Dean Akey

The Bull Pen

God Speed Anita

by Dean Akey

In a split second it was over... How could this happen? Anita Zaffke was enjoying some quality two wheel time in Lake Zurich IL Saturday afternoon, May 2^nd and noticed the light was turning red. Zaffke stopped and waited for the light to change so she could resume her ride. The light never did turn Green for Zaffke.

Zaffke was struck by Lora Hunt, 48 who admittedly was painting her nails at the time she hit Zaffke with her Chevy Impala. According to Lake County Sherriff Mark Curran, Hunt conceded that she was not paying attention and did not see the motorcycle stopped in front of her.

Zaffke was wearing a helmet and reflective vest when struck. The impact was so violent that it threw Zaffke and her Honda Shadow about 200 feet up the road. Think about it, 200 feet is the height of a 20 story building. Zaffke died about an hour later at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington IL.

In just a split second Hunt took away everything that Zaffke was and could be. For Anita Zaffke, life was over.

The Lake County State's Attorney is investigating the accident and will decide if criminal prosecution is warranted. Unfortunately, under existing statutes, proving felony vehicular homicide may be a difficult case to prosecute based upon the existing definition. State Rep. William Black (R-Danville) sponsored the "negligent vehicular homicide" bill which would carry a penalty of up to 3 years in prison. Black introduced the bill this year after a bicyclist in his district was killed by a motorist downloading ringtones to a cell phone. Under the proposed law, distracted drivers who cause deaths would face a prison sentence as well as a $25,000 fine and revocation of their driver's license for at least one year upon conviction.

This tragedy has renewed the debate in Illinois whether a momentary distraction amounts to criminal behavior, comparable to drunken driving.

Let's face the facts. Motorcycle accidents and fatalities are a major concern. "Our nation's greatest traffic highway safety challenge is motorcycle fatalities," says U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, noting that biking deaths are rising while other vehicle fatalities are declining"

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2007, 5,154 people died in motorcycle crashes, the highest level since NHTSA began collecting data in 1975. The 2007 figure represents a 6.6 percent from 4,837 the previous year.

Motorcycle crash fatalities have increased every year for the past 10 years. Motorcyclists were 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled in 2006 and eight times more likely to be injured, according to NHTSA.

Zaffke's accident is a fairly rare occurrence. According to the NHTSA, Only 5 percent of motorcycle fatalities were struck in the rear. 78 percent of the motorcycles fatalities involve two vehicles were struck the impact is in the front.

So what can my 7.1 million biker brothers and sisters do to help address this epidemic? As bikers we need to be seen and heard. I hope you join me in supporting legislation like the negligent vehicular homicide bill that would allow us to effectively prosecute those who do us harm.

I would also ask you to join me in developing your skills to provide emergency medical assistance to the victims of accidents. What we do immediately after an accident until professional emergency response personnel arrive can and does save lives. I invite you to visit the Rescue Riders www.rescueriders.org and ask yourself if you are ready to "Ride for a Reason".

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Anita Zaffke. There will be a visitation at Ahlgrims funeral home, 415 S Buesching Rd in Lake Zurich on Thursday May 7^th 3pm & 9pm. The funeral service will be Friday at 10:00 am. The family has asked us to help spread the word and has encouraged all interested motorcyclists to join these services to honor the memory of Anita Zaffke.

I hope you can join me in honoring Anita and all of our fallen brothers & sisters. God speed Anita.

Brother can you spare a dime? This was a commonplace saying in the great depression. Today we have many of the same conditions which brought our great nation to its knees in the 1930's. During this period President's Hoover & Roosevelt developed government programs like the "New Deal" to help return America to its economic health.

While our current economic stimulus and bailouts are taking a vastly different approach there are some elements which may benefit you. You may be surprised to know that motorcycles are considered qualified vehicles in Section 1008 of the Economic Stimulus Package. The intent of including motorcycles as qualified vehicles was to encourage Americans to "go green". It's no surprise that motorcycles are more fuel efficient than autos so the move does make sense.

