This Saturday stop by the new Sierra Providence Emergency Room for their Grand Opening!
2400 Trawood
Saturday Feb 25th 11am-3pm
FREE! Hot Dogs, Drinks, Cotton Candy, Bounce House.
Blood and Cholesterol Screenings

By Joe Olvera ©, 2012

Tony Jimenez considers himself just a weekend biker, even though he repairs, rebuilds, and even fabricates them from scratch. It’s no easy job, but it’s a great way to earn a living. “It all depends, of course, on what the customer wants. If he wants a custom-built bike, we manufacture it to order. Riding a bike is a pleasure, it helps you forget about everything. However, I’m not a hard-core rider. I mostly take my bike out on weekends when the weather is nice. I’m not like other guys, who ride their bikes in 30-degree, freezing weather, with the elements working against them. Maybe they want to prove something to themselves. But, then, to each his own.”
Jimenez, a Tigua Indian, says that his shop, TJ Kustoms, Cycle is on the reservation, but he gets business from all over the city. He says some of his customers come from as far away as Albuquerque, with very specific instructions on how they want their bikes rebuilt, or repaired. Weekend bikers abound all over the United States. They are like golfers, who choose weekends to up their game. Riding bikes is no different. Evelyn Shih writes in her article, “Weekend bikers are a far cry from Hell’s Angels,” that weekend bikers can be vice presidents of a company, lawyers, doctors, or any of several professionals who prefer riding bikes on weekends.
“Gone are the days when motorcycle riding was equated with skull-and-wings insignias or long hair,” Shih writes. “Today, motorcycle enthusiasts rarely fit the traditional stereotype of the bikers – they range from single moms to Wall Street traders to computer programmers. Many are baby boomers who choose biking as a lifestyle or hobby – not for a identify or a gang affiliation.”
Jimenez says that there is a new breed of bikers who take to the road for the pure pleasure and to master a throbbing machine. Even more popular are group rides, in which several bikers get together to take trips of up to 80 miles and more. “I’ve been riding since I was a kid,” Jimenez said. “Once you’re on your bike, you get comfortable you tend to forget about everything, about all your troubles. Riding your bike helps you think, it opens and clears your mind.” And the fear factor?
“Some people fear a bike, but, that has a lot to do with the area where they live,” Jimenez said. “It all depends on how you drive, how you ride. In El Paso, there are few speeders, they are more moderate. In California, however, drivers of automobiles go at excessive speeds. For example, I would never drive my bike in Juarez. Once a person gets over the idea of crashing, it’s a sexy thing to do. I’m 48 years old, and riding my bike does make me feel younger. Even though I’m a weekend biker, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

The German Air Defense Center has been in existence in El Paso since 1966, working in conjunction with Ft. Bliss and Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico. For about 25 of those years, the German MC has been riding in El Paso, and helping its people along the way.

Volker Vogel has been the German MC President for the last couple of years and he sees the club as a way of giving back and being a part of the community where he feels like a special guest. When asked why it is that he feels such a drive to be part of El Paso, he answered very frankly, “For me, the treatment from the people to the military is perfect. The people stand behind the military. Since we are ourselves military, most people treat us with equal respect. The people here in El Paso are very nice, very friendly. Most people here do not know exactly how well we have it, especially in the biker community. Each month, we and the other 47 clubs meet and talk with one another. We eat together, we drink together. We get together and we discuss how we as bikers can serve the community. It’s great!

“Honestly, this (his tour in El Paso) is the first time that I have been able to HELP. If we need help or we want to help a particular organization or area, there is very little paperwork or permission or red tape that we have to go through. No politics, just simply help!”

In fact, when Andreas Hauke, father of Noel Hauke who was diagnosed with leukemia right before Christmas in 2011, asked to see if Vogel could help in some way, he didn’t hesitate to throw himself and the rest of the German MC into the battle.  Andreas works with the German Air Force out of Holloman, but he did not have many contacts or friends in the area. He started to ask for help on Facebook, but “we didn’t have time to really organize something for Noel and stay with him in the hospital.”   Vogel works as a public media officer, and he knew that he did have enough contacts and people who could help.

