State Police planned to stop bikers heading to and from the upcoming Americade rally in the southern Adirondacks to make sure they have decent helmets and the right licenses. New York Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets that meet federal DOT standards. State Police said DOT stickers are easy to come by, and they won't prevent getting a ticket for a so-called "skid lid" that provides little protection.

A mandatory checkpoint began Friday afternoon on the Adirondack Northway on the eve of Americade. Troopers planned another next week for southbound I-87 traffic near the close of the rally, which is expected to draw more than 50,000 riders from around the country to Lake George from June 1st to June 5th.
Troopers also planned to check for unsafe tires; improper exhaust pipes, which can mean thundering unmuffled engines; and motorcycle licenses.

Deaths of motorcycle operators rose in 2006, almost 50 percent over four years. About 25 percent each year had either an invalid or no motorcycle license.
New York data mirror the national trend. Fatalities doubled while registrations nearly did -- from 178,000 to 307,000 -- in the decade ending in 2006, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. From 2004 to 2006, motorcycle fatalities rose 29 percent from 151 to 195. 

Helmets help, as so does leather clothing, which lets fallen riders slide for a while before they start skidding on body parts.
Ridership has been growing among older bikers and the over-40 group also has the greatest number of fatalities.
This trend is likely to increase with high gas prices as more people purchase motorcycles.
Similar checkpoints were being staged around the state.  Police inspected more than 100 motorcycles in Cobleskill near the AmJam rally last week and wrote 123 tickets, mostly for improper helmets.

July 21, 2007 (Plattsburgh, NY)
A Ride to Remember: second annual benefit for NENY Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Center
If you’ve ever heard the rumble of over 127 motorcycles, it’s something you’d certainly remember for a long, long time - that is unless you had the misfortune to be overcome by the wrath of Alzheimer’s disease.
Ironic as it may sound, that was the reason for the mass of motorcycles that took off with the American Legion Riders from the American Legion Post 1619 in West Plattsburgh last Sunday morning. The Ride to Remember, along with the live music by local bands, raffles and auction were all held to benefit the Northeastern NY Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Center, in memory of Barbara Tobin, of Cadyville.
Freeman and her sisters, Trish Liberty and Colleen West organized the event, which was hosted by the Post 1619, the Sons of the Legion, the Auxiliary and the American Legion Riders.
Last year, their first, they raised about $8,000; this year’s unofficial total, according to Freeman, is at least $10,000.
Freeman said they had a lot of support form many area businesses and people in the form of volunteerism and donations, all of which she and her family are very grateful for.

July 28, 2007 (Plattsburgh, NY)
Charity Ride to support Hospice of the North Country
Approximately 165 motorcycle bikers from Harley Owners Group and Our Ladies of Harley braved the wet weather Saturday July 28,2007
for a charity ride to support Hospice of the North Country.
Several members of the two groups have had relatives, or friends, assisted by Hospice.
This is third year that the fifth-annual charity ride and spaghetti dinner benefited Hospice through registration costs and donations by other chapters.
Last year, $1,000 was raised for Hospice.
Rain proved a deterrent this year, accounting for less participation and revenue.