Good morning! It’s Saturday, July 2, and in this weekend edition, we’re covering America’s 246th birthday, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, and much more. Congratulations, America—Monday marks the 246th commemoration of the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress. The Congress actually voted to separate from Great Britain two days earlier, and possibly didn’t sign the document until August. Some argue the US didn’t really become a country until we began operating under the Constitution in 1789. Still, since then, the country has grown from 13 colonies with about 2.5 million people to 50 states and 14 territories with a population of more than 330 million. The economy has swelled to roughly $24T. Advances in public health—public sanitation, the germ theory of disease, and more—have cut the child mortality rate from more than 45% to under 1%, and our citizens live 35 years longer on average. We’ve built almost 4 million miles of paved roads and more than 5,000 public airports. More than 2.7 million miles of power lines electrify the country, with about 85% of households having access to broadband internet and 92% having at least one computer. In 1800, 95% of the population lived in rural areas, and now about 83% live in urban areas. The US has also been responsible for more than 800 human visits to space—the most of any other country with a space agency. While there will always be challenges to face and improvements to make, we’ve come a long way since the beginning. So grab a hot dog and your drink of choice—here’s to the next 246 years. PS—Looks like drone shows are in this holiday weekend. Editor’s Note: Thanks to the staff at 1440 News Digest for this wonderful article. First time reading 1440 News? Sign up here. Have feedback? We’d love to hear it. Let us know at hello@join1440.com Refer friends, earn 1440 swag https://join1440.com/

I notice none of you editors and hacks at this glorified real-estate flyer you call a newspaper are having any kind of problem with Gavin Newsom’s multi-billion dollar “plan” to alter the climate I GUESS only within the borders of California. Like anyone can fucking do that.

Since you failed novelists and sub par essayists are not ripping Newsom a brand new alimentary canal nor reaming his fundament conduit with your Pulitzer Prize-losing prose I can only assume that you, like him, are convinced “climate” obeys geographical boundaries and that the climate in California extends from ground level upwards in a straight, California-shaped, ascending rectangle, all the way to the stratosphere….and never moves to the left or the right to go somewhere else.

 

Apaches just perform a dance routine when they want to influence meteorology. I’m guessing that Newsom….. like all of you hacks and bosses-of-hacks, are tone-deaf and devoid of rhythmic responses to tempo and all move on the dance floor like migrating elk bracing against an icy windstorm in January in deep snow…..is not capable of performing an Apache rain dance. Hence the 40 billion to…I dunno, a DIFFERENT Indian tribe?

I’m a member of the Screen Actors Guild and you hacks know WE’RE all idiots, we’re even dumber than you hacks, we need other people to write our dialogue, While you, all being failed novelists, you can at least put your own sentences together. Newsom can’t even do that, at least not sentences anyone can make any sense out of. Everything he says and does is idiotic. Even you have to be able to see that. You all went to school. Newsom went to PROBABLY hunter Biden’s house to have a fellow idiot to play Donkey Kong with. That was his school: Hunter Biden’s house. No wonder he’s a fuckhead.

Is there some reason the lot of you never ask that idiot tooth-filled rictus, Grinning Gavin, how it is he comes to the knowledge without evidence, tests, proof, theories, conjectures, guesses, intuitions, ouija boards, tea leaves, sorcerers, prophets, seers, wizards or the application of gerbils rectally, how it is someone who can’t formulate a coherent sentence about ANYTHING…..1: knows how to alter the climate of a planet and 2: knows his plan, whatever the fuck it even is, will work.

 

I’m guessing no. Because that would be actually productive rather than annoying. Which is all you journalists ever create: annoyance. It’s like it’s in your fucking DNA.

 

American Flag History from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation

“Have you ever wondered why the flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran? Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means to you.”

Know why the stars are on top with the American Flag taking a different shape when completely folded and all tucked in.

Read the Article by Paulette Korte from Motorcycle Riders Foundation by Clicking Here.

* * * *

Know more about Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) at https://mrf.org/

15 % OFF SALE – SHOP NOW !

There is nothing more freeing than being out on the open road with nothing but you and your machine chasing the next adventure. Enhance that feeling this 4th of July by taking 15% off when you order through our website using code “Freedom4” at checkout, and smooth out your journey to self-fulfillment with any of our suspension products.

Offer valid from 7/1-7/4.

Note: Coupon code must be applied manually in order to take advantage of the 15% off savings.

* * * *

Follow Bikernet Blog for FREE on every Deal and Offer on any motorcycles & motorcycle related products. Simply Sign-up for the Free Weekly Newsletter by CLICKING HERE.

Hey,

Johnny White and I have been discussing the significance of choppers, not just for the motorcycle industry but for men and women. What’s it means to build a chopper? How does it fit in the Zen of things? Why would anyone take a perfectly good, running stock motorcycle and bob or chop it?

What’s the cultural significance? Well, fuck it. We’re going to endeavor to tell you in stories about riders, through non-fiction, fiction or thought.

In this case we are trying with a fiction story.

Chopper Charlie

At 17 Charlie sat in his senior history class and drew a motorcycle sporting a narrow gas tank with flames on notebook paper rather than paying attention to his angry teacher. He was lucky to get a D or even graduate. He wasn’t athletic but started to lift weights in a quiet corner of the gym.

His folks were tough, and his dad drank too much. He wasn’t happy at home and knew a deadline loomed. His folks weren’t happy with him and pointed constantly at other kids. “Why can’t you be like the Jones’ kid?”

On the weekends he worked in the oil fields in a machine shop doing odd jobs and cleaning razor sharp filings out of cutting-oil splattered lathes. One Saturday night on his way home he spotted a bunch of toughs in a High School fraternity called Aces fucking with a biker in a Jack n’ the Box. The young rough-looking motorcycle character appeared to be trying to grab a bite to eat. He wasn’t backing down, but he was surrounded and out-numbered.

It was late and a fog hung over the small community when this group of six gathered around the biker and started to push him around. Charlie knew some of the guys from school but didn’t know the biker. He didn’t like the odds and pulled his bicycle into the alley, grabbed a stained galvanized lid off a trash can and charged into the melee.

He didn’t know what the hell he was doing, but he did it anyway. He smacked a couple of guys and made enough noise to startle the situation. Everyone made for the hills, including Charlie. The only thing he remembered was the chopper, all baby-blue metalflake, with a peanut tank, tall chromed sissybar and highbars. It was something out of mystic battlefield, like the golden sword, engraved and laced with leather shining like a silver star in the midst of horrendous battle.

As soon as the kids scattered, the biker jumped over his white tuck and roll banana seat, kicked the Panhead to life and peeled out in a blaze of chromed upswept fish-tip pipes. It sounded like hell possessed roaring off into the night. Charlie scrambled to his bicycle and rode like he was on fire through back, dark alleys until he returned home, slipped into the back door and laid in his bed sweating.

The sound of that motorcycle struck strings in his mind like Jimi Hendrix’s guitar setting the world on fire. Charlie began to study local classified ads until he found a Panhead basket case in a garage across town. He called, and the gruff voice gave him directions to the West side of Long Beach.

At the time, bikers didn’t trust anyone. They didn’t trust other bikers, thugs, clubbers or cops. Charlie showed up in a Pendleton shirt, Levis and engineer boots. Three guys met him in the garage, and they all sized each other up, down and sideways.

Charlie didn’t know shit and didn’t like the looks of the thugs with stolen parts. He noted their whereabouts, bought a few parts and bowed out. He needed a mentor. For the first time in his life, his mind was on fire. He couldn’t get enough of the vision of the glistening chopper surrounded by violence, fog and stained asphalt. He didn’t give a shit about the thugs, the clubs or the thieves, but every bone in his body wanted a Chopper. He was part afraid, but vastly inspired.

He studied magazines, attended a couple of shows and ran into a short stub of a guy, Andy, who was in the Naval reserves and building his first Chopper. He introduced Charlie to a fat bastard who seemed to know everything about Harley engines and going fast. Charlie hung out, listened, read, bought manuals and found a 20-foot container in the oil fields with a single hanging bulb and two electrical outlets. He rented the old rusting hulk and set up a shop.

