Unless there’s another sighting…

Hey, here’s the latest UFO info. James Fox is a documentary film maker who has made several good movies about this subject. The first one I remember is called Out of the Blue. The next one is called I know what I saw. The next is called the Phenomenon. In 2022 he made Moment of CONTACT. This new one is called The Program.

All these are available on Prime or Netflix. The Program is just out and you have to pay Amazon to watch it. I’m sure it will be free in six months or so. I am personally acquainted with James Fox and he is a very down-to-earth guy. He is easy to talk to.

This new video is about all the stuff going on in Congress and in government regarding disclosure. He interviews whistleblowers and congressmen alike. They discuss the impact real disclosure will have on religion, economy, etc. If you are just getting into James’ films start with Out of the Blue and watch them all.

I’m not religious in anyway. I believe man created god in his own image to explain everything he couldn’t understand. I also believe I could be wrong. Having said that, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We are living in exciting times.

–Bill May

Research Specialists

Bikernet.com

Wonderful Holiday, Horrible NFL Games and the 2025 List is Growing…

Hey,

I hope everyone had a magnificent Christmas Eve and Christmas day adventure.  A cold hit me like a double-barreled shotgun blast to the chest. All the whiskey in the world couldn’t prevent its holiday destruction.

I don’t know if it was the drugs or the Victory Virus’s weakness, but every other day I would experience and uncanny sense of well being. I’d get a few to-do list items finished or slip over to a holiday party looking somewhat human. The next day I would be slammed to the deck once more. Strange.

This is day number six and I woke up feeling sorta human. Let’s see how the day plays out.

The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Laura, Barry Green, El Waggs, J.J. Solari, Amy White, Jenn and the rest of the crew.

The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

SOUTH DAKOTA ALERT–Midwest Carbon Express Pipeline. This company has not previously built or has no management experience in hazardous CO2 pipelines. South Dakota will be the guinea pig for their experiment.

It will be very important for you to file your comments with the Public Utilities Commission, or present them at the PUC public meetings Jan. 15-17. It will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at Mitchell High School and at 5 p.m. in the Hub Auditorium at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls; at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the De Smet Event Center and at 6 p.m. at the Watertown Ramkota Hotel Event Center; and at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan 17, at the Dakota Events Center in Aberdeen and at  6 p.m. at the Redfield School Auditorium. You can also mail comments to PUC, 500 East Capitol, Pierre SD 57501.

This is not all about CO2 pipelines going into the ground. If this project goes through, they will be applying to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for permits to take millions of gallons of water from the artesian aquifer to cool their pumps along the route.

Spink, Brown and McPherson county commissioners have done an outstanding job of protecting their citizens by passing ordinances that route this hazardous pipeline away from homes, cities, feedlots, hospitals, schools, etc. These counties have not been swayed by the taxes this pipeline could possibly generate and further commissioner enticement of grant money to be used for anything.

Greed for 45Q federal tax dollars is what is driving the need for this and similar pipelines.

I worked with CO2 Coalition info and wrote the public utilities commission about this bullshit proposal. You might do the same if you live in South Dakota. –Bandit

SUPPORT New York Bill S8485b/A9232b – the Grieving Families Act!

Motorcycle riders face more than their fair share of Wrongful Deaths whenever negligent and reckless drivers fail to control their vehicles. In New York it’s even worse, as we’re one of only two states in the country with outdated and insufficient wrongful death statutes.

 This means that surviving families are left with no way to recover damages for their pain and suffering. And if the survivors are NOT either a parent, spouse, or child of the deceased, they have no legal recourse at all!

The Grieving Families Act has already been passed with overwhelming bipartisan support TWICE in the New York Assembly and Senate, only to be vetoed by Governor Hochul each time. Let’s ask her to protect the rights of surviving families in wrongful death cases and sign the Grieving Families Act into law right now!

THE BILL MAY REPORT–

Hey Bandit, this is my granddaughter Blakley Michelle Vasquez. She is a champion wrestler going to college in Missouri. When I get this bike finished, I will get her to pose with it. Probably in the little leather biker type jacket I got her and some jeans and boots but still she is hot and tough.

Love those Panheads you just posted. Ride forever and merry Christmas to you and family

–Bill May

STURGIS MISSION STATEMENT—There seemed to be a lack of direction within the city and I asked if the city has a mission statement? Here’s what I received:

City Mission Statement:

To provide an attractive, growing community being served by a

professional staff that offers reliable, quality municipal services.

Here’s my version:

Sturgis, South Dakota the City of Riders

Our Mission: To Celebrate our Historic Past as the City of Riders and the Home of the largest Motorcycle Rally in the World. We are determined to provide our community with a vibrant vision of the future with an active city government and reliable staff forming a team dedicated to the growth and the citizens of the dynamic city of Sturgis.

–Bandit

THE KIWI INDIAN REPORT– I got hooked on Indians quite young. What’s your story?

Hello Friends. As 2024 ends, I found myself sitting on a rock in a field. Nice and quiet, it became an opportunity think about the past and reflect on the future.

I bought my first Indian in 1978 in New Zealand, when I was 18 years old. I soon started my first restoration process. Throughout, I learned to make parts and network with other like-minded folks, which set me on a good path in life.

I didn’t need alcohol or anything else in my life as I was surrounded by good people and my Indian.

In mid 1982 while touring the U.S. on my motorcycle (a Honda 750K), I stopped by an Indian shop in SoCal called Starklite Cycle. Bob was a gracious host. He took me out for lunch and offered me a part time job, which eventually led to full time. That shop was the Mecca of Indian motorcycles back in the day.

About 5 years later I left to pursue other ventures, but many older Indian enthusiasts encouraged me to start my own Indian business, which I did in 1988.

Business was crazy back then as it seemed everyone wanted an Indian and the parts business was huge. Taxes were low so, as a business owner, I could plow all my money back into the business, making parts, fueling the U.S. economy and boosting my people’s pay checks. (Somehow, I missed out on my own paycheck as I believed in putting every cent back into the business.)

My business allowed me to be as creative as what I wanted to be. If I dreamed up something I wanted to make, I just did it. I’m an enthusiast and I dream big. Make it and they will come was my belief and that they did.

About two years ago, a friend of mine, the late Dave Hanson of The Shop in Ventura, CA, hit the milestone of being in his motorcycle business for 50 years.

Now, I’m coming up on 37 years and looking back at the Indian parts industry, the landscape has changed quite a lot. There used to be a lot of major parts manufacturers and quite a few little individual guys who made important parts. Now, here we are at the end of 2024 and there are only three majors left – with only one under its original ownership. That would be myself, Kiwi Indian.

–Mike Tomas. President

Kiwi Indian Motorcycles Inc

HAPPY 2025 FROM THE AMCA–Time to start planning!

Planning your 2025 travel? Here’s help! The AMCA National Meets and Road Runs are set. Find the schedule here:

And if you want a fancy way to remember them that’s more tangible than a digital link, the 2025 AMCA calendar is printed and ready to ship.

Discounts on multiple copies. Order it here or visit https://merchandise.antiquemotorcycle.org/collections/2025-amca-calendar

SAVE THE STURGIS HALF-MILE–Sturgis Half-Mile Revival through dedicated 501(c)(3) Organization

Name: Sturgis Half-Mile Heritage Foundation (or Friends of the Sturgis Half-Mile)

Mission Statement:

To honor and preserve the history and heritage of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally by raising funds to restore and revitalize the historic Half-Mile track at the Sturgis Fairgrounds where Pappy Hoel and the Jackpine Gypsies held the 1937 flat track race that has grown into motorcycling’s Mecca, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations while continuing to grow as a hub for motorsports excellence.

By uniting the passion of motorcycle enthusiasts, industry leaders, and local supporters, we aim to safeguard this irreplaceable piece of motorsports history and create a lasting legacy.

Key Objectives:

        1.      Preservation of History:

             •   Restore the Half-Mile dirt track and modernize the facility to protect its legacy and pivotal role as the birthplace of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

             •   Dedicate the restored track to Pappy Hoel and the Jackpine Gypsies as the founders of the Sturgis Motorcyle Rally, incorporating historic imagery, messaging and design elements into the facility’s redesign.

             •   Celebrate the track’s deep connection to the AMA Grand National Championship, now known as American Flat Track, and ensure its continued legacy as a cornerstone of professional motorcycle racing in the US.

        2.      Continuing the Racing Legacy:

             •   AMA Pro Racing and the Jackpine Gypsies to announce their collaboration, shared vision and commitment to bringing an American Flat Track (AFT) National back to the Half-Mile, reinstating it as a premier venue in the championship series.

             •. Expand the number of professional races sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing held in Sturgis to include a variety of disciplines (Short Track, Half-Mile, TT, Hillclimb) in a series of events that will serve as anchor entertainment properties during the annual Rally, driving outside investment into Sturgis for the benefit of the citizens and community.

             •. Develop a “Race to the Rally Cup” for amateur racing around the country similar to the Loretta Lynn’s program, that begins at Daytona Bike Week and culminates with the country’s top amateur riders being invited to  race for AMA Amateur Championships at the Sturgis Half-Mile, creating an aspirational event for the future stars of the sport and a talent scouting program for OEMs and teams..

        3.      Celebrity and Community Engagement:

             •   Integrate motorcycle legends such as Cary Hart, Ricky Carmichael, Jeff Stanton, Scotty Parker, Chris Carr, Roland Sands, and others into charity rides and Grudge Matches during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

             •   Create community-based initiatives that involve local businesses, residents, and rally attendees in the restoration process.

Hey, this is just a taste of the Jack Pine Gypsies very complete proposal. Watch for more, more action and more contacts in the future Bikernet News Reports. –Bandit

AMA PRO RACING– is excited to announce that FansChoice.tv will serve as the exclusive livestreaming and Video-On-Demand (VOD) platform for the 2025 Mission Foods CTR Flat Track Series. This landmark partnership solidifies FansChoice.tv’s commitment to delivering premier motorcycle racing content to fans worldwide.

The Mission Foods CTR Flat Track Series will consist of five rounds and ten events in 2025. The series, spearheaded by two-time AFT Production Twins Champion Cory Texter, offers professional-caliber racing opportunities for amateur racers and provides fans with thrilling, grassroots racing action.

Enhanced Livestreaming Coverage

Starting with the seventh annual Winter Throwdown at Callahan Speedway on January 16-18, FansChoice.tv will deliver comprehensive livestreaming coverage of every event in the series. Each event will feature two full days of racing, including approximately 10 hours of live streaming per day, complete with professional production by AMA Pro Racing.

The Winter Throwdown will kick off with the “King of Throwdown” 1v1 Bracket Challenge, a head-to-head race that has been a fan favorite in previous years. Subscribers will also enjoy on-demand access to these events, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.

What’s Included with FansChoice.tv in 2025

Mission Foods CTR Flat Track Series Livestreaming: FansChoice.tv becomes the exclusive livestreaming home for the Mission Foods CTR Flat Track Series.

 Subscribers will have access to live and on-demand content from each event.

Progressive AFT Content: While all livestreaming coverage of Progressive American Flat Track is now exclusively on FloSports, FansChoice.tv subscribers will have access to a comprehensive VOD archive.

This includes full coverage from every AFT National from 2017 through 2024, and following each FloSports livestream in 2025, full coverage of each AFT National will be published as VOD on FansChoice.tv. Additionally, historic content from the golden years of the Grand National Championship will be available.

Subscription Options: FansChoice.tv offers two subscription plans: $9.99 per month or $54.99 for six months, granting access to both Mission Foods CTR Flat Track Series Livestreaming and the extensive AFT VOD archive.

For more information or to subscribe, visit www.FansChoice.tv.

2025 Mission Foods CTR Flat Track Series Schedule

January 16-18, 2025 – Winter Throwdown, Callahan Speedway, Callahan, FL

May 16-17, 2025 – Buckeye Nationals, Western Reserve Motorcycle Club, Salem, OH

June 13-14, 2025 – O to the H Nationals, Triangle Motorcycle Club, Harpster, OH

July 18-19, 2025 – Peoria Classic, Peoria Speedway, Peoria, IL

September 19-20, 2025 – Cackalacky Classic, Mid-Carolina Speedway, Neeses, SC

“Partnering with FansChoice.tv elevates the Mission Foods CTR Flat Track Series to a new level,” said Cory Texter, founder of Cory Texter Race Promotions. “Our goal has always been to provide top-tier racing experiences for both riders and fans, and this collaboration ensures that our events reach a broader audience, showcasing the excitement of flat track racing to enthusiasts everywhere.”

“FansChoice.tv is thrilled to welcome the Mission Foods CTR Flat Track Series to the platform,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “The addition of CTR livestreaming alongside our extensive library of Progressive American Flat Track content enhances our offering and provides race fans with even more of the world-class motorcycle racing action they crave.”

How to Watch

Don’t miss a moment of the action—subscribe to FansChoice.tv today to access live coverage of the Mission Foods CTR Flat Track Series and an extensive archive of Progressive American Flat Track content. FansChoice.tv is accessible on any laptop, tablet, or mobile device, with casting options available for Apple TV, Chromecast, Firestick, and Roku. To subscribe or learn more, visit www.FansChoice.tv.

For more information on Cory Texter Race Promotions and the Mission Foods CTR Flat Track Series visit https://corytexterpromotions.com.

40^th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MINDS CONFERENCE–Coming In September 2025

In September, at the 2024 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) 40th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference, held in St. Louis, Missouri, a legislative strategy session was hosted by the MRF’s Legislative Committee. The purpose of the session was to establish and prioritize the MRF’s 2025 Federal Legislative Agenda.

Legislative issues fall into one of three priority categories: high, medium and monitor. This list remains fluid and can be adapted depending on the issue and political environment.

Below is a brief description of just the top 11 issues on the MRF’s 2025 agenda listed as “High Priority.” The January 2025 issue of the American Bikers Journal will have more detail on each of these high-priority issues as well as the full list of an additional 13 priorities that fall in the “Medium” or “Monitor” classification.

As a reminder, all MRF members receive a subscription to the American Bikers Journal with their membership.

If you’re not a member of the MRF, click the “Join the MRF” button at the end of this email, to support promoting freedom and safety for street motorcyclists in Washington D.C.

The 2025 Motorcycle Riders Foundation Legislative Priorities List:

HIGH PRIORITY OBJECTIVES:

Autonomous Vehicles: Advocate and monitor any legislation or regulations related to motorcycles concerning connected and autonomous vehicles.

Crash Avoidance: Continue to promote the theme of crash avoidance versus safer crashing, urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to focus on crash prevention and support rider education by providing funding and other resources.

Data Recording: Pursue legislative language that any collected or available vehicle data is the property of the consumer, and the consumer has the choice of whether to opt-in to having their data communicated to interested parties.

Definition of a Motorcycle: Educate policymakers and advocate for change to the current definition that better reflects the current two and three-wheel motorcycle landscape.

Emission Regulations: Engage the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & Congress on any activity related to motorcycle emission regulations.

Helmet Laws: Oppose any mandatory federal helmet, apparel or conspicuity requirements.

Internal Combustion Engines:Work to ensure the survival of internal combustion engines.

Profiling: Sustain lobbying efforts for the passage of resolutions or legislation that promote awareness and prohibition of motorcyclist profiling.

Renewable Fuels: Advocate for targeted changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Right to Repair/Modify: Protect and advocate for “Right to Repair” provisions that allow consumers to repair and modify their motorcycles.

Vulnerable Roadway User Terminology: Monitor and ensure that motorcycles and motorcyclists are a specific and unique category or classification.

Remember, a full list of all 24 items on the legislative agenda, with further detail, will be part of your January issue of the American Bikers Journal. Thank you for supporting the MRF!

It’s time to get to work!

THE BIKERNET BATTERY ARCHIVES– Lithium Battery Incidents on US Flights Occur Weekly on Average, FAA Data Show

Federal legislation that seeks to tackle the fire risk posed by lithium batteries is being considered.

Incidents triggered by lithium-ion batteries are now, on average, a weekly occurrence on U.S. flights, according to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with cabin crews expressing concern over the risk.

This year, 69 lithium battery incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat have occurred on U.S. flights as of Dec. 16, FAA data show.

This equates to more than 1.3 incidents per week. Since 2015, the number of such events has increased by more than 330 percent.

Between March 3, 2006, and Nov. 5, 2024, a total of 579 lithium battery incidents were recorded, with the majority of cases coming from passenger carriers.

Battery packs and batteries accounted for the bulk of these incidents, with 229 events, followed by e-cigarettes/vape devices with 122, cell phones with 81, laptops with 70, and the rest involving other electronic and medical devices.

