Hey,
I’m drinking too much coffee. This week was a strange one. Sometimes the stars are out of align and everything seems to go to shit. Even the otherwise friendly dog next door bites you. If you can recognize this aura and step back, the stars will align once more and your girlfriend will call again. I swear.
We have a new team stepping up to add new life to the Cantina and to Bikernet Baggers. Buck Lovell will stay with us as the Senior Editor and is currently covering a High School Bagger build at the Buffalo Chip.
Jack McIntyre and Joe Distesfano are going to take over editing on Bikernet Baggers. Chris and Richard Kranzler will help them post articles and manage content. “The potential of Bikernet Baggers is enormous,” Buck said.
You’re going to love this news, then I’ll show you a teaser about Gard’s Arch Motorcycle Project.
QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND—If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six hours sharpening my ax, –Abraham Lincoln, quoted in the Reading, Pa., Eagle
QUICK, OPEN THE BAD JOKE FILE–On the morning that Summer Time ended I visited one of my ageing friends. I found that he was busy covering his penis with black shoe polish. I said to him, “You better get your hearing checked – You’re supposed to turn your clock back”.
Why is the space between a woman’s breasts and her hips called a waist? Because you could easily fit another pair of tits in there..
Scientists have discovered a food that diminishes a woman’s sex drive by 90%… It’s called a Wedding Cake.
–from Rogue
BIRTH OF A NEW AMERICAN CHRISTMAS TRADITION– As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.
This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Oh…. Yes there is! It is time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Or a magazine subscription.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a gazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.
Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your hometown Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.
And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community.
If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US (We the People), encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we could not imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!!
–from Joe Teresi
President
Paisano Publications
DISTRACTED BIKERS DODGING DISTRACTED MOTORISTS–Skully demonstrates GPS, rear-view camera in motorcycle helmet.
GPS, digital audio, and hands-free phone systems have become common in cars, but motorcycles have largely been left behind. Now, Skully integrates these features and more in a new motorcycle helmet.
Using GPS on a motorcycle usually involves looking down at a portable navigation device on the handlebars, but Skully Helmets wants to update that experience. The company developed the Skully P1 motorcycle helmet, which gives riders a heads-up display and integrates not only GPS, but a rear-view camera, hands-free phone system, and voice command.
According to Skully’s press materials, the display is not in the rider’s primary field of vision, and appears as if it were floating 6 meters ahead.
The helmet runs a modified version of the Android operating system, which comes loaded with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. With the helmet paired to a smartphone through Bluetooth, the rider can use voice command to make phone calls and start music playback.
The heads-up display can also show the image from an integrated rear-view camera. Skully notes that this camera has a 180 degree field of vision, so the rider can also see when it is safe to change lanes.
Skully will show off the P1 helmet this week at the Demo 2013 conference in Santa Clara, Calif. The company did not say when the helmet would become available, or list a retail price.
by Wayne Cunningham
—C.Net
–from Rebecca Segal
LA CAR SHOW COVERED BY BIKERNET–
This week was the press days – before the opening of the show to the public.
It is so much better for taking photos before the crowds show up..
Lots of new, hot, expensive cars on the market.
Vehicle interiors are beginning to look like fine upholstered furniture on most all cars and even pickups.
Ford has a new 60 – yes sixty cubic inch engine 3 cylinder car. Small, but 135 Hp !!
My two-cylinder Harley is 96 inches and the new ones are bigger at 103 inches.
Most manufacturers have at least one major new vehicle in the lineup.
Anyway – it’s a great place to see all the new vehicles in one easy day.
–Art
WEEKEND FUND RAISING EFFORT–Artist David El Romo Goes Indiegogo Crowd Funding Campaign Site To Publish Art Repurposed: Malleable Mutable Metal in Motion.
David El Romo, a metal Sculptor from Chino Valley, Arizona has launched his Indiegogo crowd funding campaign to funding his new art book, Art Repurposed: Malleable Mutable Metal in Motion and the campaign is off to a great start! ?
Art Repurposed: Malleable Mutable Metal in Motion is a beautiful hard-cover, 208-page, full-color book containing David’s sculptures.
