JUNE GLOOM SUNDAY POST

Hey,

Incredible, I wish I knew what I was doing, but I don’t. At least our Bikernet Classifieds are growing and now they have a partnership with a company to add a jobs service, so we can find jobs, or advertise for jobs.

 

Hoka Hey Winner Donates Half Million Dollar Motorcycle–Will Barclay gives away the motorcycle that won him a half million dollar purse. His beloved Electra Glide (named Excalibur) brought him to victory in the 2010 Hoka Hey challenge. He handed the keys to Mark Story the 2nd place Hoka Hey rider at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee on Friday June 3rd.

“Mark is a serious contender “ Will Stated, “he called me and said Hoka Hey was in his blood and asked if I had any sponsors the may help out. An Aussie, living in Australia he just couldn’t shoulder the burden of getting his bike to the U.S. so I gave him Excalibur, my winning Hoka Hey Electra Glide to ride in Hoka Hey 2011. It’s now his to compete Hoka Hey with”. Barclay is also competing again this year and preparing his new steed, a 2011 Street Glide for this years challenge. This year’s Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, which will run through all 48 contiguous states, into Canada and end in Nova Scotia, is sponsored by Harley-Davidson.

County corrections deputy under investigation for alleged attempted rape of wife–EVERETT — A Snohomish County corrections deputy is being investigated for allegedly attempting to force his spouse to have sex, officials said.

Everett police arrested the corrections deputy, 33, in late May for investigation of attempted rape, unlawful imprisonment and felony harassment, officials said late Tuesday.

He was booked into the Marysville City Jail on May 23 and was placed on paid administrative leave afterward. No charges have been filed.

The investigation began when a woman on May 23 reported her husband had attacked her the night before, Everett police Sgt. Robert Goetz said.

The woman told police she was at home in Everett and the suspect wanted to have sex with her, Goetz said. She refused.

“She was able to struggle with him long enough that he just eventually gave up and stopped, but not before the woman was slightly injured.” Goetz said.

There reportedly was bruising to her neck and face.

A detective was assigned to the case that morning. The corrections officer was arrested without incident. He was booked into the city of Marysville’s jail instead of the county’s lockup because of his work, Goetz said. The man has worked at the county jail for about five and a half years.

Initial results of the investigation have been forwarded to Snohomish County prosecutors for review, Goetz said.

The jail is run by the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. The corrections deputy will remain on paid administrative leave while the case is being decided, sheriff’s spokeswoman Rebecca Hover said.

“Our practice is to wait for a criminal investigation to be completed before we start an internal (investigation),” Hover said.

By Eric Stevick, Herald Writer

Rogue

Hamsters USA raffling Roland Sands Customized Harley-Davidson Sportster to benefit kids hospital– The international motorcycle group Hamsters USA is sponsoring a raffle of an RSD Harley- Davidson “Nightster” to benefit the non-profit organization Children’s Care Hospital in Rapid City.

Tickets for the bike, donated by Justyn Amstutz of National Powersports Auctions, are just $25 each. It is a Roland Sands custom sportster with all the newest and latest RSD product.

The drawing will be held August 8th at the group’s annual meeting and dinner during the Sturgis Rally.

The raffle raises funds for Children’s Care of Rapid City, a non-profit organization serving children with special needs. For more information on Children’s Care visit  www.cchs.org.

For this great opportunity to help kids for just $25, get your tickets at www.biketickets.com. Don’t delay, as only 4000 tickets are being sold!

Answer for Cancer team to visit all North America states and provinces– Vancouver, BC (June 11, 2011) – Four motorcycle riders with a personal connection to cancer hit the road today for a 65-day, 20,000-mile cancer awareness journey that will take them to all lower 48 states, as well as every Canadian province. The team will ride through Seattle today before returning to the Pacific Northwest on August 13, 2011.

Believing 80-90% of all cancer can be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices, the Answer for Cancer team, will speak at scheduled events along the route, sharing tips on how to mitigate the risk of cancer, and raising funds for the San Francisco-based Breast Cancer Fund. The Answer for Cancer team has already raised more than $300,000.

Stages will range from 163 miles (Regina to Saskatoon, Canada) to 424 miles (Oklahoma City to Austin, Texas.) Supporters can make donations online, and motorcycle riders across North America will be encouraged to join each day’s stage for a $25 donation. All proceeds will go to support cancer prevention.

