Hey,
I listen to the Blues on Sunday in the shop, via Sirius Radio. Today, for some odd reason, I have the blues to go with the music. We’re scrambling on the Bonneville project, but folks have promised parts and haven’t delivered. The checks that were in the mail never arrived. Yet, we have goals to meet for our readers, and goddamnit we’re going to be there.
Yesterday, with Jeremiah’s help I completed the straps for the NOS system, then turned to the NOS cap and Pingel electric shifter installation, thanks to Pingel. Hope I did it right. You’ll see next week in the new report. Let’s hit the news, then I’ll challenge you with some thought-provoking bluesy bullshit:
CHOPPER CHICK CREW TO DO LIVE BUILD IN ROCKEFELLER FOR NBC TODAY SHOW WEEKEND EDITION JULY 21ST– On the July 21st Saturday Edition of the NBC Today Show, the Chopper Chick Crew will reunite for yet another charity bike build. This time they will build a motorcycle in the heart of New York City at Rockefeller Center, right outside the NBC studios. The Bike will be a kit that was donated by Bikers Choice and will put the women to the test again with a live audience watching. Ultimately the completed bike will be auctioned off with all of the proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club. The bidding for the bike will begin on July 21st and continue to accept bids up until October where the winning bidder will be announced at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino during the annual bikerbash celebration.
The Chick Crew consists of Athena Ransom of Vagabond Chopper Co., who has been around motorcycles her entire life and riding since she was seven; Joann Bortles of Crazy Horse Painting, an award winning painter whose work has been featured in magazines such as Easyriders, Ironworks, and American Iron; Jayme Gray from Pussycat Choppers, an avid motorcyclist with a degree from MMI and extensive V-Twin experience; Katie Putnam from Mitch Bergeron’s, another MMI degree holder with tons of mechanical experience; and Sarah Lyon from Magnum Cycles in Kentucky, a creative, self taught mechanic. All five of whom are dedicated to building “The Pink Ribbon Chopper.”
“We are very excited to be building this bike in Rockefeller and have it auctioned off with the proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club. I believe that the Chopper Chick Crew as a whole has the opportunity to show the public that women have broken away from traditional roles. We are very proud of the work that we do and that will be evident in the finished bike,” said Athena Ransom of Vagabond Choppers.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (BGCBC) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) private agency, dedicated to helping young people improve their lives by building self-esteem and developing values and skills during their critical period of growth. Serving more than 13,000 at-risk youth, ages 7-18, each year from its 13 Broward County-area clubs, its purpose is to inspire and enable children to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Chosen as the #1 youth agency in the country three years in a row by The Chronicle of Philanthropy and one of the best run non-profit agencies in a study by Fortune 500, BGCBC keeps 98 percent of all raised funds in Broward County. Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County is located at 877 NW 61st Street Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33309
2007 FREEDOM FIGHTER ANNOUNCED– June 2007 – – The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is proud to announce the 2007 Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame Inductee, Gary Sellers.
The Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame recognizes the commitment and sacrifices individuals across the nation, and world, have made to protect the rights of motorcyclists. In their honor the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame established the nation’s first and only Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame.
Gary Sellers spent the last three decades leading ABATE of OHIO, having held just about every available position. He was a founding father for state funding for rider education in Ohio. It is estimated that the rider education has saved 2,100 lives. Sellers was the “wing man” for John “Farmer” Eggers for whom the highest award of the Motorcycle Riders Federation (MRF) is named. Charter Member of MRF nominated Sellers for the award by writing “. . . if there is a Tom Jefferson, George Washington, Ben Franklin and John Adams equivalent in the Motorcycle movement, Gary is all of those wrapped into one”.
Gary Sellers will be honored at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast, Wednesday, August 8th, at the Holiday Inn in Spearfish, South Dakota. Breakfast tickets are available for a $25.00 donation, tables of eight for $250.00. Tickets can be purchased through the Museum 605.347.2001 or on line
THUNDER MOUNTAIN CUSTOM CYCLES Creates Raffle Bike for Kids & Chrome SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM– July 2007 – – Kids & Chrome, a benefit for Children’s Home Society and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, is proud to announce that Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles has created a custom motorcycle for the 2007 Kids & Chrome event. Tod and Shelly Erdman of Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles in Loveland, Colorado, are pleased to support Kids & Chrome for the third year. Established to help children’s charities in the Black Hills, and preserve the history of motorcycling in Sturgis, this year’s Kids & Chrome event will take place during the 2007 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on August 8, at the Black Hills Convention Center near Sturgis in Spearfish, S.D.
The custom cycle, dubbed the “Soul of a Custom, Heart of Legend!, is a Sterling RM old style bobber, built with a Screamin’ Eagle 103 cu in engine and 6-speed transmission. The 35 degree rake, 68 inch wheelbase, and 25 inch seat height will make you look cool even on the hottest day.
