Maine Biker Network
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Fighting a Losing Battle?
What the hell is going through people’s heads when they group up for an event like the annual UBM Toy Run that was held on September 11? Do they think that an event like that gives them license to behave as if the law does not apply to them?
I attended the event, but did not ride in the main run from the Augusta Civic Center to the Windsor fairgrounds. Instead I went to the fairgrounds early to be there when the riders arrived from Augusta and to listen to the distinguished speakers that had been invited.
Governor LePage was there as was Senator Olympia Snow along with a representative from Congressman Mike Michaud’s office.
The fairgrounds were packed with people and motorcycles and the toy drop-off was overflowing with donated toys for the kids that will be receiving them at Christmas. Bikes where constantly coming and going to and from the event. As the speakers where addressing the crowd, I was standing in the large group of people in front of the stage listening to them. I was embarrassed by the fact that most of their speeches were drowned out by most of the riders on their motorcycles leaving the fairgrounds. It seems that once they cleared the gate and got straightened out on route 32, a large majority of the riders would accelerate at full throttle through the gears so everyone could hear just how ‘awesome’ their motors sound. The noise was over powering to the point that I could not hear the person next to me talking much less the speakers on the stage.
I know this was a motorcycle event and the noise levels are inherently raised when thousands of motorcycles gather together, but the number of motorcycles I observed sporting open exhaust systems was staggering. The only place that it makes sense to run an open exhaust is on a race track if the motor is tuned for it. The street is not the place for them and especially in such a large gathering of motorcycles as the Toy Run. Not to mention that it is illegal to run an unmuffled system on the highways of Maine. It is no wonder that the quiet pipers are in a rage after being assaulted by such a display of lawlessness.
This total disregard for the law is the bane of the work done in Augusta by UBM and the Maine Motorcyclist Political Action Committee. It is extremely difficult to defend against onerous bills such as the EPA label bill promoted by the citizens of Maine who are fed up with the outrageous noise levels they are subjected to by the riders who don’t seem to understand the consequences of their actions. We as the riding community have to start taking responsibility for what is a serious problem. We have to start speaking out to the riders that chose to run straight pipes or high flow exhaust systems that are extremely loud. Let’s make them aware that they are the reason that we face the possibility of losing the ability to modify our bikes if they persist in flaunting the law. If we don’t start trying to correct the problem ourselves, then the quiet pipers and the state legislature will end up solving it for us and I guarantee we will not like the result of that exercise in democracy.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michael F. Whalen on
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Well said, Joshua. It's too bad more people won't see this.
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Permalink Reply by Randy LONRNGR on -
There will always be riders who will need the extra attention. Be it loud pipes, speed, or stunts on the roadways especially when they have a large audience. And I hate to tell ya Joshua and Michael but they dont give a damn what you or I think as long as they get the attention. However these same riders will be the first to piss and moan and scream unfair when rules and laws are passed to curb the behavior. I just enjoy the ride, the experience. I dont have to make alot of noise, I dont have to bury the tach, and I dont need to impress anyone with my riding ability. I just want to ride. So they arent ruining anything for me. So I say go for it. and when you get caught pay the fine.
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Permalink Reply by Mr Phil on
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I know Josh, it's discouraging isn't it? Thanks for the call, we'll hook up soon.
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Permalink Reply by Mark Elliott on -
I know Josh, you've been working for us night and day and this is the thanks you get. Those that make the noise will be the first standing in the WTF line when it all goes to hell and we can safely point the finger right at them and say "THANKS!!"
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Permalink Reply by Papa Juliet on -
Joshua- Thanks for bringing this up. The noise-mongering section of the Motorcycle Community has been running roughshod over our lives fro way to long. It's not just Speakers at events like this that they have been drowning out. They have been blasting children's birthday parties with their noise pollution, they have been drowning out teachers in classrooms, they have been destroying the sleep of their neighbors, they have been shattering the tranquility of campgrounds. And the saddest, most pathetic thing about their cluelessness is that they actually imagine that they have a "right" to make that much noise. Never mind the time of day or where they are. In their limited, noise-addled pea-brains "that's the sound of freedom". What it is is petty tyranny from a small but loud, self-centered special-interest group. And you're right, unless they get a handle on their noise, the law will. People have had enough.
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Permalink Reply by Mark Elliott on
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Art, I'm not gettin' this?? LOL
Artlee said:
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Permalink Reply by Dan williams on
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tyranny? LOL
Papa Juliet said:
Joshua- Thanks for bringing this up. The noise-mongering section of the Motorcycle Community has been running roughshod over our lives fro way to long. It's not just Speakers at events like this that they have been drowning out. They have been blasting children's birthday parties with their noise pollution, they have been drowning out teachers in classrooms, they have been destroying the sleep of their neighbors, they have been shattering the tranquility of campgrounds. And the saddest, most pathetic thing about their cluelessness is that they actually imagine that they have a "right" to make that much noise. Never mind the time of day or where they are. In their limited, noise-addled pea-brains "that's the sound of freedom". What it is is petty tyranny from a small but loud, self-centered special-interest group. And you're right, unless they get a handle on their noise, the law will. People have had enough. -
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Permalink Reply by Papa Juliet on
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Yes Dan, Tyranny. Actually I said "petty tyranny". And look up the word. It applies perfectly to the Chopper Culture and their complete disregard for the rights of others. And you and your fellow faux-barbarians can "yawn" and disregard this issue all you want. Open your eyes, the world is turning against you and your silly and loud "lifestyle". You have only yourselves to blame when your noise pollution is legislated out of existence. You and your ilk have shown that you have NO ability to regulate yourself. Every time you and your posse rap that throttle in an otherwise quiet community you turn another person against you. Carry on in your special, clueless way.
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Thankyou for your baseless response to my chuckle at your exaggeration. The word tyranny, even when preceded by the"petty" modifier, doesn't apply. Most pipes aren't too loud. None of your insults apply either btw. Good day.
Papa Juliet said:Yes Dan, Tyranny. Actually I said "petty tyranny". And look up the word. It applies perfectly to the Chopper Culture and their complete disregard for the rights of others. And you and your fellow faux-barbarians can "yawn" and disregard this issue all you want. Open your eyes, the world is turning against you and your silly and loud "lifestyle". You have only yourselves to blame when your noise pollution is legislated out of existence. You and your ilk have shown that you have NO ability to regulate yourself. Every time you and your posse rap that throttle in an otherwise quiet community you turn another person against you. Carry on in your special, clueless way.
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Permalink Reply by John Currie on -
They won't be so smart next year when they will have to display their inspection sticker on the bike (plate) and some will find a way around it. One of the latest dodges comes from a guy that bought a OCC bike and nobody will give him a sticker, so he registered it in New Hampshire. Where there's a will, there's a way. I really do care that real bikers will suffer from this, but it's the posers that cause the problem and they'll end up finding some other way to "express" themselves. Most are just showoffs anyway.
Don't call them Bikers til you see them Ride!
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