Updated: 1/16/2010

In an on-going effort to make this website more relevant to local motorcyclists, I have decided to expand the site to include local news and information relating to our lifestyle. I will detail Metro/ St. Louis motorcycling issues, review of events I have personally attended or worked and interviews with people important to motorcycling, and our way of life. Please feel free to contribute! If you would like to be a contributor, no special skills are required. Zap me your take on an event, your opinion on topics, or anything else which you feel area motorcyclists may be interested in knowing about.

Newest Rants 'n Raves

RANT!

RAVE!

Where IS Everybody??? (11/9/09)

Alton Mayor Declares War on Loud Bikes (10/24/09)

Signs will urge motorcyclists to ride quietly (1/16/10)

Coleman Memorial (8/1/09)

The Hit & Run of An Area Motorcyclist (6/1/09)

Shady Jack's Bi-state Biker Bash (10/20/09)

Freeburg, IL "Moving Wall" Exhibition (8/6/09)

Geo's Wings 'N More Bike Night (7/7/09)

Funeral arrangements set for Belleville motorcyclist killed in street racing crash

(Belleville News Democrat)

A well-known motorcycle racing enthusiast who was killed earlier this week in an accident involving street racers, will be eulogized on Friday.Barry Willingham, 43, of Belleville, died early Sunday morning when his motorcycle was struck by a speeding car. Authorities believe the vehicle was street racing at the time of the accident.The accident happened around 2:30 a.m. on Hall Street, a place police said is notorious for street racing problems. Willingham had slowed to watch others compete. A relative said Willingham was coming down the street during one race and had attempted to pull off the road to watch the cars go by when he was suddenly struck by a vehicle. That vehicle went on to crash into a telephone pole and some concrete barriers. Following the crash, witnesses told police the driver and passenger fled the scene on foot. They remain at large. Police said the car had been reported stolen.A private viewing for Willingham's body has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, July 31 at the Officer Funeral Home-Metro East Chapel, located in East St. Louis. The visitation will be later that evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services are at noon on Saturday at the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at 2240 Missouri Avenue in East St. Louis. Willingham is to be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Monday, August 3 at 10 a.m.

** My sincere condolences to the family and friends if Mr. Willingham. A stolen car, a couple of punks, and the loss of a good man and fellow veteran. ~ Squirts

Geo's Wings 'N More Bike Night

Man! I recently attended Bike Night at Geo's Wings 'N More (4307 W. Main St., Belleville) and was very impressed with the turn out and overall atmosphere. Now, I'm really not a big fan of Geo's. The few times I've eaten there, the wings have been just "OK" and a little on the pricy side. I knew that every Thursday in the summer months, Geo's hosted a bike night and incorrectly thought it would amount to a few bikers sitting around the resaurant chompin' on overpriced, so-so wings.

What I found, instead was a refreshing mix of ALL types of motorcycles (and even a few scooters) jam packed in the parking lot. Everything from mom and pop's full dresser Goldwing to Joe RUB's fat tired, kidney pounding hardtail and everything (and I mean everything) in between was in attendance. An on-sight DJ kept the music goin' while Geo's set up a convenient outside "refreshment" stand with beer and wing specials. A smattering of everything from seats to neon were on hand to liberate bikers from the Banjamins. I'm a rat bike guy and figured the balance of the few motorcycles in attendance would be various types of chromed out Harleys and their streatched out, fat-tired brethren. I ran into some hard core rat bikers and had a good time talkin' about flat black paint and rust (I love tha' stuff!). Most impressive to me was a LACK of police presence on Main Street. Belleville is not known as the most "biker friendly" place in the Metro St. Louis area. I did not witness any attitudes and everyone seemed to get along well.