Chandler, Arizona resident and team member Dr. Christina Tondora, aka Dr. T., is a former helicopter avionics test engineer, who quit to become a naturopathic doctor.

“When it comes to cancer, prevention really is the ultimate cure,” said Dr. Tondora.
“That’s why we want people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, reduce or eliminate their cancer-causing exposures and seek natural options for cancer prevention and treatment.”

Other team members include Jason Bosa (president/co-founder of the Palladio jewelry store in Vancouver), Lori Losch (a member of the Iron Butt Association, the only woman to complete the Saddle Sore 1000 on a CBR motorcycle and the creator of Stretch Guru Mobile Apps) and Del Ferguson (a former horse breeder and current president of Multitech Industries.) Each team member has been inspired to ride by family members and friends they’ve lost to cancer.

OFFICIAL CHOWDER BARGE PRESS RELEASE– Bandit of www.bikernet.com rides to the Barge …

www.chowderbarge.com
310-830-7937

HERE IS THE SUNDAY DEAL FROM THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS! SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS WEEK!– A 2008 V-ROD! Fifth Anniversary Edition, only 522 miles on the clock! 1250cc Revolution engine! 5-speed tranny. All stock with no modifications. This bike is a STEAL at $5400! It won’t be around for long! CHECK OUT THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS, WHERE THE ADVENTURE IS JUST WAITING TO BEGIN!

MIKE the STEALTH
http://bikernet.sprocketlist.com/category/1828/VRSC_V_Rod/post/2228731/2008-Harley-Davidson-VRSC-105TH-Anniv.-V-ROD-.html

SUNDAY BLOND JOKE–The Blond is showing off her new tattoo of  a giant seashell on her inner thigh.  Her friends ask her why she would get such a tattoo and in that location.

She responds ‘It’s really cool.  If you put your ear up against it, you can smell the ocean.

–Jim Waggaman

NEW BUELLS– Check out the new Buell’s. They are Bad Ass!! www.erikbuellracing.com/
My buddy “Long Haired Mike” Mike Friberg said would take the new Buell over a Ducati. If he is impressed with the Buell then I’m sold also.

— PSD

BROKEN SPOKE CORRECTIONS–We haven’t been able to reach Jay Allen, but we reached out to John Green who is Jay’s partner in the Spoke Downtown.

“I am sure this was just a misunderstanding by whomever was interviewing Jay,” said John. “Joe Teresi officially has the events back, there are a few details to wrap up but it’s a done deal. Joe made a deal with me to run the business, so I am grateful to still be in the game!

This is my 21st year on the road with Easyriders at one level or another.”

–John Green
Easyriders Events
www.easyridersevents.com

AMD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF CUSTOM BIKE BUILDING IS COMING– AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building – They come from Europe, Japan, South America, Asia, Austria and North America to determine who is the best of the best. And Neil Blaber is the guy that handles all the Nuts and Bolts of putting the Championship together. We get the latest from this crazy Englishman. 

<a href=”http://bikernetstudio.com/2011/06/07/podcast-neal-blaber-talks-amd-world-championship/“>Click here to listen to the Bikernet Studio Podcast. </a>

RICK & JOE T’s DUM ASS CLUB– Meghan fills in for Joe T once again. Rick and Meghan talk about the Strokers Dallas Spring Fling, Charity Golf Tournament, and he Texas Motorcycle Expo. This year’s Spring Fling set new records. The Charity Golf Tournament and raised $14,000 for the Scottish Rite hospital. In Industry news the two talk about the closure of Big Dog, pre-owned bikes, and the growing popularity of Victory bikes. Rick gives details about the latest Strokers Dallas custom bikes including his own customized Victory. Meghan tries to explain technology, facebook, and twitter to Rick. In Entertainment the topic is Jersey Shore. Rick wraps up with a discussion of world travel and cultural exchange.

<a href=”http://bikernetstudio.com/2011/06/07/rick-and-joe-t%E2%80%99s-dum-ass-club-%E2%80%93-episode-79/“>Click here to listen to the Dum Ass Club in Bikernet Studio.</a> 

Black is Beautiful, Horsepower is King and a V-Twin Rumble is Righteous. D&D Exhaust produces a soul satisfying tone that sounds good at cruising speed. Their 2 into 1 Fat Cat and Boarzilla pipes are dialed in on the dyno to deliver the ponies where you need them most… off idle and in the passing zone.

