This past Sunday, November 6, more than 2,777 bikers traveled from Lawrence-Dumont Stadium to Kansas Coliseum as part of the 32nd Annual Wichita Toy Run.

The run has grown more and more each year since its origin in 1980, starting out with just 30 riders to the present day count up to almost 3,000. Thousands of toys are gathered and other holiday items for the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Kansas Food Banks each year during the ride.

Unfortunately this year there were two motorcycle accident during the event. The first accident occured at 25th and Broadway when a motorcyclist lost control of his bike. He and his female passenger fell off the bike and were taken to Via Christi Hospital. The two suffered from serious injuries. The second accident happend in the 6900 block of North Broadway and involved a bike and a rider says the 911 dispatcher. Both involved in this accident received minor injuries. Holly Potelle, the director of the event, involved since the very first run in 1980, said "it has been a long time since we had an accident, since we even had problems. You just never know with this many motorcycles,"

(Thousands of toys, delivered on two wheels, Beccy Tanner, The Wichita Eagle,

http://www.kansas.com/2011/11/07/2092798/thousands-of-toys-delivered-two.html).

Despite the two accidents, it was a successful and uplifting parade. There were so many toys donated this year that it took four 26-foot long trucks to haul everything. The exact amount of money raised this year has yet to be calculated, but last year the total raised was over $13,000.

Those involved in organizing the run really keep the giving spirit alive and it shows, as "the organization is all volunteer-no money is paid for salaries. Donations go to those in need," said Potelle. Both Dan and Dorothy Haines have been volunteering since 1996 and love being involved every year. They both play key roles in the parade as Santa and Mrs. Claus. Dan states that "this is about the most fun a person can have on a motorcycle. You are collecting toys, making kids happy, and donating to several different charities," (Thousands of toys, delivered on two wheels, Beccy Tanner, The Wichita Eagle).

Minus the two accidents, the run was definitely a success. If you haven't been be sure to mark it on your calendar next year as it is a great ride, but also a greay way to give back.

Harley Davidson has recalled about 308,000 motorcycles due to a switch problem that has the potential to cause failure of the brake lights and even the rear brakes as well.

This problem is caused when the brake light switches are exposed to too much heat given off from the exhaust system. In turn the brake lights fail from the heat and can also cause fluid leaks and failure of the rear brakes. This problem is present in Touring, CVO Touring, and Trike motorcycles model years 2009-2012, (Harley to recall more than 308,000 motorcycles, The Associated Press, The Sacramento Bee,

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/10/24/4002839/harley-to-recall-more-than-308000.html).

This issue was first discovered in June of 2010 when a report of a Trike model motorcycle that lost its rear brakes. The company began an investigation after that, which lead to a crash in Louisiana, but it has been undetermined if this issue was the cause.

The company will notify owners of the recall as it will affect 251,000 motorcycles in the U.S. If you are one of the owners of a bike with this problem, installation of rear brake light switch kits are free at dealerships.

This recall is going to cost around $10 million to $12 million that will be an expense for the fourth quarter, according to the filing the company placed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

(Harley to recall more than 308,000 motorcycles, The Associated Press, The Sacramento Bee).

George Lamper, a Alton resident was hit on his motorcycle when Graydon Terry of Rochester failed to yield to the Lamper when turning left into the Family Care on 316 Route 11.

The first to arrive on the scene to help Lamper were medical attendees from Family Care since the accident occurred right next to the facility. Following the accident Lamper, 64, was taken by ambulance to Frisbie Memorial Hospital. Injuries did not appear to be life-threatening but Lamper did suffer from both back and a righ wrist injury. Lamper was wearing a helmet while riding his bike, and no alcohol or other drug substances were in his system says Farmington Police Sergeant Michael McNeil, (Man hurt in Car, Motorcycle Collision in Farmington-Liz Markhlevskaya, Rochester Region,

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article

AID=/20111013/GJNEWS_01/710139766&template=RochesterRegion).