As is customary at most of the bike nights I've attended, each rider leaving the event felt the need to "clear out" their pipes with a twist of the throttle and blast down Main. If the Belleville PoPo wanted to harass this event, they could have easily. Instead, happy bikers, lotsa' libations, a good mix of bikes and riders and a laid back atmosphere makes Geo's Bike Night a winner in my book. In the famous words of the Governator, "I'll Be Back". ~ Squirts

Biker event nets nearly $15k for Coleman memorial

Source: stltoday.com
By: Nicholas J.C. Pistor
Posted: 08/12/2009

Illinois - A memorial fund to honor Sheri Coleman and her two boys is about $15,000 richer after this weekend.

Sheriannherboys.com teamed with the annual "Bikers Save Lives" benefit ride on Saturday.

The ride started at Parkview Elementary School in Columbia, Ill., and made its way to the Gateway Grizzlies' GCS Ballpark, where a jersey was dedicated to the slain boys, Garett and Gavin. The ride also went through New Athens, Sparta, and Red Bud, before ending at TopShooters in Columbia.

"At the Grizzlies Stadium, the folding of the flag and playing of taps was very emotional on the family, friends and crowd that attended, but gave the closure that was needed that did not happen at the funeral for Sheri," said Meegan Turnbeaugh, the event's organizer.

Turnbeaugh said more than 1,000 people attended, including some of Sheri Coleman's relatives from Chicago. (Area residents who have closely followed the case's twists and turns on online message boards also attended.) She said nearly $15,000 was raised at the event.

Chris Coleman, 32, is held without bail pending trial on first-degree murder charges that say he strangled his wife, Sheri Coleman, 31, and sons Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9, in their home in Columbia on May 5.

Sheri Coleman's family plans to build a memorial in Columbia near the Blue Jay football field, where the boys once played. Click Here for original article

I've listed this article as both a RANT and a RAVE for a reason, so please bear with me. Bikers are the most patriotic, giving people in the world and even in these hard economic times bikers came through to make this event a success. I am proud of their generosity and caring. That's definitely a RAVE in my book. My RANT stems from the fact that I am a cold hearted bastard and could think of a LOT of better things to do with that 15K than build a pavilion at a park somewhere. Look, folks, none of us wants to think that once we spin off of this mud ball for good that we won't be remembered. Hell, I'd venture to say that the grave marker and mausoleum business is pretty much recession proof, but what good does a lump of granite, walled mausoleum or park pavillion (estimated cost: $300,000) do for those still trying to eek out their life? Yeah, I know it's easy for me to sit back and armchair quarterback, but instead of blowing the 15K on a "thing" I'd rather see the event organizers and care-takers of the funds set up an endowment or develop a non-profit dedicated to those who have lost their loved ones to violent crime. 15K (let alone 300K) can do SO much more than provide shade somewhere. Respects, Squirts

Freeburg, IL "Moving Wall" Exhibition (8/6/09)

Man! I have a bunch of RAVES to rave about today! One of the best days of ridin' I've personally done in a lloonngg time.... Not so much for the weather, the length of the ride or the free food, but for the "MISSION".... I would like to begin by extending a RAVE to my friends, Mike and Sheila Gallagher. Now, for those who don't know Mike and Sheila, let me fill you in a bit about them.... Mike was instrumental in setting up three local ABATE chapters in the Metro area way back "in the day". He and Sheila have been a positive influence at both the state and Federal level concerning motorcycle- related issues. In all honesty, I do not know how they keep so active. Sheils owns and operates "Gallagher's Getaway" in Freeburg, Il and is also VERY active in her town's politics. She spearheaded the project to raise funds to bring the "Moving Wall" to Freeburg.

My part in all of this is small, but let me be clear about my genuine honor to have helped put the wall together (and standing guard over it this weekend). I have visited "THE Wall" in Washington, D.C. and if you EVER get the chance, I enourage you to visit our Nation's Capitol, if even just for one time (like me). It is a sobering and reflective experience you will not soon forget.

I would say that approximately 200 motorcycle riders showed up at Frieze Harley Davudson in O'Fallon this morning to escort the "Wall' into town. WELL represented were members of the Vietnam Vets M/C and a HOST of other Veterans MC's and organizations including The American Legion Riders, The VFW Riders, Warrior Brotherhood MC, Freedom Cuisers, Band of Brothers MC, Patriot Guard Riders and ROK & Rollers. Other groups which I spotted were the Skyriders, Stone Celt HOG, and members of the GWRRA. If I have left anyone out, I sincerely apologize. I always forget the damn pad and pencil and then have to squeeze my brain cells later on tryin' to remember details.