Charlie collected tools as if they were magic potions. He ditched school but pumped up his grades enough to duck the heat from the authorities and his folks. He worked as many hours as he could in the machine shop to fund his build, and he suddenly gathered the drive to learn more about the capabilities and workings of the equipment. His boss noticed his enhanced focus and started to give him jobs operating milling machines then lathes.

He spent every waking minute in his dimly lit container where he stashed parts and equipment like a drill press and tools. He attended a Los Angeles Police Department auction and was able to buy a used ’68 Shovelhead for $600 and he started to tear is down. Life suddenly had meaning and direction.

He wanted a Panhead, but he scored a big twin Harley and found a wishbone Panhead frame. Within six months the Shovelhead driveline found its way into the frame. He extended the wide glide 6-inches, made bars and headlight bracket, found a seat, a Sporty tank and made a sissybar.

Suddenly, Charlie wanted to do everything. He followed Andy’s build. Andy had a fulltime job, plus the Navy reserve income and could afford a custom paint job. Charlie couldn’t but he didn’t care. He started to ride. When he wasn’t riding, he was working on his bike to make is more efficient and cool behind what Charlie learned from Andy, books, manuals and the fat bastard.

His bike had a black frame and he wanted to learn how to rake it. The frontend contained a chromed 21-inch wheel and a hand polished drum brake. He made his risers, bought a set of Flanders chromed highbars, a solo seat and rattle-can painted the Sportster tank and rear fender, black base with Orange scallops. He even attempted pinstriping, but found an old hot rod pinstripe artist, George the Wild Brush, to handle the job.

He rode to school and shook up the neighborhood. He didn’t like to be out of eyeshot of his bike, so school rides took a back seat, but girls started to notice. He rode to work, and the older machinists admired his build. More respect came his way. On a daily basis he rode faster and farther.

He bought a used weight bench and set up a make-shift gym beside his rusting steel container and made time to work out three times a week.

He noticed groups of bikers at bars, which he couldn’t go into yet, but it wasn’t about joining anything. He just wanted to ride, as if nothing existed except his chopper, his solo thoughts, splitting lanes, flying in the fast lane and roaming through the hills.

He could ride 100 miles and stop at a gas station to refuel and grab a cup of coffee. Sitting on a bench in the middle of the night watching his chariot to creative freedom, he pondered what he might do next, the next ride or the next modification.

He could sit for an hour, while gangbangers rolled into the station in lowered cars, blaring music or drunks in trucks, spilled out onto the concrete raising hell, but when it came to the biker sitting alone with his chopper, they straightened up, nodded or said, “Nice bike.” Nobody fucked with the long-haired biker who was about to graduate from High School and make his way into the chromed life of the chopper rider, hell bent for mechanical knowledge, metalflake paint and a girl…

 
The ‘first fold’ of our flag is a symbol of life.
 
The ‘second fold’ is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
 
The ‘third fold’ is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
 
The ‘fourth fold’ represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
 
The ‘fifth fold’ is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
 
The ‘sixth fold’ is for where our hearts lie.  It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
 
The ‘seventh fold’ is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our Republic.
 
The ‘eighth fold’ is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
 
The ‘ninth fold’ is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
 
The ‘tenth fold’ is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The ‘eleventh fold’, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
 
The ‘twelfth fold’, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
 
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust”.  After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
 
The next time you see a flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our flag and our Country.

—From Paulette Korte

 

American Freedom is Working

Hey,

This could be a magnificent day in the hood, as you will see in the news.

I wrote a story for Micah’s feature in Choppers Magazine. Magazines are heating up again. My grandson, Frankie and the lovely Em set up the FiveBall booth at Born Free. The place was jammed and hot, but the 5-Ball banners flew high.

We will bring you the ultimate 4-speed trans clutch tech. It is working like a champ. Well, sorta. Then we bring you our first VL XA FL build tech with Irish Rich of Shamrocks Customs at the helm.

Have a terrific 4th, stay safe, don’t burn the house down. We will be riding free forever.

–Bandit

Click Here to Read all the great news this week.

* * * *

Have a look at all the cool features, reports & news from Bikernet.com online archive dating back to 1996. So much more for you to discover.

Hey,

This could be a magnificent day in the hood. As you will see in the news, my conundrum from last week may have been addressed. I’m on pins and needles.

Buck Lovell shot the Pandemic for a Cycle Source feature this week, and I wrote a story for Micah’s feature in Choppers Magazine. Magazines are heating up again.

Let’s hit the news.

The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

Going to Sturgis? Join us, along with Harley-Davidson, for our Choppical Pool Party!
The Choppical Pool Party is exactly as it sounds, a tropical themed pool party & chopper show that will feature the most unique and custom builds.

Just bring your bathing suit and chopper! We’ll have music, food, drinks and vendors.

Choppical Pool Party will be at Outlaw Square in Deadwood, SD on Saturday, August 6 from 11 AM – 4 PM.

Want to submit your H-D chopper to be in the official Choppical Pool Party chopper show? Submit your bike by rolling to the Prism web site.

Choppical Pool Party

Summers in Michigan Are Hard to Beat!
­
The BAKER Gearhead crew will be taking some time off to enjoy our beaches, fireworks, backyard barbeques, and rippin’ around the Great Lakes. We will be closed from Monday, July 4 – Friday, July 8, 2022.

Most of our top-selling products are on the shelf and ready to ship! All orders placed before noon on Friday, July 1st will ship this week.

Our online shop is open 24/7 at www.bakerdrivetrain.com and all orders placed during the break will ship the week of the 11th.

Please have a safe and fun Fourth of July holiday!
­

Sonny Barger

An Angel has flown away. Step
back in the history of Hells Angels
Motorcycle Club, founded the
Oakland Charter in 1957.
An important figure, controversial
how fascinating in motorcycle
culture.

Condolences to his wife Zorana
and the brothers of the club where
he served for 65 years.

Motor Corp.’s leader criticized what he described as excessive hype over electric vehicles, saying advocates failed to consider the carbon emitted by generating electricity and the costs of an EV transition.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda said Japan would run out of electricity in the summer if all cars were running on electric power. The infrastructure needed to support a fleet consisting entirely of EVs would cost Japan between ¥14 trillion and ¥37 trillion, the equivalent of $135 billion to $358 billion, he said.

“When politicians are out there saying, ‘Let’s get rid of all cars using gasoline,’ do they understand this?” Mr. Toyoda said Thursday at a year-end news conference in his capacity as chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.

He said if Japan is too hasty in banning gasoline-powered cars, “the current business model of the car industry is going to collapse,” causing the loss of millions of jobs.

–Peter Landers
Wall Street Journal

On June 23, 2022, the Federal Trade Commission announced a complaint against Harley-Davidson, ordering the company to “fix warranties by removing illegal terms and recognizing the right to repair, come clean with customers, and ensure that dealers compete fairly with independent third-parties.”

 View Federal Trade Commission Statement:

Source: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/06/ftc-takes-action-against-harley-davidson-westinghouse-illegally-restricting-customers-right-repair-0

“The announcement from the FTC has a tremendous impact on dealerships, independent shops and consumers,” says Marc McAllister, President and CEO of Tucker Powersports. “All dealerships in the US, including Harley shops, will benefit from being able to offer their customers more choices. Ultimately, this means that consumers get to choose the products that are right for their bike and their riding, not what was right for the manufacturer. At Tucker, we will continue to offer our dealers great replacement parts and accessories that they can now consider for every one of their customer’s bikes.”

–DealerNews

Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), in collaboration with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division, is launching four new PSA safety videos that seek to increase awareness about motorcycle safety.

