BETHESDA, Md., June 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Motorcycle Riders Foundation strongly supports the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) and urges Congress to swiftly pass the legislation in order to safeguard individual vehicle ownership rights today and in the future.

“We have formally committed our support to the Right to Repair Act because we believe that consumers are entitled to the right to choose how their motorcycle, car or other type of vehicle is maintained or upgraded. The point of Right to Repair is to protect the freedom of American consumers to choose how they take care of their vehicles, be it in their driveway or at a trusted repair facility, and to ensure that they have access to all the information required to complete service and repairs,” said Jeff Hennie, vice president of government relations for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act was introduced into the 111th Congress by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA) to offer protections for vehicle owners by making it illegal for vehicle manufacturers to withhold information necessary to diagnose, service or repair motor vehicles.

“Vehicles, including motorcycles, are becoming increasingly complex with the addition of more and more computer technology, and that is only going to increase in the future. Ready access to accurate service and repair information from the manufacturers is essential to the safety and well-being of the entire American motoring public,” continued Hennie.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation encourages its members and all motorists to visit www.righttorepair.org to send a letter to each of their congressional representatives, urging them to support the Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) by adding their names to the growing list of co-sponsors.

About the Motorcycle Riders Foundation:

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. As the first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, MRF is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom. For more information, visit www.mrf.org.

About Right to Repair:

The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA), would require vehicle manufacturers to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independent repair shops that they provide to their franchised dealer networks. The legislation further provides vehicle manufacturers with strong protections for their trade secrets unless that information is provided to the franchised dealers. The bill clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill’s requirements. For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit www.righttorepair.org.

Website: http://www.mrf.org Website: http://www.righttorepair.org/

Technology and enthusiasm in riding motorcycles has inspired changes in motorcycle designs since their early origins in the late nineteenth century. From generation to generation, motorcycling has always drawn riders for sport and accessible, inexpensive transportation who were also seeking a sense of adventure and freedom on the road. This exhibit explores transformations through designs by American, European and Asian companies and the explosion in riding popularity during the twentieth century.

Over forty motorcycles will go on view at the Courthouse Galleries on July 3, 2009. Featured are motorcycles from the early to late twentieth century. Amongst them are such brand names as Brough Superior, BMW, BSA, Ducati, Fabrique National (FN), Harley-Davidson, Henderson, Honda, Indian, New Map, Triumph, Vincent and more. FREEDOM: Evolution of the Motorcycle continues through October 11, 2009.

Would you like to share your motorcycle or participate in a motorcycle ride? Join us for special Bike Shows, rides and runs. Join us on First Weekend Sundays for special family oriented programming. See programs listed below for more information.

Programs, Events and Rides

FREEDOM WEEKEND
FREEDOM FRIDAY
Freedom: Evolution of the Motorcycle Exhibit opens
Exhibit opening weekend
Courthouse Galleries, Corner of Court & High Street, Portsmouth, VA
July 3, 2009, Friday, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
No Registration Required
Fee: Programs and admission are free.
For more information call 757-393-8983

Free your spirits to the sounds of music and motorcycles, as bikers make their way to the museum historic courtyard while The Blue Lords southern rock band (http://www.bluelordsband.com/) performs live in the Courtyard. This musical act has appeared with top-notch celebrities including ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, the Doobie Brothers, and the Charlie Daniels Band, among many others. Like a blast from the past, Norfolk-based Blue Lord’s band-members will take the audience back to traditional rock-n-roll entertainment. The smell of pizza from Amore’s Casual Italian restaurant on High Street, and hot dogs/hamburgers, will fill the air as food, and beverages are sold in the parking lot.

Try your hand at airbrush painting in a hands-on airbrush demonstration by commercial artist, Bill Tippit. Those who want to experience this unique form of painting will be introduced to beginner airbrush techniques using several end-nozzles to produce different effects (lines, spots and fogs) combined with stencils to create scenes of sunsets, flaming dice and more The airbrush demonstrations will be in the courtyard near the Museum Shop, where unique merchandise and works by local artists are for sale.