By Naveen Athrappully

Read the whole tamale on Epoch Times

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2019 Harley-Davidson Street Glide for Sale

Blue Max • Used Motorcycles

Dreams are for dreamers and your dream is coming in and riding away with this 2019 Street Glide!

Stock# 14121A

2019 Harley Davidson FLHX Street Glide with only 22,438 miles!

This Street Glide stands out more than any other bike here at Lifestyle Cycles and just wait till you take it for a test ride and ride it home then you’ll definitely be glad it caught your eye!

* Blue Max Factory Paintjob

* Dual Front Stock Brakes

* The tires are just waiting to roll once more and never stop!

* Rider Floorboards

* Chrome Engine Guard

* Kerker Performance 2:1 Stainless Steel Exhaust

* Passenger Mounted Foot Pegs

* Hi-Flow Intake

* Two-Up Seat

* 107 Cubic Inch M8 Motor

* 19-Inch Front and 17-Inch Rear Stock Wheels

* 4 Point Docking Hardware

* Heel/Toe Shifter

* 14-inch Chrome Meathook Handlebars

* Rockford Fosgate Speakers

* Sony Head Unit Radio

This bike is only $16980.00

Plus license, $85.00 documentation fee, and local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like some dealers. And we have no reconditioning or prep fees. This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety/mechanical/structural inspection.This motorcycle has not been refurbished and does not come with any warranty expressed or implied!

 EXTENDED WARRANTIES are available!

Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING

Lifestyle Cycles is located at 1510 State College Blvd,Anaheim,CA,92806. Open 7 days a week.

NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE SHIPPING AVAILABLE! Call today (714) 490-0155.

A CLIP FROM THE WALL STREET JOURNAL–America’s Biker Capital: Paradise for Riders, Hell for Leaders

Sturgis’s signature hog-wild event has helped fuel a City Hall exodus and political meltdown

Four years ago, this small city seized international headlines by holding its annual biker rally, a bacchanal drawing nearly 500,000 people to the Black Hills, while much of the country was on Covid-19 lockdown.

“One of the most iconic celebrations of freedom in the United States of America,” South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has called the 10-day event.

Read the whole tamale on the Wal Street Journal Website by Joe Barrett

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THE RAND PAUL FINANCIAL REPORT–Rand Paul Releases Annual ‘Festivus’ List of Wasteful Government Spending

This included $4.8 million on influencers, $2.1 million for Paraguayan border security, a $12 million Las Vegas pickleball complex, and $32,596 on breakdancing.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) released on Dec. 24 his annual “Festivus” list of wasteful government spending in the past year.

“Festivus” is a reference from the iconic TV show “Seinfeld” where the late Jerry Stiller celebrated a holiday of grievances during the Christmas season.

“Last Festivus, we bemoaned the national debt nearing $34 trillion. In just a year, Washington’s career politicians and bureaucrats have managed to push it beyond $36 trillion—unsurprisingly, with hardly a second thought,” said Paul in the report.

Paul highlighted more than $1 trillion in wasteful spending that included $10 billion on leasing, maintaining, and furnishing almost entirely empty buildings; $4.8 million on influencers; $2.1 million for Paraguayan border security; a $12 million Las Vegas pickleball complex; and $32,596 on breakdancing.

It also consisted of $345,434 on football engagement to counter terrorism; a $700 million COVID pandemic-era loan to a failed trucking company; and $10,000 for an ice skate cabaret show centered on climate change.

“Who’s to blame for our crushing national debt? Everybody,” Paul said.

The national debt is more than $36 trillion.

“This year, members of both political parties in Congress voted for massive spending bills filled with subsidies for underperforming industries, continued military aid to Ukraine, and controversial climate initiatives,” Paul said. “As Congress spends to reward its favored pet projects, the American taxpayers are forced to pay through high prices and crippling interest rates.”

The incoming Trump administration will have an outside group called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to advise the White House on cutting wasteful spending and regulations in the federal government.

“As always, taking the path to fiscal responsibility is often a lonely journey, but I’ve been fighting government waste like DOGE before DOGE was cool. And I will continue my fight against government waste this holiday season,” Paul said.

While he has yet to comment on the report itself, Musk highlighted Paul’s work by sharing posts about it on X.

–Jackson Richmond

Epoch Times

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT– Had crazy rain and storms from yesterday afternoon on through early this morning, didn’t get out when I planned.  I just returned from a quick trip across 99 riding the RP.  While singing breaking the law, but I wasn’t really as my tach said I was only doing 40-43.

So, nice today 65, but the news said 9.1 million Texans traveled 50+ miles from home for Christmas, most by car and they are returning.

–RFR-FXR LIFE

Certified meteorologist

Bikernet.com™

HARLEY-DAVIDSON 2025 RACE SEASON CONTINGENCY PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED–Harley-Davidson Makes More Than $582,000 Available for Harley-Davidson Racers in MotoAmerica Mission Foods King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan Series and the Progressive American Flat Track and AFT AdventureTrackers Series

Harley-Davidson renews its support of motorcycle racing competitors during the 2025 season with cash contingency programs totaling more than $582,000. These funds will be available for qualified H-D racers competing in select classes in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship and the Progressive American Flat Track and AdventureTrackers series.

The Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Team competes in the MotoAmerica Mission Foods King of the Baggers road racing series in 2025 aboard race-prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate Engines. In addition, privateer teams racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the King of the Baggers series can benefit from racing contingency and available racing parts for purchase.

Mission Foods King of the Baggers Contingency

The Mission Foods King of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with stock frames and a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags.

The 2025 King of The Baggers series features 14 races over seven doubleheader weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series. The series opens on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 6-8. Harley-Davidson will offer a $234,500 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission Foods King of the Baggers series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $35,000 championship bonus.

Terms and conditions apply; please email contingencyracing@harley-davidson.com for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.

LAW TIGERS TIPS–How Much is Motorcycle Insurance?

Motorcycle enthusiasts relish the freedom of the open road, but responsible riding demands adequate insurance coverage. In New Mexico, basic policies start at around $30 a month, with more substantial policies costing closer to $100. Here’s what you need to know about motorcycle insurance costs so that you can make informed decisions and protect yourself financially.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Motorcycle Insurance

Several key elements determine the price of motorcycle insurance:

Purchaser’s Age and Experience: Younger, less experienced riders typically pay higher premiums due to increased risk. Insurance companies view seasoned riders more favorably, often resulting in lower rates.

Driving Record: A clean driving history demonstrates a good investment for insurance companies. Accidents, traffic violations, and claims can significantly increase premiums.

Type of Motorcycle: Your bike’s make, model, and engine size significantly affect insurance costs. High-performance sport bikes generally cost more to insure than cruisers or touring motorcycles due to their increased accident risk and higher theft rates.

Coverage Limits: Choosing higher coverage limits or adding types of coverage (such as comprehensive or collision) increases premiums but offers greater financial protection.

Location: Where you live and ride affects your insurance rates. Urban areas with higher traffic density and crime rates typically cost more premiums than rural locations.

Annual Mileage: Riders who cover more miles annually are at a higher risk of accidents, which can lead to increased insurance costs.

Credit Score: In many states, insurers base premiums on credit-based insurance scores. A strong credit score can help you secure lower rates.

Safety Features: Motorcycles with anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, or other safety features often qualify for discounts, which can lower your overall insurance costs.

How To Lower Motorcycle Insurance Costs

While several factors influence insurance premiums, riders can take proactive steps to reduce their costs:

Shop Around: Compare quotes from insurance providers to discover the best rates. Companies use different formulas to calculate premiums, so prices vary significantly.

Bundle Policies: Combining motorcycle insurance with other policies (such as auto or home insurance) often results in multi-policy discounts.

Increase Your Deductible: Opting for a higher deductible lowers your monthly premiums but requires you to pay more out-of-pocket in case of a claim.

 Carefully consider your financial situation before making this choice.

Take a Motorcycle Safety Course: Completing an approved safety course demonstrates your commitment to responsible riding and often qualifies you for insurance discounts.

Join a Motorcycle Association: Many insurers offer recognized motorcycle clubs or association members discounts.

Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoid traffic violations and practice safe riding habits to keep your premiums low.

Choose Your Bike Wisely: Consider models with lower insurance costs if you’re looking for a new motorcycle. Sport bikes and high-performance machines typically cost more to insure than standard or cruiser-style motorcycles.

Adjust Your Coverage: Review your policy annually and adjust coverage as needed.

Pay Annually: Many insurers offer discounts for paying your entire premium upfront rather than monthly installments.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, give Law Tigers a call before you get in touch with your insurer. Our attorneys can review your policies and other facts of the case in order to seek the maximum compensation possible.

THE WINTER SOLSTICE AND THE RHYTHMS OF NATURE–May you Rise in the Light

“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” – Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

The winter solstice, or hibernal solstice, marks a profound moment in the rhythm of nature. It occurs when one of Earth’s poles tilts farthest from the Sun, resulting in the shortest day and the longest night of the year. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s a time when the Sun reaches its lowest elevation, and darkness seems to reign supreme. But within this darkness lies an extraordinary spiritual message: a promise of light and renewal.

A New Chapter, A Fresh Start

As the longest, darkest day of the year ends, we step into a period where each day will be blessed with a little more light. This gradual return of light symbolizes hope, renewal, and the infinite possibilities of what lies ahead. Light, as we know, always dissipates darkness. And so, deep within the stillness and shadows of the solstice, the light of a brand-new year begins to flicker.

The winter solstice is a gateway—an invitation to embrace a new chapter in life. It reminds us of the natural cycles of birth, growth, and transformation evident in all of creation. It asks us to ponder:

What will come to life for you this year?

What dreams will you nurture and grow?

What harvests will your efforts yield in the months ahead?

Though the answers remain unseen, this mystery carries with it a profound sense of hope and anticipation.

Rest, Reflect, and Dream

Often, the promise of a new beginning inspires us to set ambitious goals or resolutions. However, the wisdom of the winter solstice urges us to pause. This is not the season for frenetic action or overwhelming expectations. Instead, it is a time for deep rest and quiet reflection.

The Light Within

Just as the Earth begins its gradual journey toward longer days and brighter skies, so too does the light within you start to grow. A new fire is being kindled in your spirit, bringing with it a sense of hope and boundless potential. This light holds the promise of transformation and growth—it is the spark of new life waiting to bloom.

As you rest, reflect, and dream during this sacred time, remember:

Rest is not idleness but preparation.

Reflection is not stagnation but inspiration.

Dreaming is not escaping but creating.

Embrace the Potential

The winter solstice reminds us that within the deepest darkness lies the potential for infinite light. As you honor this season of rest, trust that the dreams you are nurturing will become the foundation of the year ahead. Anything is possible in the coming months—this is a time of pure potential.

So, take this time seriously. Rest deeply. Dream vividly. And let the light of the new year grow within you, illuminating the path to all that is possible.

And So It IS

Namaste’

–Yale

NEW FROM THE LOWBROW GANG– Oh, yeah. Game on.

The Gasbox full frames are the highest quality and best engineered available and allows direct bolt-in fitment for 1936-1999 Harley Big Twin engines.

This full rigid frame is designed to be able to fit the largest Big Twin engines available.

Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, EVO…

Constructed from 1 inch and 1.5 inch tubing, completely TIG welded and made in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

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THE 2025 MAMA TRIED SHOW– Tried Show Harley-Davidson “Mystery Ship” Giveaway is now live!

Purchase our 2025 edition sticker to be entered to win the 2025 Mama Tried Show Harley-Davidson “Mystery Ship” Giveaway Bike. All profits from this giveaway help us create a better Mama Tried experience! Buy as many stickers as you want. Buy so many you can cover your garage refrigerator in giveaway bike stickers. There is no limit to how many stickers you can buy. Good-Luck!

NEW YEAR PROVIDES NEW EVERYTHING–Like Yale outlined above, 2025 provides us with vast new opportunities to improve everything from bike projects to relationships.

This just arrived from Kenny of Silver Skull Jewelry, who also sells in the emporium.

I lit a fire before we started to open presents. I received a pair of socks and she got the bling.

I don’t know if I’ll end up with this black powder pistol or not. We’ll see. It’s cool, .36 mm.

I was told to pour a sealer in my tank, but I suspected it needed more than what Red Kote had to offer, and I was right. An inch of the seam wasn’t welded and Dorian came over and took care of business with my TIG welder. He’s built cars and dealt with sheet metal and thin stuff. He now works at Jerry Greer’s Indian. Nice work.

Hopefully this weekend I will fire the Knucklehead for the first time. Hang on for more reports.

A rider in the Denver region has this hopped-up FXR for sale. If you’re interested and have the coin reach out to me and I’ll hook you up. He’s done it all. In the meantime, enjoy every minute of the holidays. The 85th is just around the corner.

Ride free and make it out to the rally of rallies.

–Bandit

I don’t know what to make of it. Christmas is just around the corner…

Hey,

Mrs. Santa the Redhead just rolled out of the 5-Ball Headquarters heading to downtown Sturgis Bandit’s 5-Ball Emporium. She complained all the way out the door. She’s late to a very important date. It’s Scrooge night in Sturgis and Scrooge is in the basement.

Every day is stimulating and we may have a quandary. We may have two opportunities to raffle off new Harleys for the first inaugural raffle effort or a special custom chopper built for Hugh King, the director of the Discovery Channel, Biker Build-off series. The bike is owned by the yours truly. The build-off series was inspired by yours truly.

The bike was built by all the greats at the time, Arlen Ness, Cory Ness, Eddie Trotta, Billy Lane and more.

So, what do you think? Should we raffle off a new bike with a custom paint job to embrace Danial James art, or should we raffle off a very cool and rideable piece of Chopper History? Let me know your thoughts.

The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Laura, Barry Green, El Waggs, J.J. Solari, Amy White, Jenn and the rest of the crew.

The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

THE SEARCH IS ON–A brother, Don Whalen, is putting together an amazing collection of motorcycles for the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles. He’s curious about a couple of very rare motorcycles in the Richard Bunch Collection. Once in a while, a motorcycle surfaces under a unique model name. Maybe the company came and went in a year. In some cases less than a half dozen models were manufactured.

So, in this case we are wondering if there are any more 1898 Cleveland Tricycles left around? There were other Cleveland motorcycles, but this model could be rare as hens’ teeth. Drop me a note, if you know anything or you have ever seen one to: Bandit@Bikernet.com.

From time to time, we might throw another motorcycle out there for you to investigate. This collection may come to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum in the future.

BALDERSON TO CHAIR HOUSE COALITION–alderson to Chair House Coalition Charged with Promoting U.S. Energy Dominance Comeback—

America is at an inflection point. We will either pursue energy dominance and restore U.S. leadership on the world stage, or we will continue to undermine our own energy security and empower our adversaries. It’s that simple.

I am honored to be selected as Chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT), which will work alongside the incoming Trump Administration to deliver energy solutions that lower prices for American families, bolster our nation’s energy security, and invest in our energy workforce.

Do you support reducing U.S. reliance on bad actors, like China and Russia, to meet our energy needs?

Yes!

No.

HEAT is a coalition of House Republicans tasked with championing and promoting commonsense, America First energy policy priorities. These include initiatives to unleash affordable, reliable American energy, strengthen U.S. national security, and bring down costs.

Ohioans have seen firsthand how innovation in American energy creates good-paying jobs and drives investment in our rural communities.

I will always be a champion for restoring American energy dominance and making daily life more affordable for families. If I can ever be of assistance to you or your loved ones, please don’t hesitate to call my office at (614) 523-2555 or send me a note.

Troy Balderson

Member of Congress

Guernsey Power Station

DEALER NEWS: DULUTH DEALERSHIP HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORT CENTER CLOSES AFTER 73 YEARS

For more than 73 years, the Kachelmyer family and the dedicated staff of Harley-Davidson Sport Center have been blessed to provide the Twin Ports communities with Harley-Davidson motorcycles, service, parts and apparel.  Our passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the people and experience has led us to share a lifetime of immeasurable joy and excitement, doing what we love doing every day!

HOME FOR WOMEN RIDERS–Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Begins at Harley-Davidson HQ at Daytona International Speedway, ends at Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson and is followed by Renegade Babes All Women’s Ride-In Bike Show

Join your friends, dignitary Karen Davidson and other special guests on a ride through the beautiful Daytona backroads to support Biker Belles charities.

Reserve Now to Receive:

·     Space on The Morning Ride

·     Souvenir Memorabilia

NEWS FROM THE STURGIS MUSEUM EXPANDED—

Heidi mentioned calls to action. We could use some guidance on available grants, so if you know someone with the ins-and-outs of Grant writing for the museum let us know.

