Etc.

ETC.

HIGH-MILE AWARDS FOR BMW PILOTS

Recognition is always nice, and the folks at BMW North America know that. They also know that BMW builds sturdy motorcycles that will, with appropriate maintenance, travel many miles. So they’ve decided to expand their recognition of people who put extraordinary mileage on Beemers. To its current list of awards for those who have traveled 100,000, 200,000 and 300,000 miles on BMWs, the company has added pins for 400,000 and 500,000 miles. If you’re a BMW rider who is eligible for any of these awards, contact your dealer for an award application and mileage verification information.

HELMET LAW HASSLES

Two bills designed to minimize the federal government’s efforts to pressure state governments into passing helmet laws have been introduced in Congress. Senate Bill 295 and House Bill 799 would, if approved, retain federally sanctioned incentives to pass helmet laws, but would remove federal sanctions against states that do not approve such requirements. Federal law currently requires that states without mandatory helmet-use laws by October of this year lose control over part of their federal highway funding.

RIDING FOR RESEARCH

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of death in women, killing an estimated 46,000 per year. In an effort to raise additional breast cancer research funds, the Women’s Motorcyclist Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation have opened a fund called Women Riding for Research. Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution can do so by sending a check to the Women’s Motorcyclist Foundation, 7 Lent Ave., LeRoy, NY 14482, or phone 716/768-6054.

A HARLEY-BUELL DEAL

Harley-Davidson recently announced that it has concluded a deal with chassis-builder Erik Buell that makes the Motor Company a 49-percent minority owner in a new company headed by Buell. Buell, who says he’s built the last of his old-style Buell motorcycles, claims the reformed company will concentrate on a new line of sport-oriented motorcycles with Harley-Davidsonbuilt engines.

Which engines? “Whatever ones they (Harley-Davidson) decide are appropriate,” said Buell, adding, “This gives them a chance to get out into a separate market while still keeping their own identity.”

Buell said parts and service for old-style Buell motorcycles will remain available.

'NAM BY HARLEY

A group of 20 Harley-Davidson enthusiasts are planning to ride their bikes from Ho Chi Minh City-once known as Saigon-to Hanoi this summer. The trip, billed as the “1st Annual Harley Tour of Vietnam,” will take place August 5 through August 25 and is tentatively scheduled for coverage by CBS News’ “Street Stories,” according to Fredy Champagne, a guide and consultant for Viet Nam Friends, which is sponsoring the tour in cooperation with Cesáis Tours of Ho Chi Minh City. If this sounds like your kind of adventure, contact Champagne at R0. Box 69, Garberville, CA 95542; 707/923-4147.

FOR THE RECORD

The National Handicapped Motorcyclist Association mentioned in April’s “Where There’s a Will” article has a new address. The NHMA can be reached at 35-34 84th St., Apt.

F8, Jackson Heights, NY 11372.

Also, the phone number listed for Olympia gloves in American Big Twin, CW's new all-Harley magazine, was incorrect. Contact Olympia at 914/347-4737.