COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled and Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

Bill Bish, author, national motorcycle rights freedom fighter, legal analysist, good guy.

PENNSYLVANIA HELMET FREEDOM! CONGRATULATIONS to ABATE of Pennsylvania and Keystone State motorcyclists, who scored a monumental victory over the Independence Day Weekend when Governor Edward G. Rendell signed a helmet law repeal on July 6, 2003, making Pennsylvania the 31st state to allow adult freedom of choice.

Effective September 4, 2003, riders 21 and older who have had a motorcycle license endorsement for at least two years, or have completed a motorcycle safety course, will have the freedom to decide when and where to wear a helmet. Passengers must wear a helmet if the operator is required to wear one.

“This was a classic example of grass roots activism,” said an exuberant Charles Umbenhauer, ABATE’s lobbyist. “We’ve been working at this for more than two decades, and it proves that patience and persistence pays off.”

Earlier this year, on June 16, the State Senate approved Senator John Wozniak?s helmet law modification bill, SB 259, by a vote of 29-20. Then, on July 1, the House of Representatives passed the measure by a vote of 118-79, sending the bill to the governor?s desk.

Governor Rendell promised to sign the bill if it got to his desk, and he kept his word to the state’s 700,000 motorcycle riders.

“This governor knows how to keep a promise,” said Umbenhauer, referring to former governor Tom Ridge, now Secretary of Homeland Security, who vetoed a similar bill over a technicality in 1998, after publicly supporting ABATE’s efforts to repeal the law.

ABATE is planning a celebratory ride on Saturday, September 6, 2003, forming on Commonwealth Avenue behind the state capitol in Harrisburg. Governor Rendell has been invited to do a ceremonial signing of the bill before the “Ride to Gettysburg,” which will be the state’s first helmets-optional ride in 35 years!

Custom Chrome ? and Chrome Specialties ? have joined forces to bring you the most comprehensive product offering in the Harley-Davidson ? aftermarket! At over 1,400 pages and over 25,000 part numbers, our 2003 Catalog features everything from nuts & bolts to HR3 bike kits, and sets the NEW industry standard.

ONLY $9.95 + 6.95 Shipping**

Once you find the part you need, go in to Chrome Specialties down below and order online! It’s that simple.

PITTSBURGH POLICE PROMPT HELMET REPLACEMENT Pittsburgh police supervisors recently ordered all motorcycle officers off the streets and bought new helmets after mistakenly believing their helmets failed government safety tests. And they are standing by the decision, claiming enough questions were raised about the old helmets to warrant replacement.

Assistant Chief Nathan Harper sidelined the 22-member squad after Sgt. Reyne Kacsuta told Harper she was concerned about the Bell Pro Police helmet model SD600V, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on March 10.

The problem began when an officer saw one of the helmets for sale at a police uniform store without a Department of Transportation sticker and began searching the Internet. The officer found a Web site run by the Massachusetts branch of the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education, a group opposed to mandatory helmet laws. The site contains a list of helmets that failed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing, including the 1998 Bell Pro Police SD600V.

Helmet makers test helmets themselves to ensure they comply with DOT standards, and the government may do its own testing. In 1998, the government tested four of the Bell models in question.

“There was one test result that didn’t match up. That happens a lot,” said Tim Hurd, a spokesman for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “That doesn’t mean it’s failed the standard. It means we want to check up on it.”

Bell told the government that out of 304 impacts on 38 helmets, one failed. The data satisfied the government that the helmet was safe.

Lt. Karen Dixon, who was in charge of investigating the helmets, maintains the helmet shouldn’t be used by Pittsburgh police because of the impact failure.

POLITICIANS HOG MEDICARE SPOTLIGHT It was a sight not often seen in Washington — the Secretary of Health and Human Services, clad in black leather jacket and leather chaps, atop a Harley leading a photo-op parade of motorcycle riders from downtown Washington to a community health clinic in Brandywine, Maryland.

Tommy G. Thompson, the Bush Administration’s top health official, took to the road Monday with about 35 other riders in an effort to boost the momentum of congressional debate over a Medicare prescription drug benefit, wrote Todd Zwillich for Reuters news service on June 16.

Thompson was joined by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., the ranking member of the Finance Committee and a key sponsor of a Senate plan to provide prescription drug subsidies for Medicare beneficiaries.

“We’re trying to rev up the Congress,” Thompson said moments before members of the Port Washington, Md. chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) roared away from HHS headquarters.

