Dean Akey's Blog

The Bull Pen, June 2011

Dean Akey — Sun, 22 May 2011 09:09:49 -0700

Welcome back to the Bull Pen.

It has been said that only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out the window of a moving vehicle. While I may not have hair for the wind to blow thru I have been a lifelong enthusiast of spending quality time via two wheels. It's hard to believe but my passion for riding started almost 30 years ago. Over those 30 years, I have enjoyed countless hours exploring many of the roads less traveled.

You would think that the longer you do something the better your skills develop, but is that really true? I do believe I am a much better rider than when I started but being involved in a few serious accidents one thought continued to haunt me. That thought was "Could I have done something more to avoid these accidents". The conclusion I came to was yes.

The way I look at it, many of us learn to ride and continue to repeat our first year of riding over & over. Sure you pick up a few skills over the years, but do you really approach riding as a lifelong opportunity to learn & improve? I can tell you from years in the saddle that many of us don't. So let's fast forward a bit, I wanted to learn & improve my riding skills and shared my thoughts with other Rescue Rider leaders and found that I wasn't the only one who felt this way.

Ok, what did I get myself into? I now not only have to find a way to learn, but need to also make sure this solution includes 19 other Rescue Rider leaders. Solution, Woodstock Harley Advanced Riding School. The great folks at Woodstock Harley helped the Rescue Riders host two, five-day advanced riding classes and what an amazing experience it was.

Let me ask you, what would you do if you were riding on gravel at 40 mph and locked up your rear tire? Would you apply the front brake? Feather the back brake? NOPE. Do that and you will end up like one of our most excellent Rescue Rider leaders, Dan Nolan pictured here. Dan is a great sport and I can tell you that as a result of his newly learned skills he can easily lock a brake at 40 mph and now actually have fun doing it & walk away without a scratch.

Ooh, so I don't leave you hanging, the correct thing to do if you ever lock your rear tire is to keep it locked and steer the bike to counteract any movement to the left or right. Inquiring minds want to know right? Learning to ride or more correctly, ride better was something that was long overdue for me and the other students. One of our participants, Dan DeBoey said that if you were to ask him when he started riding before taking the class he would have said 1964. After completing the class his answer was Wednesday night which was the day our class began.

So where am I going with this? As bikers, we all face increased dangers while riding. In Illinois for example, motorcycles make up about 4% of registered vehicles but represent about 14% of Illinois traffic fatalities. As a parent & husband, I don't want to be included in the 14% number & I hope you feel the same way. One of the best ways to survive on our full-contact roads these days is to learn to ride with & high level of skill. One added bonus for completing many of these courses is a discount on your motorcycle insurance. Saving a few bucks is never a bad thing. I hope you join me in committing to lifelong learning & look into some of the many wonderful riding classes in your area.

Well, that's it for this month. When I am not sharing my wisdom with you via my Saddle Tramp editorials or volunteering for the Rescue Rider program, I run an insurance agency West of Chicago. I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most. If I can help you with your insurance please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899. I would love to hear from you. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

The Bull Pen, April 2011

Dean Akey — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:47:20 -0700

Welcome back to the Bull Pen.

As bikers we all are familiar with the old saying "it's not if but when" relating to being involved in a motorcycle accident. Having been involved in several serious accidents myself I still don't believe we should accept this as the norm. One such man who defied the odds was Former Wisconsin State Senator David Zien. I have always looked at Dave as a larger than life kind of guy and still do. I have had the pleasure of riding with Dave and getting to know him a little better over the past few years.

It's with great regret that I share with you that Dave was involved in a serious motorcycle accident on March 14^th. The accident occurred when an SUV traveling in front of Dave on Interstate 10 attempted to change lanes, lost control and flipped onto its side. Dave who celebrated his 61^st birthday on March 15^th, tried to take evasive action but was unable to avoid the overturned vehicle. 24-year-old Ryan G. Matheny of Marietta Ohio was driving his SUV with a suspended driver's license. Matheny, the driver of the SUV, only had minor injuries and was cited by the Florida Highway Patrol for Improper Lane Change and Driving With a Suspended Driver's License.

According to Florida Statute 316.085(2), "Improper Change of Lane" is only a $60 fine. The driving while his license was suspended could result in probation, or possibly even be dropped by the State. Are you kidding me???

Dave was flown to the Tallahassee hospital for treatment. The collision resulted in Dave having his left leg amputated above the knee, and two plates being implanted in his right hip to treat his fractured pelvis, emergency surgery to repair his bleeding spleen & multiple head lacerations & a broken left hand.

As Dave begins his long road to recovery, many of you have asked what you can do to help Dave & his family. As you can imagine, the direct & indirect costs will be astronomical. Please join me in helping Dave by donating to the Get Well Foundation for Dave Zien. Please place account #5284063483 in the notes section of your check and send to Wells Fargo, 2910 Mall Drive. Eau Claire, WI 54701.

For those of you who don't know Dave Zien, let me share a little background about this exceptional man. Dave served as a Wisconsin State Senator from 1986 - 2006 and has been a "man of the people" both in and out of office. Dave earned a Purple Heart while serving our country in Vietnam as a Marine.

Impressed yet? Read on. Dave holds 118 long distance riding records. As a legislator from 1986 to December 1, 2006 Dave logged 1,327,500 total miles on two wheels. Now you may be thinking, did this guy ever work? You bet he did and I wish other elected officials worked as tirelessly as Dave does.

In addition to being a riding machine, Dave initiated the first major veteran's monument that recognizes motorcyclists...Wisconsin Veterans Tribute located at Cadot, Wisconsin.

Dave also helped coordinate the largest object left at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. (a handmade custom Harley, 1998) and was inducted into the National Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museums at Anamosa, Iowa, Pickerington, Ohio and Sturgis, South Dakota.

When not riding, Dave has run 11 marathons (26.2 miles each) carrying a 3X5 USA flag on a pole to honor fallen veterans and as a reminder of POW/MIA's.

Dave's accomplishments are legendary but here is one that will blow your mind. While Dave has logged over 2 million miles in the saddle close to half of them were on his 1991 Harley FXRP. On April 4^th, 2009 Dave hit 1 million miles on his trusty scooter. That's 1 million miles on one motorcycle. This is a world record.

Dave, you & your family are in all of our thoughts & prayers. We all wish you God Speed during your recovery and thank you for all you have done for us. God Bless you Dave.

The Bull Pen, Jan 2011

Dean Akey — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:54:28 -0800

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. If you don't remember me, my name is Dean Akey and I will be your guide for another fun filled edition. Are you ready? OK then, let's get started...

Ronald Reagan once said, "Politics is supposed be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first." Never were truer words spoken. We live in an era where our elected officials are more concerned with protecting their individual interests versus ours. Don't get me wrong, this article isn't about bashing the Democrats or Republicans. They are both equally guilty in my eyes and a topic for another day.

You may have heard that the tax cuts originally instituted by President Bush were extended in an eleventh hour bill for the 2011-12 tax years. While some of this legislation will help directly address the needs of Middle America, there are a few components which give me great concern. Specifically, the temporary reduction of the amount we individually contribute to social security. Before I tell you why, let me start by stating that I don't feel old. So when should I start acting or feeling old? With constant advances in medicine, wellness, nutrition and public health many of us need to rethink what constitutes old age.

For many of us, our conception of being old or at least being retirement age is when we turn 65. How did we arrive at the age of 65 as being symbolic of retirement & trading in our careers for rocking chairs?

Actually, the age of 65 was chosen by Otto Von Bismark, who created Europe's first pension plan in the 1880's. Bismark selected an age which people were considered too enfeebled to work and should be provided for via the government. Now one thing you need to know was back in the 1880's, the average life expectancy in the United States & Europe was 45. I guess if you worked your whole life and lived 20 years past your life expectancy this was a reasonable plan.

Now let's fast forward to the current day. If we use the math that Otto used when would we be considered old & worthy of financial support? As I mentioned, the life expectancy in the 1880's was 45. I suspect you already know that we now live longer than 45 but how much longer? The most recent life expectancy for women in the US is just shy of 80 years old. The life expectancy for men is just shy of 75.

Now back to the math, if we use Otto's formula, you would receive financial support at about 97. Now don't think for a minute that I am suggesting we postpone retirement or social security until you are in your 90's but I do want to challenge your thinking on what is considered old.

