Wow,
What a goddamn week. Life is nuts and it keep getting nuttier. What the hell, Bikernet keeps trudging on, spilling the beans and looking forward to the next adventure. Our new webmaster promised a new and revised Bikernet by the end of April. I’m going to hold him to it, since in May a couple of us are going to slip into something more comfortable and sail around some islands off the coast of Thailand with Bob Bitchin.
Before May Dr. Hamster and I will make a brisk run in a ’53 Lincoln to Salome, Arizona to investigate the highway 60, just 25 miles north of Quartzite on the 10 freeway. We are considering a ?Bikernet Too Broke for Sturgis Run?, since we’ve put all our shekels in a basket for Bonneville.
Let’s hit the news quick. I’m sorta hungover from a meeting with Jack Daniels at a local bar last night. I’ll report later. I started on a Cantina episode last night; base on the Fo’cle Bar characters. What a group. Oh, I want to mention something regarding changes to Bikernet. We’ll develop a new, easier to navigate web page. Shit should move faster, but the content pages won’t change much, except we will be able to run larger images. So we’re not going to fuck up the way we handle the entertainment on Bikernet.
A HISTORY LESSON FROM THE PEASHOOTER ARCHIVES– To my eyes, many of the most desirable Harley-Davidson vintage motorcycles are those that were built between the Wars. And not just the heavy machinery: the lightweight racing ?Pea Shooters? had an elegant style that has worn well over the years. These very rapid singles came into being after the AMA launched a ?21 cubic inch? racing class in 1925; Indian was ready, with its Prince model, but Harley was not. So Milwaukee got its skates on, and within months had designed and built two new singles.
One was a side-valve flathead, and the other was an overhead-valve. The ?S? was the racing version of the OHV, with an innovative detachable cylinder head, and that?s what you?re looking at above. The bikes were known as ?pea shooters? on account of their distinctive popping exhaust note, and they cleaned up on the flat tracks of the day?both in the US and abroad. Weighing a mere 98 kg (215 lbs), the highly tuned engines nudged the S models towards the magic ?ton?. Which in those days, was a remarkable achievement.
Many of these supposed race bikes ended up as road machines; they became a popular choice for enthusiasts in Europe, and some were even used as everyday bikes. This particular example, a 28S in excellent condition and with a lovely patina of age, lives in Holland.
It?s for sale for ?45,000 (US$60,000) at the dealer Yesterdays, which is a veritable treasure trove of vintage motorcycles and worth a browse if you have a few minutes to spare.
–from Robin Hartfiel
We are working on a stroker, OHV Peashooter for Bonneville 2011 or 2012. The frame was completely refurbished recently and set up for ?-inch rear axle and the taller engine. Rodan had a 1-inch tall brass stroker plate machined to fit the 500 cc lower end in the 350 cc configuration engine and OHV top end. Hang on for more reports in the future.–Bandit
FIRST SHIPMENT OF CHANCE BOOKS HIT THE POST OFFICE– Bandit – Today I received a copy of your awesome new book, “Harbor Town Seduction.” Autographed no less! Bonus was the Biker Net decal; many thanks.
As usual, River Rat n’ me is cooking up another batch of Delta Biker Gumbo, in the form of stories about rider daring do in these parts, and we’ll be sending some along to you all just as soon as we can.
Gittin’ Shitty
We’ll be joining Shitty Smitty and other locals this weekend for the annual Rio Vista Run. There will even be a freak show (other than the riders themselves). Topless women, say the promoters, are to be admitted free. (Another words, leave the kiddies at home.) We’ll depart Fosters Big Horn bar on Main Street in Rio Vista a little after 10 am on Sat. the 27th and head for the Sierra Nevada foothills. (Kinda makes me nostalgic for the old Shithole Bar Run that used to happen here.)
SPAM, it’s the other pale pink meat
Last weekend, there was ANOTHER SPAM FEST hereabouts — can you believe that? This time over at Happy Harbor on the Delta Loop (I’m noticing a harbor theme today) with plenty-o-bikers in attendance.