Kids & Chrome raffle tickets for the Thunder Mountain Sterling RM old style bobber are on sale now on the Kids & Chrome website,
Event tickets for the 3rd Annual Kids & Chrome on Wednesday, August 8th, are also available on
If you are interested in donating an auction item, there is still time. It is the perfect opportunity to showcase your product and in doing so, you’ll also benefit two worthy non-profit 501 (c) 3 organizations: Children’s Home Society in Rapid City and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. Contact Darla Crown to get involved 605.391.5555, darla.crown@chssd.org.
Join us to Rally for a Reason. Together we can do great things
MILWAUKEE RALLY – BACK ON THE STREETS– The Harley-Davidson Dealers of Metro Milwaukee will be hosting this year’s action packed Milwaukee Rally! The event will be held August 30, 31, and September 1, 2007 – Labor Day Weekend – back on the streets-at the four Milwaukee area Harley dealer locations:
Milwaukee Harley-Davidson/Buell
11310 W. Silver Spring Road
Milwaukee, WI
Hal’s Harley Davidson/Buell
1925 S. Moorland Road
New Berlin, WI
Suburban Motors
139 N. Main Street
Thiensville, WI
House of Harley-Davidson/Buell
6221 W. Layton Avenue
Milwaukee, WI
VIP PACKAGES ON SALE NOW!
VIP Packages for the Milwaukee Rally are available for purchase at the participating Harley-Davidson dealerships (listed above) or on the web at www.milwaukeerally.com. The VIP packages will sell for $29.95 & include:
-VIP Laminate & Lanyard
-Pin
-Patch
-Rocker
-Poker Run Ticket
-T-shirt
2007 MILWAUKEE RALLY EVENT DETAILS:
The Milwaukee Rally will feature FREE entertainment at the four dealer locations, plus on Friday and Saturday night, (August 31 & September 1), a street party will rock Water Street in downtown Milwaukee, with a national headliner (to be announced) taking the stage on September 1, 2007. The event is FREE and open to the general public and motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide!
Rally attendees will also enjoy:
-4 giant vendor villages
-A look at the brand new 2008 Harleys – direct from the factory
-The Miss & Mr. Milwaukee Rally contest
-Stunt riding
-Pin stops
-And much more
MORE INFO:
For a current listing of events and activities, visit
www.MilwaukeeRally.com.
BIKERNET BUILD WITH SPS BDL AND HOT BIKE FOR IRAQI VETERAN– Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the show, but thanks for the invite. I spent the last two days at Kent’s getting the bike ready. He mounted the tank, made struts for the rear fender, mounted the fender, and the proceeded to tear all my parts to shit, supplying me with newer, better equipment. The second day I spent 8 hours sanding the tank, oilbag, and fender, and then hung them in the paintshop so I could apply a chemical wash to “cure” the metal.
All was well until my brother called at 6:45 last night to inform me he wouldn’t be able to get to Sturgis until the night of the 11th or the 12th. Sorry dude, Sturgis is done by then. So it looks like everything’s going to be moved to Biketoberfest or the Smoke Out West.
Riding home from Kent’s last night, I got caught in a typical summer deluge of Texas rain. Zapped my phone and maybe my camera. I will check it out this morning. Look for the GOB in an hour or two. Sorry I have been a deadbeat. I have blisters on every finger and now have two more months for the build.
I guess if I look at it from a positive note, that gives me two more months to build up some coin as I am running on fumes, financially. I did recieve a check from HB for 300, so atleast I can give Kent some money for the parts he is helping with. Oher than that, life is groovy.
JH
S&S ANNOUNCES 50th ANNIVERSARY PLANS– LA CROSSE, WI (July 11, 2006) S&S Cycle announces 50th Anniversary Celebration 2008 will mark the 50th Anniversary of S&S Cycle Inc. To celebrate this monumental event, S&S has put together the most exciting celebration the motorcycle industry has ever seen. The 50-year celebration will feature 50 builders using 50 special S&S engines to build 50 custom bikes and compete for the $50,000 Grand Prize.
The engines will incorporate six engine families, the SH-Series, the V-Series, the SB-Series, T-Series, all-new X-Wedge and a special engine to be announced on October 1st, 2007 on www.sscycle.com. These 50 engines will wear serial numbers starting at 1958 and running up to 2008-the 51st will go into an S&S special project bike-commemorating their place in this special event.
The plan is for a three-day mini-festival to take place in La Crosse, Wisconsin with dates tentatively set for June 28th, 29th and 30th of 2008. Both Mayor Bialeki of neighboring Onalaska and Mayor Johnsrud of La Crosse have promised the full support of both cities for this event. Expect a weekend full of events and excitement all around the La Crosse area, including a main festival area for the 50-bike show using the La Crosse Oktoberfest grounds.