Vogel adds: “When Andreas spoke with me as to whether we could help, I told him I was a father of a perfectly healthy 12 year old girl. Of course, I’ll help! When DKMS, a leukemia advocacy group told Vogel that they would need about 40 volunteers to make a bone marrow drive happen, “40 people? There’s at least 20 people in my club, we will start there.”

The German MC has grown from two members to currently more than 24, both here and in Germany. “Members have to get there patch here in El Paso, but they are allowed to fly the colors when they go back to Germany.” The roots to Germany run deep, but some don’t go back to Germany.

Hines Alexander, a German MC member, has been in El Paso for the last 6 years, been married here and has now retired from the German Air Force here in El Paso. He is so invested in the El Paso community, he says many of his friends just call him ‘Alejandro’. The German MC is a way to keep in touch with his homeland friends and culture. “We are aware of our situation, that we are guests of this country and this community. We want to give back to this place that has given to us and we wish to integrate into the community.”

As for Volker Vogel, he says to this date, hasn’t even met Noel Hauke, the reason this day’s bone marrow drive was put together. “For me, meeting Noel was not truly important. His father came to us for help and we will help in whatever way we can. We have already made a monetary donation to the family and for me, this (the organizing of the drive) is my business and the business of this club. I have to run it as perfectly as possible to get the best results for Noel before I get to meet him.”

—————————————————————

If you wish to help, you may contact Noel Hauke and his parents through Facebook. His parents, Andreas and Ramona Hauke, ask that you “friend” Noel through his Facebook page and send him good wishes and prayers. He and his parents read the posts to try to lift his spirits as he fights his illness. If you wish to help others like Noel, you can also give blood, red blood cells, or platelets that help in the recuperation process of cancer patients.

stories and photos compiled by: Ricky Jimenez Carrasco

I first started giving blood on a regular basis when I taught middle school English in San Elizario. My former students at the high school had organized a blood drive in honor of the 9/11 victims, since the attack had just happened about a month before. My students knew that if I went, I would encourage others to as well.  My students lectured me about the benefits of giving blood, both to myself and to the community. I listened, more excited that they were excited about something and they were willing to give, not only of their blood, but of their time and energy. I was already a biker back in 2001 and my students convinced me that it was, of course, in my own best interest. Around 2005, I started donating red blood cells, called “2RBC”, because I was informed that, since it took more out of me, it also took longer and involved a little more pain. Again, my friends and students reminded me that I am a big guy and I should be able to take a little pain for those already in pain and in need. The first time I donated via the 2RBC method, I rode my big black 1999 NightTrain to the center. My arm was almost too sore to squeeze the clutch on the way home. In 2008, I began to give platelets, a process that can take up to 3 hours of lying down with the needle attached to my arm. I was informed that I was Rh negative, my blood does not have a particular common protein. My blood goes directly to pediatric cancer patients.

That being said, why do I give blood and why did I again donate for this story? Because nobody in my family has ever really been that sick. I have had the good fortune of having a good immune system. I’ve had a 12 hour cold in November, the only time in 2011 I was under the weather. I’d like to think that someone out there is benefitting from my donation. And, heaven forbid, if I should ever need that kind of help, someone else, a family member, friend or stranger would do the same for me.

Ricky Jimenez Carrasco,  “A Positive”, blood donor since 1989.

“I donate every 56 days because I know someone will need it. I’m ‘O negative’, only 7% of the country and 3% of El Paso has that kind of blood. We can give to anybody, including accident victims who can’t be typed right away and newborns who really are not typed. Our blood is always in short supply. I don’t donate because of my job, my job has taught me how important it is to give.  We have 2 drives here at Barnett and this is easily the biggest business based drive in El Paso, the bikers ALWAYS come to help. I also wish to let people know that almost anyone can give, but you have to come in to get checked out first. I remember a drive we had at Cohen stadium. A little old lady, about 84 years old, waited in the sun  and was determined to donate. We took her donation and she just seemed so happy to be able to do so. If she can, almost anybody can!”

LuAnn Wieland, Marketing Manager, United Blood Systems,  “O Negative”

“I really just give to come hang out with good people. They call to come save a couple lives every couple months. How can I say no to that?”

Rich, “A Positive”

“My mom passed away last year. It turns out she had cancer and nobody knew. My dad currently has protrate cancer. That’s why I donate.”