So I guess there is good news and bad news here. The good news is that you are going to live longer. The bad news is that you are going to live longer. So what does this mean? It means that as a society we need to rethink what old age is and what our "useful" years are. Many of us started the countdown when we entered the workplace. You know what I am talking about..... 30, 20, 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 years to retirement. Unfortunately we still think retirement age is 65. Don't get me wrong, it still can be but only if you are prepared.

Let's say you entered the work force at 21 and worked until 65. That's 44 years of hard work which is a lifetime by anyone's standards. What did you do during that 44 years? The average Americans save far less than what would support your retirement but let's say you put away 15% of your earning a year. Is that enough? It very well may be but do you know? Saving 15% equates to about 6.15 years of earnings before we account for inflation and of course how your money has grown over the years.

So what does this mean for you in the short & long term? Well, as I mentioned earlier, the wizards in Washington decided that for 2011, your individual contribution to social security will be reduced from the current rate of 6.2% to 4.2%. Lower taxes should be a good thing shouldn't they? Don't believe everything you hear. The one potential good thing here is that this will essentially look like a 2% pay increase before taxes. For example, a worker earning $50,000 per year would pay $2100 in 2011 (4.2% of $50K) vs. having paid $3100 (6.2% of $50k) for a net decrease in taxes paid of $1000. If you earned $100,000, your net decrease in taxes paid would be $2000. Now remember, if you earn an extra $1000 or $2000, Uncle Sam and your state will want their cut which will ultimately reduce your take home pay by your effective tax rate. But isn't $600-$1200 or so more in your pocket a good thing?

It can be if you pay yourself first. The pointy heads in Washington are counting that they will tax your additional 2% of income and you will blow whatever is left. Don't get caught in this trap. Unless you live in a cave, you probably have heard that we have some major issues with the solvency of social security. In a nutshell, social security pays out more than it collects. By most estimates, social security will be broke in less than ten years. By reducing what you pay into social security, we accelerate the demise of what many of you were counting on to help you survive in your retirement years.

In the past few years we have seen the age in which you can draw full retirement increase from 65 if you were born in 1937 or earlier to 67 if you were born in 1960 or later. Don't fool yourself by thinking that this hurdle won't be raised again. It will. So what should you do?

As I mentioned, you should use this opportunity to pay yourself first. Instead of falling in to the tax & spend scheme that was set for you, take this opportunity to increase your retirement savings at work so that your money ultimately works for you. If you don't have a retirement plan, give me a call and I will help you start one. I may even be able to help save you a few bucks on your insurance as well.

Well, that's it for this month. When I am not sharing my wisdom with you via my editorials, I run an insurance agency west of Chicago. I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most. If I can help you please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

The Bull Pen, December 2010

Dean Akey — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:39:07 -0800

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. As we approach the holiday season, it's a great time to reflect on those people and things you are thankful for. I have always been a "glass half full" kind of guy, so with that in mind let's get started.

Thanks for the Memories...

If you were to ask me six years ago, would you be interested in becoming an EMT or becoming an instructor for Accident Scene Management or the American Heart Association, I would have thought about it for a moment and politely declined. I had a successful career in the financial world working for gas & electric utility companies managing energy portfolios.

Near the end of my energy career I was involved in a serious motorcycle accident which resulted in a broken collar bone, broken ribs and head injury which left me looking like something out of a horror movie. Much like Isaac Newton being hit on the head with an apple, this accident made me reflect on what mattered most. My priorities were to spend more time with my bride Eileen and our two children Clay (15) and Emma (11). I also wanted to do more to help people, which is ultimately why, with some help from some amazing folks, I founded the Rescue Riders. I knew how helpless you feel when laying in the road after being the victim of a motorcycle accident and hoping other bikers could help.

What was I thinking? Think about it? What business does a guy with a finance background have starting a nonprofit group to help educate, train and deploy bikers as emergency medics? As the profit Wayne would have said, "I'm not worthy". Maybe I was worthy but certainly not qualified. To say the learning curve was monumental was an understatement. About the same time, I decided to open an Allstate Insurance agency so I prayed that this old dog could indeed learn some new tricks. There were many times I wanted to throw in the towel and focus on earning a living as to be honest with you, any hour you are volunteering, you aren't earning. There were multiple personal & professional sacrifices along the way and each time I thought about giving up, you brought me back. If you were judge the Rescue Riders as a business, we would be considered a struggling venture. To me however, nothing could be further from the truth. What a departure for a finance guy to consider a financially strapped organization as a success. In my office, I have a file I call "higher calling". In that file are your notes & letters sharing how you either provided or received aid from one of our volunteers. In a handful of cases, lives were saved as a result of our volunteers so in my book there is no higher measure of success we can achieve.

More than five years after the start of this journey I am happy to share with you that while we have not arrived, we are solidly on track at building an organization you can be proud of. It has taken amazing dedication and hard work from our leadership team & you, our volunteers. We now have over 3000 trained volunteers in forty states serving fellow bikers as Good Samaritans. Well done.

As we prepare for 2011, I am looking forward to welcoming some new leaders to our ranks and also supporting my successor. It has been one of the greatest honors to be a part of this program and I look forward to our collective success in the future.

Well, that's it for this month. When I am not sharing my wisdom with you via my editorials or volunteering for the Rescue Rider program, I run an insurance agency West of Chicago. I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most. If I can help you please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899. I would love to hear from you. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

The Bull Pen, November 2010

Dean Akey — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 13:31:21 -0700

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. Are you ready for another fun filled installment? Great, sit back, relax and let's get started. It's hard to believe that it's been 30 years since the debut of the cinematic masterpiece Caddyshack. Just the mention of Caddyshack brings back many wonderful memories for me but did you know there are actually some important life lessons that can be learned from this timeless classic? Don't believe me? Read the following excerpts from Caddyshack and decide for yourself.

Judge Smails (Ted Knight): "There's a lot of...well, badness in the world today". "I see it in court every day". "I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. I didn't want to do it- I felt I owed it to them". "The most important decision you can make right now is what you stand for- goodness...or badness".

Danny Noonan: "I've made some mistakes in the past. I'm willing to make up for that. I want to be good".

Good choice Danny. Shouldn't we all stand for "goodness" as Judge Smails mentioned. I have the pleasure of knowing such a person who took Judge Smails advice literally that I want to introduce you to. Her name is Vicki Sanfelipo and she is the Founder & Director of Accident Scene Management (ASMI) and Co Founder of the Road Guardian program. I recently had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of the new Road Guardian/ASMI headquarters in Big Bend WI and all I can say is "wow". Guests of the grand opening were treated to some great food, music, displays from local police & fire departments as well as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation traveling motorcycle safety training trailer and much more. Many participants brought their children to take advantage of the free child identification program sponsored by our friend's at the most excellent law firm of Hupy & Abraham.

It's equally hard to fathom that since its inception, ASMI has trained close to 20,000 fellow bikers how to provide emergency medical aid which has ultimately saved countless lives. Just ask any of the fathers, mothers, sons or daughters who were saved by folks trained by ASMI if they are thankful for Vicki & crew. Switching back to Caddyshack, who can forget when Bill Murray who plays Carl shares his tale of caddying in Tibet for the Dalai Lama.

Carl: So I jump ship in Hong Kong and make my way over to Tibet, and I get on as a looper at a course over in the Himalayas.

Angie: A looper?

Carl: A looper, you know, a caddy, a looper, a jock. So, I tell them I'm a pro jock, and who do you think they give me? The Dalai Lama, himself. Twelfth son of the Lama. The flowing robes, the grace, bald...striking. So we finish the eighteenth and he's gonna stiff me. And I say, "Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know?" And he says, "Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness."

I am not exactly sure what "total consciousness" is but do believe that the Lama was referring to some sort of reward at the end of days for practicing "goodness" as Judge Smails points out. In my book, it's a good thing to meet your maker with saving the lives of others on your resume. For that reason, I am thankful for Vicki and all of the dedicated volunteers who have invested their time in us. The world is a better place as a result of your efforts. It takes a great amount of hard work to deliver this program to the masses so I invite you all to help us help each other by both joining the Road Guardian program and attending an ASMI course. You can learn more about the Road Guardians at roadguardians.org or accidentscene.org.