Congress has debated a Medicare drug benefit for nearly a decade, always falling short of agreement on the politically charged and expensive proposal. Proposals moving through the House and the Senate now offer roughly equal coverage for seniors opting to stay in Medicare’s traditional fee-for-service plan and for those who choose to move to a managed care plan.

HOG member Jim Leopard, 59, said in an interview that he wanted his participation in the politicians’ ride to help increase public pressure on lawmakers. The retired 23-yearveteran of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department said that he was happy to ride with high-powered politicians if it helps make subsidies available by the time he becomes eligible for Medicare in another six years.

“They definitely use the (Harley) image to look more mainstream instead of driving their Mercedes and BMW’s,” said Leopard, who considers himself a political independent. “But they need to boost Medicare up. It’s not enough now.”

GOVERNOR VETOES SOUTH CAROLINA RIDER ED BUDGET One of Governor Mark Sanford’s vetoes threatens a motorcycle safety course that saves lives in the state with the highest rate of motorcycle deaths in the country, the program’s founder says.

Sanford’s decision to eliminate $118,675 in state funding “is a real shame,” said Wayne Wilkes of Columbia PowerSports, who has overseen the program since its inception in 1990.

The $118,675 that Sanford vetoed pays for three motorcycle safety classes at technical colleges around the state, Wilkes told Knight Ridder writer Aaron Gould Sheinin. Motorcycle dealers also donate $120,000 a year in equipment, Wilkes said.

Created in 1990, the program originally was paid for by a grant through the Department of Transportation. The statewide program is overseen by Midlands Technical College with money from the S.C. Motorcycle Dealers Association and the state.

CANADIAN RIGHTS GROUP RAIDED BY POLICE The Bikers Rights Organization (BRO) of Ontario recently had its monthly meeting stormed by heavily armed officers who stuck machine guns in the faces of members, allegedly over a false tip.

BRO is a registered non-profit group formed in 1982 that lobbies for bikers rights in the Canadian province.

But at their April meeting, about 30 law enforcement officers participated in the raid, roughed up BRO members and ransacked the meeting room, reports the August issue of Biker Magazine.

According to a newspaper article on Cnews, “Police got excited when they found an ammunition clip in a corner?Then police realized it belonged to them.”

No charges have been filed.

ORCHARD BEACH NOISE ORDINANCE AIMED TO CHANGE IMAGE For decades, this Maine beach town has been known for honky-tonks and earsplitting Harleys. Now, officials want to put a lid on excessive noise and freewheeling drinking to make way for a family-friendly tourist town.

Critics complain that a bunch of do-gooders are trying to turn Old Orchard into something it isn’t, wrote Clarke Canfield for the Associated Press on June 9. In recent years, the town has put the kibosh on cruising, dirty T-shirts, sidewalk display racks and loud concerts. “They’re taking away your rights little by little,” said Ron Hill as he stood outside a food stand near the town’s seven-mile beach

May is the month when Old Orchard’s storefronts, food stands, arcades and carnival rides that have lain dormant all winter come to life for the first onslaught of tourists. This May will also be remembered for the Town Council’s decision to ban loud motorcycles and place a moratorium on new bars.

The noise ordinance not only prohibits motorcycles with altered mufflers but also makes it illegal for riders to rev their engines.

It’s not as if Old Orchard hasn’t gone through change before. In the late 1800s, this was a highfalutin? summer hangout for the rich. That all changed in 1907, when a fire wiped out most of the town and destroyed 17 large hotels. When the town began rebuilding, car and motorcycle races took place on the beach, amusement rides went up and the foundation of the modern-day Old Orchard was established. Bars and B-grade motels proliferated, and over time the Lowbrow image has stuck and it became a vacation haven for blue-color tourists, many from Canada. But since the late ’70s, when public drinking was banned, the town has slowly made changes to upgrade its image. In the late 1980s, it installed tasteful brick sidewalks and Victorian-style streetlights on the main drag. Then came an ordinance prohibiting cars from cruising congested downtown streets.

But banning loud motorcycles? Wayne Dube, who rides a 1961 Harley with a “Bar Hog” vanity plate, said the town’s weekly fireworks show and the train whistle on the new Amtrak train are equally noisy. Dube and his wife, who own the American Motorcycle shop, say it seems like some people want to turn Old Orchard into Kennebunkport, the well-heeled tourist retreat to the south. “It isn’t going to happen,” Robin Dube said.

