I’m awake I swear. We stood in the street and drag raced John Covington, Steed Muscle Bikes down Alameda Boulevard until 1:00 in the morning. John’s configuration for custom bikes is all about performance and handling. His prices are also reasonable. Even the long bikes are light and agile, with 300 Avons. The details are there with quality components and engines from S&S and Baker Transmissions.
This morning was slow going. She didn’t crawl all over me until almost noon. We have a new slinky blonde handling images. She was up until after 3:00 in the morning. Don’t blame me if an image or two is flopped.
Let’s hit the news. It’s too hot to sit here and sweat behind the computer:
CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND, HOLLISTER AND HISTORY
Hollister July 3rd, 2004. Charlie Brechtel played his usual, fast paced original music to a fantastic crowd in Hollister again this year. One difference. The awards.
Charlie, being a biker type from the old school and knowing many from that era, decided that recognition was long overdue for some. That some being the Top Hatters MC and the Boozefighters MC. Two of the clubs that were actually in Hollister during the infamous 1947 event.
Charlie arranged for plaques to be presented to the two original members of the Top Hatters, , both in their 80?s. And representatives of the Boozefighters. The plaques are for a lifetime achievement. Not so much for any individual but for a concept. The biker concept. The brotherhood that has stood the test of time. The camaraderie that holds true today for bikers from all walks of life. For the love of the machine, the road, the life.
Jess and Joe Bravo were there. They lived it and still do. It was not a passing fancy for them, wasn?t a childhood adventure but a style, a lifestyle they continue to live to this day.
The Tophatters have been around since 1947 and will be around in 2047 because they build on a principle, a simple principle. Love and respect for the open road and those that ride it. Charlie wanted people to know that. He wanted Jess and Joe to know that.
The Boozefighters started in1946 officially. Wino Willie and the boys. Quite a story there. Far more then can be put in this small space. The website can tell you more, just look for them. Type in Boozefighters in any search engine and you will have reading for days. Check out www.theoriginalwildones.com for the book and DVD to be released soon.
The Hollister event is history, some true, some not so true. It continues today because of those that came before us. We honor those people, we respect those people, we love those people. The future will bring us more people to remember because this is one lifestyle that will never go away. Freedom is the song of the road and bikers know the words by heart.
So be you an Hells Angel, a Boozefighter, Top Hatter, Outlaw, Rebel, Henchman or any of a thousand other names, Charlie salutes you because you are you. Bikers. The last of the true Americans who understand Freedom.
He thanks all of you for standing tall.
A Letter to Charlie:
It was nice to meet you at the Top Hatters booth Friday afternoon.
Wanted to thank you for the song you wrote about my dad (Jess) and uncle as well as the award. You did an awesome job capturing their spirit from 1947! >
Thanks again for the tribute – nice to know others out there think as highly of these two as I do! Attached are a few pics from the afternoon for you. Feel free to use/post.
Sincerely,
Dana Bravo
Sunday Hot Builder Revealed
Just wanted to hook you up with a really hot builder. Jerry Graves from Boynton Beach Florida. This guy’s is on fire ! Wins at the Rat’s Hole & Boardwalk Classic bikes shows this past March in Daytona, were followed up with a win at the Rat’s Hole Show in Leesburg Florida in May.
Imagine the look on everyone’s face when we fired the drop seat bike up after winning at the Rat’s Hole show in Daytona and rode it right down Main Street. ” It’s a show bike, It’s never ridden. ”
Check out the enclosed photos. Here’s Jerry’s website, http://www.gravescustomcycles.com. It’s under construction as I write, but it will be on the run soon.
Mike
Run For Breath Next WeekendI got the last two awards from Mike Newton at magnum Cycles yesterdsay and the “MEANEST”and I finished tagging and classifying them this morning. Everything is go for next Sunday.
All of the awards are something special, thanks to everyone involved in making them! Later!
Sturgis All Lady’s Dice Run– – Bikers from throughout the Northern Hills area will roll through the Black Hills to raise money for charity over the next couple of weeks.
Starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 17, local women will gather at Sturgis Harley-Davidson to ride in the first All Lady’s Dice Run. Ride proceeds will benefit the Rapid City Women’s Shelter, the Sturgis Crisis Center, the Artemis House in Spearfish, and the Lead Women’s Shelter.
Starting at 9 a.m., the women will take their first roll in a game of Yahtzee at the Harley shop before moving on through Vanocker Canyon to Rapid City, to the second roll at Stamper’s Black Hills Gold Jewelry. The third roll will take bikers up scenic Highway 16 to Chute Roosters in Hill City, where a free lunch of burgers, brats and hot dogs will be provided.
