This month we have bad news, sad news, good news and general news. Pull on the leathers and let's go…

SAD NEWS - Early in September Teresa, the Phoenix and myself headed towards Jasper in southern Indiana. The destination, another funeral home, another funeral and another death. And yes, another motorcyclist. This time I did not know the man. His name was Tim Fromme. He was a Motorcycle Instructor with ABATE of Indiana.

Fromme, 42, was riding on S.R. 162 near Seymour with his wife on his Ultra Glide. Conditions were clear, his speed legal, and his body drug free. He became victim to the number one killer of motorcyclists. A car pulled into his path.

The driver, according to witnesses, stopped at a stop sign at a fairly clear and unobstructed intersection, then quickly accelerated out and into the path of Fromme. Fromme , driving at about 45 M.P.H. had approximately twenty feet to slow his motorcycle. I believe, because of his experience and training, he slowed the motorcycle enough to save the life of his wife, who was a passenger. She survived with a broken arm and many stitches. Tim was killed instantly. The driver, sixteen years old, said, "I didn't see him."

What's the lesson? I don't know. This year in Indiana two of our Motorcycle Instructors have been killed in road accidents. Two others have been injured on their motorcycles. This situation has NEVER happened in the history of ABATE of Indiana. The State Board of Education has strict and unforgiving guidelines for Instructors. We are continually evaluated and tested randomly for our riding ability, knowledge, and conduct. Maybe the lesson is this: You can do everything right and still be involved in a tragedy.

The sad fact is this: our motorcycles can hurt us. Learn and practice safe riding techniques. Expect the worse, hope for the best. Let GOD do the rest.

BAD NEWS - It's November. The season's almost over. I encourage everyone to ride, just remember that warm, fitted protective gear, especially gloves, helmets (that offer unrestricted view) and clothing are a must, not just for protection, but for ENJOYMENT of your motorcycle.

In cold riding conditions the first stage of hypothermia affects your judgement. Your reflexes are slowed (because your muscles are cold) and you're distracted because you're uncomfortable. Spending your money on functional gear that keeps you warm and protected extends your riding season and keeps motorcycling more enjoyable.

GLAD NEWS - I received a call from Dave Barr telling me to thank everyone for their kindness and exceptional hospitality. He said, "I will never think of Indiana the same way again. The folks from the Muncie Club, the drivers we encountered (we rode a thousand miles together while he was here) have been extraordinary. I had a very good time. It was like a vacation. Tell everyone I will remember them and their beautiful state."

His visit to Indiana raised several thousand dollars for 'Wheels in Motion' and drew attention by the media for disabled people.

This was all made possible by the generous support of members of our Club. To Brad Stanley, Tim Riley, Joe Clark, Chris Hiatt, Rick Robertson and Phil and Steve Benson…. A simple Thank You! You guys will never know how many people you helped through your kindness, but your kindness will never be forgotten.

GENERAL NEWS - Mathew Ware is back in the news. He is the first recipient of the 'Emily Award'. She was the little girl paralyzed by the train accident at the (now defunct) 'Indiana Fun Park' two years ago. Her family lobbied the General Assembly for legislation to protect children on amusement park rides throughout the state. Matt received the award from actor Christopher Reeves at a special banquet held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.

FINAL NEWS - My road test of the Black Panther Battery, installed last October, proved less than desirable. While the battery was powerful and convenient, the design of the battery posts (internally mounted with direct bolts through the top) proved to be it's downfall. The vibration of the Softail caused the positive post to snap internally, leaving my bike and my wife fuming by the side of the road, It seems Teresa (120lbs.) had a difficult time push starting my bike (970 lbs.) with me (weight unknown) on it. I reminded her that in the Pioneer Days the women used to push the covered wagons across the plains. She was not amused and I found myself in the doghouse again!

POSTSCRIPT - One thing that I personally enjoyed during Dave Barr's visit was the time we spent together. His stories about adventures, the people he met, the customs of other countries were just some of the things I found fascinating. Also, his daily habits and behavior. He would start every morning with an intense workout on the cement driveway. He would do three sets of 300 pushups, rain or shine. This was followed by a large breakfast, juice and tons of coffee. He would then reach in his pocket and take out his little box of pills and pick out seven or eight various colored tablets, line them up in a row on the table and slowly wash each down with water.

At first, watching this ritual, I was too embarrassed to ask what all those pills were for. Dave is from Califonia and I learned early in life that Californian people do things a little different than we do here in Indiana. During our second day together, while he was taking these pills, I broke down and asked him what they were for. He explained that he is a believer in natural vitamins and herbs, that the supplements he takes keeps him healthy, he bragged of being sick only five times in the last fifteen years. He asked if I had any health problems, I told him no, except for the pill I take to lower my cholesterol.

He said, " Jim, I got just the thing for you. Take this and it will lower your cholesterol, reduce your chance of a heart attack and give you a whole new outlook on life."

He gave me a capsule containing 500mg of cayenne pepper, which I took. Minutes later I felt, slowly at first, a warm sensation in my stomach. It quickly grew into a raging fire that made me think smoke was coming out of my nose, I ran to the sink and began gulping copious amounts of water, attempting to put the fire out.

Dave said, "Did you eat breakfast?". Shaking my head no (as I guzzled a cold Pepsi), he laughed and informed me that the cayenne pill should only be taken with food.

After that morning, every meal we shared, he would stop midway, reach in his pocket, take out his pillbox and place two cayenne tablets on the table, one for him and one for me.

I must admit that I had no other problems taking the pill the rest of that week, however I insisted on having two glasses of ice water close by just in case.

Two days ago I received a package in the mail. Inside was a huge bottle containing 500 tablets of cayenne pepper. Gift-wrapped.

Thanks Dave.