But we spent most of that day down to Vieira’s Resort for a Wild Game dinner — a shoot it or hook it n’ cook it affair. We made Elk Chili and Ratti fried up some frog legs and whipped together a rabbit stew when we got there. There was pheasant sausage (tasty), oysters on the grill (perfect), and my fav, Sturgeon balls (yummy). My contribution, as always, was to drink, play pool, and take out the garbage — go with your strengths I always say. Keep the photo side up,
–CrawDaddy
Take a Sneak Peak at Nino925.com?s Latest Photo-Shoot– Life is good at Nino925! Leave it up to Frank Zubieta, owner of Nino925, to find some of the hottest bodies to feature some of the hottest jewelry around!
Take a sneak peak at a few of the shots we were able to capture at our latest jewelry shoot. When asked for a comment about the shoot, Frank said, ?It?s just another day at the office? Really, it?s always great to get out of my workshop and showcase my latest jewelry and wallet chains. Of course it doesn?t hurt to be surrounded by beautiful women when we?re doing it either.?
Check out Nino925 for his latest jewelry additions and take advantage of coupon specials on the Home Page.
BIKERNET CULINARY INSTITUTE, Best Fish Choices– I have long recommended fish as part of a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet. However, not all fish provide the same benefits, and some species should be limited or avoided altogether. My advice for the healthiest fish is to choose species rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3s are necessary for optimal physical and mental health. Research indicates that the omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish may help reduce the risk and symptoms of a variety of disorders, and can lower triglyceride levels, increase HDL cholesterol, help minimize inflammation and blood clotting, and keep blood vessels healthy.
The best sources are wild-caught Alaskan salmon, canned sockeye salmon, sardines, herring, and black cod. I recommend two-to-six servings per week of fish that are high in omega-3s as part of my anti-inflammatory diet.
Don’t miss the next Tip, for the worst fish choices.
–DrWeil.com
BIKERNET OPEN USED CAR LOT NEXT TO BANDIT’S CANTINA– Bikernet Insurance’s 2005 Econoline Van – Sale Steal It For Only $6,700 Cash.jpg
2005 Ford Econoline,
fully-loaded,
air-conditioning,
electric windows,
8-passenger,
only 46,350 miles,
“like new” man.
$6,700 or best offer.
Call the Bikernet Insurance Bossman:
Phone: 858-566-8703 or Toll Free: 888-467-8703
SPECIAL BIKE BEING BUILT BY HARDCORE CHOPPERS– I thought you might want to let your readers know about a special bike being built by Hardcore Choppers. They have asked PerformanceFI to participate, and we were more than happy to help out by donating a Pegasus fuel injection kit.
The build is for a charity called TAPS (taps.org). TAPS stands for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and their mission is to provide services of all kinds to the loved ones of military personnel killed during active service. As they say on their web site:
Caring for the families of the fallen… TAPS is the 24/7 tragedy assistance resource for ANYONE who has suffered the loss of a military loved one, regardless of the relationship to the deceased or the circumstance of the death.
It is one of the biggest and most important charities in Washington, DC and they will be auctioning off the bike that Hardcore builds for them. It will also travel on a tour of military bases after its unveiling at the organization’s annual fund raising gala on April 13.
Their Vtwin channel web site will be including videos each week as the build progresses:
http://www.vtwinchannel.com/lifestyles/index.html
–Bob
BIKERNET PHILOSOPHY SEMINAR SPONSORED BY DANNI ASHE– 1. I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn?t work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
2. Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
3. I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
4. Sex is not the answer. Sex is the question. ?Yes? is the answer.
5. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it?s still on the list.
6. Women might be able to fake orgasms. But men can fake a whole relationship.
7. We live in a society where pizza gets to your house before the police.
8. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
9. If I agreed with you we?d both be wrong.
10. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
11. Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny. If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich.
12. Having sex is like playing bridge. If you don?t have a good partner, you?d better have a good hand.
13. War does not determine who is right ? only who is left.
14. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
15. Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly, and for the same reason.
16. Going to church doesn?t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
17. The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
18. Children: You spend the first 2 years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next 16 years telling them to sit down and shut-up.