A big RAVE goes out to the members of the Skyriders. While I counted only about 6 or 8 in attendance, everyone of those guys and gals not only stayed around after the procession, but were active in helpin' to put up the Wall. Many others helped and a big RAVE to each and every one. Local "Freeburgians" were very proud to be hosting the Wall for the first time and, as I learned out, in conjunction with Freeburg's 150th Anniversary.

"The Wall" will be located in Freeburg Park from today until Sunday the 10th. It is lighted and guarded and you can visit 24 hours per day. A "Mini Rolling Thunder" will occur as a part of closing ceremonies on Sunday.

To the people of Freeburg, congrats to you! This is a nice tribute to our fallen from Vietnam and a great catalyst for reflection for all of the men and women lost throughout the years and wars in defense of this great country. We have our problems, folks, but take it from a guy who's been around the world... There STILL ain't a better place to be than the good ol (dysfunctional ) U.S.A.! Respects and ride safe. ~ Squirts

Shady Jack's Bi-State Biker Bash (10/24/09)

This RAVE isn't so much about the biker bash, per se' but about something I learned while attending it. Shady Jack's, for those not in the know, is a cool biker bar located near the river in St. Louis. While I've never met Jack Larrison, the owner, he seems an interesting fella and he's been able to do what few others have by building an establishment which is as welcoming to Joe Rub as it is to your local 1 percenter. (article ).

While I only live about 10 minutes east of St. Louis, I figure it's been about 7 years since I crossed the river on a scoot, and it was the FIRST time I have travelled to Shady Jack's . I HATE Missouri's helmet law and try to stay on MY side of the river.... Anyway, I heard through a friend about the biker bash thingy so figured "why not"? Since I rarely do the "group ride thang", I googled directions and headed out on my own. Gettin' to Shady Jack's from the east side is an easy affair. You boogie across the Martin Luther King bridge, hang a right and about a mile on the right sits Jack's. The BITCH is havin' to suit up with a friggin' helmet...... Luckily, there's a gravel turn out just before you jump onto the MLK which made for a quick pitstop to strap on my skid lid. The event was decent enough with your typical vendors, band and such but I must admit that you can only go to so many biker events without feeling "blah" about the same ol' same ol'. (One of the reasons I rarely do Poker Runs and organized events).

I found my friend, bull shitted a bit, looked at all of the chromed out Harleys and leather clad bikers and headed back to my bike. Along the way, I met the Vice Prez of the St. Louis chapter of ABATE for Missouri. (link) . I had a good time finding out more about our "sister" chapter just across the Muddy. We talked about the highs and the lows of operating a freedom fighter's organization and I had the opportunity to introduce him to our chapter president. Who knows? Maybe I'll scooter on over to one of their meetings and he'll jump across the river to one of ours.

The "value" of an event such as this is not necessarily the chromed out Hogs, scantily clad ladies and blaring rock 'n roll, but in the connections and friendships which are made in the process. It is in this regard that I rave about the bash. While I may be "burnt" on the whole "party thang", I don't think I'll ever get burnt meeting new folks and learning what they have to share.

Alton Mayor Declares War on Loud Bikes ( 10/24/09)

Well, it's been a wild 'n wooly summer here in the Metro/ St. Louis.... We've had our share of biker fatalities, dumb cagers and harassment from the good ol' Illinois State Police, so I guess it's only natural that we should wind down 2009 with word that the new Mayor of Alton, IL, Tom Hoechst, is spreading the word to area riders that "You ain't seen nothin' yet!".