Following lunch, the fourth Yahtzee roll will take bikers to Boondocks in Brownsville, and the final roll will be held at the Days End Campground in Sturgis. Following the ride, participants will relax at the campground with a bachelor auction and live entertainment from Barry Pitt of “Red Line.” Bachelors in the auction will wipe down the winners’ bikes and set up their tents. Grand prize for the Yahtzee game winner will be two nights in the hotel suite at Cadillac Jack’s in Deadwood.
On Saturday, July 24, Black Hills Choppers of Spearfish will host “Ride for the Cure,” a benefit poker ride for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Registration fee is $30, and the ride will start at 9:30 a.m. at Black Hills Choppers on Jackson Boulevard. The first 120 riders to register will receive an event T-shirt.
Starting at 11 a.m. the MDA riders will be split up, with some riding to Sturgis, and others to Beulah, Wyo. Stops for this short poker ride will include Terry Components in Spearfish, Sand Creek Trading Post in Beulah, Wyo., and the Firehouse Saloon in Sturgis. The ride will end at the Back Porch and B&B Bar in Spearfish, where food will be catered by Butters Pizza and prizes will be given out.
Another poker run, on Sunday, July 25, will help raise money for the forgotten elderly. The 6th annual Poker Run to Devils Tower is co-sponsored by National Mutual Benefit Northern Black Hills Branch 73, and the Rushmore Ramblers Motorcycle Club of Spearfish.
Though poker runs are typically associated with motorcycles, this ride welcomes cars. Registration for the event will be $10 per hand, and will be held at Spearfish City Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City Park Band Shell.
The run will take participants through Spearfish Canyon, to Sundance on Highway 585, to the Tower View Cafe by Devil’s Tower, and to Captain Ron’s in Hulett.
–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
Sunday Bikernet Men’s Rules
Finally, the guys side of the story. We always hear the “rules” from the female side. Now here are the rules from the male side. These are our rules!
*Please note … These are all numbered “1” ON PURPOSE! 1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You’re a big girl. If it’s up, put it down.
1. Sunday = Sports. It’s like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
1. Shopping is not a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious ones do not work! Just say it!
1. yes and no are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That’s what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a Doctor.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.
1. If you won’t dress like the Victoria’s secret girls, don’t expect us to act like soap opera guys.
1 If you think you are fat, you probably are, don’t ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways make you sad or angry, we meant the other one.
1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it your self.
1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
1. All men see in only 16 colors, like windows default settings. Peach , for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say “nothing,” we will act like nothing’s wrong. We know you are lying, but it’s is just not worth the hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don’t want us to answer, expect an answer you don’t want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine… Really.
1. Don’t ask us what we’re thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or monster trucks.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round is a shape.
–from Bob T.
Sunday Performance Formula
Here’s a build for ya to try, and it’s a good one too. Delkron generator, big bore cases, S&S 35/8 big bore cylinders, S&S 4 3/4 stroke 8.25 flywheels, S&S super rods, early shovelheads massaged by Dave Mackey flow and port. We’re going with dual plugs,?black diamond valves, ampco 45 guides, crane 175lbs valve springs, titanium top collers, Roller rockers, JIMS aluminum lifter blocks with Crane solid lifters and pushrods, the type that you have to lift the rocker box to remove. They are 30 percent lighter and they correct the geo. on the exhaust valves. B grind andrews cam, a mallory electronic distributor, two 1.5 ohm coils, Rev Tech. We installed an alternator, the one that goes where the generator is supposed to go. m
Make sure you get the flywheel scraper built up to match the smaller flywheels. Put in the Delkron windage tray. a S&S Super G punched out to 56mm, a Youst power tube, a Thunder jet. Use Keith Black 10.5 to 1 pistons.
I did this build at 1 mile high in Denver and it pulled 125 hp at the rear wheel…and would bounce the tach to 6500 with no stress. Just thought you may like to try it. It does runs hard and even idles.
–later, Skooter
Biker Public Service Ad Available
A public service ad is being aired in Wisconsin, sponsored by the law firm of Michael Hupy. It deals with alcohol and riding. It’s available to use in your areas if you are able. We need to do all we can to educate riders not to drink and ride.
We had a dramatic increase in fatalities last year in Wisconsin among motorcyclists, and there was evidence of some amount of alcohol in every fatality. That’s the stuff that they use against us every day in crunching numbers and pointing the finger at bikers.
