April - ABATE of Ohio

REGION 15
Lorain, Huron, Erie and Sandusky Counties
REGION 16
Ashland, Crawford, Holmes, Medina,
Richland and Wayne Counties
Greetings and Welcome
to the First Edition of the
Regions 15/16
Bi-Monthly Newsletter.
Because CMRO is presently having some difficulty with publishing The Ohio Activist, Region 16 will be publishing a regional
newsletter. It is the hope of our Officers to keep you updated on doings in our Regions, in other Regions, and informed
on matters involving the CMRO Organization at a State level. Watch here for Legislative Reports and Event
Flyers, and other news or “Letters” of interest that will fit into our limited space.
If all goes as planned, you can expect to receive a regional Newsletter in the first week of the even numbered months.
In an effort to reduce postage costs to the Region, this newsletter can be sent to you as an e-mail, as can other bulletins
and related information. Please contact the Regional Membership Secretary Tammy McClure 419-869-7025 or at
mmjammer5@wmconnect.com with your e-mail address toward this end.
And again, Welcome!
Joyce McLaughlin
Regional Public Relations & Editor
REGION 15/16 COORDINATOR
REGION 15/16 CO-COORDINATOR
As long as I can remember I have always been
around motorcycles. Seeing pictures of me as an infant
sitting with my father on his Honda proves that. All types
of bikes have passed through my life. My father even had
a homemade trike with a Volkswagon motor that we rode
from Parma, where I was born, to Lakeville via Rte 3 to
our “second home” Long Lake Park. He never has owned
a Harley, but I’m still working on that. So my love for
bikes goes way back.
Last April Lonnie and I made the decision to buy
a 2005 Ultra Classic. Our lives have not been the same.
Not even a year later, we have over 18,000 miles under
our belts. Rides to Florida, Tennesee (Nashville ROCKS!),
and Kentucky to see our injured biker friend and CMRO
member Curtis Edmonds and wife Anita. Let’s not forget
Sturgis. But that’s another article….
I have met so many wonderful and diverse people
through CMRO. We have a group of serious members in
Richland County, as does any other Region. What I hope
to achieve is promoting the passion and caring of riding
the bike, and assisting others in protecting themselves
and other riders of motorcycles in Ohio.
Although I am new to this organization, I am
ready for the challenge of being the Region 15/16 Coordinator.
I have many other “virgins” to help me out as well
as seasoned veterans. Aren’t we all here to help each
other?
Well, here’s to a great new riding season…..I hope I can be
a positive influence to this group because I really believe
in CMRO!
Dawn Bursley
Region 15/16 Coordinator
1
Hello There,
Well, it’s been a long winter, and hopefully by
now you have gotten some riding time in.
We are sending out to our regions this new Bi-
Monthly Newsletter because of the current difficulties
with the cost of publishing and mailing The Ohio Activist,
and not being able to find an editor to do the hard part.
We are going to try getting info out this way and see how
it works.
With no Activist, I did not get to say thank you
for all the help I got while I was the Region Coordinator
last year. Without all the help of all you fine people, I
would not have been able to do the job.
This is also a county report, as I am a county cocoordinator.
Things are going well here in Wayne County.
We are getting ready for our Out of Hibernation Run,
which is April 29 th . It will be held out the Stop Inn in
Shreve (see flyer). We will be needing volunteers to help
work stops, registration and check in. Show up at the
next Wayne County meeting and volunteer to help out.
The next meeting will be at El Rancho Grande on April
19 th at 7:30. Come on out, get some food, and have a
good time.
If you have any comments or complaints, call
Brad King, as he is the Wayne County Coordinator. Brad
will be the person who will be writing future Wayne
County reports, but we sprung this on him and he didn’t
have time to get one out.
That’s it for now. See you at the meeting or at the
poker run.
Carry On,
Milan Sigler

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR
Region 15/16 Members:
Our organization has been through
many changes, one being the membership and
how it is tracked. To help improve the tracking
system, we are now first handling membership
applications and fees paid (new and renewal) at
the regional level, and I will keep documentation
for our members. I will then forward them
to the State Membership Secretary. By having
double the paperwork, we can better ensure
our members receive the membership cards
and materials due them.
We are asking that all Membership Applications
and monies be sent to me. Please contact
me with any questions.