For those outside the Metro/ St. Louis area, Alton is a medium-sized city plagued with all of the problems of a medium-sized city (diminished business and increased poverty). What makes Alton special, however, is that it sits at the beginning leg of one of the most popular highways in the area, the Great River Road. Alton is connected to Missouri via the relatively new Clark Bridge. Many riders come across the bridge from Missouri and and many others from all parts north and south in Illinois to partake of the nightlife in Alton (good bars and a casino) and to ride the River Road.

This summer, for the first time in memory, the Illinois State Police set up "Motorcycle Only" checkpoints on the River Road and had a great time ticketing riders and impounding motorcycles for infractions such as loud pipes, no insurance and no operator's license. I'm not a big fan of these so-called "Safety Checkpoints" to begin with and the thought of MOTORCYCLE SPCIFIC checkpoints really pisses me off, but I understand that case law allows for "Revenue Checkpoints" so there's not much to do about it.

Following on the heels of this summer's ISP action, the Mayor of Alton has put out the word that Loud Pipes Equals Tickets in his town. Our ABATE of Illinois Region Coordinator has informed us that Mayor Hoechst has instructed his patrol officers to stop ANY bikes with "non factory" exhaust and that there will be NO warning tickets issued. The officers ARE TO TICKET.

I love the sound my raggedy, barely muffled, bobber makes and you simply cannot beat the hard-charging sound of an old Ironhead Sporty, but it looks like the days of loud exhausts are quickly coming to an end. As a "home rule" town, Alton can pretty much enforce whatever law it wants within its limits and now that the economy has tanked, it looks like bikers who don't heed my warning are going to contribute to Alton's coffers. As for me, I guess I'll weld up a few of the exhaust leaks I have on the bobber and hope that suffices. If not, and I end up contributing myself, then I guess I'll pull out the sleeper exhaust and be a good little boy.

In the meantime, if you plan to ride the River Road or even if there is no River Road in YOUR neck of the woods, remain vigilant that the sheeple have had enough of our noise at o-dark-thirty in the morning and at least try to keep the pipes in check. My cynical side this is only the first of LOTS more to come... Ride Safely, Squirts

Signs will urge motorcyclists to ride quietly (1/16/10)

I've listed this topic as both a rant AND a rave. I think it's cool that ABATE of IL is working with local motorcycle groups (Southern Illinois Motorcycle Association... SIMCA), but I worry that working with local towns/ cities, etc. will do nothing to head off loud pipe tickets but will cast ABATE in the light of complicity. I dunno.... The only thing I DO know is that while I may ride my bike to and from work in Alton, the town has been added to my personal "off limits" list along with the Great Ticket, uhhh, RIVER Road and Grafton... Targeting ME will result in my NOT targeting them when it comes to spending my moolah. Ride safeyl out there. = ) Squirts

ALTON - A motorcycle rights and safety promotion group plans to pay for signs to "quiet" motorcycles in Alton, as city officials begin the process to strengthen the city's anti-noise ordinance.

"We are going to be leaders in this," said Alton Mayor Tom Hoechst, who campaigned on quieting down motorcycles traveling on city streets and loud car stereos.

At Monday night's meeting of the aldermanic Committee of the Whole, Carleen Grant, state public relations coordinator for ABATE of Illinois (A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education), said the organization will pay for materials for more than 100 new motorcycle noise warning signs.

Two of the signs were displayed at the meeting, both white with black lettering and an image of a person riding a motorcycle with three, right-side parentheses behind it to indicate noise. The smaller sign reads, "When in Town, Keep it Down," and will be posted on city streets where motorcyclists frequent and in bars that cater to motorcyclists.

The larger sign reads, "Welcome to Alton, When in Town, Keep it Down," with the motorcycle silhouette and the words "Please ride respectfully" underneath. Those signs will go up on existing posts at entrances to the city.

Grant said a businessman's donation to ABATE will pay for the materials. The Alton Public Works Department will print and put up the signs after the new chapter to the noise ordinance goes into effect in coming months.
Last year, representatives from ABATE of Illinois and Missouri, 14 motorcycle clubs and three motorcycle dealers met with Alton Police Chief David Hayes to find ways to communicate the need to keep the sound down in Alton.