–Tony Pan
Sturgis Memory
Was lookin at some old photos and found one of my shop in Denver when my brother Clark stopped by on his way to Sturgis Rally… hes the one squatin by the blue softie.. G.M.R. M/C from Calif.??
See ya,???
–Skooter
The Chicken, the Horse and the Harley
On the farm lived a chicken and a horse, both of whom loved to play together. One day the two were playing, when the horse fell into a bog and began to sink. Scared for his life, the horse whinnied for the chicken to go get the farmer for help!
Off the chicken ran, back to the farm. Arriving at the farm, he searched and searched for the farmer, but to no avail, for he had gone to town with the only tractor.
Running around, the chicken spied the farmer’s new Harley. Finding the keys in the ignition, the chicken sped off with a length of rope hoping he still had time to save his friend’s life.
Back at the bog, the horse was surprised, but happy, to see the chicken arrive on the shiny Harley, and he managed to get a hold of the loop of rope the chicken tossed to him. After tying the other end to the rear bumper of the farmer’s bike, the chicken then drove slowly forward and, with the aid of the powerful bike, rescued the horse!
Happy and proud, the chicken rode the Harley back to the farmhouse, and the farmer was none the wiser when he returned.
The friendship between the two animals was cemented: Best Buddies, Best Pals.
A few weeks later, the chicken fell into a mud pit, and soon, he too, began to sink and cried out to the horse to save his life!
The horse thought a moment, walked over, and straddled the large puddle. Looking underneath, he told the chicken to grab his hangy-down thing and he would then lift him out of the pit. The chicken got a good grip, and the horse pulled him up and out, saving his life.
The moral of the story? (yep, there’s a moral!)
“When You’re Hung Like A Horse, You Don’t Need A Harley To Pick Up Chicks!”
–from Charlie Brewton
Right-Of-Way Bill Passed In NC!
The afternoon of July 13, 2004 , HB-965 was heard for concurrence in the House. Rep. Dewey Hill spoke on the bill, the vote was taken, and it passed 112-3.
We’ve done it folks! This bill does not have to go to the governor, so it’s now law. It becomes effective Dec. 1. Congratulations people- we not only scored the first win for the bikers of North Carolina, we left a network in place and built relationships that will continue to serve us well. It’s party time!
–Sam Nobles
CBA/ABATE of NC
Ah-nuld Wants to Hear from Motorcyclists
Write a letter to the Governator to end harassment for handlebar height.
ABATE’s Handlebar Height Modernization Bill, AB 2844, has set incredible new records for motorcycle legislation and has almost reached the FINAL HURDLE: Ah-nuld…the Governator. It’s time to bust out the pencils and drop him a line.
Simply “copy & paste” this sample letter and make it your own: Honorable Governor Schwarzenegger, Please support AB 2844, La Suer, a bill to modernize handlebar height limitations for the motorcyclists of California.
Thank you,
Your name,
Address, City, State and Zip
You can send a letter, fax, email or call:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-445-4633
E Mail: http://www.govmail.ca.gov
Ah-nuld’s Governator website:
http://www.governor.ca.gov/state/govsite/gov_homepage.jsp
Background: AB 2844 will raise the legal limit of apes from shoulder height to 6 inches above shoulder height to help end senseless harassment during traffic stops against Bikers. The offense was also recently ruled a POINT on your license and NON-CORRECTIBLE by the California Judicial Council! PASSED the Assembly Transportation Committee 14-0 PASSED the Assembly Floor 74-0 PASSED the Senate Transportation Committee 10-0. The Bill has NO OPPOSITION and now awaits a vote on the Senate Floor in early August.
Speaking Of Highbars
I have some time off, before I start my new job. Gives me some time to take care of some loose ends around here. I put the Ape Hangers back on the Shovelhead last night (they haven’t been on in a lot of years). I forgot how bitchin’ they are. So I took a spin around the block.
It was looking like rain, you could smell it, but?I kept riding towards the Joshua Tree Monument, didn’t want to get off. It was way too much fun. Amazing what you forget.
–Bob T.
On-Line Recruitment Service
Alex Baylon was formerly Sales and Marketing manager with motorcycle accessories supplier Motonation.
This experience made him aware of the recruitment issues from which the industry was suffering. Companies found it hard to find the right kind of employees, and jobseekers could not locate the companies they needed.
Motorcycle Industry Jobs was founded by Alex, with a dedicated web site to address these problems.The main demand is for motorcycle companies attempting to find sales representatives.
