HomeWinterlanding On Both Wheels
Don Boose, Jr.
There are those who ride even during the winter months. While the suns rays are at their weakest potency, there are many factors to take into account. Not only the traction condition between their tires and the road, but also their personal condition. During your preflight check, add special details. Start with your own morning intake, whether you just grab something to drink on the way out or actually sit down to eat the day's most important meal, make sure it's warm. Coffee, tea, cocoa, milk. . . . [More]
Local Long Riders: An Interview
Brian Allen
So ya rode to the donut shop and back and you are all tuckered out and proud of yourself for warming up the oil. Well put your feet up and read the story of some real high mileage rollers. I bumped into ABATE brother Brad Allen and his effervescent bride Vicki on the Kickstart's patio. He had a weary smile and a goggle tan. Seems they just got back from Alaska. Impressed I flashed my Newsletter press credentials and interviewed him on the spot. . . . [More]
Geeks Wear Black, Too
dystar
The holiday season, a season to demonstrate appreciation to those to whom we are indebted at years end. For some, a long list of heavy appreciation. And while it may be selfish to consider something for yourself during this time of giving, through the miracle of technology and the good will of programmers the world over, you can find some fun games online for free that may let you feel less conscience-stricken. . . . [More]
Bonneville or Bust
Brian Allen
I just got back from the Smoke Out West chopper rally held by The Horse Backstreet Choppers magazine in Cottonwood AZ. It was a great event and my '63 BSA Bobber won a photo feature in the bike show. Look for it in issue #74 in the next month or so. One of the bikes in the show that really caught my eye was a low lean and mean Yamaha two stroke. Yes I said two stroke. That little machine made all the big bad bikes look pathetically slow and common just sitting there. . . . [More]
Legislators To Be Thankful For
Don Boose, Jr.
Members of ABATE of Kansas, and surely other ABATEs, often feel that we spend most of our time during legislative sessions fighting to keep bills from being passed. While it's true that it's always been a struggle keeping usually well-meaning, but often misguided laws off our bodies and our rides, we frequently forget that such would-be laws get voted out only by the grace of the legislators who listen to we, the great unwashed. Also not all legislation is kryptonite to bikers, and it's people . . . [More]
Pride Goes Before a Fall
Brian Allen
I'm hesitant to tell this story as it may sound like I am a boastful name dropper. But be patient, it is all true and I get my comeuppance in the end. A couple years ago I built my first Bobber, a e66 BSA Thunderbolt. The paint wasn't even dry when I entered it in The Smoke Out bike show in North Carolina. Unbelievably it won a feature story in The Horse Back Street Chopper magazine! I was so proud, the buttons damn near popped off my fly. Soon after I heard of a benefit rally . . . [More]
Geeks Wear Black, Too. (Special Edition: Get a What?!)
dystar
Brothers and Sisters, I have need of your attention. FRIENDS! The Truth must be heard! Long have you suffered, and long did I suffer with you. Now is the time to lay down your burdens, and feel the powers of healing revitalize our souls. It's time, Brothers and Sisters, to get a Mac. Now I hear your murmurs of doubt, so let me testify, my beloved geeks, of my journey to rid myself of my Microsoft Daemons. When Vista came out, I explored it as the future of my own PC, my Maxine, whom I . . . [More]
Meeting of the Minds
Vickie Boose
The Meeting of the Minds (MOTM) was in Cedar Rapids, IA, this year & 9 Kansans attended - roughly 0.4% of our membership. Why didnt more attend? Maybe they weren't sure what MOTM is all about. Some have asked if attending is worth the time & expense involved. MOTM is broadcasted on-line by INB Radio now and we learned that 71,000 people listen to that broadcast around the world. Pretty impressive, huh? But also a little apprehensive when realizing that not all are motorcyclists . . . [More]
Labor Day Rally
Donald Boose, Jr.
Though I have been involved in ABATE for a number of years, I have never been a real party-goer. Blame it on early development. Since I have taken over duties as editor, however, my shyness would have to be overcome, for what should stand before me, but one of the largest parties in the state--The 32nd Annual National Labor Day Rally. Heaven help me, Paradise Point awaits. One lesson of adulthood that I seem to forget from time to time goes something like this: . . . [More]
Labor Day Party
Robert Cardona
This year's ABATE 32nd Annual Rally was held again on Labor Day Weekend at Paradise Point in Lake Perry. As summer came to a close, it almost seemed like the locusts were also on full throttle as their mating season was nearing. But, who really cares about locusts? All I know is that bikers, babes, dudes, dudettes, and all other forms of humanity seemed to just want to come out and partake in the rally. Some participated by "letting their hair down" . . . [More]
Lobbyist Report
Chris Maurich
Mr. Hurst Laviana Wichita Eagle Mr. Laviana, Thank you for presenting facts as opposed to statistics without numbers! I see many reports that place motorcycles, motorcyclists, and motorcycling in a bad position, as if the answer is to ban such modes of transportation. I am a nationally certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider coach, Lobbyist for ABATE of Kansas, and an instructor for the Army Traffic Safety Training Program at Fort Riley. . . . [More]
Geeks Wear Black, Too
Dystar
Been a bit since I've done a GWBT. I'm always forgetting to get this done. Since it's Halloween season, I feel like the Great Pumpkin handing out goodies. These are common for power users, and even common users might know of a couple, but they're great for enjoying the Internet. . . . [More]
Bleeding Kansas
Don Boose, Jr.