The exhibit FREEDOM: Evolution of the Motorcycle will be open free this evening, encompassing both floors of the Courthouse Galleries, with over forty motorcycles on display. The exhibit will remain on view through October 11th 2009.
Leather and sunglass vendors will be in the courtyard and lot adjacent to the museum. At 8:00 p.m. motorcyclists will form a parade of bikes leading the party to Bill Deal Street for a live performance by Blackbird Pond, which was a hit at last year’s Stockley Gardens Art Festival. Visit their website at: http://www.blackbirdpond.com/. The party will continue with food and beer sales. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Food and beer sales end at 10:00 p.m. For more information on music at the Main Stage call Parks & Rec. at 757-393-8481.

July 4, 2009, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
SATURDAY SWAP-MEET
Courthouse Galleries, Corner of Court & High Street, Portsmouth, VA
Fee: Free programs, museum admission $5.00 adult, $2.00 ages 2-17 years
Registration: $10/table (bring your own), $15/table (we provide)
For more information call 757-393-8983, ext. 17.

Swap Meet and Vendors including leathers and sunglasses will display their goods in the lot adjacent to the Museum. From 12:00-3:00 p.m. tattoo artist will demonstrate their works by creating a collaborative canvas, to be raffled off. Participants can “race to the finish” by changing tires in the Pit-Stop Challenge, a simulated drag-race pit crew experience, for ages 8 and up. This event is free and open to the public, while admission to the exhibit FREEDOM: Evolution of the Motorcycle, will be $5-adults, $2-children.

July 4, 2009, Saturday, 3:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Fireworks, Music, Food & Beverages
North Street & Bill Deal St., Portsmouth, VA
Food and beer sales open @ 3:30 p.m.
4:00-5:30 p.m. Annie Johnson Band (main stage)
5:30-7:30p.m. Strictly Bizzness Band (water stage)
8:00-9:30 p.m. Zapp Band (main stage)
Fireworks @9:30 p.m.
Food and beer sales end @ 10:00 p.m.
For more information call Parks & Recreation Department @ 757-393-8481, ext. 4107

July 5, Sunday, 2009, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
SUNDAY FUN-DAY
Make-n-Take Art Activity with Artist Bill Tippit
Courthouse Galleries, Corner of Court & High Street, Portsmouth, VA
Fee: Museum admission and programs are free and open to the public.
For more information call 757-393-8983

Try your hand at airbrush painting in a hands-on airbrush demonstration by commercial artist, Bill Tippit. Those who want to experience this unique form of painting will be introduced to beginner airbrush techniques using several end-nozzles to produce different effects (lines, spots and fogs) combined with stencils to create scenes of sunsets, flaming dice and more The airbrush demonstrations will be in the courtyard near the Museum Shop, where unique merchandise and works by local artists are for sale.

Participants can “race to the finish” by changing tires in the Pit-Stop Challenge, a simulated drag-race pit crew experience, for ages 8 and up. This event is free and open to the public, Free admission to exhibit “Freedom: Evolution of the Motorcycle.”

Bike Show Weekends
American-made Bikes
July 11, 2009, Saturday, noon – 4:00 p.m.
Courthouse Galleries, Corner of Court & High Street, Portsmouth, VA
Fee: Free programs, museum admission: $5.00 adult, $2.00 ages 2-17 years
Registration of Bikes Required: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
For more information, call 757-393-8983, ext. 17

British/European-made Bikes
July 25, 2009, Saturday, noon – 4:00 p.m.
Courthouse Galleries, Corner of Court & High Street, Portsmouth, VA
Fee: Free programs, museum admission: $5.00 adult, $2.00 ages 2-17 years
Registration of Bikes Required: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
For more information, call 757-393-8983, ext. 17

Sport Bikes
August 8, 2009, Saturday, noon – 4:00 p.m.
Courthouse Galleries, Corner of Court & High Street, Portsmouth, VA
Fee: Free programs, museum admission: $5.00 adult, $2.00 ages 2-17 years
Registration of Bikes Required: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
For more information, call 757-393-8983, ext. 17

Trike/Sidecar Bikes
August 22, 2009, Saturday, noon – 4:00 p.m.
Courthouse Galleries, Corner of Court & High Street, Portsmouth, VA
Fee: Free programs, museum admission: $5.00 adult, $2.00 ages 2-17 years
Registration of Bikes Required: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
For more information, call 757-393-8983, ext. 17