We had a terrific board meeting last week. We discussed moving the Easyriders Streamliner. I’m having some logistic issues, but may have a solution through a Hamster in Florida.

As I mentioned in the intro, we are working on several avenues with the raffle. It’s going to be an exciting learning experience.

We still have until the 31^st of December to nominate folks for the Sturgis Hall of Fame. If you know or a deserving brother or sister, make sure they get nominated. It’s easy, go to the website and take care of business.

The Expansion element is still in the works and is connected to the Educational aspects of the Museum. We need the facilities to work with kids and perhaps take a group to Bonneville and set a record. Again, we need folks to step up and get involved.

Kirk Willard, the president of the MRF, stopped by to attend the Board Meeting. He introduced me to Hill City Cycles run by Scooter. I need to get out there. Scooter is building a couple of Knuckleheads for Kirk.

HUMAN EMISSIONS ARE RESTORING VITAL —Atmospheric CO2

Recent studies have been published that allege that the 50% increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution (later 1700s) are attributable mostly or entirely to nature. In other words they are adding huge amounts of a gas to the atmosphere won’t increase the concentration of that gas in the atmosphere.

In our latest research publication, our team of researchers used seven separate lines of evidence to confirm that the increase from 280 parts-per-million (ppm) to our current level of 420 ppm are primarily from human emissions of this beneficial molecule.

One compelling and easily understood line of evidence is the Mass Balance. We know fairly accurately how much CO2 is emitted every year by our activities and know very accurately the concentration in the atmosphere. Using this, our team found that only about half of our emissions are showing up in the atmosphere. That means that nature is sequestering the other 50%, primarily by increased photosynthesis (“Greening”) and most of the rest by the oceans.

In other words, nature is a net “sink” not a source for CO2.

A second convincing argument can be made by reviewing the CO2 levels as measured using ice cores from Antarctica.

We find that concentration of the gas increased substantially during each of the previous warm interglacials, but rarely got much more than 300 ppm. Our current levels are about 50% higher than any others measured over the last 800,000 years and more.

Something is different now. That “something” is humans liberating the CO2 that had been locked up during the creation of coal along with oil and gas source rocks.

Enjoy driving your internal combustion vehicle, knowing that your emissions are helping to drive increases in crop production and the greening of the Earth.

Download the pdf here: The Human Contribution to Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide: How Human Emissions Are Restoring Vital Atmospheric CO2.

If you would like to help fund our important outreach efforts,

please thoughtfully consider donating either by check or online.

CO2 Coalition

2677 Prosperity Ave, Suite 300

Fairfax, Virginia 22031

SANTA VISITS MORRIS MAGNETO–Enjoy 10% Off with code XMAS

Valid until December 25

Holidays

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a joyful holiday season. We hope you have a fabulous holiday surrounded by family and friends, and we wish you all the best for the new year!

We are pleased to offer you 10% discount off on our website as token of appreciation for your support 2024. Please enter the code XMAS at checkout before proceeding with your payment information.

NEWS FROM JANUS MANUFACTURING– Any of the used bikes listed =

$6995 + Free Shipping

It’s time for us to get ready for the new year, and we need more space on the floor! You get to benefit from that. Grab one of these beautiful bikes for a great price.

TRIUMPH IN PENNSYLVANIA OVER UNFAIR EXHAUST NOISE BILL–And we don’t mean Triumph Motorcycles

Earlier this year, SEMA expressed concern and SAN members pushed back against a bill that would have outlawed installing, modifying, and selling muffler and exhaust systems that increase a vehicle’s noise.

Voter’s rights to personalize the sound of their ride were in danger, but SAN members came to the rescue.

Why it matters: Following opposition by residents, this legislation stalled and was tabled when the legislature adjourned for the year, knowing we were ready to activate. While SEMA educated lawmakers and voters throughout the state to defeat it this year, this isn’t dead, as anti-auto lawmakers may try introducing it again in 2025.

Will CARS Rule Limit Modifications?

Intended to improve vehicle buying and leasing, the Federal Trade Commission proposes the Combating Auto Retail Scams Trade Regulation Rule (CARS Rule).

Why it matters: Allies in Congress—U.S. Representatives Bill Posey and Sanford Bishop—want the agency’s clarity to ensure the proposal doesn’t unfairly target our market.

–SEMA

BANDIT’S 5-BALL EMPORIUM UPDATE—Legendary finally installed the front lights. I made the mounting box and installed the electrical box in the back. Here’s how they installed it.

I wanted it just above the sign and made the box curve to fit into the arch. Oops, but it will be sorted out on Monday.

We scored the ultimate Skull bling belt buckle, wild ceramic Chinese rice paddy girl and a new brass dragon to brighten your day.

Incredible, we came across some truly vintage t-shirts.

We just heard about a ’48 Panhead that went for $75,000. It was original to the bone with 2,000 original miles. Amazing. Wait, we have a classic Chopper, ’48 UL and a restored ’51 Panhead in the store for less.  

OPIOID CONSULTING SETTLEMENT AT LAST–

Consulting firm McKinsey & Company has agreed to pay $650M to settle a federal investigation into its role in boosting opioid sales for now-bankrupt Purdue Pharma. OxyContin, a powerful prescription painkiller, is widely blamed for fueling the opioid epidemic that resulted in nearly 500,000 US deaths between 1999 and 2019.

According to court documents, McKinsey continued to advise Purdue Pharma and other drug manufacturers on increasing OxyContin sales despite knowing the risks associated with opioids (watch overview here). The firm’s strategies included identifying high-prescribing doctors and developing marketing tactics to “turbocharge” sales. McKinsey, which cut ties with opioid manufacturers in 2019, issued an apology Friday for its role. The firm has paid nearly $1B to settle civil lawsuits related to the epidemic in all 50 states. Visualize the opioid crisis here.

Under the settlement, McKinsey must fulfill a government-mandated compliance program supervised by the Department of Health and Human Services for prosecution to be deferred and terminated. A former senior partner also agreed to plead guilty to obstruction of justice for destroying records related to the case.

–1440 Daily Digest

Motorcycle TransAm News– Happy holidays! Can you believe it? The year of the race—2025—is almost here! We’re gearing up for an unforgettable journey, and we’re thrilled to share some exciting updates with you.

New Stop Announcement: Durango, CO!

In case you missed it, our newest stop has been announced—beautiful Durango, Colorado! Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Durango is known for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and warm hospitality. We couldn’t be more excited to bring the Motorcycle TransAm to this incredible destination.

 Shop Now Live!

We’re also excited to announce that our webstore is officially up and running! While we only have a few items available now, more will be added in the coming months. Visit motorcycletransam.com/shop to check it out and grab some gear in time for the holidays!

 Join the Adventure

If you’ve been on the fence about joining this once-in-a-lifetime experience, there’s no better time to sign up. This 4,000-mile endurance run is not just a race—it’s a journey through history, breathtaking landscapes, and the camaraderie of passionate riders like you.

We can’t wait to hit the road and share this incredible adventure with you all. Here’s to an amazing holiday season and an even more thrilling 2025!

BIKE SHOP OF THE WEEK— Bela Borden is the owner of Classic Cycles in Oberwil, Switzerland.

–Sam Burns

Bike Shop Curator

Bikernet.com™

Celebrate women— in motorcycling and connect with those who are shaping the industry!

Special guests and other exciting announcements coming soon!

Join us and Harley-Davidson during Sturgis to experience the freedom of the open road next to your heroes, mentors and friends old and new.

 

BIKER BELLES WOMEN’S DAY

Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2025

The 17th annual guided Morning Ride – Sturgis will lead you from the Lodge at Deadwood through the beautiful Black Hills to a day of festivities at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip that celebrates women in riding and supports organizations benefiting women’s causes.

At the Sturgis Buffalo Chip

NEW FROM AMERICAN FLAT TRACK RACING–James Ott Joins G&G Racing for 2025 Progressive American Flat Track Season

December 17, 2024

Photo: Hangar 53 Studios

Posted on behalf of G&G Racing

Southern California (December 17, 2024) – James Ott joins the G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing team for the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season. Stepping up to the Mission AFT SuperTwins class after coming off a career best AFT Singles presented by KICKER class season, James is looking to build on that momentum in the new class and is up for the challenge. Also, Yamaha Racing and G&G Racing will enter their 10th season in partnership together for the 2025 Progressive AFT season.

G&G Racing would like to thank our sponsors who help make this happen: Yamaha Racing, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Yamalube, JMR, Twisted Development, Graves Sports, AIM, Fontana Radiators, Metalartopia, Motion Pro, and Rosa Plates.

James Ott – G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing

“Going into the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, I couldn’t be happier to be riding for G&G Racing in the Mission AFT SuperTwins class. John and LJ have been great friends and supporters of mine for many years now and I feel we work very well together. With so much changing this year in the class I think it’s a great time to move up and start developing myself as a Twins rider. I’m also excited to be on the Yamaha MT-07 platform as it’s proven to be capable of running up front in the class and I see no reason why as a team we couldn’t do the same.”

Jim Roach – Yamaha Racing Department Manager

“Yamaha Racing is looking forward to the 10th year of our partnership with G&G Racing. With the addition of James Ott to the team, 2025 should be an exciting year.”

L.J. Gronek – Team Owner

“We are excited for James Ott to step up to the Mission AFT SuperTwins class for 2025. We have known James for many years and supported him as he moved up the ranks from amateur to professional AFT Singles presented by KICKER rider. Now, we are stoked to see him achieve his dream of being a Mission AFT SuperTwins rider. James has demonstrated a work ethic and desire to be a top level rider. Also, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with Yamaha Racing for the 10th year. We could not have accomplished all we have, without their help. The Yamaha MT-07 is a very capable platform, with great power and delivery.”

About Yamaha Racing

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the Powersports industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Outboard Motors, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, and much more.

YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States. YMUS has a corporate office in Cypress, California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Further U.S.-based Yamaha companies include Skeeter Boats (Texas), G3 Boats (Missouri), Bennet Marine (Florida), Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana), and Kracor, Inc. (Wisconsin).

About G&G Racing

G&G Racing is a 2X AFT Production Twins Championship team. A father and son who have built their own Yamaha MT-07’s for the AFT SuperTwins and sponsor riders, amateur to pro, in flat track. All work is done in house from their garage.

L.J. Gronek

lj@gandgracing.com

THE LAW TIGERS REPORT–What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get Into Accidents?

Motorcycles have always had a reputation as fast and fun but dangerous. It is true as well — motorcycle accidents make up a significant portion of traffic fatalities despite making up a very small percentage of road traffic. But what percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents, and how likely are you to get into a crash?

Estimates differ, but a commonly cited figure is that 72 out of every 100,000 motorcycle riders will get into a crash every year, which is an accident rate of about 0.07%. This number varies based on the state and demographics.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Information about motorcycle crashes, in general, is difficult to come by as many don’t get reported. However, we have a lot of data about motorcycle fatality rates and how many people die in motorcycle accidents.

Since they lack the protection of an enclosed cab, motorcycle accidents are also more deadly than other types of auto accidents. According to the NHTSA, motorcycles make up about 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, and the fatality rate for motorcycle accidents is nearly 25 times higher than the rate for passenger cars.

Additionally, motorcycle accidents are more likely to involve alcohol or drugs. Nearly 30 percent of motorcycle crash fatalities involve alcohol, and motorcycle riders are nearly three times more likely to die in a drunk driving crash at night than in the morning. Perhaps unsurprisingly, men make up the vast majority (~92%) of motorcycle fatalities. Based on an analysis from IIHS, the total number of motorcycle fatalities has nearly tripled over the past 25 years. 

How to Stay Safe on Your Motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle can be extremely rewarding, but the statistics also show that it is very dangerous. Below are some safety tips from the attorneys at Law Tigers to help protect yourself while on the road.

Wear a helmet. Even if your state doesn’t have helmet laws, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of fatal injury and can protect your compensation recovery efforts.

Know the rules. Different states have different motorcycle laws. For example, lane filtering is legal in some states and illegal in others.

Wear appropriate equipment. Avoid wearing dark colors when riding and try to have some kind of reflective clothing to increase visibility.

Be aware of the weather. You should ride your bike slower and more deliberately if it’s wet or snowing outside.

The Law Tigers benefit kit can also help you protect yourself and your assets after a motorcycle accident. It contains a free legal explainer and gives you access to a 24/7 legal advice hotline. It also comes with a $10,000 motorcycle hit-and-run and theft reward.

PANHEAD JOHN’S TEQUILA RULES–Rules of Drinking Tequila:

1. Drink only 100% Agave Tequila

2. Stay clear of other drinks

3. Drink lots of water

4. Don’t overdue it – pace yourself

5. Have a light meal before starting

6. Have a snack when done

7. If you don’t follow 1-6, take ibuprofen

A Martinisko Favorite

1. Fill glass with ice

2. Go to the 2/3 line with Tequila

3. Top off with Grapefruit juice

4. Stir

5. Add a splash of pomegranate liquor

          A Blender of Sneaky Margaritas:

1. 8 shots of 100% Agave tequila

2. 4 shots of Citronge orange liquor

3. Juice and pulp of one or two limes

4. 2 or 3 tablespoons of frozen lime aid

5. Water down a bit if needed

6. 1 or 2 cups of ice

7. Blend until smooth

8. Serve on the rocks

South Dakotans must take another stand against effort to force dangerous CO2 pipelines through state

South Dakota citizens and especially landowners: We need your help. Summit Carbon Solutions has filed a new docket with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.

The name has been changed to the Midwest Carbon Express Pipeline. This company has not previously built or has no management experience in hazardous CO2 pipelines. South Dakota will be the guinea pig for their experiment.

It will be very important for you to file your comments with the Public Utilities Commission, or present them at the PUC public meetings Jan. 15-17. It will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at Mitchell High School and at 5 p.m. in the Hub Auditorium at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls; at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the De Smet Event Center and at 6 p.m. at the Watertown Ramkota Hotel Event Center; and at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan 17, at the Dakota Events Center in Aberdeen and at  6 p.m. at the Redfield School Auditorium. You can also mail comments to PUC, 500 East Capitol, Pierre SD 57501.

This is not all about CO2 pipelines going into the ground. If this project goes through, they will be applying to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for permits to take millions of gallons of water from the artesian aquifer to cool their pumps along the route.

Spink, Brown and McPherson county commissioners have done an outstanding job of protecting their citizens by passing ordinances that route this hazardous pipeline away from homes, cities, feedlots, hospitals, schools, etc. These counties have not been swayed by the taxes this pipeline could possibly generate and further commissioner enticement of grant money to be used for anything.

This would be quid pro quo to ascertain an affirmative support. SCS claims that the taxes will benefit county residents. Does this outweigh the dangers that would be present? Greed for 45Q federal tax dollars is what is driving the need for this and similar pipelines.

South Dakota voters defeated the proposed SB-201 Referred Law 21, the so-called the “Landowner Bill of Rights.”

CO2 is an asphyxiant (killing any people or animals). Anyone entering the cloud of invisible gas would need to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus. At first when it breaks it would appear as fog. As the moister evaporates it would then be invisible. CO2 is odorless, colorless and heavier than air.

https://www.osha.gov/publications/hib19960605

Any landowner willing to sign one of these easements needs to be sure to have this pipeline at least 6 feet in the ground and at least 2,500 feet from residential buildings. Once you sign, you have given up all your rights to the land you own.

I suggest you do your research and get informed first. Ask yourself, how will this affect my family, business and livestock? Is the money worth the trouble? Be sure to contact a lawyer before you give up your property rights to your land.

This CO2 is coming from the fermentation of corn in the Glacial Lakes ethanol plant (probably similar to such a plant in Burlington, Iowa, seen above in a public domain photo posted on wikimedia commons). At present it is being injected into the steam that is part of the cook-off process making ethanol.

California Receives 2023 Waiver–Wednesday morning, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted California a requested waiver to implement new emissions standards on some vehicles. With this decision, California has the authority to activate its plan and phase out the sale of gas-powered cars and light-duty trucks in the state by 2035.

This waiver had been awaiting approval since May 2023 but was signed off on just a month before President Biden leaves office. A Trump spokesperson said earlier this week that the president-elect has “a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, including stopping attacks on gas-powered cars.”

The incoming Trump Administration will have the power to revoke this new waiver. However, the process of doing so can be lengthy and ultimately could be overturned in future years by a different presidential administration.

