General Posts

In the 100th running of the legendary Springfield Mile, Jared Mees secured his fifth career Grand National Championship. His 2018 title marks back-to-back years as champion aboard his Indian Scout FTR750. In the final lap of the Springfield Mile II, fellow Indian Wrecking Crew rider Bryan Smith passed Mees and captured his first win of the 2018 season. The second-place finish was enough to lock-in the 2018 title for Mees. Though the Springfield Mile II marked his first win of the season, this was Smith’s fifth time reaching the podium in 2018. Smith strategically sat out during the Peoria TT on August 18 to provide additional rest for a broken bone he’s been healing since crashing at the Texas Half-Mile in April. Smith last raced at the Black Hills Half-Mile on August 7, where he placed third. “Bryan has had to overcome adversity this season. He’s a true competitor, and we couldn’t be happier to see him win in dramatic fashion,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology & Service for Indian Motorcycle. “While celebrating with Bryan on his incredible victory, we also got to witness Mees bring home back-to-back titles on the Scout FTR750. His ability to be competitive in each and every race is astonishing. He’s truly one of the best to ever race.” After more than 60 years away from flat track racing, Indian Motorcycle has captured consecutive Manufacturer’s Championships and back-to-back rider titles with Mees winning in 2017 and 2018. The Indian Motorcycle factory team dominated the 2017 schedule and swept first, second and third-place overall standings. In 2018, numerous privateers gravitated to the championship-winning race bike – choosing to pilot the Scout FTR750 in AFT competition. Nothing better exemplifies this than the 15 Scout FTR750’s that appeared in the Springfield Mile II Main event. […]

Three 2019 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ models offer show-stopping finishes, advanced technology, exclusive components and attention to detail that borders on obsessive. The Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations™ program creates limited-production Harley-Davidson motorcycle models for the most-discerning customers, often using finishes, materials and accessories that are only available on a CVO model. Read more.  

Sturgis is behind us, Bonneville is wrapping up now. Las Vegas Bike Fest and Meeting of the Minds is coming up. That’s just to name a few of the on-going events happening. Plus the show circuits will kick off in the next couple of months. Hell Bob Kay is back with the IMS shows, Jeff Najar shifted to AMD and hang on for the new custom bikes being built around the country. I’m watching a documentary series on the internet and the digital world. Think about this statement. Artificial Intelligence has the capability to share learning across the enter platform immediately, something humans can’t do. So, if an automated car learns something today, theoretically all automated cars on the planet could learn the same thing in a minute. Think about that for a second. Read more.

Flashback to the Pages of “Chopper Mag” November 1969. Check this out, it’s a blast! Read more.

So Speed Week has come and gone at the Bonneville Salt Flats, but for those of us only interested in the two wheel variety of speed freak fun, the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials are just starting. For me this is a bittersweet return. After many years away from what I have become to know as a second home, I am back among old friends and family. The salt conditions are, as many folks have reported, the best they have seen in ten years. With the weather report looking clear into next week, it would seem that each of the 250-some registered riders are poised to smash the record books. With the track set up complete, we spent the day watching all the riders shiver nervously as they stood in line for tech inspection. Scrutineering, as it is called, is run by Drew Gatewood, and he has broken many hearts at the Speed Trials over the years; exactly what I am hoping doesn’t happen to me this year. Read more.

LAST DAY TO SAVE ON YOUR MEETING OF THE MINDS REGISTRATION! REGISTER NOW! Meeting of the Minds 2018

We are keeping it simple this week and away from politics and the climate. This week is centered on Panheads, girls and whiskey, my favorites. Read more.

This past July I got my hands on a 1982 Harley-Davidson FLHS. My buddy, Rusty the Painter had it. He and I did some horse-trading and it was mine. I took the old girl over to my friend Jay’s shop. He owns Hollywood’s Cycles in McAdenville, NC. Brad is the wrench there and Jay runs the front end. I have known Jay for a number of years. At one time we worked together, and I have also worked with Brad. They are good people. I took the Shovel to Jay because there’s not enough room in my garage, and another reason is I know Jay keeps his bikes tight and clean, the way I like mine. Jay also knew I would be a picky customer??? Did I say picky or pricky?? Read more.

Michael picks the builders and artists from a wide range of styles, backgrounds and day jobs. They vary in ages, and come from all over the country. Hell Bandit’s son Frankie Ball, who is a tattoo artist was allowed to pieces in the Exhibit. Read more.