<a href=”http://danddexhaust.com/catalog/” title=”D&amp;D Exhaust for Baggers”>Hit the link </a>to see what D&amp;D Exhaust has in store for your Bagger.

When mounted to the floorboards the Cruisin’ Pegs have the same clean look as a pair of forward controls. Will also work with factory engine guards.

<a href=”http://www.aeromachmfg.com/category_s/42.htm” title=”Cruisin’ Pegs are for Harley-Davidson Cruisers”>Hit the link for all the details</a>.  

Calling all Picassos and perverts.  Before I dive into this, whoever the hell thought Jack Daniels-flavored panties is a good idea is a freakin’ genius.  On Saturday, June 25, 2011 beginning at 11 am, as part of the 12th Annual Smoke Out, twenty-five models will be painted and $ 1,000 in prize money will be awarded to the best of the best. 
 
People’s choice voting will determine the top five painted ladies and two-hundred dollars will be awarded to each winning artist.  All supplies (women not included) will be provided by the event.
 
Don’t miss the Smoke Out XII. <a href=”http://www.ironcross.net” title=”Smoke Out XII – DOn’t Miss It”>Hit the link for more details.</a>

CALLING ALL HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEALERS– All authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships as well as independent custom shops and builders are invited to enter the Modified Harley-Davidson class (indeed the FreeStyle and Performance Custom classes as well) at the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building to show their local riding community and the whole world what they can offer and achieve for their customers.

 The mission is to promote customization best practice and standards, and to show riders of stock or near-stock Harley-Davidsons (late-model or otherwise) that stunning custom work does not need to be the exclusive preserve of ground-up/aftermarket v-twin builders.

<a href=”http://www.amdchampionship.com/” title=”AMD World Championship”>Hit the link for more details</a>  on the AMD Championship. 

Crows take aim at cops outside Everett’s north precinct–Everett police say they’ve been dive-bombed. A scientist says it’s a time of aggressive behavior by birds with offspring.

A trio of crows has set up shop in a tree in the parking lot next to the Everett Police Department ‘s north precinct.

A few days ago, the crows decided they didn’t like the cops. They started swooping down on them and dive-bombing them as the officers walked from their cars into the station.

Everett police Lt. Bob Johns recently was flanked by them and “got zinged,” he said.

“They’re like velociraptors,” he said.

At least one officer has tried using his siren to scare the crows away: They responded by decorating his car with droppings.

The crows don’t care much for rank, either — they’ve gone for top brass and detectives in particular, police Sgt. Robert Goetz said.

This is the season for aggressive crow behavior, said Ruth Milner, a biologist with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife .

Baby crows have been kicked out of the nest, or will be soon, she said. The immature birds are learning to fly and often are still being fed by their parents.

Adult crows are quite protective of helpless young on the ground, she said. It’s a common trait among larger birds and birds of prey.

“All they’re doing is defending their nest,” she said.

Crows also can recognize people’s individual features. And they hold grudges.

“If your cops have done something that (the crows) perceive as a threat, they could be keying in on them because they’re all wearing the same kind of uniform,” she said.

By Rikki King, Herald Writer

–from Rogue

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY SUNDAY VOCABULARY LESSON–arroyo uh-ROI-oh, noun:

A small steep-sided gulch with a nearly flat floor: usually dry except after heavy rains.

He glanced around for tracks, but at this point the floor of the arroyo was almost one sheet of solid rock.
— Louis L’Amour, Borden Chantry

Billy’s last words were like the warbling of a bird about to spring from a twig; just as the roar in an arroyo increases as the wall of water nears, so the confused murmur of the crew rose in the ears of the officers.
— Herman Melville, Billy Budd

Arroyo is an Americanism, adopted from the Spanish term; akin to Latin arrugia, “mine shaft.”

GIRL STUCK IN BIKERNET FENCE AT NEW YORK OFFICES– Firemen and police from the Dix Hills, N.Y. area, all joined in a team effort to rescue a young girl stuck in steel fence. It took several hours to extract her from her predicament.