Thankfully for motorcyclists, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) withdrew a similar plan that would require half of new motorcycles sold in the state to be electric in the next ten years. That motorcycle proposal would also have required a waiver. However, because of the timing of the California motorcycle plan, any waiver would have been considered by a Trump lead EPA.

A former CARB board member said of the decision to withdraw the motorcycle rules, “With the EPA waiver virtually guaranteed to be denied, pushing forward would have risked wasting political capital and alienating key stakeholders.”

The changing political landscape in Washington, D.C., is impacting a variety of issues that we as bikers care about. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation remains engaged and fighting for the policies that affect you as a motorcyclist.

Ride Safe and Ride Free.

–MRF

DUNLOP RACING TIRE FACTORY IN NEW YORK CLOSING–

— By John Ulrich.

The New York factory where Dunlop racing tires, streetbike tires, and other types of tires have been made for the U.S. market is closing, and over 1,500 people will be laid off. The plant also makes car tires, large truck tires, and medium truck tires.

The spec racing tires used in MotoAmerica are made at the plant, which is located near Buffalo, New York, as are OEM fitment tires for Harley-Davidson streetbikes, under contract.

The company has factories making racing tires in other parts of the world, including in Japan, and has built and stockpiled U.S.-made tires for 2025 MotoAmerica and club racing in the U.S.

A press release issued by Dunlop’s parent company, Sumitomo Rubber, follows:

SUMITOMO RUBBER USA ANNOUNCES PLANNED CLOSURE OF TONAWANDA TIRE MANUFACTURING FACILITY

Sumitomo Rubber USA, LLC (SRUSA), a Tonawanda, New York-based manufacturer of automotive tires for passenger cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles, today announced plans to close its manufacturing facility in Tonawanda, NY.

The closure follows an extended examination of the viability of the facility, following thorough analysis of various business complexities, including mounting material and logistics costs, dated infrastructure, intermittent performance, and changing market conditions. The evaluation was undertaken as part of a broader strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Sumitomo Rubber Group in the competitive international tire market.

While the company did implement cost-control measures, efficiency enhancements, capital investments, and other improvements over the last several years, these changes have not offset mounting financial losses at the facility.

Approximately 1,550 hourly (union) and salaried (non-union) employees will be impacted by the announcement and have been formally notified of the decision. The United Steelworkers Union Local 135 has also been updated and the company is working with union representatives on effects bargaining and equitable severance packages. The company intends to actively collaborate with union representation and former salaried employees on various job placement support services to help ease workforce transition.

Read the whole Tamale here: Further information on the plant closure is available on the company’s closure announcement web page at https://srusa-tonawanda-update.com.

Read a local news report here:

https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/erie-county/tonawanda/sumitomo-rubber-announces-plant-closure

ALEX EPSTEIN SPEAKS OUT–Why I strongly support Chris Wright for Secretary of Energy

An in-depth interview I did about Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright, who was recently nominated for Secretary of Energy.

ALEX EPSTEIN

Chris Wright, founder and CEO of Liberty Energy

Reporter:

When I was looking into Chris Wright’s views of oil and gas being a great thing for the world, I thought, “this is exactly the kind of stuff that Alex Epstein talks about.” So I was wondering if you could say a little bit about: to what extent are Chris Wright’s views about energy in line with yours?

Alex Epstein:

Chris and I are extremely aligned, almost uncannily so. I say uncannily so because unlike many executives who I think have primarily come to this kind of view through my work, Chris, in my understanding, mostly came to similar conclusions on his own.

I was quite impressed that this is a CEO who’s A) willing to say these kinds of things, and B) unusually knowledgeable about multiple aspects of the issue. So not just the energy part of it, but the climate part of it. I thought he had a much more nuanced view of the climate part of it than other CEOs I’ve encountered.

Sometimes with CEOs—there’s no universal thing, but sometimes what you’ll see—is people will publicly just say something vague like, “Climate change is a serious problem” and you get that level of superficiality. Or sometimes people will say, “Do fossil fuels cause global warming at all?” It often goes between those two things.

And Chris, like me, had much more of the idea of, no, there is a greenhouse effect and we need to think carefully about: what’s the magnitude of that, what are the negatives of that, what are the positives of that? And then, in the case of the negatives, what are the offsetting positives that we get from fuels that we wouldn’t have if we didn’t have fossil fuels?

I would say although I certainly have an interest in how liberty particularly makes life better for the world’s poorest people, that’s probably Chris’s focus. That’s been his focus for many decades. And he definitely sees energy as part of the picture that more broadly includes liberty.

And he also—I think this is another place we align—he also definitely thinks of supporting primarily not fossil fuels or oil and gas, but rather abundant, cost-effective energy. And he, like I, believes that fossil fuels will remain uniquely cost-effective and scalable for the foreseeable future. And the world needs far more energy, if you recognize the world is mostly poor. So we both come at it from that perspective, not from the perspective of having a favoritism.

Reporter:

Right, it’s like, energy is great, and fossil fuels work great for energy.

Alex Epstein:

Yeah. We would love if something better came along—and the sooner, the better. But we try to be objective about the competitive advantage fossil fuels have. I think of it on the level of silicon in semiconductors. It’s like, you’ve got these physical properties that are very hard to replicate, and then you have generations of smart people building an industry around those specific physical properties. That’s something very, very hard for something to rapidly replace and you could do a lot of damage.

Reporter:

There are good reasons to get away from silicon, but yes.

Alex Epstein:

I don’t know specifically there, but you could think about this with other things as well. If you think about the technology of—again, just my view—but the technologies involved in antibiotics and vaccination, people could say I think with more plausibility with antibiotics, but they could say, “Well, there’s certain things I don’t like about antibiotics.” They have resistance, et cetera. But then you think about, well, we don’t have a better way of dealing with all kinds of different infections, so we should seek out a better way.

We should always seek out better ways of everything, but we should still champion antibiotics as long as they’re the best solution for all these different use cases.

Reporter:

What would it be like to have that view in leading the Department of Energy, not just in contrast with the Biden administration, but even, say, in contrast with Dan Brouillette and Rick Perry? What do you think are the kind of policies that could stem from those sorts of views?

Alex Epstein:

So I think there are a few things, and one thing I’ll say about the Department of Energy position that is known to anyone who knows about energy (but worth highlighting) is the Department of Energy does not deal primarily with the vast majority of energy, and it deals a lot with things like nuclear materials. And so it’s actually not at all automatic that even when a good person is head of the Department of Energy that they will have all that much effect on energy—although I do believe that they can, and I think Chris almost certainly will.

And so the opportunities to affect it, let’s just say few of the biggest opportunities are, one is DOE has oversight of FERC, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which has oversight of electricity, at least most of electricity, let’s say—it doesn’t have full oversight over generation, although it has some. And then we have the natural gas pipeline system.

These are likely the two most crucial parts of our energy system for the next several years because the grid is obviously the basis of electricity and has enormous supply and reliability problems currently and on the horizon as demand increases. And then with the natural gas pipeline system, that is really the choke point for US natural gas reaching its potential. US natural gas is by far the fastest scaling way we have of increasing energy production in general and electricity production in particular, but it’s bottlenecked by pipelines.

So in both of those cases, FERC has oversight. Now, FERC is one of these quasi-independent agencies, but DOE can exercise a lot of positive leadership over it, including directly and also in consultation with the President of the United States. And now also Doug Burgum, whom I also think is excellent, is going to be in charge of this National Energy Council, which hasn’t been fully, at least to me, hasn’t been fully fleshed out.

But I think somebody like Chris who understands the problems and also the fundamental solutions with FERC can do an enormous amount of good improving the electricity system as head of DOE. But it takes a very special person with a bunch of different skills and knowledge, including very good communication skills, knowledge of policy, knowledge of technical stuff, putting together the right team. It takes a very specific person, which is why when people asked me—like many people, I get asked who I would recommend—Chris was my number one recommendation by far. My number one recommendation for any energy position, period. And then also Doug Burgum was actually my number one for Interior.

So in terms of the energy picks, those two in particular have gone well. And I suspect that because Chris is in charge of DOE, that increases the probability of having good picks for the Chairman of FERC and the Chairman of the NRC. And that’s one of the other crucial things that the Secretary of Energy can influence is the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, both by selecting the right Chairman and Commissioners for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, but also having a vision of what needs to change there.

And Chris has a benefit in terms of he’s long been interested in nuclear energy. He started out in fusion at MIT, but he’s quite knowledgeable about fission and very interested in what can be done to really unleash the potential of nuclear energy by really having, I would say, proper scientific policies, which I do not think the NRC does.

They have a lot of pseudoscience that makes them treat nuclear, which is actually the safest form of energy, as the most dangerous form of energy and their mission as an agency is essentially to eliminate all nuclear risk at essentially all costs. And that just makes us have more expensive and more dangerous energy, because if you try to eliminate all risk from the safest thing, then you end up with more dangerous things.

And then actually the third thing I would say in general is the Secretary of Energy, because of the title, also has a significant, at least potential, bully pulpit to exercise leadership in energy, to express opinions about this.

So for example, Governor then Secretary Perry, I think one of the things he did that was very valuable that was perhaps underrated, is he made quite a big focus of the power of American energy and energy in general to alleviate poverty in the developing and undeveloped world. In fact, he and I met—we subsequently became quite close and have a great relationship now—but we actually met when I was speaking in South Africa in 2017, and we really bonded over this issue. So that’s an example of, it’s not just the policy, but you can prioritize this as a thing in government. Obviously, Chris, given his interests, I would guess this will definitely be a focus of his insofar as he’s talking publicly about energy, how the world needs more energy.

WISH A WISH UPON A STAR AND NEVER STOP–I’m scrambling on Museum projects, the new Sturgis Magazine, maybe, the first Museum Raffle effort, Museum Members, Friends of the Museum, my Knucklehead, a 1913 Board-track racer and maybe a book project around an American Indian living in the hills.

But one of the major inspirations this year has been working with Danial James. He’s a standup guy who has helped artist for 25 years, like David Uhl and Scott Jacobs. He’s working on the initial steps for a Scott Jacobs piece right now and was David Uhl’s partner for 29 years. I hope these guys will support Danial James efforts to promote his art and talents in Sturgis and the Motorcycle Museum.

He’s one of the few talents around who gets up helping folks and creating. I’ve worked with talented artists, designers and creators with logos, fine art, designs, you name throughout my magazine and internet life. I’ve worked with David Mann, George Fleming, Jon Towle, Duffy Duggan who worked for Disney. Danial is right up there at the top with the best, and no one is easier to work with or more prolific.

You’ll see as the 2025 unfolds and we rock with fine art, logos, museum projects and western art in the Emporium. Hang on. In the meantime, have a special Christmas you deserve it.

–Bandit

To Retain Control and Fuck with our Industry

There is an active effort to convince President-elect Trump to retain President Biden’s tailpipe rules and continue EV mandates according to new reporting.

Why this matters: Repealing the Biden-Harris tailpipe policy was a key issue in the 2024 election that helped President-elect Trump win in November. Some automotive special interest groups are now trying to push President Trump away from the will of American voters. Keeping the Biden-Harris tailpipe rules will shatter a campaign promise to halt current mandates, ending our choice of new vehicles.

The Big Picture

SEMA’s SuperPAC ‘Driving Force Action’ was a major player in battleground states across the country, centering the EV mandates as a key issue.

SEMA sent a letter to President-elect Trump informing him of our support for his campaign pledge and commitment to countering DC special interests.

SEMA stands ready to mobilize hundreds of thousands of auto enthusiasts to protect American consumers and small businesses.

SEMA Responds: Read our letter to President-elect Trump.

November 25, 2024

President-elect Donald J. Trump

The Mar-a-Lago Club

1100 South Ocean Boulevard

Palm Beach, FL 33480

Dear President-elect Trump,

On behalf of the Specialty Equipment Market Association and its more than

7,500 members in the automotive aftermarket industry, as well as the

nation’s millions of automotive enthusiasts, we wish to again congratulate

you on your re-election. Your return to the White House has given significant

hope to our industry that your incoming Administration will deliver much

needed regulatory relief and support for small businesses, of which many of

SEMA’s members are.

The specialty automotive aftermarket industry that SEMA represents

manufactures, distributes, and retails specialty parts and accessories for

motor vehicles. The industry supports over 1.3 million jobs across the U.S.

and contributes nearly $337 billion to the American economy each year

through the production, sale, and installation of performance, functional,

restoration, and styling-enhancement products for use on passenger cars,

trucks, SUVs, and special interest collector vehicles. The majority of such

manufacturing is conducted in the U.S., making the specialty automotive

aftermarket a true asset to the nation’s economy, and a reminder of

America’s manufacturing prowess and ingenuity.

Throughout the campaign, you expressed an unwavering belief in the harm

that electric vehicle mandates would have on our nation’s economy. SEMA

thanks you for championing technology-neutral policies that are critical to

providing a bright future for U.S. consumers and thousands of specialty

automotive aftermarket businesses.

For thousands of businesses in the specialty automotive aftermarket, de

facto electric vehicle mandates through California’s Advanced Clean Cars II

regulation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s multipollutant

standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles for Model Years 2027 through

2032 pose an existential crisis that would shutter businesses and put too

many Americans out of work. Roughly 33% of the businesses SEMA

represents make products specifically for internal combustion engine (ICE)

engines. If the current EV mandates (or otherwise put, ICE bans) are allowed

to remain in place, this puts over $100 million of economic impact to the U.S.

economy and over 300,000 American automotive jobs at risk.

Simply put, it is time to turn the page on these disastrous policies that limit

consumer choice, destroy jobs, threaten small businesses, and reduce

federal and state revenues.

It is disheartening to hear that some within the automotive industry are

seeking to largely keep the Biden Administration’s tailpipe rules in place. On

behalf of SEMA’s members, we support your stated goal of a “Day 1” end to

EV mandates. As you are well aware, such mandates stifle the innovation and

ingenuity that makes our nation great.

EV mandates are the antithesis to what drives America. Whether these

mandates arrive in the form of tailpipe emissions standards that can only be

achieved through the sale of EVs or waivers that enable some states to

impose their own standards on other states (as is the case of California’s

standards that as many as 16 states can adopt), they all destroy consumers’

freedom to choose what vehicles they want – or need – to drive. While EVs

are a part of the solution for reducing carbon emissions for mobile sources,

mandates rob our nation’s innovators of the opportunity to develop new

technologies and solutions that meaningfully reduce emissions in a way that

doesn’t hurt consumers and small automotive businesses. They harm our

economy, threaten to stifle interstate commerce, and place millions of jobs

at risk.

SEMA stands ready to support your efforts to deliver the change you’ve

promised. Please consider SEMA and our members as a resource to your

Administration to ensure that our nation remains prosperous and free.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola

President and CEO

SEMA

I’m checking my tea leaves for a sign someone, some leader or maybe the CO2 Coalition will force a reckoning regarding Climate Doom. It’s time the chips fell and the truth shines. It’s time to let kids know they are living in the best of times, not the worst.

–Bandit

Hang on for a couple of updates and new Pirelli tires. This segment is sponsored by Bandit’s 5-Ball Emporium, Sturgis.

–Bandit

GRAVES RETAINS KEY CHAIR

This week, House Republicans selected Congressman Sam Graves of Missouri to lead the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Representative Graves is not new to the committee, he previously served 3 terms and 6 years as both the Chairman and Ranking Member of the committee.

However, Rep. Graves leading this committee for a 4th term and 2 more years is unique. House Republican rules normally limit leadership of committees to 3 terms and 6 years. Yet, Mr. Graves sought and was granted a “waiver” to extend his term. It is extremely rare for a waiver to be granted, signaling the importance Republicans in the House place on transportation policy.

For the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, (MRF) the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is critical. Along with counterparts in the U.S. Senate, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee plays a major role in shaping policy that impacts all bikers.  We will soon begin drafting a new “Highway Bill.” This bill is the best opportunity for bikers to shape policy that impacts us. The current highway bill will expire in 2026, so the next two years will be busy for transportation policy.

The MRF looks forward to working with Chairman Graves and all his colleagues. Regardless of who holds the reins of power in D.C., the MRF will ALWAYS be the voice of the street rider in our nation’s capital.

Ride Safe and Ride Free

–MRF

www.mrf.org http://www.mrf.org

DIABLO POWERCRUISER is Pirelli’s sporty interpretation of the Custom-Touring dedicated to sport Cruisers and Baggers, while the new SCORPION MX32 MID SOFT is the successor to Pirelli’s most successful product in the Motocross World Championship

Milan (Italy) 13 December 2024 – Pirelli announces the arrival in 2025 of two new tires that will enrich their already wide offering of motorcycle ranges: the DIABLO POWERCRUISER and the new SCORPION MX32 MID SOFT.