Metric Cruisers Bikes
September 12, 2009, Saturday, noon – 4:00 p.m.
Courthouse Galleries, Corner of Court & High Street, Portsmouth, VA
Fee: Free programs, museum admission: $5.00 adult, $2.00 ages 2-17 years
Registration of Bikes Required: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
For more information, call 757-393-8983, ext. 17

Antique Bikes
September 26, 2009, Saturday, noon – 4:00 p.m.
Courthouse Galleries, Corner of Court & High Street, Portsmouth, VA
Fee: Free programs, museum admission: $5.00 adult, $2.00 ages 2-17 years
Registration of Bikes Required: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
For more information, call 757-393-8983, ext. 17

Event
CELEBRATE KIDS—IT’S YOUR DAY!
August 2, 2009, Sunday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
All four Portsmouth Museums
Courthouse Galleries, corner of Court & High Street, Portsmouth, VA, Children’s Museum, 221 High Street, Portsmouth, VA
Naval Shipyard Museum, corner of High & Water Street
Fee: Key Pass, good for all four Portsmouth Museums @ $9/adult, $6/child
For Information call Courthouse Galleries @ 757-393-8983, Children’s Museum @757-393-5258 or Naval Shipyard Museum @ 757-393-8591

During “Celebrate Kids!”, make your way to the Courthouse Galleries to see the impressive (and cool!) motorcycles on display. Experience what its like to race to the finish with Pit-stop Challenge, a simulated drag-race pit crew experience for ages 8 and up.

Learn how to make your own motorcycle designs with airbrush artist Bill Tippit and encaustic artist Martine Strohmeyer who will demonstrate how to paint with wax.

At the Children’s Museum, step inside a world crafted for kids! During “Celebrate Kids!,” face painters and balloon artists will inspire children’s imaginations. Children can tumble away with the “Little Gym.” Also available will be the Sheriff’s “Ident-a-Kid” program, crafts, and much, much more! Of course, don’t forget to say hello to Andalo, the museum’s mascot, during this fun filled day! For more information, please call: 757-393-5258.
Come on over to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and step back in time! Did you know that many games you play today, like Blindman’s Buff and Hopscotch, were played over one hundred years ago? Play these historic games and many more! Create historic crafts in the Museum’s Discovery Cove!

Motorcycle Rides
Poker Run
October 4, 2009, Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Begins at Bayside Harley-Davidson, Portsmouth, VA I-264/Exit 5
Fee: To be Announced
Registration for participants required at Bayside Harley-Davidson from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Completion at Courthouse Galleries, Prizes announced at 3:30 p.m.
Courthouse Galleries, Corner of Court & High Street, Portsmouth, VA
For more information, call Bayside Harley-Davidson at 757-397-5550 or Courthouse Galleries at 757-393-8983

Rumble through the Tunnel
October 10, 2009, Saturday
Registration at Bayside Harley-Davidson
For more information, call Bayside Harley-Davidson at 757-397-5550

Sponsors:
Bayside Harley-Davidson, 2211 Frederick Blvd (I-264, Exit 5), Portsmouth, Virginia 23704, Phone: 757.337.8444, Fax: 757.337.8445

Velocity Motorcycles, 1202 N. Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230, ph: 804-353-3456

Opening reception: July 3rd 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and July 4th 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
music, food, vendors, special parking for motorcycles July 3rd @ 8:30 p.m. the band Butter will perform. For more information on this exhibit visit www.courthousegalleries.com

Freedom Evolution of the Motorcycle Exhibit
July 3rd-October 11th, 2009
Courthouse Galleries
Corner of Court and High Streets
Downtown Portsmouth
(757) 393-8543
www.courthousegalleries.com

Rising fuel prices may make motorcycles a more popular means of daily transportation, but for the majority of riders, that’s a secondary perk. A motorcycle’s value isn’t so much in helping deal with the stress of life’s daily routine but for escaping it entirely.

Richard Harris, Beanblossom: “The wind in your face, the sun at your back, the machine underneath you, all your senses awakened, there’s just nothing else like it. It’s an incredible feeling of freedom.”