The motorcycle Lamper was riding was towed and the 2011 Nissan Sentra had severe damage on the passenger side. Terry, 83, the driver of the blue 2011 Nissan Sentra, is not being charged, although he was suppose to give the right of way to Lamper before making his left-hand turn. However; McNeil says the investigation is still open.

At 5:30pm on Tuesday, October 18 a Virginia State Police trooper crashed his motorcycle while securing the roadway for the Presidential motorcade coming through.

President Obama was due to speak at the Greensville County High School in Emporia, and as the motorcade made its way through it was necessary to shut down both sides of the interstate, and that's what State police were assisting with, said Sergeant Michelle Anaya, (VA. State Police motorcycle crashes during Obama motorcade, The Virginian-Pilot, Lauren King,

At mile marker number 8 mile while securing the roadway along the southbound side of 1-95, Sergeant J.L. Kirkpatrick crashed his motorcycle when he slid off the left side of the ramp causing him to overturn, (VA. State Police motorcycle crashes during Obama motorcade). As the presidential motorcade went past, reporters with the motorcade saw the accident along the exit ramp.

Rescue personnel were close by so responded quickly and were able to treat him on the scene. Luckily Kirkpatrick injuries were not more serious, he suffered minor abrasions.

Marcus Benard, a defensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns was involved in a motorcycle accident which resulted in the breaking of his hand.

The accident occurred shortly after practice on Monday, October 10, their first day back from bye week. Ninety minutes after practice on Interstate 71 Benard crashed his motorcycle. Benard was traveling at a "high rate of speed" causing him to lose control of the bike crossing over four lanes until crashing into a guardrail, a witness told police on the scene. Police confirm there were no other vehicles involved and that the investigation has come to a close, (Report: Browns to pay Marcus Benard, The Associated Press,

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7096957/cleveland-browns-reportedly-pay-marcus-benard-accident). Benard now suffers from a broken hand and other undisclosed injuries. After three days Benard was released from the Cleveland Clinic.

Although the injury was non-football related, the Browns have decided to pay Benard for the remainder of the season, which is roughly $375,000. Benard has been placed on the reserve non-football injury list which only having played four games this year ends his season, (Report: Browns to Pay Marcus Benard, The Associated Press).

As an undrafted free agent in 2009, his rookie season, the first nine games Benard was on the practice squad until he was signed to the active roster and played in the last six games with 3 ½ sacks. In 2010 he held the lead with 7 ½ sacks playing in a total of 15 games, (Report: Browns to Pay Marcus Benard, The Associated Press).

Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shumur had said last week that there was a future for Benards with the Browns. Defensive Coordinator Dick Jauron says on Benard's accident "It's so devastating for the young man. He was just starting to get back from preseason injuries and setbacks. It's a big disappointment. I'm very disappointed for him and for us." Although this is a blow to Benard and the team, of course all are grateful that it wasn't more serious and "thankful that he's still with us," Jauron.

In the college town of Logan on September 14, 2011 witnesses of a major motorcycle accident became rescuers when students, officers, and passer-bys lined up to lift the 4,000 pound BMW involved in the accident allowing student and motorcyclist Wright to be removed from under the car.

The accident occurred near Utah State University where Wright was headed on his motorcycle, to study. A BMW pulled out of a parking lot and as skid marks show, Wright laid his bike down as he slide along the road before colliding with the car. The bike then smashed into the car's hood and bounced to the ground, while Wright slid underneath the car and both the motorcycle and car became inflamed, described Jeff Curtis, Assistant Logan Police Chief, (Students lift car off Utah motorcyclist after fiery crash, Jennifer Dobner, Sun Times, http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/7651193-418/students-lift-car-off-utah-biker-after-fiery-motorcycle-crash.htmluntimes.com).