DIABLO POWERCRUISER represents the completely new Custom-Touring line of Pirelli high-performance tires designed specifically for selected models of sport Cruiser and Bagger machines. With DIABLO POWERCRUISER, Pirelli targets owners of the new Cruiser and Bagger V-Twin, bikes characterized by searing acceleration and fun to ride, which have become more high-performing over time in terms of torque output and handling. These machines are aimed at customizers who combine aesthetic research with performance tuning, and who are therefore looking for a tire capable of adding high performance and sportiness to their creations.

DIABLO POWERCRUISER is entirely part of the DIABLO family of sports products because it fully embodies Pirelli’s sporting DNA, combining it with the free spirit of the custom world. Thanks to its sporty behavior, in terms of grip and handling, this tire allows you to make the most of the potential of the most muscular custom bikes, offering stability in acceleration, braking, and cornering, even at high speeds, and plenty of grip even on wet surfaces, all combined with supplying mileage in line with tires that belong to this segment.

The new DIABLO POWERCRUISER boasts a slick shoulder to improve dry performance. In the central part of the tread pattern, there is the iconic Flash design typical of Pirelli sports products. The new tires will be available from March 2025 in the main sizes popular for American baggers and cruisers.

The new SCORPION MX32 MID SOFT is the successor to Pirelli’s most successful motocross tire in the FIM Motocross World Championship, a discipline in which the brand has won 82 world titles since 1980 thanks to the successes achieved with riders such as Stefan Everts, Antonio Cairoli, André Malherbe, Eric Geboers, Jöel Smets, David Thorpe, Jeffrey Herlings, Romain Febvre, Tim Gajser, and Jorge Prado. It has been developed thanks to Pirelli’s decades of experience in top motocross competition and is completely new compared to its predecessor. The new front tire improves braking behavior and facilitates cornering; the rear offers even more traction for the holeshot and exiting corners. Finally, the new SCORPION MX32 MID SOFT also improves versatility on medium-hard terrain.

The new SCORPION MX32 MID SOFT will make its official debut in the next Motocross World Championship, equipping the bikes of some of the greatest riders of this Championship and, like all Pirelli racing tires, will also be available for purchase by all motorcycle fans of this discipline.

Both DIABLO POWERCRUISER and the new SCORPION MX32 MID SOFT use a new technology that allows the sidewalls to have high-contrast lettering for better readability and, in the case of the new motocross tire, there is also a yellow Pirelli label to allow the product to be identified very quickly on the racetrack.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 12, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is proud to announce that Automotive Racing Products (ARP) will continue as the series’ Official Performance Fastener for the next three seasons (2025-2027).

ARP is the world leader in fastener technology with a product line of thousands that includes virtually every fastener found in an engine and driveline and throughout the suspension and frame. Designed and constructed with cutting-edge techniques and materials, ARP’s bolts, nuts, and other fasteners offer maximum performance as proven by its overwhelming success in motorsports, from Progressive AFT to Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR, and NHRA, as well as in marine and aerospace applications.

Founded over a half century ago by racing enthusiast Gary Holzapfel, who identified a need after witnessing repeated fastener failures, Automotive Racing Products has grown from a backyard garage workshop to seven operational entities in Southern California with a combined area in excess of 200,000 square feet – even including a unique racing-themed restaurant open to the public at its main Santa Paula facility called “Hozy’s Grill.”

Progressive American Flat Track will kick off the 2025 season with the DAYTONA Short Track I & II doubleheader season opener on Thursday, March 6, and Friday, March 7, at Daytona International Speedway. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/daytona-short-track-i-and-ii-118862 to secure your tickets today.

For more information on Automotive Racing Products, visit https://arp-bolts.com/.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

Hey,

It’s so interesting, you’ll notice a brother’s 100-word fiction this week about his canvas bags. At one point he packed everything he owned in the old tattered canvas bags and rode across the country to start life over.

Now, we have lots of shit and wonder what the hell we’re going to do with it. We have multiple motorcycles, RVS, SUVs, side-by-sides and shops fulla tools because of many things. Think about it. We wouldn’t be able to enjoy any of these items if it wasn’t for great jobs, opportunities, access to new stuff, freedom to use everything we buy and freedom to choose. I want kids to know they live in the best of times. With a little hard work, innovation and education we can do anything, travel, build, whatever.

We experienced a movement to control everything over the last four years. But now it’s time to right the ship, balance the approach with honesty and integrity, compassion and benevolence at our backs.

The control freaks will fight desperately to retain their power, so we need to show them where they went wrong with the facts. Ultimately a large percentage will get it and some will try to create problems.

Fortunately, the transition is happening during the Holidays and warmth for our fellow peeps abound. I can’t wait to see how 2025 unfolds. Keep the faith and stay involved. One of the major complaints from the rights community is the lack of involvement by shops in the rights movement. A couple of brothers are working on a report about how many shops are out of business in the last four years and why.

I know shop owners face unbelievable restrictions from the EPA, CARB, OSHA, Federal, state, local and taxes from all of the above. If they’re not being fined, they’re being taxed. They need to struggle to make a profit, feed their families and promote and market their business. The MIC says they represent and take their funds, but the representation isn’t there. We now have the IMA, the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket association, collaborating with the MRF.

These two organizations are the backbone of every effort to retain our freedoms and ability to build bikes. It’s critical to join either one, but their membership isn’t growing. I get it. But the simplist way to help is to join. Some shop owners join, support, get to know their legislators, attend state capitol functions and even go to Washington D.C. when needed. Just joining is a wonderful start. Step up and let the brothers know you care and are concerned.

Let’s hit the news…

–Bandit

The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Laura, Barry Green, El Waggs, J.J. Solari, Amy White, Jenn and the rest of the crew.

The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

STEEL RULE CLICKER DIES—

You can use our Steel Rule Clicker Dies to cut consistent shapes for leather, canvas, plastic, and other thin materials. Potential applications include key chains, earrings, hat patches, tags, decorations, accents, and bag and wallet components.

8 Piece Shapes Sets: Choose from a set of stars, semi-rounds, rectangles, moons, kites, almonds, circles, and hearts. Each of these themed sets includes 8 dies of the same shape in varying sizes.

52 Piece Various Set: This set provides a variety of small shapes to enhance your design capabilities. These are ideal for detailed accents or functional components in your projects.

These pre-sharpened 1” tall dies work in our 4-ton and 12-ton clicker presses. If you do not have a clicker press, they also work with platen dies and our plastic anvil in our BG 180° Convertible Hand or Foot Press. Watch our video to see how.

We hope these versatile dies increase your efficiency and enhance the creative potential of your work!

The Buckleguy Team

INTERMOT celebrates successful first winter edition

+++ Cologne transformed into the place to be for the motorcycle community +++ Manufacturers present German premieres of new models and trends +++ CREATOR LOUNGE is a magnet for the young motorcycle scene +++ KICK STARTER 125cc special event enthrals budding bikers +++ Trade fair stages paddock show with racing teams +++

INTERMOT 2024, hosted in Cologne from 5 to 8 December, marked the start of a new direction for the trade fair, which will now take place annually. With the 125cc special event on the Boulevard, the CREATOR LOUNGE as a central gathering for the young motorcycle scene, and numerous German premieres by manufacturers, this year’s edition of the trade fair marked a new era in the motorcycle experience. It was the first time that the motorcycle and scooter event opened its doors in December. Visitors made extensive use of the opportunity to experience the latest models and trends for the coming season first-hand in Cologne. Spanning around 50,000 square metres, INTERMOT transformed the trade fair grounds in Cologne into the biggest showcase for the motorcycle industry in Germany.

With BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Sym, Triumph, Yamaha, Zero Motorcycles and other manufacturers appearing at the event, INTERMOT covered more than 70 per cent of the German market at its debut winter edition. Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH, was delighted with the results: “The immense response from visitors this year shows the enormous potential that INTERMOT has. With the Cologne trade fair grounds, we have one of the largest trade fair venues on an international scale and a unique catchment area, which extends beyond Germany. The industry has chosen INTERMOT as the platform to unveil its new launches to the German audience for the first time. For us, this is a clear signal that underscores the trade fair’s importance against the benchmark of other events.”

“As the most important motorcycle market in Europe, Germany needs a strong leading sector event like INTERMOT. With this new concept, we’ve proved that we’ve set the right course for the future,” says Reiner Brendicke, General Executive Manager of the German Motorcycle Industry Association (IVM), which acts as INTERMOT’s conceptual sponsor.

CREATOR LOUNGE serves as the scene’s hotspot
The young generation of motorcycle fans was crucial in giving INTERMOT new dynamism this year. By expanding their creator and influencer marketing, the organisers succeeded in appealing to a digital-savvy young community. Throughout the four days of the event, 85 creators with an impressive number of followers totalling 20 million on Instagram alone reported on the action on their channels. They were greeted with tremendous enthusiasm in Cologne. In addition, fans were able to meet their favourite creators in person at the CREATOR LOUNGE powered by bigFM in Hall 8, where they could take selfies and chat about their shared passion with social media stars. One of the special highlights was the Creator Day on the third day of the trade fair. It attracted many famous names from the young motorcycle scene, including @kuhlewu, @davidbostunt, @ollistuntbuddy, @sophiacalate and @seaky.

KICK STARTER: showcasing the world of 125cc
The special KICK STARTER 125cc event powered by fritz-kola also drew a lively crowd. Located in a central position on the boulevard between the exhibition halls, it proved particularly popular with novice bikers. From e-scooters and naked bikes to 125cc enduro models, around 50 of the latest 125cc models from various manufacturers were on display, firing up enthusiasm among newcomers looking to enter the world of motorcycling. As well as having the chance to sit on their dream bike, visitors were also able to get expert advice about licences.

A fresh take on the passion for motorbikes
In addition to activities for the younger generation of bikers, such as the CREATOR LOUNGE and KICK STARTER 125cc, INTERMOT also had a special focus on motorsport thanks to strong support from the manufacturers. Meet-and-greets with mechanics and racing stars turned part of the trade fair into the only paddock show outside of the racing season. On top of all this, the INTERMOT LIVE powered by Bering stage was the ideal venue for live discussions covering everything from horsepower and petrol to fashion and adventure. Looking to the future, INTERMOT will continue to pursue its goal of giving all motorbike fans the opportunity to experience the fascination of motorcycling in person. “This year’s edition has laid a foundation on which we will build. Of course, there’s still potential for further development – whether through the addition of more themed areas or with a stronger presence in the accessories segment. We must make it our goal to expand into at least one more exhibition hall by 2025. We want to work with our partners to realise this objective and make the show even more successful for all market participants,” stated Frese.

Key figures for INTERMOT 2024
Some 300 brands took part in INTERMOT 2024. A total of around 90,000 visitors came to Cologne.

INTERMOT 2025 – the dates
The next edition of INTERMOT will be held in Cologne from 4 to 7 December 2025.

INTERMOT is organised by Koelnmesse and the event’s conceptual sponsor is the German Motorcycle Industry Association (IVM e.V.).

Koelnmesse – industry trade fairs for the mobility segment: Koelnmesse stages INTERMOT, THE TIRE COLOGNE and polisMOBILITY, three major international trade fairs in the mobility segment, hosted at its trade fair grounds in Cologne/Germany. Alongside tires and wheels, THE TIRE COLOGNE focuses on equipment for motor vehicle servicing and tire fitting centres and presents a comprehensive range of products and services for tire retreading and the recycling and disposal of old tires. INTERMOT is the show for motorised two-wheelers and presents the key innovations in electromobility, accessories, clothing, parts, customizing, touring and workshop equipment. The latest format polisMOBILITY shows how urban mobility can and must be designed in the future. The events serve as central, international business platforms, bringing the industry together with a carefully targeted approach to showcase the latest products, developments and innovations.

Further information: https://www.intermot-cologne.com/trade-fair/intermot-2024/industry-trade-fairs/

The next events:
polisMOBILITY – Moving Cities, Cologne 11.06. – 12.06.2025

INTERMOT Cologne – International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair, Cologne 04.12. – 07.12.2025

polisMOBILITY – Moving Cities, Cologne 27.05. – 28.05.2026

THE LATEST FROM THE LOWBROW GANG–DEATH CO. CHOPPERS: EVO BIG TWIN NO. 1

Dan ‘The Sportster King of the Midwest’ Dellostritto just finished up this EVO Big Twin build with the very first Gasbox Big Twin Full frame and we are pumped to share it with you!

This isn’t early 2000’s TV build-off stuff with a bike that you would have to sell your house to own…

These days with a bit of looking you can buy a low-mile Softail for around $3k (!!!), and with Gasbox’s new frames and all the parts here at Lowbrow, you too can build a killer Big Twin chopper in your garage…

AND you don’t have to sell your house (and garage) to do it!

UNSCIENTIFIC AMERICA

From James B. Meigs, originally published by City Journal:

Michael Shermer got his first clue that things were changing at Scientific American in late 2018. The author had been writing his “Skeptic” column for the magazine since 2001. His monthly essays, aimed at an audience of both scientists and laymen, championed the scientific method, defended the need for evidence-based debate, and explored how cognitive and ideological biases can derail the search for truth. Shermer’s role models included two twentieth-century thinkers who, like him, relished explaining science to the public: Carl Sagan, the ebullient astronomer and TV commentator; and evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould, who wrote a popular monthly column in Natural History magazine for 25 years. Shermer hoped someday to match Gould’s record of producing 300 consecutive columns. That goal would elude him.

In continuous publication since 1845, Scientific American is the country’s leading mainstream science magazine. Authors published in its pages have included Albert Einstein, Francis Crick, Jonas Salk, and J. Robert Oppenheimer—some 200 Nobel Prize winners in all. SciAm, as many readers call it, had long encouraged its authors to challenge established viewpoints. In the mid-twentieth century, for example, the magazine published a series of articles building the case for the then-radical concept of plate tectonics. In the twenty-first century, however, American scientific media, including Scientific American, began to slip into lockstep with progressive beliefs. Suddenly, certain orthodoxies—especially concerning race, gender, or climate—couldn’t be questioned.

The complete article can be accessed here.

–CO2 Coalition

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–AN UNINTENTIONAL PILGRIMAGE 2024

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/AN_UNINTENTIONAL_PILGRIMAGE_2024.aspx

Thanks Rogue for your article on the  lil party started by Berry and Robbie. Can’t  wait for our third annual get together of the original Rough Boys , Ladies too??????

— Jim Jmedn Mead
Milwaukee , WI

NEW 100-WORD FICTION CONTEST–The Knapsack

It was almost summer 1969 in Philadelphia. The tan canvas knapsack had a main compartment of about 1 cubic foot when stuffed. Soon everything I need to pick up roots and move cross country will fit into the knapsack.

It would not be carried on my back. The knapsack would be strapped to the rear fender of my 1952 Harley K-Model.

The road trip was full of adventures over the Rocky Mountains and through the desert heat. Eventually rode ocean side to Santa Barbara where it felt like a good place to stop for a while and start over.

Let’s see………what’s in that knapsack?

–John Martinisko

The Bikernet Crew hosts a 100-Word Fiction contest monthly. If you win, you will receive magnificent bling from the vast and unrelenting 5-Ball empire. –Bandit

BABE OF THE WEEK—Carla

–Sam Burns
Talent Scout
Bikernet.com(TM)

THE LASTEST FROM GREASE & GEARS–

We’re thrilled to announce the release of our latest video, Mooneyes Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2024! We can’t wait for you to see it. You can watch the video now on our website Grease & Gears TV – please feel free to share it. We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed creating it. Thank you for your continued support!

Choppers Magazine Issue 18 Preorder

Regular price$14.00

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Issue 18

Our final issue of 2024. Preorder it now to make sure ya get a copy.

Featuring:

Sturgis – by Jerimiah Smith

Sportster Showdown Winner – by Brad Redmond

Tuff Love, Jake Braytons Shovelhead – by Tucker Adams

Navajo Run – by Ken Nagahara

BBQ Run 7 – by Panhead Jim

Saturday Sportster – by Mikey Revolt

Jeff Bloedorn – by Ben Zales

Jona – by Brian Bowan Smith and the Crew

Sam Rapshutz – by Jerimiah Smith

Jeff Leighton – by Greg Flack

Clayton – by Billy Childress

Klock Werks Brings Joy and Inspiration to Sanborn Central School

In a heartwarming gesture of generosity and community spirit, Brian Klock and his team at Klock Werks made a lasting impact on the students of Sanborn Central School in Forestburg, South Dakota. They donated the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program, equipping the school with bikes and the resources needed to teach kindergarten students the essential skill of riding a bike during physical education classes.