Source: https://motorcycles.einnews.com/pr_news/578843397/massdot-encourages-drivers-to-look-twice-for-motorcycles-motorcyclists-advised-be-bright-and-visible-take-your-time-and-anticipate

2. Philippines revs up motorcycle tourism efforts

The Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) recently partnered with the Harley Owners Group (HOG) for the PH Ride with Purpose campaign held in Mauban, Quezon on June 25, 2022.

3. Motorcycle Electronics Sale on Amazon Will Have You Itching to Ride

If I rode in areas with no cell reception now, a motorcycle GPS unit would be on my wishlist.

All the technology that adds to the joy of riding, including Bluetooth comm systems, GPS units, and phone mounts, is discounted.

I found an accessory for practically all riders. Just scroll down.

Editor’s NOTE: These are on offer at Amazon American website : www.amazon.com

Source: https://www.thedrive.com/deals/motorcycle-electronics-sale-on-amazon-will-have-you-itching-to-ride

–Wayfarer
Chief Investigator
Bikernet International News Bureau

The case before the U.S. Supreme Court is West Virginia vs. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).The primary plaintiff of the case is West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey; he is joined by attorney generals from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Morrissey’s office is also representing the interests of two coal companies in the case.

The EPA, backed by the administration of President Joe Biden, is being represented by the U.S. Solicitor General. … In a 2007 Supreme Court case, the Justices ruled 5-4 in Massachusetts vs. EPA that the agency has to limit greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act if they’re a threat to public health.

In a 2009 endangerment finding, the EPA determined carbon dioxide was indeed a threat to public health. Based on that Supreme Court ruling, the Trump administration couldn’t simply kill the CPP; it needed to have a plausible replacement to it.

The plaintiffs argue that decisions around emissions should be at the hands of elected officials and not the EPA. … What the court decides will have huge implications for the scope of federal administrative power and climate change policy.

–Climate Depot

NEWS FROM WIND VEST–Don’t miss the excitement of Bagger Racing!!!!

July 8 – 10, 2022

WindVest will be at Laguna Seca Weathertech Raceway to experience the King of Baggers

Unexpected changes have resulted in a scheduling conflict and Nita Strauss is unable to perform as previously announced.

“Otherwise” will perform in place of Nita Strauss on August 10th, at 8:00 PM.

OTHERWISE
Wednesday, August 10th – 8:00 PM
Ages 21+ welcome
No Cover, No Tickets Required – FREE CONCERTS

Guests having purchased upgrades specifically to see Nita Strauss should know their passes remain honored for all entertainment on August 10th. Customers with additional questions may contact Iron Horse Saloon through the info contained in their purchase receipt.

TRIKES OF THE WEEK—Hang on. We don’t know what the hell we’re doing.

–Sam Burns
Trike Editor
Bikernet.com™

“There is no greater event in the motorcycle community for displaying the passion of ownership than the iconic City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally,” says RumbleOn President and COO Peter Levy.

Our Shotgun Exhaust Pipes for 1990-2003 Sportsters are now Made in the USA.

Shotgun Exhaust Pipes from Lowbrow Customs make quick work of improving your motorcycle’s look and sound.

VISIT WEBSITE

PS – Check out heat shields and exhaust wrap, both are popular options paired with Shotgun Pipes!

PPS – Check out the Shotgun Pipe How-To Install Video to see how it’s done on 1990-2003 as well as 2004 & later models.The install is straight-forward and can be done in a home garage with basic hand tools!

They are busy building Heartland products and not really into selling Zodiac products as a dealer.

We will continue to report about our efforts in the near future.

–Bandit

–Van Gogh

I made him promise me that if he ever sold it to give me first crack at it because I’d ride it and take care of it. You and I both know what it’s like to sell something you’ve built and wonder what ever happened to it. This way he can keep dibs on it and watch me ride the piss outta it.

The more I think about it, considering the bike runs well and is in decent shape now, I will add a few details like brass dog bones, maybe brass hand grips, and then chrome the few engine parts this winter, when it’s cold. For now, just ride it and enjoy, of course once my knee heals…got at least 4 more weeks on crutches.

Once I have it, I will definitely take some good shots and I’d love to run a feature on it. Cool little story behind it as well. Basically a labor of love for almost a decade for him.

–Johnny White

We will wait here for further reports.–Bandit

CO2 Coalition Tells Court Carbon Regulation “Scientifically Invalid”

ARLINGTON, Va. — President Biden’s Social Cost of Carbon rule is “scientifically invalid and will be disastrous for the poor people worldwide, future generations and the United States,” according to a court brief by two physics professors at Princeton and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the CO2 Coalition.

Filed today with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the amicus curie brief said, “There is overwhelming scientific evidence that fossil fuels and CO2 provide enormous social benefits.” It asked that the rule be enjoined from further use pending outcome of a hearing by a trial court.

The lawsuit before the appeals court — the State of Louisiana versus Biden — seeks to stop the use of “temporary rules” that are implemented by presidential order. The Biden administration’s SCC rule directs regulators to include the purported projected “global cost” of every ton of carbon dioxide emissions from a wide array of projects where federal funding or approvals are needed, from transportation, to housing, to energy and infrastructure.

The academicians named in the brief are Dr. William Happer, chairman of the CO2 Coalition and professor emeritus of Princeton University’s Department of Physics; and Dr. Richard S. Linden, professor emeritus in the MIT’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences and a CO2 Coalition member and past chairman.

The brief says that a district court’s preliminary injunction should be reinstated because the technical document supporting the SCC and President Biden’s executive order imposing the regulation “are scientifically invalid and will be disastrous for the poor people worldwide, future generations and the United States.”

“Reliable scientific theories come from validating theoretical predictions with observations, not consensus, government opinion, peer review or manipulated data,” says the brief. The brief says the U.S. Supreme Court has adopted essentially the CO2 Coalition’s view of what constitutes valid science.

However, the brief notes, predictions supporting an SCC — particularly climate forecasts generated by computer models — have regularly failed the test of real-world observation. Meanwhile, the brief says, supporters promote an SCC on the basis of claims of a consensus, the favoring of governmental opinion over scientific challenge, endorsements by peers, the manipulation of some data and the omission of other information.

A glaring omission in the administration’s proposed regulation are the benefits of carbon dioxide and of the fossil fuels whose burning in the generation of electricity and industrial processes emit the gas.

“There is overwhelming scientific evidence that fossil fuels and CO2 provide enormous social benefits for the poor, people worldwide, future generations and the United States, and therefore it would be disastrous to reduce or eliminate them,” the brief says.

The brief notes that warmth and moderately higher carbon dioxide levels in recent decades have correlated with an overall greening of Earth and record crop harvests. The document shows that per capita gross domestic product has increased over the last 2,000 years from a few dollars to approximately $7,000, closely tracking the increased use of coal, oil and natural gas in recent centuries.

The brief says that the president’s order violates a congressional directive requiring that benefits as well as costs be included in environmental considerations and that it exceeds the president’s authority by unilaterally creating new law.

The CO2 Coalition, based in Arlington, Va., is an organization of approximately 95 scientists and researchers engaged in educating thought leaders, policy makers, and the public about the important contribution made by carbon dioxide to people’s lives and the economy.

–Paul Aiken

The place was jammed and hot, but the 5-Ball banners flew high.

Frankie and Em split to Cabo immediately after the event to chill by the sea.

More reports in the near future. –Bandit

CLASSIC CARS Are Greener Than Electric Vehicles– Study

I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve heard people yammer on and on about how horrible classic cars are for the environment. Usually their eyes are bugging out, spittle’s flying out of their mouth, and they’re absolutely filled with self-righteousness but few facts.

They’ll vehemently insist that driving your old Camaro, Mustang, Charger, or whatever you own is absolutely destroying the planet in real time while refusing to discuss the process of extracting minerals for making EV batteries, let alone the insane energy levels required in the manufacturing process.

That’s why reading a new study from UK insurance provider Footman James is so refreshing because it doesn’t talk emotional rage, sticking instead to the inconvenient facts.