“For many years, I’ve counseled at-risk children, most of whom have been unable to put into words their suffering. However, when given paint and a brush, they have created poignant narratives of fear, loneliness, feelings of abandonment, and longing for care and love. From these children, I’ve learned the real power art holds. Through seeing their pain eloquently expressed in pictures, I’ve come to be an artist.” __David El Romo.
What sets this crowd funding campaign apart is that individuals can raise funds to publish their projects and potentiallyinvolve thousands of people through the crowd funding process. Those who contribute virtually pre-order their book and help David complete his project quickly so it can be published in weeks and months, not years. David’s book is currently scheduled for publication at the end of October.
“So much of what ails the world is the disease of addiction. Don’t talk, feel or trust; this is the recipe for addiction. Making art is key. I know what “art” did for me and saw the power to help others…. Help me help others. Proceeds from this book will allow me to fund our children-at-risk art programs.”
100% of the proceedsfrom the sale of Art Repurposed: Malleable Mutable Metal in Motion will go toward funding workshops and purchasing supplies to continue David’s outreach to at-risk children.
For donations to the Indiegogo campaign and the publishing of Art Repurposed: Malleable Mutable Metal in Motion, David is offering an array of incentives: From a sincere thank you on a signed postcard of a piece of his sculpture, to an original piece of sculpture.
You have the power to join David in the publishing of Art Repurposed: Malleable Mutable Metal in Motion to provide funding for art programs for children at risk!
Twitter: @Art_Repurposed
Contact: Cherry Hepburn, Putnam & Smith
Office: (818) 783-4071 Cell: (818) 471-7079
cherry@putnam-smith.com
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–The Amazing Chieftain By Kiwi
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=248
Beautiful looking bike – I think the only improvement would be a hand shifter…but that is it – mission accomplished!!—GREAT JOB!
–Joe
gtrjoeles@hotmail.com
Toledo, OH
WHY WE RIDE– Theatrical Release Update
Family Day At The Movies!
Hey Fans! We just added more theaters showing our film!
Including 30 Cities with Sunday matinées on Dec. 8th so the whole family can attend!
Check the list below to find a showing near you!
INTERNATIONAL RELEASE UPDATE:
We are planning our international release for 2014.
We are currently making distribution arrangements for each country.
Please submit your email address to receive updates HERE.
Oakland, CA
The New Parkway Theater
Nov. 29, 2013
1:00pm
Nov. 30, 2013
2:30pm
Dec. 1, 2013
5:00pm
Tampa, FL
AMC Veterans 24
Dec. 02, 2013
7:30pm
West Homestead, PA
AMC Loews Waterfront 22
Dec. 02, 2013
7:30pm
Philadelphia, PA
AMC Franklin Mills Mall 14 & IMAX
Dec. 03, 2013
7:30pm
Charlotte, NC
AMC Carolina Pavilion 22
Dec. 03, 2013
7:30pm
Oklahoma City, OK
AMC Quail Springs Mall 24
Dec. 03, 2013
7:30pm
San Diego, CA
AMC Palm Promenade 24
Dec. 03, 2013
7:30pm
Fort Lauderdale, FL
AMC Coral Ridge 10
Dec. 03, 2013
7:30pm
Elizabeth, NJ
AMC Loews Jersey Gardens 20 & IMAX
Dec. 05, 2013
7:30pm
Jacksonville, FL
AMC Regency 24
Dec. 05, 2013
7:30pm
Houston, TX
AMC Studio 30
Dec. 05, 2013
7:30pm
Camarillo, CA
Hosted by Ventura Harley-Davidson
Roxy Stadium 14
Dec. 05, 2013
7:00pm
Baltimore, MD
AMC Security Square 8
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Atlanta, GA
AMC Parkway Pointe 15
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Amherst, NY
AMC Maple Ridge 8
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Walker, MI
AMC Star Grand Rapids 18
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Tallahasse, FL
AMC Tallahassee Mall 20
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Indianapolis, IN
AMC Castleton Square 14
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Braintree, MA
AMC Braintree 10
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Plainville, CT
AMC Loews Plainville 20 & IMAX
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Knoxville, TN
Carmike Wynnsong 16
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Midlothian, VA
Carmike 10
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Columbia, SC
Carmike 14
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Fort Wayne, IN
Carmike 20
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Arlington, TX
AMC The Parks at Arlington 18
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
San Antonio, TX