I am happy to share with you that our Friends at Allstate Insurance are also practicing "goodness" by donating $5 to the Road Guardian program for motorcycle quotes for the balance of 2010. If you want to help the Road Guardians please call me at 877-232-9899 or drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com and help us help each other. That's it for this month. My name is Dean Akey and I sell insurance. I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

Bull Pen October 2010

Dean Akey — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:44:43 -0700

Welcome back to the Bull Pen.

What's your favorite season? Mine has always been fall. If it were up to me, fall would last ten months a year. I enjoyed the official start of fall by enjoying some two wheel therapy at the Tomahawk Fall Ride. It's amazing to see explosion of colors from day to day as the cooler air drifts into the area. I arrived in Tomahawk early (Tuesday) to get a start on some long overdue therapy. My first lesson learned this year is that a 40 degree sleeping bag just doesn't cut it when the temperature drops below 30 degrees. After a quick trip the following morning to Wal-Mart, problem solved via a $10 child size sleeping bag that I threw over my 40 degree "fair weather" bag. Problem solved.

Each day we were treated to a new symphony of colors as the cold weather coaxed the trees into transforming from green to brilliant shades or orange, yellow, red & purple. While we did have rain most days, that didn't extinguish the beaming smiles from our faces but I do have to tell you, next year I may finally invest in a rain suit as the wet & cold did get a bit old for the areas your chaps don't cover. While riding, we saw more deer & wild turkeys on the twisty roads than you could count which is an added bonus if you ask me.

My original plans were to return to Chicagoland on Sunday as I have in previous years. Something in my gut told me I better head back on Saturday this year as our Rescue Riders were supporting a fairly large run on Sunday (Autism Speaks) and we were short on Rescue Rider volunteers. All I can say is that I am glad I listened to my gut on this one. Sunday morning we saddled up and headed out from WildFire Harley Davidson in Villa Park enjoying a crisp morning with about 900 fellow bikers. When our Rescue Riders provide emergency medical support, we stagger our riders in the ride and on this day we had two volunteers every 150 bikes.

Many of the events we support are without incident but you would probably be surprised to know just how many injured bikers we patch up over the course of the year. In the first ten miles of the route our volunteers provided aid to three victims of separate & serious motorcycle accidents. The first accident was a head injury, the second was a back injury and the third was a broken clavicle, humerus & wrist. What a start to the day. What can I say other than that our volunteers were amazing and really excelled at providing aid.

Personally, I know how helpless you feel when laying in the road after being the victim of a motorcycle accident. That's why we started the Rescue Rider program. At the conclusion of the run many of the participants asked how they can become involved in our program. The answer is simple, join us at our www.rescuerider.org website and sign up for a basic & advanced Accident Scene Management class. There is an old saying us bikers know which is "It's not if but when" referring to the question of have you been in a motorcycle accident. If your hobby was sky diving and one of your fellow sky divers pointed out that your harness was frayed and would soon fail would you do anything about it? If you subscribe to this philosophy and have not yet invested time in training on how to help fellow bikers in need my question is what are you waiting for? Please take a moment and visit the fine folks at Accident Scene Management and find a class near you and help us help each other. You can look at class listings at their website www.accidentscene.org.

That's it for this month. My name is Dean Akey and I sell insurance. I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most. If I can help you with your insurance please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899. I would love to hear from you. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

Happy Labor day

Dean Akey — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:19:11 -0700

My fellow Americans, I hope you join me in celebrating Labor Day this year. Many of our citizens are casualties of a faltering economy & government. Whether you are currently employed or not, Labor Day, which is celebrated on the first Monday in September, is more than just a paid vacation day. Labor Day was created as a tribute to our American workers. Many of you believe Labor Day was created by our government. Ironically, it was not. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. Still, more than 100 years after the first Labor Day, there is still some debate on who created the holiday which celebrates the backbone of our Nation.... Our Workers..

Both Peter J. McGuire, cofounder of the American Federation of Labor and Matthew Maguire, Secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York have been credited of creating the Labor Day holiday. Initially, municipalities began to recognize Labor Day as a holiday by passing ordinances as early as 1885. Oregon was the first state to officially declare Labor Day a state holiday in 1887. Over the years, other states followed suit and by 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.

As laborers and citizens, we have built America from the ground up. Just as our laborers created our only national holiday celebrating our contributions, it's up to us to continue to build our nation. As any good carpenter will tell you, a solid foundation is paramount to a long lasting structure. As we continue to build our collective future, let's make sure our elected officials represent us. Personally, I am disappointed in what appears to be a "Let them eat cake" mentality in Washington and in many of the states we call home. Periodically, a structure becomes damaged and is determined to be beyond repair. In these instances, the most effective solution is to tear down the structure and start over. While I don't believe we are there in terms of our elected officials, our structure is in dire need of repairs. I hope you will join me in investigating the issues that are important to you and support candidates who represent America.

That's all I have to say about that..... For now.... God Bless America

The Bull Pen, September 2010

Dean Akey — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:36:53 -0700

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. You know, Benjamin Franklin once said "In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes." Sad but true Ben. Unfortunately I can't help you escape either fate but I would like to share with you some thoughts on how to ease the suffering for your loved ones. You know I am a big fan of protecting what matters most. I guess I should be as I am father, husband and insurance agent.

About now, you are probably thinking I am trying to sell you something or remembering the Woody Allen quote "There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?" For those of you that are still with me let's get started.

According to the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE), many Americans do not have adequate life insurance protection. Perhaps, you may think you already know the facts about life insurance - so some of the statements below may sound familiar to you. But, these "facts" are actually myths. As September is the third annual observance of Life Insurance Awareness Month, the LIFE organization, in an industry-wide effort with member companies, including Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, would like to help debunk some of these life insurance myths and help to provide you with facts to consider as you review your individual situation.

Myth #1) Singles or couples without kids don't need life insurance. Fact: Life insurance can help provide for loved ones in the event of death, even for those without children. For example, people in this group may carry debts that they would prefer were taken care of rather than taken out of assets left to their loved ones. Still, others may use life insurance proceeds to help nieces, nephews, cousins or siblings achieve their financial goals. For a modest premium, life insurance can help to provide for those who are left behind.

Myth #2) Life insurance is expensive. Fact: Term life insurance, which is life insurance purchased for a period of time, can be very affordable for many people. For example, a healthy, non-smoking, 35-year-old female who has a good family health history may be able to purchase a term life insurance policy from Lincoln Benefit Life Company with a $250,000 death benefit for an average of $14.66 per month, for the first 10 years of the policy term. Or, she may be able to purchase a term life insurance policy from Lincoln Benefit Life Company with a $500,000 death benefit for an average of $14.88 per month, for the first 10 years of the policy term.* Either way, the premiums are approximately the price of two movie tickets per month!

Myth #3) Stay-at-home parents don't need life insurance because they don't draw an income. Fact: While a stay-at-home parent may not provide an actual paycheck for the household, they do provide services that could cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace. These include: the cost of day care, a chauffeur or taxi service, a cook and a home cleaning service to name a few. An individual life insurance policy could help to ease the burden for the family if the stay-at-home parent should pass away.

Did you know that if you had to hire someone to do the things your stay at home spouse did, it would cost you quite a hefty sum. As a matter of fact, the national average for a full time homemaker runs between $64,000 - $174,000. Don't believe me? I have attached a link below that helps you calculate the hidden paycheck.

http://swz.salary.com/momsalarywizard/htmls/mswl_momcenter.html

Myth #4) You can take your life insurance policy with you from job to job. Fact: Typically, group life insurance purchased through an employer isn't portable - meaning if an employee leaves the job, he or she is probably also leaving the life insurance protection behind. However, if you own individual life insurance policies purchased through an insurance agent or a financial professional, leaving a job will have no effect on the coverage provided by them. So, in that case, if you change your job, you would still have your life insurance policy even if you no longer have employer-provided group life insurance.

Having a policy through an employer is also becoming a rarity. According to a 2004 U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Employee Benefit Survey, fewer workers have life insurance benefits. The number has declined eight percent since 1999, from a high of 56 percent to 48 percent in 2004.

Myth #5) You don't need life insurance once your children are adults. Fact: Life insurance can help achieve a goal of leaving an inheritance to children or other loved ones or help relieve the burden of paying for final costs such as a funeral or final medical bills.

