Big Burly Biker's Blog

 Talk about an attitude adjustment!  No, make that a lifestyle-altering adjustment!

 If you have a desire to demolish your comfortable image of the biker lifestyle then visit http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/prototype-env-hydrogen-fuelcell-motorbike.html

CAUTION!  Be prepared and take all necessary steps to protect yourself from whiplash and other such self-induced injuries prior to punching in the URL.  My first glimpse of the site resulted in the dumping of an icy brew on my lower extremities, followed by a severe wrenching of my spinal cord as I bolted upright from my cushy leather chair.  Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for technology advancement but this could be the meteor strike that obliterates our lifestyle.  Advocates of the trendy “green consciousness” are already boasting that this machine will evolve to become the future of motorcycling. 

Powered by a removable hydrogen fuel cell, called the Core, it creates an “Emissions Neutral Vehicle”, hence the name ENV (they call it the “Envee”, but that is the absolute last emotion that jumps to my mind upon viewing) due to exhaust omissions running close to zero. 

Key features (this is where it gets ugly) are;

1)      Top speed of a blistering 80 km/hr

2)      No, gears. No clutch, no shifting

3)      The bike runs silent

No matter what substance I abuse, nor how hammered I get, I am unable to picture myself and my brothers, all-dressed in our leathers; hooking up on a Sunday morning to ride out mounted upon this engineering aberration. Between the passing of water from the exhaust coupled with the sound and smells of your brothers’ flatulence; you will be subjected to, and forced to participate in, the ultimate potty experience. You could say that just about covers all your basic freak scenes, Eh? 

This is one technological advancement that will never find a place in this old cowboy’s lifestyle.  I don’t give a rat’s ass if gasoline skyrockets into the hemisphere; I will ride my smoke belchin’, gear slammin’, rumblin’and roarin’ dinosaur until its demise or until I am no longer physically able to swing my leg over the saddle! 

 Scary Larry, Perfect Pigs MC

Free Forever ~ Forever Free

Although there have been successes in our ongoing quest to ensure that the rights of bikers are protected; the pressures of discrimination are constant and unrelenting. Perhaps there are skeptics who may question my observations? Over the years, I’ve listened to many riders who, as a majority, claim they ride without harassment or scrutiny. Perhaps in their world! But many of us in ‘the life’ ride with a patch and, due to the misperceptions created and enforced by the dogs of the establishment, we experience a totally different reality.

Back in 2004 – 2005, I attempted a ‘Pull Over’ curbside PR campaign where I and my club brothers (following many annoying interruptions to our peaceful ritual of rolling down the streets of Peel Region) explained in vain to the police services attending this sham of law enforcement, that the practice was a blatant and unnecessary discrimination based entirely upon an individual’s demeanor. One particularly memorable experience while riding solo but sporting my patch occurred on Eglinton Ave and the 410 where I was encircled by seven Peel cruisers! One aggressive cruiser almost scratched my ticket in his zeal to block my advance. Not given to suffering in silence, I was off my machine in a flash and greeted the ensemble with a hearty “What the *%@*!” One rather burly individual, sporting cut-off leather gloves, barked in my face “Who the *%@* do you think you are?” I retorted with “You must be the Dick in, Dick Tracy!” Now picture this - a beautiful Saturday afternoon but traffic is snarled and backed up in all directions and, to the casual observer, the scene appeared to be a major takedown of a dangerous desperado. Far from it . . . merely a jack-up by a bunch of jack-offs. Tempers flared for a few minutes with some posturing via both sides but otherwise no physical injuries. At this point the supervisor arrived, who happened to be the very same Peel Police Sergeant I had met with earlier in the day to discuss preparations for our upcoming club Show & Shine at the Brampton Thunder Run – a meeting that was convened to prevent this exact scenario from happening! You can draw your own conclusions as to the outcome but I departed eventually with an apology and without charges. I have used this example to illustrate exactly why this practice is stressful to all concerned. Particularly to the biker who loses two hours out of his day and is forced to become a spectacle in his neighborhood.  Don’t get me started on the harassment perpetrated during the annual exodus to PD13.  Today jack-ups are not quite as extreme but, according to reports received from our OCC membership, this tactic is still standard operating procedure used in the ongoing attempt to intimidate and oppress a minority class of citizens who maintain motorcycle club allegiances.

