Visit us at the 2012 Lone Star Rally

This Thursday, November 1, through Sunday, November 4, is the 2012 Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas. It's one of the biggest biker parties in Texas. With tons of live music -- including a special performance by Brett Michaels -- bike shows, contests, rides, vendors, military tributes, and more, this is one rally you won't want to miss. And Texas Biker Lawyers will be there!

Some celebrity builders will be in attendance as well, including: Eddie Trotta, Paul Yaffe, Rick Fairless, the Martin Brothers, John Shope, Brigitte Bourget, RB Customs, and Southern Metal Choppers. There will also be 3 stages for non-stop music for each day of the rally. More information can be found on the Lone Star Rally Website's Entertainment section here.

There will be multiple bike events, including a Fallen Heroes Poker Run, Outlaw Dave's Ranch Ride, and a tire burn-out event. There's also the Contest and Promenade, which encourages fans and attendees to dress up, theme out in costume, and show your love for the motorcycle community, in a sort of epic parade of bikes, trikes, and floats.

Of course, one of the big draws to this rally is the attendance of some of the stars of the acclaimed motorcycle gang drama on FX, Sons of Anarchy. Charlie Hunnam, who plays the character of "Jax" on the show, will be at the rally both Friday and Saturday, with a meet-and-greet to take place on Saturday, November 3rd, from 1pm to 6pm with some special surprise guests.

Join The Cole Legal Group at the rally, as we will be giving away some of our free swag: keychains, backpacks, glasses (depending on availability). We'll also be ready and willing to take your questions about motorcycle accident cases, should the need ever arise in your riding future. We serve many locations in Texas, including Dallas / Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Waxahachie.

5 Rational Ways to Lower Your Motorcycle Insurance Premiums

Motorcycle insurance premiums are normally higher than insurance for automobile drivers because motorcycle drivers are more vulnerable to accidents and mishaps. If you are a high-risk motorcyclist, such as one who has had a DUI or has frequent accidents, rates could go even higher. These are the top five rational ways to lower your motorcycle insurance premiums.

Way #1: Join a Club

Many riders’ clubs have advanced riding skills training aimed at improving your riding skills on the road. The membership and skills training can help reduce the cost of insurance or even get a flat out discount from some insurance carriers. Some of the major worldwide motorcycling clubs you may consider are: BMW motorcycle club and Harley owners association.

Way #2: Be Completely Honest With Insurance Agents

When buying a policy, be completely honest about your riding habits. Many insurance companies have lower premiums for lower mileage riders. Bear this in mind when you are purchasing your motorbike’s policy and be completely honest when you declare your intended riding mileage. If you don’t use your bike often--for example, if it’s just a weekend toy--see if it’s possible to cap the mileage limit.

Your riding experience, riding history and length of ownership for your bike are also factors that might affect your insurance rate. Generally more experienced riders with incident-free records are given lower premiums than young thrill seekers with a record of regular accidents or traffic violations. It’s best to be honest about your record, as most insurance companies will do a background check and find out about accidents or other incidents anyway.

Way #3: Choose The Level of Coverage That Saves You The Most

By and large, your level of coverage is the main factor in determining the price of your premium. Comprehensive insurance that includes cover for your bike in case it is damaged is generally more expensive; however, it gives a lot of extra protection when needed. These extra benefits include coverage for breakdowns and legal expenses as well as other options that will lower your out-of-pocket expenses if an incident occurs. Third party coverage, on the other hand, has a lower premium and offers great savings but does not cover any damage claims.

There is also such a thing as being over insured. If you have medical coverage via another type of insurance, that policy will most likely include accident coverage. In this case, getting medical coverage on your motorbike insurance is redundant and costly.

Way #4: Include Security and Safety Gear in Your Motorcycle Purchase

A majority of motorcycle related claims are theft related. Thus, installing a security system such as an immobilizer will definitely shave money off your premium. Keeping your bike in a garage or a secure parking structure also contributes a lot to reducing your premium.

Proper riding gear such as helmets and padding will keep you safe in the event of an accident and reduce risk of grievous injury, thus lowering your medical expenses. Riding without such safety gear may result in your premium being invalidated.

Way #5: Pay a Monthly Premium

It can be difficult to pay a year’s worth of insurance for your bike, especially in tough economic times. It is more pragmatic to break down the insurance to manageable installments. Setting up an installment plan via your insurer can sometimes be more expensive. Consider paying the entire premium on a zero rate or low interest credit card and then paying the credit card balance over a period of months.

Picking the right insurance company for you can ultimately save you a lot of money and grief when it comes to making claims for damages. The tips above should help you find the policy that’s right for you and your budget so that you can enjoy riding your bike.

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Source: Carlton Wright Insurance Agency (10/15)

How to Restore your Classic Motorcycle

Restoring a classic motorcycle is a motorcycle enthusiast's ultimate activity. It allows you to combine your love for classic motorcycles with your interest and appreciation for craftsmanship, mechanics and hard work. Restoring a motorcycle requires competent knowledge of motorcycle mechanics and proper equipment and tools in order to be successful. Before getting started with the actual work, however, you will need to decide which classic bike you want to restore.