Region 16 Membership Secretary
Tammy McClure
1448 Co Rd 251
Jeromesville OH 44840
419-869-7025
email: mmjammer5@wmconnect.com
Concerned Motorcycle
Riders of Ohio
2
REGION 1
Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga Counties
REGION 8
Jefferson, Harrison, Tuscarawas,
Columbiana, Carroll
and areas of Stark Counties
REGION 11
Portage, Summit
and areas of Stark Counties
REGION 13
Ashtabula, Trumbull
and Mahoning Counties
REGION 15
Lorain, Huron, Erie
and Sandusky Counties
REGION 16
Medina, Wayne, Aand, Holmes
and Crawford Counties

REGION 16 OFFICERS
Coordinator
Dawn Bursley 419-571-7882
harley.dawn@earthlink.net
Co-coordinator
Milan Sigler 330-262-3991
msigler@sssnet.com
Treasurer
Renee Kosik rkla202020@aol.com
Secretary
Carlie French molotovsixsixsix@hotmail.com
Membership Secretary
Tammy McClure 419-869-7025
mmjammer5@wmconnect.com
Legislative Officer
Jim Short 330-334-5343
jshort@neo.rr.com
Public Relations
Joyce McLaughlin 330-336-7464
joysann@wadsnet.com
Sergeants at Arms
Mike McLaughlin and Rick McClure
330-336-7464 419-869-7025
RICHLAND COUNTY OFFICERS
Coordinator Jeremy Lybarger
419-896-2617
Notahondarider@aol.com
Co-Coordinator Shawn Dean
419-492-1005
Scdean94@verizon.net
Secretary Jody Burchett
jodyrcool78@hotmail.com
Sergeant at Arms Lonnie Berkshire
Call to learn when and where
the next meeting will be.
CMRO STATE OFFICERS
State Office
1-800-964-CMRO (2676)
abatecmrostate@aol.com
State Coordinator
Bill Bish
1-800-964-CMRO (2676)
ncombish@aol.com
Co-coordinator
Dave Everyday 440-259-2996
drifter96@adelphia.net
Secretary
Darlene Bish 440-331-1813
ncombish@aol.com
Legislative Officer
Mike Warren 440-298-3408
maw@louierun.org
Membership Secretary
Maggie Kimble
mkimblecmro1@ncweb.com
Trustees
Ralph Buss 440-946-2322
rcbuss@mwweb.com
Sheila Getch 440-639-8725
sgetch57@msn.com
MEDINA COUNTY OFFICERS
Coordinator Jerry McKinley
330-273-7372
Co-Coordinator Fred Davis
Frednan3@aol.com
Event Coordinator Kenny Gee
Nitemove5@aol.com
Secretary Nancy Davis
Frednan3@aol.com
Sergeant at Arms Jim Craft
Jcraft225@c.s.com
Time and place of the next meeting
to be announced. Call for
Information.
MEDINA COUNTY INFO
OTHER REGIONS
Region 1
Coordinator Dale Williams 440-
350-0830
Co- Coordinator Ray Houndshell
Region 8
Coordinator Ken Haywood 330-
313-8047
cmroregion8@neo.rr.com
Region 13
Coordinator Ed Soden
440-576-1275
VISIT the CMRO WEBSITE!
abatecmro.org
WEBMASTER Jeff Byham
1-800-964-CMRO (2676)
PO Box 1430
Painesville, OH 44077-1430
General Information:
webmaster@cmro.org
Webmaster:
webmaster@cmro.org
WAYNE COUNTY OFFICERS
Coordinator Brad King
419-846-3025
Co-Coordinator
Garrison “Cowboy” Whitman
330-567-3127
Secretary Carlie French
cmrowayneco@hotmail.com
Legislative Officer Jim Short
jshort@neo.rr.com
Events Coordinator Holly Graffuis
Public Relations Joyce McLaughlin
Sergeant at Arms Bill Graffuis
Meetings are held on the 3rd
Wednesday of Each Month
Presently at El Rancho Grande
4586 E Lincoln Way, Wooster
Our Medina County portion of Region 16 has been going through a tough time. Last year we lost our prime
meeting place, had some terrible weather and lousy events, and quite a few members have dropped out.
A few loyal members are trying to resurrect the county and find a new place for meetings.
On March 26, Jerry McKinley set up a meeting at a place called The Sidelines located on Rt 42 just north of Rt 303
in Brunswick.. The meeting had a fairly good attendance, and I feel it was a productive meeting. Sam Crick has volunteered
to scout out a new meeting place, and we will be announcing the location of the next meeting at the Blizzard run.
