General Posts

Scotty goes south for the winter… all the way to Mexico  The Texas border crossing had been a terrifying experience for all the media hype, American’s telling me horror stories, and even the border guards worried for my security. But life is always a gamble and living by the confines of fear does not seem like much of a life at all. So I’d simply allow myself to feel the fear and do it anyway. The object of winter in Mexico is to find warmer climates so, in my usual style of roadside camping, I’d been riding steadily south for days. Thus far I’d found Mexico’s “security” problem no different than any other winter I’d spent here and again I began to marvel at the media’s ability to terrify the people so thoroughly. Read more.

This summer, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip is bringing back Lynyrd Skynyrd for a performance on Monday, Aug. 8. The band has become the standard bearer of classic American rock at the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling, carrying the torch of freedom and independence through their music. Lynyrd Skynyrd has created a legacy much larger than their 30 million albums sold–breaking down generational barriers and becoming a standard in motorcycle culture. After nearly five decades of creating massive hits such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Gimme Three Steps” and “Freebird,” it’s no wonder Skynyrd is followed by a loyal legion of enthusiastic fans. “Without a doubt Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the Buffalo Chip’s fans most favored bands,” said Rod Woodruff, Buffalo Chip President. “You typically see at least three generations of music and motorcycle fans, standing together and singing along to their songs. Their music is at the heart of American rock, just like the Buffalo Chip.” The addition of Lynyrd Skynyrd makes four world-class performances announced for the Buffalo Chip’s upcoming 35th anniversary party: Sunday, Aug. 7 – Kid Rock Monday, Aug. 8 – Lynyrd Skynyrd Thursday, Aug. 11 – Miranda Lambert Saturday, Aug – “Weird Al” Yankovic Enjoy a selection of live concert footage over the years. Click here.

National Cycle’s VStream Windscreens were developped to complement Harley-Davidson’s newly redesigned FLTR Road Glide and their triple-vented shark nose fairing. VStream’s cutting-edge aeroacoustic contour features a wider profile at the top, which pushes turbulent, noisy airflow to the side and away from the rider’s helmet. This extra width creates a quiet pocket of air with significantly reduced helmet buffeting for a calmer and quieter ride compared to the stock screen, they say. VStream windscreens are made from tough 4.5mm Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate that makes the VStream 30x more scratch resistant than acrylic, and 10x more than standard hardcoated polycarbonate. Made in the U.S.A., National Cycle’s windscreens are protected by a 3-year warranty against breakage. They are available in three configurations: the Low Windscreen with a Dark Tint (Part #N20433), the Touring Windscreen with a Light Tint (Part # N20432), and the Tall Touring Windscreen with No Tint (#N20431). More information here.

The 29th annual Dennis Kirk’s Donnie Smith Bike & Car Show will be held April 2-3 at the St. Paul RiverCentre in St Paul, MN. The show will feature custom motorcycles, cars, trucks, entertainment and a huge swap meet. Gear-heads and their families can enjoy eye-candy from 35 classes of motorcycles, including baggers, choppers, retro bobbers and cruisers and 22 classes of vintage and antique cars, hot rods and rat rods. “There truly is something to see and do for everyone,” said Donnie Smith, famed customizer and show namesake. ”People travel from all over the country to enjoy the weekend, checking out award-winning cars and bikes, talking to famous builders, shopping and having a great time. St. Paul is a great community, and with all of its hotels, restaurants and bars, it’s the perfect setting for this show.” Families and friends are encouraged to come together to share their passions for bikes and cars, discover the latest products and services and enjoy free live entertainment. The Lamont Cranston Blues Band takes the stage in the hall on Saturday, April 2, doors open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 3 doors open 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Awards ceremonies for all classes will take place on Sunday, April 3 at 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000 or in person at the RiverCentre box office at 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN. Children under the age of 12 get in free. Additional information can be found at www.DonnieSmithBikeShow.com.

Here’s something to help you get the week started with a bang! Feel free to share this!