The new law guarantees that anyone who purchases a new motorcycle, light truck, new car or recreational vehicle, Feb. 17 through Jan. 1, 2010, will deduct state and local sales taxes as well as any excise tax charged in the purchase. In order for citizens to obtain the tax deduction, the bike must be less than 8,500 pounds in gross vehicle weight and cost less than $49,500. The buyer must also make less than $125,000 in gross taxable income and $250,000 for joint filers. However, the deduction is phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income between $125,00 and $135,00, and $250,00 and $260,00 in case of a joint return.

If motorcycles aren't your thing, this provision also applies to qualified cars and trucks. Heck, even folks buying motor homes get a break. Even though motor home sales have slumped, a tax provision for motor homes is included, which allows a portion of the sales or excise tax paid on the purchase of a new motor home to be deducted.

The deduction is attributable to taxes applying to the first $49,500 of the purchase price. Individuals with an adjusted gross income of up to $125,000 and joint filers with an adjusted gross income of up to $250,000 are eligible for the deduction.

So what does this mean to you? Let's assume you just bought a new Road King for $20,000. If you were not trading a vehicle you would pay sales tax on the total. If you are trading a vehicle you only pay sales tax on the "difference". So using our example, you just shelled out $20,000 and fork out an additional $1500 for sales tax (7.5%). Our friends in Chicago would pay $2000 thanks to the efficiency of Cook County. So now that you have shelled out this money what's next?

Thanks to the new Economic Stimulus Package you can deduct the amount you paid in sales tax on a new qualified vehicle from your gross income. Let's do the math to see how this impacts you. For our example let's say you made $100,000 in 2009 and your tax rate is 32%. By reducing your income by $1500 you just pocketed $480. It's not a whopping sum but as my grandpa would say, "it's better than a stick in the eye".

Times are tough for everyone so a few extra bucks is always good news in my book. I recently bought a new 2009 Street Glide and I damn sure will be deducting my sales tax..... Heck, now I can buy some more bling for my scooter.

So there is the good news. You are now one step closer to getting that new scooter. Now to make sure that you get the best deal and coverage on your motorcycle insurance you need to call me. I can customize a plan for you that protects you, your family and your new scooter. If I can help you please call me at 630-232-9811 or drop me a line at deanakey@allstate.com. Until my next edition, ride safe and often.

Out & About

Riding season is here and we have added a new feature to our magazine. The column is called "Out & About" and we will be featuring area rides & events that are on my "most excellent" list. Let's face it, as bikers we do more to support our communities than any other demographic group in existence. Each month I will highlight some of the events that make my "most excellent" list and hope you can join me. Are you ready? Well, throw a leg over your trusty scooter and let's ride.

Sunday, May 3^rd, 2009 Ride Janie

My friend Jane Orlock Bawel of Downers Grove, was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2005 and was in need of a stem cell transplant. Janie faced astronomical medical expenses not covered by insurance. You probably already know what I think of those darn insurance people. Bikers to the rescue. The first event attracted about 400 bikers and raised close to $50,000. Janie got her transplant. "The outpouring of love, support and healing that day from the hundreds of motorcyclists and attendees was a gift I will treasure always," says Bawel. "My husband, Brandon, and I felt so blessed that we wanted to pay it forward."

From the first Ride Janie event in 2005, Janie and her tireless group of volunteers have kept their promise of "paying it forward" and seek out area children suffering with similar conditions. This year's ride will benefit Kataryna Lantgen (6) of Hanover Park, Logan Lavery (4) of Lombard and Samantha Wildeboer (14) of Northbrook, who have been diagnosed with blood cancer.

The ride will begin at Wild Fire Harley Davidson and Buell, 120 W. North Ave., Villa Park; follow a 60-mile fully escorted route through the Southwest suburbs and end at Heroes West Sports Bar & Grill in Joliet. Registration and activities start at 8:30 a.m. Kickstands up at 11 a.m.

Event details and pre-registration are available on the Ride Janie Ride Foundation Web site, http://www.RideJanieRide.org.

May 16^th Mooseheart Bike Blessing

Are all bikers superstitious or is it just me? Even though I am a man of the cloth I always start my year with some divine intervention. This year I will be getting my spiritual boost at the 6^th Annual Mooseheart Run & Bike Blessing. This year's event benefits the Special Olympics and the Mooseheart Child City & School. These organizations do amazing work in our communities so I hope you can make it. Registration begins at 8:00 am at the Mooseheart Campus which is located between Aurora & Batavia on Mooseheart Road which is East of Randall Road and West of Route 31. The blessing will take place at the Mooseheart Field House at 11:00 am followed by a 70 mile escorted ride ending with a free hog roast at Zylstra Harley Davidson in Saint Charles.