            Yea, I’ve heard all the arguments condoning these unprovoked intrusions into the lives of Canadian citizens. If those are bona fida arguments then why is our lifestyle the only lifestyle receiving this form of harassment? My personal objections and observations: why is there an emphasis on collecting identity data and the photographing of bikers without charges being laid? why are other visible minorities not subjected to these discriminatory practices? Other organizations have individuals who have broken society’s laws but they are not subjected to an ongoing persecution based upon ‘guilt by association or attire’. Throughout the various police services, there are individuals who create criminal acts but other members of those police services are allowed to pursue a life without scrutiny. The clergy has many members who have committed obscene offences but they too are allowed to pass unobstructed in their daily routines. Why the paranoia regarding motorcycle clubs? Does the establishment actually believe the Hollywood hype? Does the establishment view clubbers as enemies of the state? HELL YEA! Nazi Germany used much the same tactics in their zeal to create a database to further the persecution of a visible minority. The comparisons, as preposterous as they are disgusting, are measurable by similarity! Lately there was been an attempt, via police propaganda assisted by an insatiable media bent on news making not news reporting, to insinuate that some veteran’s motorcycle clubs are involved in criminal activities simply because the vets attended a charity event, which was also attended by many patch holders, where photographs were taken of individuals engaging in simple socializing; which was then reported in the mainstream print media as evidence supporting the assumption.  Absence of malice . . . yea right! Regardless of the attempts to justify these discriminatory practices, there is a growing resentment towards these blatant acts of prejudice.

As the popularity of motorcycling increases, the human compulsion to form organizations of like-minded individuals also increases. Since 2010, the Ontario Confederation of Clubs has welcomed many  new clubs into the confederation. The executives of these clubs have done their homework and realize that to strike a patch attracts the dogs of persecution. Another realization is that discrimination, no matter the disguise, is a monster whose appetites are forever expanding. The Ontario Confederation of Clubs is dedicated to challenging any attempt to further erode the rights of bikers and to assure the preservation of the biker lifestyle. This is not an easy mandate considering the immense bureaucracy whose bias is fuelled by our own tax dollars. Our cause was forged out of necessity and survives due to the unselfish support of our membership and our sympathizers. Your support is also required if we are to continue opposing these unjust practices. Not a clubber? Not a problem! You can lend your support via an independent membership and make a difference today. Visit www.occ4u.org for information and membership applications.

Larry Lilly

OCC Treasurer & President PPMC

Back in February 2011, members of the OCC Executive and the OCC Political Action Committee delivered a presentation, to the Minister of Transport for Ontario, requesting a change to the rules governing HOV access to include single rider motorized vehicles.  The presentation was not successful and we were patted politely on our heads and sent away.  During that meeting, I inquired as to the lack of interest in biker related issues (by the current Liberal government) citing the absence of ANY government representative in attendance at the BRO Fallen Riders Memorial which is held every year on the front lawn of Queens Park.  The minister made a big show of delegating one of her minions to note the event and make sure that someone would represent her office at the memorial.  Fast forward to the memorial and the absence of political presence was, once again, non-existent.  I cracked to one of the security guards on duty who found my inquiry, as to representative attendance on a Saturday, quite amusing but I was not amused.  Motorcycle riders are the fastest growing demographic regarding licensing and vehicle registration and yet we are unable to find any government consideration in addressing our valid concerns regarding motorcycle issues in Ontario.  Over the past four years, the Ontario Confederation of Clubs has collected over 2000 signatures in support of single-rider access to Ontario HOV lanes but the current Liberal government will not consider our petition and continues to display a complete disregard for biker related issues. 

This October, we find ourselves, although briefly, occupying the position of power.   Now it is our turn to display callousness and arrogance by vaporizing the Liberal non-representative in our area.  I realize that the spectrum of choices is dull but the current government has displayed a complete lack of impetus and concern regarding a no-brainer change to the existing rules governing HOV access.  As a voter, I believe that this displays the three-monkey stance so commonplace with majority governments.  This is a government that no longer considers the concerns of the citizens it purports to represent, preferring instead to blindly follow the dictates of the Liberal party mandate.  It’s time to dump Dalton and his disinterested attitude toward unresolved biker issues in the Province of Ontario.