And yes, we are having a Blizzard Run! Jerry put it together and there is a flier included in this newsletter
One event is not going to get us back up on our feet. If you live in the Medina County area, and you are interested
in supporting our Medina County group, then please show up at the Blizzard Run, come to the next meeting and/or
give Jerry a call - 330-273-7372. We could use your help.
Michael McLaughlin
Concerned Medina County Member
Former Medina County Coordinator
3

Regional Legislative Officer
As I write this I’m getting
pretty excited about the return of riding
season. We’re seeing longer hours
of sunshine and warmer temperatures
and we’re busy planning the runs
we’re going to do. But before we go
into our summer cruise mode I’m reminded
that there’s unfinished business
with our lawmakers that affects
our lifestyle and lives and needs our
attention. Ohio SB 158 (Right of way
violation) is still in committee. U.S.
Senate Bill 577 (Insurance Bill for Motorcyclists)
is as well. Have you contacted
your State or U.S. Senator to
prod them into supporting or cosponsoring
either one of these? Do you
know who your State and US elected
officials even are? I urge you to contact
them.
Do you know our motorcycle laws? As
we gear up I thought I’d list some
Ohio laws that you probably know but
might need reminded of so when
you’re pulled over you can at least
have an idea why:
Leave w/ this thought. If you haven’t
done anything to change things ---------
Jim Short
Region 15/16 Legislative
Officer
"Eighty percent
of success
is showing up."
-Woody Allen
Safety Helmet
Required by law for novice riders, required
under age 18
State Funded Rider Ed
Available for all eligible applicants -
required under age 18
Eye Protection
Required by law unless equipped with
windscreen
Daytime Use of Headlight
Modulating headlight permitted
Passenger Seat
Required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Footrest
Required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Age Restriction
None
Helmet Speakers
No Restrictions
Periodic Safety Inspection
Required by law - random
Mirror Left(L) Right(R)
One required by law
Radar Detector
No Restriction
Turn Signals
Required if manufactured in 1968 and
after
Muffler
Muffler required
Maximum Sound Level
Counties and Townships may adopt regulations
that establish Max A-weighted
sound level based on measurement at a
distance not less than 50 feet from center
line of travel (Title 45, 4513.221): 1)82dBA
at 35 mph or less; 2)86dBA at more than
35 mph
State Insurance Requirements
Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)
(12.5/25/7.5)
Handlebar Height
Maximum of 15" above seat
Rider-Education Waiver
Skill Test
Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From
Other States
Yes
Motorcycles operating two abreast in
same lane
§ 4511.55. Riding bicycles; motorcycles
abreast Persons riding bicycles or motorcycles
upon a roadway shall ride not more
than two abreast in a single lane, except
on paths or parts of roadways set aside
for the exclusive use of bicycles or motorcycles
Lane Splitting
Not referenced in Administrative Code or
Statutes
Provided by the AMA
4
(Steve Minter
served formerly
4 years as State
Coordinator ,
and many
years as Wayne
County Coordinator.
He was
injured in a motorcycle accident in
July 2005, nearly losing his leg.)
March 15 2006
We just wanted to get out a
few words, and an update, on Steven’s
progress for this first newsletter.
We can NEVER say “Thank
You” enough to ALL our friends and
relatives for the help, support, love,
and encouragement during his recovery.
He has reached a point where
every day brings new advances in his
abilities to walk. He stood for the first
time with no support last week. Yesterday
was the first time he could
walk into the house, without the
wheelchair but using his walker), after
coming home from his therapy sessions.
The external fixator attached to
his bones will come off in the next
month or so, and he is very excited
about that.
Looking his bike over (which
he has not seen since the accident)
and getting started on the repairs is
one of his first priorities, once he is
able to get to it.
We hope that this edition of
the newsletter finds everyone well,
happy and ready for the summer season
of riding. We wish you all nothing
but the very best.
Love ya all!
Steve & Judi Minter
DON’T MISS ‘EM
MEDINA COUNTY
BLIZZARD RUN
Saturday
April 22
See Flyer
WAYNE COUNTY
OUT-OF-HIBERNATION
RUN
Saturday
April 29
See Flyer

STATE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
By Bill Bish
Well, springtime is just around the corner now, so it’s time to get your bikes and yourselves ready for another great riding
season. And while you’re planning your riding schedule, please don’t forget to include the many CMRO runs, rallies and
events on your to-do list.