BIKERS WITHOUT BORDERS TAKES MISSION ON THE ROAD Take two ambitious young men with the desire to help others, add in a love for motorcycles, and give them two brand-new Kawasaki KLR650s. The result is Bikers Without Borders (BWB), a non-profit organization comprised of two college-aged motorcycle enthusiasts, traveling through several countries and volunteering their time at non-profit organizations along the way.

Founding members James Mallory and Steven Wallstrom, aboard Kawasaki KLR650 dual-purpose motorcycles, will set out on a trip encompassing over 20,000 miles, eight months and 16 countries. After a stop at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. headquarters, BWB will travel through Central and South America volunteering in hospitals, schools, missions and soup kitchens.

“There are many non-profit organizations in these countries desperately in need of volunteers. And, there are many folks such as ourselves who are willing to donate their time and energy but aren’t sure how to find where they can volunteer,” said Wallstrom, president of Bikers Without Borders. “The key is matching these two groups up, and that’s where BWB comes in. Our goal is to create a source of information for volunteers to get accurate information on the many groups in need of a helping hand.”

For more information about BWB or for periodic updates on the progress of their journey, visit .

WIERD NEWS OF THE MONTH: ST COLUMBANUS, PATRON SAINT OF BIKERS From the Old Country comes proof that if the almighty himself does not don the leathers and climb aboard his scooter, one of his representatives on Earth certainly does.

Step forward the “biking bishop”, as he is affectionately known in England, in the shape of Bishop John Oliver. This man of the cloth and leathers is a keen Harley fan and rides Milwaukee iron as well as a cross-section of other bikes whenever he gets the opportunity.

In fact, so serious is he about his biking that the biking bishop has secured permission from none other than the Pope to have one St. Columbanus to be officially named as the patron saint of bikers.

Robert Daines writes, in his European Harley News report for Thunder Press, that the inauguration took place in the Italian town of Bobbio, the final resting place for the man who will be looking after bikers from now on. Fittingly, the service was attended by Bishop Oliver and hundreds of his fellow bikers.

St. Columbanus was originally from Ireland and as a young man was somewhat of a “lady’s man.” To avoid the temptations of the flesh, he turned to religion and traveled the world doing numerous good deeds until his death in Italy in 1651.

As for all his good deeds on behalf of bikers around the word, the bishop was modesty itself. “Bikers need all the protection they can get,” he told the British press, “so this is undoubtedly a good thing.”

So the next time you take a tumble and find yourself dusting down your bike and feeling great to be alive, you will know who to thank.

HARLEY SIGNED BY GOVERNORS TO BENEFIT COLUMBIA FAMILIES A 100th anniversary Road Glide signed by all 50 state governors and President Bush will be auctioned off later this year to benefit the families of astronauts killed in the space shuttle Columbia disaster.

The project is the brainchild of Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne and Barry McCahill, who works in public relations with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With the help of Harley-Davidson, the governor’s office contacted New York Myke of San Diego Harley-Davidson, and the plan began to come together.

Myke and his operations manager Fuzzy drove across the country for 50 hours straight with the bike to make it to the National Governors Meeting in Washington, D.C. in time to get all of the signatures.

“The President signed thinking it was a great idea,” said Governor Kempthorne. “They were all so excited-they were affirming with each signature their support for the families. It’s a gesture from the public of how much affection we have for our astronauts.”

For more information about this bike, log onto the National Science Center website at

QUOTABLE QUOTES “When will the world learn that a million men are of no importance compared with one man?”Henry David Thoreau, American author, poet and philosopher (1817-1862)

Continued From Page 3

Continued On Page 5

Continued From Page 2

Continued On Page 4

Continued From Page 1

Continued On Page 3

Continued From Page 5

Very impressive ..I decide I got enough photos and went out side. The parking lot was full, a slow race going on and people were lining up to get in. I lucked out by getting there early.Could not have got any photos with that crowd in there. The parking lot was a show in it self. Every bike you can think of was there. Than my partner Hessian Danny came screamin` in with his ole` lady Tammy. We shot the bull for awhile and he split to finish the Poker Run. Well I had enough of the crowd. The show was great for the first one..Outof here..

Bob T.

I’m outta here too. The 4th’s tomorrow – be safe. Remember why we are free and what it means to us all. Never forget those who have gone before us such that we can enjoy what we all have today.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some garbage cans to blow up.