One final note . . . I attended Critter’s recent Show &Shine (great event, Brother) and while in conversation with a full patch member of a local club, I was astounded to learn that there are yet bikers out there that are not aware of the OCC petition seeking single-rider access to Ontario HOV lanes located on 400 series highways.  Interested parties and supporters are invited to sign our petition online by visiting www.ipetitions.com/petition/occ  or by emailing treasurer@occ4u.org  and I’ll get a petition sheet to you via return email.

Larry Lilly

OCC Treasurer

The Heroes Highway Ride and Rally is an annual motorcycle event to raise awareness and demonstrate civilian respect for the sacrifices, bravely given, by members of our valiant military, past, present and future. The ride is hosted by the 18 members of the Perfect Pigs M.C. and is held the first Saturday in June to coincide with the anniversary of D-Day. The HHR is a free event, that’s right, Ollie. IT’S FREE! The event boasts zero registration or entry fees but does accept donations to benefit the Wounded Warriors, an organization that assists returning vets and their families.

The efforts of the past year were finally being realized in the parking lot of the Ten-Acre Truck Stop. Bikes were already marshalling when the Perfect Pigs M.C. arrived at 08:00 hrs. Under a brooding and ominous sky, the Pigs directed motorcycles of every make, model and configuration to their spot in the ever-expanding sea of motorcycles. Weather reports garnered, from the arriving bikers, were depressing. A cold front was moving into the area from the West causing severe rainstorms but the steady stream of bikers never abated and continued to flow into the lot. The rain began, first spitting but quickly accelerated into a downpour that, amazingly, never altered the flow of bikers rapidly filling the huge parking lot.

The deluge was pounding the participants when Rockin’ Rod introduced Lou DeVuono, Vice-President of the PPMC and organizer of the event, who welcomed the participants, followed by Pastor Dave of Kawartha Bikers Church, who blessed the event, followed by a message from yours truly, the President of the Perfect Pigs M.C.  At 11:00 hrs, the bikes roared to life and the OPP cruisers moved to block the intersection as the line of machines followed the four Golden Helmets out of the lot and headed south to circumvent CFB Trenton. Highway #2 was closed just east of the facility due to CFB Trenton hosting an Open House, but the barricades were lifted to allow our procession to pass the base. Many of the Eight Wing personnel were at attention and saluted as the ride moved past in one long, determined convoy. The conga line exited the base road and entered the street that was the official origin of the Highway of Heroes.  We were now travelling the exact route of repatriation that so many of our fallen heroes have journeyed onto their final resting place – the gentle and loving arms of this land, our Canada. The residents of this street, oblivious to the pouring rain, stood proud with flags waving as we motored on to our destination. My tears mingled with the rivulets of water cascading off my helmet, spurred by the realization that my discomfort was temporary and incidental in comparison to the daily experiences of our military and their families.

As the ride rolled onto the overpass, we could see that the westbound highway was completely blocked by the OPP and would stay that way until all the bikes were rolling, as one unit, along the wet asphalt to Oshawa. All along the route, stationed on the many overpasses and at the side of the highway were people with Canadian flags waving proudly, standing in the downpour to express their encouragement and support of our mission. The rain seemed to accelerate as we approached the final 50 kilometers. As we rolled into Durham Region, two uniformed police officers stood at attention, hands raised in salute, and I couldn’t help but grin broadly while musing that the many clubbers (my crew included) that had joined us in this display of respect were now, ironically, experiencing a gesture of respect from their nemesis. Although short lived, it is the coming together under this one common act of patriotism that dissolves all barriers of prejudice and discrimination. Man, I wish we could isolate the gene and inject it into the world water supply!

The rain had finally petered out as the bikes entered the City of Oshawa and were boisterously greeted by throngs of cheering onlookers. We continued onward, waving and grinning at the people who were waving and grinning back at us. Military personnel in camouflaged fatigues halted the procession in front of the Col. R.S. McLaughlin Armoury and quickly directed us to park diagonally on both sides of the street. I backed in beside an armoured personnel carrier which dwarfed Duh Zombie. Riders, including myself and the Bootiful Babs, scurried to find a place to shed our wet duds and dry off. I spoke with some riders, including a couple of my Pigs who were experiencing ‘black hand’ (no Ollie, not pressure from the mafia) but a malignancy that occurs following a severe bout of riding in the rain. The main cause of this affliction is the purchasing of cheap riding gloves that have been water-dyed black in Pakistan. Minstrel show, anyone? Once dry clothes and strong coffee were secured, we busied ourselves with the attractions of the rally.

