Was checking out a relatively new biker blog called, "Beatnikbiker". The blogger lives in Texas, and apparently was discriminated against for looking like a biker.

http://beatnikbiker.com/..../biker-discrimination/

He took his gal to a place in Odessa, TX called, "Fast Eddie's". They were wearing doo-rags (or "buffs" as he calls them), and the waitress explained they don't allow doo-rags in their establishment...

Lisa was ahead of me and was the first to be told "Take that rag off your head". Not, "hello, how are you?" or "Is this your first time here?" or "Excuse me, but we have a prohibition here of wearing "rags" on your head". I replied "excuse me". To which the young waitress replied, "you have to take those things off". I began to comply and asked her if they did not permit hats of any kind in Fast Eddie's. She told me "No, hats and caps are ok. Just not those things."

Labels: Biker Discrimination, Texas

Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbott recently stated that he feels that poker runs are a form of illegal gambling. Poker runs are very popular in Texas, as they are in many states. They are a fun way to raise money for a cause and add some character to a ride around town. Even many police groups in Texas regularly hold poker runs for fundraising purposes. Abbott's opinion stated that the poker run "would violate state gambling laws". Now many groups in Texas will have to eliminate the cards at each stop of their rides.

I wonder what impact this may have on other states. Other Attorney Generals may take note of this ruling and consider the fate of poker runs in their areas. Eliminating poker runs would be unfortunate in any state as they are great opportunities for fundraising.

Labels: Poker Runs, Texas

MSNBC reports that the State of Texas plans to increase the maximum speed limit to 80mph on Interstates 10 and 20 in select areas. The areas in questions are have stretches of road that are long and isolated and are "designed for that speed of travel".

Texas also plans to set maximum speed limits of 85mph along the future "Trans Texas Corridor".

Labels: Speed Limits, Texas

Rowland Nethaway writes an opinion in the Waco Tribune-Herald about the bikers wanting to change the helmet law in Texas.

His solution is to limit the number of people who ride motorcycles by making it harder to get motorcycle licenses (endorsements):

"A way to improve safety and still allow adults the freedom to risk their bodies would be to require that riders pass a thorough motorcycle training course before qualifying to take a comprehensive riding examination for a license. The state would conduct written and riding tests and approve the private riding schools."

"We don't hand out pilot's licenses like bingo cards. Neither should we do so for motorcyclists and drivers."

Labels: Motorcycle Endorsements, Texas

Texas State Representative Norma Chavez is the first person in Texas to get a special motorcycle license plate for state officials. Previously, license plates stamped "State Official" were only available for cars.

The El Paso Democrat had been requesting the plate since she bought her 1994 midnight blue "baby" in 2000. She said she is the only female Texas legislator who rides a motorcycle and she was the first to request the plate.

Labels: Motorcycle License Plates, Texas