AMC Rivercenter 9
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Baton Rough, LA
AMC Baton Rouge 16
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Chicago, IL
AMC Loews 600 North Michigan 9
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Wauwatosa, WI
AMC Mayfair Mall 18
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Edina, MN
AMC Southdale 16
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Creve Coeur, MO
AMC Creve Coeur
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Omaha, NE
AMC Oakview Plaza 24
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Birmingham, AL
Carmike Lee Branch 15
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Des Moines, IA
Carmike Soutridge 12
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Denver, CO
AMC Cherry Creek 8
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Tucson, AZ
AMC Loews Foothills 15
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Phoenix, AZ
AMC Deer Valley 30 & IMAX
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
San Jose, CA
AMC Eastridge 15 & IMAX
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
San Francisco, CA
AMC Van Ness 14
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Riverside, CA
AMC Tyler Galleria 16
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Spokane, WA
AMC River Park Square 20 & IMAX
Dec. 08, 2013
2:00pm
Kennesaw, GA
Toys for Tot’s Benefit
Hosted by Larry Murray/The DeadMan
AMC Barrett Commons 24
Dec. 17, 2013
7:30pm
COMING SOON
Bay City, MI
Hosted by Jim Puckett
Goodrich Bay City 8
Jan. 08, 2014
5:30pm
Tucson, AZ
Hosted by Pima Community College’s
Motorcycle Rider Education Program
The Loft Cinema
Jan. 09, 2014
6:30pm
Macon, GA
Hosted by Donn Johnson
AmStar 16
Jan. 16, 2014
7:30pm
Hattiesburg, MS
Hosted by Craig Miller
and the ST1300 Owners Group
The Grand 18 Hattiesburg
Jan. 30, 2014
7:30pm
FANS:
Tell your friends, riding buddies and others to come out and see our film! As we continue to sell out theaters, we will be able to add more cities.
Or, you can host a screening and if enough people buy tickets to the theater then the screening will happen. Click here for more information.
MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIPS AND ORGANIZATIONS:
Sponsor a screening! It will be guaranteed to happen and anyone can attend. You will also receive dedicated assistance and promotional materials. Click here for more information.
KLOCKWERKS SAVINGS ALERT:
Black Friday through Cyber Monday = BLACK WEEKEND DEALS!
At Klock Werks, the deals last all weekend. From Friday, November 29 through Monday, December 2, 2013, you can take advantage of the special offers listed below.
No sale codes to enter.
No hassles.
Simply add the part you’d like to buy to your shopping cart, and the special offer (free promotional item) will be shipped with your order!
You don’t need to add the free item to your cart.
Your card won’t be charged until your order ships.
Get ready to save….Sale starts Friday, Nov. 29th!
THIS JUST IN FROM A READER–
NOW you’re cooking with gas. LOVED the Red Head in the “Daisy Dukes” and the “Red Polka Dots” was nice too.
I have read many “Biker Books” including “Soul On Bikes” many years ago. Looking forward to the next Chance book by you.
Keep up the good work and have a nice “Turkey Day”
–Fast Eddie
First of next year I will finish that puppy.—Bandit
SLOGAN OF THE DAY–Thought you might enjoy this.
David Campbell
Earl’s Garage
www.EarlsGarage.co www.facebook.com/Garage.Photos
BIG DOG FIX, Wire Plus Develops a Retrofit Kit Program for All Big Dog Owners–Wire Plus is proud to introduce their new Big Dog Motorcycle Retrofit Kit Program. Big Dog motorcycles have been plagued with electrical problems for years that have cost riders tons of time and money….not to mention owning a bike that can’t be ridden.
Wire Plus developed the Big Dog EHC Retrofit Kit as a solution to the problem that their Big Dog Motorcycle had an inevitable failing EHC. Wire Plus has now developed a new program that will save riders time and money by doing the work for you!
Save Time – It can take 8-12 hours to modify an existing Big Dog wiring harness to complete a retrofit kit install…until now!
Wire Plus will do the work for you. Just take off the stock Big Dog wiring harness (usually takes 1 – 2 hours) and send it to Wire Plus so they can do all of the work for you. They will visually inspect each individual wire, eliminate the “printer style” connectors that are exclusive to Big Dog, put on new waterproof Deutsch connectors that will make the harness “plug and play” ready for the Wire Plus EHC Retrofit Kit modules.
