by Gus Breiland
Issue #60--August 2003

*MMM Throws a Party

*The Very Boring Rally--August 16th

*100 Lawmakers Support AMA'S Call to End Biker Health Insurance Bias

*Supercross Returns to the Metrodome

*"Riding gear? I don't plan on crashing."

*H-D announces redesigned Sportster and new VRSC model for '04

*St. Jude's Custom Raffle

MMM Throws a Party
Hey, you grousers. Here is your chance for a free lunch. MMM proudly presents a screening of Mad Max at the Riverview Theater at 7 pm on September 10. That's right, you can once again cheer a young Mel Gibson and his fellow Main Force Patrol officers as they pursue Toe Cutter, Buddha and Johnny the Boy in full 35mm film splendor.

Why, you may ask? Publisher "Iron Fi$t" Wanchena has tired of the clogged e-mail boxes and broken answering machines begging us for official MMM booty. That and several subscribers have threatened switching to Gentleman Rider if they didn't receive some swag. Here is your opportunity to complain to MMM staffers in person! Throw popcorn at Editor Pearman! Demand satisfaction from T.W. Day! All readers are invited.

Please note seating is limited to the first 500 people. Free cycle parking in clinic across from the theater. The Riverview is located at 3800 42nd Avenue, in South Minneapolis. Guaranteed 100% b. j. max free.

The Very Boring Rally--August 16th
Don't forget about the Very Boring Rally in Duluth Minnesota on August 16th commemorating the 20th anniversary of Aerostich and their Roadcrafter riding suit. Come one, come all to the grandest Boring Rally of them all. Think you can compete in the oldest most worn out Roadcrafter contest? Want a pin? Or maybe you just want to ride to Duluth, have a sandwich and some ice cream while you watch the Lift Bridge go up and down. What ever it is, put August 16th on the calendar and we will see you up there. Special appearances by MMM big shots, local riders and a few other folks you think you have met before but aren't quite sure.

Information can be found at www.boringrally.com and www.aerostich.com.

100 Lawmakers Support AMA'S Call to End Biker Health Insurance Bias
The legislators have expressed their support for HR 1749 -- The Health Care Parity for Legal Transportation and Recreational Activities Act of 2003 -- which would bar health-care discrimination against those who take part in legal transportation and recreational activities such as motorcycling, ATV riding, snowmobiling, skiing or horseback riding.

U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) introduced similar legislation in the Senate: S 423.

In 1996, Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which prohibits companies from denying access to employer-sponsored health insurance for motorcyclists and those who participate in other recreational activities. However, federal regulators created a loophole that allows the denial of benefits for injuries sustained while recreating.

The AMA has been able to gather the support of more than 100 lawmakers for the new legislation. But Moreland noted success can't be accomplished alone.

"We got a lot of help on this issue, which goes to show how motorcyclists can get things done when we band together," Moreland said. "ABATE of Wisconsin and ABATE of Ohio were particularly helpful."

Participants in the AMA's "Introduction to Washington" seminar also contributed to the effort, as well as members of the Mid-South MILE from Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

Also among those involved in the effort to end health-insurance discrimination are the American Council of Snowmobile Associations, the American Horse Council, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and the National Ski Areas Association.

Riders and others who want to end this type of insurance discrimination are urged to send letters to their members of Congress asking them to support HR 1749 and S 423. An easy way to do this is to use the AMA Rapid Response Center at www.AMADirectlink.com.

Some of the U.S. representatives who support HR 1749 are: Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa), Dave Camp (R-Mich.), Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.), Mark Green (R-Wis.), Mark Kennedy (R-Minn.), Dale Kildee (D-Mich.), Ron Kind (D-Wis.), Gerald Kleczka (D-Wis.), John Kline (R-Minn.), Tom Latham (R-Iowa), Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.), Candice Miller (R-Mich.), James Oberstar (D-Minn.), David Obey (D-Wis), Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Thomas Petri (R-Wis.), Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis.), and Bart Stupak (D-Mich.)

Supercross Returns to the Metrodome
AURORA, Ill. - Clear Channel Entertainment?s Motor Sports division today announced that THQ World Supercross GP/AMA Supercross Series will return to the Metrodome in Minneapolis on February 21, 2004.

Last year Two-time defending supercross champion Ricky Carmichael, of Havana, Fla., captured his third consecutive victory at the Metrodome in 250cc THQ World Supercross GP/AMA Supercross Series competition. Suzuki?s Brandon Jesseman recorded his second-career 125cc Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Series victory at the opening round of competition in front of nearly 50,000 fans.

Tickets for the Minneapolis race of THQ World Supercross GP/AMA Supercross Series are available at the Metrodome, Ticketmaster, or at or by phone at (651) 989-5151.

"Riding gear? I don't plan on crashing."
A German motorcyclist's ride went dreadfully wrong when a bee took exception to his lack of appropriate riding gear. The 36-year-old man was riding in the nude to a nearby naturalist's swimming pool when he was attacked. While attempting to swat the angry bee, he lost control and crashed his motorcycle, resulting in a shoulder injury and bruises.

It was a lucky escape considering his riding outfit consisted of nothing more than a scarf, sunglasses and sandals. Police in Hessen, Germany are considering charging him for riding without a helmet. (MCN.com)

No word on if or where the bee stung him. Some eyewitnesses said they could see a stinger but when asked for more details the eyewitnesses just laughed and walked away.

H-D announces redesigned Sportster and new VRSC model for '04
Milwaukee As Harley-Davidson kicks off its second century, the Motor Company is preparing for an exciting new chapter in the Company's history. Yesterday, Harley-Davidson introduced a completely redesigned XL Sportster line and a new model in the VRSC V-Rod family to the dealer network at the company's summer dealer meeting, held this year in Las Vegas.

"Harley-Davidson now has 100 years of experience designing and producing the greatest motorcycles in the world," said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson director of marketing, motorcycle product development. "Our 2004 motorcycle line-up will lead us into a promising new century at Harley-Davidson."

Harley-Davidson will unveil the entire 2004 model line-up to the general public on Thursday, August 28 during the Company's 100th Anniversary celebration in Milwaukee, WI. The Company extended the 2003 model year to 14 months in order to meet anticipated demand for its 100th Anniversary models. Shipments of 2004 motorcycles to the worldwide dealer network will begin in September 2003.

St. Jude's Custom Raffle
Missed your order on a 100th Anniversary Harley? You still have a chance. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is giving away the only 2003, 100th Anniversary Harley Davidson Heritage Softtail®, autographed by Brooks & Dunn, custom painted in their "Steers and Stripes" motif.

Each raffle ticket is $50, with all proceeds going directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Only 3,000 tickets will be sold, providing excellent odds. Deadline for buying tickets over the phone is September 5. Drawing will be held at Fan Jam in Shakopee on September 6, and you need not be present to win. FFI or to order tickets: 800.455.9201

M.M.M.