Bikernet Blog - Online Biker Magazine

I’LL JUST CALL IT MY STORY

By Bandit | April 6, 2006

I ride my bike to work every chance I get, it’s the only time I actually look forward to my hour long commute. Yeah, I could live closer to my job, but that would require moving from the sticks of Havana, Illinois. This is something I wouldn’t even consider. My wife and I have moved six times on our nineteen year marriage, none of which even involved changing our phone number, so I guess you could call me deep rooted.

I was going in to start my first of two 12 hour night shifts. It was July 10th, ’99, a perfect day for a ride. There was poker run going on in a little town I pass through on my way to work. It made it very hard to keep riding to the ‘ol salt mine. A few miles down the road, I spotted a rider stalled on the shoulder. I stopped to see if I could help. I had emptied my saddle bags and tour pack of everything, including tools. I was picking up food on the way to work for everyone in the building, it’s one of the few simple pleasures you enjoy when you work nights and weekends for a public utility. The only thing I could do at this point was offer the brother a ride. He decided to take his chances on the next rider coming along to have some wrenches, so I wished him luck and split. I didn’t realize at this point I would be the one needing the luck.

I got everyone’s order after a longer than usual wait and rode on in to work in downtown Peoria, IL. My building sits on Water Street, right on the Illinois River. This is more salt-in-the-wound of working. I’m also a boater, and here’s all these people having fun zipping up and down the river in their boats, and here’s me wishing that I was one of them…..shit. Everyone inside was happy to see their food. I handed out the orders, and I realized that I’ve been shorted one…..mine. My co-worker that I was relieving told me she’d wait, if I wanted go back and get it. Hell yes, I wanted go get it. I paid for it, I was hungry, plus I got to ride my bike once again, even if it wa just a few blocks.

“Ray’s Pumkin”

The Bub exhaust I put on Pumkin sure rattled nice between the downtown buildings. I waited about two years for this bike. I almost had her set up the way I wanted. With the exception of some different bars, and lowering just a tad, I was pleased. Pumkin was a 1999 Aztec orange Road King Classic. I had bolted on everything I bought for her before our first ride. At this point, I had no idea I’d only ride her about two more blocks before her demise.

I almost turned right about three different times to get to the street that I needed, but I kept telling myself when I caught a red light, I’d turn then. I noticed the car in the center turn lane, but for all practical purposes, it appeared to have stopped, waiting for me to pass by before making a left turn. I couldn’t have been any more wrong. When I realized the car was still coming, there was no time to react or escape the path. I was in the right of two lanes, and I had a building on my right side, and no place to go. My only hope now was the driver would see me, hopefully right now, and hit the brakes just in time. This didn’t happen. I remember being hit and flying through the air, but I don’t remember landing. I give my years of water-skiing credit for helping save my hide and noggin a bit. While air born I remember curling up in a fetal position and holding my head in my hands, just like I had done so many times when my slalom ski had vanished right out from under me on a tight turn. Any skier can tell you the water’s not very soft when you lose it in this manner. Looking back, I’m lucky I did this.

When I sat up, I was in the street. For some reason I had rolled down the street, while Pumkin went to the right and stopped after taking out a stop sign and hitting a wall. She was lying uphill from me. The starter was cranking because the controls were smashed. I remember a deafening silence as I sat in the street, everything was in slow motion. I remember thinking, “Wonderful, I’ve survived the crash, and now there’s probably gas running down the street towards me, and it’s going to ignite from the starter, and I’m gonna burn if I don’t kill the power.”

Then the blood starting flooding down into my eyes about the same time I realized my head was really stinging. I found out later that the burning was because the scalp was torn lose between the two cuts, one on the top, and one on the right side above my temple. I think it took 14 staples to fix this at the hospital later that night. I tried to stand up and walk towards my bike. It was then I knew something was wrong with my feet. I quickly sat back down, and began crawling towards the sidewalk where the bike had come to rest. The curb of the sidewalk was a major obstacle for me. That’s when I became more concerned about the injuries to my feet. Pumkin was laying uphill and away from me. I had to crawl up over the left side to reach the key switch. My leather coat was sticking out of the left saddlebag that was torn open from the impact. I pulled it out and used it as a pillow.

When I opened my eyes, there was a woman telling me she was calling 911 on her cell phone. I asked her to call work and tell them I wouldn’t make it back. Don’t ask me why I did this. I guess I just wanted someone to know where I was, and get word to my wife. I was pretty sure I was going to live, but all sorts of weird shit went through my mind, so I was covering all the bases. The second thing I remember was a guy telling me “He just kept going, man.” This was my first clue that neither one of these people were the drivers of the green Pontiac, and he had left without so much as a “sorry” or a “kiss my ass”. The man spoke again, “I hear the sirens, hopefully they’ll get here before he gets too far.” Then he said something like “Hey! You got his license!” He started pulling on something out from under my bike. It was a piece of the plastic bumper cover, and the car’s front tag was still attached to it. The impact stripped this from the car. I never did get names of the man and woman, and neither did the cops, because they didn’t see enough of anything to be witnesses. I later put a “thank you” in the paper, hoping they both saw it.

The ambulance crew was all over me, I told them what I remembered. The feedback they were giving to the trauma center over the radio sounded good to me. I was pretty sure I wasn’t about to bite it, but it was kinda nice to hear someone agree with that thought. The only bad part of the ambulance ride, was that damned back board they cinched me to. I found out later my left leg was broke just above the ankle, with five broken bones in my foot as well. I think I did this when I cleaned the shifter off as I left the bike in a hurry. I give my engine guards credit for still having a left leg. It came to rest firmly against the primary and the engine. The horn cover looked like it was molded around the guard. The left footboard was gone, as well as the the foot controls.

The real pain came when they tightened the straps, and all of the weight was resting on my bootheels. (I’m a firm believer in steel toe boots too, I’m still wearing the same pair). Most of the pain didn’t come from the left leg though. It came from my right heel, which I later find out was shattered. The medical term that they used to describe the fracture compared it to dropping a china cup on the floor. Basically, there were no pieces left that were big enough to put back together as far as surgery was concerned. The only thing holding it all together was the skin. I kept beggin’ them in the ambulance to loosen the straps on my legs…..no go. Again, I’m lucky, the accident was only blocks from St. Francis Hospital, which is the largest trauma center in downstate Illinois. At least I could get these straps off as soon as the docs confirmed no spinal injuries. And what a relief it was. Then, after about forty minutes of me beggin’ to “take my boots off….please!”, one dude has this brainstorm that he might wanna take my boots off, on account of the swelling. (Regular Dick-fuckin’ Tracy, wasn’t he?)

I can’t tell you how many times I got asked if I was wearing a helmet, or if I was gonna ride a bike again after that night. It angered me,…. alot. I realize that they see this all too often, and most of the staff are dead set against bikes. But this is like telling the driver of a car that they deserve this for driving a smaller vehicle when a semi plows into him. It doesn’t make it right, and it sure as hell didn’t change anything at that point in time. Besides, helmets don’t fit feet, and my feet were severely damaged.

I was glad to see my wife, Kathy and my son, Casey. I was about to start getting pissy with the people who were eventually going to help me, and my family’s presence calmed me a little. My good friends and neighbors as well as riding partners, Bob and Lisa came too. I remember someone again asking me if would ride again, and I told them “yes”. I then remember Bob responding with “good for you”. I think that it was the last time I heard that question for a while that night. My daughter, Kelsey, stayed home. I later learned of her fears to see me. It seemed she thought I’d be a mangled mess. She came the next morning though with the rest of the family. This was another break . I have a barely noticeable scar on my right shoulder and the rest is hidden under thick, brown hair. Not bad for someone who went down in the street in jeans and a Harley t-shirt. I still have the shirt, not a mark on it.

I got lucky again. Doc Brown came in the room. This Doc Brown is from my home town. I flet better already. It seems he heard from the staff that they had one from “your neck of the woods”, so he stopped by to see. I don’t think he had to do it, but he became my liaison for the rest of his shift. He gave me some damned good advice from that point on. Like, when the hospital found out they weren’t going to do surgery that night, they were ready to release me. Yeah, that’s right….they wanted to send me home. I couldn’t believe it. So Doc told me I should stay, and I agreed. In fact, I told the Doc to tell them to find me a room, “I ain’t goin’ nowhere.”

Before the night was over, I was screamin’ out loud, “The morphine ain’t doin’ jack shit.” I was grabbing nurses, or anyone else who got close, telling them, begging them, to knock me out, and they wanted to send me home. They ended up keeping me for a week, by the way. It was that night that the man who did this to me would have paid dearly, if I could have reached him.

It was late in the night when I got the official word of my injuries. Doc Brown told me it was time to call on an orthopedic surgeon for a consultation. Doc told me the name, and after a few questions on my part, I decide to ask Doc for some other names. I choose the first one he threw at me. I figure if Doc Maxey’s name is the first that comes to Doc Brown’s mind, then he’s the one I want. Doc Maxey was a great choice. By the way, both Doc’s were the only two people who saw me that night that didn’t pass judgment on me for ridin’ a bike. I learned later that evening that Doc decided to wait on surgery until the swelling went down. They would decide on the coming Tuesday for the steel in my left leg. I think it was about the same time I learned there was no surgery scheduled for my right heel. There’s nothing they can do for it except hang it over a pillow and hope for the best.