Don't let these life insurance myths deter you from making sure that you have adequate life insurance protection. Take a few minutes to review your current life insurance coverage and consider buying an individual life insurance policy if you don't currently have one.

Let's face the facts; we have all seen the impact an untimely death has on the remaining family members. Personally, I wouldn't throw my leg over my scooter without knowing that should anything happen to me, my family would be protected. Do yourself and your family a favor, call your insurance agent and investigate what options are available to protect your loved ones.

If you don't have an agent, I can help. My name is Dean Akey & I sell life insurance. Take that Woody. You can reach me at 630-232-9811 or drop me a line at deanakey@allstate.com.

Well, that's all I have to say about that. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

Dean "Bull" Akey

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Dean Akey — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:20:01 -0700

The parable of the Good Samaritan comes to us from Luke 10:30-37. In the parable, a man was going along the way and suddenly found himself in great dismay He was robbed, beaten and left for dead. A priest happened to go down the street and saw the man whom the robbers did beat, but he passed him by on the other side. A Levite also did the same. Finally, a Samaritan saw & took pity on the man. The Samaritan bandaged his wounds, took him to an inn and then the next day paid the innkeeper to care for the man until recovered. The term Samaritan was used to describe residents of "Samaria" an ancient city and country that during this time was the capital of the Kingdom of Israel.

Referring to someone as a "Good Samaritan" during this time period would be like calling someone a "Good American". Maybe that's why we refer to the past as the good old days as words meant what they meant. Today if you hear the term "Good Samaritan" a number of different definitions and images come to mind. Legally defining this subject matter is equally daunting task with many of our states creating their own definitions. While many countries do have laws that require citizens to stop and provide aid, in America we have no such requirements. There are some states that do consider it an act of negligence if a person doesn't at least call 911 for help. So are you a Good Samaritan? According to law enforcement agency reports, less than 10% of our citizens actually do stop to lend a hand to someone in need. Not a very good showing if you ask me.

Generally speaking, a Good Samaritan in legal terms refers to someone who voluntarily provides aid in an emergency to ill or injured people. Volunteer "Good Samaritans" who do provide aid are expected to be reasonably careful providing care that is in the best interests of the injured or ill person. We will spend some more time on this in a bit.

Good Samaritan laws which grant immunity from civil liability, vary from state to state. Generally speaking, Provisions of Good Samaritan Laws include the following three criteria.

Aid must be given as a result of emergency (illness or injury).
Must not give aid for payment or expect payment which includes rewards.
Emergency care must not be given in grossly negligent way or meant to harm the victim. Care must be given in good faith.

Ok, if you are still with me you are probably wondering what would be considered grossly negligent.

Gross Negligence: People who give aid to others must be prudent in their care offered. For example, lets assume that you are in a restaurant and notice a man choking and have been trained in CPR & First Aid, you may offer to provide aid via a Heimlich maneuver or a few hard taps on the back. Should the victim agree, your actions would be considered prudent care as long as you provided the aid as you have been trained. Now let's say that you saw this episode of MacGyver on the television where the mighty Mac uses a pen knife & straw to perform an emergency tracheotomy. If you try to provide aid the MacGyver way, you now are providing care above and beyond your training which would most likely be considered grossly negligent.

So what does this really mean to you? It means that the more relevant training & certifications you hold, the more aid you can provide to victims and enjoy protection under Good Samaritan Laws. One question to ask yourself, are your training & certifications current? It does matter.

To better understand Good Samaritan Laws, there are a few key terms & concepts that you should know. To start with, what happens when you arrive at the scene of an accident? Let's face it, some of us are a bit scary looking. If your victim is an 88 year old woman, she may be a bit nervous about you cutting off her pants to expose an open femur fracture. Prior to providing any aid you must first obtain Consent..

Consent: You need to first obtain permission of conscious injured persons to give first aid. Respect their wishes if they refuse. When you happen on an injured victim, always state your name and any relevant training you have. Then inquire if you can assist them. Example, "I'm John, I am a Rescue Rider and have been trained to provide first aid in situations like these by completing basic & advanced Accident Scene Management courses. Would you like me to help you?"

If they reject your aid and you believe potential the victim's life may be in danger explain this to them. If they still reject, call 911 and inform them of the situation. Do not provide aid unless the victim either provides consent or their status changes (unconscious). For those who are unconscious or unable to give consent (like an infant), it's considered "implied consent" if you assist by giving first aid or CPR. Guess what can happen if you don't obtain consent and still provide aid? You can be charged with Assault or Battery.

Assault or Battery: Victims who do not fall under implied consent must still consent to care for the rescuer to be considered a Good Samaritan.

Ok, now you have been given consent, are trained to provide aid and are doing so in a reasonable manner, what's next? Let's say the victims friends arrive on scene while you are providing CPR. They tell you that they can take over and stay with their friend until the ambulance arrives. Don't get caught in this situation. In order to leave a victim after you have started to provide aid, you will need to hand off care to someone who has at least the same level of training you do. Failing to do this can be considered Abandonment.

Abandonment: In most areas, once you initiate care you still need to hand off to the same or higher level of care. In some rural areas, this may mean a ride to the hospital.

Many of our volunteers are medical professionals. As licensed health care providers, we have to comply with regulations which state what type of care we can provide. This is called Scope of Practice. I mention this as you may or may not be a licensed health care professional but you should understand this concept and what it means to you.

Scope of Practice: Skills that licensed healthcare providers are trained to do. Scope of practice is defined by the government that issues the license, usually a state. Every healthcare provider has a scope of practice, except physicians. Physicians have the ability to develop new skills as necessary. The reason this concept is important to all Good Samaritans is it defines what you can & cannot do. As an unlicensed Good Samaritan, to be protected from civil liability, you need to provide prudent care. Prudent care for health care professionals is based upon their level of training amongst other things. This concept should apply to you. To give prudent care, only provide aid in a manner that is consistent with the training you have completed.

By following these simple rules, you should be protected from civil liability under your Good Samaritan Laws. I suggest you take a moment to read the individual Good Samaritan laws of your state. I hope this article has helped you better understand Good Samaritan laws and stress the importance of continuing to train or complete refresher courses.

The Bull Pen, May 2010

Dean Akey — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 09:38:07 -0700

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. It's great to see so many of you out enjoying some quality two wheel time. Last year's riding season was brutal to our biker brothers & sisters. We have seen annual increases accidents and fatalities for as long as the pointy heads in Washington have been keeping track. Don't take my word for it, see what Mary has to say.

Motorcycle accidents and fatalities are a major concern. "Our nation's greatest traffic highway safety challenge is motorcycle fatalities," says past 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 12 years. Motorcyclists were 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled in 2007 and eight times more likely to be injured, according to NHTSA.

So what can my 7.1 million biker brothers and sisters do to help address this epidemic? As bikers we need to be seen, heard and practice our skills. If you have not done so yet, consider checking out some of the great rider education classes available. You are never too old... or experienced... to learn. I also 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. Are you still with me? then please consider joining a Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO). MRO's are our voice in Washington and your individual states.

In addition to rider education & supporting MRO's, we created the Rescue Rider program to provide a "hands on" approach to help directly address these sobering statistics. My dad (Armond) always used to say, "Boy, either you are part of the problem or part of the solution". I couldn't agree more dad. Rescue Rider volunteers have logged thousands of miles supporting motorcycle events with a program they call "Ride for a Reason" program. If you see Rescue Riders supporting your run or event, take a moment to thank them for their commitment to all of us.

Rescue Riders provide emergency medical assistance to accident victims during "The Golden Hour". In the world of emergency care, the "Golden Hour" is defined as the time period of one hour in which the lives of a majority of critically injured trauma patients may be saved if definitive trauma care intervention is provided. This principle of rapid intervention can also be applied to non-trauma patients such as those having a heart attack or a stroke, in which time to treatment dramatically affects a patient's outcome. Many of you have had the opportunity to improve your life saving skills by attending Accident Scene Management classes. The graduates of ASMI's Basic & Advanced courses have saved countless lives of fellow bikers with the skills they learned in class. Over 25% of course graduates report providing emergency medical assistance within the first three years of training.

