A view from Talimena Drive in Southeastern Oklahoma

Sad News
Two members of ABATE of Oklahoma have passed away this week.  Information from Tiger Mike:

"Disco" Doug Griffith - Life Member of ABATE of Tulsa and longtime member of the Tulsa Trail Riders, passed away yesterday afternoon after a series of heart attacks and lung problems. Doug was a longtime street biker, and especially passionate about off-road motorcycling. He spent lots of years on motorcycles of all types, and really loved to ride. Since 2002, he logged thousands of miles on the road and on his dirt bike, after receiving a Heart Transplant. He was responsible for improving motorcycling Quality of Life in multiple areas, like greatly expanding acreage for Dirt Bikers by working with the Trail Riders to establish an Off-Road Riding Complex in Scipio, OK. In 2003, he rode with me and 38 others on a 40-hour bus trip to Washington DC to lobby our state's Congressional Delegation to, among other things, postpone the EPA's oppressive restrictions on motorcycle customization. Doug was very active in his ABATE Chapter, and could always be counted upon to defend Biker Rights in Oklahoma. He leaves behind family, friends, and a host of Oklahomans proud to ride with him. You can point to Doug as a singular example of the importance of considering Organ Donation, as he wouldn't have done as much for Riding Freedom in our state as he had, if the family of a 19 year-old hadn't consented to allowing their loved one's heart to beat a few years longer. He was a good friend, and I'll miss him terribly--Ride Free Forever, Doug Griffith!! Carol King, Tulsa Chapter Rep, passed along this information: A memorial service will be held for "Disco" Doug this Friday, April 4, at 10am at Floral Haven, located at 6500 S. 129th E. Ave. in Tulsa.  There will be a viewing Thursday evening.  He will be buried in Kansas, near other members of his family.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Tanya's Place, apartments in Tulsa for transplant recipients, where they are cared for at no charge.  There will be a donation box at Jack's Bike Shop and as soon as Carol has the address of Tanya's Place, she will pass it along.  Again, please keep his family in your prayers at this difficult time. 

Gordon Thompson - passed away in his sleep the morning of April 1. He had a heart attack earlier this past week and had been released to come home this past Friday. He was in good spirits when Chapter Members talked to him. Funeral arrangements are being made and it will be held at Grace Memorial (in Ponca City, I believe). I have no other details at this time. He will be buried in Winfield, Kansas. Gordo loved, respected, and contributed much to the motorcycle community. He was a Charter member of the Three Sands ABATE Chapter, a past member of the Ponca City Cruisers, and a current member of several groups, including the Gold Wing Riders, BACA, and the American Legion Riders. He will be very missed by so many that he had touched in numerous ways--Ride Free Forever, Uncle Gordo!! Well, I'm sorry to have to send my article along by starting with the tragic news of the loss of two special ABATE members, but please, along with remembering their grieving families, let's celebrate their lives and contributions, and keep in mind that they made the world and our Riding Community better while being here. That's all any of us can ask for! Thanks for listening, enjoy the Spring weather (let's hope things don't get too severe!), and I'll see you on the Road.

Legislative Calendar
Jan 17-Bill introduction deadline
Feb 4-Session begins
March 13-3rd reading, House of Origin
April 24-3rd reading opposite house
May 30-Sine Die

 House Bills
 HB2213-Gilbert-Prohibit use of hand held cell phone while driving
 HB2572-Hickman-Prohibit use of certain devices while driving (Jeff Smith bill)
 HB2820-Sullivan-Right to repair bill
 HB3245-Lamons-Right to repair bill
 HB3241-McNiel-Motorcycle intersection bill/Traffic actuated signals

 Senate Bills
 SB1386-Barrington-Directing right turns from paved shoulder
 SB1414-Brogdon-Drivers License-finger imaging option
 SB1415-Brogdon-Drivers License-resolution of images
 SB1700-Bass-Traffic actuated signals-must detect motorcycles.
 SB1944-Lerblance-Motorcycle driving lights
 SB2149-Corn-Insurance-prohibit use of credit rating to calculate premiums
 SB2154-Jolley-Drivers License-create online renewal
 

ATV helmet law going into effect
Just a reminder, the new ATV helmet requirements went into effect November 1, 2007.  The law only applies to children under 18, while riding ATV's on public land.

More ATV deaths add to safety fears
Oct 5, 2007 - from  NewsOK.com  http://newsok.com/article/3141042/1191589536
Is there a reason they state statistics for 9 months compared to 12 months?  And then, state number of injuries for the last 66 months?  Jan 2002- June 2007) Maybe that's how far back they had to go to get a number with shock value.  One lump value for 5½ years doesn't show the year to year injuries, or any trends.
     They also compare number of injuries over the last 66 months of Tulsa (less than 20) to Waynoka (nearly 200).
 I don't know anyone that drives clear across the state to ride in Tulsa, but thousands from all over Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas drive to Waynoka to ride ATV's, dirt bikes, dune buggies, etc... almost every weekend.  It's the Little Sahara State Park!  How does that compare to an Urban city?  There's probably more ATV's in Waynoka during a holiday weekend than there are in Tulsa all year.  (that's not a statistic, just a possibility!)