“It is a very humbling thought that we are preparing to celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2008,” said S&S president, Brett Smith. “My grandparents founded an industry leader, the 2nd generation grew the business to new heights, and my generation has been charged with the responsibility of guiding and stewarding this business into a new era of competition in the v-twin industry.” Smith went on to say, “The number of world-renown builders and industry peers willing to support this event, along with a fantastic, yet diverse group, of community leaders in the Seven Rivers Region will most certainly make this celebration a success.
Said La Crosse Mayor Mark Johnsrud, “The 50th Anniversary of S&S Cycle is an exciting time for bike enthusiasts around the world. The City of La Crosse is proud to be a part of this celebration showcasing the community and the accomplishments of S&S Cycle.”
Mayor Jim Bialecki of Onalaska said, “There is no other event like this in the Midwest. S&S Cycle has given us an icon that will promote the area on a national level for years to come.”
We hope that you can start making plans now to join S&S for the celebration of 50 years of Proven Performance as the second and third generation of Smith family members honor the legacy of speed that founder George Smith started. Information about La Crosse and lodging in the area can be found at http://www.explorelacrosse.com ..
RUCKER PERFORMANCE SPONSORS THE 14TH ANNUAL SPORTS & FITNESS SUPERSHOW IN DALLAS– FORT WORTH – July 13, 2007 – Rucker Performance announces that it will be a sponsor of the 14th Annual Super Show at the Dallas Convention Center on August 10 – 11, 2007. There will be 21 events over two days including the O’Reilly Car Show & Motorcycle Show, USA Arm Wrestling, Pro Bodybuilding, Pro Fitness & Pro Figure, Hot Body Cover Model Search, Pro Wrestling, Martial Arts & Grappling, and Power lifting.
“We’re thrilled that Rucker Performance is joining us at the Super Show this year. Rucker bikes represent the ultimate in performance and passion and I’m confident their bikes will be among the brightest stars of our show,” said Ed Pariso, Show Producer at Vision Entertainment, Inc. “With the addition of a hot new custom car and bike show, new vendors and competitions, we expect over 20,000 visitors this year with a show that appeals to everyone in the family.”
This is the first year that the Sports & Fitness Super Show will feature the O’Reilly Rod and Custom Super Show. Cars and Motorcycles from a diverse array of private and corporate collections will compete for prize money and be on display, featuring the latest in design and performance.
Other activities will include shows, contests, training classes, seminars, the Toys for Treatment Motorcycle Toy Run and celebrity athletes, including nine-time Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight titleholder, Matt Hughes and World judo champion and five-time Olympian, Mike Swain.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Rucker Performance to show our high performance motorcycles and cars,” said Erin Rucker, Chief Officer of Operations for Rucker Performance. “We are pleased to highlight our top capabilities – like producing some of the hottest, high performance machines in the country.”
The Sports & Fitness Super Show has evolved throughout the last decade into one of the most adrenaline-filled events in the country for people who love maximum performance in every aspect of their lives. For more information on the Sports & Fitness Super Show, log on to www.supershowexpo.com.
MINNESOTA HELMET POLL– There is a poll on helmet mandates for Minnesota motorcyclists on this page.
http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1301145.html>http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1301145.html
We are losing 60% to 40%. Get everyone to vote. We should never lose an on-line poll.
–Mack Backlund
State Coordinator
ABATE of Minnesota
–from Rogue
THE MUSLIM QUARTERBACK– The coach had put together the perfect team for the Oakland Raiders. The only thing missing was a good quarterback. He had scouted all the Colleges and even the Canadian and European Leagues, but he couldn’t find a ringer who could ensure a Super Bowl victory.
Then one night, while watching CNN, he saw a war-zone scene in Afghanistan. In one corner of the background, he spotted a young Afghan Muslim soldier with a truly incredible arm. He threw a hand-grenade straight into a window from 80 yards away. Then he threw another grenade from 50 yards down a chimney, and then hit a passing car going 80 miles per hour.
I’ve got to get this guy!” coach said to himself. “He has the perfect arm!” So, he brings the young Afghan to the States and teaches him the great game of football …… and sure enough the Raiders go on to win the Super Bowl.
The young Afghan is hailed as a hero of football, and when the Coach asks him what he wants, all the young man wants to do is call his mother.
“Mom,” he says into the phone, “I just won the Super Bowl!”
“I don’t want to talk to you,” the old Muslim woman says. “You disappointed us. You are not my son!”
“Mother, I don’t think you understand,” pleads the son, “I’ve just won the greatest sporting event in the world!”
“No! Let me tell you,” his mother retorts, “at this very moment there are gunshots all around us. The neighborhood is a pile of rubble. Your two brothers were beaten within an inch of their lives last week, and I have to keep your sister in the house so she doesn’t get assaulted!”
The old lady pauses, then tearfully says, “I will never forgive you for making us move to Oakland!”
–from Buckshot
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