The Bull Pen: April 2009

Brother can you spare a dime?  This was a commonplace saying in the great depression.  Today we have many of the same conditions which brought our great nation to its knees in the 1930's.  During this period President's Hoover & Roosevelt developed government programs like the "New Deal" to help return America to its economic health.  

While our current economic stimulus and bailouts are taking a vastly different approach there are some elements which may benefit you.  You may be surprised to know that motorcycles are considered qualified vehicles in Section 1008 of the Economic Stimulus Package.  The intent of including motorcycles as qualified vehicles was to encourage Americans to "go green".  It's no surprise that motorcycles are more fuel efficient than autos so the move does make sense. 

The new law guarantees that anyone who purchases a new motorcycle, light truck, new car or recreational vehicle, Feb. 17 through Jan. 1, 2010, will deduct state and local sales taxes as well as any excise tax charged in the purchase.  In order for citizens to obtain the tax deduction, the bike must be less than 8,500 pounds in gross vehicle weight and cost less than $49,500.   The buyer must also make less than $125,000 in gross taxable income and $250,000 for joint filers.  However, the deduction is phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income between $125,00 and $135,00, and $250,00 and $260,00 in case of a joint return.

If motorcycles aren't your thing, this provision also applies to qualified cars and trucks.  Heck, even folks buying motor homes get a break.  Even though motor home sales have slumped, a tax provision for motor homes is included, which allows a portion of the sales or excise tax paid on the purchase of a new motor home to be deducted.

The deduction is attributable to taxes applying to the first $49,500 of the purchase price. Individuals with an adjusted gross income of up to $125,000 and joint filers with an adjusted gross income of up to $250,000 are eligible for the deduction.

So what does this mean to you?  Let's assume you just bought a new Road King for $20,000.  If you were not trading a vehicle you would pay sales tax on the total.  If you are trading a vehicle you only pay sales tax on the "difference".  So using our example, you just shelled out  $20,000 and fork out an additional $1500 for sales tax (7.5%).  Our friends in Chicago would pay $2000 thanks to the efficiency of Cook County.  So now that you have shelled out this money what's next? 

Thanks to the new Economic Stimulus Package you can deduct the amount you paid in sales tax on a new qualified vehicle from your gross income.  Let's do the math to see how this impacts you.  For our example let's say you made $100,000 in 2009 and your tax rate is 32%.  By reducing your income by $1500 you just pocketed $480.  It's not a whopping sum but as my grandpa would say, "it's better than a stick in the eye". 

Times are tough for everyone so a few extra bucks is always good news in my book.  I recently bought a new 2009 Street Glide and I damn sure will be deducting my sales tax..... Heck, now I can buy some more bling for my scooter. 

So there is the good news.  You are now one step closer to getting that new scooter.  Now to make sure that you get the best deal and coverage on your motorcycle insurance you need to call me.  I can customize a plan for you that protects you, your family and your new scooter.  If I can help you please call me at 630-232-9811 or drop me a line at deanakey@allstate.com.  Until my next edition, ride safe and often. 

Out & About

Riding season is here and we have added a new feature to our magazine.  The column is called "Out & About" and we will be featuring area rides & events that are on my "most excellent" list.  Let's face it, as bikers we do more to support our communities than any other demographic group in existence.  Each month I will highlight some of the events that make my "most excellent" list and hope you can join me.  Are you ready?  Well, throw a leg over your trusty scooter and let's ride. 

Sunday, May 3^rd, 2009 Ride Janie

My friend Jane Orlock Bawel of Downers Grove, was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2005 and was in need of a stem cell transplant.  Janie faced astronomical medical expenses not covered by insurance.  You probably already know what I think of those darn insurance people.  Bikers to the rescue.  The first event attracted about 400 bikers and raised close to $50,000.  Janie got her transplant.  "The outpouring of love, support and healing that day from the hundreds of motorcyclists and attendees was a gift I will treasure always," says Bawel. "My husband, Brandon, and I felt so blessed that we wanted to pay it forward."