Even inside this industry there are those running around claiming all classic cars will be electrified in 10 or 15 years or whatever time frame they were told by someone else. The assumption is this will be good for the environment, that driving a classic car with batteries and an electric motor will cause trees to spring forth in the Sahara Desert and the unicorns to return from the ocean.

According to Footman James’ study, reality is far different because classic cars with those evil, gas-burning engines are better for the environment than new electric vehicles. The thing is people who believe the opposite just look at tailpipe emissions, behaving as if that’s everything in the equation. They don’t consider pollution generated by the manufacturing process.

In the study, Footman James mentions that in the UK a classic car on average is driven 1,200 miles a year and puts out 563 kg of CO2 as a result. But a new VW Golf is made by generating 6.8 tonnes of CO2e. Even worse, a Polestar 2 (a Swedish electric car) generates 26 tonnes of CO2 during the manufacturing process. That means you could drive your classic car for over 46 years before it generates as much CO2 as the “green” electric vehicle. Let that sink in for a moment.

Footman James rightly points out that within that 46-year period, the Polestar 2’s battery will need to be replaced, maybe even swapped for a new one twice or more. And what happens to the battery? Can it really be recycled? The answer for now is no. Meanwhile, the classic car keeps running without contributing significantly to a landfill. But you should feel bad for driving such an awful pollution machine, or so we’re told.

I wish the study dug more into the human and environmental costs associated with the extraction of raw materials to build electric cars. There’s also the fact many of these minerals are mined in authoritarian countries like China and Russia where many accusations have been levied that slave labor is used in the process.

Keep all this in mind the next time your neighbor, relative, or friend who just bought a shiny new Tesla tries guilt tripping you about owning and driving a classic. Sure, the smug self-righteous attitude can be annoying, especially when people who know next to nothing about cars are just fascinated by anything novel, but the facts don’t exactly back up their daydreams of becoming Captain Planet.

–Steven Symes

Check out Footman James’ study for yourself here. https://www.footmanjames.co.uk/media/82379/footman-james-report-2022-180522-8mb.pdf

[page break]

Getting current with my .44 Mag to take to Alaska next week.
Will be doing a lot of backcountry bush flying in grizzly bear country, so planning for the contingency of going down.

Most of the bush planes are 60+ years old but well maintained. But consider riding across the desert on a 60+ year old motorcycle.
Plan for contingencies…

Will give your paper a read this weekend. In making the cross-over from cowboy to biker, keep in mind that the horse comes first.

A cowboy takes care of his horse before he attends to his own needs.

Check out two books – Cowboy Wisdom, and Cowboy Ethics by Stevenson — but you probably already know the code of the west.

John Wayne lived it in his movies.

Cheers,
–MV
Weapons Expert
Bikernet.com™

–Bandit

By: Enrico Punsalang

The new SWITCH/MTN electric mountain bike from Serial 1, the electric bicycle company spun off from Harley-Davidson’s internal e-bike development, has just been introduced. The news comes just weeks after the company introduced its BASH/MTN electric bike.

In an article published by Electrek, Harley-Davidson’s Serial 1 described the SWITCH/MTN saying, “Extremely off-road capable, SWITCH/MTN has the performance to satisfy an expert rider, but careful attention to fit and fine details ensure that our latest eMTB is just as accessible and accommodating for riders who are just beginning their off-road adventure too.”

Many of the parts are similar with Serial 1’s other urban e-bikes, as they share the same architecture. The SWITCH/MTN shares the same 90 Nm mid-drive Brose S Mag motor and 529 Wh detachable battery which is integrated into the bike’s frame. The battery was jointly m developed by Harley-Davidson LiveWire motorcycle division. SRAM’s SX Eagle series is used in the mountain bike drivetrain, which includes a 12-speed gear system and an e-bike-specific, single-click trigger shifter for rapid gear changes while out on the trail.

The bike does have improved off-road geometry, thanks to Suntour’s flagship ZERON35BOOST AIR fully adjustable suspension fork. The SWITCH/MTN rolls on rugged, high-volume Michelin E-Wild knobby tires, and boasts a TranzX dropper seat post that allows riders to modify their seat height dynamically at different places along the trail. TRP Slate T4 hydraulic disc brakes with four pistons offer high-performance braking, and are specifically intended for use on premium electric mountain bikes.

The SWITCH/MTN may also be managed via an app, and it has a lot of features like information display and GPS tracking. This takes advantage of Google Cloud’s recently announced collaborative efforts to make the bike more connected than ever before. The bike has a 10W USB-C charging connector on the handlebars to keep your phone charged while you ride. The new model comes in four sizes, from S to XL, with the L model tipping the scales at 24 kilograms. The bike is currently available online or at various Harley-Davidson and LiveWire stores, with prices starting at $4,499 for the base model.

I have thousands and thousands of riding shots……some are actually in focus! Some are correctly exposed!

–Buck Lovell
Lovell Photography & Design
B.L.A.B.B. (Buck Lovell’s American Biker Blog)
bucklovell@gmail.com / bucklovellsblog@gmail.com
20824 Eddy Place
Sturgis, SD 57785
(605) 490 2991

Vance & Hines Issues Statement on Federal Trade Commission Action Against Harley-Davidson

Background: The Federal Trade Commission announced a complaint on June 23, 2022, against Harley-Davidson, ordering the company to “fix warranties by removing illegal terms and recognizing the right to repair, come clean with customers, and ensure that dealers compete fairly with independent third-parties.”

Link to Federal Trade Commission Press Release: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/06/ftc-takes-action-against-harley-davidson-westinghouse-illegally-restricting-customers-right-repair-0

Statement from Mike Kennedy, President & CEO of Vance & Hines:

“This action taken by the FTC is a huge win for motorcycle riders. While we still need to see how this plays out, we anticipate that riders will have more choices in how they repair and update their motorcycles during the warranty period, which is clearly a big deal for companies in the motorcycle aftermarket, too. I hope that the “it will void your warranty” threat for someone who just wants a better sounding or smoother running Harley is a thing of the past.”

The Story Behind the Notorious Widows Sons

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_Story_Behind_the_Notorious_Widows_Sons.aspx

I belong to Taylorsville 243,in Mtn.City, TN.
How can I join the Widows Son?

–Chris Park
clemstock61@gmail.com
Mountain City, TN

Gov. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., said the Biden administration again will prevent South Dakota from celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks at Mount Rushmore.

After the administration rejected Noem’s permit request for fireworks last year, the state in September applied to hold fireworks at the national memorial this year. The request was denied.

“We are not going to be able to host those fireworks this year at Mount Rushmore. I am suing Joe Biden and the White House over not allowing us to move forward with that. The fact is that they’re violating federal law by not letting South Dakota celebrate our independence over that great monument,” Noem said on “The Chad Prather Show.”

–NEWSMAX

Harley-Davidson’s Evolution V-twin has powered the brand’s Sportster since 1986. Over the years, the pushrod-actuated engine has earned kudos for its reliability and simplicity, and the Motor Company keeps the V-twin in the air-cooled Sportster platform to this day.

Of course, with the arrival of the 2021 Sportster S, the Evolution gave way to the Revolution Max 1250T due to Euro 5 regulations. In the States, however, the Evo remains in the Sportster 883 and Forty-Eight. Harley still turns to the air-cooled V-twin after 36 years, but Chinese brand Shineray wants in on the action with its new 1200cc mill.

The company doesn’t just borrow the architecture of Harley’s 45-degree V-twin, it also replicates much of the Evo’s cosmetics. From the cooling fins to the lower rocker covers, from the chromed pushrod covers to the oil filter location, the Shineray unit practically clones the legendary Motor Company engine.

The resemblance is more than skin-deep too. Shineray’s engine also touts four camshafts that actuate one valve each thanks to starboard-mounted pushrods. The Chinese brand can’t quite replicate the Evo’s performance, though.

Shineray reports that its 1,200cc V-twin generates 60 horsepower and 66.4 lb-ft of torque with a 9.1:1 compression ratio. The 1,200cc Evo in the Forty-Eight, on the other hand, boasts a 10:1 compression ratio that pushes performance to 67 horsepower 73 lb-ft of torque.