Part of what makes CMRO strong is our ability to work together to promote motorcycling and defend bikers’ rights. And
that ability to join forces on legislative issues is a byproduct of our mutual resolve. Participating together on common issues
of concern is fostered by riding together and socializing. Getting to know each other. Camaraderie.
One of my favorite quotes is from the movie “When We Were Soldiers,” when Mel Gibson tells a subordinate that soldiers
“won’t march into Hell for a stranger.” So he has them march together, work together and learn to depend on one
another so that they will stand tall with each other and fight together as a unit.
Well, when we ride together, we learn to trust each other. We find out that we have more in common then just our love of
motorcycles. When we ride in formation, it’s like we’re marching together to the beat of a single drum.
So get out there and ride; together.
Here is the list of upcoming events. You should try to make it to your regional runs, but also plan to go on some of the
other region’s runs and meet some new people, or rekindle some friendships. Remember, there are no strangers in
CMRO, just friends you haven’t met yet.
See ya down the road….
CMRO 2006 EVENT SCHEDULE
REGION 1
Info Contact-- Dale Williams 440-655-8843
May 7th -- Louie Run
June 11th -- Jessie's Road Rally
July 16th -- Geauga County Poker Run
August 5th - Broadfield Manor Run
September 24th - Toy Run
October 14th - Halloween Kid's Party
REGION 8
Info Contact-- Ken Haywood 330-313-8047
March 11th -- Spring Fling "Shake the Chill Off" Party
May 21st -- 6 County Run
June 30th thru July 2nd -- Freedom Rally (New Location)
September 10th -- Charity Ride
October 21st -- Unity Halloween Party
December 2nd -- Christmas Party
REGION 13
Info Contact-- Ed Soden 440-576-1275
May 21st -- Special Olympics Ride
June 9-10-11 -- PA. Run to get Away
June 24th -- Rock-N-Ride Dice Run
August 26th -- Steak Fry
September 23rd --Toy Run
October 14th -- Covered Bridge Run
December 9th -- Christmas Party
REGION 16
Info Contact-- Dawn Bursley 419-571-7882
Wayne Co.
April 29th -- Out of Hibernation Run
August 27th -- Jack's Coat Run
Richland Co.
May 6th -- Event TBA
September 9th -- Event TBA
AND DON’T FORGET the CMRO “Back To Basics” Legislative & Leadership Conference
on Saturday, April 8 th at the Traveler’s Choice Hotel (I-71 & SR18 in Medina),
beginning at 11am. There will be a Saturday night social, and the CMRO
Board Meeting on Sunday.
5

THE WARREN REPORT
HELMET LAW LANGUAGE TO BE REMOVED FROM HB 406
As you know, last November State Representative Thomas Patton (R18 Strongsville) introduced HB 406 that included language requiring
those 25 years old and under to wear a helmet at all times while operating or riding as a passenger on motorcycles. CMRO,
along with ABATE, Inc. and other organizations in the State immediately mounted campaigns to oppose the language provision.
CMRO utilized the “phone trees”, email ACTION ALERT SYSTEM and flyers to notify the membership and public of the need to
contact Rep. Patton asap. Additionally, we sent approximately 4000 ACTION ALERT postcards to current and past members the
week of December 5 th .
The good news is that less than 2 weeks after the CMRO mailing we learned that Rep. Patton decided to remove the offensive language
from his bill at the earliest opportunity. I confirmed the information with his aide on 12/23 and was advised that he had made
the decision to delete the language due to significant number of objections to the helmet language he had been receiving. I would like
to think that our mailing made the difference. One things for sure, it didn’t hurt.
Unfortunately, under the House Rules, Rep. Patton must wait until a particular forthcoming proceeding before he can introduce what
will be known as Substitute House Bill 406 that has the helmet requirement language deleted. Soooo. . . for the time being, I think
it’s safe to say we got his attention. However; we will be closely monitoring the situation to be sure he follows through.
For now, congratulations are in order to all that participated in this short lived campaign. Mountains can be moved once the sleeping
giant is awakened.
THE PAIR OF “RIGHT OF WAY” BILLS NEED ACTION
While the mc rights warriors are flush from the recent “victory”, it’s time to turn our attention to the pair of
“R-O-W” bills introduced last year. Senate Bill 158 introduced by Charlie Wilson (D 96 St. Clairsville) on 6/28 still hasn’t had its
first hearing, while House Bill 388 introduced by Jon Peterson (R 02 Delaware) on 10/18, already had a Sponsor’s Hearing on
10/25. These bills, once enacted, would increase the penalties for right of way, assured clear distance and marked lane violators.