-Digital

Continued From Page 4

Continued On Page 6

Continued From Page 3

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–As you might all know, just got back from the Horse Smoke Out 4 in North Carolina. I tell you it was a great time and a good event. We had the chance to meet with a lot of people there, readers, friends, celebs, and every homebuilder that you can imagine.The likes of John Towle, TBear, Crazy Horse, Billy, Goth Girl, Ed Martin, Mike Pullin and Meanest, the whole Horse crew, Indian Larry, Paul Cox, and many I’m forgetting. Many friends that we have made over the years riding, or in Internet boards. All very cool people, all very down to earth and that don’t have their heads stuck up their asses.

I’m not going to talk much about the Smoke Out since I’m in the process of finishing my full report, photos and all. I will surely skip over some things this week.I don’t have the full report from Edge yet but it seems like 6 thousand people (more or less) attended this years event, that’s like 5,800 more than last year (just kiddin’), all in all it was a fun packed week end of choppers, Mayhem, burnouts galore, semi naked cuties and lots of talking. Mind you, most of the people rode in; I did not get to see many trailers around that were not vendor related.Anyway, I’m getting a bit carried away with this, so keep an eye peeled for my report.

Now, I gotta talk about the Hawaii trip. Why you ask? I guess I have not been as excited and looking forward to a trip in a long time. This one is different. As you might know, I used to surf a lot, everyday, no matter what. This is the best chance to go back to a place I once called home, surf those kick ass waves, hang out with the locals (girls preferred), see old friends and meet new ones. All with the chance to mix it with what we do and love, bikes.

I just received a poster that really flattered me, it’s the official poster for the event and my name is there, along Bandit’s and Billy’s. Tell you the truth, that is an honor and super fuckin’ cool. I hope the cute Hawaiian chicks get the drift and think I’m somewhat famous. I?ll surely report (most) of what went on there. On the same line, I talked for quite some time with TBear about Tahiti and I really will bend over backwards to make the second trip. There are some waves that need to be ridden. Can’t wait to get there, and like Sifu said “once an islander, always an islander?. You have no idea how similar the Hawaiian Island are to my home here in Puerto Rico, and people there automatically relate to us which is a big plus and leads to very interesting conversations. To top it off, I am totally looking forward to sharing the Island scene with all our readers here at Bikrnet and The Horse. If I’m lucky enough to be able to do this, the least I can do is share the fortune.

It was pretty cool to be asked for photos and autographs at the Smoke Out. As those who really know me (and contrary with what I usually express), I’m pretty mellow and quiet. It was funny that people recognized my name instantly but no one knew what I looked like, which is fine with me. So to people that are a bit confused on what I actually do, here’s a short Resume…..

Surfed all my life, had a surfing distribution business, raced cars for a few years, raced sailboats for a few years, had some business in NYC, build bikes, have a shop with parts, accessories and stuff, and now have a side career as magazine journalist and writer, plus own Chopper Freak clothing. That’s it, but all the bike stuff started by building bikes.

Anyway, enough. Let?s get to the news.

Indian Larry was there with the Discovery Biker Build off 3 winning bike. You all know that TBear covered that event, but I have some photos of the really cool and kick ass chopper. Congrats Indian Larry and the crew at Gasoline Alley.

We had the chance to meet the guys at Gangster Choppers from Virginia. This family owned business (and no bitching and fighting like other places) is coming out with some pretty cool gear and bikes.Just in case their site is www.gangsterchoppers.com , ask for John, and check out his very cool cobalt blue chop.

Redneck engineering had a kick ass Sportster frame on display, so if you are planning on changing the appearance of that lame sporty, check their site out.

We heard Jesse James and Kid Rock are visiting the troops in Iraq, cool for them, next time gimme a call, I would love to go over and see what’s up

I hardly talk about anything that is not bikes and stuff but there?s a new show on TV that really fuckin’ kicks ass. Boarding House at WB, it’s about surfing the North Shore of Oahu, seven pro surfers and cuties are in the house, VK from Roxy is a mega babe, and Sunny Garcia is king, he knows how to show people how to respect. I really hope I meet Sunny when I get there.

On a sad note, our friend Lil C got busted at the Charlotte airport for carrying a “brass knuckle” jockey shift handle. They charged him with concealed weapon possession, and threw him in the slammer. That really sucks, what’s next, if we have Six gun risers they will impound bikes? In reality, people and the powers to be are getting really stupid with this, watch out people your rights are being trampled with the mere excuse of “security” what the fuck happened to “the land of the FREE” ? He told me that the cops spent hours taking photos of his tats (full sleeves) and kept asking him if he was part of a “gang” (I guess they meant club). If that is not profiling, then what is? FUCK YOU CHARLOTTE airport!