Shineray previously purchased Italian firm SWM and released an SWM-branded, liquid-cooled, 350cc, 550cc, 850cc, and 1200cc V-twins. However, the company hasn’t stated what its new air-cooled V-twin will power. Given the layout, we highly expect a throwback cruiser to showcase Shineray’s air-cooled V-twin.

Unfortunately, Europe probably won’t receive that impending model due to Euro 5 homologation. Regardless of which cruisers utilize Shineray’s V-twin, hopefully, its reign lasts as long as the Evolution’s.

–By Dustin Wheelen
Ride Apart

–from Geno
Senior Investigator
Bikernet.com™

Tucker Powersports Looks at Impact on Dealers– After Federal Trade Commission
Action Against Harley-Davidson

Background: The Federal Trade Commission announced a complaint against Harley-Davidson on June 23, 2022, ordering the company to “fix warranties by removing illegal terms and recognizing the right to repair, come clean with customers, and ensure that dealers compete fairly with independent third-parties.”

Link to Federal Trade Commission Press Release: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/06/ftc-takes-action-against-harley-davidson-westinghouse-illegally-restricting-customers-right-repair-0

Statement from Marc McAllister, President and CEO of Tucker Powersports

“The announcement from the FTC has a tremendous impact on dealerships, independent shops and consumers. All dealerships in the US, including Harley shops, will benefit from being able to offer their customers more choices. Ultimately, this means that consumers get to choose the products that are right for their bike and their riding, not what was right for the manufacturer. At Tucker, we will continue to offer our dealers great replacement parts and accessories that they can now consider for every one of their customer’s bikes.”

Flat Out Friday, an indoor flat track race run on — literally — a Coke-syrup surface, has opened the Mama Tried event on Friday night since 2016. But as you might guess by the aforementioned (and sticky) description, it’s not your typical flat track race.

Working Together For Motorcyclists’ Needs
FEMA news June 17, 2022

International collaboration is key when it comes to addressing modern-day issues that affect motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists’ organizations FEMA, FIM Europe and NMC have therefore signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize and strengthen the bond between them.

FEMA, FIM Europe and the British National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) agree that it is most important that the interests of motorcyclists are recognized and appreciated by the institutions of the European Union and other regulatory and policy forming bodies, on a national and international level.

Click here to read the memorandum of understanding (pdf file).

Dolf Willigers, FEMA’s general secretary: “In the past eight years FEMA already established a good working relationship with FIM Europe. With the changed situation in Europe after the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, it is very important to have cooperation between UK-based organizations and organizations that focus more on the rest of Europe, as is already shown by the issue of transporting vehicles that are not driven or ridden by their owners across the borders between the UK and the EU.

For us, the most logical step was extending the existing cooperation between FIM Europe and FEMA with the National Motorcyclists Council, where FEMA and FIM members are already represented. I am happy that we have received support from our organizations to make the already existing cooperation between us formal by signing the Memorandum of Understanding. Last weekend has already shown that we are looking forward to a pleasant and productive working relationship.”

Christopher Hodder, FIM’s public affairs manager: “The FIM and FIM Europe has had a long history of working with our colleagues in the UK and this continues to this day. As home to some of the world’s most famous brands and most famous riders, the UK is a culturally significant part of motorcycling history. As UK riders seek to establish themselves independently on the international lobbying scene, it is good that we continue to maintain dialogue and work together on key issues affecting one of the largest motorcycle markets in Europe. We look forward to collaborating on key concerns across Europe in the future.”

Craig Carey-Clinch NMC’s executive director: “The NMC’s members are delighted with this new partnership. It is very clear that many issues affecting riders have an international, not just national basis. In the short time since the NMC was founded, there have already been a number of issues where positive work with FEMA and FIM Europe has been and will be to the benefit of riders group work and objectives. This new cooperation further underlines the growing impact and credibility of the international motorcycle lobby in total, with a common approach to issues of joint concern being the best way to create positive change. We look to very positive joint working in the years ahead.”

“On Friday the Supreme Court released a decision that eliminated the constitutional right to an abortion after almost 50 years. Next week, the court is expected to rule on a case that could limit the government’s ability to fight climate change. It is the product of a multiyear Republican strategy.”

– New York Times “Climate Forward” June 24, 2022

Yes, the decision may come down today on West Virginia vs the EPA, concerning the “endangerment finding” on CO2 as a “pollutant.” It could be the beginning of recognizing CO2 as entirely beneficial, which is true as opposed to the lie that it is causing an “emergency.”

Cheers, Patrick Moore
pmoore@ecosense.me

CELEBRATING UNFORGETTABLE TWO-WHEELED ROAD TRIPS WITH ITS MOST CAPABLE TOURING MACHINE – THE INDIAN PURSUIT

Three Epic U.S. Road Trip Experiences Capture the Glory of Crushing Miles, Discovering New Places & Creating Lifelong Memories

It’s time to hit the road and discover some of the most beautiful destinations in America. Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced the debut of its first-ever motorcycle touring series, Epic Pursuits. The two-wheel travel series will take viewers on three unique adventures aboard the Indian Pursuit, the brand’s most-capable touring machine. Whether a long-time, avid motorcyclist or newly licensed rider, Epic Pursuits champions the totally unique experience, camaraderie and euphoria that can only be found when road-tripping with friends on motorcycles.

Hosted by Matt Vincent, an accomplished athlete, adventurer, and entrepreneur, each epic journey will feature a new cast of characters, saddling up for the ride of a lifetime through three different regions of the country. Each journey will be chronicled with three episodes – showcasing the area’s breathtaking scenery and local sights, as the group explores and immerses themselves within the local culture.

“If there’s one thing we’ve learned as a post-pandemic society, it’s that life can change in the blink of an eye. We all have that one trip, that one ride that’s been on our bucket list far too long, and now’s the time to pursue it,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “That’s exactly why we created Epic Pursuits – to inspire riders all over the world to seize the day by getting out on that two-wheel journey they’ve dreamt of and create those experiences and memories that can only be found on the back of a motorcycle.”

Premiering today on the Indian Motorcycle YouTube channel, the first three-part installment debuts, as Vincent and company take to the Southeast. From the cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina, through the everglades of Florida, Vincent and company make their way to the Florida Keys. Throughout the three episodes, the riders stop at local restaurants and tourist attractions, even hitting Daytona Beach to experience the infamous Bike Week. As is often the case with any road trip, unpredictability rears its head. Several unforeseen obstacles and inclement weather ultimately make the experience and memories all the more sweet and the final accomplishment of conquering a 900-mile ride becomes a badge of honor.

As Epic Pursuits continues, series two will venture down the West Coast, as Vincent and a new crew of riders begin their journey in San Francisco, traversing down the California coastline to Los Angeles and heading inland to the spiritual desert oasis that is Joshua Tree. From there, the third and final epic adventure will head to the Pacific Northwest, where the riders make stops through Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The next two trips will debut later this summer.

To learn more on Epic Pursuits or the Indian Pursuit lineup, visit IndianMotorcycle.com

HONDA HANDS OVER HISTORY TO LEGENDS & HEROES–

American Honda recently donated a large cache of printed archives, including their entire inventory of motorcycle manuals and brochures to the Legends & Heroes Tour for the traveling display and to be sold to raise funds to support the ongoing efforts of the tour. All proceeds from these and other tax-deductible donations help to continue its mission of sharing the history of Motocross and Supercross at events each season and honoring the athletes and industry personnel that made it possible.

EPA loses – America Wins
In what is likely the most damaging setback ever dealt to those advocating for overzealous enforcement actions against greenhouse gas emissions, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of constitutional limitations on unelected regulators.

This morning SCOTUS ruled in favor of the plaintiff states in WV v. EPA. This was an important “separation of powers” case. Over 20 states allege EPA improperly used very narrow statutory language as the basis for a national CO2 cap-and-trade program.