I don’t remember the name of the guy in the room with me that first night, he was down to one day left from a car accident, then he would go home. I’m pretty sure he didn’t sleep much Saturday night from me yelling. I’d scream out, then apologize to him through the curtain. I’ve never felt pain like that before. I didn’t realize how many nerves were in my feet. It was actually kind of a relief when they died from the swelling pinching them off. I don’t remember what the Doc called it, but it’s the nerve that gives us the feeling in the bottom of our feet and toes. I lost feeling from the front of my right heel to my toes for a few months until it grew back. I didn’t know they grew back either, I just thought they were lost forever. I also didn’t know I’d be screaming out loud when they started growing back. I’ll get into that later. Several times that night and for weeks to follow, I wanted to take a ball bat to the asshole who hit me. I can’t say it was the accident that angered me, but him just leaving me on the street changed all that somehow.

They gave me a shot of something in my IV every two hours. I don’t know what this stuff was, but it gave me about twenty minutes of relief from the pain. The bad news was they could only give it to me every two hours. There was a button on my morphine drip I could hit every ten minutes or so which gave me a little extra dose. I’d get just enough to drift off to sleep, then it would wear off and the pain would wake me up. Then I’d punch this button like it was a video game for a while, drift off for a bit, and the cycle would continue. It was about this time during my first twenty four hours that I told myself out loud, “Fuck it, it isn’t worth this”. I was referring to riding a bike. It’s the only time the thought ever occurred to me, but it did creep into my brain that night. Kathy stayed at my side the entire next day squeezing that damn button every ten minutes, so I could get some sleep.

The pain eventually became tolerable after a few days. The five broken bones in my left foot and ankle were nothing. Those were a cake walk. But I don’t wish a crushed heel on anyone. Doc fixed my ankle fractures up on Tuesday like he had planned. I still have the plate and screws in it today. He said they could be removed after a year if it bothered me, but it hasn’t so far. There was a therapist who wanted me to start sitting up on the edge of the bed soon after, hanging my feet over the side. I did it for about ten minutes. The pain in my heel came back just like the very first night and lasted all night again. She came back the next day with the same request. I think I scared the hell outa her. I not only said no, but hell no, and verbally attacked her for what she’d put me through all over again. We had better days after that, and I’m grateful for all she did for me. Again, I was lucky. I had great nurses my entire stay. All of these people were a credit to their profession.

Friday came, and they’re turned me loose to go home. But first, they had to show me how to give myself shots in the sides twice a day for blood clot prevention. There’s a real confusing signal to the brain. We’re taught not to stick sharp objects into our bodies all through our childhood years. I’d sit there and pinch the fat on my side, and kinda wind up with the syringe in the other hand, like I was getting ready to throw a dart. It quickly became routine for the next two weeks. I arrived home to a hospital bed set up in our downstairs family room. We have a bi-level home, so this became my bedroom for several weeks until I could ditch the wheelchair. Doc told me no pressure on my left leg for six weeks, and none on the right foot for three months.

It got really hot and humid for the next two weeks to follow. This was probably a blessing for me. It was two weeks of those dog days in Illinois where you go outside and immediately begin to soak your t-shirt. At least I didn’t want to be out in it, so being cooped up in the basement didn’t seem so bad. Neighbor Bob had made me a ramp to get in and out of the patio door. I could go out and set on the 10 by 20 slab of concrete once in a while. Bob and my son Casey also assumed the care of my five acres of mowing as well as Bob’s own five. Kathy and the kids waited on me hand and foot, bringing all my meals down, bringing me clean clothes, getting my water ready for my next month’s worth of sponge baths. I still remember the joy of my first actual bath after that, what a treat.

I mentioned the nerves growing back slowly. It seems when they do, they’re hyper active. The signal that they send to the brain gets confusing. This is why I felt everything you can imagin in my foot for two straight weeks. One minute it would feel like there was a cutting torch two inches from my skin. The next minute it would feel like someone sticking a long needle between my toes. There were times I’d actually raise up and look at my toes, I would’ve swore that there really was someone yanking my toenails with pliers. This consumed me for about two weeks. It was at it’s worst when I was trying to sit still to eat, or sleep. Doc gave me some pills to dull the nerve sensation along with therapy, which consisted of rubbing my foot with a silk scarf and then working my way up to one of those kitchen scratch pads to re-educate the nerves. The pills kicked in after about two weeks. It takes this long for the stuff to build up in the body and to actually start to work. I remember the first night I slept for six hours, what a great feeling. At this point and for the first time, I felt like I was rebounding.

The first time I actually felt like getting out I took a short trip into town. The weather had broken, it was mid 80’s and less humid. Kathy took me to the park in Havana along the Illinois river. There’s plenty of sidewalks for walking and rolling. I can’t tell you how many people were there who I knew, all wishing me well. It’s been said that during times like this, you find out who your friends are. I thought I knew who they were all along. I had no idea how many friends I really had until then. As far as friends and family are concerned, I’m truly blessed, from my wife and kids caring for me all summer, to Bob and Lisa….the perfect neighbors, to my mom and dad for coming in and cutting and cleaning up my tree tops after a July storm, my sister for hauling me to the doc’s when Kathy had to work, and the get well cards came for weeks.

Bob hauled my butt to Halls Harley-Davidson in Springfield, to see my bike for the first time. I had been having thoughts of changing and customizing Pumkin. I knew at first glance I didn’t want it back again. There was nothing on her that wasn’t dented, scratched, gouged, or broken. The handlebars were bent around to the front and pointing down to the forks. I didn’t realize I had that much grip. The longer we looked, the more broken shit I saw. I was relieved to find out later that she was totaled. Stan Hall and Steve, the sales manager asked me if I was going to ride again. I told them yes. I asked Steve what my chances were of getting me a Fat Boy. This was the first time that I admitted to myself that I missed my first Softail. He thought he could have me one by spring of the coming year. This didn’t surprise me, I was hoping for the upcoming fall, but I knew that answer was coming. What I didn’t know, was that they would make some calls, and do some trading. I’m not really sure what they did. The only thing for sure was that I went to see them on my crutches months later, and Steve handed me a paper with a serial number. The bike would arrive in December. I had a pretty big lump in my throat at that moment.

I spent the next several months going to the Doc’s office. The first phase was getting a cast for the left foot. I could use it for a pivot foot to get in and out of the wheelchair. My basement was actually cool to move around in. I had my pool table re-clothed while I was laid up. I spent a coupla months bugging my family to play me whenever they got the chance. My next phase was an air cast for each foot and crutches. This came in September. At this office visit, I was informed that the next plan would be to let me walk on my left foot in October. That was three months exactly from the day of the accident. When I went back for my next office visit, Doc asked me if I was ready to try walking on my left foot. I said I was ready. He then asked me if I was ready to try walking on the right foot. I was speechless. He told me it had healed very well, and he didn’t see any reason why I shouldn’t walk on it. I left the office on crutches, but without the moonboots on my feet. This rivaled the same feeling that I’d had when I got to stand up and piss for the first time in months…….damn, the little things we take for granted. I was surprised at how little I could get my feet to do for a few days. At first, it was like walking on two stumps, then things came back fairly quickly.

I still spent the fall and winter going to the Doc’s for therapy though, because the next hurdle was the heel spurs I developed when I started walking again. I still have scar tissue built up from this. It feels like my sock has slipped down below my heel and I’m just leaving it there. This feeling increased by the fact that my heel had “popcanned” when it was shattered. When it was compressed on impact, it spread out to the sides and stayed that way. Instead of me having that concave or that dimple that goes in under my ankle socket, mine goes out. My heel is flatter and wider too. I buy shoe insoles, and whittle some of the arch support out of them to compensate for this. I also had to buy all new shoes for the most part, because I had new feet. It was like wearing someone else’s shoes. I took my steel toe Carolina’s to a shop and had new soles and heels put on them, and started breaking them in all over again.

I never did get all the feeling back completely as far as the nerves are concerned. My toes feel like my foot fell asleep, and it’s just waking up. I get that tingly feeling almost all of the time. But it’s just the tips. Everything else came back. I have some major arthritis, and the time I spend on my feet is very limited. It gets frustrating when you’re used to doing what you want. Running is out of the question. I use the wall to get me started walking every morning. Walking barefooted is out of the question most of the time. I can also tell you when the weather’s changing well in advance too. Don’t get me wrong, there isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not thankful for still being around. I’m not bitching, it’s just my story.

I got my new Fat Boy in December, hauled it home, and put on all the heavy duds I could layer on to ride it. I went about 2 miles before I turned around to come home. I was doing okay until the asshole in the Grand Cherokee came up behind me and parked his bumper on my rear fender. I was hoping he’d pass before I had to turn left in a mile. No such luck. When I got to my turn, there was a car getting ready to turn left at the same intersection. You can imagine the flashbacks I was having at that second. The fear I was having ruined what should have been a day I normally would have celebrated. I told Kathy later that night that I wasn’t sure about this anymore. The next day it got up to 42 degrees. I told myself it was time to decide to keep riding or sell the bike. I rode to town. Havana is small enough to have lots of 4-way stop signs. I figured I’d go in and expose myself to some cars turning left. It was about ten minutes before I was heading out on some highways. In about 45 minutes, I was wishing I had some break-in miles on the motor to stretch it out a bit. The second ride was the day of celebration for me. I was gonna be okay riding again. I still seize up a bit when I’m in traffic. I’m now more of a defensive rider, and that ain’t all bad.

The only way the courts could link this clown to hitting me was by his own admission. Nobody saw anything clear enough to tie him to the accident, including myself. It’s good that he didn’t know this. Had he claimed that the car had been stolen while he was sitting in a bar all day, that he’d found the wrecked car sitting on the street sometime later while walking to the police station to report it. Then he’d would have been home free. He never did tell the police he was driving, but he admitted it to his girlfriend’s insurance company and the agent told the police. He then got himself a lawyer who threw him in a de-tox program in a local hospital.

