Da Hawg Frog Blog

A couple months ago I was run off the road by a big, black SUV. I was fortunately not riding very fast. I was making a right turn when out of nowhere the SUV turned in front of me forcing me to make a decision, become a hood ornament or evade and dump my bike. I choose the latter. The last thing I saw as I jumped the curb and plowed into a ditch was a young girl, behind the wheel of the SUV laughing as she texted a friend. Florida needs to pass a law prohibiting cellphone use while driving.

She did not stop. She did not offer assistance. She never slowed down. The girl drove off merrily on her way.

Bruce Rossmeyer, an Icon in the Harley Davidson community, was killed in a motorcycle accident. Bruce was riding to Sturgis, SD with a group of friends when he was run off the road by a pickup truck Thursday. Bruce’s Harley Dealership in Daytona Beach has been a fixture among riders visiting during Daytona Bike Week for years.

The Wyoming State Patrol says Rossmeyer was trying to pass a pickup pulling a trailer about 18 miles east of Farson. Sgt. Stephen Townsend says the truck driven by 73-year-old Robert VanValkenburg of Rock Springs was turning left onto a dirt road when the collision occurred.

Townsend says VanValkenburg had his left-turn signal on. Rossmeyer was thrown from the motorcycle and landed under the trailer. He was not wearing a helmet.

No other motorcycles were involved in the crash. (Source:  CBS Channel 4 News)

Bruce will be missed by all. Rest in Peace.

Mission Motors, out of San Francisco, CA, announced they are going into production with an electric model that will do 150 MPH. They also claim that it will go 150 miles on a charge. But at $69,000 the bike is not a cheap alternative to traditional internal combustion engine motorcycles. Da Frog figures it would pay for itself in . . . oh about 250,000 miles or so.

The prototype, wearing bodywork designed by Yves Behar, is based on a Ducati 900 was designed entirely in-house by Mission Motors. Power comes from a 3-phase AC induction motor and a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery the company claims delivers 150 miles and recharges in just two hours at 240 volts. That climbs to eight hours at 120 volts.

Top-shelf hardware includes Ohlins suspension at both ends, four-piston Brembo brakes and Marchesini forged wheels. The components – and the claimed 150 horsepower – put the bike on par with hardcore sportbikes like the Ducati 1198. That’s exactly what North had in mind.

“With Mission One, we’re writing the next chapter in motorcycle design, delivering a new riding experience without sacrificing performance or design in a zero emissions vehicle,” he said in a statement. (Source: Wired Blog Network)

At 150 MPH it would become the fasted electric vehicle on the market. Unlike the Harley, you could actually sneak into the garage without waking the old lady in this model.

Colonel James Swett was a Marine Corps fighter pilot during WWII. He was born June 15, 1920 in Seattle, Washington. He grew us in San Mateo, California. When the call to duty came he answered it and served with honor and distinction.  He shot down 15.5 enemy aircraft during the war and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals, not to mention the Medal of Honor.

On April 7, 1943 while on patrol over Guadalcanal 1Lt. Swett shot down seven Japanese bombers in 15 minutes. As he fought the enemy pilots Lt. Swett was himself shot down and had to be rescued from the ocean. This was his first combat mission. We would go on to shoot down many more enemy planes during the remaining time he spent in the Marine Corps.

His Citation reads:

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Fighter Squadron 221, with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Place and date: Solomon Islands area, 7 April 1943. Entered service at: California. Born: 15 June 1920, Seattle, Wash. Other Navy award: Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Gold Star. Citation: For extraordinary heroism and personal valor above and beyond the call of duty, as division leader of Marine Fighting Squadron 221 with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the Solomons Islands area, 7 April 1943. In a daring flight to intercept a wave of 150 Japanese planes, 1st Lt. Swett unhesitatingly hurled his 4-plane division into action against a formation of 15 enemy bombers and personally exploded 3 hostile planes in midair with accurate and deadly fire during his dive. Although separated from his division while clearing the heavy concentration of antiaircraft fire, he boldly attacked 6 enemy bombers, engaged the first 4 in turn and, unaided, shot down all in flames. Exhausting his ammunition as he closed the fifth Japanese bomber, he relentlessly drove his attack against terrific opposition which partially disabled his engine, shattered the windscreen and slashed his face. In spite of this, he brought his battered plane down with skillful precision in the water off Tulagi without further injury. The superb airmanship and tenacious fighting spirit which enabled 1st Lt. Swett to destroy 7 enemy bombers in a single flight were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. (Source:  The Official Site of the Medal of Honor)