From the first Ride Janie event in 2005, Janie and her tireless group of volunteers have kept their promise of "paying it forward" and seek out area children suffering with similar conditions.  This year's ride will benefit Kataryna Lantgen (6) of Hanover Park, Logan Lavery (4) of Lombard and Samantha Wildeboer (14) of Northbrook, who have been diagnosed with blood cancer.

The ride will begin at Wild Fire Harley Davidson and Buell, 120 W. North Ave., Villa Park; follow a 60-mile fully escorted route through the Southwest suburbs and end at Heroes West Sports Bar & Grill in Joliet. Registration and activities start at 8:30 a.m. Kickstands up at 11 a.m.

Event details and pre-registration are available on the Ride Janie Ride Foundation Web site, http://www.RideJanieRide.org.

May 16^th Mooseheart Bike Blessing

Are all bikers superstitious or is it just me?  Even though I am a man of the cloth I always start my year with some divine intervention.  This year I will be getting my spiritual boost at the 6^th Annual Mooseheart Run & Bike Blessing.  This year's event benefits the Special Olympics and the Mooseheart Child City & School.   These organizations do amazing work in our communities so I hope you can make it.  Registration begins at 8:00 am at the Mooseheart Campus which is located between Aurora & Batavia on Mooseheart Road which is East of Randall Road and West of Route 31.   The blessing will take place at the Mooseheart Field House at 11:00 am followed by a 70 mile escorted ride ending with a free hog roast at Zylstra Harley Davidson in Saint Charles. 

Jean Davidson, Author & Granddaughter of Walter Davidson, Founder of Harley Davidson will be the guest of honor for this event.   For more information please visit www.mooseheart.org. 

May 17^th Little Angels

The Annual Little Angels Pledge Run began in 1988 as a means for an Elgin Harley Owners group (EAO) to give back to the community. The group approached 2 other charities before Little Angels and was turned away because of their "biker image." This organization then reached out to Little Angels Administrator Shelley Lewis and found a grateful recipient.

From this partnership, the Little Angels Pledge Run was born. The first Run was a local event and raised a little over $9000. Since then, the Little Angels Pledge Run has grown into one of the Midwest's largest single-day motorcycle pledge events, includes in excess of 2000 motorcyclists annually and has raised over three and a half million dollars. These funds made possible the construction of a state-of-the-art, nationally recognized residential facility and developmental training center. 

The Little Angels is a loving home for children and young adults with severe disabilities and complex medical needs. It is a state-of-the-art facility offering round-the-clock skilled nursing, therapeutic and habilitation services in a warm, caring environment. Little Angels may not be a home in the traditional sense, but it does provide the most important aspects that make a home--love, care and support.  I have toured the Little Angels facilities and was amazed at the care and compassion these folks provide. 

This Elgin Area Organization of Harley Owners (EAO) sponsors this event and will be partnering with The Loop, Chicago's Rock Station's Eddie Webb, afternoon DJ at The Loop, and a Harley rider himself.  Eddie will jump on his Harley and take part in this year's Pledge Run.  Joining Eddie will be the The newly-crowned Loop Rock Girl! Join us for some great burgers and brats at the after-party while listening to live music from Three-Finger Fencl.  

The grand prize winner will walk away with a 2009 FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide or $10,000 cash.  Second place is a 2009 XL 883L Sportster or $5,000 cash.  Come out and have some fun with us.   The Pledge Run starts and ends at Woodstock Harley-Davidson, 2050 Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL.  Registration: 10 am - 12 noon.  The Post-ride party will be 1 pm - 5 pm.  Your registration fee includes bagels and coffee before the ride and lunch, drinks and entertainment after the ride. 100% of your pledge money supports Little Angels. 

That's it for my May "most excellent" list.  Of course there are many other most excellent runs and events out there so keep on keeping on.  If you would like to share your event with us please post your event details at www.illinoisblogspot.com.  The Illinois Blog Spot is the largest free site for area biker events in Illinois & Wisconsin so please let us know about your events.  Until next month, ride safe and often. 