The cops had one witness who said she thought that there were two people in the car at the time of the accident, she just wasn’t sure enough and she wasn’t willing to go to court as a witness. The cops had this theory that because of the street they were turning on, this loser was buying some drugs as he and his dealer were circling the block. Looking back, the theory held water. The parking lot where he ditched the car one block up is a known dealer hangout. I guess I’ll never know for sure.

I’ve learned a lot about dealing with the insurance companies, and all of the crap that goes with it too. So here’s some advice. If you’re gonna get hit by a cage on your bike, you’d better hope it’s some blue haired ol’ lady that has a bushel of CD deposit papers layin’ around. If he’s a piece-of-shit junkie/thief who doesn’t have a pot to piss in, or a window to throw it out of, you’re subject to the limits of their insurance policy if you seek any pain and suffering. And the insurance company knows, if you’re hit by a piece-of-shit who doesn’t have any money, that there are absolutely no assets there for them to protect. When they know this, they sit back and take a “fuck you” attitude, ’cause they know their money is the only thing you’re gonna get. They also know that if they keep the “fuck you” attitude up long enough, and drag it out for two years maybe, that their money has made them more money. So with this in mind, coupled with the fact that they’ve already got lawyers on retainer to keep the “fuck you” game going in the courts for two years or so, they know that they’re gonna keep at least another 20% of their money either way. This is where my liability limits would have came into play. I learned that if I had higher liability limits on my own coverage, I might have been able to ask my coverage to kick in and help. I’m not sure if I would’ve done this, somehow it just doesn’t seem right to me, but at least I would’ve had this option. If there’s any advice I’d give, it would be to tell anyone to raise their liability and underinsured limits on their policy.

On January 31, 2001, I called the Peoria County States Attorney’s office. The dickhead was scheduled for a court appearance. He plead guilty to the injury hit and run, in exchange for the other charges being dropped. He was sentenced to 60 days of jail time on a work release. He got out every day to go to work, and went back in at night. How brutal. I asked the assistant States Attorney why she would plea something down when he admitted his actions to the insurance people. She told me this was “standard procedure”, and that even with me as a witness, no judge would have given this guy jail time. One thing’s for sure, we’ll never know now. He also got some sorta conditional release. If he screws up in a year, he goes back to jail. That’s what I’m gambling for. I hope he remains a moron for another year. I’m thinking he will.

I decided to not let it go so easy. A friend gave me a website address for the Illinois Dept. of Corrections. Anyone can search a name from this site and see if that person has a history in the states correctional system. It seems my dirtbag has a history of three counts of burglary. Here’s the good part, he was on parole when he hit me. His parole wasn’t up until Oct. of 2000, over a year after he hit me. I called the states attorney’s office back, and asked if they had checked this clowns history before the plea bargain was given. She matter of factly told me “no, it’s not like he killed somebody.” It’s good we weren’t face to face when she told me this, because I lost it. This clowns first encounter with the law started back in 1988. I’m sure he established a pattern of not giving a shit, and I’m starting to see how he can get away with it. I called the Dept. of Corrections and spoke to a victims advocate, telling her my entire story. She said she’d check into it and get back to me. She called two days later and told me that the dickhead was in fact on parole at the time and, had they known about this, they would have most definitely revoked his parole. Because it expired, I got an apology instead. When I finished the conversation I wrote another one to the half-ass assistant DA telling her the 60-day jail time, (where he gets out every fuckin’ day like some school kid to go play could have been hard time). I was sure it won’t faze her, but I was thinking that she’ll get sick to her stomach when she learns he could have went to jail, and it wouldn’t have cost her office more than a simple phone call to the DOC. I think the real reason she pled it down was to save money and clear her desk.

The past few weeks have been almost as bad as the summer for me. I’ve learned a lot about our system of justice. I’ve learned how the father of a raped child could walk into a courthouse, lay a gun to the head of the cocksucker that violated his daughter and waste him. Several times I’ve wished that the matter could have been handed over to me, let me seek my own justice. I’ve spent my time thinking of revenge, finding out where this asshole lived. I’ve driven past his house. I’ve thought of waiting for him to leave his house, to change his life instantly one day, as he did mine. I’ve thought of leaving him lay bleeding on a street, so he’d know what it felts like. I’ve thought it through to the point of thinking that a crossbow would be a great weapon of revenge. No sounds, just a silent arrow burning into his leg. I had brief thoughts of hiring some pain for this dumbfuck, but it wouldn’t be the same. I still wouldn’t be satisified. If I were to do this, he’d have to know it came from me in some subtle way. He’d know in his heart that the blow from the man in the mask was mine, but he wouldn’t have enough evidence to put me there. These thoughts nearly consumed me before I finally chased them from my head. I decided that too much of my life had been used up by this loser, that it was time to let go and move on. Stooping to his level, as good as it would have felt for a short time, would change nothing that had happened. I had to let go of it.

It’s now March 15th, 2000 and the weatherman is calling for 3 to 6 inches of snow for St. Patties Day. It’s been a long winter this year in Illinois, and I just want it to be over. My story is done, and I just want to ride.

Ray McCausland riverbrats@casscomm.com

By Bandit | March 30, 2006

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – SUCKER PUNCH DEAL OF THE WEEK, MRF LEADER REPORT, STEALTH REPORT AND DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS DEAL OF THE WEEK.

Continued From Page 2

BIKERNET SALT FLAT RACER AND DRAG RACING CHAMPION VALERIE THOMPSON POSTER–This new poster of our Bikernet Bonneville Race girl is available on her site http://www.vtracegirl.com/…track…Firebird April 7-9th (AHDRA race). ?Hacienda Harley-Davidson, in Phoenix, has been keeping me busy,? Valerie said, ?One woman band over here. Those posters on my site under VT Store.?

BIKERNET WEEKLY ART EXHIBIT–Ground level shot of rider heading in the Ironhorse at Bikeweek ’06. Enjoy it. I’m still dusting the asphalt off my vest.

–Whiplash Biker Photog
mailto:soffordphotos@comcast.net

G2 MOTORSPORTS LOOKING TO BUILD SOLID SEASON STARTING AT O’REILLY SPRINGS NATIONALS– The G2 Motorsports team is looking to take the momentum from the recently completed Gatornationals and turn it into a winning effort at the O’Reilly Spring Nationals in Houston this weekend. “I’m looking forward to the race,” said Chip Ellis, rider of the DRAG Specialties machine. “I have run in the 6.50’s here on a Funny Bike in the past so I know the track can handle everything we plan on giving it. I’m concentrating on being as consistent as possible on the starting line and having fun.” “I feel we did a pretty good job in Gainesville,” said Torco/Skull Gear racer, Matt Smith. “We had a couple of mechanical glitches but the team has taken care of them. Our goal for Houston is to qualify well and go a few rounds. We have put engine #16 back in the bike, the one I used to qualify #1 at Pomona last year, and with our new chassis this bike should fly.”

“We put in some extra testing and time at the shop and we have found the handle on the bikes that we lost on Sunday at the Gatornationals,” said an amused George Bryce, Director of Racing for G2. “We immediately duct taped the handle to the 18-wheeler so that it would arrive in Houston when we do. Seriously though, we will build on what we learned in Gainesville. Both Chip and Matt are doing an excellent job riding and we are looking forward to a solid race in Houston.”

G2 Motorsports Sponsors

G2 enjoys the backing of the following sponsors: DRAG Specialties, Torco Racing Fuels, S&S Cycle, Skull Gear, MAC Tools, RK Racing Chain, Red Line Oil, and VTwinPlus.com.

For further information on G2 Motorsports Racing contact:Greg Guarinello
mailto:flyingeyefoto@aol.com
201-384-2172

STEALTH MOURNS JOHNNY CHOP–We just heard the news here that Johhny Chop passed away. That is a real shock to us all. We did not know him but I really liked his bikes. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family from all of us at Stealth Bike Works. It never seems fair when something like this happens but as we all know life is not fair. We should all try to live each day as if it were our last.

Here at SBW we are working on some sissy bars and have finished one. I think it is pretty cool! We did pretty well at the swap meet last weekend and we have been busy so far this week. Speaking of the swap meet, it is changing. It seems people are more interested in jewelry and clothes rather than bikes and parts. That is what I saw as I watched people at the swap meet. Like the helmet sticker says “it used to be about riding, now it is a f——g fashion show.” Another thing I noticed is all those neon looking lights on bikes, under the tanks and anywhere else they can stick them. To me they are gawdy looking and kind of comical.

SBW is starting to get some name recognition around the area. We are fast approaching our one-year anniversary in May. It has been a year that has flown by. SBW is starting to develop our own style and our own customer base. We try to carry different inventory. Different from the other local shops. We lean toward the old school look and our inventory reflects that.

Oh one other thing we got a T.V. this week with VCR and DVD player. Now we can have Biker-Build Off videos going during the day if we want. Man, does this mean we are big time or what? Ha! Ha!

Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN

DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS DEAL OF THE WEEK– Here it is, without any further adieu, the DBW DEAL OF THE WEEK ! ! ! ! It’s a 2001 FXDL, complete with a new 2005 gas tank & dash, and a new scalloped paint job by none other than Chad McCreary of Copperhead Graphics. This sweet ride can be your sweet ride for only $11,500. Give a shout to (804)231-0244, or shoot the old man an email at lee@departure.com if yer interested!

Greg @ DBW

SPIKE TV’S “BLADE: THE SERIES” BASED ON MARVEL’S RENOWNED SUPER HERO TO FEATURE HARLEY-DAVIDSON VRSCD NIGHT ROD MOTORCYCLE–In the upcoming Spike TV original production “Blade: The Series,” inspired by Marvel’s popular Super Hero, the immortal lead character will ride a motorcycle from Harley-Davidson, one of the world’s most enduring legends. “Blade: The Series” premieres on Spike TV Wednesday, June 28 (10:00 PM – Midnight, ET/PT).

