Learn to Assist an Injured Motorcyclist in Indiana

Badlands of Indiana, USA - In the next couple of months, motorcyclists in Indiana will be getting ready for those road trips we’ve all been waiting for since last summer, and now is the time for some much needed preparation. 

As motorcyclist, we all know that motorcycle maintenance is very important, along with good riding skills. The preparedness that we are talking about here is what to do in case of a motorcycle accident involving injuries. A good solid course by trained and experienced professionals will provide you with the knowledge and know how if a situation were to happen, especially if travelling in a group. 

Pictured: A local EMS assisting an injured motorcyclist

There are great first aid course providers across Indiana, including Red Cross that teaches general first aid, but we may need something more that goes beyond the CPR and band-aid stuff. Knowing how to react and provide immediate care in the aftermath of a crash, whether it involves yourself or a fellow rider may mean the difference between life and death. 

Remember, professional medical help is often delayed, especially in the remote areas where we, as motorcyclists, are likely to ride. Having the knowledge and the basic equipment to manage life threatening injuries like catastrophic bleeding or airway obstruction, can dramatically improve outcomes. 

Riders Rescue 

One such course that we highly endorse for Indiana is the training classes by Riders Rescue out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Their training courses will provide you with the tools you need to manage motorcycle trauma and make a difference in the care, before EMS arrives on the scene and assure proper hand-off of the injured rider. 

Photo courtesy of Riders Rescue

They offer both their basic course along with an advanced motorcycle first aid training option for the general public so motorcyclists and even bystanders can assist in the event of a motorcycle or any other two wheel trauma; be it a bicycle, scooter or a motorized bicycle accident. 

Their goal is to have as many in Indiana trained and prepared to handle motorcycle and two wheel accidents as possible, with training available to all corners of the state.

Military and Veterans Discount 

The folks at Riders Rescue are extremely grateful to our men and women who served our nation and for those that continue to do so. What started as an internal, enhanced first aid course by a few military members of their non-profit organization, including a Paramedic and a retired EMT-B, the training became available statewide in 2025. 

In fact, their lead instructor is a retired Veteran of the US Air Force. Due to the program being ran by ex-military folks, the training incorporates some Combat Medic and Hospital Corpsman education versus the traditional, sanitary environment you have in a hospital. 

Photo courtesy of Bikers Helping Veterans

As the first and only Veteran created and ran first response trauma training geared toward motorcyclists in Indiana, they are honored to offer discounts to our nation's finest. Military and Veterans discounts applies to all class materials, training, as well as their trauma kits and supplies once a Veteran is verified. 

Sponsorship Opportunities 

Riders Rescue is open to sponsorships to help with minimizing rider fatalities in the state of Indiana. If your business entails directly working with motorcycle people, then this is a great opportunity to show you care and support them. 

Your sponsorship will go far because it will help pay for course materials, trauma kits, pay down costs for student courses and specialized training tools. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a class or wants to be involved in some capacity, go to RidersRescue.org for more information. Sponsorships are tax deductible. 

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Riders Rescue is an educational program of Bikersinc.org, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization..

Bikers Against Child Abuse Vice President Arrested

Buffalo, New York, USA (April 11, 2025) - The Buffalo chapter vice president of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) was arrested Wednesday for sex crimes against children. John Todaro, 49, of Amherst, was allegedly found to be in possession of child pornography following an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation. He was also disseminating child pornography, officials said.

 

Police said Todaro would have had opportunities to be around children in his role. The BACA website says at least two members must be present to meet with a child to protect against accusations of child abuse. Background checks are necessary to become members. Todaro was charged with promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child.



The Buffalo chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse said in a statement it is "deeply troubled" by the charges. "The reported actions represent a serious breach of the values and mission we uphold. Such behavior is unacceptable to our organization and stands in direct violation of our strict code of conduct." the chapter said in a statement. "Upon learning of the allegations, our leadership took immediate and decisive action to permanently remove the individual from our organization."

He was released on his own recognizance and is expected back in court in May.