Veronica,  UBS Donor Care Technician

“I come to help save lives. It’s a gift of life to other people. I feel like I’m healthy and I need to share that.

George, 59 years old,

“I’ve donated for over 20 years. I’ve never needed it, but I have a niece that survived a car accident and I know she needed blood. She survived.”

David, Donor for 20 years, 62 years old.

“The community needs to give to give back. I give red blood cells because it’s needed the most. I come about twice a year, usually here at Barnett’s or at the center. Thank God I haven’t needed it personally, but if feels good to be able to save someone’s life.”

Tony, “A Negative”

“Someone needs it more than I do. I’ve never needed blood but I have had friends in Afghanistan and Iraq who have.”

‘Needles’, Sgt at Arms, “Organized Chaos” club.

“Oddly enough, I don’t even like needles! I’ve been donating for more than 10 years.”

Boozer, member “Organized Chaos” club, “O postive”

“People always need blood. Hopefully if a biker needs it, I’ll be there to help. I myself have never had an accident on the bike and I’ve ridden for 50 years on the freeways of Houston and Los Angeles!”

Beto Tellez,  66 years old

“I had an emergency C-section when I delivered my son. I needed 6 transfusions of blood and had to stay in the hospital for a month because of the pregnancy. My boy is 29 years old now.”

Marva

“I drive a tow truck for a living. I see alot of accidents out on the road. I see alot of things. This is my way of giving back.”

Tony

Photos and story by: Ricky Jimenez Carrasco

La Hermandad MC is one of the newest clubs in El Paso that has already begun to make an impact in the community. The club, made up of many area business professionals, seeks to help the community by using their common resources to give to those charities that make a difference for people in need. According to Robert “Guns” Alvarez, president of La Hermandad, the club has helped such non-profit organizations such as La Posada Home, the YWCA Transitional Living Center, Aliviane, Project Amistad and the Ronald McDonald House, among others this year.

Club members are encouraged to help out other clubs in their charitable efforts.  At this month’s Chamucos MC gift donations to the Lee Moor Children’s Home, Hermandad VP “Philly”, a Walgreen’s manager, was able to bring pharmacists who administered free flu shots to the kids who might not otherwise have received the inoculations. Hermandad member “Wolf” was an important part of the Kings and Priest’s annual “Biker Sunday” memorial.

For the recent Coalition toy run, La Hermandad teamed up with other businesses and the Marines Toys for Tots campaign to present a check back to the Coalition in the amount of $1136 for the purpose of buying more toys. The Coalition then was able to add those toys to the already sizable amount that they would donate back to the community.

The photos here were taken from the starting point for the 2^nd annual Boys and Girls Club of El Paso toy drive, sponsored by Walgreens, Pepsi, and El Paso Electric and hosted by La Hermandad.  Alvarez described how Hermandad is trying to contribute to El Paso, “This year, we joined forces with Operation Santa in an effort to increase our collection of toys and help with the distribution of toys to the various organizations we help.  Our goal is to give back to the community. In a time of economic stress, we simply try to reach out to the children in our city and provide some holiday cheer.”  About 200 toys were collected to give out needy families.  “The fact is that all 42 El Paso clubs contribute a ton of support to the community” and La Hermandad is indeed doing their part.

Photos and Story by: Ricky J. Carrasco

In these images, you can see what the El Paso biker is really about: their bikes, camaraderie, riding,  pulling together for what is important, something bigger than themselves. What does the general public see? Leather, loud pipes, tattoos, “Sons of Anarchy”, bad attitude. For the most part, the EP biker does not care about their perceived image. They will continue to do their work in the community  despite a general prejudice and fear against them.

On November 6^th, the annual Coalition Toy Run ran this year from its usual Sunland Park beginning to this year’s destination at Cohen Stadium in the northeast. The numbers are impressive, more so because they are produced by the same leather clad, tattooed, big rough bikers people shy away from.  Almost 900 people registered, close to 2000 bikes participating. More than a thousand toys were collected at the time of the run and almost six thousand toys will eventually be distributed because of this run. “We get requests for these toys throughout the year from various community and non-profit agencies that serve needy children all over the county. Such agencies like the YWCA, Aliviane, the Socorro migrant program, programs that serve the various colonias in the area all request, receive and distribute these toys for us,” says Ryan LaBarbera, Coalition Chairman.  “Even from about 8 years ago, when Margarita’s on the east side hosted this event, the event has grown immensely. “

The Coalition has worked hard to have its clubs and EP bikers participate in the community. “We heavily suggest that our clubs participate in the community, host runs and give to charity. We try to keep our members informed about what’s going on, not just in the biker community, but in El Paso in general.  I think that the community knows that we are involved because we have many members of the community, agency representatives and area politicians, come to our meetings. They know we participate, they know we vote. I think they know we care.”