Fire Chief Stiffie said, ‘This was a pretty tough rescue, it took us quite a while to come up with a plan to safely extract her from the fence.’ Although the girl’s entrapment was never life threatening it did take careful planning and gentle handling to safely remove her.

She was taken to an area hospital where she was examined and released. Poor thing, this picture just about broke my heart.

–from Billy Tinney

This is Total Bullshit–Doug Shupe AUSTIN (KXAN) – Police are trying to prevent these dangerous motorcycle accidents from happening at this year’s Republic of Texas Rally.

44,000 bikers are expected in town this weekend. 6th Street is already a destination for many of them.

In addition to increased enforcement, officers are also talking with event organizers and sending a message to bikers and motorists alike.

And for the first time ever during the rally–police say if they think you’re drunk they’ll take your blood. You won’t have the option of refusing.

Les Patton and Sandy Callaham came from Norman Oklahoma for ROT Rally.

“Great time, great place, just a mini vacation for us,” said Patton.

“Yeah, four years in a row. It’s the best,” said Callaham.

But in the midst of all the fun–there is a danger.

During last year’s motorcycle weekend–three bikers died in just three days.

“This is something that we want to stop,” said APD Commander Jason Dusterhoft.

Police announced a No Refusal weekend from 9 pm to 5 am both Friday and Saturday nights.

“This means if you refuse our test and we believe you are intoxicated or impaired we will take you to jail, you will go to the front of the line, we will take your blood, and you will stay in jail,” said Commander Dusterhoft.

“I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all,” said Patton.

Patton and Callaham have lost biker friends to crashes.

“We don’t need anymore fatalities, it’s too much, it’s too much,” said Callaham.

The Oklahoma couple say they play it safe.

“You got to be safe so we have a few beers, but try to keep it downtown and walk to the hotel or whatever,” said Patton.

They hope others do as well—and have a message for the drivers who share the road with them.

“Look twice, look both ways–just keep an eye out, especially at night,” said Callaham.

A caution echoed by law enforcement.

“Look twice, save a life. That’s one of the biggest things we can make sure everyone is aware of the bikers, look in your blind spots, take a little bit of extra time. We don’t want anymore collisions,” said Dusterhoft.

Police say 14 percent of fatalities on the roadways are motorcycle related.

They said that trend is actually on the decline, but they want to get the number even lower.

On another note–officers said thieves target rallies like the one this weekend, so they remind bikers to lock their ignition and remove the key to prevent thefts.

–from Rogue

This is Total Bullshit.

Triumph Bike Day Sunday 12th June–
This years Triumph Bike Day features a “Customs & Specials” Competition, with prizes to include vouchers worth £100 courtesy of Jack Lilley Motorcycles, for “Best Hinckley”, “Best Meriden” and “Best Bike”.

Author Mick Duckworth will also be present signing copies of his recent book “Ace Times”.

There is also the opportunity to win a spectator ticket to the prestigious Festival of a Thousand Bikes to be held at Mallory Park 8th – 10th July and a pair of tickets to attend the High Voltage Festival at London’s Victoria Park on the weekend of 23rd & 24th July, by means of a free prize draw raffle. The draw will take place at 2pm.

www.jacklilley.com

BIKERNET CORRESPONDENT RETURNS TO THE FRONT– I’m back overseas again, this time Afghanistan.

I intend to take some pictures of the bikes the locals are driving, some really weird set ups. Not uncommon to see the entire family on a bike. No cool Harley’s or any American Customs, all Chinese bikes and other makes.

I’d like to do a little custom work on my ’03 Superglide. It still looks too stock. Black.
Stock pipes. Harley Store Chrome.

–Doug Adams

HOLLISTER INDEPENDENCE DAY SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM–
Things are moving ahead nicely and it should be a great weekend in Hollister.

The Corbin lot space that we have reserved for vendors and exhibitors is nearly full. Lots of great stuff.

Hollister Honda has also offered space for vendors &/or exhibitors on their parking lot about 3/4 mile down the road towards town. They will be getting good drive by traffic AND are a stop on the Tophatter’s poker run.

Faultline Powersports has confirmed that all participants of the Tophatter’s and VFW poker runs will gain free entrance to the races up at Hollister Hills. Riders only need to show their wristbands on the way in.

As mentioned previously, Burt Munro’s Bonneville bike, “The World’s Fastest Indian” will be the centerpiece of the bike show.