ABOUT: Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA)

 
The organization says on its website that it's a nonprofit that "exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children."

If a child is "frightened by his or her environment," an agency or individual can refer them to BACA, which makes sure the case has been reported to appropriate authorities. The BACA chapter will ride to meet with the child and give them a biker vest and assigns them two primary contacts they can call for support. The contacts may ride by the child's home or have a presence in their neighborhood if they feel intimidated, attend court hearings and interviews or even physically intervene if further violence occurs, the site says.

"Prior to becoming the primary contacts for the child, the bikers are cleared for participation by passing an extensive background check, have ridden with the Chapter for at least a year, and have received special instructions from the Licensed Mental Health Professional," the site says.

Harley-Davidson explores sale of financing arm

Milwaukee, WI, USA (April 10, 2025) - Harley-Davidson Motor Company is exploring options for its financing arm including a sale, which could fetch at least US$1 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. The iconic motorcycle maker is working with an adviser to solicit interest in Harley-Davidson Financial Services, or HDFS, said the sources, who asked to not be identified because the information is not public. The business could appeal to potential buyers including regional banks, private equity firms and private credit players, the sources added.

 

Harley-Davidson has not made a final decision on pursuing a sale of the unit and could opt to keep it, the sources said. A representative for the Milwaukee-based company declined to comment. The potential sale comes as Harley-Davidson grapples with a lagging stock price, lackluster sales growth and stiff competition from rivals including Honda Motor and BMW. Harley-Davidson announced this week that chief executive officer Jochen Zeitz plans to step down, wrapping up a five-year tenure.

RELATED | Harley Davidson CEO Retiring

Harley-Davidson fell 9.3 per cent to close at US$21.49 in New York trading on Thursday (Apr 10), giving the company a market value of about US$2.7 billion. The stock has fallen 48 per cent in the past year. HDFS helps the company’s dealers finance their inventory and helps consumers finance the purchase of Harley-Davidson and LiveWire motorcycles. It also works with third parties to provide motorcycle insurance.

SOURCE: Bloomberg

Harley-Davidson CEO Retiring

Milwaukee, WI, USA (April 8, 2025) - Harley-Davidson Motor Company announced on Tuesday, April 8, that the company’s Board of Directors is engaged in an ongoing CEO search process. The search process was initiated in Q4 2024 after CEO Jochen Zeitz expressed his interest in retiring. Zeitz had been a member of the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors since 2007 and was named CEO in February 2020.

 

Zeitz will remain as CEO until the board appoints a successor. "The Board is grateful to Mr. Zeitz for his many significant contributions to the Company as CEO". These contributions include, but are not limited to, the creation and successful execution of the Hardwire, the Company's five-year strategic plan (2021-2025), reinvigorating the brand, and his leadership during one of the most challenging operating environments in the history of the Company."

Zeitz, 65, grew up in Germany and went to school in Germany, Italy, France, and the United States. He's a graduate of the European Business School in International Marketing and Finance. He's been riding motorcycles since he was a teenager.

SOURCE: Wall Street Journal 

Sheriff and friends search for missing motorcyclist

Kooskia, Idaho, USA (August 14, 2024) - Zachary DeMoss was last seen riding with a group of bikers Sunday, according to the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office. He last contacted his fellow riders at Kooskia, and gave the group a head start. DeMoss’ motorcycle was last seen pulled off U.S. Highway 12 at Eagle Mountain Trailhead around 4:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the news release.

DeMoss was riding a black Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 with “ape hanger” handlebars and a large spike on the end of each handgrip. His motorcycle had black Harley saddle bags and camping gear loaded on the back.

 

Zachary DeMoss with his Motorcycle

The back left turn signal was slightly hanging off but still worked. The motorcycle had Montana license plate with the word “HOGG.” DeMoss is described as 24 years old, Caucasian, 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds. He was last seen wearing a bright white helmet with black designs on it and a bluish-grey long-sleeve under shirt with a leather vest on top of it.



