It’s the first Sunday Post of 2005 and I’m scrambling. I told myself when I peeled out of the Primedia High Rise on Thursday that I wasn’t going to write a goddamn thing this weekend. Last weekend I wrote my first Badlands chapter in over a year. It’s about a true legend in the industry, Paul Vestal. Don’t tell him that. He was a member of a Pennsylvania single-chapter club called the Low-Riders. Paul was much more than just a good brother, but you’ll have to wait for the April issue of Hot Bike to read the saga.
But back to this harried goddamn weekend. I have three major loves, Sex, Writing and Riding, then working on motorcycles and art. Okay, now you have my numbers. I love to write, but this building is a massive list of projects, so I decided no writing this holiday weekend. I had a couple of projects to face and the list expanded. Then the lovely Layla hinted that we needed a chapter of the Cantina Soap, so I nailed it and sipped some 12 year old Tullamore Dew, shipped in from a kind reader. I’ll get to the news then tell you about my unassuming new years launch:
Brother In Need–
I AM CM1 MARK STEFFENER THOSE ARE MY MEN WE LOST ON THAT DARK NIGHT IN APRIL 04. THOSE OF US THAT HAVE RETURNED HOME WANT TO HAVE A BIKE RUN OF SOME SORT THE LAST WEEKEND IN APRIL IN HOPES TO RAISE COLLEGE FUND MONIES FOR THERE CHILDREN. BEING THEIR LEADER IN COMBAT I WAS ASKED TO ORGANIZE THE RIDE AS WELL.. I COULD SURE USE SOME HELP, AS THIS IS ALL NEW TO ME.
THANKS
MARK STEFFENER (CM1)
LIZ@LUNGS-R-US.COM>
“TOWEL HEADS”
Recently, I received a warning about the use of this politically incorrect term, so please note, we all need to be more sensitive in our choice of words.
I have been informed that the Islamic terrorists who hate our guts and want to kill us do not like to be called “Towel Heads”, since the item they wear on their heads is not a towel, but actually, a small, folded sheet. Therefore, from this point forward, please refer to them as “Little Sheet Heads.”
Thank you for your support and compliance on this delicate matter.
Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.
Rogue
Some old thoughts When I die, I want to die like my grandfather–who died peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming like all the passengers in his car.”
Advice for the day:
If you have a lot of tension and you get a headache, do what it says on the aspirin bottle: “Take two aspirin” and “Keep away from children.”
“The problem with the designated driver program, it’s not a desirable job, but if you ever get sucked into doing it, have fun with it. At the end of the night, drop them off at the wrong house.”
“My Mom said she learned how to swim when someone took her out in the lake and threw her off the boat. I said, ‘Mom, they weren’t trying to teach you how to swim.'”
“A study in the Washington Post says that women have better verbal skills than men. I just want to say to the authors of that study: “Duh.”
“Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant?? I’m halfway through my fish burger and I realize, Oh my God…. I could be eating a slow learner.”
“I think that’s how Chicago got started. Bunch of people in New York said, ‘Gee, I’m enjoying the crime and the poverty, but it just isn’t cold enough. Let’s go west.'”
“Sometimes I think war is God’s way of teaching us geography.”
“Remember in elementary school, you were told that in case of fire you have to line up quietly in a single file line from smallest to tallest. What is the logic in that? What, do tall people burn slower?”
“Our bombs are smarter than the average high school student. At least they can find Iraq.”
Do you know why they call it “PMS”? Because “Mad Cow Disease” was taken.
Bandit–
Though Toy Runs Do A Lot Of Good, they have been coming under criticism from many residents because they tie up traffic for hours on main city roads.
A suggestion is that if the intent is really to give toys to the needy, people could just meet at the point where the run ends and make their donation.
It has gotten away from the true meaning of giving to Hey See Us Were Here.
On the other hand if this is the price that the motorcyclist want to be paid for their charitable acts then it is up to the agencies receiving the toys and the cities that are involved to support them.
