Region 11 August 2009 Meeting Minutes

Meetings called to order.  Guests welcomed and pledge conducted.  Dollar attendance drawn.  Thank you to Tiny for running the July meeting.  As mentioned last month, we no longer do a sign in sheet.  Previously it was used for contest purposes and we have since eliminated that contest.

Treasury Report: Given by Al. 

Legislative: Guest speaker house rep Kim Meltzer.  New helmet bill, HB 5254 introduced by herself.  HB 5254 is a clean bill.  Currently Lansing is dealing with budget items and will continue to do so for at least the next month.  Then they’ll get back to everyday business.  In the meantime, we can encourage our house reps and senators to support the new bill and answer any questions they may have about its language.

MCA: Alice discussed a new location we have with Elite schools.  Time though is 3:00 in the afternoon.  If we do not get any volunteers who are able to do this, Alice will set them up with some supplies.  The instructor understands that we work and if unable to personally to demonstrate our program, he will utilize the supplies and play our tape for us.  If anyone can help, get with Alice.  House rep Kim Meltzer mentions that she’s doing a safety fair and will get with Alice to see about us setting up a booth or giving her supplies to handout either way.

Upcoming Events: October 3^rd, Leatherworks is hosting a benefit for abate.  This is an honor for us and volunteers are needed to promote, support and work this event.  Get with Russ to volunteer to help.  October 10^th is our annual bikes in the park.  Fliers on the table.  If anyone has ideas or suggestions, inform Russ after the meeting.

Guest Speaker: Jeff Johnston from Takata Holdings part of a GM division.  Jeff has been working on a motorcycle jacket that has seams that holds an airbag within set to deploy on impact if needed.  Jacket attaches to the bike and is enabled at that time, after use simply disconnect.  Jacket is made of nylon/polyester for all weather to cold weather use and weighs about 15-20 pounds.  They are also working on a summer vest.  Either form could be used by motorcyclists, horseback riders, NASCAR drivers, snowmobilers etc.  Has gone thru extensive testing but not on a rider yet.  The coverage areas of the airbags are the front, back and behind the head.  The inflation device is currently used in auto seats, USCAR, DOT and DOT approved.  It’s a compressed gas, mainly nitrogen that implements deployment.  Gas will hold up and stay positioned for up to 30 years.  The triggering apparatus is located in the jacket by electronics housing with a pull pin.  When 35 pounds is applied to the pin, it is removed from the housing and a signal is sent to the airbag causing it to deploy.  Once used, jackets to be sent back to manufacture for repairs or disposal.  Cost to reset after an accident is around $150.00.  Unfortunately, there is no way for a rider to set it off themselves if they know an accident is going to happen and can’t avoid.  Rider must move at least 18 inches off the bike to deploy.  Trying to obtain a building at 14 mile and Vandyke in Sterling Hgts to start manufacturing a few.  Starting price for this jacket is $850.  It cost $550 to manufacture it.  Volume of sales could decrease the price.  Jeff answered several questions and listened to member’s feedback about the items.  Everyone agrees that the price is unaffordable for the average person. 

Cappy with the COC spoke on an issue where the feds came in and took patches, logos and all markings from a club.  An injunction has been file against the feds.  Will see what happens.  Next COC meeting is at Bikers United in Belleville on 10-3-09.  COC annual party is 1-22-10 at Forbidden Wheels new clubhouse in Mt Morris.

New Business:  Russ mentions that our $5.00 membership discount program thru the region expires this month.  Chris motions to extend the program through the month of September.  Supported by Mary Anne.  Motion carried.

With no further business pending, guests thanked for coming out and meeting adjourned by motion and support.