When his phone is dialed, it goes straight to voicemail, and there has been no activity on his bank cards since his disappearance, according to the news release. Anyone with information about DeMoss is asked to contact the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office at (406) 258-4810 or the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 983-1100, extension 0.

Harley-Davidson reconsiders policies after backlash

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A. (August 12, 2024) - The Harley-Davidson motorcycle company is undertaking a review of its corporate policies after filmmaker and anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck accused the iconic motorcycle manufacturer of embracing the “woke agenda of the very far left” which do not align with the values of the company’s core customers.

 

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company

Sources claim that Harley-Davidson's presence at the legendary Sturgis motorcycle rally this month has been noticeably diminished, with many motorcycle enthusiasts boycotting the company’s tent and activities in protest of policies exposed by Starbuck.

“Harley-Davidson has been a proud American institution for more than 120 years. United We Ride defines how we run our business, treat our people, and underscores our commitment to freedom. As a responsible company, we are committed to evaluating our policies, strategies, and activities to ensure they are relevant to our business,” the company said in an email to employees viewed by Bloomberg.

SOURCE: Seeking Alpha

Video of Harley rider chased by state troopers

Arkansas, USA (July 1, 2024) - A chase between a man riding a Harley-Davidson cruiser and Arkansas State Police is making it's rounds on the net. In the video below, the man is not wearing a helmet or any other protection as he is chased by state troopers.

 

He squeezes through traffic which slows the troopers down a bit, but that gives him a commanding lead. Pretty soon, the motorcyclist is long gone. The troopers soon backtrack their search to where the motorcycle is parked at a private residence, but he is nowhere to found. After searching the area for awhile, the troopers leave and then finally catch up with him while he is on foot.



SOURCE: LRHNCash/YouTube

On This Day - Herbert James "Burt" Munro Died

On this day, January 6, 1978, Burt Munro died of natural causes, he was 78 years old. Born Herbert James "Burt" Munro, Bert in his youth, was a New Zealand motorcycle racer, famous for setting an under-1,000 cc world record, at Bonneville, August 26, 1967, a record that still stands today. Munro was 68 and was riding a 47-year-old machine when he set his last record.

 

Working from his home in Invercargill, he worked for 20 years to highly modify the 1920 Indian motorcycle that he had bought that same year. Munro set his first New Zealand speed record in 1938 and later set seven more. He travelled to compete at the Bonneville Salt Flats, attempting to set world speed records. During his ten visits to the salt flats, he set three speed records, one of which still stands today.

Movie Trailer

His efforts, and success, are the basis of the motion picture The World's Fastest Indian (2005), starring Anthony Hopkins, and an earlier 1971 short documentary film Burt Munro: Offerings to the God of Speed, both directed by Roger Donaldson.

Early life

Munro was born in 1899 in Invercargill, New Zealand. His twin sister died at birth and Munro grew up on a farm in Edendale, east of Invercargill. Munro's interest in speed began at a young age, riding the family's fastest horse across the farm, despite the complaints of his father. Trips via train to the port at Invercargill were a rare source of excitement, and the arrival of cars, motorcycles and aircraft added to Burt's eagerness to join the world outside of his farm. As Munro's family discouraged his endeavors outside of farm life, he became constantly bored with daily routine, and at the outbreak of World War I, he intended to go to war as soon as he was old enough, for a chance to see the world.



Munro remained on the family farm until the end of the First World War, when his father sold the farm. At that time, Munro worked on the Otira Tunnel construction until recalled to work with his father on a newly purchased farm. After this he became a professional speedway rider, but returned home to the family farm at the start of the Great Depression. Finding work as a motorcycle salesman and mechanic, he still raced motorcycles and rose to the top of the New Zealand motorcycle scene, racing on Oreti Beach and later in Melbourne, Australia. After World War II, Munro and his wife divorced, and he subsequently gave up work to reside in a lock-up garage.