Just for the record Myself and Many Friends no longer make the run. We go to the Park and Drop Our Presents Off.
ROGUE
TWIN CAM UPSWEEP FISHTAILS
Are these cool or what? Paughco has just released several new exhaust systems for Twin Cam machines including these awesome UPSWEEP FISHTAILS. Sporting traditional chopper exhaust styling with approximately 30 degree upsweep in the 1 3?4″ pipes and classic Paughco FISHTAIL tips this new system will give any late machine a definite attitude. Designed for 2000 to present Twin Cam applications the UPSWEEP TWIN CAM FISHTAILS extend just past the rear fender and feature a straight through design. Finished in Paughco’s flawless chrome, TWIN CAM FISHTAILS are sold complete with all mounting hardware and retail for $359.95. For complete details call 775-246-5738 or visit www.paughco.com
Motorcycle group helps, educates
Thousands join annual ABATE Toy Run to aid people in need
BY DAN GARCIA
FLORIDA TODAY
When 20,000 motorcyclists roared down U.S. 1 between Merritt Square mall and Wickham Park in Melbourne during the ABATE organization’s annual holiday Toy Run in December, they made an imposing presence.
Just don’t call them a motorcycle club.
The 2,000 motorcyclists who belong to two Brevard County chapters of ABATE say they function more as a charitable, educational and safety-awareness organization.
In fact, ABATE stands for American Bikers Aimed Toward Education, and there are chapters throughout the United States.
The Florida membership includes doctors, lawyers, police officers, at least one mayor, snowbirds and yuppies — in short, people from all walks of life.
Outdated image “That image of the outlaw biker was sensationalized by Hollywood,” said George Guignet, a Cocoa retiree who is a member of the Brevard chapter of ABATE, based in Cocoa. The Interstate chapter of ABATE is based in Melbourne.
“They used to call us hoodlums in the ’60s, but it’s not like that anymore,” Guignet said. “What happened is that Harley started making their dealerships look less like bike shops by selling nice leather clothing, boots, gloves and scarves, and it became a lot more attractive to the yuppie crowd.”
Mike Walters, spokesman for the ABATE Interstate Chapter in Highlands County, said: “It’s not like it was in the ’60s and ’70s, when motorcyclists had long hair, beards and dirty clothes, and you were afraid they’d mug you.
“We have a lot of retired members who drive their bikes to the early-bird specials.”
Mike Johnson, president of the Brevard chapter, said the local group sponsored the 23rd annual Toy Run on Dec. 5, which drew riders from throughout the country. Among those benefiting from the run were the Cocoa Police Department, the Azan Shriners Center in Melbourne, the Shriners Hospital in Tampa, the Sharing Center of South Brevard and Camp Chance.
Lobbying for rights
Johnson said ABATE members lobby for motorcycle rights, such as riding without a helmet, and oppose laws that limit handlebars to 15 inches above the seat.
Currently, Florida riders older than 21 have the option to ride without a helmet, “but there is an effort to bring up the issue in the Legislature again,” Johnson said.
“We also do seminars on motorcycle safety,” he said. “We might speak at a senior center or other public place, because sometimes drivers just don’t see motorcycles behind them.”
George Little, a 78-year-old Shriner who belongs to the Brevard chapter, said he joined ABATE as a way to help younger people in need.
“They started 23 years ago with 10 to 15 bikers, and now they’ve got the Toy Run with over 20,000,” Little said. “It’s great to see a kid get into the burn ward or the orthopedic ward at the Shriners Hospital because of the money raised by the Toy Run.”
Mike Flowers, of the Interstate chapter, said his organization has raised money through raffles and other methods to provide youths with scholarship money. At Christmas, ABATE members “adopted” families, especially those hit by the hurricanes, bringing them toys, food and clothing.
Mostly, Flowers said, he joined ABATE because of his love of motorcycling.
“I think people have to ride a motorcycle to understand it. Sometimes I ride 15 miles out of my way just because I like riding. There’s a freedom to it.”
Contact Garcia at 242-3669 or dgarcia@flatoday.net.