After the war then Major Swett continued his service as a pilot with the Marine Corps Reserve. When the Korean War broke out his unit was activated and sent to fight on that beleaguered peninsula. But Major Swett was left behind. The Corps feared putting a Medal of Honor recipient on the front lines of the Korean conflict was not a good idea. He retired from the US Marine Corp reserve in 1970 at the rank of full colonel.

Colonel Swett died in Redding, California January 19, 2009 after a lengthy illness. His funeral was attended  and escorted by members of the Old Guard Riders and the Patriot Guard Riders. The following is a ride report submitted by  Old Guard Rider Road Captain, Mike Gertsch:

I woke up Friday morning to an overcast, foggy day wondering whether I should wear my rain gear or just put up with the rain. As I left the house there was still a chill in the air. Turned onto highway 44 and gaining a little elevation, the fog cleared and what a beautiful day. Someone was looking over James Swett for his day of tribute.

I’d like to thank all of those who participated in yesterdays mission for Colonel James Swett (MOH). We ended up with over 50 bikes and a number of cages including some of our brothers from Oregon. There must have been a platoon of Marines from a Sargent to a Lieutenant Colonel. It was impressive. This was one of our largest missions
with over 100 vehicles to escort, the MIAP escort folks pulled this one off without a hitch. Good job guys. The hearse and family were met at the gate by a number of flag bearers. Thanks to those going up early. We had both camera men working.

There must have been over 400 people at the cemetery to include 4 other Medal of Honor veterans. Quite impressive. James was given a 21 gun salute and a two plane flyover. The casket was carried by caisson with two white horses. Believe me this was one hell of a mission to remember. Again, thanks to all who participated. (Source: Old Guard Riders Forum)

Thanks go out to Colonel Swett for his great service to this country. And thanks are due the Old Guard Riders, who took time from their lives to stand the flag line in honor of this heroes sacrifices.

While automobile deaths fell dramatically  last year in the Sunshine State, motorcycle deaths have more than doubled in the last eight years. Without a doubt the spreaders of FUD are going to start claiming it is due to the state relaxing the helmet laws. You know, blame the bikers.

Sgt. Steve Gaskins of the Florida Highway Patrol said Florida’s lax helmet law — riders over the age of 21 with more than $10,000 in medical insurance don’t need to wear one — and an increase in demand for gas-efficient transportation have contributed to the trend.  (Source: St. Petersburg Times)

The article says that the failing economy is forcing more people to seek alternative means of transportation. As gas prices have risen motorcycles and scooters have become more appealing to many people. But what this brings into the motorcycle community is more and more people with very limited experience on two wheels. That compounded by the boom in DWS (Driving While Stupid), cell phone in one hand, latte in the other while the cager watches his Tom-Tom, tunes his satellite radio and reads the paper just might have something to do with it too.

Did you ever wonder how the British made their great Triumph line of motorcycles? This video explains it all. They are truly bikes for the 21st Century.

Cpl. Isaiah Mays – Medal of Honor Recipient

Corporal Isaiah Mays was a member of Company B, 24th U.S. Infantry serving in the Arizona Territory in 1889. He entered the service at Columbus Barracks, Ohio. Corporal Mays was born in 1858 at Carters Bridge, Virginia. On May 11, 1889 while serving with the 24th Infantry Corporal Mays distinguished himself in mortal combat with robbers who set upon his convoy intent on robbing the Army of its payroll. On February 19, 1890 he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Benjamin Harrison.