The constitutional principle of separation of powers requires that only Congress—through legislation—is authorized to decide major policy issues, not federal agencies. The related legal “Major Question Doctrine” holds that federal agencies must have a clear authorization from Congress before exercising new and significant
regulatory power.

According to the ruling written by Chief Justice John Roberts: “But the only interpretive question before us, and the only one we answer, is more narrow: whether the “best system of emission reduction” identified by EPA in the Clean Power Plan was within the authority granted to the Agency in Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. For the reasons given, the answer is no.”

This is why we fight.

Statement on the ruling by CO2 Coalition Chair William Happer:

“The decision is a very welcome reaffirmation of the Constitutional rights of citizens of the United States. Untouched is the question of whether the Constitution allows Congress to make scientifically incorrect decisions by majority vote, for example: that carbon dioxide, a beneficial gas that is essential to life on Earth, is a pollutant.”

“To take a single step beyond the boundaries specially drawn around the powers of Congress is to take possession of a boundless field of power, no longer susceptible to definition.” –Thomas Jefferson

CO2 Coalition
1621 North Kent Street, Suite 603
Arlington, Virginia 22209 or donate on-line

Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance

I like the idea of the P Principle. Why not take the time to prepare for your day, maybe go to YouTube and find a guided meditation or some quite meditative music? Pause close your eyes and just breathe for 5 to 15 minutes, let your mind stop. Clear your mind of the chatter, worries and fears. Know that you are Divinely Guided and Trust that you are directed to what to think, say and do. Just breathe and Trust the Power of Spirit to flow through every part of your Life.

Today prepare to accept The Gifts, let go of any thoughts and beliefs of unworthiness, for you deserve the best Life has to offer.

Today Know: As I begin my day I Pause and prepare for my good. I let go of any negativity, doubt, fear or feelings of unworthiness. I raise my level of Consciousness of who I am, Perfect, Whole and Complete. I have a new energy and confidence that I have never felt before. I feel that there is nothing I can’t be, do or have. Today I prepare for all My Good to unfold, Today I Live My Truth! I give Thanks for All the Good that is going to unfold.

And So It Is
Namaste’

“You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”
— Zig Ziglar

–Yale Gelfant
Choppers Cycle

WHAT’S NEXT—This is wild news and hopefully it will lead to Scientific transparency, but meanwhile in the Bikernet Headquarters shit is flying.

We will bring you the ultimate 4-speed trans clutch tech. It is working like a champ. Well, sorta.

Then we will bring you our first VL XA FL build tech with Irish Rich of Shamrocks Customs at the helm.

Been looking for Rick Zielinsky for a while. He made this for me a long time ago and it still shines in the Black Hills. I’ve followed this style for years. We have two Zielinsky’s in the Hamster, but no relation…

We attended The FuckingAsshole and the Dreamgirl’s 50th wedding anniversary in Sturgis. They are members of the AMCA. The bikes were amazing, stock Knucks, Pans, Henderson 4s, Indian 4s and scouts.

Working with Mike Lichter on his exhibit for the Rally which will contain over 30 bikes.

Slowly loading into the shop. My guys won’t be available over the weekend, so fuck it, let’s party.

In the meantime, have a terrific 4th, stay safe, don’t burn the house down. I’m going for a ride with local Black Hills Hamsters on the 4th. We will be riding free forever.

–Bandit

New Fiction on Bikernet.com

“Bandit read her note again in a coffee shop at 1:00 in the morning. He hoped it wouldn’t happen, but he could feel it in her features and her comments. She was on the drift. Without her there was nothing except his favorite flannel and his leather saddlebags.”

Maybe it had to do with motorcycles and how they made him feel. His chopper and a 4-inch barrel J.D. Crow engraved Colt Government Model pistol were all he needed, with his Ariat boots and his Buck pocket knife.

* * * *

Find entire novels written by him at Bikernet.com and the 5-Ball Racing Online Shop

Don’t forget to share this short-fiction with your friends if you like it.

Click Here to Read latest short-story by K Randall Ball

Riding Free for over 25 years, check out all the cool stuff at www.Bikernet.com

Bandit read her note again in a coffee shop at 1:00 in the morning. He hoped it wouldn’t happen, but he could feel it in her features and her comments. She was on the drift. Without her there was nothing except his favorite flannel and his leather saddlebags.

Maybe it had to do with motorcycles and how they made him feel. His chopper and a 4-inch barrel J.D. Crow engraved Colt Government Model pistol were all he needed, with his Ariat boots and his Buck pocket knife. When he got home from working the oil fields, he popped a Voodoo Ranger beer and met the icy envelope in the fridge. She could be cold.

He fired up his Knucklehead planted in an Irish Rich modified VL frame with an old rusting chrome XA springer front end and a 21-inch wheel guided him out of the city. He needed the desert, the solitary miles. His small Wassel peanut tank demanded visiting multiple truck stops for gas.

He cut the back way out of 29 Palms into Amboy. As he rode in the dark, he thought about their times together and he thought about the girl he gave up for her, his best friend. His mind swirled with thoughts of her misdeeds and his choices. His single headlight shined at the two broken lines on the narrow two-lane highway.

He wasn’t right all the time, but he made a decent life for her and her troubled daughter, but it was never enough. Wind whipped up the surrounding sand and he made his way into the gas stop. He slid to a stop and watched a couple of guys trying to jack a car from two old tourists.

His bike sang a loud song of violence, like pump shotguns rapid firing. He revved the engine and slammed on his rear disc brake and slide to an abrupt stop, the tire screaming against concrete. The thugs stood tall suddenly, and Bandit reached inside his vest, and they ran.

At 6’2” and wearing long-johns, Wranglers, tattered brown cowboy boots a sweatshirt, red and black plaid flannel and his stout leather vest showed all the roads he traveled for the last decade. Strong and padded, he didn’t look a fool and the druggies hit the road. He refueled and followed them into the night.

He could work and do anything from being a machinist to a plumber. He had to decide in the town of one gas station/hotel and a shoe box sized post office at 2:00 a.m. He could ride in the direction of Arizona, via Needles or west toward Barstow on the 15 and point toward Nevada.

His gas tank chose Barstow and off he went into the bleak night. He reached Barstow on reserve and was forced to refuel at the very fist opportunity. It was as if the old Harley-Davidson Knucklehead was happy with the cool night air and his high-bars loved the solitude. He refueled, checked his ride over and hit the road east toward Vegas. He knew folks there but didn’t want to have anything to do with the city, any city. He had the ride alone blues.

To the east the sky changed from jet black and started to glow crimson against the Mojave mountains. As soon as it crested the jagged hills the temps jolted upward, and it was already 90 degrees when he pulled into Baker a bleak desert town of 700 surrounded in every direction with desert.

As he slid to a stop beside the one of eight gas stations in town the blues crested in his soul. He wanted a drink bad. The town had four fast food joint, one Mad Greek Restaurant, one Chopper shop and just one Bar, the High Roller Tiki Bar and it was closed. Fortunately, all the gas stations sold Jack Daniels.

The one long-time breakfast joint with the tallest thermometer in the world struggled as long as it could and finally closed their doors.

As the sun blazed into the sky and bleached out all the paint on every building in Baker, Bandit sat on a cinderblock ledge, in a rare shady spot and drank Jack on the rocks while staring at his boots. In rode three club guys. Bandit didn’t recognize the patch. It looked Alien like the only jerky shop in the world right here in Baker. It wasn’t a traditional outlaw patch, more political.

All three dismounted from their flashy, blacked-out, late-model Dynas and strode into the station. They came out laughing, refueled and the big one with lots of hair and a full beard said to the others, “He knows who runs this town.”

They fired up their bikes and sped into the interior of the dusty town that didn’t spread more than a mile into the desert.

Bandit walked into the station and found the short Hispanic clerk with crimson cheeks from being slapped. “I could lose my job.”

“Sorry to hear about that,” Bandit said. “How long have they been around?”

“About a year,” the clerk muttered. “They’re taking over and it ain’t good.”