More information
To find out more about ABATE in Brevard County, visit
www.abateflorida.com and click on chapters.
Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
Bikernet Movie Review By Madd Mike
Motorcycle Gang (1994)
Directed By: John Milius (Red Dawn, Flight of the Intruder)
Starring:
Gerald McRaney – Cal
Jake Busey – Jake
John Cassini – Crab
Richard Edson – Volker
Carl Gugino – Leann
Elan Oberon – Jean
Originally airing in 1994 as part of the Showtime’s rebel Highway series. It has taken nearly a decade for this film to arrive on video and DVD. I quess all the Motorcycle mania hitting cable finally woke someone up.
This movie is supposed to be set in the 1950’s, but feels more like the early 60’s to me. Jake Busey (Jake) is the drug-dealing Leader of a loosely affiliated motorcycle gang who spends his time raising hell and shooting drugs. Gerald McRaney (Cal) who is married to a slut of a woman Elan Oberan (Jean) is moving his wife and daughter Carla Gugino (Leann) from Texas to California. The movie starts out a little slow but picks up when Jake and his crew meet up with Cal and his family. Jake takes one look at Leann and like any Hollywood created Motorcycle Gang Member he decides to kidnap her. Gugino (Leann) seems to be enjoying the attention (like mother like Daughter) but dad wants her back and the film starts getting interesting. McRaney (Cal) Spent some time in the Korea war and isn’t about to take it laying down. From here till the end the movie kicks ass.
Personally I liked the movie, although most of the critics thought it was shit. Well fuck them! Its cold and snowy in the pacific Northwest and there isn’t nothing like a B movie to make the evening go by.
Madd Mike
Snow In Texas–
You have all the “snow pictures of Texas”, here is mine that I made into an X-mas card.
Have a good and safe year to you and yours
Terry G.
Hey, Bro!
Editor for Hot Bike now, huh? Way ta go! Guess I’ll have to subscribe again now!
I did a shoot on a buddy’s scoot, a custom Night Train that might fit the needs of Hot Bike. I’ll send ya a couple of pics. It’s pretty awesome for a “garage” bike. Single sided swing arm, 240 rear tire, lotsa goodies, and a GREAT paint job. Check it out, and see what ya think. Oh, by da way–
Happy F’in New Year!!
B.
Royal Purple–
Ya know I think You would be surprised at how well your tranny will shift and work if you put Royal Purple Tranny oil in it….Surprises everyone that does… Just a thought
Skoot
Howdy Bandit–
Just wanted to say Hi. I met you at your house for the No Love Party. I am Irish Rich’s friend Carlos. Any way here’s some pic’s of my bike and my lady Friend Marqui. I also wanted to ask you when we can order the little Joe HA leather. I tried to order and got an email with order number , but I could not figure out how to proceed.
Happy New Year to you and Nyla.
MORE PROJECTS WAIT–I attempted to work out this weekend, but every day turned into a physical workout. I climbed ladders and caulked windows, drug and lifted racks of steel, cut 4 X 4?s and welded until I had a tan.
Energy was high all weekend. Project fell into place with Nyla’s helpful runs to Home Depot and her terrific idea notions. We’re a terrific team. When I need alternate thinking she has terrific schemes and visa versa. She backs those notions with helpful assistance. She doesn’t point at a project, bark and disappear to do her nails. She’s on the job, but when it comes to showers and sex with the work is done, she’s on all fours crawling to the bed, then the New Years Eve phone calls started rolling in. The party didn’t start until after the midnight bell welcomed the new year.
Another storm is rolling in so we’re scrambling on roof repairs today, finishing shop projects and praying for some time to watch at least one football game. Whattaya think, will I make it? Who the fuck knows. 2005 is going to be a whirlwind, and through Bikernet I’ll take you down this road and show you each twist and turn. Should be one helluva year. And I can’t say it enough, thanks for all your support and friendship. Makes it all worthwhile. Now, where’s that can of Rustoleum?
Happy Fuckin’ New Year,
–Bandit