“Blade: The Series” stars Kirk “Sticky” Jones (“Over There,” “The Shield”) as the title character who is half-man, half-vampire and employs his extraordinary powers in a crusade to save mankind from the demonic creatures who walk the night. Episodes will feature Jones, as Blade, in action riding the Harley-Davidson VRSCD Night Rod motorcycle.

“Blade: The Series is a thrilling action-adventure, filled with heart-pounding tension and suspense,” says Dario Spina, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Promotions, Spike TV. “As a character-driven series, Harley Davidson’s Night Rod motorcycle has a powerful attitude of its own, adding dimension to both the series and our lead character.”

Spike TV and Harley-Davidson worked closely on the logistics of integrating the Night Rod into “Blade: The Series” and are considering several joint promotions for the project. The series is produced by New Line Television and is currently in production in Vancouver, Canada.

“The Night Rod is a raw, hot rod-inspired motorcycle with the latest in styling and performance,” said Paul James, Harley-Davidson Product Communication Manager. “It has a menacing look and feel, which makes it a great motorcycle for the “Blade” character. We hope Spike TV viewers enjoy the motorcycle and how it fits into the show.”

“Blade: The Series” is Spike TV’s first original scripted series. In addition to the two hour premiere episode on June 28, 11 one-hour episodes will premiere weekly starting Wednesday, July 5 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT). In Spike TV’s adaptation, Blade (Jones) sets up shop in Detroit and investigates the vampire house of Chthon. Along the way he forms an uneasy alliance with Krista Starr (Jill Wagner), a military veteran who becomes entrenched into the world of vampires while investigating the murder of her twin brother. In addition to Jones and Wagner, series cast members include Neil Jackson (“Stargate SG-1”), Nelson Lee (“Traffic,” the TV mini-series) and Jessica Gower (“Blurred”).

NORTH DAKOTA TROOPERS ASSOCIATION GETS OLD HARLEY–FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota Troopers Association has purchased an old Harley Davidson to use a new public relations tool.

The 1936 motorcycle is outfitted with original lights, and a siren activated by the rotation of the rear wheel. It’s similar to the models the Highway Patrol once used.Trooper Mitch Rumple said the motorcycle was located in Montana by John Lindeman of Golden Valley, who restores and owns dozens of Harleys.

Rumple said the old Harley will be used to stress motorcycle safety.”We want to encourage people to wear helmets and drive safely when they’re on a motorcycle,” he said.The bike, with a flathead engine, is all original, from the wiring to the foot clutch.

It has been in the showroom of Fargo Harley-Davidson owner Del Hofer’s store. It will be on display at the Grand Forks Harley shop before its public unveiling during the Fargo marathon in May.

“This is a piece of art,” Hofer said. “Units like this were used by the law enforcement officers all over the United States.”

–Associated Press

–from Rogue

BIKERNET SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT QUESTIONS–We are trying desperately to determine what dire scientific questions to spend our vast 2006 research budget on. Here’s some earth-shattering questions un consideration.

Can you cry underwater?

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

If money doesn’t grow in trees then why do banks have branches?

Since bread is square, then why is sandwich meat round?

Why do you have to “put your two cents in”…but it’s only a “penny for your thoughts?” Where’s that extra penny going to?

Once you’re in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they “slept like a baby” when babies wake up like every two hours?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

–from CarlR

THE WIRELESS REVOLUTION– A World First in Motorcycle Intercoms.The world’s first fully-featured wire-free intercom is about to be launched by IntaRide, the bike communications specialist. No wires between bike and rider, no plugs, no fuss. The IntaRide Liberty is a dramatic breakthrough in intercom technology.

Liberty uses a self-contained headset Pod, just a couple of inches long, which attaches to the side of the helmet, connected to ear and microphones. It contains a mini-transmitter/receiver which uses radio waves to connect with the underseat Hub. No wires or connectors between the two. That saves around 4 meters of cable compared to the average rider/pillion intercom system.

Key Features:
*Compact, lightweight Pod sticks to helmet for wire-free communication
*No wires – just get on and go
*Ultra-long battery life
*Multi-function Hub can work with:

Rider-pillion talk, Bike-to-bike talk, Stereo Music – MP3, CD, Radio, GPS/Sat Nav, Radar detection, Plus most Mobile phone and Bluetooth devices.

Liberty will be competitively priced too; the system is going on sale at ?349 with no hidden extras.

Contact: Intaride 01527 524 555
http://www.intaride.com

MRF LEADERS’ REPORT–The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is serving notice one of the two Supporting State Motorcyclist’s Rights Organization (SMRO) Representative positions is scheduled for election in September 2006. The position is currently held by Dave Dwyer from Wisconsin.

Supporting SMRO Representatives are responsible for communicating with state organizations and advocating SMRO issues. They also work on special projects not specifically assigned to other members of the MRF Board of Directors.

Candidates must be MRF members in good standing and submit an article of intent including their qualifications to Fred Rau, the Editor of MRF Reports, at editor@mrf.org for publication in the next issue on or before the next MRF Reports deadline on April 3rd. In addition, a letter of intent to run from the candidate and a letter of support for the candidate’s generated by their SMRO should be sent to the MRF Washington, D.C. office.

If there is more than one candidate for this office ballots will be mailed to all MRF Supporting State Motorcyclist’s Rights Organizations in July 2006. The MRF Bylaw provision defining voting eligibility reads:

Supporting State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organizations Board Members:

There shall be two (2) at large board members elected by the state motorcyclists’ organizations which have requested recognition and fulfilled the requirements of a supporting state motorcyclists’ organization as specified herein. Each supporting state motorcyclists’ rights organization shall have one vote for each position which shall be cast by its highest elected officer. Any organization open to membership on a statewide basis may choose to participate in the election of Supporting State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organizations Board Members. State Organizations wishing to do so must meet the following qualifications: (A) Having previously been recognized by the MRF as a supporting SMRO, or (B) Having existed as a viable functioning entity for at least two years prior to the time of voting; be in support of the MRF’s purposes and be a sustaining member of the MRF for the year in which they choose to vote.

Any questions regarding this position or the MRF election procedure should be directed to Miles France, Chair MRF Elections Committee.

CYRIL HUZE MOTORMOUNT/COIL BRACKET COMBO– As seen on the custom bikes built by Cyril Huze, a combo motor mount/coil bracketlooking extremely good on the left side of both choppers & bobbers.

The motor mount works on Evo engine up to 131″ and the coil bracket is offered with or without ignition key.

Cyril Huze
Tel: 561-392-5557

SUCKER PUNCH DEAL OF THE WEEK–So anyone who has been on the Sucker Punch Web siteknows that bikes that are posted rarely last 24 hours.We are giving you at bikernet the first shot onDonny’s latest ride. It’s a long and low one butdefinitely built for speed and will be featured in afuture issue of Hotbike.

If you ask me it looks likeits going 100 mph standing still. It has a 96″,6-speed tranny, PM narrow open belt drive, PM wheelsand a heavily modified Cole Foster tank. $32K takes ithome. Call SPS at 513-353-2803 and ask for Jason ifyou are interested. Oh yeah and look for a ground upSPS build exclusively on bikernet in the near future.

–J. Ken Conte
Rise Above Consulting LLC
(970)227-3588

RICEBURNER PILOT ATTACKS HARLEY-DAVIDSON– Harley-Davidson: The most efficient way to convert gasoline into noise without the adverse side effect of horsepower.

Did you know 95% of all Harleys are still on the road?The other 5% actually made it home.

Is it true that Harleys are chick magnets?Yes, but only if the chick has a steel plate in her head.

What’s the cheapest way to get another 50hp from your Harley?Trade it in on a Kawasaki.

Why don’t Harley riders sit on their bikes when the sidestands are down? They’re afraid to lean over that far.

What’s the difference between a Harley and a Harley owner’s home?The Harley costs more and has fewer wheels.

How do you now you’re riding a Harley?While coming off an exit-ramp you get passed by a Vespa.

Why don’t Harley riders wave at sportbike riders?Because they don’t want to drop their tools.

How do you know all the aftermarket parts you bought for your Harley are worth the money?You finally break into the 15’s in the quarter mile.

Where can you find the world’s largest collection of Harley jokes?At Sturgis.

How do Harley engineers tell if a bike is worthy of the Harley name?They check to make sure the exhaust noise in decibels is more than double the horsepower rating.

–Breaker

Rest In Peace

ONE OTHER THING REGARDING DEATH– We need to treat each other with respect and kindness now. Once a pal is gone, so are your chances to be cool to them.

That’s why Bikernet staff often say to brothers and sisters in the industry, “If there’s anything we can do, let us know.” We mean that from a reader request to an event promoter, to a national company with a marketing challenge. As long as I can breathe I’ll help my brothers and sisters wherever and whenever possible.

One more thought. I mentioned working ourselves to death in the intro. Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing negative about working hard, but there’s also that wonderful balance of playing hard, the touch of a woman, grease stains in the shop and discovering wild adventures. Remember, you only go around once.

Check back to the Bikernet Headquarters often. I’ve got all the images to post another report on the Bonne Belle. It’s coming together. We have a couple more Daytona reports, some serious info on noise research and all the contestants for the D&D Exhaust contests. You need to make the final selection. Hang On.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

By Bandit | March 30, 2006

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – CRAZYHORSE TRIBUTE, METAL CLASS GETS A CHECK, S&S TOOL KITS AND NEWS.