Gracie Martinez, President of the Road Queens MC and Coalition Secretary, also stated that the Coalition is a very inclusive organization, “We always encourage independent riders to participate in the coalition. Every rider, whether they belong to a member club or not, whether they ride a little or a lot, can come participate in meetings.” Gracie says that many parade participants only come to be part of the parade, register, drop off toys, ride in the parade, then leave, never attending the party afterwards.

The secret to the Coalition’s success has been this inclusion, camaraderie, and communication between the clubs. LaBarbera remembered a story from that day, “The mayor invited an acquaintance from out of town to come ride with us in the parade. The gentleman was amazed by what he saw before the parade: a thousand bikers from many different clubs, cruisers, choppers, sport bikes, all just hanging out peacefully. We’re used to it and we expect it, but it’s certainly not the norm outside of El Paso. The public gets stuck in the leather, in the image of the ‘biker’. But the truth is that here in El Paso, it simply hasn’t been the biker getting arrested for drunkenness, for fighting in public, for generally getting into trouble.”

I told LaBarbera that last year, I attended the bikers Christmas visit to University Medical Hospital where they visited sick children and gave out toys. About 40 “typical” bikers attended, all wearing black leather, most wearing patches, and mine was the only news camera there.

“We really haven’t seen a change in the biker image. We can only keep doing what we’re doing. We know that as a whole, bikers represent one of the biggest charity organizations in the country. We in El Paso have 42 clubs, more than half are always active. We have charitable runs most weekends going on somewhere, most of which have at least 200 people participating.  We support one another in .“

LaBarbera, Martinez, and Larry “Dimple” Galvan, Coalition Co-Chair and Survivors MC president, would like to thank everybody who came out and participated in the parade and in the many functions throughout the year and everybody who helped in making this toy run a success from the owners of Cohen Stadium to the EP Police Department for escorting the route. They look forward to the distribution of the toys this year and another successful efforts through the El Paso biker community in the years to come.

By Joe Olvera ( c), 2011

From the so-called “Hogs” ridden by motorcycle gangs such as the Hell’s Angels, to the putt-putt motor scooters ridden by little ole ladies, the motorcycle has always had a romantic air of freedom about it. In El Paso, with its wide open spaces and scenic drives, it becomes even more of an icon that is beloved by doctors, politicians, and ordinary people who enjoy having a powerful machine between their legs, cruising back streets and mountainous country.

From its inception in1867, when Sylvester Howard Roper (1823-1896) invented a two-cylinder, steam engine motorcycle (powered by coal) the first motorcycle has seen an evolution of sorts. In 1885, Gottlieb Daimier invented the first gas-engine motorcycle, which was an engine attached to a wooden bike. That marked the moment in history when the dual development of a viable gas powered engine and the modern bicycle collided. Motorcycles have figured prominently in Americana, with prominent Americans like Howard Hughes producing a movie called “Chills and Spills,” a 1952 film in which Hughes creates what is described as a “fun film, jam-packed with awesome vintage cycles.” Other iconic motorcycle films include one of Marlon Brando’s earliest films, “The Wild Ones,” in which Brando and his motorcycle gang terrorize a small town – when Brando, the biker is asked what he’s rebelling against, he asks: “What you got?”

Undoubtedly, the sexiest machine in both lore and reality is the one created by William Harley and the Davidson brothers – the Harley Davidson. Prior to developing their own company to build their unique machines, they had such competitors as Excelsior, Indian, Pierce, Merkel, Schikel and Thor. In 1903, William Harley and his friends Arthur and Walter Davidson launched the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, a company which still stands above the rest in providing a motorcycle that still outdistances the rest. The Harley-Davidson is a powerful bike which is still highly popular, even in today’s movie-making ventures, such as the more recent movie, “Hogs.”.