Keep in mind that the R-O-W Campaign is in direct response to the motorcycling public’s (your) complaints of slap on the wrist penalties
for persons causing serious injury or death to victims of their reckless or careless negligence.
This is good legislation. The legislature knows we’re organized and active thanks to Rep. Patton’s HB406. Now’s the time to turn up
the heat. Please contact Senate Judiciary-Crim. Justice Chairman Jim Jordan (R 12) and request that he schedule hearings for S158
right a way. (Jordan@mailr.sen.state.oh.us or 614-466-7584) You might also contact your State Senator and encourage him/her to
actively support the bill. In addition, please contact your own State Representative and request that he/she actively support HB388.
You can locate your Senator or Representative by calling your local Board of Elections or at www.legislature.state.oh.us/ . Remember
to keep in mind what you say and how it’s said. Be polite and non-confrontational.
MAY IS MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH BILL NOT MOVING
Sylvester Patton’s (D 60 Youngstown) HB 238, introduced 5/4/05 at OUR request is not moving either. This one should be a slam
dunk. It costs the State nothing nor does it place any sort of burden on anyone. But, it’s getting no action. So while you’re in the
mood, please contact Chairman Stephen Buehrer (R 74) of the House State Government Committee (district74@ohr.state.oh.us or
614-644-5091) and request that he put HB 238 on the fast track. It sure would be great to have it signed into law by May 1 st .
That’s it for this edition of the ACTIVIST Supplement. Hopefully, all of you will do your part in keeping awareness of CMRO in
front of the Legislature. After all, CMRO’s MISSION is to “preserve and protect the rights and lives of motorcycling.” Fortunately,
the Constitution and modern technology permits us to participate in the process, largely from home via email, phone, fax and the U.
S. Mail. Elsewhere in the world, participation often involves guns, armor, tanks, bombs and potential for incarceration, torture, serious
injury and/or death.
See you at the International Motorcycle Expo at Cleveland’s IX Center January 27, 28 & 29.
MAY IS
MOTORCYCLE AWARNESS
MONTH
6

NEW PARTY SITE FOR REGION 8’S FREEDOM RALLY
Checked out the new site on Sunday, March 19th. It's big - very big. About 160 acres. It's basically set up for motocross
racing, with a number of tracks. Don’t worry, we won’t have to put up with loud motocross type bikes all weekend
, they will close off the tracks while we are there. The tracks will also be roped off — don't want a bunch of drunk
bikers tearing around the race track on their dressers (that includes me). They have had concerts out there before, and
are planning on a huge concert in September (I heard they are trying to get David Allen Coe as the head liner).
Camping is primitive, no electricity available for campers. Not a lot of trees either - canopies will be a necessity.
Campfires will be allowed, but fires will have to be enclosed in fire rings.
They are working on a number of improvements, two of which must occur before the Freedom Rally. They are
running an electric line down to the stage, and they are putting in some showers. The stage is huge, but pretty basic.
They are using tarps to cover the stage, but plan on putting up a permanent roof (maybe next year). They are also planning
on pouring a concrete floor - the current stage floor is mostly plywood.
The place is easy to find. Take Rte 30 to Rte 43 South. When you enter Waynesburg, just past the spot that Rt 44
& Rt 43 have a Y intersection, make a right turn on Mottice Dr and follow it for about a mile and a half. There will be a
huge sign on the left side of the road. There are a bunch of stores, gas stations, restaurants, etc at the 44 & 43 intersection,
so people won't have to travel far for supplies. The party site is fairly well isolated, so no problems with neighbors.
No place is perfect, and there are a couple things to consider. If it gets very windy, there will be a lot of dust in
the air from all the sandy race tracks. The driveway is gravel, with a short section made up of crushed bricks. This area
could be a bit tricky, especially if wet. Go slow and be cautious when you ride up the driveway!
The people who own the land are very excited about having us there, and seem to be putting out a lot of effort to
make sure it all goes well. As an extra bonus, one of the key people is the son of Ed & Cathy Harper (Region 8 board
members), so we have should have some serious pull with these guys.
There is a flier posted on the www.cmro.org web site along with a link to map quest.
Michael McLaughlin
Concerned Member & Devoted Party Guy
7

USE THE APPLICATION FORM INSIDE!
From:
Newsletter
275 First Street
Wadsworth OH 44281
TO:
VISIT THE CMRO STATE WEBSITE 10
www.abatecmro.org