As motorcyclists we are typically the first to encounter motorcycle accidents. What we do immediately after an accident until professional emergency response personnel arrive can and does save lives. If you would like to develop your skills to provide emergency medical assistance to the victims of accidents I invite you to visit the Rescue Riders www.rescueriders.org and ask yourself if you are ready to "Ride for a Reason".

Well, that's it for this month. When I am not sharing my wisdom with you via my editorials or volunteering for the Rescue Rider program, I run an insurance agency West of Chicago. For the past two years I have been working with the Allstate "pointy heads" to reinvent motorcycle insurance. As a lifelong biker myself, I wanted to create a policy that not only protects your possessions and liability but also you. Our new policy is the first ever to pay you should you have an accident which keeps you from working for as long as you are disabled. That's right, protection for the rider... It's a first so if you want the best policy in the industry there really is only one choice... Allstate.. I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most. If I can help you please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899. I would love to hear from you. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

Hupy & Abraham Helps Rescue Riders

Dean Akey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:07:51 -0800

NEWS RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ale Owens, (414) 390-5550

November 9, 2009 i

Hupy & Abraham, S.C. Donates $7,500 To

Increase Motorcycle Safety

300 Rescue Riders Volunteers Will Receive Training in Illinois and Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wis. - As motorcycle fatalities are on the rise, the demand for trained volunteer emergency responders is increasing. To address these needs, Hupy & Abraham, S.C. has donated $7,500 to the Rescue Riders, a volunteer group of motorcyclists trained in emergency response and aligned with local professional emergency response agencies. This donation will help provide training and tools for 300 new Rescue Riders volunteers in Illinois and Wisconsin.

"There is a great need for trained volunteer responders not only on the scenes of accidents but also in the event of larger emergencies," said Michael Hupy, president of Hupy & Abraham, S.C. "We commend the efforts of the Rescue Riders in educating motorcyclists, and are pleased to present this donation to help support this endeavor in Wisconsin and Illinois."

The donation will be used to recruit, educate, equip and organize volunteer motorcyclists to provide emergency assistance in times of need, training them in first aid, CPR and basic medical triage.

"We are grateful for Hupy & Abraham's support of our program," noted Dean Akey, founder of Rescue Riders. "This will provide a critical resource for motorcyclists across the region, who have been blessed with the support that Hupy & Abraham has given us over the years".

For more information, please visit www.hupy.com or www.rescueriders.org.

ABOUT HUPY & ABRAHAM, S.C.

Hupy and Abraham, S.C., has a proven record of success in driving results for injured bikers and settlements in other serious cases. Founded in 1964, Hupy & Abraham, S.C.'s lawyers have combined experience of over 125 years, handling thousands of cases from routine accidents to those resulting in multi-million dollar settlements. Hupy and Abraham accepts cases nationwide, with offices in Milwaukee, Madison and Appleton, Wisconsin and in Bloomington/Normal, Peoria, Rockford, Decatur and Gurnee, Illinois. For more information, please call 1-800-800-5678 or visit www.hupy.com.

ABOUT RESCUE RIDERS

The Rescue Riders is a 501c3 charitable organization based out of St. Charles, IL and was founded by Dean Akey five years ago after his involvement in a motorcycle traffic accident. Akey has become an expert in first aid, CPR, basic medical triage and accident scene management and now provides training and tools to fellow volunteer bikers to become first responders as Rescue Riders. Rescue Riders offer assistance on an individual basis and directly support the professional emergency response organizations in their communities. For more information, please call 630-444-0588 or visit www.rescueriders.org.

# # #

Bull Pen November 2009

Dean Akey — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:21:30 -0700

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. Often I am asked questions about the Rescue Rider program. I have put the following information together to help folks better understand what our program is all about. 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"

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.

We created the Rescue Rider program to recruit, educate and organize bikers in support of each other, our communities and our nation. We do this by helping provide bikers with the tools & training needed to provide emergency assistance in times of need.

The Golden Hour: In the world of emergency care, the "Golden Hour" is defined as the time period of about one hour in which the lives of a majority of critically injured trauma patients can be saved if definitive trauma care intervention is provided. This principle of rapid intervention can also be applied to non-trauma patients such as those having a heart attack or a stroke, in which time to treatment dramatically affects a patient's outcome.

Training: Rescue Riders must have training to be able to provide assistance. We recommend that our volunteers complete Accident Scene Management (Basic & Advanced) and CPR certification where available. In those areas where ASMI training is unavailable we recommend Red Cross or American Heart Association First Aid training.

Tools: We recommend that Rescue Riders find a permanent place on their motorcycles to carry a "first responder" kit and tools to help secure an accident scene. Unfortunately many qualified volunteers are unable to provide emergency care without the appropriate tools. Rescue Riders should carry a first aid kit that contains materials that coincide with your training and comfort level. We have created a "first responder" kit for you to use or if you prefer you can purchase a kit from the vendor of your choice.

Cost: There is no cost to join or participate in the Rescue Rider program.

Good Samaritan Status: In today's litigious society, there can be a reluctance to help our in emergency situations. Fear of liability for any misstep can paralyze even the most helpful Good Samaritan. The truth is that each state has laws or regulations to protect the general public from liability during rescues or rescue attempts.

Good Samaritan laws are meant to protect those who come to the aid of others for no other reason than kindness. Good Samaritan laws only help if the rescuer (or would-be rescuer) is acting without any expectation of reward. In other words, if you are getting paid to rescue then you aren't a Good Samaritan. Paid rescuers are expected to do their jobs correctly and can be held accountable for mistakes.

The best way to protect yourself from possible liability when helping others is to always act on behalf of the victim.

The statutes in Illinois and most states in the Nation allow you to provide emergency medical assistance within your training and comfort level and be protected from prosecution.

Duties & Expectations: As a Rescue Rider, you are acting as a Good Samaritan. Your participation is defined by you. Many Rescue Riders complete training and ride as they always have. If you would like to be a more active Rescue Rider volunteer we support many area events and rides at the request of the event/ride organizers. Our leaders broadcast Rescue Rider support missions at the Rescue Rider group on the http://www.my.calendars.net/rescue_riders/ site. For those of you who desire to be actively involved in the Rescue Rider program we invite you to join us as a Regional Coordinator. Regional Coordinators reach out to area events, rides and organizations to offer Rescue Rider support. Once an event is identified as a good fit with our organization, Regional Coordinators post the Rescue Rider support missions and coordinate the efforts of our volunteers.

I hope this helps you better understand our program and what we do. Now that the weather is turning colder, the Rescue Rider training programs really heat up. Many of you prefer to spend warm sunny days riding so the majority of our training programs are held October thru March. If you would like to learn how to provide emergency medical assistance as a Rescue Rider, I invite you to enroll for one of our upcoming Rescue Rider sponsored Accident Scene Management classes. For a limited time you will be able to enroll in our classes at a reduced rate courtesy of the law firm of Hupy & Abraham and the Allstate Foundation. Tuition for both Basic and Advanced courses typically cost $55 each. As a result of the generosity of our sponsors your cost to train is reduced to only $30 until we exhaust our grant funds.

For an updated listing of classes please e mail Teresa McClelland at tjm911rn@aol.com. Teresa is our National Director of Training and she will be happy to assist you. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

The Bull Pen via Thunder Roads. October 2009

Dean Akey — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:25:26 -0700

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. Are you a channel surfer? Do you ever feel that even with 300 channels there is nothing "good" on television? Steven Wright once said "Don't you wish there were a knob on the TV to turn up the intelligence? There's one marked 'Brightness,' but it doesn't work". Recently I was on one of my channel surfing safari's and found a show about people who have won the lottery. You would think this is a "rags to riches" story. To my surprise it was more of a "rags to riches to rags" saga. The show profiled people like William "Bud" Post who won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania lottery in 1988 but now lives on his Social Security.

After winning the lottery, Post's former girlfriend successfully sued him for a share of his winnings. It wasn't his only lawsuit. A brother was arrested for hiring a hit man to kill him, hoping to inherit a share of the winnings. Post even spent time in jail for shooting a gun over the head of a bill collector. Post eventually filed for bankruptcy & now he lives quietly on $450 a month and food stamps.