I don’t want to end this week’s report without thanking all those guys that came over and said hi. To the guys we hung out with, as well as the Asphalt 127 after-hours club, you know who you are, you guys and gals, totally and undoubtedly fucking ROCK !

Later
Jose – Caribbean Bikernet report

MAXIMum CHARM– This little bundle of sweetness is Amy from Voodoo Choppers in Rochester, Michigan. I ran across Amy at the Horse Magazine Smoke Out IV in Salisbury N.C. She was sweet as sugar, as pretty as her picture and unassuming about her looks.

Amy has been chosen by MAXIM Magazine to be one of their Home Town Honeys in their August issue. You get a chance to vote for the lady that you think is the finest offering of the month. There is a cash prize for the winner and Amy plans, if you choose her, to use her winnings to put together a kick ass chopper for herself. A noble purpose indeed. I hope you all take a minute to vote for Amy. You can see the results on line at www.maximonline.com as soon as the judging is over.

–TBear

–from Rev Carlr

THE FOUR CORNERS IRON HORSE MOTORCYCLE RALLY–
“RALLY OF THE RIDES”
LABOR DAY WEEKEND – SOUTHWEST COLORADO
Latest News from The Board of Directors!
The Board of Directors of the Four Corners Iron Horse Motorcycle Rally wishes to express our appreciation for your support and especially your patience. We sincerely apologize for not having more specific information at this time, however we have once again found ourselves somewhat “bogged down” in government red tape. We strongly believed our new location would be locked in by now, but were recently informed we will have to go through the political permitting process, something we had hoped would be avoided. We have secured the land use through the landowners, so it’s just one more hurdle to go. This area will certainly be worth waiting for; we wish we could say more right now. During this process, we will do our best to keep all of you updated.

Also, FYI, there has been much confusion as to whether the rally event tentatively scheduled to be held in Ignacio is the original Four Corners Rally. It is not affiliated with the original rally in any way. A rally is an area-wide event, we are one segment, and they are another. Once again thank you, ride safe.

Sincerely,
The Board of Directors,
Four Corners Iron Horse Motorcycle Rally, Inc.

BACK TO THE GARAGE, QUICK–Harley-Davidson snagged a full page of big business coverage in the LA Times yesterday. Here’s a quote: “If there is a bump in the road ahead, it is the question of whether Harley will have the same success after the current generation of owners runs out of gas.”

The writer doesn’t understand the code, “Ride Forever”. When us old farts are dead, there will be plenty of young guns to keep the faith. According to the article (which we all know), Harley is rockin’ financially against all odds, primarily due to the 100th. We’ll see if growth continues to break records next year.

I’ve got to get back to the garage to work on the Beach Ride Project Goliath. Sin Wu hauled her cute succulent ass to Larry Settle’s shop in Harbor City to have the goddamn clutch pressed together. I stayed here to hammer the news. The headquarters requires a used press and a small lathe for cutting spacers. We also need new clip ring pliers–ours suck. I must make a costly sojourn to Sears, but we hate to leave the shop when we’re rolling.

Hang on for the progress reports.

Ride Forever,
–Bandit

Continued From Page 2

PAINT JOB OF THE WEEK FROM CRAZYHORSE– This week’s paint job comes all the way from rainy Fox Island in thePacificNorthwest. I painted this for Tom Finley a few years back. This tankwasoriginally found it’s home upon a Panhead, but after Tom got thetank backhe changed his mind. He decided to sell the Panhead running gear andoptedinstead to build himself as S&S shovel with a RevTech 4-speed. Hewent withthe kick and electric start setup.

I’m not sure what they’re doing up there on old Fox Island, but itdoesn’tlook like it’s a very boring place. Hot bikes, hot women. So that’swhat’sthey do when it’s raining.

The 4th Annual Smoke Out was smokin’!!!!!! Great weather, killerbikes, anda town with a good attitude, combined into a weekend that anyone whowasthere will be talking about for long time. If anyone left therewithout abig smile, they’ve got serious problems and should check into thenearesthospital immediately to get the stick removed from their butt.

Lookfor mycoverage of this history making event here on Bikernet verysoon.

–CrazyHorse

A SMOKIN’ LETTER FROM THE HORSE BOSS–Just a note to all – A BIG THANK YOU – The Smoke out was a huge success! A special “Well Done” to Edge and his crew.