Alex, however, wished to broaden the field of interest and make the site available to all the Powersports industry.
There was an official launch on May 8th, 2004 and the site can be accessed by manufacturers, distributors, dealers, race teams, magazines and anyone within the industry or those wishing to become part of it.
Employers pay a fee to have a job exhibited on the web site for 30 days.
Potential employees access the site for free, but have the option of paying for an automated notification service. This informs them of a newly posted vacancy in a category appropriate to their interest.
MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY JOBS
Tel: 858 682 3201
E-mail: mailto:alex@motorcycleindustryjobs.com
http://www.motorcycleindustryjobs.com
Ron Finch Wins Biker Build Off
We’ll cover some of Ron’s wild artistic creations next week and bring reports on his Build Off against Jesse Rooke. Hang on.
–Banidt
Sunday Hunting Tips
A hillbilly went hunting one day in Oklahoma and bagged three ducks. He put them in the bed of his pickup truck and was about to drive home when he was confronted by an ornery game warden that didn’t like hillbillies. The game warden ordered the hillbilly to show his hunting license, and the hillbilly pulled out a valid Oklahoma hunting license.
The game warden looked at the license, then reached over and picked up one of the ducks, sniffed its butt, and said, “This duck ain’t from Oklahoma. This is a Kansas duck. You got a Kansas huntin’ license, boy?” The hillbilly reached into his wallet and produced a Kansas hunting license.
The game warden looked at it, then reached over and grabbed the second duck, sniffed its butt, and said, “This ain’t no Kansas duck. This duck’s from Arkansas. You got a Arkansas license?” The hillbilly reached into his wallet and produced an Arkansas hunting license.
The warden then reached over and picked up the third duck, sniffed its butt, and said, “This ain’t no Arkansas duck. This here duck’s from Kentucky. You got a Kentucky huntin’ license?” Again the hillbilly reached into his wallet and brought out a Kentucky hunting license.
The game warden was extremely frustrated at this point, and he yelled at the hillbilly, “Just where the hell are you from?”
The hillbilly turned around, bent over, dropped his pants, and said, “You tell me, you’re the expert!”
Bikernet Project Concepts
Years ago Tim Conder (see home page) drew the concept drawing for the bike Jesse James and I built. He will help us with concept drawings of our recent projects. Watch for them. Above is one of his sketches.
The Conderosa
http://www.armageddontopfuel.com
Tell me that things like this really do not go on
Four married guys are on a weekend ride. After an hour, they pull their bikes over and stop for coffee. The following conversation took place:
First guy: “You have no idea what I had to do to be able to come out on a ride this weekend. I had to promise my wife I will paint every room in the house next weekend.”
Second guy: “That’s nothing! I had to promise my wife I’ll build her a deck for the pool.”
Third guy: “Man, you both have it easy! I had to promise my wife I’ll remodel the kitchen for her.”
They continued to gripe until they realized the fourth guy hadn’t said a word. So they asked him: “You haven’t said anything about what you had to do to go riding this weekend. What’s the deal?”
“I just set my alarm for 5:30 am. When it went off, I shut off the clock, gave the wife a nudge and said, “Riding or sex?”
She said, “Don’t forget your helmet.”
–Rogue A Red Light Camera in Southern California Caught One Woman In The Act — Of Cheating Hawthorne Officer Mark Escalante said a local resident is challenging his $341 red-light violation ticket. The ticket was mailed to the registered owner of the car. But the car owner says the camera’s automatic videotape shows he wasn’t driving — it was his wife’s lover behind the wheel. The jilted husband is getting a divorce. But the new red-light traffic cameras snagged more than 1,400 motorists last month in Hawthorne, leading to a slew of complaints. There’s been a threefold increase in tickets since the red-light camera were installed this spring. Cameras snapped pictures that resulted in 1,414 tickets issued in June. Some motorists outraged over getting the tickets storm into the police station to dispute the violations, not knowing the photos come accompanied by videotape. Art’s Bedroom Project Here ya go this is the scoot I’m building , still waiting on the trans. It’s paid for , that was the wrong thing to do . The guy keeps takin on other jobs and knockin them out while my shit sits on his shelf . Oh well, that’s life and one of these days the phone will ring and the stuff you see here will come back off. Then the real buildin will begin. –LTR, Art THAT’S IT–I need to get out of here. There’s a bike show today, if I want to fight the crowds. It’s hot and it feels like margarita time. Let’s ride –Bandit