19. My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch.
20. Evening news is where they begin with ?Good evening?, and th en proceed to tell you why it isn?t.
–Jim Waggaman
THE SUNDAY GOSPEL FROM THE REVEREND, When Your Hut’s On Fire– (there have been times when it felt like my WHOLE village was burning). The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger.
He cried out, ‘God! How could you do this to me?’
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him!
‘How did you know I was here?’ asked the weary man of his rescuers. ‘We saw your smoke signal,’ they replied.
The Moral of This Story:
It’s easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn’t lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.
–CarlR
BIKERNET TEXAS CORRESPONDENT CHECKS IN–Yeah…I can’t believe that dude (Jesse James). I was more upset when I heard about his divorce than I was when my parents split up….what a drag.
I will get you a shot of me on the bobber as soon as I can get a pic of me riding it. I put the 29 inch drags with 6 inch risers, looks bitchin. Also put drag bars on Salena’s sporty. She rode it yesterday and likes it much better.
I have a photo shoot planned on my buddies Night Train as he just put RSD wheels and bars on it…maybe we’ll feature on Bikernet soon. Here’s a picture of the bars and front wheel. Really makes this bike POP.
–Johnny Humble
THIS JUST IN– Suicidal twin kills identical sister by mistake!
–Jim Waggaman
Word of the Day for Sunday, March 28, 2010 sponsored by Harley-Davidson– portentous por-TEN-tus, adjective:
1. Foreboding; foreshadowing, especially foreshadowing ill; ominous.
2. Marvelous; prodigious; wonderful; as, a beast of portentous size.
3. Pompous.
This victory is without doubt a very special and portentous gift of the gods, she said, “for I believe that there now stands before you the one leader who is the single most qualified to lead us to the peace we long for.” — Seth Mydans, “Wounded Sri Lankan Sees ‘Gift of Gods’ in Re-election.”, New York Times, December 23, 1999
Death of a Salesman has been debunked as a didactic commentary on the bankruptcy of the American dream of success, while Miller has been dismissed as an epigone of Ibsenism, a preachy, pompous and, yes, portentous writer who belongs, like Clifford Odets and Lillian Hellman, to a middlebrow, pre-modernist past. — Michiko Kakutani, “Death of a Salesman’: A Salesman WhoTranscends Time.”, New York Times, February 7, 1999
Portentous is from Latin portentosus, from portendere, to stretch out before or into the future, to predict, from por- (variant of pro-), before + tendere, to stretch out.
QUOTE OF THE DAY– What good is time, unless you accomplish something with it.
–Bandit
BIKERNET ENGINEERING STAFF REPORTS IN– Here is one of my winter projects, I put together while being unemployed. It’s hand driven and works great!! I use carbide inserts designed by Joe Mondello.
–Pablo
Bikernet Engineer in Supreme Chief
RUMORS OF THIRD POLITICAL PARTY– It’s called the “PISSED OFF PARTY” (or POP). This party is dedicated to vote every incumbent out of office in the next elections. If you’re Democrat, vote Democrat. Just don’t vote for the incumbent. If you’re Republican, vote Republican. Just don’t vote for the incumbent..
We need to send a message to all politicians, that we’re tired of their B.S. If the country votes out all the incumbents, the new incoming politicians will get the message. It’s pretty simple. Nobody needs to change parties and lets face it, there’s plenty of blame to spread around.
A few good politicians will lose their job but they probably have better retirement and insurance then 95% of the American public.
You’ve had to struggle for the last 5 years.. Some of you have lost your job and may be working in some other sector just to feed your family.
I guarantee you, none of them will suffer like this country has. If you like what’s going on and think this is a bad idea, delete this. But if you’re fed up and think this is a good idea, then pass this E-mail on. If you really think this has legs then a website and a blog could help get the word out
BONNEVILLE ASSALT WEAPAN DESIGN ELEMENTS CONFIRED– No knees in the breeze. 164.985 mph and no fairing. Twin Knuckle from a old Cycle World (year unknown).
Contrary to what some may have thought, more proof I wasn’t crazy when I suggested this type of riding position when we first discussed the Assault Weapan.
