I pull into the emissions place, they hook the little gizmos up to my pipes…. guess what? I passed! I mean, Blackie was only hooked up for close to 30 seconds. At an idle no less. Cost? Nineteen dollars!!!! That’s right! $19.00!!!!
Now, I think of myself as a pretty logical thinking man. Nineteen dollars every year until I am too old to ride anymore. Hmmm. Maybe I will take the 20 bucks a year and join every MRO I can and get involved in reversing this asinine legislation.
I told my son Ryan something recently. I think I am going to be more active in what I do. This is what I wrote to him:
Keep asking questions Ryan. Too many people stop asking and they let the world just become without ever making a difference. Leave your mark on life. Make the difference you'd like to see made. You can accomplish more than you ever can imagine! Keep searching for the answers.
If you ride, join your local motorcycle rights org. ABATE, MMA, whatever. Join up and support your lobbyist. It will be worth it in the long run.
Here’s some info on the two I support…
Modified Motorcycle Association of Arizona. (http://www.mma-az.org)
What is the MMA?
MMA is a Motorcyclists Rights Organization (MRO) comprised of motorcyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts who are concerned with the future, safety, and welfare of motorcycling. We are a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to improving the social atmosphere which surrounds motorcyclists, and protecting the individual freedoms of America's citizens.
MMA Objectives
1. Create an atmosphere of camaraderie among individuals where motorcycling can be enjoyed in a free and responsible manner
2. Educate individuals and organizations regarding issues and activities in the legislative and judicial branches of the government, at both State and Federal levels
3. Encourage an interest in and promote the protection of our nation's Constitution and Bill of Rights
4. Encourage and support involvement in the legislative process
5. Educate automobile drivers and motorcycle pilots regarding motorcycle awareness and safety
6. Promote a positive image for motorcycling by being pro-active in our individual communities
7. Conduct fund-raising activities to support these objectives.
May We Always Ride Free!
ABATE of Arizona (http://www.abateofaz.org/)
ABATE of Arizona, Inc. is a non-profit motorcycle rights organization that is dedicated to freedom of the road for all motorcyclists. ABATE is a volunteer organization that fights discriminatory legislation aimed towards the motorcycling community. ABATE's position is that all motorcycle riders have the right to choose not only the machine that they ride, but also the riding gear that they choose to wear or not to wear (i.e., leathers, gloves, boots and helmets).
ABATE promotes rider education for all motorcycle riders, and motorcycle awareness for all automobile drivers. ABATE needs the support of all motorcycle riders.
• Do you like emission testing your motorcycle? Did you know that Maricopa County Arizona is the only county in the United States that requires emissions testing for motorcycles?
• Do you like having the freedom to choose whether to wear a helmet or not?
• Do you like the freedom to work on or customize your motorcycle?
• Do you know that there are dollars available for motorcycle safety and awareness?
Please help the Motorcycle Rights Organizations in Arizona to prevent our Governments from restricting our ability to ride free. With your help, we can eliminate the emission testing of motorcycles in Arizona, fight our national-level battles with the EPA and NHTSA, and effectively watchdog the Arizona legislators who, on a yearly basis, have entertained the idea of introducing a mandatory helmet law in our state.
The only good thing that came out of yesterday was the lady at the DMV had a Harley pin on her ID lanyard. I was out of there in 5 minutes. Gotta love it!!
Peace.