“When does the Greek open? I need a breakfast burrito,” Bandit inquired lost in his own pain. He bought another half-pint of Jack Daniels and stuffed it into his vest.

“Greek no make burritos, but my sister does,” the kid said and perked up. “Just ride up that street about three blocks on the right a pink house with green shutters. She’ll be making them now.”

“You got it,” Bandit said. “Just what I need.”

“Be careful,” Julio said. “Drinking whiskey and this sun don’t mix.”

Bandit nodded slipping on his jockey’s helmet and brown deerskin gloves and fired up the Knucklehead. He could tell as he straddled the beast that his balance was impaired, but once he got rolling the bike had a mind of its own. He could tell it wanted out of the sun and he found a modicum of shade under a canopy in front of Maria’s Burritos.

He climbed off the bike and looked up as Maria approached. A lovely mystic from a faraway dream, she looked at peace with the universe. Something to do with the vibrant hues on her burrito palace, her colorful Mexican dress and Bandit was done. She caught his gloved hand and wrapped his flannelled arm around her shoulder, kicked out his kickstand and drug his drunken-self inside her Cantina where he collapsed. Whiskey, desert sun, and no sleep for 24 hours took its toll.

He passed out on her bright red velvet couch. Three weeks later he was still sleeping on that rickety couch. Maria’s eyes made him stay, plus her sumptuous burritos didn’t hurt. Their old man was the town’s welder, fabricator and he had suddenly disappeared five years ago. A heavy drinker, he got his ass kicked out of Vegas and he didn’t have the funds to take his kids any farther than Baker.

Folks came to them for Maria’s burritos, chile rellenos, and tacos. Julio worked in the station, but his dad’s welding gear sat idle in the one swaying light bulb garage. The torches, MIG welder, bender and tool box collected dust. He had a sizeable welding table, two vices and folks continued to stop by when they needed something welded or repaired.

Able Bandit set to fixing metal tables for the kitchen, bad doors and gates around the digs. He taught Julio how to weld, bend iron and cut with the plasma cutter after the hose was repaired. They started to make extra money and folks came with broken equipment and gates. “We should equip an old truck with welding gear.” Bandit said to Julio. “We could make good money traveling around the area taking on jobs. You could quit working at the station.”

“That would be very cool,” Julio said.

“Save your paycheck for a couple of months,” Bandit said. “We’re doing okay without it. Then we’ll buy a truck and outfit it.”

“Could we build me a chopper,” Julio asked.

“We can do anything,” Bandit said. “I need to go to the bike shop for something. Wanna go, you can ride on the back of the Knuck?”

“I don’t think so,” Julio said. “Remember those guys?”

“Yeah,” Bandit said, remembering the day they met at the gas station. “I need something for my bike. I’ll go check it out.”

Bandit fired up his trusted friend and rode a couple of blocks toward the highway and around the dusty corner. Everything in Baker was worn. He could weld for the rest of his life and never repair all the rusty fences and gates in town. The shop, located in a galvanized tin building was near collapse. Two Dynas were parked out front sporting club decals. Bandit looked at the decal on the blacked out hot rod with foot-tall risers. He could tell serious funds went into this performance bike with high-dollar mag wheels, exhaust, billet air cleaner and lots of accessories.

He walked into the shop sporting a sand floor and a counter, with teetering wooden and glass tops that hadn’t been painted, varnished or even dusted in years. One parts catalog rested on the counter and a new copy of Cycle Source magazine. A rusting counter bell collected dust on the scratched glass top. Bandit hit it with the palm of his hand, “Service, goddammit,” he shouted, and dust scattered around the unused bell.

Suddenly the sounds in the back stopped and boots stomped against the hot asphalt floor toward the front. Three men burst through the door opening in the wall separating the front from the service area in the back. Bandit could see stacks of tires, old exhaust systems, air filters and bent fenders stacked against the wall.

“Who the fuck are you?” one skinny lanky rider reaching into his leather club vest.

“I’ll handle it,” a short white guy said stepping forward. “I’m Jake, can I help you?”

The last outlaw stood in the doorway with a long fixed-blade in one hand, picking his nails with the point of it and leaning against the doorway. “You don’t handle anything, anymore,” he grunted. “We run this shop.” It was the big guy from the gas station.

“I don’t give a fuck who does what,” Bandit said. I need a quart of 60 weight oil and a couple of Champion spark plugs. Think one of you badasses can handle that.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Jake said.

The two outlaws snarled at Bandit like a pair of over-amped pitbulls. The guy with the pig sticker played with it and said, “I don’t know who you are, but we run Baker. Don’t get in our way, muthafucker.”

Jake tried to remain calm, but the situation was written all over his face. He wasn’t happy, but he grabbed a quart of oil from the opened box behind the counter, a couple of Champion spark plugs from under the counter and ran it up on an old manual cash register.

“What are you riding,” Jake asked, handing Bandit his change.

“A ’44 Knucklehead,” Bandit said. “Thanks. I’ll be around,” he said and looked directly and the bad ass with the knife.

Just that statement reflected hope in Jake’s features. “Thanks,” he said.

Bandit walked out and fired up his Knuck and let it idle out front for long minutes while popping the quart of oil open and pouring it into his hand-built oil tank. He tossed the plugs in a saddlebag and rode around around the block in the opposite direction or toward the highway where he let the motorcycle feel some speed, as if he was headed out of town, but he wasn’t.

“That’s twice,” he thought to himself and weaved, idling his way back to Maria’s Mexican food joint. He could sense some chemistry there, but his blues hung on like an albatross around a sailor’s neck and she knew it. When Julio returned from work they went to the shop in back of the restaurant and tinkered with some projects and welding jobs. Bandit replaced the single bulb with a couple of brighter fluorescent units. The shop was beginning to take on a professional air.

“What’s with this club,” Bandit asked.

“No one stays around here long,” Julio said, “But these guys started showing up and taking over businesses. Doesn’t make any sense. Except for the fast-food joints and gas stations, nothing survives. If Maria and I could get out of here we would.”

?“Is there a boss?” Bandit asked. “And what’s with that patch?

“His name is Armand,” Julio said, “a little guy who shows up in a Mercedes limo with lots of big guys, but Rico is the boss of the club guys, the one with the beard. I don’t know where Armand comes from, and he doesn’t seem to care what happens in Baker.”

“There’s an answer,” Bandit said. “There always is.” They continued to grind on a neighbor’s gate and within a half hour repaired it. Julio returned it to its owner with an invoice for work completed. Bandit made a call to Vegas and the next day a short Italian guy showed up on a modified, super-fast FXR with a large duffel-bag over his shoulder. Maria watched as Bandit shook his hands and took the bag to the corner of the shop.

A week passed and Bandit was beginning to warm to Maria’s advances. She wanted a man to stay and make their lives complete. Bandit and Julio’s welding business took off and they were busy 8-hours a day with more fabricating and repairing gates, garage doors and automotive parts.

Friday morning came around and Maria toiled in the kitchen since 4:00 a.m. to meet the morning orders. A new shiny black pickup pulled up out front and a member of the Arat Brothers got out. Maria met him at the door with a large bag of burritos and containers of her special sauce.

“Thanks Maria, these are the best,” the young member said and gave her a sizeable tip.

“Thank you, senor,” Maria said and handed the young white guy wearing all black the hefty bag and bowed slightly.

“We heard Julio is fixing stuff and welding?” The young member asked.

“Yes, can we help you,” Maria said.

“Come out to the truck,” the member said and pointed in the bed. “We need these posts fixed for the airport.”

Maria stood on tip toes to look into the bed and Julio followed. He studied the damaged 6-inch galvanized post, which were old. “Sure, we can fix them,” he said. “When do you need them.?”

“How about 4:00 this afternoon?” This kid looked new to the gang. His patch was slick and flashy. Other than a long mustache he was clean shaven with short, cropped hair, as if recently out of the military.

“We can do it,” Julio said.

“They must be done by 4:00 or…” The kid said unloading two large crates of running lights from the back of the bed.