–CK.
BANDIT’S CANTINA ALIEN SIGHTING — Two aliens landed in the Arizona desert near a petrol station that was closed for the night
They approached one of the petrol pumps and the younger alien addressed it saying, “Greetings, Earthling. We come in peace. Take us to your leader.”
The petrol pump, of course, didn’t respond.
The younger alien became angry at the lack of response.
The older alien said, ‘I’d calm down if I were you.’
The younger alien ignored the warning and repeated his greeting. Again, there was no response.
Annoyed at the pump’s haughty attitude, he drew his ray gun and said gruffly, “Greetings, Earthling. We come in peace. Take us to your leader or I will fire!”
The older alien again warned his comrade saying, ‘You probably don’t want to do that! I really think that will make him mad.’
‘Rubbish,’ replied the cocky, young alien. He aimed his weapon and opened fire.
There was a huge explosion. A massive fireball roared towards him and blew the younger alien off his feet and threw him in a burnt, smoking mess about 200 yards away in a cactus patch. Half an hour passed.
When he finally regained consciousness, he refocused his three eyes, straightened his bent antenna, and looked dazedly at the older, wiser alien who was standing over him shaking his big, green head.
‘What a ferocious creature!’ exclaimed the young, fried alien. ‘He damn near killed me! How did you know he was so dangerous?’
The older alien leaned over, placed a friendly feeler on his crispy friend and replied, ‘If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my intergalactic travels, you never mess with a guy who can loop his penis over his shoulder twice and then stick it in his ear.’
–Vickie Kelly
BIKERNET INVESTIGATOR DISCOVERS FUTURAMIC DOCUMENT–Found some more of this over the weekend. The story about the “futuramic” bike is kinda cool. That?s a word we should start using again…”futuramic.”
–Charles Plueddeman
“A Good Man To Have Along”
BACK AT THE BIKERNET CULINARY INSTITUTE, 3 Fish to Avoid– I have long recommended fish as part of a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet. Yesterday’s Daily Tip covered my first choices for healthy fish – those rich in omega-3 fatty acids. However, not all fish provide the same benefits, and some species should be limited or avoided altogether. I suggest minimizing your consumption of the following:
1. Large predatory fish. Shark, swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and white (albacore) tuna may have high levels of mercury. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of contaminants, and should avoid these species. (Small-catch tuna is OK, as it has high levels of omega-3s with less risk of contaminants.)
2. Omega-6 rich fish. Farm-raised tilapia is one of the most highly consumed fish in America, yet it has very low levels of beneficial omega-3s and very high levels of potentially detrimental omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory, and inflammation is known to cause damage to blood vessels, the heart, lung and joint tissues, skin, and the digestive tract.
3. Farmed salmon. Avoid farmed salmon (also called Atlantic salmon), which is what you typically find in supermarkets, restaurants and fish markets. While less expensive than wild salmon, farmed salmon has a less favorable ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats and may contain residues of antibiotics and other drugs used to treat diseases in fish farming pens. What’s more, levels of PCBs and other contaminants in some farmed salmon have been found to be much higher than those found in wild salmon.
For more medical advice see Drweil.com
THAT’S ALL FOLKS–It’s margarita time at the Cantina. I’m such a damn workaholic. At midnight I was working on a Cantina Drama Episode. I started editing a World Run chapter, and we have the KIWI Mike Tech ready to launch tomorrow.
A SEMA meeting is scheduled for this week, plus Peter Linney is trying to drag a hot little blonded to our headquarters for a shoot with the 5-Ball factory Racer and Torian Leather products. I feel like there’s not enough time in the day. I may be starting on another book project with Motorbooks next week.
We spent Friday afternoon and Saturday working on Dr. Hamster’s ’34 VL. I’ll try to wired it this week and she should be ready to fire up. If his ’53 Lincoln isn’t ready and my Hearse shows up from Ohio, customized by Mike Cole. We’ll make the run to Arizona in the Bikernet Hearse. You’ll see progress shots of it this coming week. Hang On!
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