Continued From Page 1

REMEMBER THIS?–I WAS DIGGING THROUGH SOME OLD BOXES AND FOUND FOUND THIS CARB. I RAN IT ON A 55 PAN. IT STILL WORKS. WOW.ANY BODY REMEMBER THIS. IM THE ONE THAT GAVE BANDIT THE PICKS OF EASYRIDER-SLUGS-ROTH MAGS.

RIDE SAFE DEANO

Those Lake Injector carbs were cool. I rode to Lake Elisnore and the inventor (can’t remember his name this second), installed one. He invented the Quick Silver carb currently sold by Eldebrock. Let me know, if you want to sell it.–Bandit

GOODSON AIR CLEANERS IN CYRIL HUZE STOCK–They’re designed to fit CV, S&S and Mikuni carbs.

More At: Hi there !

ANIMALS’ POKER RUN–Our animal rescue group, North East Rottweiler Rescue & Referral, is hosting a Poker Run, called the Rockin’ Rottie Poker Run, on 5/13/06 at Tramontin HD, in Hope NJ. We are hoping you could list our event?

For more info, people can go to www.rottrescue.org

–Nicole V

BIKERNET STUDENT TERM PAPER NEEDS HELP–Hello I am a student at ridgewater college and I am researching for the topic of the futures in the industry of motorcycle and was wondering if you guys have any concepts for any type of two wheel fantasies that you would be wiling to share with me. Anything would be great.

–Derek HoekstraHoekstraDer@ridgewater.edu

HANNUM’S HARLEY-DAVIDSONTO SPONSOR AMDRAGS EVENT– AMDRAGS, the exciting new motorcycle drag racing series, recently announced the signing of Hannum’s Harley-Davidson as the title-rights sponsor of the Maple Grove event scheduled for July 8-9, 2006.

The event will be known as the Hannum’s Harley-Davidson AMDRAGS Summer Nationals and will run at Maple Grove Raceway near Reading, Pennsylvania. Hannum’s owner Tommy Hannum is a veteran drag racer who has promoted drag racing events at Maple Grove for the past ten years.

“Everyone connected with AMDRAGS is pleased to partner with the Hannum’s people for this event,” said Matt Polito, Race Director of AMDRAGS. “This is going to be an amazing event. The Hannums crew is experienced and well respected. Plus they have a tremendous following with race fans and the racers alike. They were the obvious choice for a marketing partner for this event.”

Hannum’s Harley-Davidson (www.hannumshd.com) is one of the largest Harley-Davidson dealers in the U.S. with locations in Media and Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.

“Our racing events have been a passion of the Hannum’s staff,” stated Anthony Pierantozzi of Hannum’s Harley-Davidson. “We feel this partnership with AMDRAGS racing and American Iron Magazine’s show bike series will bring our events to the next level while adding national exposure for everyone’s benefit.”

The Hannum’s Harley-Davidson AMDRAGS Summer Nationals will be the second stop on AMDRAGS inaugural 3-race 2006 schedule.

Admission includes access to the pro and sportsman drag racing on both days, plus a Top Fuel exhibition. Saturday morning is reserved for the all brands Thunder Alley Race School. American Iron Magazine is sponsoring the new AIMSA custom and classic bike show series, midway vendors and a swap meet on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information on AMDRAGS racing, or to sign up for the Thunder Alley Race School visit http://www.amdrags.com/. For more information on the AIMSA showbike series, vendor opportunities, swap meet spaces or American Iron Magazine visit http://www.AIMag.com

S&S CYCLE NOW SHIPPING SPECIAL EDITION S&S/MAC TOOLS KIT–

S&S Cycle and Mac Tools, the official tool of the S&S Training & Certification Facility, have teamed up to create a limited edition toolbox complete with 187 tools.

This limited edition toolbox and toolset is available only through authorized S&S Dealers and Mac Tools distributors. Click on this link and type in your zip code to locate the S&S dealer closest to you, Locate a dealer

The toolbox features S&S engines displayed prominently on its top lid and four drawers with both S&S and Mac Tools logos. Additionally, the box features gas-shocks on the lid, roller bearings in the drawer slides and heavy-duty side lift handles.

The 187-piece toolset is packaged in four separate foam inserts that fit in the drawers perfectly. The tools are finished in Black Nickel Chrome and laser-etched with their size and the S&S logo. An array of sockets, ratchets, extensions, swivels combined with a large selection of open and box-end wrenches, Allen-wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers comprise the kit.

“Mac Tools officials have been excellent to work with on this co-branded project; it has been very successful for both companies,” said Brian Conyers, communications and marketing manager for S&S. “As our business continues to grow, we look forward to offering more specialty products, like this tool kit, through our authorized dealer network.”

HEADWINDS PRESENTS BOBBER HEADLIGHTS–Headwinds?, the leader in custom headlights, introduces their latest headlight for your bobber, chopper or custom. The 4-1/2? Phoenix is a smooth front, round back headlight with old school style featuring the latest in manufacturing technology. Made in the USA by Headwinds?, They are now available in chrome, polished aluminum or as machined (ready to paint). Contact Headwinds? at 626-359-8044 or online at headwinds@headwinds.com. See their website at www.headwinds.com .

THE TEACH GETS A CHECK–We had a great response on our new build and BillyLane annonced that he will take one of my kids for hisnext build off filming this June as well as DavePerewitz one and Brian Klock one. How cool is thatfor the kids!

Thanks for all the support through theyears as I never could have gotten the program whereit is with out all your support! We are alreadyorganizing sponsors for next years build as thepublicity will be even greater as we expect at least 5schools to be the the build off challenge.

–Kevin Baas

BAAS METAL CRAFT
Custom made steel signs, art, furniture and fabricated parts.
www.baasmetalcraft.com
952-215-1252
http://www.kennedychopperclass.com

EUROPEAN UNION ATTACKS FREEDOMS–Watch for attempts to Eventually try this in the United States.

British motorcycle riders face new curbs under plans to harmonise driving licences across the European Union.The new rules, which will come into force in 2012, are intended to counter the rising number of motorcycle accidents.

Under the arrangements teenagers will still be able to ride a 50cc moped from the age of 16 but will have to wait until they are 19 if they wish to use a machine of more than 125cc. Currently 17- and 18-year-olds may do so provided they have passed a motorcycle test and the machine has a maximum engine performance of no more than 33bhp.

At the other end of the scale, the system allowing 21-year-olds to ride any motor-cycle provided that they have passed their test will be scrapped. The minimum age will rise to 24, unless they have gained at least two years’ experience on larger machines of up to 47 bhp.

–Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005

NEVADA COURT THROWS OUT LAUGHLIN FIGHT INDICTMENT–The Nevada Supreme Court on a 7-0 vote threw out a murder indictment Monday brought against 14 members of the Hells Angels and Mongols motorcycle gangs involved in the 2002 Laughlin riot in which three gang members died.Justices ruled that some lesser indictments such as assault and aiding and abetting filed against the motorcyclists can stand. But in many cases, the Clark County district attorney’s office must go back to District Court and rewrite the indictments to state standards.Both sides were unclear what the effect of the ruling would be.

District Attorney David Roger said two other murder indictments and several other counts still stand.”Many charges still stand,” he said. “I haven’t had a chance to review the decision yet, but we will go back and redraft portions of the indictments as ordered by the court. They are the final word.”

Las Vegas lawyer Tom Pitaro, who represents several Hells Angels, said the court threw out most of the conspiracy charges filed against the motorcyclists.Because the charges were thrown out, Pitaro said, the district attorney’s office cannot try any Hells Angels on charges they conspired to kill other Hells Angels. He said only Mongol Alexander Alcantar can be charged with two Hells Angels deaths.

Prosecutors have alleged in previous court hearings that Alcantar bears the most culpability because he was the triggerman in two of the deaths.

“I am not clear yet on a lot of what the court did,” Pitaro said. “But from the Hells Angels perspective, I am very, very happy.”

In tossing the murder charge brought against all 14 defendants, the court said the indictment does not make clear who committed the killing of Mongol Salvador Barrera.

“The count is unique among the three murder counts because it does not identify any specific defendant as having committed the offense,” the justices said.

Barrera, 43, was stabbed to death in a riot on April 27, 2002, inside Harrah’s during Laughlin’s annual River Run. Shot to death in the riot were Hells Angels members Jeramie Bell, 27, and Robert Tumelty, 50.”The count (concerning Barrera’s slaying) lumps all of the defendants together and does not allege any facts differentiating the conduct of any of the defendants who were members of the respective groups,” the court said in its opinion.

— Las Vegas Review-Journal, NV

–from Rogue

CRAZYHORSE TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CHOP–Yeah, our buddy Johnny Vasko aka Johnny Chop passed away yesterday. He had heart problems. That is all we know. But it doesn’t matter how he died, it’s how he lived. He was a genuinely sincere and sweet person, as well as being a hell of a bike builder.

My first experience with Johnny was at a party in Sturgis 2004. I was standing around bored, ready to leave and I saw Johnny. I recognized him from Chica’s Biker Builder Off TV show. He walked right up to me and asked me if I was Crazy Horse, then went on to tell me how much he loved my work. I took him over to see my chopper, which was new at the time. We talked for a while before I left. I was really surprised to find out what a truly nice person he was. He went on to fame and his own shop. But he never got an attitude and or forgot how to treat people.

Sara just got back from the west coast where she was taking pictures for her Builder and Machine series of photos. She was pretty broke up about Johnny. He had that way of affecting people.

The past few years have been pretty tough in our industry. We lost Larry in ’04, then we lost a man not many of you know about, but who serious chopper builders depended upon. He was Bradley the Polisher and he was also a real good guy. After that it was Gary from Milwaukee Iron that left us. And now we say goodbye to Johnny.