The excitement didn’t stop there………..

High school students had the unique opportunity to work alongside Klock Werks to assemble the bikes before their big reveal. During this collaborative effort, Brian Klock shared stories of growing up in a small town in South Dakota, inspiring students with his journey from humble beginnings to leading a successful business. His message was clear: no matter where you come from, pursuing your dreams is always possible.

This memorable day not only equipped kindergarteners with the joy of biking but also empowered high school students with inspiration and the invaluable lesson that success is within reach for everyone.

Thank you Brian Klock and Klock Werks for your unwavering dedication to our mission to teach EVERY child how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class!

SANTA COOL FOR XMAS—From the Prism Gang.

Vintage Safety Glasses – Smoke Lens

0100850

Vintage inspired tinted safety glasses

Arms bend easily to adjust fitment

Contains side shields to keep bugs, metal, wood, etc. out of your eyes

Lenses and frame are made of plastic

Meets ANSI Z87.1 Safety Standards

$24.99 USD

Also in green (sorry, don’t have a shot)

Vintage inspired green tinted safety glasses

Arms bend easily to adjust fitment

Contains side shields to keep bugs, metal, wood, etc. out of your eyes

Lenses and frame are made of plastic

Meets ANSI Z87.1 Safety Standards

TERRIBLE HOLIDAY SELF-PROMOTION FROM DANIAL JAMES AND BANDIT’S 5-BALL EMPORIUM–in Sturgis.

Danial’s an interesting guy. He’s not only talented to the moon, but he’s receptive to suggestions, concepts and input. That’s a rare characteristic in a young man. Bottom line, he’s taken several suggestions on the Salt Torpedo painting.

We are also working on several concepts for future pieces. And the Redhead is working on Santa.

There’s always something happening at the emporium.

–Bandit

WAYFARER HITS THE ROAD– Riding Royal Rajasthan on a Dirt Bike

Author’s Note: This article was sanitized to redact French language of Wayfarer (moi) which is worse when he is stuck in an office chair

So India Time 4 am of Saturday 14-December me and a group of Musafirs will leave Mumbai and head to the meeting point at Rajasthan. Musafirs is a motorcycle group with 13 years of motorcycle touring experience and I had first been on their trips back in 2022.

There are a grand total of 5 riders from Mumbai. Sad, because it is such a beautiful destination at a great temperature of 10 degree Celsius with magnificent culture, food, vistas and history and people who are now accustomed to treating guests from India and abroad for over 1000 years.

All fanboys in India and maybe elsewhere want to ride Ladakh and the typical Himalayan route—which is barren, nothing to see, nothing to do, nothing worth eating, no one to talk to, etc. Most boring and bland place glorified as Biker Heaven. What is there to drink? Tea with Yak milk…. see photo of a yak—-its milk smells like animal piss it seems.

I love animals, I love milk, I ain’t ever drinking that.

READ THE WHOLE RANT AT: https://blog.bikernet.com/riding-royal-rajasthan-on-a-dirt-bike/

–Wayfarer
On the road in India

PANHEADS OF THE WEEK—

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™

Quick! Run to the Safety of Low Prices

(Just Don’t Trip…)

TOMORROW This Deal Meets Its END

Don’t Miss Out On Killer Friday the 13th Prices and Have to Spend Your Rally at Camp Blood…

Ki-Ki-Ki Ma-Ma-Make Plans

to Party Hard to 9 Days of Entertainment

At the 85th Sturgis Rally Anniversary

Including

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH

Monday, Aug. 4, 2025

(More Bands Coming Soon)

Save Up to 55% on Multi-Day Passes

Limited Time Only

Special Prices End on Friday the 13th

(12/13/24 @ 11:59 MST)

You’ve been warned.

This killer deal dies tomorrow.

MOTIVATION FROM THE BIKERNET PHILOSOPHER– You Can Do, Be, or Have Anything You Truly Desire

“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” – Helen Keller

Within each of us lies the power to be, do, and have anything we desire, as long as it harms no one. Take a moment to close your eyes and revisit a time in your life when you knew, without a doubt, that you could achieve something. Perhaps it was learning to walk, ride a bike, draw, speak in public, sing, play an instrument, excel in a test, land a date, get your first car, or secure a job. Think back to that moment in life when you had unwavering confidence, where hurdles and challenges were merely stepping stones. Remember that childlike enthusiasm, that burning desire to succeed, and the inner knowing that you were divinely supported on your journey.

I vividly recall when I got my first two-wheel bicycle. The confidence I felt as I learned to ride was unshakable. No matter how many times I fell, I got back up because I held a vision of myself riding that bike. The desire to ride burned within me, and I had the determination to keep trying until I succeeded. When I finally rode that bike for the first time, it was a moment of pure triumph and joy.

Think back to those moments in your life. For some of us, it’s been a long time since we’ve felt that kind of confidence. But let me assure you, it’s still there—right within you. It may be clouded by fears, doubts, and the collective consciousness of limitation, but it is ever-present. Each of us carries that divine power and light capable of dispelling all darkness. We simply need to return to that place of inner knowing—that space where we trust that good triumphs over evil, faith and trust overcome fear and doubt, and love conquers hate.

Know this: you are Divinely guided, guarded, and supplied. The light of Spirit dispels all darkness in your life. Reconnect with that childlike enthusiasm and confidence, and let it ignite your inner strength.

Affirmation for Today:
I recognize the Truth of who I am: infinite potential ready to express in extraordinary ways. I embrace the childlike confidence within me and know I can do, be, and have anything I desire. I connect to the light within me, illuminating my path and filling my vision with a bright, beautiful future. I release any doubts or limiting beliefs imposed by others, for I am one with my Higher Power, which is limitless.

The same Power that carried me through past triumphs is alive within me today. My light shines brightly, and I have more than enough to give and to share. I am deeply grateful for this Truth, I live this Truth, and I embody this Truth.

And so it is.

Namaste.

“The Divine Light within dispels all darkness and makes my way clear.”

– Yale

Musk’s politics hadn’t seeped into Tesla. Then he axed its …

The Washington Post:  The Tesla CEO was once an outspoken voice on climate change. But Musk now argues many risks are overstated. …

Excerpt: Once one of the most vocal American executives on the dangers of climate change, Musk called for a ‘popular uprising’ against the fossil fuel industry in a 2016 film. At Tesla, every internal power point presentation had to include figures from former vice president Al Gore’s documentary ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ citing rising carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a reminder of the company’s mission. But the paragraph about global warming is no longer required in Tesla’s power point decks and climate change has plummeted on Musk’s list of priorities: In an August live stream on X, he told Trump ‘we don’t need to rush’ to solve the climate crisis.”

Climate Depot’s Morano: “First, RFK Jr. and now Elon Musk! The world has lost two of the most prominent climate activists post-COVID lockdowns. We welcome Elon Musk into the climate red pill group.” See: RFK Jr. red-pilled on climate agenda?! RFK Jr. declares climate ‘being exploited by the WEF & Bill Gates’ in ‘the same way that COVID was exploited’ – ‘Top-down totalitarian controls on society’

–Mark Morano
Climate Depot
WUWT

LAW TIGERS TIPS–

Types of Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents

The San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers with Law Tigers can help you pursue a personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident to claim compensation for the losses you suffered because of the crash. Substantial losses can cause your life to spiral out of control, but a motorcycle accident settlement can help you weather the storm and have financial stability. There are two general types of compensation for motorcycle accidents: economic and non-economic. Courts may also award plaintiffs punitive damages to punish the offender.

Economic
Economic compensation includes compensation for all your losses with a definite dollar amount. A motorcycle accident attorney from a firm like Law Tigers can gather all records of your expenses to calculate your losses and ensure you receive adequate compensation.

Medical Bills
First, a settlement will contain money to pay for medical bills your accident generates. This would include emergency medical treatment, surgery costs, hospitalization bills, and continuing medical expenses, such as prescription medications, medical equipment, rehabilitative services, or in-home medical care. Compensation for medical bills is often the most significant portion of any motorcycle accident settlement.

Lost Income
Your injuries might also leave you unable to work for an extended period. A settlement can also include money for the time you missed work. Lost income doesn’t only mean hourly wages or salary but could also potentially include overtime pay, lost sick days or vacation days, missing bonuses, and lost tips if you work in a tipped position. 

Diminished Work Capacity
An injury can also leave you permanently disabled and unable to perform specific job functions. An injury can reduce the capacity of work you can handle or even require you to switch careers entirely. A settlement may include compensation that is calculated based on your current earning capacity, future projected earnings, cost of living, and total work-life expectancy.

Property Damage
The last major type of economic loss is property damage. If your motorcycle or other property sustained damage during the accident, a settlement should reimburse you for those items.

Non-Economic
Non-economic compensation exists for intangible losses that do not have explicit monetary value. The classic example of a non-economic loss is pain and suffering. Other examples of non-economic losses include:

Emotional distress and mental anguish
Loss of life enjoyment
Loss of consortium or companionship
Scarring and disfigurement
Diminished quality of life

California does not have an explicit formula for calculating a victim’s non-economic losses, but various factors can affect the amount, including the severity of the injuries, the duration of the harm, and the injured party’s previous quality of life. There is no cap on non-economic compensation in California, except for a $250,000 cap in medical malpractice cases. An attorney can also help here by gathering evidence and arguing about the toll on your life the injuries have taken.

A $4,000.00 donation was presented to the “Veterans 4 Veterans“ organization at their December organizational meeting. The funds were a result of the annual POW/MIA Recognition Ride, which takes place each August. “Monies raised from the POW Ride have always been made available to local veterans in need.” Said rally committee chairman Ray McPeek. “This year, we were happy to support Vets 4 Vets, who have a great success record in taking homeless veterans off the street, getting them jobs and a place to live.” McPeek added “Vets 4 Vets is made up of all of the area Veterans motorcycle clubs, so partnering with them on the veterans rally makes perfect sense.”

To date, more than $150,000.00 has been raised and donated to local Veterans and Veterans organizations in need as part of the annual Veterans event in Teller County.

www.theveteransrally.org

BUILDER OF THE WEEK—PIERCE THORPE

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor

QUICK, HIT THE ST.ONGE BAR–

The St. Onge Bar is located at 201 SD Highway 34 in St. Onge, SD. This unique bar features Prime Rib every Friday Night.

–Bandit

MRF NEWS — New Faces In New Places

It has been four and a half weeks since election day and the last race for Congress has been called. The final breakdown of the U.S. Senate will be 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats. The U.S. House of Representatives will also have a slim margin, with 220 Republicans and 215 Democrats. Complicating these margins, in 2025 two (2) Republican Senators and three (3) House Republicans will be leaving to assume positions in the Trump Administration. Those five seats will be filled with appointments by Governors in the case of the Senate and special elections for the House seats

In total, starting January 3, 2025, there will be 10 new members of the Senate and 63 new members of the House of Representatives. That means a lot of new faces in and around Capitol Hill. We have a lot of work to do introducing the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and our legislative priorities to these new lawmakers!

You can help us meet these new legislators by joining us in Washington, D.C. for Bikers Inside the Beltway on May 19 and 20, 2025. In January the MRF website will have updates on registration and travel details. We need bikers to show up, be seen and be heard!

Here are the 29 states with at least one newly elected lawmaker representing them in Congress next year:

Alabama – 1

Alaska – 1

Arizona – 2 (Plus New Senator)

California – 9

Colorado – 3

Delaware -1 (Plus New Senator)

Florida – 1 (Plus New Senator)

Indiana – 3 (Plus New Senator)

Kansas- 2

Louisiana – 1

Maryland – 3 (Plus New Senator)

Michigan – 2 (Plus New Senator)

Minnesota – 1

Missouri – 2

Montana – 1 (Plus New Senator)

New Hampshire – 1

New Jersey – 2

New York – 4

North Carolina – 5

North Dakota – 1

Ohio – 1

Oregon – 2

Pennsylvania – 2 (Plus New Senator)

South Carolina – 1

Texas – 4

Utah – 1 (Plus New Senator)

Virginia – 3

Washington – 2

West Virginia -1 (Plus New Senator)

–MRF

www.mrf.org

CARB–Withdraws Electric Motorcycle Plan

Friday, in a dramatic move, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced they would not be proceeding with proposed standards requiring half of all new motorcycles sold in the state be electric within the next decade. In a statement, CARB said, “The proposed amendments to on-road motorcycles (ONMC) emission standards and test procedures and adoption of new provisions relating to ONMCs have been withdrawn.”

This is a major victory for those who believe consumers should be free to choose whatever engine type they want. This move to withdraw the proposed plan comes after two hearings, one in January and one in October on this topic were cancelled.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased by CARB’s decision to withdraw its plan to mandate the sale of electric motorcycles. MRF President, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard stated, “It’s nice to see policymakers admit a mistake and withdraw a plan that was flawed from the outset.” He also added a note of caution, “Let’s remember CARB reserves the right to adjust, amend and resubmit similar plans like this in the future. We won a battle, but the war rages on. We must stay vigilant, in defense of the internal combustion engine.”

–MRF
Join the MRF at www.mrf.org

QUOTE OF THE WEEK–“Fake Climate Doom…Recent Research Shows ‘Vast Majority’ Of Pacific Atoll Islands Have Grown in Size.” –Marc Morano

NEVER GIVE UP OR GIVE IN–

Here’s what’s glistening on my rusting metal plate for this week. I just finished reports for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Board Meeting next week. I covered Expansion, Fund Raising, Education and added a sidebar regarding the Easyriders Streamliner coming to the Museum.

I’m working on several articles. I just launched Episode 105 of Bandit’s Cantina, so I better get started on 106. I need an entire day to rough out the Life and Times of Bandit 2024. What an incredible year. I’m working on Charlie’s Knucklehead feature with Cycle Source. Finally, I’m working on Danial James piece around his art. That’s easy. His art tells the story so well.

Ran across these Dr. Neon shades. What a kick.

Our extraterrestrial editor, Bill May is building a new Evo chopper, traditional style. Here’s the chassis. It’s always a rush to start a new project. I came close to firing the VLXAFL Knuckle chopper last weekend but ran into a gas leak. Irish Rich recommended Red Kote sealer and it’s on order. Hang on.

This week we mailed out packages to our 5-Ball Racing Salt Torpedo sponsors. I’m still trying to find James Simonelli. Where is that guy?

Ride safe and free forever,
–Bandit

Author’s Note: This article was sanitized to redact French language of Wayfarer (moi) which is worse when he is stuck in an office chair

So India Time 4 am of Saturday 14-December me and a group of Musafirs will leave Mumbai and head to the meeting point at Rajasthan. Musafirs is a motorcycle group and I got patched in the previous ride in November 2024 after having first been on their trips back in 2022.

There are a grand total of 5 riders from Mumbai. Sad, because it is such a beautiful destination at a great temperature of 10 degree Celsius with magnificent culture, food, vistas and history and people who are now accustomed to treating guests from India and abroad for over 1000 years.

All fanboys in India and maybe elsewhere want to ride Ladakh and the typical Himalayan route—which is barren, nothing to see, nothing to do, nothing worth eating, no one to talk to, etc. Most boring and bland place glorified as Biker Heaven. What is there to drink? Tea with Yak milk…. see photo of a yak—-its milk smells like animal piss it seems.

I love animals, I love milk, I ain’t ever drinking that.

North East is another great destination to ride—very diverse in culture, flora, fauna, incredible wildlife, tribals protected with constitutional rights by Government of India, mountains, valleys, waterfalls, rhinos, bordering Burma, Bangladesh and Nepal……. and that other entity we all call China.

I can understand the hypnotism of Himalayan adventure….ever since summit of Mt Everest was reached……and probably recorded as reached first by non-local whwhereas the locals may have had people going up there for centuries…..but that’s up for a controversial, speculative debate. Myth and legend—as with all mountains.

An example: people tell me I am seduced and duped into Royal Enfield motorcycles due to the imagery and conditioning from society. Might be true. I was a young first time rider and reading Biker Fiction on Bikernet.com back in 2002 onward….so all I could call a big bike was an Enfield Bullet cast iron engine designed in 1955 and still sold at the time by India’s surviving Enfield company.

The movies in India also show the macho heroes riding the Enfield, whether the super-cop or the anti-hero, the gangster-turned-savior of the small town or any misfits in society, etc.

So, maybe it’s okay to admire barren land with thousands of locations having road infrastructure related digging and construction going on ? Yeah, the Border Security Force wing of Indian military has to constantly repair or create these access roads for various purposes and needs of locals or immediate strategic needs.

