The ride south to the Capitol City was uneventful and in spite of the late start, about four PM.. it was a good run.. The pre-briefing was still going on while I was checking into the Travelodge.. so I missed part of it.. Breakfast with the Bikers was on target and we gathered in the cafeteria to visit with all the legislators who would break bread with us before going to work.. Mostly Aides showed up and they all listened while we presented our views on everything from how our rides went .. to the Bills which we are concerned about.. There was a lot of good will and information spread this morning and we broke to wait for the Law Enforcement Committee to consider our Helmet Bill.. As our designated Speakers to the podiums, the legislators listened to them attentively, while they presented our views on the Bill.. The only discouraging voice was by Representative Lon Burnham, when he surprised us all be coming out against the Bill.. The gentleman will indeed have a problem during his next election.. His betrayal comes after TMRA II .. Tarrant Chapter has supported him for a long time.. Lon Burnham will run without the support or endorsement of many who has consistently helped him in the past.. His opponent will surely enjoy our support, in the future.. Assurances came from several of the Committee members, who will support our Bill and the have all declared the Bill will come out of committee and be on the floor of the legislature, next week..After counting noses, we've been satisfied that we have the votes to be assured the Helmet Bill will be passed and finally cleaned up to the point that we can relax for a while.. The Failure to Yield Bill is coming up soon, now.. and looks real good for action, according to some of the legislators that I talked with.. All told, the bills which we have supported and lobbied for, seem to be holding their own.. The legislators and aides which we engaged with, all complimented all the Bikers who came .. Their comments about the professionalism and courtesy which was displayed by one and all, was appreciated and they all seemed to have been impressed by our group.. I left the Capitol after six PM and commenced the long ride home.. Being one of the last to leave, I did the ride by myself .. hmmm... the doctor (ugly bitch) better not hear about it, or she'll surely ground me again.. LOL.. As a matter of fact, she has no idea that I am even riding again.. solo.. Your Friend in Irving Bill Walker
