks.

Sunday 4/22/12: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Run, starting at 10 am. Line up between 8 and 9:30 at BCC in Cocoa, on Clearlake Rd. Ends at Wickham Park. Let’s get out and Ride for our Veterans.

Sunday 4/22/12: The Legion Riders will have an after Wall Run Party at the Bunker and ABATE Independence Chapter will be Cooking Burgers and Dogs for them. And we will have our Meet and Greet at the same time.

Monday 4/23/12: Will be the wreath ceremony at the Wall at 5 pm. All should be there at 4:30. Ceremony starts at 5 pm.

Tuesday 4/24/12: Independence General Membership Meeting at Post 81 at 7 pm. It’s final nomination night for Officers, so be ther or be square. Find out what your Chapter is up to.

Thursday thru Sunday, the 26-27-28-29 is the Vietnam Reunion at Wickham Park all day long. So come out and enjoy and stop by the Legion Riders Tent for some good Food. Stop by the AVETS tent to and visit with us as we may have our Safety and Awareness booth there with them.

Sunday 4/29/12: We will be taking the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall down and picking up the Wreaths. No Meet n Greet this day.

Well have yourself a good week and good time, and watch out for your fellow Bikers.

Grumpy
President
ABATE Independence Chapter

http://abateindependence.org

president@abateindependence.org

Well Hello to all my friends a big Happy Birthday to my Wife Dale, your Products Trustee.

There’s lot of Runs coming up in the month ahead, so I hope you all get out and enjoy them.

Saturday the 14th: State Chapter is having their meeting at 2 pm in St Augustine. I’ll be there.

Saturday the 14th: Crystal’s Walk & Ride Motorcycle Poker Run. Registration at 8:30 am at Candlelighters of Brevard Thrift Shop in IHB. Help raise Money for Crystal and her Cancer treatments, it’s at 1875A South Patrick Dr. Cost $25.00 per Bike.

Sunday the 15th: Meet & Greet at Post 81 2 to 6 pm

Sunday the 15th: A Fun Run at American Legion Post 81, starting at 10 am with 5 stops and back in by 2:30pm. Fun for all, 50/50, Live Music, Great food, Cost $5.00.

Tuesday the 17th: Independence Chapter Board Meeting 7 PM.

Thursday the 19th: The Legion Riders of Post 81 will have their monthly Meeting at 7 pm.

Saturday the 21st: Our chapter Chili Cookoff and Poker Run. Starts at Ferrara’s Victory Motoorcycle at 670 S. Wickham Rd at 11 am and ends at Post 81. It’s only $5.00 per person. Last Bike in at 3 pm. Anyone that wants to enter their Chili is welcome. Bring your chili entry to the Post 81 by 2 pm. We’ll pick the judges from the audience.

Sunday the 22nd: The Vietnam Memorial Wall Ride. Line up before 9:30 am at BCC Campus in Cocoa, on Clearlake Rd. First Bikes out at 10 am. We need Road Guards, so please help if you can. The police would be Thankful. Ends up at Wickham park on Parkway Rd. Cost NOTHING. ENJOY.

Well that’s plenty to think about now, so lets get out there and RIDE.

Grumpy
President
ABATE Independence Chapter

http://abateindependence.org

president@abateindependence.org

Good day to all my friends and members. This past Sunday we Prayed, said good-bye to our Man Bear and Honored his Life and said a lot of good things about him. I’d like to say thank you all for showing up and bringing food for the occasion. There were lots of friends to see Bear off to be with God and his wonderful world above. So thank you all again.

Sunday 4/8/12: The Spirit Riders Motorcycle Ministry will have an Easter Service for Bikers at 10 am at Howard E. Futch Memorial Park, Paradise Beach at 2301 N. Highway A1A in Melbuorne, at the Main Pavilion. Come on out and enjoy the words of the Lord, given by Mr Mutt.