Nearly half a dozen witnesses lined up along the side of the car to take action, as they began to rock and then lift the car enough for a construction worker to finally be able to pull Wright from underneath the car and two officers to extinguish the flames. The rescuers are being dubbed ‘heroes' and ‘angels,' yet none wants to accept such a title. Abbass Sharif, a Utah State doctoral candidate and one of the rescuers said “That's a big title. I don't consider myself a hero. It's just our humanity…Everyone is going to help.”  Regardless of whether they are willing to accept a title or not, Curtis said he could “only speculate what the outcome would have been had none of the rescuers sprung to action.”

The 21 year old student Wright who was involved in the accident is “very thankful. They saved my life.” Tyler Riggs, Wright's uncle says he does recall details of the accidents, being able to feel the heat of the flames, being under the car spitting up blood and unable to speak. Although Wright was not wearing a helmet he suffered no head trauma, but did have a broken pelvis, both legs broken, road rash, burns on his left foot and abrasions on the forehead. A statement from the hospital declares Wright's condition as satisfactory.

There is no comment from the driver of the BMW, but one rescuer Matt Barney said “he was really worried about the safety of the young man; he was very emotional and shaken.”

Riggs, just like Wright and the rest of his family are extremely grateful for the acts of the rescuers that day. “They risked their lives,” said Riggs, “It restores my faith in humanity,” (Students lift car off Utah motorcyclist after fiery crash, Jennifer Dobner, Sun Times, http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/7651193-418/students-lift-car-off-utah-biker-after-fiery-motorcycle-crash.htmluntimes.com).

With Labor Day approaching the Motorcycle Cycle Lawyer knows there is nothing like the open road on a long weekend. Unfortunately, everyone else is going to have that same idea, and with more motorcyclists and drivers on the road safety becomes an issue. If travel via motorcycle is a part your plan this Labor Day Weekend; keep these tips in mind to keep yourself safe.

• Is your bike ready for long distance travel? Checking the tire pressure, headlights, and fluids prior to venturing on your trip can prevent several issues that could leave you stranded.

• Know your exit. Besides keeping you aware of your next stop, drivers may make unforeseen lane changes to exit potentially causing an accident.

• Be seen! Make sure to wear bright, reflective clothing to stand out and be seen by others on the road.

• Map out or GPS your route. In an unfamiliar area knowing the road and possible construction areas will make you aware of upcoming lane changes and basic surroundings.

• Give yourself time. Leave a little earlier than originally planned; this allows for possible delays and unexpected traffic.

• Be well rested. Riding tired or ill will cause you to lose focus. Take breaks when needed.

• Know that your mirrors may be distorted; motorcycle riders have a narrower field of vision than that of a vehicle's.

• Know a truck's blind spots. If you cannot see the truck driver in the truck's mirror, he or she cannot see you.

• Leave yourself space. In large amounts of traffic it becomes difficult for drivers to see you so be sure to leave a perimeter of space in front and back of you, and on either side.

 (Travel Safety This Labor Day Weekend, Leather Bound, http://blog.leatherboundonline.com/325/travel-safely-labor-day-weekend/).

The most important thing is to pay attention, because unfortunately you cannot count on other drivers to. Being aware of your surroundings and other drivers will help keep you out of harm's way this holiday. Have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!
 

Looking for a last minute get-away this weekend? For all you bike lovers the MotoGP Series 4th Red Bull Indianapolis GP is the ticket!

Whether you have been in past years or if this will be your first, this event promises to be a good time! The main attraction for the weekend will be some of the world's best motorcycle riders competing for IMS victory. Some of the riders include Jorge Lorenzo, Colin Edwards, Ben Spies, Dani Pedrosa, Casey Stoner, Valentino Rossi, and Nicky Hayden. Want to see them in action? The featured race will start at 2p.m. Sunday, August 28.

Many of the popular events at IMS will now be a part of their “IMS After Dark;” evening programming. Public gates will remain open until 10p.m. and for the first time; bikes can be parked in the center of it all on the new Main Street in IMS infield.

A concert line-up of both national and regional acts will be a highlight of IMS After Dark. The line-up is as follows:

Friday, August 26:
7:15p.m.-8:15p.m. : Crash-led by two-time World Superbike champion and former MotoGP rider James Toseland.
8:30p.m.-10p.m. : Appetite for Destruction-a premier Guns N' Roses tribute band.

