Va. House bill would let
motorcyclists ride side by side

 

  Legislation to allow motorcycles to travel two abreast in a single lane is advancing in the House of Delegates.
  A House subcommittee voted 3-1 for Del. Tony Wilt's bill, HB97, on Wednesday.
Wilt, R-Harrisonburg, said Virginia is one of only two states that don't allow motorcyclists to ride side by side, and he knows of no evidence that the practice has been found to be a safety hazard in the other 48.
  Matt Danielson, counsel to the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists, said allowing bikers to ride two abreast would make it easier for them to communicate with each other.
  Raymond Hinkle told the panel he and a fellow rider were ticketed and charged with reckless driving after they pulled up to a stoplight together in Crewe, a town in Nottoway County.
  "I was dumbfounded," he said.
  The two are commercial truck drivers, and a reckless-driving conviction would put their livelihoods at risk, Hinkle said.
  An insurance lobbyist and a spokesman for the State Police expressed safety concerns about allowing bikers to ride so close together.
  "Two or three feet is such a small space," said Lt. Danny Glick of the State Police. "Space gives you options. Putting another vehicle that close in the lane is taking away your options."
  The measure now advances to the full Transportation Committee.
 

Steve McQueen leads
Triumphs pack of new motorcycles

  Triumph Motorcycles has released the United States retail prices of its new-for-2012 models and a legendary motorcycle-loving face from the age of the Silver Screen is leading the pack.
  The motorcycles riding out for 2012 are the Tiger Explorer, Speed Triple R and Steve McQueen Edition along with a focus on offering customers a tremendous value for their money with high-specifications at competitive prices.
  The Tiger Explorer is Triumph’s first entry into the premium adventure touring sector and features a class-leading specification as standard. Boasting an all-new 1215cc three-cylinder powerplant delivering a best-in-class 137bhp, the Tiger Explorer also features a durable shaft drive unit, electronic ABS brakes, cruise control and traction control, all as standard equipment.
  The Tiger Explorer will be available in May, priced at a very competitive $15,699.
  “Following on the success of 2011, which saw the Tiger 800XC named Best Dual Sport by Cycle World and Best Adventure Bike by Motorcyclist, the Tiger Explorer, Speed Triple R and Steve McQueen Edition Bonneville will no doubt earn their place in Triumph’s long list of legendary motorcycles,” Greg Heichelbech, CEO of Triumph North America said.
  Joining the Tiger Explorer in Triumph’s 2012 range is the Speed Triple R ABS, a premium version of Triumph’s iconic Speed Triple. Taking the already class-leading Speed Triple as its base, the R version employs even higher-specification chassis components to bring handling to yet another level. With MotoGP-developed Öhlins suspension front and rear, Brembo monobloc brakes and lightweight PVM forged aluminum wheels, as well as sporty new colors and graphics, the Speed Triple R ABS represents excellent value for the money at $15,999 when it goes on sale this March.
  Also new for 2012 is the limited-run Steve McQueen Edition model, of which only 1100 are being produced worldwide.
  Triumph has joined forces with the estate of Hollywood icon Steve McQueen to create a limited edition motorcycle that pays tribute to the late actor’s love of the British brand’s products.
  Just 1100 of the Triumph Steve McQueen Edition will be produced and sold worldwide from April 2012, which is likely to make it one of 2012’s most sought after bikes.
  McQueen was famous almost as much for his passion for cars, aeroplanes and motorcycles as he was for his legendary movies. He owned numerous Triumph motorcycles and loved to spend his spare time riding in the Californian dunes aboard his modified 1963 Triumph Bonneville. A highly accomplished rider, he also competed in the 1964 International Six Day Trial in East Germany using a factory-prepared 650cc Triumph Trophy and was reputed to own 138 motorcycles at the time of his death in 1980.
  Based on the classic Bonneville T100, the Steve McQueen Edition pays homage to the actor’s love of Triumph motorcycles and features a host of modified parts and a vintage color scheme.
  The design is inspired by the classic Triumph Trophy TR6 that McQueen insisted on riding during the famous stunt scene in the movie The Great Escape, and features a military style Matte Khaki Green livery, stencil-style Triumph decal on the tank and the actor’s signature on the side covers.
Fully licensed by the Hollywood icon’s estate, each bike is individually numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Priced at $9,999, the Triumph Steve McQueen Edition arrives in showrooms in June.
  “We are so pleased to have these new models in our 2012 line-up,” Heichelbech noted, “Consumer interest in these new models, in the form of deposits, has been tremendous, and we believe they will exceed expectations once they arrive.”

Driving On Mountain Top

   http://www.facebook.com#!/events/294142097298708/

Barry & Tammy Battista

"Love cures people - both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it."    

Who:  Everyone who has a Heart!!!!                     When:  Saturday, February 25, 2012

Where: Moose Lodge #1947                                 Time:  4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

                                  7167 Flag Lane 

                         Mechanicsville, VA 23111       

                                  (804) 730-0494

 

Valentine food:  Catered by Riverbound Café featuring – Sliced Flank Steak, Chicken Dish, Roasted Potatoes, Green Vegetable, Rolls, Salad/dressing, One Drink, and Desserts (by selected individuals.) Drinks will be sold at $1 per drink.

 

The dinner start at 5:00 pm – Social hour starts at 7:00 pm

Cost:  $20.00 per person - $10.00 children under 13 years old

Door: $10.00 per person plus bring a dessert (entrance at 7:00 pm)

 

LCR, Valentine Costume from 1800’s – present using Valentine colors, Valentine games, surprise gifts, door prize, Sweetheart booth- $5 (picture), Music and FUN…Couples or singles welcomed….bring a friend!

 

PLEASE ***RSVP*** by February 4, 2012 to Tammy Battista at Tbattista@aol.com or send Checks /Money Orders to 9343 Braxton Way, Mechanicsville, VA 23116                                                    

officialbikeweek.com

The Blue Ridge Bike Fest 2011

http://www.deafbikersofohio.org/