From 1854 to 1858, a series of events were coined as Bleeding Kansas. In this short time were Civil War, border skirmishes, broadsword executions, city burnings, and even a knock-down drag-out fight in the US Senate between two Senators. The Border Wars between Missouri and Kansas Territory were so fierce that the bad blood is still felt between them, especially during basketball season. Bleeding Kansas was a very violent period in Kansas History. . . . [More]
My Rolling Rally
Brian "Bruin" Allen
This year while attending the Lake Perry Rally I actually clocked more miles than ever before. I still live the same distance away but due to family business I had to commute back home every evening rather than camp out. That was more a blessing than a hardship with the great riding weather we had. You can miss a lot when you commute to the Perry Rally. I didn't catch much of the concert series, nor the stage show. But I had a great time with some of my closest riding buddies. . . . [More]
A Soldiers Mind In a Combat Zone
SGT Yost, Donald W.
All alone in a country that I'm unknown. No one to talk to, no where to go. As I live in my hooch waiting on our next mission to take place, my mind drifts back to home, where I am known by family and friends. It is so lonely and so different. All I can think about is how nice it is to know that I am here so others back home can sleep in peace and enjoy their family and friends and the freedom they take for granted but enjoy and don't think twice about what is given for their wonderful lives. . . . [More]
Midnight Rider
Brian "Bruin" Allen
Listen children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of... me, my dear. I have discovered a new vice, a whole new time and place to ride. My gal was out of town at a ball buster convention so after my 9:00 PM bed check call I was free for the rest of the night. I watched all the pay for view I could afford then realized that it was going to be a late night, insomnia was at the door and my waterbed counter ballast was away. Normally I would burn the midnight hours sitting in front of the TV . . . [More]
Life and Death of the Galloping Gray Ghost
Brian "Bruin" Allen
Let me set the stage for you, though born and breed in the Heartland I was raised and fed in the tropics of the Panama Canal Zone. I never really knew cold, even our rainy season soakings were warm. It was in this small jungle ringed American enclave that I discovered motorcycles. My snot nosed sweet sixteen summer I scored a job working for minimum wage. It just so happened that a buddy had an old 350cc Honda for sale. The paint was faded Navy Gray, the chrome wheels were speckled with rust . . . [More]
Geeks Wear Black, Too
dystar
There are many applications for a camera mount for your motorcycle. You could have arguable evidence if you get pulled over. You could get cool performance footage as you roll down the highway. You could snap side shots while going over scenic bridges without turning your head. And you could turn the camera on yourself so you could see just how cool you look with the wind whipping around you. And it would work as a rolling tripod for movies of just about anything. So lets get to it. . . . [More]
Headed Off At the Pass
Brian "Bruin" Allen
We hit the road to celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary. Some may say we are an "odd couple" when we saddle up. Tucker is kinda new-school, rides an '05 Triumph and wears a high tech riding system, I ride an '81 Harley and dirty leathers. But we both enjoy a good road trip so we took a week off and headed west like old newlyweds. I had a bit of bad luck before I even cleared the Topeka City Limits. My old FLHS started puking oil like a sick sheik. The fix was simple enough, just needed to . . . [More]
History of Flag Day
Going back to the American Revolution, rebels each fought under their own individual flags (or colonies or local militia). The first real national flag was referred to as the Grand Union Flag and first flown on New Years Day in 1776 to celebrate the Continental Armys formation. It had 13 stripes, of red and white that represented the 13 original colonies. It also had a square with crosses of St. George and St. Andrew to represent Great Britain, and with some was a hope that the colonies . . . [More]
Camping Information
If you plan to camp on our leased area at Paradise Point on Lake Perry, you must obtain a camping permit from the ABATE office prior to camping. Please remember that the office is not normally open on Fridays and arrangements would need to be made by Thursday if at all possible. Camping permits are required by the US Army Corp of Engineers and any violation of this requirement is a Federal offense. Individual camping permits will be restricted by the following: the last weekend in April is . . . [More]
The Picture Of a Hero
Brian "Bruin" Allen
Some readers may recall I have the humble honor of riding with the motorcycle group dedicated to protecting the mourning families of soldiers from disrespect, the Patriot Guard Riders. Every mission is heartrending but I recently had an experience a bit more poignant than usual. The funeral missions are always very moving and mean a lot to all involved. We are there for them but you cant see gratitude on a grieving widows face or hear the thanks of a crying mother and not be deeply touched . . . [More]
A New Watering Hole
Robert Cardona