Opening ceremonies included a presentation to the Wounded Warriors of $1175.00 by 12 year -old Kyra Beach who raised the monies after hearing of our ride on May 18th. Next was a presentation by the Wounded Warriors to our own Lou DeVuono. The musical portion followed, providing a backdrop to the rally. The riders wandered amongst the many vendors that lined the street; while others enjoyed the informative tours of the parked military vehicles and equipment that dotted the perimeter of the armoury. Others busily signed up for the Classy Chassis Motorcycle Show & Shine; while stunt motorcycle riders performed acrobatics in the air high above the area. Crowds of people mingled with the bikers and enjoyed each other while Q107’s Michael White Band stirred the cauldron.  Also on site was the Kin Canada’s Portraits of Honour, a poignant travelling mural which displays the portraits of all 155 Canadian soldiers that have been killed in Afghanistan. The mural impacts you with the stunning array of young, unlined faces whose piercing eyes follow you as you move through the display. Tears, once again, welled to the surface as we stared into those brave, guiltless faces. I spoke with Dave Sopha, the artist, who informed me that he decided to do the mural in December 2008 and that each portrait took approximately 60 hours with the total mural representing over 6500 hours of dedication to complete. He also revealed that he was an airbrush artist by trade but decided that the portrait should be done utilizing oil paint on canvas in order to withstand the ravages of time. A learning curve that did not deter him from his task! The mural encompasses the entire side of a 10 foot high by 40 foot long tractor-trailer and is on a tour in Ontario throughout June.

The final HHR stats are impressive – OPP estimated the procession was comprised of 3000 plus motorcycles – Final count of the donations generated by the ride and the rally was $28,500.00 but this was actual cash raised on the day – but not reflected in the numbers, is the huge PR awareness campaign that will undoubtedly result in further post-ride donations. One final reward was shared by the serving military in attendance and disclosed to this reporter – our grass-roots event impacted them far more than other official tribute because of the unabashed outpouring of respect and gratitude; particularly impressive was that the biker’s enthusiasm never dimmed despite the rigorous and uncomfortable journey of the individual riders. Echoes of the Army way, Hoorah!

A very special ‘You Rock’ to the many friends of the Pigs, both individuals and clubs, that turned out in support. There are too many to acknowledge in the short space remaining but you know who you are and you know that your presence made it a memorable day for me and mine.

My sincere and grateful ‘thumbs up’ to all the bikers who turned out despite the rugged riding conditions and made this the largest one-day ride in Canada. YOU . . . Ya, each and every one of you . . . BE ACES!!

Scary Larry aka Larry Lilly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEljKecO9jA

Back in June, I attended an S&S hosted by a member club of the OCC. The BEU had a roadblock at the entrance of the street and directed my crew into their space. During the course of collecting our paperwork, attempts were made to gather additional information but these were met with silence accompanied by blank stares. The lead interrogator was an intense piece of work who insisted on pressing the issue. During the course of our debate, I informed him that I was under no obligation to render any information beyond normal identification. Long story short, he informed me “we can do this the easy way or the hard way!” I politely inquired as to “what was the hard way?” He informed me that they were prepared to issue BS tickets, (mufflers, lids etc.) that would require my presence in court, thereby adding further misery to this unjust and unwarranted interference into my daily life. I retorted that I (accompanied by my legal advisers) would enjoy our day in court to illuminate this extortion which was being foisted on a law-abiding citizen. It was beginning to heat up when a mature (grey haired) OPP official exited the van and broke up the pissing contest. Now, none of this is unusual in a clubbers life but it, and subsequent events, stimulated me to peck out this article.

Later in the day, I was rapping with some brothers from one of our member clubs. One of the brothers asked my advice concerning his rights while being jacked at the roadside. I reminded the group that the OCC has documented basic civil rights on the OCC website (under Information button) and it has also been discussed and recorded in detail throughout many other biker websites, blogs and publications. It is up to you, collectively or as individuals, to know those rights and exercise them. It is also important to document the incident (for reference) if you feel that you have been subjected to unlawful discrimination and harassment simply because of your lifestyle choice.