Medal Of Honor, Indian Campaigns

Citation: Gallantry in the fight between Paymaster Wham’s escort and robbers. Mays walked and crawled 2 miles to a ranch for help

On May 11, 1889, in the corner of southeastern Arizona, not far from the tiny Mormon settlement of Pima, AZ, a band of highwaymen ambushed Army Paymaster Major Joseph Washington Wham and his buffalo soldier escort. Following a hard-fought battle, the bandits made off with more than $28,000. The money was never recovered. Eight of the twelve-man escort were wounded in defense of the army payroll, Sergeant Benjamin Brown refusing to give up his defense though shot in the abdomen and then wounded in both arms. Corporal Isaiah Mays, shot in both legs, walked and crawled two miles to a nearby ranch for help. Both men were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic, though unsuccessful defense of the payroll, and the remaining members of the escort received certificates of commendation.

President Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893) authorized the Medal of Honor to be awarded to US Army Corporal Isaiah Mays, Company B, 24th US Infantry

In 1923, Mays applied to the United States Government for a pension and was denied.

Mays was eventually committed to the Arizona State Hospital, which at the time housed not only the mentally ill but also tubercular patients and indigents with nowhere else to go. Mays died at age 67 and was buried in the Arizona State Hospital Cemetery, Phoenix, AZ. Mays died at the hospital 1925. Because of a fire in 1935, the hospital has no record of his actual burial site.

For decades after his death, Mays’ grave was marked only by a modest bricklike marker etched with a number. Mays might have been forgotten had it not been for the efforts of hospital staff and a small group of Arizona veterans who identified Mays as one of the state’s recipients of the nation’s highest military honor.

In 2001, Mays finally received a Medal of Honor headstone from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for his bravery 110 years earlier.

He is currently interred in a vacant lot near 25th St and McDowell Rd. This site was once the site of the AZ State Hospital cemetery.

On January 10, 2009 the Old Guard Riders of Arizona will hold a ride to raise the funds necessary to have this hero interred at Arlington. If you can’t ride, you can help support their effort.

A lot has been said about the lifestyle. This short video says a lot.

An alarming number of Marines are dying in motorcycle deaths. The trend has become of great concern to the Corps commanders. Now the top brass is looking into the reasons behind the problem.

Twenty-five Marines have died in motorcycle crashes since last November — all but one of them involving sport bikes that can reach speeds of well over 100 mph, according to Marine officials. In that same period, 20 Marines have been killed in action in Iraq.

The 25 deaths are the highest motorcycle death toll ever for the Marine Corps.

Gen. James Amos, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, told CNN that commanders are trying to drill down on what “we need to do to help our Marines survive on these sport bikes.” (Source: CNN)

Is it the choice of bikes that is causing this alarming increase? Or is it the need for adrenalin rushing speed that makes these veterans turn to motorcycles for their fix?

After World War II thousands of veterans returned home and sought out Harley Davidsons and Indians to ride. The freedom of the road and the rush of speed lured many into the biker lifestyle. Many of the oldest motorcycle clubs in this country were formed by returning veterans. Lets just hope this new generation of biker/veterans survive the transitions from active duty to road warriors.

Meanwhile the Marines are requiring that its members who ride attend safety courses. This is a good idea. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has been offering courses in safe handling and riding practices for a long time. No matter how new or how long a person has been riding they come away from these courses with life saving techniques for survival on the road.

Military officials say they’re not sure why the deaths are on the rise. They initially believed the accidents might involve mostly young Marines and sailors around 18 or 19 years old. But Navy statistics show that five of the victims were 25, the most prevalent of any age involved in the crashes. And two 40-year-old sailors were killed in motorcycle crashes.

Gen. Amos said the Marines have seen a similar trend.

But he says the new training seems to be working: Of the 300 young men and women who have gone through the sport-bike course, only three have had accidents.

The safety course instructors said some Marines who go through the training decide the sport bike is not for them. (Source: CNN)

The fatalities aren’t confined to just the Marines either. The trend is up in the Navy also. Lets hope that the measures taken by the military brass will save some lives.