They will give it one more thorough inspection, bench test it to ensure that it’s perfect and ship it back to you. All you have to do is reinstall the newly modified Big Dog Harness (usually takes 1 – 2 hours), hook up and mount the EHC Retrofit Kit Modules and you’re done! There’s no more wondering if your harness is modified correctly because Wire Plus just corrected the Big Dog’s problem in a fraction of the “normal” time.
The average time it takes to modify a complete harness has been reduced to zero because Wire Plus does it for you.
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT TORTURES STUDENTS ON WEEKENDS--za-zen ZAH-ZEN, noun:
They told me that before he left he had paced the floor nervously for several days; that he had been doing za zen on his mat for about nine hours a day; that he’d gotten into a quarrel over religion with a Jehovah’s Witness on his shift as a night watchman.
I stared at the glow of the cigarette as if in za-Zen, open-eyed meditation.
Za-zen comes from the Japanese word za meaning “seat, seated” and zen, which originally comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “thought, meditation.”
HOLIDAY CHIP STUDENT BUILD CHALLENGE–Please join us on Tuesday, Nov. 26 for an opportunity to meet the students,
administrators and generous supporters behind the ground-breaking Student
Build Challenge program.
Guests at the press conference will hear from the
following guest speakers: Rod Woodruff (Sturgis Buffalo Chip president), Dave Davis (Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame), Al Reiman/ Terry Rymer (Black Hills Harley-Davidson), Keith Terry (Terry Components), Don
Kirkegaard (Sturgis Brown High School superintendent), Jeff Simmons (Sturgis
Brown High School Principal), and Chad Hedderman (Sturgis Brown High School
Instructor). In addition, attendees will get a sneak peek at the Harley-Davidson motorcycle to be transformed during this year’s build.
–Vickie Hauck
Buck Lovell, the Bikernet Baggers Senior Editor will be on hand to cover this announcement. He rode to Sturgis and never came back.—Bandit
THIS JUST IN, New Bikernet Reader Comment! Stir Jizz
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=6598
No shit. Same for ROT rally & The Texas Rally.
Just got back from Austin. Rode out there for five months.
Rode to Sturgis 14 times. New generation of bikers.
Tennis shoes, $40k custom bikes. Trailered with their golf carts.
Wtf?
— rekklss
lynnhall@cox.net
Dana Point, CA
WEEKEND GUN NUT REPORT–Bloomberg’s Weird Thanksgiving Vision.
Thanksgiving Day is not until next week, but we’re going to get the next item out of the way now. We realize that normal people, who at other times are “in the fight” regarding the right to keep and bear arms, will want to enjoy the upcoming holiday the traditional way: gathered together with family and friends, strengthening the ties with people with whom they are closest, giving thanks for the good fortune to live in the greatest country on Earth, and for at least a day or two, trying to abstain from argument and controversy.
“Normal people,” that is.
There are some other people out there–waaaaay out there–who come up with things that are so off the wall, that we can hardly describe them without saying “we are not making this stuff up.”
In this instance, we’re talking about the weird holiday vision being urged by Michael Bloomberg’s Mayors Against Illegal Guns’ “Demand Action” campaign, which seems to take its cues from another well-known holiday spoilsport.
“This Thanksgiving, when talk around the table turns to politics and current events, you can help set the record straight on some of the most common myths about guns,” the campaign’s Talking Turkey About Guns advises.
Say what? Americans who gather for a Thanksgiving celebration, after family members have driven hundreds of miles to be together, should sit down to be harangued with fictional factoids designed to promote gun control?
Is Bloomberg serious? Before Christmas Day in 1914, Allied and German soldiers otherwise embroiled in the carnage of World War I informally declared a cease fire, and even exchanged gifts and sang carols together, for crying out loud! So, give it a rest for a day or two, Bloomberg! You want to debate over gun control, bring it on, but not over cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce and pecan pie! What’s next, gun control talking points on the Turkey Talk Line?
At least come up with some new material.
Your claim that “40 percent of guns are transferred without a background check?” That one is so far from the truth that even the anti-gun Washington Post’s “Fact Checker” gave President Obama “Three Pinocchios” for using it back in March.