To many, winning the lottery is an American Dream. The American Dream to me is to own a 65 panhead and a 47 Indian Chief. To me, the Panhead was the last truly classic "old school" bike that was manufactured by Harley Davidson. My two shovelheads were crap but that's probably more due to the AMF/Harley years. The lines of the 47 Indian Chief are the pinnacle of classic styling and flair that you would expect from Americas first Motorcycle Company. As you can probably tell, I am a big fan of both Harley & Indian. I want one of each....

In case you didn't know, Indian designed their first bikes in 1901 two years before the start of the Harley Davidson legacy. Indian was not only the first American motorcycle, it was the world's best-selling bike and, having introduced the first V-twin motorcycle to the world in 1907, the most technologically advanced. Harley-Davidson 1910 models, by contrast, were all singles, producing five horsepower or less.

Indian Motorcycles were originally manufactured under the corporate banner of the Hendee Manufacturing Company, which later reincorporated as the Indian Motorcycle Company. Not a bad move is you ask me. Riding an Indian just sounds cooler than riding a Hendee...

Much like Harley Davidson, Indians and their riders were bound by emotional ties unusual in relationships between bikers and their machines. Thousands of Indian fans flocked to dealerships throughout the country at annual Indian Day celebrations, while riders and prospective riders were warmly welcomed at the Indian's manufacturing plant affectionately nicknamed "The Wigwam" decades before official tours were offered to the public.

It was a sad day for Indian enthusiasts when Indian ceased manufacturing "Americas First Motorcycle" in the early 1950s. A company in Gilroy, California began manufacture in the late 1990s of motorcycles under the Indian name after they purchased the trademark. The motorcycles have been known as the Gilroy Indians. However, the company folded in 2003.

So is there a happy ending? I hope so. In July 2006, under new a management team and corporate structure Indian reopened their doors for business. I may not be able to find a "cherry" 1947 Indian Chief but starting in 2008 new Indians began to roll off the line at the new "Wigwam" manufacturing facility in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. I recently had the opportunity to check out some of the new 2010 Indian models and all I can say is these are flippin bad ass... Check out the classic lines of the Bomber. I want one of these in my garage. These scooters aren't cheap so I better sell a buttload more motorcycle insurance to make my dream a reality. Get the hint??

Initially, Indian motorcycles will have a limited production run until their dealership network expands. On that front, my old friend Bob Marchello and his partner Matthew DiVenere are reintroducing Indian Motorcycles to the greater Chicago area by opening Indian Motorcycles of Chicago. You can check out the new 2010 models at their new dealership located at 474 Ridington Drive, in South Elgin IL. Good luck Indian Motorcycles, it's great to see the return of a classic.

Switching Gears

The history lesson is over. Now it's time to help make history. Many of you know about the Rescue Riders. In five short years we have grown to over 2000 volunteers nationally. That's quite an accomplishment for an all volunteer organization. Our volunteers have provided emergency assistance to quite a few fellow bikers from coast to coast. To celebrate and raise some much needed dough, we are throwing one heck of a party and you are invited. The proceeds from this year's event will also benefit the children from Mooseheart's Child City School. We will be hosting FrightoberFest on October 17^th and have one great day planned for you. Festivities start with a poker run followed by a music festival with an amazing lineup of bands. The Miller Girls & Jager Girls will be on hand to help quench your thirst and to top it off there will be a costume contest. I am torn between showing up as an Amish person or sticking with my French maid costume. If you have an idea for future editorials or you would like to reach me please call me at 630-232-9811 or drop me a line at deanakey@allstate.com. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

The Bull Pen via Thunder Roads. September 2009

Dean Akey — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:13:23 -0700

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. Are you ready for another fun filled edition? Ok then, let's get started. It has been said that four wheels move the body and two wheels move the soul. I couldn't agree more. I call it two wheel therapy. Just think about it, do you ever see motorcycles parked in front of a psychiatrist's office?

My most recent therapy session was to Sturgis. It has been several years since my last visit so I was looking forward to the journey. As each mile passed, I felt my demons shrinking away. By the time we rolled into the Black Hills, I was my old self. Hello old friend... Sometimes there is no substitute for 1000 miles of blacktop. No music, phone or distractions. Just the road. To complete my therapy, I made the journey home solo. It may sound odd but I have always preferred to ride alone. If you get to really know me you would probably prefer that I ride alone as well but that's a topic for another monthly edition of the Bull Pen. Included in this month's edition are a few pics from this year's trip which I hope you enjoy.

Now let's switch gears. Recently, I received a letter from the IRS. Yep, that's the Internal Revenue Service. It just makes me cringe to think that the IRS would find time to write to me. With nervous hands I carefully opened the letter. What a relief it was to discover that the IRS has granted the Rescue Riders our much anticipated 501c3 charitable organization status.

If you are not familiar the Rescue Riders, we are a national volunteer organization which recruits, trains and helps organize bikers as emergency medics in support of your runs and events. To date we have over 2000 volunteer medics nationally and continue to grow. With our much anticipated 501c3 status, we can now begin our fundraising efforts to help further build our program and offer our volunteers and you additional support. If you would like to learn more or join our program I invite you to visit our web site at www.RescueRiders.org or our discussion forum at www.illinoisblogspot.com/group/rescueriders.

That's all I have to say about that. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

The Bull Pen via Thunder Roads. August 2009

Dean Akey — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 09:58:26 -0700

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. Can you feel it in the air? That's right, it's Sturgis time. While writing this month's article I am counting down the days until we once again blast off for Sturgis. Oliver Wendell Holmes once said "We do not quit playing because we grow old, we grow old because we quit playing". I couldn't agree more Ollie.

Past memories of twisting the throttle as we race thru the needles highway, Spearfish Cannon and the badlands put a smile on my face. There is just something magical about the black hills of South Dakota. Most bikers consider Sturgis the center of the world. We may be a bit biased but next to Sturgis is Belle Fourche which is actually the geographical center of the United States of America, designated in 1959 and noted by an official marker and sheepherder's monument called a "Stone Johnnie". I once knew a guy whose nickname was Johnny Stone but that's a whole different direction that I want to go this month...

Weekend riding seems to help take the edge off from the past week but there really is no substitute for a long road trip to free the spirit. I slip in my ear plugs, fire up my scooter and can feel the effect that each mile has on my road to recovery. By the time I return from my Sturgis pilgrimage, I am full of energy, optimism and a fully recharged spirit. Are you with me?

Now let's switch gears

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. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

What's a Trauma Momma?

Dean Akey — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:28:29 -0700

Are the buttons on my vest popping yet? It is with great pride that I share the following article with you. This article was written by Tom Clegg at Nursing Spectrum Magazine.

Way to Go T.

When Teresa McClelland, RN, became the clinical coordinator at Loyola Center for Heart and Vascular Medicine in Park Ridge, Ill., a little more than a year ago, having weekends off gave her the opportunity to more regularly enjoy her other passion - riding motorcycles.

But after being involved in an accident while on a ride with friends, McClelland, formerly a trauma nurse specialist and emergency medical services educator for 10 years, saw the need for motorcyclists and others to have a basic knowledge of trauma care.

"When I went down, my (fellow) riders secured my bike, but I think they were unsure of what to do with me," McClelland said. After a little research, McClelland came upon the nonprofit group Accident Scene Management, Inc., and she became an instructor.

McClelland, known to fellow bikers as "Trauma Momma," in October began teaching "A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist," which offers tips for RNs and bikers on what to do in the first minutes after a motorcycle crash until professional help arrives. The course uses the acronymn PACT as a teaching tool - Prevent further injuries; Assess the situation; Contact the EMS; and Treat the injured with life-sustaining care.

McClelland said the education is useful to anyone, especially those who ride or are passengers on motorcycles.

McClelland also is the director of training for the volunteer, non-profit motorcycling group Rescue Riders, whose members provide emergency assistance.

The course is available nationwide, and McClelland will find an instructor for groups outside Chicago. But don't be surprised if she hops on her bike to do the teaching herself. "[In March] I went to Montana and taught a class," she said.

Tom Clegg is a member of the editorial group at Nursing Spectrum.

For information on Accident Scene Management, Inc. and Rescue Riders, visit www.accidentscene.org and www.rescueriders.org.