I was thinking today as I buzzed around the shop trying to work on the Petty bike, trying to get it done with the deadline pressing down on me. It seems we are always trying to meet some fricking deadline. I don’t care who it is. No matter who I talk to, the pressure to get the job for a specific date is always there. NO matter who it is, even Hank Young was telling me about some deadline wearing him down, putting in the late hours at his shop. We push, push, push. Then we party hard. It makes for a bad combination.

Our bodies and therefore our health, and also at times- our attention to the road while riding, get shortchanged. We pay a hard price, then whammo, it’s over. We put our work ahead of ourselves. We don’t truly get to enjoy the incredible gift of life. I have an incredible chopper that sits in my shop. I have a beautiful home, awesome friends. And I don’t get to slow down enough to really enjoy them.

I made the decision earlier this year, that after I finish book 4, that’s it. I’m slowing the pace. Spend more time living the motorcycle life as well as working it.

So all ya out there, this weekend, take some time for Johnny, and for Bradley, and Gary and our Larry. Get on that bike and ride. Go to bed early once in a while. Stop stressing over stuff so much. Take better care of yourself. Spend some time just goofing off with your family and buds. Live your life and remember how very precious it is; even though sometimes it feels like hell. And never forget our buds that are gone. Don’t just look at those old Dave Mann posters, get out there and live it.

And if ya see some little old chick on a flamed sportster or chopper on South or North Carolina, you’ll know the Crazy Horse Paint Shop is closed for the day.

———Crazy Horse (who is going to bed early for once.)

Continued On Page 3

By Bandit | March 30, 2006

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – REMEMBERING JOHNNY CHOP, H-D TAILFIN, EXILE OPEN HOUSE AND LAST CHANCE FOR TEXAS BIKE SHOW POSTER CONTEST.

Hey,

I’m not going to talk about Johnny. I’ll leave that to John Gilbert who wrote a tribute (it will be posted on Bikernet in the next couple of days), Jose, Sara Liberte (her photo ran as news lead), Crazy Horse and a number of other folks who were moved by his passing. Johnny had a heart problem and when he was 19 and received a heart transplant. He probably blessed every day he stayed alive.

A brother, Kent, said to me recently, “I haven’t had a vacation in 10 years.” I said the same thing a couple of times while working with ER. That’s a bullshit macho thing that we need to ditch.

I told Kent, “Fuck that, asshole. You’re riding to Sturgis with me, then Bonneville.”

Of course he said, “Yes sir.” The point is that any of us can be toast tomorrow. You need to have adventures in life, ’cause it might be gone tomorrow. If you’ve never been to Sturgis or Bonneville, plan for it. It’s you’re fuckin’ mission for the year. Save the coin, get an ol’ lady who can dig it, build a bike, whatever. Let’s ride.

Okay, let’s hit the news:

SARA’S TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY– I’m sure you heard the sad, sad news. We have lost yet another incredible craftsmen, visionary and friend. I just completed Johnny’s portrait for my Builder and Machine Series and thankfully Johnny was able to see it and he loved it.

Ride in Peace Johnny, all my thoughts are with your family, You left us too soon.

Sara Liberte
www.saraliberte.com
www.northhillscycle.com

OKLAHOMA MC VET TAGS REQUESTS NEEDED–I see where we need 100 vets to request motorcycle tags for their bike, but no one knows anything at the tag offices. They need 100 requests or they won’t make them. Any info on who to call please let me know.

–Dennis Carriger
denniscarriger@sbcglobal.net

BIKERNET HISTORIC INVESTIGATION–A Jewish businessman in Chicago sent his son to Israel for a year toabsorb the culture. When the son returned, he said, “Papa, I had a greattime in Israel. By the way, I converted to Christianity.”

“Oy vey,” said the father. “What have I done?”

He took his problem to his best friend. “Ike,” he said, “I sent my sonto Israel, and he came home a Christian. What can I do?”

“Funny you should ask,” said Ike. “I too, sent my son to Israel, and healso came home a Christian..” Perhaps we should go see the rabbi. Sothey did, and they explained their problem to the rabbi.

“Funny you should ask,” said the rabbi.. “I, too, sent my son toIsrael, and he also came home a Christian. What is happening to ouryoung people?”

And so they all prayed, telling the Lord about their sons. As theyfinished their prayer, a voice came from the heavens:

“Funny you should ask,” said the voice. “I, too, sent my son toIsrael….”

–from Joe Lankau

JOHNNY GIL’S HITS DALLAS ER SHOW–Went to the Easy Riders show here in Dallas this weekend and met one ofJohnny Gil’s crew that works for him in his McAllen, TX shop. The name ofthe place is Johnny’s Custom Shop and this cat makes some sweet ass rides.His stuff was better looking, than the big boys that were there.

His bikesare works of art. The kind you stare at for an hour and keep seeingsomething new and unique about it. Anyway, don’t know if you know these guysbut they build some wicked shit.

I’m sending you a pic of a bike that was atthe show. (It came off their web site as I didn’t have the trusty Nikon withme). Anyway, the guy’s web site is www.johnnyscustomshop.com. They mightmake a good story for you to do unless you’ve already been there, done that.

By the way, Dewey is selling his own line of Sewer Pickles in case you’reinterested.

–Robert Brock

VOODOO CHOPPERS OFFERS METAL WORKSHOP–Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off star Eric Gorges of Voodoo Choppers is offering a metal fabrication workshop at his shop in Rochester, Michigan.

With the class size limited to 4 people, students will get exclusive hands on instruction using the tools necessary for them to gain the skills to start fabricating their very own one off parts.

In addition to the skills students will acquire, each student will come away a hand crafted part that they will make themselves in class with Eric’s help.. The student can choose between making a fender, an oil tank or a one off fuel tank shell.

Don’t miss this chance to learn to become a cut above the rest. Put VooDoo’s Mojo to work for you and never have to rely on someone else to help make your dream chopper a reality.

Classes will undoubtedly fill up fast so contact VooDoo Choppers to insure your spot.

Voodoo Choppers
248-601-3000
http://www.voodoochoppers.com
Email: info@voodoochoppers.com

TEXAS NATIONAL BIKE SHOW POSTER CONTEST–We need a bitchin bike for the Texas National Bike Show Poster.

Well this is it, the last few days to get your bikes in for the Texas National Bike Show poster bike contest, we have oiled up the model and are anxiously awaiting the for the voting to begin the first of April, so get you last entries in and we will get started!

Here’s the rules:

1. All photos must be submitted to us by March 31st
2. 30 days to vote, voting will begin on April 1st and will end on April 30th, all submissions must be in by April fools day!
3. Bike must be available to participate in the Texas National Bike Show (all show guidelines)
4. Bike must be available for photo shoot no later than the end of May.
5. Texas National will comp a display space for the winner at the show.
6. Bike can participate in the judged class at the show, with a complimentary entry

And yes it might be shot with a hot babe for the poster. Be a star and send us a photo of your bike. The Show fires up the same time as the Lone Star Rally, November 3rd, I think. Send entries to Holly@Texasnationalbikeshow.com

Thanks, Holly
“Mr.Devil”

DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS PROJECT BIKE UPDATE–Thought I’d send you a coupla pics of the latest to come out of DBW’s secret laboratory. The bike we started with was an American Ironhorse …Now, it’s got 50 deg rake in the neck & 7 deg. trees, with a radiused single downtube. The customer has since decided he wants a drop seat frame, so it’ll go back on the frame fixture for some more of that voodoo that Andrew do so well…..

Also, We’ve added a few events to our event calendar, so go check ’em out…..NOW!!!!http://www.departure.com/events.asp

–Greg “Z” Hall
Service Manager/Public Relations
Departure Bike Works

BIKERNET CHROME SHOP SURVEY–We’re searching for biker friendly chrome shops. Here’s one to check out.

Dirty Joe’s Chrome Shop LLC
11702 Plano Road
Dallas Texas 75243
(214)343-8871 Shop
(214)343-8872 Fax

ARIZONA BIKE WEEK CUSTOM BUILDER TRIBUTE– – April 7, 2006Arizona Bike Week is proud to recognize Roger http://www.bourgets.comBourget, Paul Yaffe http://www.paulyaffeoriginals.com/ , and Jimhttp://www.jimnasicustoms.com/ Nasi for their accomplishments.

The threebuilders will gather at the World Famous Billet Bar at 4pm for a meet andgreet until 6pm, then lead the ride through Scottsdale to Cyclefest atWestWorld on their latest customs.

Planned festivities include an awardsceremony honoring the three builders for their contributions over the yearsto the Arizona motorcycle tradition. Then you’ll be treated to a liveconcert by The Guess Who.

All proceeds from this event will go directly tothe Children’s Hospital of Seattle. A minimum $5.00 per rider donation isrequested for early registration. The donation will get riders a wrist bandgranting them free access Cyclefest and the concert. Early registrationforms will be available at the Billet Bar or at Paul Yaffe Originals fromMarch 25th thru April 6th.

EXILE CYCLES NEW SHOP OPENING-BE THERE–Exile 10th Anniversary Open House It’s our birthday, we’re ten years old! We are going to celebrate by holding an Open House on April 22nd 2006. Come and join us for some sex and drugs and rock and roll. O.K. so we lied about the first two, but there will be bands playing, beer flowing, and the lovely Purrfect Angelz dancing up a storm. The event will take place from noon to 6pm at our new shop in North Hollywood.http://www.exilecycles.com

INJURED 19-YEAR-OLD BIKE GET DINGED– A 19-year-old Winter Springs woman remains in critical condition after crashing her new motorcycle into a ditch near Colonial Drive in east Orange County.Investigators with the Florida Highway Patrol said Shyanne Cummings made too many bad choices just moments before crashing her brand new motorcycle on Vincent Road in east Orange County. Troopers said Cummings wasn’t wearing a helmet, didn’t have a motorcycle endorsement and think she was going about 100 miles an hour in a 25.