On February 9, 2007, The Whiplash Bar and Grill opened its doors to the public, but will celebrate its official grand opening day on March 30, 2007 beginning at 4:00 pm. Shawn Ward and Company will be playing during the celebration. The business is owned and operated by Kim Cormire-Burgen and family. It is worth mentioning that these good folks have been avid ABATE members and supporters for numerous years. In January, they completely gutted and revamped what used to be the Scoreboard Bar and . . . [More]
Capitol City Bike Show
Robert Cardona
The 23rd Annual Capitol City Motorcycle Show was held the weekend of March 16, 17 and 18, 2007, sponsored by ABATE District 4. A total of 145 beautiful motorcycles of all classes were entered in this years show. With March Madness in the air, tax time around the corner, St. Patricks Day parade activities occurring, and students out for Spring Break, its no wonder that this years show had somewhat of a low attendance. Perhaps many regular show attendees and families were eager to just get . . . [More]
Geeks Wear Black, Too
dystar
Digital cameras have become more commonplace at our events. It's no wonder. They're geeky as only gadgets are. And not having to mess with film is a real deal closer. I've received tons of photos from events. See them in our Album. Always wanting more, so keep sending. But just using a digital camera, you're missing a big chapter of digital photography that makes it stand out. Raster Graphics Editors makes all the tiny squares in your picture, called pixels, really shine. There are plenty . . . [More]
Geeks Wear Black, Too
dystar
Last month, we covered the dismal time in Web History known as the first Browser War. This was to prepare you for the new dark times which approach. The second Browser War is now underway. Beware, my fledgling geeks. Something useless this way comes. In 2004, Mozilla, initially backed by Netscape, released 1.0 of a new project, Mozilla Firefox. Firefox was constructed to put behind the corporate pressure for features, and focus on function. Firefox came as a stable and secure web browser . . . [More]
Patriot Guard Rider Mission: February 30, 2007: SGT Gist
Brian Allen
I woke up too damn early for a Saturday. I had burned a bit of midnight oil last night and the last thing I wanted to do was roll out of a warm bed this February morning. The weathermen had been beating the cautionary drum for the last twenty four hours, a rare thunder-blizzard was in-coming with all the bells and whistles, rain, snow, hail and tornados. Who needs that shit at 0700? This would be my 5th Mission and I figured no one would miss me if I sent my regards from between warm sheets. . . . [More]
2007 Awards
At the February meeting in Halstead, KS., Lucky presented Weasel with the Jacque Sue Award and Andy Stacer with the President's Award! Congratulations Weasel and Andy!!! . . . [More]
Geeks Wear Black, Too
Dystar
Those in the world of Geektopia will recall a turbulent period of yesteryear known as the Browser Wars. It was an age of terrible philosophical debate and events in software development that forged the manner in which many of us browse the WWW. But this period of technological history is more than simply academic. Dark times threaten to resurface as old enemies with new faces return to battle once more for the same territory they once before fought to attain. Prior to 1995, there was the . . . [More]
Lobbyist Report
Chris Maurich
The Legislative session opened on Monday, January 8th, and it has been a very busy year for ABATE so far. I have traveled to Topeka several times a week and have been able to keep abreast on issues affecting our membership. As reported previously, we did have a mandatory helmet bill introduced. In attending committee meetings, speaking with members of the legislature, and talking to the general public concerning this issue, I feel that we are in good shape. The general consensus is that this is . . . [More]
Lobbyist Report
Chris Maurich
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has been working with a task force implemented on their behalf, with approval from the governor. The task force is called "the Driving Force", and they have held meetings around the state for the past year. The meetings were not secret, however the invited attendees were the task force members, NHTSA personnel and media folks. The task force, and KDOT, un-veiled the three year master plan last week, and presented findings as well as the first year . . . [More]
Geeks Wear Black, Too
Dystar
I know it's been a while since I've written. I'm sure, of those following this series, that there have been a few eager for the next chapter. This chapter, a long time coming, is about Anti-Virus (AV) programs. Now, I've spent all of this time talking about the various virus countermeasures, including how to set your browser, your e-mail application, your firewall, etc. So the obvious question is, why can't the AV program handle all of this, and why do you need an AV program at all? . . . [More]
The Soldier At the End of the Line
Brian "Bruin" Allen
This summer a friend gave me the address of a soldier, let's call him Everyman. He was a young fella in the Iron Horse Brigade and the son of a biker. I was glad to box my patriotism and ship some tangible troop support. But in a way the troopers at the end of the mail route are just unknown names, more a concept than flesh and blood. Then I got the news, my new youthful pen pal had both his legs blown off by a roadside bomb. The kid I sent a whoppie cushion to was grievously wounded. . . . [More]