Read the Full Story here…

The MAC met a total of four times over the initial two-year charter. The meetings are open to the public and generally span a couple of days. The MAC has no authority to issue any binding recommendations, but it does have the ear of the agency officials, and several MAC’s recommendations have been enacted upon. The MAC has put forth some meaningful and useful
recommendations to the Secretary, and recent recommendations include implementing motorcycles into the department-wide goal to reduce congestion and fuel consumption. Another recommendation was to continue the practice of letting motorcycles use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. On a related note, New York City police have continued to violate federal law by not letting motorcycles use HOV lanes, making this recommendation very important for motorcyclists in the Big Apple. Visit http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/mac/index.htm for more information on the MAC and its members.

ROB ANDREWS FOR CHANGE – Last week US Rep Rob Andrews (D-NJ) challenged long-time motorcycle adversary Senator Frank Lautenberg for his seat. Bucking party politics and in the face of a huge uphill battle, Andrews waged a positive, aggressive campaign. Alas, he came up rather short on Election Day, outspent and out-recognized in the crucial north Jersey
demographic. The New York Times endorsed Lautenberg a few days before the primary, and that seemed to put the votes in Lautenberg’s column. The MRF stands by its long-term support of Andrews and wishes him the best in his future endeavors. There is somewhat of a silver lining though. Andrews had to give up his House seat to run for the Senate, and poised as the
likely successor to Andrews is his wife. Camille Andrews witnessed the outpouring of support from the motorcycling community and has vowed to continue her husband’s legacy of championing motorcycles in the Nation’s Capitol.

TIERED LICENSING IN UTAH – The state administrator of motorcycle safety in Utah has issued a mandate reorganizing the way motorcycle licenses are handed out. The way it works is that if you test on a 90cc you can ride 90cc or less; if you test on 249cc you can ride a 249cc or less; if you test on 649cc you can ride 649cc or less; and finally if you test on a 650cc you can ride whatever you want. One need not progress up the tiers to attain the unlimited license, but this process does raise a few questions. Will there be an unintended negative effect of discouraging
folks from getting M class endorsements at all? Will it force people to take a bike larger than what they are comfortable on to the test in order to ride that new Sportster? Will it turn off people to training curriculum that uses 125cc or 250cc motorcycles? The implementation date
is July 8, and the MRF is working with motorcyclists in Utah to, at the very least, have that date pushed back so we can more carefully examine what Utah is trying to do and what the implications will be. The MRF will keep you posted on this issue.

YOUNG ACTIVISTS, WHERE ARE YOU? – The MRF young activists search is on again. Applicants need to be between 18 and 30 and have a motorcycle license. Each year, a handful of superb applicants receive round-trip airfare to the MRF’s Meeting of the Minds, as well as a bunch of other goodies. For nomination info visit www.mrf.org.

KILTS VS. BIBS – It’s official. The tug of war is on! At a recent MRF board meeting there was some discussion regarding whether we should continue the tug of war or leave it off the Meeting of the Minds agenda, since both squads have a win under their belts (or shoulder straps). That
idea was quickly dismissed, and it was decided that we would have the roped-off rumble once again. Rumors are flying of a possible ladies’ bikini team, a men’s Speedo team, an all-nude team, a Gold Wing team, and several others. What’s not rumor is the fact that the undisputed champs will emerge in Denver, and they will be wearing kilts! Right guys? Speculation from the kilt camp reveals that the kilts have been in a rigorous off-season training regimen that is sure to produce some powerful pulling, not to mention seriously sexy calves. Whatever side you are on
it’s a can’t miss event at this year’s Meeting of the Minds in Denver.

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Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983

Registration is easy and secure for MRF Regional and Meeting of the Minds conferences. Visit our website at http://www.mrf.org/events.php for further details and registration information.

Send in your nominations and donations for the MRF’s Young Activist Scholarship fund today. For complete details, visit http://www.mrf.org/yascholarship.php.

Sign up today for the MRF’s new roadside assistance program by visiting http://www.mrf.org/mrfroadside.php The program is available to MRF members and non-MRF members.

(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC,
the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public
awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.