Might as well ride through any abandoned mining towns of North or South. LOLz.

Okay, too much conversation and too less action….

“All this aggravation ain’t satisfactioning me,
A little more bite a little less bark,
A little less fight and a little more spark,
Close your mouth and open up your heart and baby satisfy me,” — Elvis Presley

I will let my photographs speak for itself when I get to Rajasthan and imagery of adventures throughout the way there. I am thinking of not carrying my new latest Hero GoPro 13 Black because I see no utility in this expensive toy or rather I can’t figure out how to use it for any particular photo or video. Bloody useless compared to a modern Android mobile phone camera. Seriously! At least for me….or I am getting old in my enthusiasm for electrical gizmos.

I wanna be able to carry my Nikon DSLR but on my dirt bike there is too less space and too much loaded luggage and me still weighing at 76 KG after managing to lose some of myself from an “August” weight of 83 KG. That’s good healthy weight loss in four months. Now I hope to only click photos of the many delicacies instead of eating through Rajasthan’s famous royal reception by the locals. Lend me a loaf and I will take a pound of cheese. So caveat emptor!

I will photograph the luggage too. Lot of crap to be carried. Sharing a list from the boss of the riding team. Well, I can’t fit these on my motorcycle so I am gonna pack half of this and pray full-time. I am riding the XPulse dirt bike with only one tail-bag and one tank-bag and if it fits, then one tiny duffel-bag strapped somewhere as well.

I wish I had the multipurpose Bandit’s Bedroll sold on 5-BallGarage.com or rather his new Commander Bedroll available exclusively through Bandit’s Emporium.

I need to buy thermals as I have never needed them. I can sweat no matter what the month or location. I will need better bungees and some other cords. Let’s see. Packing this lot is one thing….but then to strap it on the motorcycle and untie it again during each night’s stay is a headache. Maybe I will get used to it and it will become fast, stress-free and easy.

Why worry, when friends are here. And I have a genuine handicap. I busted my right leg ligament in the knee playing cricket of all things. Next time, I will stick to playing with words.

Things to carry list — with courtesy of https://themusafirs.com/

1. Clothes:
   a. 4-5 Tees
   b. 2-3 jeans
   c. Undergarments as per requirement
2. Winter clothing:
   a. 1 or 2 pair of thermals(as per your requirement)
   b. 2 pair of gloves(one riding and other to protect from cold) but prefer the one that gives you both.
   c. Balaclava to cover face and neck (fleece preferable)
   d. 4 pair of socks
   e. Wind cheater to protect from wind
   f. Thick jacket and fleas jacket or pull overs/hoodies(when not riding)
3. Safety wear: a. Helmet full face (preferred branded and certified) b. Knee/elbow guards or armour suit or Riding jacket and pants(with thermal liner for cold protection) if available d. Riding shoes or safety shoes (No Canvas or sports shoes) e. Riding gloves in addition to your winter gloves f. Riding/safety Goggles g. Hydra pack for carrying water
4. Toiletries:
   a. Toothbrush & toothpaste
   b. Soap, shampoo(satchels) and face wash
   c. Vaseline, moisturizer & lip balm
   d. Tissue paper and hand sanitizer
   e. Mosquito repellent
5. Utilities:
   a. Small torch light
   b. Match box or lighter and pocket knife (Buy only after u reach Assembly as not allowed in flights)
   c. A whistle
   d. Spare key of you bike and bike documents in original/soft copies if physical documents not available.
   e. Plastic bags and zip ties
   f. Cello tape, needle and thread
6. Tools
   a. Always carry the basic tool kit that comes with your bike.
   b. If you have any odd size nut especially the axel but of Royal Enfield bikes please carry the specific size spanner to open it.
   c. Always carry the bike service manual when travelling on long rides or atleast download a soft copy.

Please DO NOT overload yourself with too many things.
The above list is just a basic list of things that one needs on a ride.
Please carry all those things that you might need on the ride for your own convenience.
The above list should be used only as a guideline to help you with your preparations for the ride.

Thank you and see you with some adventure stories and photos soon….
Your friendly neighbourhood Associate Editor
–Wayfarer

Author’s Note: Some images from Unspalash.com
Some images from TheMusafirs.com
Ugly mug of Wayfarer suppressed for viewer sensibilities
White Hero Xpulse motorcycle captured idling somewhere sometime last month by Wayfarer

Most museums don’t make money. But they do make friends, educate folks, impart history, invite onlookers to learn about the area, share artifacts, educate and entertain.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum could be and should be the most significant collection of motorcycle memorabilia and Sturgis rally history on the planet. It’s at the epicenter of freedom, racing history and the custom motorcycle aftermarket.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum efforts sprang forth as the rally grew. Someone grubby biker drank beer while swinging on a porch swing and watched a parade of motorcycles from all over the world enter town. Some riders revved their engines, others popped their clutches and sprang into wheel-stands, another rider a grizzly of a man stood over his FXR dwarfing it, grabbed the front brake, snapped the clutch with the throttle wide open and filled the street with smoke. A chopper rumbled past and sweet thing on the back yanked her top off for the world to see and enjoy. She held a fist-full of cash to pay the cop at the end of the block. The brother on the porch, rocked back and forth under the chromium August sun and thought, “We need a museum goddammit. We gotta capture this shit!”

Back in the early ‘60s quirky Maynard Rude escaped the “city life” of Rapid, a town of 50,000 at the time, took his dirt bike and bought a house in Sturgis with his wife Alice in 1965.  The wooden home built in the ‘50s with used lumber included a two-story garage with access to the lower level via a stone and concrete tunnel under the corner home. At the time, he rode a 125 cc James on the winding web of Black Hills gravel roads.

A true visionary, Maynard enjoyed the expanding rally, found an early Excelsior-Henderson single and his favorite British make, a BSA Gold Star. A rudimentary and grimy collection of mostly dirt bikes grew around the motorcycles he worked on to make a living. In 1984 the Meade County Times-Tribune published an article on the Rude Motorcycle Museum in Sturgis.

His grungy collection of over 20 motorcycles displayed on the upper level of the garage with a smattering of memorabilia and western weapons became what we could consider the first Sturgis Motorcycle Museum but hang on. The story continues to unfold.

Mike Kane, a long-standing vintage motorcycle enthusiast and member of the AMCA (Antique Motorcycle Club of America) bought Rude’s house in 2015. This house was meant to be owned by a biker. Who doesn’t want an abode with a slippery, mud deck and twisting tunnel into a two-story shop?

We sensed a Sturgis Motorcycle Museum fancy floating in the air and every August it sparkled with anticipation and metalflake flecks of inspiration.

In 1989, an unassociated chain of events blew open the glass doors of a former Sturgis grocery store and the National Motorcycle Museum commenced. Ed Netterberg, the first director’s grand concept included honoring the Sturgis Rally Legacy. With little funding, no motorcycles, displays, photographs or memorabilia it actually opened.

Brothers at the time enjoyed the vision, and fortuitously a growing custom parts retailer shared the space during the rally, J&P Cycles. John Parham, the boss, recognized the need for a museum and delivered his antique motorcycles, toys and memorabilia to the abandoned grocery store.

The vision was launched to recognize the heritage of the motorcycle, their riders, the rally, racers, customizers and supporters of the motorcycle industry. John Parham knew something big would happen the following year, as Sturgis was about to host the 50^th anniversary of the rally.

John quickly built an impressive J&P facility on the major throughfare through town, Lazelle Street. He set up the two story structure with storerooms, National Motorcycle Museum space and retail areas for J&P. The National Motorcycle Museum had a home. He rented half of the building to the museum year round and used the other half for retail during the rally.

He graciously offered this space and his expanding collection to the museum, even though J&P was based in Iowa. With Parham not around for half of the year displays weren’t being handled well and maybe parts and motorcycles slipped out the back door.

J&P kicked ass during the rally with 400,000 attendees, and the company expanded. But even in tumultuous times of massive growth, the museum still couldn’t pay the rent. Remember what I said about museums. Robin Baldwin, the auditor and museum secretary for 20 years said to me during an interview on a rare March sunny day as we sat outside on Main Street, “Just learning how to survive a winter and stay financially viable is a challenge in Sturgis.”

Speaking of surviving and history, the factory and the Harley-Davidson lifestyle changed abruptly in 1984. The advent of the quality EVO engine, and the shifting of the Harley ownership from AMF back to the family ultimately led to the company going public. The launch of the Harley Owners Group opened roadworthy doors to a new generation of riders. The growth in the custom and performance world kicked off a wild cottage market and followers rode all over the world. No one would miss the 50^th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Companies like S&S, Zipper’s Performance, BDL, Spyke made precision performance parts and kept old bikes on the road and crossing the country on any freedom-based whim with Sturgis securely at the top of the to-do list.

Old Harley shops felt the change and the factory required dealer upgrades which caused old inventories and H-D memorabilia to disappear into collectors, restorers and chopper builders’ hands. There were industry visionaries who understood and relished the past, such as John Parham. He wasn’t going to let it go but collected every old dealership poster, old parts and the early apparel. He wasn’t alone. Mike Egan cruised the countryside collecting old dealer inventories with his wife Patty. Bob Stark focused on Indian shops. Dale Walksler began collecting bikes and memorabilia at his Harley dealership in Illinois, and then bought an old hospital and filled it with old motorcycles and parts until he could open his magnificent Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC.  

At some point toward the end of the decade John Parham decided that trying to run a museum from a distance wasn’t working. The museum crew still wasn’t paying the rent and also held a $100,000 note adding to their financial woes. John knew the debt wasn’t going anywhere but up. He took over the museum by forgiving their back rent and taking on the note.  

He packed up the growing collection of motorcycles and memorabilia and hauled the lot to J&P’s hometown, Anamosa, Iowa. When John pulled the cork on the Sturgis Museum, rumors soared and John became very unpopular in the industry as the guy who stole the museum. That clearly wasn’t the case and he offered to return it to Sturgis if someone would take back the $100,000 loan. That wasn’t happening. He ultimately combined his massive collection and ran the National Motorcycle Museum for 20 years until he passed. His widow, Jill Parham kept  it running until just this last year, when the National Motorcycle Museum closed and Mecum auctions sold off all the valuable treasures.

Sometimes stuff happens for a reason. The abrupt move from Sturgis to Anamosa caused other industry leaders to step up and form another attempt at a real Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

It caused a member of the Sturgis Hall of Fame, a freedom fighter, a motorcycle legislative leader and a member of the Hamsters, Bob Illingworth approached the city and he said, “This city and the rally have must have a museum.” The hall of fame already underway with breakfasts at the Fort Meade VA facility offered active, devoted talent who wanted to help. By now, the rally grew exponentially from 20,000 attendees in the ‘70s to well over 300,000 every year since the 50^th anniversary in 1990.

Bob, Sturgis, the rally and the industry deserved a museum and several entities came forward including Woody from the Buffalo Chip, the longest running board member. Pepper Massey the popular executive director of the former museum and her dog Willoughby met with Bob and Robin (the secretary/bookkeeper). The four of them joined forces with the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, local students and members of the Sturgis community. They gathered on March 10th, 2001 to scrape, sand, and paint a very old church building next to the Pyramid Bar on Main Street. The entire crew pitched in 25 bucks apiece. Gene and Nancy Flagler, owners of the bar, determined the rent should be a whopping $1.00 a month, helping to make the Museum’s first and most critical year a tad easier to manage financially.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame opened its doors to the public on June 1, 2001. Local and national collectors loaned the new Museum a variety of rare vintage motorcycles, colorful V-twins and rally memorabilia, offering visitors a glimpse into the magnificent world of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Community craftsmen used scraps from construction jobs to cobble together wooden displays. It wasn’t much, but the Pyramid Bar loved the traffic the museum drew into the saloon.

After only a year in business, the City of Sturgis so impressed with the museum’s progress offered the old Post Office on the corner of legendary Main Street & Junction Avenue after they built a new facility on Lazelle. “I use to pick up my P.O. Box mail in the brick building constructed in 1937,” said Woody. Everyone wants a Sturgis, SD address. What could be cooler?

 With financial support from the State of South Dakota, the Hamster organization, made up of custom bike builders and motorcycle business owners, and many others, the museum was able to open the doors at its present location in 2002 with only a small 4,000 square feet of space. Once more the motorcycle community including the AMCA volunteered bikes and memorabilia. Hell, little Robin, the bookkeeper and owner of the gift shop, Black Hills Rally & Gold in town, helped paint the interior of the building. Everyone pitched in.

The Museum continued to grow, opening the basement level in August 2003. With several exhibit rooms and an increasingly impressive selection of unique motorcycles, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum offered a world class experience for visitors and was listed as one of the 10,000 Top Places to See Before You Die in a book by author Patricia Schultz.

Expanded in 2020 the main level grew to 6,000 square feet, for a total of 10,000 square feet, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame became home to an eclectic array of over 80 historic, custom and race motorcycles dating back to 1905.  A magnificent display of local motorcycle art blossomed and added color and culture to the interior.

“The gift shop offers a wide variety of items ranging from motorcycle patches to fine jewelry and motorcycle history books,” said Heidi Haro, the museum’s new executive director. “We’re open year-round, seven days a week. Summer months are the busiest as people flock to the celebrated motorcycle mecca, culminating in August during the renowned Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.”

But the 17-member active board of directors, including a handful of Hamsters, aren’t sitting on idling bobbers drinking beers. They are devoted to expanding the museum and potentially growing the footprint on that very historic corner from 10,000 square feet to 70,000 square feet with four stories of world-class exhibits, meeting rooms and office space overlooking historic Main Street with balconies and perhaps a skywalk across Junction. Hang on for the future and donate and or support if you can. It’s a non-profit run organization with mostly volunteers.  

A pilgrimage to Sturgis isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. This institution stands as a testament to the rich history of motorcycling, honoring those who have shaped the sport and lifestyle while paying homage to the heritage of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Don’t miss it!

–Bandit

The Bastard in the Black Hills

Help us Honor the ride and build the legacy.

Nominations for induction into the Hall of Fame are accepted year-round, with the process streamlined through the museum’s website. Whether you’re a seasoned rider, a history enthusiast, or simply curious, a visit to Sturgis Motorcycle Museum at 999 Main Street, Sturgis, SD 57785, promises an enriching, inspiring experience.

–K. Randall Ball

A Quick Reminder to Potential Donors: The Museum is classified as a 501-C3 Charity

Thank you for any consideration!

    STAYING WARM

Well by now a lot of riders have made decisions about what they are going to be doing because of the change in the weather. Some are winterizing their rides and putting them away because of cold weather and or road conditions.

I have been layering clothing for years under my leathers But decided it is time for me to try some heated clothing.

I did quite a bit of research on the internet motorcycle chat rooms to see what others are using and what they like and dislike.

More riders are using heated gear, and sometimes which type depends on the motorcycle they are riding.

I chose the one that plugs into the electrical system of my motorcycle. The harness easily installs to the battery and has a fuse built into it.

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/12v-programmable-heated-mens-jacket-liner/p/97140-22VM

The jacket has a heating system using five heating panels, two chest, one back body and top of each sleeve. It uses a temperature controller with three heat settings for the jacket liner and Heated Glove Liner.

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/heated-12v-programmable-glove-liner/p/97138-22VM

The  heated glove liner can be worn directly against the skin but only in combination with the heated jacket liner as that is where it picks up the 12 volt power to operate.

To operate start your motorcycle. connect the jacket to the battery harness and the gloves to the jacket if going to use them.

Press and hold the touch control button for a few seconds until it powers on. After it is on you can use the buttons to set to the heat range you want.

If you are also using the pants they will connect to the jacket and have their own controller for temperature settings

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/12v-programmable-heated-mens-bottoms/p/97139-22VM

The  heated  socks work like the gloves and get their power from the pants.

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/12v-programmable-heated-sock-liner/p/97141-22VM

There are numerous ways to combine pieces which is a nice feature.

I think all of us have used the layering of clothes to keep warm But the room all those items take up can sometimes be an issue,

Not long ago I was riding with a thermal shirt, a long sleeve shirt and a fleece lined jacket. I was doing okay during the day but after the sun went down, I was cold. It was then I decided to get a full set of heated gear

One of the things I like about this set up is I can decide what pieces I want and or need depending on conditions.

My 2022 Ultra has heated grips from the factory but my 2009 Street Glide does not so I will have some choices to make depending on which motorcycle I am riding. Yes, I will be adding a battery harness to my 2009 motorcycle as well.

I am trying out how well each part works so that in the future I can figure out what combination I want to use.