The thank you from Sgt. Coffield, commander of the Salisbury Police Department to Edge said it all, “Welcome back next year.”

The Horse Backstreet Choppers will absolutely gain new readers and advertisers, the life blood of a magazine.

Once again, Thank You one and All !!

Best,
–Hank McQueeney
(Mayor Slim McPickens)

BIKERNET RELATIONSHIP ADVICE–One Saturday afternoon, I was sitting in my lawn chair, drinking beer and watching my wife mow the lawn.

The neighbor lady from across the street was so outraged at this that she came over and shouted to me, “You should be hung.”

I took a drink from my can of Budweiser, wiped the cold foam from my lips, lifted my darkened Ray Ban Sunglasses and stared directly at this nosey bitch and then calmly replied, “I am, that’s why SHE cuts the grass.”

–from Chris T.

–from Rev CarlR

RIDE FOR HEROES STATUS–I finalized a bunch of stuff for the 3rd annual Ride For The Heroes onAugust 31st, 2003. The run will be held on Long Island, New York. I haveattached a flyer and a little story about how the run came about (which Iknow you already know).

If you happen to be in NY around that time, please let me know. Youhad also mentioned raffling off some autographed books. What do you think?

If you want to edit anything please let me know. I’m just a guy who rides amotorcycle trying to promote a run for my friend. I’m sure I can use a lotof work as a promoter LOL!

–Frank Falco

Hey Frank, we’re more than happy to support your efforts. I’ll be glad to send you a dozen signed books. And I edit every damn thing that rolls across my desk, whether it needs it or not. –Bandit

KIDS ON BIKERNET–A little boy wanted $ 100.00 very badly and prayed for weeks, but nothing happened. Then he decided to write God a letter requesting the $ 100.00. When the postal authorities received the letter to God, USA, they decided to send it to the President.

The president was so amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy a $ 5.00 bill. The president thought this would appear to be a lot of money to the little boy. The little boy was delighted with the $ 5.00 bill and sat down to write a thank-you note to God, which read:

Dear God: Thank you very much for sending the money. however, I noticed that for some reason you sent it through Washington, D.C., and those assholes deducted $95.00 in taxes.

–from Chris T.

Continued On Page 4

Continued From Page 1

ANOTHER BIKERNET READER/CONTRIBUTOR OPS FOR KING–Bob T. an old school rider and motorcycle memorbilia collector just bought a new 100th anniversary King. He’s the guy to supplies us with all the old shots we run. Keep an eye out for the next HORSE. His old school story comes to light on the pages.

SONS OF LIBERTY LEGISLATIVE REPORT– It’s For The Children – Fact or Fiction?Have you noticed the abundance of motorcycle charity rides lately? It seemsthat now that the mainstream have realized that bikers aren’t the scum ofthe earth and actually do have money; it’s become fashionable for everycharity around to have a Ride. But how much do we really know about wherethat money is going?

I recently picked up a brochure about the Inaugural Miracle Ride benefitingChildren’s Miracle Network. I might have overlooked the significance ofthis except that recently my TV has been flooded with commercials fromChildren’s Miracle Network that say that they are the “premier alliance ofchildren’s hospitals” that benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Thereis my problem with this “Miracle Ride.” If you raise money for Children’sHealthcare of Atlanta, you are raising money for a hospital that doesn’teven like motorcycles. Not to mention that they have 6 lobbyists at theCapitol. Even that wouldn’t bother me quite so much, except that they arelobbying about something has nothing to do with children.On the day that our bill was defeated in the Senate (at 9:04 PM), we spoketo several of the legislators who had told us they supported us and thenvoted against us. One of them was Senator Rooney Bowen. He said his reasonwas “the doctors and hospitals got on to me.” My comment at that time wasif Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has enough money to pay 6 lobbyists,they have too much money.

In fact, a couple of months ago I got a call froma Missy Valentine asking us if we could do a Ride for Children’s Healthcareof Atlanta. I basically laughed at her and told her I was surprised thatshe called us. She asked what I mean. I said “your lobbyist is at theCapitol lobbying against our bill, what makes you think we would raise moneyfor you?” She said she had no idea, and said she had never heard of theirlobbyist named David Tatum. It certainly didn’t stop her from findingsomeone to help them put on a motorcycle ride anyway.