“Actually had her license suspended for too many tickets within a year,” said Trooper Kim Miller, Florida Highway Patrol.

From unlawful speed to careless driving, troopers said Cummings had a long list of moving violations. In fact, they said, they found a handful of tickets in one of her pockets.

–from WTF TV

–from Rogue

BIKERNET WEEKLY TECH–The most important part of tank coating is getting all the dirt and rust out before you coat it. I use muriatic acid and water to etch the metal. Then use soda ash to neutralize the acid, rinse well with clean water, drain all the water you can. Next use MEK to dry any remaining water left in the tank, then blow dry with air or a hair drier. Make sure the tank is good and dry before you coat it.

I use an aircraft tank coating, it has a catalyst. I do not know if this coating is sold in small amounts, I have gallon kits.

Most coatings do not have catalyst.You can get muriatic acid and soda ash at a swimming pool supply storeIf you need more info email me or call me.

–Jim
http://www.jimscyclepainting.com

NEW TAILFIN CUSTOM MIRRORS FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–New billet-style Tailfin Custom Mirrors (P/N 91696-05, $99.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories feature a finned mirror back and the custom raised-rib stem that combine to bring the Art Deco “streamliner” look into the 21st century. The die-cast mirror body and forged stem are polished and chrome plated for a brilliant finish. From the workshop of Wyatt Fuller.Fits all 1982-later Harley-Davidson models. Sold as a pair. _

For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at http://www.harley-davidson.com.

To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

BIKERNET WEEKLY DOOR PRIZE WINNERS–

Mike Kelly
Deltona, Florida
32738 – USA

Wanted: Need new clothes how about one of them cool new bikernet shirts
size large!!!!!!! Thank you very much!!!!!!!!!

How can we say no to that?

BILLY AZLIN
ATOKA, TN 38004 –
USA

Suggestion: SEND IN YOUR LETTERS TO YOUR BIKER RIGHTS GROUP AND FIGHT THE EPA

Wanted: BEDROLL, DAYROLL, SHIRTS, HATS, PORN, GAS, OIL, YOU KNOW….

Well, we are fresh out of porn. Gas and oil, ha! That?s worth more then gold anymore. But I do believe we can part with a DayRoll.

Continued On Page 2

By Bandit | March 30, 2006

First of all, I am a little nervous in taking on this task. I do not wantto ruffle any feathers. On the other hand, I’m honored to interview thepresident of the Orange County Chapter of the Hells Angels.

I, myself, have been suspicious and skeptical of the government and itsrole in our lives since the early ’60s, when I got involved in news worthyevents. Since then I have repeatedly seen confirmations of what I hadpreviously suspected. Now I try not to be so judgmental and allow some timeto pass to get a better view before taking a stand.

Bikernet: Being a member of the Hells Angels and president of oneof its chapters, what is life like where you are? Are you treated any differently than other inmates? How do inmates and employees of the systemtreat you?

RC: I was arrested on June 6, 1999, in Orange County, Calif. I was taken toSanta Ana city jail, a new facility that contracts with the feds to house prisoners who have cases in Orange County. I was segregated to what is referred to as the hole while in Orange County. Basically you are locked down in aSingle-man cell 23 hours a day, with one hour out to shower and make a phonecall. About a week later, I was transferred to Metropolitan Detention Centerin L.A. At the time of this writing, November 22, I have been in LosAngeles almost 18 months. Metropolitan Detention Center is a 10-story building that houses about 1,000 federal inmates at a time. It’s owned and run by thefederal Department of Corrections. Here I’m on a floor with 100 to 140 people,with access to a small recreation deck that has a universal weight machineon it.

Most of the time, our cells are unlocked from 6:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.Considering the fact that all of our food is microwaved, it’s not that bad,sometimes even good.

The biggest thing for me is getting used to theslowness of life here. Outside I was always busy doing things I liked to do withpeople around me that I wanted to be with. As far as how I’m treatedcompared to other inmates, in most respects the same. Except when I am transported to court, I get a marshal’s SWAT team escort. At least I don’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic; they hit the lights and sirens and everybody moves out of the way.

I get along pretty good with most of the people here. My philosophy is to treat people the way I would like to be treated, until they give me reason not to. I am not suffering from any ego problems, where you have to prove how tough you are all the time, anyway.

BN: Do you have access to computers and the Internet? If so, do you doany surfin’ on the World Wide Web? If so, how does the Internet help with what you want to accomplish? What do you want to accomplish with your time in the upcoming months?

No, we do not have access to computers or the Internet here. Wish we did. Athome I was on the computer and net every day. I do have a Web site,www.freerusty.com, which is run by volunteers. I can be e-mailed atfreerusty@yahoo.com . My e-mail is printed out and snail-mailed to me. TheInternet has been a great way to get my message out to people in ourculture. I have a lot of information regarding politics, discrimination, bikers’rights and the drug war on my Web site. If it is not on my site, we are linked to it on somebody else’s. The site has also generated a lot of support and donations that have helped defray some of the cost of defending myself in this case.

BN: Do they have a library for your use, research and reading?

RC: Yes, they have a law library here. There are also a lot of booksfloating around in the unit I’m in. I have studied and read a lot of books since I’ve been here, and will continue to learn as much as I can absorb while incarcerated. One thing that

I have noticed is that our culture is far too apathetic when it comes tovoting, etc. We are the first ones to bitch about unfair laws, but if wedon’t vote or do anything to effect change, then we’ve got no right to bitch. Right now, maybe one out of three eligible voters actually votes. Our country isbasically sitting by while 25 to 30 percent of the population decides who’sdoing what. We have almost no representation. You think your vote doesn’tcount? Look at this presidential election. Only a few votes made thedifference.

Any way I’m hoping I can influence some of us to get involved inpolitics and effect change before it’s too late. If you want change, voteindependent or third party. Most Americans aren’t left wing or right wing, butin the middle, that’s why we need to support third party candidates that wantto safeguard our civil rights and feel as we do on the issues.

BN: How about a weight room to keep yourself in shape?

RC: As I said earlier, there is a universal machine on the recreation deck here and while it is not my optimum choice for a workout, it’s better than noweights at all. I always liked free weights when given the choice. I usuallywork out about an hour a day. So far I’ve maintained my normal 280-285 pound body weight.

BN: Reading the newspaper account of your guilty plea proceedings onSept. 19, it was revealed that you had a history of counseling drug and alcoholabusers. Could you elaborate on this?

RC: In the ’80s, I lost a younger brother to heroin addiction, and helpedto get a few friends into programs for the treatment of cocaine and alcohol abuse. I got interested in opening a treatment center around 1987. In 1991, I opened First Step Treatment Centers Inc., with a facility in Laguna Beach, Calif., and one in Fontana, Calif. I was not a counselor; I ran the business end dealing with the paperwork, etc. I had to close the business in 1995. Insurance companies cut back on benefits for patients after Hillary Clinton’s national health care scare. It’s too bad; it was a good business to be in and helped a lot of people. We put some people through the program for free, when we had theopenings, but it was expensive to operate and we had to depend on contractswith the insurance companies to survive at that time.

BN: What can be done to change public opinion concerning thegovernment’s “Waron Drugs”? It’s easy to sling bricks at the status quo, but a plan to changepublic opinion is really needed.

RC: If people were told the truth about drug use and the drug war, theiropinions might change. There are mountains of information on my Web siteabout this, but I’ll try to explain a little about it here.

First of all, the myth that drugs are the single most dangerous threat toour children and society in general is government propaganda. Fact: Over 400,000people a year die from tobacco use. Fact: Over 100,000 people a year die ofalcohol use. If you put all illegal drug deaths together, per year, in theU.S., you have 6,000 total. Of those 6,000 drug deaths per year, most are from heroin overdoses, because illegal heroin varies in quality, resulting inaccidental overdoses.

As far as crime associated with drugs, of coursethere is crime. Any time you prohibit alcohol or drugs, you create a black market. The fact that drugs are illegal makes them expensive to obtain. Addicts have to steal to support their habits. Prohibition, also, breeds corruption. If drugs were to be somehow controlled but made available to users (legally), the violence, corruption, death, and the value of drugs would drop through the floor. With no money in it any more, the foreign cartels would collapse, the dealers would be out of business, and the robbers that prey on them would also be out of business.

We learned the lesson with prohibition of alcohol already, but there are powerful lobbyists working everyday to expand the drug war in the name of big corporations. The truth is that the drug war is big business for the many government agencies and private corporations benefit by this war. If you count all the local, state and federal money spent on the drug war every year, including prison beds, it totals around $73 billion a year. The prison industrial complex is huge; the only employer in the U.S. that is larger than the Bureau of Prisons is General Motors. We have over 2 million people in prisons in the U.S. Crime has been declining for over 20 years, but we are giving non-violent drug offenders more time than people convicted of much more serious crimes.

BN: What can be done to illustrate the fact that drug use is notnecessarily drug abuse?

RC: Drug use and drug abuse are two different things, just like alcoholuse and alcohol abuse. Drug and alcohol abuse are social problems and should betreated that way. It has been proven that education and treatment are muchmore effective than jail, and a lot cheaper. I think that attacking thedemand side of the problem through education and treatment is far moreeffective than going after the supply side.

Kids from the age of 12 to 18should be required to attend drug, alcohol and sex education classes everyyear until they graduate high school. Show them AIDS patients at hospitals.Tour hospital emergency wards with them to see the damage done by drunkdrivers. Tour prisons and jails with them to show them the end result.