Saturday, August 27:
6:30p.m. : Kelley James-acoustic/pop/freestyle artist.
7:45p.m. : DJ Mick Boogie
9p.m. : Ghostland Observatory- elector-rock band with laser show.

Pre-race enjoy stunts performed by Red Bull aerobatic and air race pilot Kirby Chambliss and Red Bull motorcycle stunt riders Geoff Aaron and Aaron Colton. This is sure to be a show as “Chambliss will fly over the IMS infield and Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, Colton will perform stunts on the front straightaway, and Aaron will stunt in the Vender Marketplace,” (What's New at the Red Bull Indianapolis GP?, Paul Kelly, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com).

This year Harley Davidson fans will be pleased as AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 series brings HD to IMS.  Events will take place all three days with races on Saturday and Sunday. If you like more of a classic look, vintage racing motorcycles that will be participating in the Cycle World Rolling Concourse will be on display as well.

Other popular events to look forward to are interviews with every MotoGP rider Friday at 5p.m. adjacent to the main stage, the Pit Walkabout “which allows fans to see up-close the incredible prototype machines of MotoGP will take place on the pit lane from 5-6:45p.m. Saturday on the Red Bull Energy Stage,” (www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com), and a firework show Saturday!
 

Pumped for the 2011 MotoGP Red Bull Indianapolis now? Get your tickets at www.imstix.com or call IMS ticket office at 317-492-6700. Pricing is as follows:
 

Race Day general admission: $40
Friday general admission: $10
Saturday general admission: $20
Three-day general admission: $60
Friday-Saturday general admission: $25
Race Day reserved seat: starting at $70
Children ages 12 and under FREE! (must be accompanied by an adult with a general admission ticket).
 

The Motorcycle Lawyer recently discovered a new company Thermahelm which claims their helmets to be the airbags of motorcycles, and they're so cool they will literally put you on “ICE.”

Thermahelm essentially is a helmet that upon impact acts as a cooling pack for the brain. Brain injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents, which are typically due to swelling of the brain and medical response time. The thermahelm helmet claims to reduce brain swelling by keeping the brain cool for up to 45 minutes, allotting more time for emergency response.

Invented by neuro-protective specialist Julian Preston Powers in 2005, the basic science of the helmet is that it contains polystyrene foam, which is found in all helmets; the same foam used in walls, refrigerators and portable coolers. This specific foam is a great energy absorber in the event of an accident; however also being an insulator it can cause over heating for the wearer. Powers' helmet combines this foam technology with two chemical packs in the lining. The first pack contains ammonium nitrate and the other water. When an accident occurs and the helmet is impacted the packs mix to create a cooling reaction which will stabilize temperature of the brain and ease swelling.

The first round of helmets sold out when they were introduced in Britain for 999 pounds or 450 US dollars. Even with such a huge initial success, some consumers are skeptical. One reaction is that “anything like this distracts from the central message which is don't have the accident in the first place, be careful, and…you've got to have consideration for motorcyclists,” says Iam Mutch of the Motorcycle Action Group in Daily Tech's “Thermahelm Motorcycle Helmet Helps Prevent Injury by Inducing Brain Freeze.” Others like Martin Dugard British Speedway racer, believe it's important to protect yourself, especially the head. 
 

Beyond the safety aspects of Thermahelm's helmets, they've extended their cooling technology to comfort levels for motorcyclists as well with their ICE system (Internal Cooling/Extraction). This system consists of tubing which when activated releases compressed gas which can significantly cool the head by several degrees in a matter of seconds. This makes the rider more comfortable on hot summer days, but again promotes safety by helping riders stay concentrated in warmer weather conditions. The network of cooling tubes can be activated by a trigger which can be placed in any convenient spot for the rider. Some models even come with a built in GPS system which is traceable in the event of an accident, increasing medical response time.
 

Curious and want more information?  http://www.thermahelm.com/index.html