Jean Davidson, Author & Granddaughter of Walter Davidson, Founder of Harley Davidson will be the guest of honor for this event. For more information please visit www.mooseheart.org.

May 17^th Little Angels

The Annual Little Angels Pledge Run began in 1988 as a means for an Elgin Harley Owners group (EAO) to give back to the community. The group approached 2 other charities before Little Angels and was turned away because of their "biker image." This organization then reached out to Little Angels Administrator Shelley Lewis and found a grateful recipient.

From this partnership, the Little Angels Pledge Run was born. The first Run was a local event and raised a little over $9000. Since then, the Little Angels Pledge Run has grown into one of the Midwest's largest single-day motorcycle pledge events, includes in excess of 2000 motorcyclists annually and has raised over three and a half million dollars. These funds made possible the construction of a state-of-the-art, nationally recognized residential facility and developmental training center.

The Little Angels is a loving home for children and young adults with severe disabilities and complex medical needs. It is a state-of-the-art facility offering round-the-clock skilled nursing, therapeutic and habilitation services in a warm, caring environment. Little Angels may not be a home in the traditional sense, but it does provide the most important aspects that make a home--love, care and support. I have toured the Little Angels facilities and was amazed at the care and compassion these folks provide.

This Elgin Area Organization of Harley Owners (EAO) sponsors this event and will be partnering with The Loop, Chicago's Rock Station's Eddie Webb, afternoon DJ at The Loop, and a Harley rider himself. Eddie will jump on his Harley and take part in this year's Pledge Run. Joining Eddie will be the The newly-crowned Loop Rock Girl! Join us for some great burgers and brats at the after-party while listening to live music from Three-Finger Fencl.

The grand prize winner will walk away with a 2009 FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide or $10,000 cash. Second place is a 2009 XL 883L Sportster or $5,000 cash. Come out and have some fun with us. The Pledge Run starts and ends at Woodstock Harley-Davidson, 2050 Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL. Registration: 10 am - 12 noon. The Post-ride party will be 1 pm - 5 pm. Your registration fee includes bagels and coffee before the ride and lunch, drinks and entertainment after the ride. 100% of your pledge money supports Little Angels.

That's it for my May "most excellent" list. Of course there are many other most excellent runs and events out there so keep on keeping on. If you would like to share your event with us please post your event details at www.illinoisblogspot.com. The Illinois Blog Spot is the largest free site for area biker events in Illinois & Wisconsin so please let us know about your events. Until next month, ride safe and often.

Many of you know that I am a lifelong biker.  When you think of bikers what comes to mind?  Law breakers?  Tattoos?  Loud Pipes?  Trouble Makers?

You may be surprised to know that as a demographic, bikers contribute more to philanthropic causes than any other group of people in the nation.

I know, some of us including me look kinda scary but once you get to know us you may find that we actually are decent folks.

Much has changed over the years but I am still troubled by the perception that many of you have of us bikers...

Many bikers have a softer side and are damn sensitive.  To prove my point I want to introduce you to one of my most excellent biker brothers Ed.  Ed is a hard core biker who logs a ton of miles and when not riding, Ed serves the people as a police officer. 

Ed has raised many thousands of dollars for charity and works tirelessly on behalf of less fortunate folks.  Ed also has a sensitive side....  Dont believe me?  Watch the video...  Nuff Said....

Look into my eyes..... That's right, now I will use my Vulcan mind meld on you........

I can read your mind. I know what you are thinking... I know what you intend to do...

What's this? You want to run a corporation and make a profit?

You want to reward your employees if they are successful and apply a strict code of ethics?

Not on my watch... You think the American people will stand for this.

No, not on my watch.... You see, corporate America is evil. Just look at AIG...

It doesnt matter that you may be different....

All corporate America must come under my powers...

The Washington Federation of Liberal Politicians will grant me power over you....

You just wait and see...

What's that? Remember, I can read minds...

You think I am not relevant any more because Star Trek has been off the air for years?

Check out my new gig...

How do you like me now?

Live Long and Pay Taxes.... So I don't have to..