Second Chances

Dean Akey — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:39:31 -0700

Over the weekend I received the letter below. Casey shared with me that his wife Michelle is still in the hospital but should recover. I want to thank Casey for writing this letter and sharing with us all the importance of being prepared. Casey hopes as do I that his letter will help all of us recognize the need for our program and how we collectively need to support each other. We are all quite thankful that Michelle was given a second chance. Will you or someone you love be as fortunate? Please join the Rescue Riders and Ride for a Reason. You can learn more about our program at www.rescueriders.org.

Dean,

I contacted you about a year ago on the Rescue Riders. As I was just coming into a sitting board seat for the local POW*MIA organization I decided that I didn't have enough time. God I wish I would've kept going.

My wife was in a terrible motorcycle accident while we were riding with a few of our friends the day before Mother's Day. She is still in the hospital after surgery on her spine and a closed head injury. Her passenger almost lost her foot. I felt so helpless sitting there protecting her spine while we waited for the ambulances to arrive. (40 minutes in the middle of Wyoming) I didn't have anything better than a Band-Aid and sun block to help.

I have just purchased your Trauma PAC and some other supplies. I will never again be without supplies or training to take care of someone in need. I have my CPR card and am signed up for EMT training. I've been involved in Radiology for over 20 years, but need to bone up on emergency medicine.

Thank you for starting this program. As someone that could've benefited from having the proper equipment and help onsite I think it is a wonderful idea. I ride with several healthcare workers and I'm going to try to get them all interested.

Casey Jackman RT(R)(MR) Casey & Michelle Jackman

Director of Radiology

Mountain View Hospital

2325 Coronado Street

Idaho Falls, ID 83404

Drivers hold key to stopping death by distraction

Dean Akey — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:10:12 -0700

By Marni Pyke | Daily Herald Staff

Ahh, multi-tasking. What a great world, where you can gab on the phone and grab a Starbucks - all from the convenience of the car.

Problem is, the next time you're engaged in a heated conversation while switching radio stations and switching lanes -- odds are something bad will happen.

We are a nation of distracted drivers and it's costing us lives and property damage.

One local case that's provoked outrage is the death of motorcyclist Anita Zaffke of Lake Zurich, killed May 2 by another driver who was polishing her nails instead of watching the road, police say.

May was a horrific month for motorcyclists in the region. Killed in separate accidents were Zaffke, husband and wife Wade and Denise Thomas of St. Charles, Michael Smith of St. Charles and Michael Lechner of Buffalo Grove.

"This is the ugliest start to riding season in Illinois that we ever have seen," said Dean Akey, a veteran biker and owner of an Allstate Insurance business in St. Charles.

Zaffke's death is adding weight to calls for a law that gives authorities a means of prosecuting distracted drivers.

Currenhtly, charges that could be applied, like reckless homicide, are based on premeditation, which is problematic to prove. Motorists who kill people through carelessness usually end up with a slap on the wrist.

Legislation sponsored by state Rep. William Black, a Danville Republican, would create a misdemeanor category for negligent vehicular homicide. It could result in up to a year in prison and a maximum $2,500 fine.

Although his proposal faltered this session, Black is hopeful an amended version will gain traction in the fall.

He pushed for reform after 25-year-old bicyclist Matt Wilhelm was killed in Urbana by a driver who went off the road while downloading ring tones on her cell phone.

"(Matt's) parents were upset she was only charged with improper lane usage," Black said.

What the stats show

The number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities in Illinois has grown since 2000.

Accidents decreased from 4,483 in 2005 to 4,119 in 2006 but soared to 4,819 in 2007, the most recent year analyzed by the Illinois Department of Transportation. There were 154 motorcycle deaths that year, too.

So how many of these losses are caused by people talking on cells, texting or checking e-mail while going 45 mph?

There's no detailed studies breaking down categories of distracted driving victims, although the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has initiated a study on motorcycles.

What we do know is cell phone use contributes to 6 percent of crashes, which equals 636,000 collisions a year in America and 2,600 deaths, according to a Harvard Center of Risk Analysis report.

A VTTI and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study of 100 cars found that 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved a driver not paying attention.

Personal crusades

Anecdotal evidence suggests that texting, talking on the phone and using other electronic devices while at the wheel "is sky-high," said David Teater, senior director of transportation strategic initiatives at the National Safety Council in Itasca.

"One real danger for motorists is that automobile drivers don't see them - they're looking for a car in their mind's eye," Teater said. "If you add a cognitive distraction to the already difficult task of recognizing a biker, it makes it worse."

That's not to say these tragedies are always caused by inattention.

In 2007, "speeding was a factor in 36 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes compared to 24 percent for fatal passenger car crashes," a National Safety Council report states.

And, "27 percent of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were intoxicated compared to 23 percent of passenger car drivers."

Akey disputes the stereotype of motorcyclists as irresponsible and says a distracted driving law is desperately needed.

In January, the NSC started lobbying for a nationwide ban on cell phone use while driving and has seen some success. In Illinois, the General Assembly passed legislation banning texting while driving and cell phone use in school or construction zones.

These victories like that encourage Teater, whose 12-year-old son died when a driver talking on a cell phone ran a red light and hit the family car.

"It was terrible, but at least I now have the opportunity to do something about it," he said.

Akey also is motivated by personal experience. Five years ago, he cracked his skull when his motorcycle was rammed by a minivan driven by a parent too busy scolding a child to see him.

He has since founded Rescue Riders, a program that trains motorcyclists to offer emergency assistance in accidents.

"There's an epidemic of distracted drivers doing harm to other people," Akey said. "We've become a multi-tasking society that thinks we can eat and listen to music and do whatever while we're driving. I don't believe we can."

The Bull Pen. July 2009

Dean Akey — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:09:16 -0700

The Bull Pen

Dean Akey

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. Can you believe the summer is already half over? How time flies. This year's riding season has been brutal to our biker brothers & sisters. We have seen more accidents and fatalities this year than we have as long as the pointy heads have been keeping track. For that reason I wanted to share with you some information that I hope you never need.

At the risk of sounding self serving I am going to write about your motorcycle insurance. Your motorcycle insurance is like a parachute. You don't really appreciate it until you need it. I hope you read on and understand how your policy can protect you, your family and your property.

Are you ready? Well then, let's get started. As consumers, we have been conditioned to compare insurance based upon price. If you have seen the Progressive Insurance television commercials Flo tells us all how you can save money. Let me say that even though I think Flo is a "hottie" I want you to focus on your individual needs first and then look at the price. Let me break down some of the key components in your policy.

Bodily Injury/Liability: This is the portion of your policy that protects your liability when you cause harm to another individual. If you are in an accident and it's your fault, you are protected up to the limits of your policy. Quite often I talk to bikers who have $20,000/$40,000 of liability protection. This means if you harm another person, your policy will pay up to $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident on your behalf to the injured person or persons. A few years back I was hit head on by a minivan which left 60 staples in my head, broke my collar bone and all of the ribs on my right side. My medical bill was $14,000 and I did not stay in the hospital overnight. I share this with you to demonstrate how quickly your liability can add up.

Uninsured/Underinsured Liability: Many folks ask me what this is. In a nutshell, this is coverage for you. Unfortunately Illinois only requires motorists to carry a minimum of $20,000 of liability coverage. Some states do not require motorists to carry any liability insurance. If someone injures you and they do not have insurance or sufficient insurance coverage to pay for your damages, your Uninsured/Underinsured coverage can pick up the slack. This is one of the most important elements of your policy and very often overlooked.

Property Damage: This is the protection you have if you damage other folk's property. Most of you carry $50,000 of property damage on your policies. What this means is that if you cause an accident and a BMW hits a Corvette, all you have to repair or replace their vehicles is $50,000. Don't get caught in this trap. All motorcyclists need at least $100,000 of property damage. The good news here is that it typically costs less than $20 years to upgrade from $50,000 to $100,000 so don't delay. I often hear the objection, how much damage can my bike cause to another vehicle. You don't even need to make contact with another vehicle to be at fault. If you are ticketed and two vehicles collide you are responsible to repair or replace their vehicles. I have personally seen $100,000 property damage claims where the bike was not damaged but the operator was found to be at fault. Don't let this happen to you.

Guest Liability: Do you ever take passengers for rides? If you do you should have Guest Liability Coverage. These levels are typically consistent with your Bodily Injury and Underinsured/Uninsured coverage. This component of your policy covers your liability when carrying a passenger. In other words, if you are in an accident and your passenger is injured, you could be sued for damages. If your policy provides this coverage you are protected up to the limits of your policy. Now for the scary part. Many motorcycle policies do not provide this coverage. If you don't have this on your policy, ride solo.