You say “if more guns in the hands of more people stopped gun crime, we’d be the safest country in the developed world,” but that simple-minded, worn-out line fails to acknowledge that as the numbers of guns and carry permit-holders have risen to all-time highs, the nation’s murder rate has fallen to nearly an all-time low.
You say that it is a “myth” that “all gun laws are unconstitutional.” But no one is saying that laws prohibiting possession by dangerous felons are unconstitutional or that people who misuse guns shouldn’t be punished. The debate is over legislation, which you support, that would prohibit the ownership of firearms and magazines that are best suited for defensive purposes, that would take America one crucial step closer to implementing a national gun and gun owner registration database under the “universal background checks” label and that would only impact the law-abiding.
You say it is a “myth” that “criminals don’t follow the law,” to which all we can say is “maybe on Planet Bloomberg.” The very definition of a criminal is one who disregards the law.
You say that all private transfers of firearms should be subject to background checks. Yet not only would that pave the way for gun and gun owner registration, the existing background check system hasn’t stopped anyone with serious criminal intent from stealing a gun, buying a stolen gun, or getting his girlfriend or buddy to go into a gun store and illegally straw purchase a gun for him on the sly, knowing that there is only a slight chance that he will ever be prosecuted for doing so.
Between his unyielding and well-known obsessions over gun control and the dietary habits of others, Thanksgiving dinner at the Bloomberg mansion is sure to be regular laugh riot. As far as his suggestions for holiday conversation, all we can say is, what a turkey…and hold the salt!
FLASH FROM THE PAST, New Bikernet Reader Comment! The Funniest Guy in Biker Media, J.J.
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=1457
I’ve read J.J. Solari’s articles in Easyriders Magazines from back in the late 1970s to the early 1990s & really enjoyed what I read.
Just found a bunch of old biker magazines at a yard sale & was wondering if JJ Solari is still writing…..
–Teresa Costa-Comerford
tmcosta101@gmail.com
West Hurley, NY
I just spoke to J.J. about writing a new feature for Bikernet. Agent Zebra stepped up, while J.J. is writing about the attacks on the Mongols on Facebook. –Bandit
MRF Washington Wrap-up–
I hope this email finds you well. What a week in D.C. this was. The Senate goes nuclear and Obamacare gets worse.
Well, the days of getting anything done in D.C. are dead. The Senate Democrats decided to change the Senate rules in a rare mid-session rules change. Traditionally the Senate makes all changes to the rules on the first day of session. Changing the rules mid-session is?basically making it up as you go along. The rule change will now allow for the Senate to end a filibuster with a simple majority vote of 51-49 instead of the 60-40.
There is a lot of speculation as to why the Senate did this now. Some say it was to distract the media from reporting on the flaws of Obamacare, I think its a combination of things. Yes, “going nuclear” will distract the media for a day or two but the larger impact will be on the US court of appeals for D.C. This court is considered 2nd to the Supreme Court because of the power that they have to uphold or tear down federal regulations. The Senate has not been able to confirm the three nominees Obama has sent to the Senate due to filibuster by Republicans. These new nominees will give the court a Democrat majority of 7-4, shifting the court substantially to the left.
Air quality. This court is expected to make some rulings on the Clean Air Act (CAA) that will affect the amount of greenhouse gases allowed by power plants and other sources. Motorcycles Likely not but we need to keep an eye on the future rulings.
Expect more of this sort of tactic from Congress and Obama. With the Congress steeply divided, the Administration will be using its administrative abilities and executive actions to force things through.
The Economist did a story about motorcycle helmet law and how much money we would save if every State had one. http://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21589881-feel-wind-your-hair-bill-taxpayer-your-injuries-no-brainer
I was interviewed for the story by the author. He and I were worlds apart on the issue, as he seems to have drunk the CDC Kool-Aid. I did send a letter to the editor but I encourage you all to leave some comments on the story. My letter to the editor is below:
******* The common myth that mandatory motorcycle helmet laws bring down costs associated with health care is just not true. In 2010, the Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a study of inpatient hospital expenses by state. Of the 12 most expensive states for daily inpatient hospital expenses, seven had mandatory helmet laws. Of the 12 least expensive states for daily inpatient hospital expenses, just four had mandatory helmet laws.