Thursday 4/12/12: Long Doggers Bike Night every Thursday 6-9 pm. We’ll be there with our safety booth and shirts and patches and 50/50 tickets, so stop by and say hi!

Friday 4/13/12: Downtown Melbourne Friday Fest. Lots of fun and festivities for everyone. Our safety awareness booth will be there handing out goodies to help non-bikers learn to be more aware of motorcyclists.

Saturday 4/14/12: Bikefest Okeechobee at… yep you guessed it… Okeechobee Fl at the Okeechobee Shrine Club. Promises to be a great time and it’s a nice back country ride to get there.

Saturday 4/14/12: Crystal’s walk and ride Motorcycle Poker Run and Sheriff Escorted Ride, starts at Candlelighters of Brevard on 1875A South Patrick Dr, IHB, FL. KSU at 8:30 am, Cost $25 per Bike.

Saturday 4/14/12: The State of ABATE of FLORIDA will hold their state meeting for all Delegates at the VFW, at 6184 US1 South, St Augustine, FL. at 2 pm

Sunday 4/15/12: Our Meet & Greet at Post 81 from 2 pm till 6 pm. Come out each Sunday and meet with your fellow Bikers and Friends.
Well that’s it for this week, have a good one and Happy Easter to all.

Grumpy
President
ABATE Independence Chapter

http://abateindependence.org

president@abateindependence.org

Hello to all my riders and friend out there. This is a sad week for us all.

Saturday, 3/31/12: We will be honoring a man that we all LOVED, Mr BEAR Conaway. His Memorial Service will be at the Church of the Nazarene, at 2745 Babcock St, Melbourne, at 2 pm. There will be NO motorcade of motorcycles or cars, Bears and Ellen’s wish’s. Afterwards there will be a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Post 81 at 2909 S Harbor City Blvd, “US 1″ in Melbourne. Anyone that knew BEAR is welcome. Please bring a covered dish if possible.

Saturday, 3/31/12: Crossroads, 5070 Minton Road, Palm Bay, will be hosting a Lite Lunch Buffet at 11 am for those attending Bears Memorial Service. Call Mike at 321-213-0642 for more info.

Saturday, 3/31/12: The A.F.M.C. will be holding there Semi Annual Strip Poker Run. KSU at 7 pm at the Sandbar Sports Grill at 4301 Ocean Beach Blvd, Cocoa Beach. Cost is $10.00 the first hand and $15.00 for two hands.

Saturday and Sunday, 3/31/12 & 4/1/12: Melbourne Gun Show at the Melbourne Auditorium, on Fee Ave. All are Welcome.

Sunday, 4/1/12: The Dog House will have their Free monthly Birthday Breakfast at 9 am. Good food, Dave will be cooking.

Sunday, 4/1/12: The Cocoa Beach Professional Firefighters Relay for Life Poker Run. VFW Post 10148, 150 Minuteman Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL. Registration begins at 8 am. First bike out at 10 am, last out at noon. Support the American Cancer Society by attending this poker run.

Tuesday, 4/3/12: The Brevard Chapter will have their monthly meeting at 7 pm at the American Legion Post 22 in Cocoa, under the water tower or tank.

Sunday, 4/8/12: The Spirit Riders will have their Easter Service at the Howard E. Futch Memorial Park, Paradise Beach, at 2301 N. Highway A1A, Melbourne, Main Pavilion at 10 am. Come out and enjoy your Easter Service with fellow Bikers.

EVERY SUNDAY: Our Meet and Greet at the Legion Bunker from 2 pm till 6 pm. Stop by and say Hi to your fellow Bikers and friends. All Bikers Welcome, and this means you.

Saturday, 4/14/12: American Legion Riders of Post 81 will have a Fun Run Poker Run. Starts at Post 81, KSU at 10 am. Get out and enjoy the day and have Fun-Fun-Fun.

OK, that’s enough for this week. See you all Saturday. Peace Brothers and Sisters.

Grumpy
President
ABATE Independence Chapter
http://abateindependence.org
president@abateindependence.org