Challenges:

Munro's Indian Scout was very early off the production line, being only the 627th Scout to leave the American factory. The bike had an original top speed of 55 mph. But this did not satisfy Munro, so in 1926 he decided to start modifying his beloved Indian. The biggest two challenges for Munro to overcome while modifying his bike were his lack of money and the fact that he worked full time as a motorcycle salesman. He would often work overnight on his bikes, he had a 1936 Velocette MSS as well, then he would go to work in the morning, having had no sleep the night before.

Because Munro was a man of modest means, he would often make parts and tools himself instead of having them professionally built. For example, he would cast parts in old tins, make his own barrels, pistons, flywheels, etc. His micrometer was an old spoke. In its final stages, the Indian's displacement was 950 cc, as built it was 600 cc and was driven by a triple chain drive system. The "Munro Special," as Munro called his bike, is now owned by a motorcycle enthusiast in New Zealand's South Island, and is on display at E Hayes & Sons, Invercargill. There is also a second motorcycle purported to be the original "Munro Special" in Te Papa Museum, Wellington.

Bonneville Salt Flats and Speed Week:

The Bonneville Salt Flats in northwestern Utah, are known worldwide for their many miles of flat, compacted salt, perfect for testing speed machines. During Speed Week, usually in mid-late August, vehicle enthusiasts from around the world gather at Bonneville. Munro travelled to Bonneville ten times, the first time for "sightseeing" purposes. In the nine times he raced at Bonneville, Munro set three world records, in 1962, 1966 and 1967. He also once qualified at over 200 mph (320 km/h), but that was an unofficial run and was not counted. Following the misspelling of his name in an American motorcycling magazine in 1957, Bert Munro changed his name to Burt.

Personal life:

Munro had four children—John, June, Margaret and Gwen—with his wife Florence Beryl Martyn, whom he married in 1927. They were divorced in 1947. Having suffered from angina since the late 1950s, Munro suffered a partial stroke in 1977, and was admitted to hospital. He found his co-ordination had diminished. Frustrated, but wanting his motorcycles to remain in Southland, he sold both machines to a local dealer. Munro died of natural causes on 6 January 1978, aged 78 years.

Records:

• In 1962, he set a world record of 288 km/h (178.95 mph) with his engine bored out to 850 cc (52 cubic inches)
• In 1966, he set a world record of 270.476 km/h (168.066 mph)
• In 1967, his engine was bored out to 950 cc (58 cubic inches) and he set a class record of 295.453 km/h (183.586 mph). To qualify he made a one-way run of 305.89 km/h (190.07 mph), the fastest-ever officially-recorded speed on an Indian. The unofficial speed record (officially timed) is 331 km/h (205.67 mph) for a flying mile.
• In 2006, he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

C.C. and Company film introduction

The cult classic C.C. and Company is a 1970 American biker film directed by Seymour Robbie. It starred Joe Namath as Biker C.C. Ryder, Ann-Margret as fashion journalist Ann, and William Smith as Moon, the leader of the fictitious Outlaw Motorcycle Club called the "Heads".The film also features singer Wayne Cochran and his band The C.C. Riders.

Plot:
C.C. Ryder falls in with a Outlaw Motorcycle Club in the desert, and then rescues Ann from trouble with the same club. There next occurs a motocross race tied in with a fashion shoot. The Heads disrupt the event, but C.C. Ryder enters the race to gain Ann's favor. This puts him in conflict with Moon. When Ryder wins the race and leaves with his award money the club kidnaps Ann, and Ryder must ride back to save her.


The film stars the following:

Joe Namath as C. C. Ryder
Ann-Margret as Ann McCalley
William Smith as Moon
Jennifer Billingsley as Pom Pom
Mike Battle as Rabbit
Greg Mullavey as Lizard
Teda Bracci as Pig
Don Chastain as Eddie Ellis
Sid Haig as Crow
Bruce Glover as Captain Midnight
Keva Kelly as Tandalaya
Jackie Rohr as Zit-Zit
Robert Keyworth as Charlie Hopkins
Alan Pappe as Photographer
Ned Wertimer as Motorcycle salesman
Wayne