Gettysburg Bike Week has announced finalization of the 2016 rally’s slate of events in July. Bike runs; bike shows; burn out, tattoo, and bikini contests; and great bands are just a few of the festivities planned for Gettysburg Bike Week 2016. “We’re packing a ton of motorcycle fun into four days,” says GBW event coordinator Kelly Shue. “We’ve got everything regulars have come to expect from Gettysburg Bike Week, plus a few surprises.” Jack Schit is back as emcee for the entire event, Gin Gypsies will be slinging the drinks and Quiet Riot, Kix, Mustang Sally and The Marshall Tucker Band are among this year’s musical guests at GBW 2016. A full events schedule follows: GETTYSBURG BIKE WEEK 2016 SLATE OF EVENTS (All festivities held at the ALLSTAR EVENTS COMPLEX) THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016 2 p.m. Gates open 2-10:30 p.m. VENDOR VILLAGE open to rally goers 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. WHISKEY BURN on the Budweiser Stage 4 p.m. PINK JOURNEY OF LIGHTS RIDE at Battlefield Harley-Davidson 5:15 p.m. OPENING CEREMONY with Whiskey Burn performing National Anthem 5:30-6 p.m. In front of the Budweiser Stage: TORCH’S ROCK AND ROLL INFERNO FIRE PERFORMER 6-7:30 p.m. BLIZZARD OF OZZY (Ozzy/Black Sabbath tribute band) on the Budweiser Stage 8 p.m. QUIET RIOT on the Budweiser Stage, presented by Beckley’s Camping Center FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2016 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. VENDOR VILLAGE open to rally goers 10 a.m.-4 p.m. POKER RUN (starts at Allstar Complex, must be back by 4 p.m.) STARS OF HOPE run to benefit New Hope Ministries 11 a.m. CYCLE SOURCE RIDE through the battlefield registration NOON-1:30 p.m. MARSHALL’S HIGHWAY on the Budweiser Stage 2 p.m. TATTOO CONTEST on the Budweiser Stage, sponsored by Creative Hands Tattoos and Piercings 3 p.m. BIKINI WASH by girls from International Bikini Team 3-4:15 p.m. HOT LIKE MOLLY on the Budweiser Stage 4:15-5:15 p.m. GINGER ROXX on the Budweiser Stage 6-7:30 p.m. JOYRIDE

Honors to fallen riders, Driverless cars, RPM act and restriction on black box data and more. Click here to read the NCOM News on Bikenet.

I have always liked the Broken Spoke in Daytona and the relaxed atmosphere, plenty of places to sit and relax while you have a beverage, something to eat and listen to and watch the entertainment. A win win situation. Read more here.

Hey, I’m confused today. A brother of mine reminded me of his mantra, “We are facing constant and expanding regulation. We need to adapt to it.” I can’t. Maybe I’m not bright enough to read all the daunting fine print. Here’s a terrible example of government deliberate confusion. In Newport Beach, California you must go to the city for a permit to replace your worn or damaged garbage disposal. It only takes a guy ten minutes to replace it, but in this town he must have a certified contractor handle the task and have a city inspector sign off on the deal. I can’t imagine the cost. In Connecticut, a relative of mine is building her home inside an old stone stable building. She is required to get permits for anything her and her husband does outside the building, like build another garage or shop. But inside the building is up to them. No permits. So what’s it all about? Too often regulation turns into business. To build motorcycle mufflers for California you must have them certified and install Catalytic Convertors, which will cost an additional 100 dollars per muffler. My bro, is running a business as a consultant to pipe companies to help them through the process. More regulation might benefit his business. One manufacturer promoted this certification process to give him a heads up in the muffler market. He’s no longer in business. Are you beginning to smell the smoke and see the mirrors? Let’s hit the news there’s more controversy ahead. The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by Cycle Source Magazine, Iron Trader, and ChopperTown. – This week we’ll bring you the latest in upcoming events, legal woos, new products, sexy women and as always the bad jokes (I know they’re around here somewhere). Click

Samsung partnered with Leo Burnett, motocross star Edo Mossi and local YouTube influencer Cane Secco to develop a “Smart Windshield” prototype for motorcycles. The idea is to allow the rider to stay connected while riding, without taking his eyes off the road. How do you feel about that?