Collision: This is the component of your policy that pays to replace or repair your scooter. You choose the deductible that fits your budget and your motorcycle will be repaired or replaced up to the market value of your bike. Now if you are like me you have probably added some bling to your scooter along the way. What happens if your bike is wrecked? Read on.

Optional Equipment: If you are riding a stock bike skip to the next section. If you have upgraded your bike you need optional equipment coverage. Most insurance agents mess this part up. Here is how optional equipment coverage works. Let's say that you added a Mustang seat ($650) Bassani Exhaust ($850) and Custom Wheels ($2000) and a Baker six speed transmissions ($2500). Your agent may tell you that you need $6000 of optional equipment coverage. Sorry to tell you this but if you took that advice you are paying too much. In calculating the correct dollar amount of Optional Equipment coverage you need we need to determine the difference between your upgrades and the original stock components. Let's assume your bike is damaged in an accident. You already have coverage to repair/replace your stock components less your deductible. If your policy will already pay for a stock exhaust ($350) and stock wheels ($1000) and stock transmission ($1450) all you need to do is cover the difference which in this case would be $3200. Many policies already include some coverage for Optional Equipment so if your policy covers $1000 of optional equipment already, add the $2200 and you are covered. If you have custom paint or engine upgrades you typically want to cover those at the full value of the upgrades.

Comprehensive: This component of your policy typically covers you for incidents that occur when you are not riding your scooter. There are a few exceptions to this but that's another topic in itself. If your scooter is vandalized, damaged by hail etc your comprehensive will pay to repair or replace your vehicle less your deductible.

Rider Protection: This is an Allstate exclusive. A few years ago the pointy heads at Allstate asked me to help them design a new motorcycle policy. My reaction was why are we offering what everybody offers? Let's reinvent motorcycle insurance. We did. Most motorcycle insurance companies offer much of the same "stuff". Up to now, none of the motorcycle insurance companies offered protection for the rider. Our new Rider Protection package will pay you if you are injured and cannot work as the result of an accident. The payments will continue as long as you are unable to return to work. In addition, we can also include $15,000 of life insurance if the worst happens. As bikers, we all like to think that we will never be in an accident or worse but having been in several myself, I can tell you this does happen more than we would like to think.

So what do I recommend you should carry in terms of coverage? It really depends on your needs. Are you married? Do you have children? A mortgage? Your policy should fit your needs. Don't hope you are covered, know so. My name is Dean Akey and I sell motorcycle insurance. I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most. If I can help you with your insurance please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899. I would love to hear from you. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

Bull Pen July 09 Via Illinois/Wisconsin Biker Information Guide

Dean Akey — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:52:31 -0700

Zzzzzzzzzzzz

So you are having troubles sleeping? Read on. Let's face it, talking or in your case reading about insurance is about as much fun as watching paint dry. Woody Allen once said, "There are things worse than death, Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman"?.

Personally I have never cared much for insurance folks. When I think about a typical insurance agent the image of a "triple Cleveland" comes to mind. What's a triple Cleveland say you? A triple Cleveland is when you wear white shoes, a white belt and a white tie. Are you with me so far?

Ok, now that I have ripped on insurance folks including myself, there are some very important things you should know about your insurance. I can tell you first hand both as a victim and agent that most of you are at risk. Let me start by sharing a common truth with you. The only insurance you can count on is yours. It may surprise you but in many states you don't have to carry motorcycle insurance and in Illinois you are only required to carry $20k of liability insurance.

What does that mean to you? Let's use me as an example. A few years back, I was hit head on by a minivan. The accident broke my ribs, collar bone and made my head look like something out of a science fiction movie. I spent a few hours in the emergency room where they ran multiple tests. My bill was $14,000. What would have happened if I had to spend a few days in the hospital? What if it was more serious? We see six figure medical bills quite often for serious accidents and if the person at fault does not have sufficient insurance coverage you should make sure you do. The coverage I am talking about is called Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage. If you don't have it on your policy call your agent and get it. This is the portion of your insurance that makes up for any deficiency the other persons insurance may have.

There are quite a few other components of your insurance you should know. Since I only have 400 words here you will have to wait until the next installment. Are you protected? Don't hope so, know so. Call your agent. My name is Dean Akey and I sell insurance without a triple Cleveland. If I can help you please give me a call. You can reach me at 877-232-9899.

God Speed Anita

Dean Akey — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:04:09 -0700

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"

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.

Economic Stimulus for Bikers....

Dean Akey — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:13:44 -0700

Out & About, Thunder Roads. May 2009

Dean Akey — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:17:44 -0700

Out & About

May 2009

Dean "Bull" Akey, Editor Thunder Roads

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.

The Bull Pen, Thunder Roads May 2009

Dean Akey — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:03:26 -0700

Passing the Torch

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. If you don't remember me, my name is Dean Akey and I will be your guide for another fun filled edition. Are you ready? OK then, let's get started...

It has been said that four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul. Riding always has been a spiritual journey for me. My journey started twenty five years ago with Laverne. Laverne was my 1979 Harley Sportster. Since Laverne, I have had quite a few more spiritual relationships. Betty, my 2001 Road King has been the longest and quite honestly the most spiritual of all of the relationships I have had over the years.

Betty has served me well over the years taking me across country more times than I can remember. She was with me when I was hit head on by a minivan on a crisp Sunday morning. I was in Plainfield and was hit on a single lane metal grate bridge. The accident left me with a broken collar bone, ten broken ribs and a head that looks like something out of a horror movie. The insurance folks wanted to throw in the towel on Betty but I would not hear of it. I was lucky to be alive and Betty took the lion's share of the damage to protect me. I figured if I am still here that Betty should be as well.

Betty and I began to heal together and we both returned to the road once again. Of course she looked much better than I did. Every time I threw my leg over Betty, I would stroke her tank and ask her to once again help me complete my journey. Over time I would give Betty presents like the thirteen guardian bells that adorned her handle bars. Those were Betty's earrings. The color matched Iron Braids that were on her clutch and break levers were her long flowing hair.

Over time Betty started to show signs of getting "tired". I didn't really notice much as I always saw Betty as something more than a motorcycle. She was as beautiful to me as any motorcycle ever made. I was and still am in love with my girl.

We had a connection that I am sure many of you have with your trusty scooters. I could tell by the sounds or feel if there was anything wrong with my girl. I believe the key to any lasting relationship is being dialed into the needs of your partner.

You may be surprised to know but in addition to being Editor of Thunder Roads, I am also an Ordained Minister. I don't hold a position in a church but do have quite a strong relationship with my God. My God and my soul mate Eileen, who is my bride of nineteen years, helped me realize that it was time to make the change.

The wonderful folks at Zylstra who originally introduced me to Betty in 2000 and had built her over the years to my specifications understood my attachment and actually did an amazing job helping me. Tiny, Zylstra's GM was more of a grief counselor for me than I could have hoped for. I took delivery of my fourteenth motorcycle and decided to name her "Black Betty". If you are wondering why I chose the name Betty let me explain. Betty was named after the 1940's pinup legend Betty Page. To me Betty Page was beautiful before you could buy beautiful and she didn't know it.

My wish is that Betty's next relationship is as wonderful as ours has been and I wish her well. Betty and I had in common our restlessness and love of the open road. Now my attention is focused on building my new relationship with my new 2009 Street Glide "Black Betty".

You may notice from the pictures of Betty & Black Betty that I have dedicated my new scooter to the Rescue Riders. Thanks to the generosity from the law firm of Hupy & Abraham and Allstate Insurance Company, we have trained over 500 volunteer Rescue Riders in Illinois & Wisconsin. These fellow bikers have the training and tools to help victims of accidents. In 2009 we will be training more Rescue Rider volunteers so stay tuned. If you would like to learn more about the Rescue Riders please visit our website www.rescueriders.org.

Well, that's it for this month. When I am not sharing my wisdom with you via my Thunder Roads editorials or running the Rescue Rider program, I run an insurance agency West of Chicago. I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most. If I can help you with your insurance please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899. I would love to hear from you. Until next month, enjoy the ride.

The Softer Side of Bikers

Dean Akey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:47:20 -0700

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....