Plaques for Bike Show winners and Runners up have been ordered. We’ll show you a sample at the next (and last) event meeting.

All vendors & exhibitors on the Corbin lot have been invited to setup at the Hollister VFW Hall on Sunday for the Poker Run after party. If you are interested, please contact Dick Gallagher at:
831-636-4695

–Greg Hurley
Corbin Saddles

BIKERNET INSURANCE WEEKEND MEMO–Your Retirement Plan: Time for a reality check .

There has been a lot of media chatter this year about so-called Baby Boomers having to rethink their retirement timing due to the current economic crisis. Several studies are indicating that over 70% of the country’s middle-income class need to delay their retirement by an average of five years. One in seven boomers (14%), believe they will never be able to retire due to the turbulent economy. Middle-income class is defined as those with incomes between $25,000 and $75,000.

So, what’s causing this negative picture to unfold amongst today’s “boomer” category, those between 47 and 65 years of age and what can you do about it?

1. Recession has caused a major loss of assets.
Loss of assets in late 2008 and early 2009 was the number one reason why investor clients were being forced to delay retirement, according to a study by Financial Advisers from Mainstay Investments. What makes this picture particularly troublesome is that housing values continue to decrease, keeping total asset values down for the foreseeable future.

2. Many boomers have less than $100,000 saved for retirement.
Good chance here that you will outlive your money and need to generate income to survive. Many boomers are being forced to keep working just to cover basic needs. Forget about luxuries, dining out and traveling the world. You need to prepare yourself to cover basic needs such as a roof over your head, food, transportation, and pay for health care costs.

3. The Social Security system is unstable
The risk is too high that Social Security funds, as we understand them today, will not be available for most of us when we need them. Plus, the benefits projected if they do come to pass, may not be adequate to enable a retiree to live even in minimal comfort.

4. People are living longer.
With medical advances, many people are living well into their 80’s and 90’s. What back-up plan do you have in case you outlive your savings?

Activate Your Solution Today.
1. Stop spending on all but life’s essentials Pay off debts. Accumulate no additional debt.
2. Save the maximum in your employer’s 401K and in savings accounts.
3. Practice healthy living. Begin to exercise, get on a diet you can live with and keep your stress in check.
4. Insure against life’s uncertainties. Health insurance, long-term care insurance and life insurance.
5. Keep working to generate some cash and avoid boredom.

Hey folks, it’s very important not to delay retirement planning even if you are living paycheck to paycheck. Get a hold of a professional financial planner and start setting up your future today.

P.S.
One easy way you can save money is on your motorcycle insurance. HOG member? 15% discount. Bikernet Cantina Member? 10% discount. ABATE Member? You too can save 10%. Contact Bikernet Insurance for the biggest and best discounts in the business.

Ride Safe Out There.

The Crew at Bikernet Insurance

Toll Free: 888-467-8703
Email for fastest response:  clientservice@bikernet-insurance.com

Agents serving 20 states. States added as required to serve customers.
Resident State: CA Agency 0G67810. Principal Agent 0D71028

Have The Best Bike In Laconia? Then Prove It!– With The Cycle Source’s First Ever “Best Bikes Of Laconia Contest–There are few places in the world with rally goers as staunch in tradition and as reliant as those in Laconia who make the oldest rally their annual gig. Well, over the years we’ve seen some of the baddest ass bikes on the planet come from this region as well and we’re giving you a chance to show the world.

Here’s the deal:
Instead of a simple bike show that would only focus on the few cool bike classes that we’d make trophies for, we’re out to crown the absolute baddest bike in Laconia for 2011. All you have to do is stop by the Lobster Pound, right across the street from the Weir’s Sign and find the Limpnickie Lot / Cycle Source big red rig. Stop in and have your photo taken at the truck with your bike and we’ll enter you into the contest. Now all the photos will be available on line but 12 will make the following month’s magazine as the dirty dozen from Laconia Bike Week 2011.

But Wait…… There’s more!!!!
From those photos we will hold a month long vote in the magazine and online to let our readers pick the hands down baddest bike from the oldest rally in the country. So what else do you get, other than the ability to rub in your buddies faces for the entire next year? All of this!!!