Fast forward to Friday, August 13th. Six Perfect Pigs (and one Pig supporter visiting from Portugal) are jacked on the 403 ramp to the QEW. It was a very hot morning and the traffic was forced to inch around our gathering, which had spilled out onto the pavement due to the rather narrow shoulder. There are four cruisers, three B&W and one unmarked piloted by another two-legged pile of resentment who busied himself with gathering our paperwork. Again, I politely inquired the reasoning for this unreasonable and dangerous roadside inquisition. His answer was that he could hear our pipes a kilometer away. Now this statement was almost drowned out other by bikes with straight pipes brakk, brakk, brakking by us. None of which were ridden by patch holders and none of which were waved over by any of the other officers who were basically loitering. Based on that statement, I asked if he was going to issue any tickets. His reply was “only if I get attitude”. Do you see a pattern developing here? I informed him that he could consider my next remark as attitude and went into my lecture about citizen rights abuses and unreasonable intrusion into the lives of honest citizens. He stormed off to play with his computer and the outcome, you ask? No charges were laid. In fact, just before we roared away and after he had emerged as a somewhat more contrite officer, he informed me that they had jacked twenty motorcycle groups and no tickets were issued.

Now what conclusions can be garnered from these snapshots of roadside injustice? The obvious is that bowing to the “easy way or the hard way” is not an option. When you buy into that, you lose a whole lot more than you realize. It has been my experience that there are very, very few tickets issued as a result of NOT engaging in conversation with these officers. Yet some are inevitably issued, mostly due to situations overheating. Keep your head in these encounters! Losing your temper is simply buying into their perception of bikers. Most likely, your firmness should be enough to prove your point but occasionally there will be an unjust and unwarranted violation issued. I know it’s a bitch to take time off work to fight these annoyances but it is important to apply our own version of the ‘easy way or the hard way’. If more bikers practiced peaceful but firm insistence of invoking their civil rights then, I believe that this intrusive tactic will prove pointless as an information gathering tool and incidences will either slow or stop altogether. These are your rights and their abusing of those rights is an abomination on our justice system. Dig this; a black (could be a Muslim, could be an Asian) man commits a murder. In the aftermath, have you ever seen any road blocks checking vehicles simply because they were piloted by a black (Muslim or Asian) man? And you never will because those minorities have established that they are willing to resist and stand up for their rights.

At the roadside; be polite but firm during questioning. You have the right to ask the officer: for his/her name, badge number and detachment; why you are being detained; to have a witness and counsel to all questioning (although a recent decision in the Appeal Court may have cancelled this out); if you are not given a valid reason for being detained i.e. highway traffic act violation or unsafe vehicle etc., you can refuse information and request to leave but be prepared for the possible consequences. Remember to keep your head and don’t volunteer information. Even if the detention is illegal, don’t incriminate yourself.

On a final note, this summer I have been noticing a glut of fresh patches at some of the local events, particularly Friday the 13th. They say if you live long enough, you will eventually see everything! Is there anything lamer than someone sporting a fictitious club logo specifically designed by one of the negatively biased theatrical shows depicting bikers? Answer is . . . Hell yah!! Some of these wannabees have established themselves as the leaders of lame by adding a disrespectful territory patch to insinuate that they are part of a larger organized group. When did the Wild Hogs, or the Sons of Anarchy, establish chapters in Ontario? Is it frivolity, or a need to belong, or is this simply the result of far too many hours of being mesmerized by movies and TV? Most likely the latter as they are probably too thick to realize that they are indirect contributors to the corrupted media and public perception of the clubber lifestyle! Motorcycle Club members have earned the right to display their allegiance to their club. Their patch, and the right to wear that patch, was not concocted by some Hollywood hack bent on sensationalism; it was earned by sacrifice and dedication. In my humble opinion, buying into the Hollywood distortion of biker life and displaying support for same, by wearing those patches, is akin to wearing a strap-on to overcome other personal inadequacies.

Larry Lilly aka Scary Larry
President PPMC
OCC Treasurer