Massive raids on the Mongols Motorcycle Club in six states threaten the demise of the organization. Tuesday raids were carried out on Mongols clubhouses and private homes in an attempt to curb the club’s alleged criminal activities.

Dozens of burly, tattoo-covered members of the Mongol motorcycle gang were arrested Tuesday in six states after a three-year investigation in which undercover agents infiltrated the notorious group.

Law enforcement agents said the arrests could herald the end of the Mongol Motorcycle Club, a Southern California-based group of 600 or so members that claims to be a social club but that prosecutors say is a criminal gang involved in murder, torture, drug trafficking and other offenses.

“This is one of those celebrated investigations in which the organization from top to bottom has been charged and targeted,” said Michael Sullivan, acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“It puts a stake in the heart of the Mongols.” (Source: CNN)

The Mongols were the target of a three investigation by authorities. This is not the first time that motorcycle clubs have been infiltrated and prosecuted by the ATF and other federal law enforcement organizations. But authorities are hoping that this recent operation will be a death knell for the Mongols.

The sweep, dubbed Operation Black Rain, was to continue throughout the day Tuesday, agents said.

Among those arrested were the gang’s former national president, Ruben Cavazos.

Hoffman said the Mongols had been recruiting members of Los Angeles street gangs to assist in their operations. The Mongols are primarily Latino and formed because the Hells Angels refused to allow Hispanics.

The indictment describes a tightly organized group that routinely engages in violence and sometimes attacks black people. It commits robberies, steals motorcycles and funds itself in part by stealing credit card account information, the indictment said.

The club was infiltrated by members of the ATF. Past Mongols president, Roger Pinney, commented that the club was not the problem, but rather its leadership.

Another former Mongols national president, Roger Pinney, alleged in an interview with The Associated Press that Cavazos was the problem, not the club in general.

“They were just on the verge of cleaning up their act,” said Pinney, who is no longer a member and is serving probation from his role in an infamous brawl at Laughlin, Nevada, in 2002 in which three people died. “It’s not a club-run deal. It’s individuals who are the ones who decide to commit crimes.”

Pinney said he warned other club members that Cavazos was trouble.

“He was throwing all the good members out and bringing gang members in,” Pinney said. “He was trying to be a drug lord or something.”

Pinney doesn’t believe the raid will force the Mongols off the road. “The Mongols aren’t going away, and neither are the Hells Angels,” he said.

This is just another incident in the long struggle between rival motorcycle clubs. Over the past couple months violence has broken out in Glendale and San Francisco.

UPDATE: In a bizarre twist of legal maneuvering the DoJ has announced they are seizing the Mongols colors. That’s right, they are stripping the club of its trademark patch. This is confiscation of intellectual property and not completely unheard of. There is boasting that now anyone seen wearing the Mongol’s logo can have the vest taken from their backs and confiscated. Yeah, right. It is a lot easier for the attorneys at the DoJ to rule the Mongols trademark forfiet than it ever will be to remove the clubs cut. Lots of luck on that one guys. Reminds you of when the feds went after Al Capone. They didn’t convict him of the murder, racketeering and extortion, they got him for tax evasion. So after three years of investigation they nail them for trademark violation amongst other things?

The racketeering indictment seeks the forfeiture of the trademarked “Mongols” name, which is part of the “patch” members wear on their motorcycle jackets.

“In addition to pursuing the criminal charges set forth in the indictment, for the first time ever, we are seeking to forfeit the intellectual property of a gang,” said United States Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien. “The name ‘Mongols,’ which is part of the gang’s ‘patch’ that members wear on their motorcycle jackets, was trademarked by the gang. The indictment alleges that this trademark is subject to forfeiture. We have filed papers seeking a court order that will prevent gang members from using or displaying the name ‘Mongols.’ If the court grants our request for this order, then if any law enforcement officer sees a Mongol wearing his patch, he will be authorized to stop that gang member and literally take the jacket right off his back.” (Source: US Attorney’s Office)

I got a feeling this is going to get interesting.