Since then, Grant and Bob Myers of Jerseyville, southwest region coordinator for ABATE of Illinois, had follow-up meetings with Hayes and Alton Corporation Counselor Jim Schrempf regarding the proposed noise abatement ordinance.

"This is an example of how a great working relationship can be," Grant said. "Two sides coming together with questions and concerns, devising solutions to overcome a concern and then implementing a plan of action. There has been a great line of open communication between motorcyclists and Alton City Hall during this process. Everyone met in the middle of the road."

Myers said the ordinance and reminder signs would not be a cure-all for the noise problem.

"Hopefully, it will alleviate the problem," he said. "A legal motorcycle coming down the road can have a little noise, but with 10 of them, the noise escalates."

Hayes said the process of getting a resolution and working on the warning signs took four months. The proposed addition to the city's noise abatement ordinance also applies to boom boxes, radios, televisions, musical instruments and amplified sirens, horns, whistles, bells or chimes - except churches and charitable contribution solicitors.

Regarding noise from sound amplification in vehicles, or noisy cars, trucks or motorcycles, the ordinance prohibits disturbing "the peace, quiet and comfort of passers-by or is plainly audible at a distance of 75 feet," unless it is an emergency vehicle.

The ordinance also says mufflers or exhaust systems must be maintained properly to prevent noise, and cannot be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device.

People also would be prohibited from yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing in residential or noise-sensitive areas between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., "or at any time or place so as to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivities." Such noise from someone's bird or other animal also is prohibited; loudly loading or unloading merchandise, materials or equipment would be banned between 10 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The ordinance prohibits "unreasonably loud or raucous noise or any noise that unreasonably disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of reasonable persons or ordinary sensitivity" within city limits.

Factors for determining whether a sound is unreasonably loud include "proximity of the sound to sleeping facilities, whether residential or commercial; land use, nature and zoning of the area from which the sound emanates and the area where it is received or perceived; time of day or night; duration of sound; whether the sound is recurrent, intermittent or constant; and whether the sound is necessary in order to conduct lawful activity."

Among the exemptions are sounds from utility structure repairs that pose a danger, alarm systems, outdoor school and playground activities and other outdoor events.

Grant said she plans to initiate a "media blitz" regarding the forthcoming ordinance, particularly to reach motorcyclists not affiliated with any club.

linda_weller@thetelegraph.com

Where IS Everbody??? (11/9/09)

So, this past year I have decided to get active in my local ABATE chapter again after a five year "burn out" break... Comin' back "into the fold" has been a revitalizing experience for me and it's one decision I am happy to have made. Unfortunately, things don't seem to change much in ABATE (and I'm sure in other organizations)... Once again, the vast majority of the grunt work needed to keep the chapter going gets done by a handful of members (generally 4 or 5 out of something like a 160 person membership). I am dismayed at the lack of active participation within the chapter and even more dismayed at the lack of interest in joining ABATE by non members . I had the chance to work our chapter booth at the local swapmeet and could not believe the amount of disinterest and apathy expressed by the attendees toward not only the helmet law issue, but motorcycling issues in general. The most irksome comment I received at the swapmeet was by a guy who proclaimed that he wasn't interested in ABATE because once he crossed the bridge from Missouri to Illinois, he took off his helmet and didn't care about helmet laws. When I asked him WHY he was able to take off his lid, he didn't respond... I informed him that the reason he could go lidless was because of ME and the other 9,999 members of ABATE of IL... He got this blank look on his face and after a few minutes mumbled "Well, I live in Missouri anyway" to which I replied, "Have you heard of the Freedom of the Road Riders or ABATE for Missouri?". He just walked away....

Even if you believe in mandatory helmet use, it would benefit you to consider joining a motorcyclist rights organization (MRO) in your state. There are MANY important issues coming down the pike which will have a DIRECT impact on our hobby/ lifestyle. Please don't sit back and think that others will keep you safe and please, should you decide to jump in, be ACTIVE in your chapter. Any MRO is "grass roots"...It's only as strong as its membership. Ride Safe, Ride FREE!

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