The column also states that Michigan’s fatalities rose after the repeal of the mandatory helmet law in 2012, which is in fact true. Michigan had 129 fatalities in 2012. What was not mentioned was the fact that the previous five years of fatalities (from 2007-2012) came out to?127, 127, 105, 125, and 113 respectively. Swings of 20 fatalities each year are not uncommon in this State where weather plays a major factor in how long people can ride comfortably. The column also does not mention that for 2012, in Michigan 66.7% of all riders who were incapacitated from motorcycle crashes were wearing a helmet.
We live with a health care system where the healthy pay for the sick. With motorcycling, like many outdoor activities, one assumes a certain level of risk than they would if they did not participate in it. We as motorcyclists know and respect the boundaries of riding.
We are not as you said “helmet-haters”, rather “helmet law haters”. Wearing a helmet should be a choice not a mandate. ********
New York City. This week at city hall the committee on environmental protection voted to strip out language that would have required all motorcycles to display the EPA stamp on the exhaust pipe.
Thanks to efforts by the MRF, ABATE of NY, and NYC riders. the provision was removed. It’s not final yet as the air quality bill still has one more hearing in the next week to ten days before its final. As you know, anything is possible.
I have it on authority from the committee staff counsel that this is absolutely political and is being driven from the Mayoral side of the city government. Thankfully, a council member, Peter Vallone, who wields a lot of power and is a rider, has vowed to defend the motorcyclists of NYC.
Please contact me directly should you need anything from me.
— Jeff
AND NOW THE FINAL WORD–New Bikernet Reader Comment!
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING Thursday NEWS FOR NOVEMBER 11, 2014
http://www.bikernetbaggers.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=12756
About the Dr Feng’s R L Hubbard Quote:
I don’t know enough about Scientology sounds like a good ethic. I tried reading Dianetics when I was kid. Just found it to dry, maybe give it shot now though.
–Jeff Craig
ridgecycles@gmail.com
LOWBROW MAKES SPECIAL HOLIDAY CONSIDERATIONS–HEY there, international Lowbrow customers, look, we finally have a special going just for YOU!
All non-USA orders over $25 (not including shipping) starting at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, November 23rd through midnight on Wednesday, November 27th, 2014 (Eastern timezone, GMT -5:00) will receive the cool gift pack pictured below. We can’t afford to give you all free shipping, but this Lowbrow shop rag, notepad and trapezoidical pencil will make your garage at least 16% cooler than it already is!
For all of our American, loyal and new customers alike, we haven’t forgotten about you, so keep an eye out for the next newsletter for a special just for you guys (and gals).
FROM BACK IN THE DAY–Back in New Hampshire with Perewitz maybe 1973. While we were munching lobster by the beach the damn goat found and munched my after-dinner stash.
Should have waited a couple hours and smoked his shit!
MAY THE STARS BE WITH YOU FOR THE HOLIDAY—A couple more calls, and all will be at peace with the world once more. Never say die, and never quit. Those slogans are a big part of the Bikernet Code of the West. We just don’t stop. Of course you need to be careful about starting too many projects.
The painter finished the detail work on the front of the building and asked for more work. I pointed at the stairway to the Performance Editor’s penthouse. Rob penciled out a very reasonable bid, and I bit. This building is very old. You can’t paint a bathroom without tearing out all the electrical and plumbing first. You can imagine.
I drove out to have lunch with the pack of nuts at Arch Motorcycles and check on progress. This bike is absolutely amazing and we will bring you more reports in the near future.
It’s so fascinating the effect of motorcycles on the world. There is nothing bland about bikes. Folks hate them and try to ban them. In many parts of the country folks can only ride a few months out of the year, but they are still dreaming about their next bike and the next run to Sturgis.
There are guys like Frank White struggling to fund a major entry-level reasonably priced line of motorcycles, and Gard Hollinger is working on a company that will produce very serious, high dollar street fighters, Dar Holdsworth is building a line of rideable choppers, and the team at Big Bear Choppers is still building long wild warrior choppers.
And against mounting restrictions, brothers all over the country still dream of building their dream scooter. Motorcycles and sex, just can’t get enough.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
