THIN BLUE LINE

While I was sitting in church Sunday listening to our Pastor he said we as a church should pray for those killed and injured as well as law enforcement and first responders who were involved in the Boston bombing. One thing I found interesting was the fact that he said most people ran for safety however there were those who ran towards the explosions, which included many civilians That statement struck a chord with me as having been in law enforcement for twenty-seven years. Those in that chosen field are a breed much different than the average citizen. They are…
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HARLEY-DAVIDSON FIRST-QUARTER EARNINGS RISE SHARPLY

Earnings Per Share Climb 33.8% to $0.99 MILWAUKEE, April 25, 2013 – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) first-quarter 2013 diluted earnings per share increased 33.8% on higher motorcycle shipments and continued improvement in operating efficiencies, compared to the year-ago period. First-quarter net income was $224.1 million on consolidated revenue of $1.57 billion, compared to net income of $172.0 million in the year-ago period on consolidated revenue of $1.43 billion. First-quarter 2013 diluted earnings per share were $0.99, compared $0.74 in the year-ago quarter. “With our focus on continuous improvement throughout our operations and providing outstanding products and customer experiences, we have…
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MGS CUSTOM BIKES INTRODUCES NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE SLIP-ONS FOR VICTORY BAGGERS

Lancaster, CA- MGS Custom Bikes is proud to announce the addition of their new high performance slip-ons for all Victory Touring models. The “key” to the success of the immediate “bolt-on performance” is the design of the patented baffle system…it’s removable and engineered for maximum horsepower and torque. Unlike most competitors’ products, these come with replaceable “rifled” baffles with a torque inversion cone that keeps your bottom end strong…there’s no stumbling at the low end. The results are incredible with an average 7+ lbs torque increase without doing anything else. The horsepower gain results are just as amazing. (See website…
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MSF PROGRAMS DEDICATED TO ELIMINATING MOTORCYCLIST CRASHES, INJURIES AND FATALITIES

  New Report Supports Need for More Research, Rider Training and Driver Awareness Initiatives to Increase Motorcyclist Safety   IRVINE, Calif., April 24, 2013 – In response to a preliminary report released today by the Governors Highway Safety Association that indicates motorcyclist deaths are projected to increase in 2012, Tim Buche, president and chief executive officer of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, said, “The numbers released today are a somber reminder that motorcyclist safety should be everyone's responsibility. Each of us must do our part in making good decisions on the road so we can eliminate these needless and tragic motorcycle…
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AMA GO RIDE SAFELY! WEEK STRESSES RIDER TRAINING AND PROTECTIVE GEAR

  PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The final phase of AMA Go Ride! Month begins today and the weeklong theme is "Go Ride Safely!" Sponsored by the American Motorcyclist Association, AMA Go Ride Safely! week promotes rider training and the use of appropriate riding gear to help ensure that every ride is enjoyable and every rider is prepared for the unexpected. "When it comes to riding responsibly and reducing risk, the AMA strongly encourages its members and all motorcyclists to take rider training and wear protective gear," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "In addition, we advocate nationally for driver awareness…
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RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE ASSOCIATION PROUD TO ADD HONDA TO ITS GROWING MEMBERSHIP

Honda Customers to Benefit from ROHVA’s Safety and Advocacy Efforts   IRVINE, Calif., April 22, 2013 – The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association extends a warm welcome to its newest member, American Honda Motor Co. A longtime supporter of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and the ATV Safety Institute, Honda brings a wealth of diverse manufacturing experience to ROHVA. By joining the organization’s six existing members, Honda will collaborate with ROHVA in its ongoing effort to promote the safe and responsible use of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) in North America.   “We…
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KEY U.S. LAWMAKER OPPOSES NAVY TAKEOVER OF CALIFORNIA’S JOHNSON VALLEY RIDING AREA

  PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- In a blow to U.S. Navy efforts to expand a military base into the popular Johnson Valley off-highway vehicle riding area in Southern California, a key federal lawmaker is offering a proposal to block the effort, the American Motorcyclist Association reports. The Department of the Navy wants to expand a Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, Calif., into Johnson Valley. But U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.), who represents the area, said on April 19 that he would offer a proposal to designate Johnson Valley as a national off-highway vehicle recreation area, protecting it from a Navy…
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EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY FOR MOTORCYCLISTS

  PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- As conservation takes center stage on April 22, 2013 for Earth Day, the American Motorcyclist Association salutes motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders nationwide who do volunteer work on public land. The AMA also salutes street riders, noting there are many environmental benefits to commuting and traveling on a motorcycle or scooter. "For motorcyclists, every day is Earth Day," said Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO. "Off-highway riders enjoy the outdoors and respect the land, sometimes even carrying out other people's trash from remote areas. Street riders -- whether on a motorcycle or a scooter -- have…
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MAJOR BORN TO RIDE EVENTS