A couple of days after my gear arrived, I installed the battery harness. We suddenly encountered a cold spell and a serious drop in temps. It was a perfect opportunity to try it out.

I am very happy and was nice and warm during the rides. I also got to try different temperature settings for each piece. The testing will continue as the weather and my travels change. BUT because of my level of satisfaction, I expect to be comfortable riding more this winter.

I ended up meeting with some friends at the American Legion after one of my rides and we were discussing my gear and one of my them told me I was spoiled. I admitted that I am, But also said that I think I should be.

It was the perfect time to say you can be spoiled too. Get yourself something to keep you warm.

Go To The Links Above To Find Out A Lot More Information.

• Product intended to be used in conjunction with protective riding gear.

–Rogue

Senior Editor

Bikernet.com

Bringing the Crew to the Black Hills.

The Brothers sat drinking in the log built with creaking decks, Deadwood, Number 10 Saloon from the 1800s and asking locals questions about the area. Bandit scratched and pulled at his mustache while pondering catching a flight back to the coast. Marko fresh from the gym, stretched, drank a virgin Mary and Jeremiah bitched and pondered his wounds and dinged motorcycle. He needed a shop.

  Back on the coast the harried crew scrambled to load vans. 

The streets of LA turned to a shit pile of homelessness, anti-cop action, needles and crime—a shit show literally. Some attempted to turn the once glorious city into a third world country. Illegals poured into the streets looking for handouts and gang connections. 

Bandit dreaded it but jumped on the next plane back to the coast to help with the harried migration out of the once golden state. As the plane touched down, the stained movement in flapping tents showed its varied colors along the edge of the cracked tarmac. Homeless encampments lined the concrete. Illegals over-took massive hangers and hung Muslim support flags proclaiming jihad against everyone on the outside of the once stellar buildings constructed to house state-of-the-art aircraft.

The LAX airport turned disaster zone packed with homeless, illegals, drug dealers and protestors was once the gateway to the magnificent city of the stars. Bandit pushed his way through the ill-smelling throng to the chipped concrete curb, where Toby the welder, with his thick scruffy, tangled gray hair waited in Jeremiah’s sparkling metallic blue Toyota pick-up smoking one Canadian cigarette after another. “Over here,” he shouted out the window and honked his horn. 

“Let’s get the fuck out of here,” Bandit said tossing his backpack into the bed of the truck. 

“Grab it,” Toby shouted, “Or at the next intersection someone will steal it.”

Bandit snatched it out of the bed and jumped inside. 

“We’re ready,” Toby said. “Let’s go to the land of freedom.” The congestion remained thick as thieves all the way from the sprawling airport through the South bay interrupted momentarily by a climate protest blocking traffic. Area bikers moved them out of the way, so traffic could edge along into the Port of Los Angeles. It shifted from commuters to jammed container truck traffic. Infrastructure repairs were promised and never received. Funds were shifted from the working man to free drug programs and illegals. 

The truckers, snarling behind the wheels of fish delivery trucks and container 18-wheelers sought to find a moral compass in a corrupt political system. To a man, they wondered whether one party desperately pushed America purposely toward a 3^rd world status leaving the middle class to fend for themselves. 

Bandit and Toby struggled through the muck and mire that once was a magnificent Los Angeles. They ultimately found the Cantina crew huddled around a couple of tall loaded vans at the designated meeting place on the edge of a dilapidated marina, slash homeless encampment. 

Bandit jumped out of the shiny blue metallic pickup truck and pondered the dichotomy of a society gone wrong. The pickup glimmered with state-of-the-art construction and technology while society crumbled under corruption. 

His crew jumped to their feet. Margaret stood front and center with her teenage son, Jimmy. The large round Chinaman constantly adorned in chefs, slightly stained, white attire came forward with a plate of tacos followed by his adopted Hispanic family. Tina and Mandy waved from the back and pointed to their packed suitcases. Shiela, the bodacious blonde fell off the wagon and disappeared into the free-drug slums of Long Beach. A week later she was discovered Ode’d in an alley.

“We’re packed and ready,” Margaret said and wrapped her arm around her son who she stopped enabling and he became a competent electrician. 

“I have enough gear and supplies to feed us all the way to New York, if that’s what it takes,” the Chinaman said, and his Hispanic crew nodded.

“Let’s roll,” Bandit said. “If your gassed up we will hit it out of town. Let’s meet in Primm, Nevada at the Neon Buffalo. We’ll relax for a minute and check the traffic in Vegas. It might be a good notion to wait until nightfall before rolling north through Sincity.”

They mounted up and meandered through the constantly cramped city congestion. Slowly cutting from one freeway to another they finally rolled into the intersection of Highway 10 and interstate 15 where traffic lightened, and they picked up

speed.  

Two motorcycles followed. Clay who had no other place to go or family on his FXR and Toby riding a hopped-up Sportster used for racing in the Canyons. The Cantina crew was everything to Clay and the only group who stood beside him through thick and thin. He bought a used Evo FXR and Eric Bennett, of Bennett’s Performance, dialed it in before the EPA forced him to close his doors and escape to Tennessee.

They gassed up in Primm, on the Nevada Border, checked the traffic and decided to slip through the city. By nightfall the caravan slithered through the neon wonderland of Las Vegas and spent the night at a Best Western in St. George, Utah. The next morning the crew awoke to a brilliant sun sparkling over verdant fields of vegetables and somewhat open roads. They ate breakfast and hit the highway north and east into the center of the state. 

The day glistened until they reached Provo and Salt Lake City loomed in the briny distance. Traffic snarled and the crew rolled off the interstate to gas up. Off the freeway, under the pillars of dozens of historic Mormon churches and into a gas station. The crew scrambled out of their vehicles. Two other traveling scooter tramps refueled their Pan Ams and their multiple panniers were packed with spare fuel tanks. 

“What’s the deal?” Clay asked one of the fully suited riders wearing fluorescent full-faced helmets. 

“It’s scary,” a rider flipped up his face shield and looked concerned. “No Fossil Fuels are allowed in Colorado.”

“What do you mean?” Clay said not wearing a helmet only a sweaty bandana around his forehead. 

“Yep,” the other rider said and lifted her face shield. The two riders in their full space-suit-reflective uniforms were uni-sex until their faces appeared. “I once agreed with the blue birds, but it hasn’t worked. You’ll see. Only electric is allowed in Colorado. You’ll need to snake around the state using two-lane highways.

“Thanks,” Clay said and passed on the news to Bandit who checked his maps. Toby, took off his helmet to smoke. The caravan slipped onto highway 40, and then sliced north on Highway 191 past Flaming Gorge. At every intersection they encountered stalled trucks. At one small gas station on a knoll someone set up a diesel powered crane to remove containers from semi-trucks and line them up so horse drawn carts could pick up goods and meander into Colorado. Some electric car owners tried to attach small flatbed trailers to their chassis, but without bumpers and mounting abilities, it was tough. 

Some tried and bolted trailer hitches to EV frames, but the electric systems didn’t respond. Some caught fire, some electronically shut down and left electric cars, trailers and cargo alongside dusty roads leading into Colorado. 

The crew rolled around the corner of Colorado, caught the 80 and gassed up in Rock Springs where a row of massive wind turbine propeller trucks rested alongside the highway leading into Colorado. “This makes no sense,” one trucker snapped while unhooking the long trailer from his cab. “This is my last run. I can’t make a delivery.”

“We aren’t allowed to deliver the oil to lubricate the joints in these bastards,” another trucker pulled off the highway at the intersection in the middle of nowhere, crawled out of his cab and lit a cigarette. “I don’t get it. Doesn’t anyone read anymore.”

He unloaded a pallet jack out of the back of his box truck on the lift gate. With the jack in tow, the big man started a slow process of unloading 50-gallon drums of lubricating oil out of the back of the box truck and just setting them neatly on the edge of the asphalt tarmac in orderly rows. “There’s 80 gallons of lubricating oil in each major wind turbine, except in Colorado. They’re running dry!”

Bandit decided to pull the crew into Rawlings for the night, but most of the motels were booked up with travelers to Colorado being turned away. He tried a seedy motel on the edge of town and ran into an upscale gent heading toward his high-dollar Mercedes. 

“No rooms?” Bandit asked. 

“Not a one,” the tall, well dressed doctor raised his eyes under bristling eyebrows from the pavement. “I’m a cardiologist and there’s no sense trying to treat patients in Colorado. We can’t get gear or fossil fuel based medications, which most are. Hell, we can’t use sterilizing machines. People are starting to die.” He shrugged his shoulders and the gray-haired gent slipped into his two-seater luxury car and headed back to Salt Lake to catch a flight.

Bandit found a single room in a motel on the edge of town. The crew huddled their caravan of vehicles and motorcycles outside the door in the parking lot. They formed sort of a U-shape fort and the Chinaman’s Hispanic crew pulled a barbecue out of one of the vans and started a fire. They all had access to the motel room bathroom and the girls shared the two queen beds.

With folding chairs and milk crates they huddled around the fire and the crew became quiet in the silent moonlit night. The sky was amazing with final tints of crimson against the dark star-studded sky.

The rotund Chinaman was about to tell a story about the back streets of Chinatown when a couple of hippy looking guys slammed the door to the motel office and headed back to their dinky electric vehicle when they spotted the Cantina crowd around their barbecue fire.

Bandit watched as one of them looked into the compact sedan and nodded toward the crew. Suddenly out popped a long-haired mixed-race woman wrapped with vast, multicolored lengths of materials. He couldn’t tell whether she wanted to be a muslim, a terrorist or just an angry hippy. She was definitely angry and started to scream in their direction followed by her pair of seemingly unarmed guards.

“What are you doing?” She snapped at no one in particular. “It’s people like you who need to be eradicated from the planet and your fossil fuel motorcycles.”

Toby rounded the corner of one of their white vajns. Heavily armed he stormed to the rescue, but Bandit held him off. “Is there a problem?” Bandit asked and studied the marching woman.

Wrapped from her sandled feet to the top of her head in colorful berka type garments. Her face drawn and tight with angry expression.

“You know by now!” She hollered. “We’re coming for your motorcycles and your cars and trucks. How could you still drive when the planet is burning up.”

Bandit nodded to Toby to watch the other guys. “Can you read?” Bandit asked calmly.”

“I’m a graduated from UC Berkely!” She snapped.

“Is that where they taught you plant food is a pollutant?” Bandit asked moving close to her.

“All fossil fuels must be left in the ground,” she stammered.

Bandit straighten his vest over his flannel shirt while checking out her team. They were both wearing outdoor hiking boots and flannel shirts. Both had on hats, were young and fit. One hosted a knife sheath on his leather belt. The other came to a halt and folded his arms defiantly.

“So how many products are made from fossil fuels?” Bandit asked and didn’t back down. “How many health products?” He asked and stepped forward.

“I don’t care,” She stammered.

“You will,” Bandit said and stared directly into her dark eyes. “When you need a doctor or a hospital in Colorado. I suspect that’s where your headed, correct?”

“You damn right,” She snapped but her furfur diminished.

“Good luck,” Bandit said. “I hope we can suck all the CO2 away from Colorado and see what you can do with a state unable to grow food.”

She looked a tad cross-eyed trying to figure out what he said.

“What’s your issue with the motel?” Bandit asked.

“They have no rooms and no charging stations for our car,” she said. “We can’t get much further.”

“We have a diesel generator,” Bandit said and Toby went after it. “We have tacos cooked on a propane stove and Corona beers from our ICE vehicle generator charged fridge.” Her guards perked up when Mandy, her waitress-self sprang into action and delivered chilled brews.

“What’s your name?” Bandit asked. “Are you from Colorado?”

“Samatha,” she said. “We escaped the shit streets of Olympia.”

“Come on over and get warm,” Bandit suggested and the Chinaman approached with a plate of tacos and his masterful fresh guacamole with diced red onions and jalapenos. Samatha and her crew dug in.

“We heard illegals are pouring into Denver,” Bandit said.

“You’re right and we hope to land in Boulder before the drugs and homeless parade arrives,” Samatha said, bit into a fresh coleslaw and salmon taco. Her face finally lit up into a satisfied smile. “These are amazing.”

“So, you’re not onboard with all the Progressive policies?” Bandit asked and Margaret brought him a Jack on the rocks in his favorite glass tumbler.

“No one is,” Samatha said. “No one in their right mind, but there are activists bullies who are pushing this shit constantly. That’s one reason we left. It’s over the top.”

“We’re headed to the black Hills of South Dakota from LA,” Bandit said. “Where America is still a free country.”

Samatha took another bite of the  Chinaman’s magnificent marinated salmon taco, crunched and sighed satisfied.
“I’m afraid the progressive movement is coming for everyone and anyway they can. Somebody’s got to fight back and quick.”

Bandit stared into her sincere eyes. He knew, but he never heard anyone say it.

“They started in the schools,” Samatha took a swig of beer. “It’s as if it was a college class. ‘Let’s see if we can take over the country’ class and they’re doing it. Even if your senator in South Dakota is a freedom loving Republican, his staff is Woke and trying to change shit. I’ve lived it. It’s bullshit, but it’s like living in Nazi Germany. You toe the line or you’re fucked, no job and no friends. Hell, they’ll run you out of town. That’s what happened to us. We weren’t all-in playing the game and got asked to leave.”

Bandit listened intently while watching her lieutenants nod. “I’ve seen it try to edge its way into the biker community.”

“Why go to Colorado?” Bandit inquired.

“We’ve been fed the racist line against anyone who isn’t blue,” She muttered while Toby and Clay helped one of her guys hook up their car to a Honda generator set for charging. Marko yanked the cord and the little engine fired to life and warmed to its gas-powered rhythm.

Bandit took a swig of whiskey and thought for a while. “Do your thing,” Bandit said. “But know the majority of Americans want their lives back. They just want to do good, build shit and protect their families. If you run afoul of bad policies again, come find us.” He handed her his card. “The address is no good, it’s a California address, but the phone will work.”

Bandit got up and moved around the little parking lot fort, checking on stuff and his staff. Concerned, he checked the vans and Margarete followed. They grew close and she tugged on his arm. “Everything okay?” She asked.

“Yeah,” Bandit turned and looked into her sparkling blue eyes. Her brilliant gaze always warm and alert. He gave her a hug and a deep kiss. “I’m concerned. The next group we run into might not be so forthright and open. I look forward to South Dakota.”

She hugged him hard, and he wished he could scoop her up and find some warm place where they could be alone. It had been too long.

“Tomorrow,” she said as they continued to check the vans and all the crew.

Toby approached and reported the watch system for the night. The girls went inside the dinky motel room and shared the beds.

Little Juan from the Chinaman’s crew took the first watch, and then Clay and Toby managed the final few hours. About 5:00 a.m. the Chinaman and his crew went to work preparing breakfast.

Samatha slept on the floor of the motel room in a sleeping bag. Her and her team got up early, had a cup of coffee and prepared to hit the road with her car charged. “We can get almost three hundred miles,” she said to Bandit. “Thanks so much.”

“Stay in touch,” Bandit said. “We will build a new life near Sturgis. There are plenty of jobs for folks who want to get along and prosper.”

She seemed relieved, there were people of hope in the world and gave Bandit a hug. Her crew also thanked Bandit profusely and shook his hand.

Bandit pulled himself into one of the packed vans and fired it to life. He didn’t pray much, but as he watched the sun clear the dark sky and add warmth he hoped for clear weather, open roads, no-breakdowns and the lack of violent encounters.

“I’m asking for one too many,” He muttered as Toby put out his cigarette and fired up his Sportster.

“What’s that?” Frankie, Margaret’s son asked pulling himself into the van.  

“Nothing,” Bandit said, shifted into drive and rolled out of the parking lot and through motel row into the old section of town with block building from the ’30 and brick city buildings built after the war.

He turned left onto 287 heading almost due north through the muddy gap almost through the center of the Wyoming and thought about the problems they encounter the last time on bikes.

“We got everyone?” Bandit asked and Margaret touched his shoulder from the jump seat.

“Yep,” I checked twice. “Everyone is excited.”

As Bandit turned onto the lonesome highway north he pondered the miles ahead, the object of their journey. They just needed to pass through the gap and into Casper. They would be halfway across the state. He thought about his girl in Thermopolis and the fun they had.

But mostly he hoped for safe passage. He reached down beside the seat to check on the red-handled, deadly sharp machete. He checked the console for his .357 magnum and leather pouch of extra ammo.

Bandit harbored a constant confidence in the outcomes of almost anything and the ability to overcome any obstacle. He took a deep breath and said to himself, “Relax,” and shoved the van to 75 mph and set the cruise control. They were on their way.