Passing the Torch

Welcome back to the Bull Pen. If you don't remember me, my name is Dean Akey and I will be your guide for another fun filled edition.  Are you ready?  OK then, let's get started...

It has been said that four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul.  Riding always has been a spiritual journey for me.  My journey started twenty five years ago with Laverne.  Laverne was my 1979 Harley Sportster.  Since Laverne, I have had quite a few more spiritual relationships.  Betty, my 2001 Road King has been the longest and quite honestly the most spiritual of all of the relationships I have had over the years. 

Betty has served me well over the years taking me across country more times than I can remember.  She was with me when I was hit head on by a minivan on a crisp Sunday morning.  I was in Plainfield and was hit on a single lane metal grate bridge.  The accident left me with a broken collar bone, ten broken ribs and a head that looks like something out of a horror movie.   The insurance folks wanted to throw in the towel on Betty but I would not hear of it.  I was lucky to be alive and Betty took the lion's share of the damage to protect me.  I figured if I am still here that Betty should be as well. 

Betty and I began to heal together and we both returned to the road once again.  Of course she looked much better than I did.  Every time I threw my leg over Betty, I would stroke her tank and ask her to once again help me complete my journey.  Over time I would give Betty presents like the thirteen guardian bells that adorned her handle bars.  Those were Betty's earrings.  The color matched Iron Braids that were on her clutch and break levers were her long flowing hair. 

Over time Betty started to show signs of getting "tired".  I didn't really notice much as I always saw Betty as something more than a motorcycle.  She was as beautiful to me as any motorcycle ever made.  I was and still am in love with my girl. 

We had a connection that I am sure many of you have with your trusty scooters.  I could tell by the sounds or feel if there was anything wrong with my girl.  I believe the key to any lasting relationship is being dialed into the needs of your partner.

You may be surprised to know but in addition to being Editor of Thunder Roads, I am also an Ordained Minister.  I don't hold a position in a church but do have quite a strong relationship with my God.  My God and my soul mate Eileen, who is my bride of nineteen years, helped me realize that it was time to make the change. 

The wonderful folks at Zylstra who originally introduced me to Betty in 2000 and had built her over the years to my specifications understood my attachment and actually did an amazing job helping me.  Tiny, Zylstra's GM was more of a grief counselor for me than I could have hoped for.  I took delivery of my fourteenth motorcycle and decided to name her "Black Betty".  If you are wondering why I chose the name Betty let me explain.  Betty was named after the 1940's pinup legend Betty Page.  To me Betty Page was beautiful before you could buy beautiful and she didn't know it.

My wish is that Betty's next relationship is as wonderful as ours has been and I wish her well.  Betty and I had in common our restlessness and love of the open road.  Now my attention is focused on building my new relationship with my new 2009 Street Glide "Black Betty". 

You may notice from the pictures of Betty & Black Betty that I have dedicated my new scooter to the Rescue Riders.  Thanks to the generosity from the law firm of Hupy & Abraham and Allstate Insurance Company, we have trained over 500 volunteer Rescue Riders in Illinois & Wisconsin.  These fellow bikers have the training and tools to help victims of accidents.  In 2009 we will be training more Rescue Rider volunteers so stay tuned.  If you would like to learn more about the Rescue Riders please visit our website www.rescueriders.org. 

You may notice from the pictures of Betty & Black Betty that I have dedicated my new scooter to the Rescue Riders.  Thanks to the generosity from the law firm of Hupy & Abraham and Allstate Insurance Company, we have trained over 500 volunteer Rescue Riders in Illinois & Wisconsin.  These fellow bikers have the training and tools to help victims of accidents.  In 2009 we will be training more Rescue Rider volunteers so stay tuned.  If you would like to learn more about the Rescue Riders please visit our website www.rescueriders.org.  

Well, that's it for this month.  When I am not sharing my wisdom with you via my Thunder Roads editorials or running the Rescue Rider program, I run an insurance agency West of Chicago.  I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most.  If I can help you with your insurance please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899.  I would love to hear from you.  Until next month, enjoy the ride.