  FRIDAY, APRIL 26 Born To Ride Custom Bike Show @ 75 Chrome Shop 15th Annual Pride n Polish Truck Show Wildwood exit 329 off I 75, vendors welcome, thousands will attend this 3-day event Vendor info 866-255-6206 Bike show info 813-661-9402   SUNDAY, MAY 26 Born To Ride Quail Hollow Mega Biker Bash Vendors BTR TV taping & magazine shoot Feature concert with Mike Allman from legendary Allman family; see him on cover of the May BTR magazine and on BTR TV! MC Craven Moorehead, Attorney Fran Haasch TV giveaway Info QH 813-333-0033 Vendors call Charlie 813-781-9292   SUNDAY,…
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E15 FUEL SAFETY IS THE THEME OF AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION’S FREEDOM FRIDAY, APRIL 19

  PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- A "Fuel for Thought" lobbying day to educate federal lawmakers about the need for independent research into the possible harmful effects of E15 fuel on motorcycle engines is the focus of the American Motorcyclist Association's "Freedom Friday" on April 19.   The AMA "Fuel for Thought" lobbying day will be held Wednesday, June 19, in Washington, D.C. E15 is a gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hasn't approved its use in motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles. The EPA has approved its use in 2001-and-new light-duty vehicles,…
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MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_APRIL 19, 2013

What Happened To … ?  In recent months I have tried to keep my head from exploding like Mt. Vesuvius wherein it seems we have been inundated with one major catastrophe after another according to our leaders.   It also appears each time too many questions are asked regarding areas of concern such as Fast and Furious, Benghazi or the US Border Security fiasco something new comes up to make us take our eyes off the ball.   So where are we as a nation with the Fast and Furious Investigation? It appears that the administration doesn’t want to answer…
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AS TICKET PRE-SALE DEADLINE NEARS: HARLEY-DAVIDSON UNVEILS ADDITIONAL MUSICAL ACTS FOR 110TH ANNIVERSARY

60+Bands to Perform During Labor Day Weekend Celebration in Milwaukee MILWAUKEE (April 18, 2013) – The entertainment line-up for the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary roars on as 20 new bands have signed on to the existing slate of acts playing in Milwaukee over Labor Day Weekend.   In all, more than 60 bands will take to the Festival Stages of Milwaukee’s Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest Grounds) Thursday, Aug. 29, through Sunday, Sept.1, 2013.   Bands added to the Festival Stage schedule include Blackberry Smoke, Yellowcard, Bret Michaels, Cowboy Mouth, Alejandro Escovedo, Chevy Metal, Uncle Lucius, The Delta Saints, JD McPherson,…
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BIKER PROS TO PRODUCE CUSTOM BIKE SHOW AT MUSKEGON BIKE TIME

Durham, NC - April 17, 2013 - Biker Pros, the nation's largest producer of custom bike shows, has announced it will be producing The Muskegon Bike Time Extreme Custom Bike Show sponsored by Hot Rod Harley-Davidson and Budweiser. The show will take place on the grounds of Hot Rod Harley-Davidson on Saturday, July 20, 2013  in downtown Muskegon. The winner of the MOD Harley class in Muskegon receives an automatic bid to the AMD Invitational Custom Bike Show at the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary Celebration in Milwaukee. Styling influences, from Donnie Smith to Gary Maurer and everything in between, will be…
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MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_APRIL 15, 2013

Flying Free   There are two things in this world which get me going every day. One is the sight of an American Flag floating free in the breeze under a bright blue Florida sky and the second is a soaring American Bald Eagle.   On most days, I can see both and I appreciate what they represent and what the cost has been to keep the Flag flying free for over two hundred thirty-five plus years.   Recently I have brought several flag concerns into my columns which I felt were worth writing about.   I received an email…
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AEROSMITH AND TOBY KEITH JOIN STAR-STUDDED LINEUP FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON’S 110TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN MILWAUKEE

Fans Who Purchase a 110th Anniversary Ticket Package Before April 19 Eligible for Pre-Sale MILWAUKEE (April 11, 2013) – Rock n’ Roll Hall-of-Famer Aerosmith and superstar Toby Keith will join Kid Rock as headline performers for Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary Celebration in Milwaukee over Labor Day weekend.   Keith will perform Thursday, Aug. 29; Aerosmith will take the stage Friday, Aug. 30; and Kid Rock will round out the epic weekend of music Saturday, Aug. 31. Each headline concert is at the Marcus Amphitheater, located on the south end ofMilwaukee’sHenryMaierFestivalPark(Summerfest Grounds).   “The variety of entertainment we’re bringing to Milwaukeefor the…
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AMA AMATEUR DIRT-TRACK COMPETITORS

  To: AMA amateur dirt-track competitors   From: AMA   Date: April 11, 2013   Re: Directional dirt-track tire mounting The American Motorcyclist Association reminds all participants in AMA-sanctioned dirt-track competition to be aware of manufacturer-recommended directional tire-mounting procedures. Many tire manufacturers intend for their tires to be mounted in a specific direction for both safety and performance.   Participants in AMA-sanctioned dirt-track competition who are unsure if their motorcycle's tires are mounted in the proper direction should contact their tire manufacturer before operating the motorcycle.   About the American Motorcyclist Association Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit…
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