“No sweat, we will get it done,” Julio tried to assure the edgy kid.

“We will take care of you financially, if you can get them finished,” The kid said and crawled into the cab with supple leather interior.

Bandit and Julio hauled the crates into the back of the shop and went to work straightening, welding and in some cases rewiring each unit. The kid made a point to bring along a box of new LED bulbs.

At 3:45 the shiny black pickup screeched to a stop in front of Maria’s and this time two members jumped out of the cab, Rico and the kid. They stormed inside where Maria scurried around cleaning la cocina preparing for the following day.

The kid worked with Julio to load the truck. He paid Julio handsomely, but just as they climbed into the truck, Rico grabbed Maria. “I need a date for tonight,” he said pushing her into the cab.

Bandit stayed out of the picture, but when Julio hollered Maria’s name he darted out of the shop through the kitchen and into the yard. “Maria,” Julio hollered and ran into the street as pickup sped away.

“That’s three,” Bandit said.

“What do you mean,” Julio asked.

You’ll see,” Bandit said. “We’ve got work to do.”

Bandit fired up his Knucklehead and rode it around to the shop.

They took off his top motor-mount and welded extensions to stick out each side to just clear the sides of the engine. Bandit pull over the duffle-bag and removed two weapons with holsters. They made brackets so one holster for the 30-round AR-15 rested safely on the left and a Vietnam era M79 slipped into its holster on the right.

“Listen kid, I’m going after your sister,” Bandit said. “I won’t come back without her.”

“What can I do,” Julio said as the sun slipped to the west and the air cooled slightly.

“I need you to go to the Mad Greek restaurant. I have a hunch,” Bandit said, “and let me know when shit starts to happen.”

Julio jogged down the dusty lane as Bandit splashed water his face and suited up. He strapped 30-round clips in his vest and two extra grenades. He pulled on his riding boots and started to reach for a half-pint of Jack Daniels but tossed it against the wall. As the air cooled and Bandit paced, wondering what happened to Maria. He was beginning to itch. He wanted to do something, anything, even if it was wrong. He no longer gave a shit about anything except Maria. He needed to move and headed for the Knucklehead.

Firing it to life he backed it out of the shop, loaded for bear and as he aimed it toward the highway Julio came into view.

“There’s a dozen bikes, a Mercedes limo and a black van at the Mad Greek,” Julio said anxiously, stammering and pacing.

As Julio told the story, the Arat Brothers stormed the Mad Greek Restaurant under Rico’s leadership. He stood just inside the door and his soldiers surrounded him. The room went silent.

Bandit grabbed Julio’s shoulders. “We will handle this. Go back to the restaurant. Sneak in the back door and get the staff to leave and prop the back door open and then I’ll meet you at the airport.”

“Grab your shit and hit the road,” Rico announced to the patrons and snatched a guy out of his chair and pushed him toward the door. The brothers smacked him a few times before he bounced out the door. His wife screamed.

One armed citizen stood up and reached for his weapon. He was dead in a heatwave heartbeat and collapsed to the floor. Another big angry patron jumped to his feet. “This is bullshit,” he snapped. A waitress tried to bring them to-go containers, but one of the outlaws smacked her down.

Two brothers attacked the dissenter with ballpeen hammers. Soon the dining room emptied of all patrons. The brothers arranged the tables and the outlaws sat gleefully around the table and a short man in a black suit entered and sat at the head of the table. Rico stood at the other end.

“What the fuck?” Armand said. “I thought you had control of this town.”

“I do,” Rico snarled. He brought Maria in and sat her next to him, his trophy girl.

“Who the fuck is that?” Armand said. “This night is all about business.”

Rico’s hot-shit status waned, and Maria’s bruised arm didn’t help. “Let’s eat,” Rico announced as if the staff would jump to his demands. One waiter approached the table. He took drink orders and rapidly brought a large platter of beer bottles and cocktails.

Armand wasn’t happy about this situation at all. This wasn’t intended to be a party, nor did he like sitting with his back to the kitchen door. He motioned to his driver and got to his feet.

Rico looked across the table as the brothers collectively started to party and a lone Knucklehead chopper screamed into the kitchen and through the swinging doors into the dining room. Bandit slid to a stop and snatched the 30-round AR 15 from its cradle and let loose. Rico’s team scattered like rats on fire. Bandit dove behind the counter taking fire from several locations.

The counter splintered like dried out chopsticks and handgun fire took its toll, but Bandit held his ground and watched as Armand, dashed out the door with his driver and Rico drug Maria out the front door and into the van followed.

The boss in his slick black Armani suit barreled into the slick black Mercedes and Rico shoved Maria into the van as he jumped in and sped after the Mercedes.

The club soldiers were dead, wounded or running for their lives. Bandit scrambled to his feet and straddled the Knucklehead. He rode across the dining room and out into the street after the vehicles.

They barreled just a block and turned left or north through the town heading for the small rundown community airport only a couple of miles away.

Halfway there the Mercedes driver hit the brakes hard and drifted the long limo into a 45-degree angle and an abrupt stop, kicking up sand and dust in the open desert. The front limo-driver door burst open and so did the rear passenger door. As the van screeched to a sliding stop only a few feet behind the Mercedes the two men opened fire on the driver, shattering the windshield and killing Rico.

Armand, ran to the van’s passenger door, yanked it open and drug Maria out and shoved her into the Mercedes.

As the limo pulled away Bandit saw the lights and slowed, then slid to a stop. He dismounted and ran to the van’s passenger door dreading the worst. He yanked it open and discovered the blood splattered interior and the dead outlaw, but no Maria.

He ground his teeth and ran back to his chopper, idling as if waiting for its master to return. He mounted it and rode around the van and in the direction of the airport and the long limo. He didn’t know what his next move would or could possibly be. The M79 was loaded with a high explosive round, the AR-15 slung over his shoulder and his .45 automatic was in his belt, but he couldn’t end this without Maria.

As he approached the airport, he could see a plane approaching, but there were no runway lights. In desperation the limo driver drove to the end of the runway and began to flash his lights. Bandit slid off the road, stashed his motorcycle behind a semi, pulled the AR and took out the headlights.

The driver jumped out of the limo and opened up on Bandit in the ditch, but light waned, and airports lights were minimal. Out of ammo Bandit tossed the AR in the gulley and pulled the .45. With one round he knocked down the big burly driver, but the plane was fast approaching.

Bandit ran along the dusty gulley beside the runway in the dark, waiting for Armand to make a move. Bandit signaled to Julio to flash on the runway lights. They blinked and went out.

Armand scrambled out of the Mercedes with Maria, pointing his 9mm at her head. “Lights or die,” he screamed in the night.

“Set the girl free or no lights,” Bandit hollered and with the .45 fired, and clipped roof of the Mercedes next to Armand’s shoulder. Armand ducked and let the girl go. Maria ran for the rickety wooden control tower and Julio turned on the lights. Armand dropped his weapon in the sand and by the time he reached it Maria was out of harm’s way running with her brother to safety behind a hanger in the distance.

The Cessna approached and Armand didn’t know whether to shit or go blind. He fired his pistol wildly in the air to warn off the plane, but it touched down and he ran for the driver’s seat in the Mercedes. Bandit returned to his idling Knucklehead and drew the grenade launcher firing a single round aimed at the spot where the plane would turn to taxi off the runway. It blew out a sizeable pothole in the tarmac and destroyed the front right tire as it dropped in the pothole and flashing authorities and sirens screamed onto the air field.

Bandit turn off his lights and rumbled out of the area, picking up Maria and Julio, who sat on his gas tank while Maria held tight to his back. They idled quietly around the outskirts of town and back to Maria’s kitchen.

As they rolled to a stop in the shop behind the kitchen, Maria didn’t want to let go. “How about one of your special burrito’s tonight,” Bandit said and kissed her deeply. “I think we all deserve a margarita tonight.”

Julio moved to the makeshift bar and started to make the drinks. “Maybe we should call this Bandit’s Cantina.”