But, perhaps the bikes which still stand out in American folklore are the ones used in the movie “Easy Rider,” starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson. The protagonists, Fonda and Hopper, used bikes built on hardtail frames and panhead engines. These bikes, built in 1949, 1950 and 1952, known as Glide Bikes, were purchased at auction by the actors. They used the bikes to tell the story of two bikers who travel through the American Southwest and South with the aim of achieving freedom.  According to Wikipedia, this landmark counterculture film becomes a  “touchstone for a generation” that “captured the national imagination,” Easy Rider explores the societal landscapes, issues, and tensions in the United States during the 1960s, such as the rise and fall of the hippie movement, drug use and communal lifestyle.

Easy Rider is famous for its use of real drugs in its portrayal of marijuana and other substances, such as Acid or LSD. But, whatever the motorcycles are used for, there’s no doubt that they have captured the imagination of an American public that is only too willing to buy vintage motorcycles, or the more modern versions. Either way, motorcycles, with their powerful, vibrating engines, are here to stay.

Story and Photos by Ricky J. Carrasco

On January 18, Javi “Giggity” Thomas was hit and killed on his sport bike by a car trying to beat a yellow light.  The burden of the fatality fell on the driver of the car for failing to see and avoid Javi. Javi was in complete control over his bike. Javi was not speeding, nor riding recklessly nor under the influence. He was a member of the Sinland Bikers EP.

Sinland hosted a car wash behind Fuddruckers on September 25 to raise money for Javis family. Sinland EP is a group consisting of local and military riders who share the common interest of riding sport motorcycles. In order to be a member, prospective riders have to fill out an application, provide their insurance and driver’s license information (with a valid motorcycle certification), and a picture of their motorcycle for identification purposes. Sinland bikers also are required to participate in local community events like this car wash, toy runs and helping to sponsor the first grade soccer team (the Hurshel Antwine Cubs).

Sinland would like to thank all those that came out to support their efforts to remember and support their fallen brother. Javi is remembered as a down to earth guy who would go out of his way to help out people.

Thanks to Sinland Biker Joker for providing the information for this story.

The El Paso Motorcycle Coalition is sponsoring the 29th Annual Toy Run Parade on Sunday, November 6, 2011. It was started by bikers to help underprivileged children in the El Paso community and its surrounding area. The participants of the Toy Run leave the International Truck Driving School in Sunland Park, New Mexico; ride on Doniphan to Talbot and up and over Trans Mountain to Cohen Stadium where they will drop off their toys and enjoy food, door prizes, music by local bands, fashion show by Laura’s Productions, and much more.

Motorcycle Parade Registration: International Truck Driving School

141 Quinella, Sunland Park, NM.

Starts at 9:00 a.m. (Please remember Daylight savings time)

$10.00 + *new toy per person

Parade leaves @ 11:15 a.m. to Cohen Stadium.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE TO PARTICIPATE!

Entrance to Cohen: Starts at 11:00 a.m. (Please remember Daylight savings time)

Donation $10.00 + a new toy per person, children 10 and under free + a *new toy.

For more info call, 915-494-4881 or 915-740-9991

***New Toy must be at least a $5.00 value***

The following is from the CSPC…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: Off-Road Motorcycles

Units: About 6,117

Importer: KTM North America Inc., of Murrieta, Calif.

Hazard: The motorcycle handlebar clamp can develop cracks during normal use causing the handlebars to move from their set position. This can result in the rider losing control of the vehicle, posing a fall or crash hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: KTM received a report of one incident in which the consumer was hospitalized from injuries received in a crash after the handlebar clamps cracked and failed to secure the handlebars.

Description: This recall involves all 2011 KTM and Husaberg off-road/competition motorcycles.

The affected Husaberg bikes are blue, yellow and white in color with the model name and Husaberg logo located on the right and left shrouds.

Sold at: Authorized KTM and Husaberg dealers nationwide from April 2010 through May 2011 for between $6,200 and $9,500.

Manufactured in: Austria

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled motorcycles and contact authorized KTM and Husaberg dealers to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers should contact authorized KTM or Husaberg dealers. Authorized dealers can be located by going to www.ktm.com or www.husaberg.com. Consumers may also call KTM North America Inc. customer relations at (888) 985-6090 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday to Friday.