A full five page feature (hell maybe a cover if it’s that bad ass) in Cycle Source Magazine, A Subscriber Super Pack (T-shirt, Embroidered Hat, Hoodie, One Year Subscription) And last but not least, an “IN The News Wall Plaque to commemorate your feature and title as absolute ruler of the north east for 2011.

Yeah, that’s it, nuthin’ to buy, no catch, just a celebration of how bad ass the north east bikers are and how cool their sleds are. Stop by the Lobster Pound from Friday, June 10th through Saturday June 18th for your chance to win. For more information on how to get to the Lobster Pound visit them online at: http://wb-lp.com/

For more information on Laconia Motorcycle Week see their site at: http://www.laconiamcweek.com/

–Chris Callen
Editor In Chief
The Cycle Source Magazine

BIKERNET COPY EDITOR ON THE ROAD–  Hot and windy across Texas. In baton rouge now, getting a new rear tire. Tread was getting thin after 1500 miles of hot pavement.

–Bruce Snyder

The Salt Ghost: Return of the Nitro Express West Coast Premiere–The world premiere of The Salt Ghost: Return of the Nitro Express takes place at The District Lounge in the city of Orange, California on July 30th, 2011. Plenty of bike parking, doors are at 7pm, the one hour film will be shown at 8pm and the party will go on into the evening. Come on out and enjoy some food, beer, motorcycles and film.

“In the 1960s and 1970s, legions of speed freaks blasted down the drag strips and dry lakes of Southern California on their two-wheeled tickets to thrills. Legions more campaigned machines at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats during the same time. What happened to these motorcycles? The vast majority of them have disappeared into the mists of time, disassembled and used for restoring soulless stockers or simply forgotten in old sheds and barns. Once in awhile one turns up and gets sold to a museum or carefully displayed in some motorcycle shop owner’s office. Rarely if ever again do these machines return to their beloved battleground: the Dry Lake or Salt Flat.

The Return of the Nitro Express is the story of one bike that did not get filed away and retired. Thanks to two present day cowboy speed junkies who eschew modern technology and dance with dangerous old motorcycles, the Salt Ghost will be reborn…or will it? Watch as Wes and Tyler bring the Nitro Express back to where it all began, to the dry and hot Bonneville Salt Flats where legends are born in blood, sweat and gears!”

For more information and other premiere locations please visit www.lowbrowcustoms.com/saltghost

Dave Zien Attends Bike Show– His First Appearance Since March Bike Crash– The weather in the mid-west hasn’t been the best but summer is begging to break through. Ride safe and enjoy yourself but be aware that not everyone is watching out for you. We’re trying to make other roadway users take notice through our Watch for Motorcycles campaign. We’re even holding a drawing to reward people who display our Watch for Motorcycles bumper clings and magnets.

You could win $1,000 if you travel in Wisconsin or Illinois and your vehicle is spotted with one of our clings or magnets. Details below. But first, a story of courage, compassion and dedication to motorcycling.

On March 13, 2011, former Wisconsin State Senator Dave Zien was involved in a horrific crash. He was in Florida for Daytona Bike Week and he took a side trip to visit an old Marine buddy near Panama City.

While traveling on Highway 10 just outside of Mariana, Florida, a SUV overturned in front of Dave’s motorcycle and in an instant his life changed dramatically.
Dave survived a tour in Viet Nam (’68-70) after his unit was overrun. He received the Purple Heart for his service. He also survived several crashes involving deer, the most recent in 2009. He’s logged over 2 million miles riding a motorcycle, earning the name “Million Mile Man” for his achievement of accumulating 1,000,000 miles on the same motorcycle, his 1991 FXR. Harley-Davidson Motor Company presented Dave with a brand new 2009 Road Glide on April 6, 2009 when he retired his FXR to the Sturgis Museum. He was riding the Road Glide when he crashed in March, 2011. He had over 230,000 miles on the bike at that time.

Zien holds 117 world records for long distance riding, including 31,068 miles in 31 days. He has three 100,000 mile years under his belt and in 2000, he rode 11,225 miles in 11 consecutive days. He’s survived the USA Four Corners Motorcycle Tour, completed the first Hoka Hey Challenge and did three back to back crossings of the U.S.A. from Jacksonville, Florida to San Diego, California. He was on his world record fourth consecutive return to Jacksonville when he broke down just outside of Yuma, Arizona.
His long distance riding adventures are legendary. On March 13th, that all came to an end. Or did it? That crash almost took Dave’s life, but he’s a survivor. Hupy and Abraham S.C. sponsored Dave’s attempt to reach his goal of one million miles on his FXR. We’ve represented him in the past and are representing him for this latest crash. He suffered the loss of his left leg, a fractured pelvis, broke his wrist and his spleen was removed. Still, he wonders how long his rehabilitation will take and if he’ll be able or willing to ride again. Only time will tell, but he is a survivor.