• Research and choose the make and model of the classic motorcycle you want to restore. According to Verticalscope Inc.'s website "Motorcycle," popular choices include 1950s and 1960s English bikes. However, these have become costly and difficult to find, so one alternative would be the 650cc twin-engine English bikes of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
• Purchase your classic motorcycle, preferably one that is equipped with the original engine and make sure you get the manufacturer's parts book that corresponds to your bike. Perform a complete tear down of the motorcycle. Document all of the parts with photos and notes and arrange them in an accessible manner so you know what you are dealing with.
• Antique Car Parts Take your motor to an engine shop that specializes in the type of bike you have. An engine shop will be equipped with the ability and tools necessary to fully clean the engine, build the parts that need rebuilding and polish the metal parts of the engine.
• Sandblast the frame and the swing arm of your motorcycle. Analyze them for any damage from battery acid, any cracks, twists or extra holes. Weld any cracks and repair any other damage.
• Replace all of the nuts and bolts of your engine with stainless steel parts that are as close to the original size as possible. The engine frame studs, however, must be the exact dimensions as the originals in order to avoid vibration and other problems later on.
• Purchase replacement shocks if necessary. According to Verticalscope Inc.'s website "Motorcycle," shocks for the majority of classic motorcycles out there can still be purchased new. Examine the forks for straightness and cracks. If your forks have any major problems, send them to a forks specialist to have them repaired properly.
• Repair or replace the other remaining parts such as the brakes, hubs and rims. Many traditional parts can be ordered. Alternatively, you can retrofit your classic bike with a newer set of alloy wheels.
• Powder-coat the frame and all of the frame-related painted parts according to either your specific preferences or the bike's original colors. Have any chrome components that have rusted or worn over the years re-chromed to bring out the bike's original brilliance.
• Rebuild the bike with the new and restored parts to complete your restoration. Store your bike in a dry and warm place when it is not being ridden to preserve the bike's condition.

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Source: Ehow (Schatz)

Blind woman becomes first to travel globe

55 YEAR-old Cathy Birchall from Warrington, riding pilion with her husband Bernard, has become the first blind woman to circumvent the globe on a motorcycle.

Cathy suffers with retinitis pigmentosa and has been blind for much of her life. She met husband Bernard Smith seven years ago, while he was working as a teacher for the Royal National Institute of Blind People and she for charity Action For Blind People. She had never been on a motorcycle before she met Bernard, who, long harbouring a desire to travel the world on his 1990 BMW R100RT, convinced her to take a year-long sabbatical.

Their journey began in August 2008, but now, with the release of their book 'Touching The World: A Blind Woman, Two Wheels and 25,000 miles', her extraordinary story is coming to light.

The couple's travels encompassed Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and North America and took a year. In Peru, Cathy also became the first blind woman to climb Huayana Pichu, Machu Pichu's sister mountain.

Cathy recorded her experiences on a tape recorder as she went, describing the pair's experiences. Using an intercom system, Bernard would describe the scenery through which they passed. Speaking to Manchester Evening News, Cathy described her experience of the journey:

'I could smell the heat of the deserts, the cool from the mountains. I could hear the silence when you are up in the mountains. I could hear the hustle and bustle as we were going through street markets. I could feel the temperature. All the other senses kicked in and gave me a full picture.

“And I spoke to people – the everyday people we came across. That made the trip.'

Sadly, six weeks after their return from the trip, Cathy was diagnosed with breast cancer for which she is still being treated. Writing the book, she says, has given her focus throughout the treatment.

In publishing the book, Bernard and Cathy hope to get visual impairment literature 'into the mainstream in a positive way.'

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Source: VisorDown (Dodd,9/19)

Happy Almost S.R.V. Day!

October 3 is considered Stevie Ray Vaughan Day, so what better thing to do than to come celebrate the life and music of Texas' one and only Stevie Ray Vaughan with the 18th annual S.T.V. Remembrance Ride and Concert, October 7. It will be held in the world's largest Hooters 11:15 sharp in the heart of West End Dallas.

The Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembrance Ride & Concert was started in the early 90's as a way of honoring the life and music of Stevie, who passed away in a tragic helicopter accident during the late 80's. All the proceeds from the concert will be going to the S.R.V. Memorial Scholarship Fund.

There will be various parties being held before and after the Remembrance ride and concert . A day before the big day there will be a pre-party held at Rick Fairless' Strokers Dallas and the day of the parade and concert, which will be held in the Cowboys Dance Hall in Arlington from 12-6:30pm, there will be an after party at All Star Diamond Jim's Saloon from 7pm to 2am.

Concert will showcase both famous and local talent blues bands like the Ian Moore Band, Kayla Reeves, Van Wilks, and the Harles Brothers, just to name a few. Pre-ordered tickets cost $20 and $25 at the door. All tickets are general admission and all seats are considered great seats. Parking is free.

So join in on the fun and the endless hours of music this October 7!

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Source: Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembrance Ride and Concert