So I just thoughtthat any motorcyclists out there who are planning on supporting this rideshould know just what their money would be going toward. Every penny thatthey can raise only helps them be able to afford to keep these lobbyists onthe payroll.So when you hear about a ride for charity, especially one that’s “for thechildren,” before you give them your money, ask yourself, is it really goingfor the kids?

–Kim Adams
Office Manager
ABATE of Georgia Inc.

MassPike, Motorcycle Association, Collaborate on Awareness Campaign– enlarged yellow signs have been placed on the 47 toll boothsin Massachusetts during the 18-day period surrounding Laconia Bike Weekwhere over 100,000 riders travel though the Commonwealth, reading “Whenchanging lanes, check twice, save a life, Motorcycles are Everywhere!” -This program was funded by our Motorcycle Safety Fund, administered by theRegistry of Motor Vehicles who approved this joint project(On the stationary of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority).

See their website, www.masspike.com/Once you arrive at the web site, click on “Motorcycle Safety” on the lefthand side under “What’s New”. This will take you to the recent pressconference, as well as a link to the web site of the MassachusettsMotorcycle Association.

Special thanks to Steve Sebestyen, Deputy Registrar, Paul Joedin of MassHighway for those amber flashing signs, and all the riders who ROARED andSTORMED the STATEHOUSE to ‘save our motorcycle safety fund!”

–PC

If you need more info on this or any other subject just go to the Sons ofLiberty Riders Info Zonehttp://solrpa.com/wwwboard/ or http://www.solriders.net/

Later
–Hawk
ICQ 34668186
AOL SoLRHawk

–from Rev CarlR

Continued On Page 3

We’re rockin’ at the headquarters this week. Between girls, workouts and pinstrippers we’re pounding a Custom Chrome Goliath 100-inch bike kit together. Yesterday was slow, with glitches to installing the inner primary and clutch. We’ll explain all aspects in several articles that will flash onto the site and in American Rider in the near future.

Yesterday we had three photographers slowing our progress while George, the Wild Brush, cleaned up the partially powder coated wheels with his pinstriping talents. Plus, we were distracted by the heavenly form of Sin Wu wearing a short/short top and a island wrap over naked hips as she delivered chow to the crew. How the hell can we get anything done?

Last night I fell asleep watching El Captain Thunder starring Fay Ray from the ’40s. Before the movie kicked off, Captain Thunder’s code was flashed across the screen. He was a South of the border outlaw of honor who stood by his word always in pursuit of life, liquor and ladies. I like his code. Let’s hit the news:

MYRTLE BEACH SPRING RALLY, May 7-16, 2004– “The 4th Annual Myrtle Beach Fall Rally”. Welcome to the fastest growing Fall Rally on the East Coast, The 4th Annual Myrtle Beach Fall Rally is going to be bigger and betterthan ever before. All the normal vending locations will be open during TheFall Rally and many with special attractions just for this time of year.Are you making your plans now to be part of all the fun and excitement ofthe Fall Rally at Myrtle Beach? We are .. Excellent weather, less trafficand congestion means Great Riding on the Grand Strand.

Why a Fall Rally at Myrtle Beach??? The answer is simple, Myrtle Beach and The Grand Strand Area offerssomething for everyone. The Myrtle Beach and The Grand Strand Area isabsolutely stunning, a great Coastline to explore, historic locations inalmost every small town, and a fantastic ride from Myrtle Beach to HistoricCharleston which you can easily do in a day. The Myrtle Beach Area is one ofthe top vacation destinations in the nation with over 16 million visitorsannually and over 60,000 guest-rooms, 1,600+ dinning establishments, toaccommodate visitors. And cops that run over bikers.

Getting Around Myrtle Beach during the Fall Rally?? There is two (2) ways to go South out of Myrtle Beach. One is Business 17and the other is Bypass 17. Business 17 South of Myrtle Beach State Park iswhere Sonny Productions Office Location and many vendors for the Fall Rallyare located. Many of the vendors that were here for the Spring event comeback for the Fall Rally and are located on this property. Watch out for the cops. They don’t know how to drive.

Sonny Productions Inlet Square Mall vending location is located where bothBusiness 17 and Bypass 17 come together. Over 25 acres centrally locatedaround some of the Major Restaurants in Murrells Inlet (Lone*Star Steakhouse& Saloon, TGI Fridays, Hooters of Murrells Inlet, AppleBee’s, and close to K& W Restaurant and Wendy’s.

A new road that has just opened up in the Myrtle Beach area is #31 a greatway to get from Myrtle Beach all the way to Hwy #9. This road also crosses#22 which is another new road from 501 to North Myrtle Beach.