As a legislator in Wisconsin, Zien authored every piece of positive motorcycle legislation during his 18 years of service. Inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame in 2000, Zien takes a philosophical view about his love of riding. He calls it “a spiritual transcendence.” He said, “I’ve got a Bible on the front of the motorcycle and I believe it’s my shield. Riding is a connection with all those who ever loved and honored freedom. There’s a oneness with God and the Holy Spirit.”

On June 5, 2011 Zien appeared at the Graybeard Promotions Bike Show

ThunderMax product and software engineers have been busy developing many new features for the ThunderMax system– New map calibrations have been developed for more popular combinations, and new features have been added to enhance the ThunderMax® experience. Read below and find out what’s new in this software release.

Remember! Updated ThunderMax software is always free, available for download 24/7 from
www.Thunder-Max.com.

ANOTHER BAD COP REPORT–  Chicago State’s Attorney Lets Bad Cops Slide, Prosecutes Citizens Who Record ThemWhen Chicago police answered a domestic disturbance call at the home of Tiawanda Moore and her boyfriend in July 2010, the officers separated the couple to question them individually. Moore was interviewed privately in her bedroom. According to Moore, the officer who questioned her then came on to her, groped her breast and slipped her his home phone number.

Robert Johnson, Moore’s attorney, says that when Moore and her boyfriend attempted to report the incident to internal affairs officials at the Chicago Police Department, the couple wasn’t greeted warmly. “They discouraged her from filing a report,” Johnson says. “They gave her the runaround, scared her, and tried to intimidate her from reporting this officer — from making sure he couldn’t go on to do this to other women.”

Ten months later, Chicago PD is still investigating the incident. Moore, on the other hand, was arrested the very same afternoon.

Her crime? At some point in her conversations with internal affairs investigators, Moore grew frustrated with their attempts to intimidate her. So she began to surreptitiously record the interactions on her Blackberry. In Illinois, it is illegal to record people without their consent, even (and as it turns out, especially) on-duty police officers.

“This is someone who is already scared from being harassed by an officer in uniform,” said Johnson. “If the police won’t even take her complaint, how else is a victim of police abuse supposed to protect herself?”

Moore’s case has inspired outrage from anti-domestic abuse groups. “We just had two Chicago police officers indicted for sexual assault, there have been several other cases of misconduct against women,” says Melissa Spatz of the Chicago Task Force on Violence Against Girls & Young Women. “And now you have Moore, who was trying to report this guy, and she gets arrested. The message here is that victims of unwanted sexual advances by police officers have no recourse — that the police can act with impunity.”

If the Chicago cops recently indicted for sexual assault are convicted, they’ll face four to 15 years in prison. That’s the same sentence Tiawanda Moore is facing for trying to document her frustrations while reporting her own alleged sexual assault: Recording an on-duty police officer in Illinois is a Class 1 felony, the same class of crimes as rape.

–from Huffpost politics
–from Rogue

SMOKE OUT WEEK–Next week I’m flying to New Orleans to ride a Victory Hammer to the Smoke Out in North Carolina. But before I go I need to wrap up my first XS biker build tech and the tech on the Mr. Lucky shorty mufflers. We also have a Tail Gunner piece about a talented Pinstriper, Rogue’s piece on Freedom, and we’re about to launch a press release on the 15th Anniversary of Bikernet.

I now have a date for picking up my Mudflap girl frames, and Spitfire girder front ends–Wednesday. Just before I head to the airport. Never a dull moment.

Then it’s off to New Orleans. I’m looking forward to Cajun food and open roads. But I’ll be anxious get back to the shop and start to hammer on the Mudflap girl FXRs. I’ve got a wrecking crew waiting for Sturgis plans, but we’re burning daylight, and depending on these builds we may need to pass on Sturgis this year. It all depends on how the stars are aligned over the next two weeks, but it’s not looking good.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

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