Attention Vendors or Businesses interested in selling or display yourproducts or services during the Myrtle Beach Fall Rally, —- ContactSonny@MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com or call the Myrtle Beach office 843-477-1366or my cell phone at 843-455-1638 for vending information.

BIKERNET EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT–A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.

The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow A human; it was physically impossible.

The little girl said, “When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah”.

The teacher asked, “What if Jonah went to hell?”

The little girl replied, “Then you ask him”.

–from Chris T.

CHARLOTTE RUN FOR BREATH LAUNCHES WEB SITE– I setup a website for Mike on the Run For Breath. Check it out if you get a chance.http://www.geocities.com/hawgdudeus/

–Dude

TAHITI RUN PLAYER GOES DOWN–Into each life some rain must fall. So it was with me at the Horse Smoke Out. I was having a blast at the Horse Magazine’s 4th anual Smoke Out in Salisbury N.C. Schmoozing with Billy lane, Indian Larry and Irish Rich amoung other notable chopper world dignetaries.

This was the first time that I was able to get together with the entire Horse Mag staff at one place and one time. The weather was georgous, the beer was cold and the ladies were hot and the bikes from all across the country were smokin’.

My bride , who let discression be the better part of valour, decided to loosen the reigns a bit and let me fly solo to the event. My damned cell phone rang early in the evening as I was surrounded with a fury of femine pultritude. It was the wife…never a good sign when I’m on the road. She had just gotten a call from Kiki in Tahiti. He was trying to reach me to tell me that a good friend of mine in Tahiti, Jean-Noel Tourneur had been in a bad wreck on his Fat Boy and had sustained severe head trauma and it was not known if he would survive. I was devastated. Being appx 9,000 miles and an ocean away, there was nothing I could do to help.

I tried reaching my buddies in the club there but was unable to contact anyone. I had to continue working the event, being on stage to host the Horse Maiden Contest with the Ice Cream Man From Hell and Billy Lane, play congenial host to Indian Larry and his crew from GasolineAlleyNYC and the Shade Tree Racing boys as well as meeting and greeting Horse and Bikernet readers. Man, It was one of the toughest weekends I’ve gone through in recent memory.

As soon as I got back home to NY, I phoned Kiki in Papeete and got the good news that Jean-Noel would live. The extent of his injuries have yet to be determined and his eventual recovery is still uncertian.Jean-Noel is no kid. He’s a Belgian who happened on Tahiti and fell in love with her people 25 years ago and stayed. In his youth he rode the Paris-Dakkar Rally a few times on a bike just for kicks. He’s the kind of guy that you want to have a beer and swap stories with. OK, now I’m not a guy who likes to pray, but it couldn’t hurt. So if you happen to think it’s OK, please take a second and ask whoever you think rules the universe to see that Jean-Noel pulls through this and I’ll buy you a beer next time we cross paths.

Thanks folks,
–TBear

BIKERNET READER’S FIRST BIKE–Right from the start custom builder. Note the ape hanger buckhorn handlebars, the narrow front tire the fat daddy slick tire on the rear. The S.T P. sticker on the front neck . With my P. F. Flyer tennis shoes and bright red sweater. Pretty good considering parts were limited and empty coke bottle collection low.

Note no front brake no fenders rigid frame .Build for speed , solo seat , Pant custom red by spray can.

LETTER TO EDGE, THE SMOKE-OUT PROMOTOR FROM OFFICIALS– Thanks to your staff and the participants of your event (Smoke Out IV) in our city this year; no incidents occurred this past weekend that could be attributed to motorcyclists attending from out of town. They were orderly and well-mannered, and except for a few minor calls involving loud music and partying at a few of the local motels, we responded to our normal amount of calls for service. Several arrests were made for driving offenses, but none that I could see except for one, could be attributed to any of your participants.

Our city residents gave us more problems than the visitors. We were glad to have them come visit our historic City of Salisbury and they are certainly welcome again. Please convey our sincere gratitude to your readership for their friendly and outgoing attitude those two days (June 20- 21, 2003). I have already received a number of comments from both fellow officers and members of the community that this was one of the “nicest bunch of people” we have ever had visit our town. Please call on me if you should need anything on your future visits to Rowan County.

–Sgt. H. H. Coffield
Salisbury Police Department
Special Operations Commander
130 E. Liberty Street
Salisbury, NC 28144

Continued On Page 2