Todrink a beer socially is alcohol use. To drink till you puke is alcoholabuse. Anytime a person drinks or uses drugs so often to affect their health, orothers, they are abusing. Some people are more susceptible to addiction thanothers, but jail is not the answer. To get to the point, anytime drug use oralcohol use affects your social life, family, health or job in a negativeway, it has become abuse. An occasional beer or occasional joint isn’t abuse,it’s use.

BN: What is there about you, Rusty Coones, that you want people to know,that possibly they do not already know?

RC: It’s true that I am in jail on a drug charge, but the myth that theclub is in the drug business is just as I said, a myth. Whenever a member has been arrested on drug charges, it is always his personal business, not theclub’s. Our club is a motorcycle club, period. When a cop gets arrested for drugs, we don’t assume that the whole department is involved.

BN: How are your kids taking all this, the charges, pleading andyour incarceration? What have they shared with you concerning the wholething?

RC: It’s been hard on my kids. That has really bothered me, for them tosuffer because of my problems. We are lucky to have friends who have come forward to help with them. My son just graduated from high school and my daughter is still in school and living with a great family. We miss each other and I don’t ever want them to have to go through anything like this in their lives. They’re both good kids and I know they will do well in life.

By Bandit | March 23, 2006

BIKERNET NEWS EDITORIAL PAGE -WEST COAST CHOPPERS UPDATE, SASHA MAKES US SMILE, BIKERNET READER NEEDS HELP, EPA UPDATE, DAYTONA BROTHERS DOWN, MORE NOISE BULLSHIT, STEALTHMAN LIVES, AND BANDIDO BOOK RELEASED

Continued From Page 3

SASHA SLITHERS TO BIKE WEEK–Check out the fun hoochie coo bartending photos frombike week…working at my beloved Broken SpokeSaloon…Gosh it was an awesome time with the greatestbosses, B-spoke owner, Jay Allen; and B-spoke manager,Peter Cimasi. The good patrons, good motorin weather,oh it was good times, indeed all around.

See ya soon. love,
–Sash

BIKERNET’S MOST KNOCK-OUT DYNA–PICK A WINNER–WILL RECEIVE A SET OF D&D PIPES–That’s right, you get to pick the best looking DYNA from the Bikernet Community. Just vote for the one that you like the best. The motorcycle that gets the most votes receives a new set of Fat Cat pipes from D&D Performance Exhaust.

The 2 into 1 Fat Cat Pipes makes the best horsepower and torque. The stylish upswept design provides the performance rider with extra ground clearance. Each pipe is hand fitted and installed with heat shields. Experience up to 12 additional ponys.

We couldn’t run all the bikes here so watch for the articles containing all the Bikernet contestants. It will pop onto the home page this week.

Our first entry into our Harley-Davidson DYNA Pipe Promotion by D&D Performance Exhaust is Bill V. He sent us this picture of his sano sled and wrote:

?This is my new 2006 DYNA and myself. After 32 years on HDs this is my first factory fresh bike ever. I’m looking for an exhaust that’ll help with the HP, and give a mellow sound. Life is good, live it right.?- Bill V

BIKERNET READER NEEDS LEGAL ADVICE–The background to this is that I received a speeding ticket on a back road in Vermont. I was picked up by a “LOCAL” constable who said I was doing 60 in a 35.

The long term costs of paying terribly high insurance costs for the next three years has convinced me to fight this since I was not speeding (I know better, I drive this road daily) and he refused to show me verification, even though he said he had me on radar. The state laws allows for this! Go figure.

He really pissed me of when he said, “YOU bikers ought to know your speed by the wind in your face.” And then he started laughing.

I tried several times after he stopped me to get to 60 on that same road and have not been able to do it with the style at which I drive my bike. I have been waiting my entire life to get a new Harley and this bike has 2,000 miles on it so I do not drive like a maniac.

My old bike is a 1973 Electra Glide, all stock in the engine, so speed is not my thing!

I am going to court on April 6 and need something to hand to the judge showing the performance specs on my harley. Any other ideas?

IF I live in Clarendon which is right outside of Rutland.

–Richard Ley
cycle73@hotmail.com

EPA FIGHT CONTINUES TO HEAT UP– The time is now to make a major stand with the EPA and Iwant to be as involved as possible. It is critical we show force to makesure the agency knows the strength we can muster and that we will not simplyaccept whatever regulatory whim the come up with. The fact that the econanalysis hasn’t been done is still a major chink in their logical armor forcreating these rules. The more concessions we gain the better and 2006 isour only remaining opportunity.

The state to state approach is a slow play that I want to get started nowwhile the attention of our industry is focused on regulation and is a longterm solution for a host of motorcycle industry issues including emissions.

I’m glad to be part of the effort and proud of the folks who are taking astand. It’s going to be a good year.

Thanks again

–Senator John Brueggeman
senatorjohn@bresnan.net

Senator Bruegggeman builds chopper frames in Montana and is actively involved with SEMA to keep the Hot Rod industry alive through a state-to-state campaign. He’s working with us on EPA issue and is developing state legislation that would allow builders to register bikes based on the original year of the driveline. The EPA criteria would be based on that year, Evo-1984, Shovelhead-1966, Panhead-1948, etc.–Bandit

BIKE WEEK ENDS WITH 20 BIKE DEATHS– The record-high death toll from this year’s Bike Weekfestival climbed to 20 after another hospitalized motorcyclist involved in acrash died, officials said Friday.The reported total of 18 deaths also did not include RichardGermain, 21, of New Hampshire, who was run over by another motorcyclistafter crossing a double line to pass a truck. Authorities didn’t verifyGermain was a Bike Week participant until this week.

Sunny weather and scattered biker venues put more riders on faster highwaysand in more dangerous spots, Florida Highway Patrol trooper Kim Miller said.

“That’s what they get on a Harley for — to ride in nice weather,” shesaid.

The 20 fatalities may rank as one of the highest ever nationwide for acity’s bike week. In Sturgis, S.D., the worst year was 2004, when 13 ridersdied. In Myrtle Beach, S.C., a back-to-back Harley rally and Black Bike Weeksaw its highest total in 2003, when 13 people died.

–from Rogue
By Associated Press

THE NORTH CAROLINA STEALTH REPORT–This weekend the Concerned Bikers Association presents their 31st Annual Spring Swap meet and Bike Show. STEALTH BIKE WORKS will have a booth set up. I really get into the swap meet. You never know what you will find there. I really get into most of the people there too. It always proves to be a good time.

Here in Charlotte we have had some cold weather hit us but we can’t complain because we really did not have much winter. Here at SBW we have been steady. We are waiting for the weather to warm up and hopefully the pace at SBW will heat up with it.

Not a lot to report on this week. A few things come to mind concerning exhaust systems. I have customers come in everyday telling us that they have been told that if they put any other exhaust system besides what H-D sells that their bike will not run right? Right, wonder where they got that info from? Yeah I know you already know without me telling you! Here at SBW we do exhaust systems everyday and the bikes run great. You know what we install Vance+Hines, Bassani, Samson etc. with no problems. Do you think just maybe it has something to do with these guys kicking ass when it comes to exhaust systems? It is your bike run what you want to!

We have some events planned at SBW coming up. Starting in April SBW present “BIKER NIGHT.” Biker Night we be held the 3rd Friday of every month. We will have some food, Biker-Build Off Videos, door prizes and just a good time to hang out in general. June 23rd and 24th SBW will be at the The Horse Smoke-Out. WE will have our booth set up. July 23rd SBW presents our 1st Annual “No Class Bike Show,” that is right no classes. The top 3 bikes win! There is no charge to enter your bike. It is going to be a great time. We have a lot to look forward to!

Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN

Click Post For More Info

PHOTO ENFORCEMENT NOW TARGETING NOISE VIOLATORS– Pop quiz – when someone says the term “exhaust system”, what are the first words that pop into your head? If they happen to be anything like “Flowmaster 40 Series” or “Dynomax Bullet” (the straight-through muffler that makes Cherry Bombs sound civilized in comparison), you may not like the new ticketing system developed by Acoustic Research Laboratories. Using an onboard sound meter, the device detects noise events that exceed a predetermined sound pressure level. A 10-second audio/video recording is made of the incident, and an onboard hard drive stores the data for future retrieval and prosecution.

As the system records other noise events as well, don’t go boomin’ your twin fifteens past one of their systems and expect to get away with it.Since certain individuals here at Autoblog have received several “amplified sound” tickets in their younger days and have occasionally taken to the street with open pipes (hey, no one really knows how easy it is to remove the baffles from a Yoshi system until they try), we’ll defer commentary on this device to those who can be a bit more objective. With the number of import cars, diesel pickups, and motorcycles on the road sporting sewer-sized exhausts seemingly increasing every day, it would come as no surprise to find a lot of support for such a system — at least outside of enthusiasts’ circles.

by Eric Bryant

–from Rogue

Book author with Bikernet correspondent, Rogue.

INSIDE THE BANDIDOS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, THE LARGEST BIKER GANG IN THE WORLD–Rapidly rising through the ranks of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club in the late 90’s, Edward “Connecticut Ed” Winterhalder was one of the most powerful Bandidos in the world at the end of the twentieth century.

Since founding the Oklahoma chapter of the Bandidos in early 1997, “Connecticut Ed” had been regularly assigned important projects by the worldwide leader of the Bandidos, George Wegers. It was not unusual for Winterhalder to organize and establish new Bandido chapters, as well as Bandidos support club chapters, all over the world.

But when assigned the unwanted responsibility of overseeing the Bandidos’ assimilation of a Canadian motorcycle gang known as the Rock Machine in early 2001, “Connecticut Ed” found himself caught between a rock and a hard place.

Teaching ex-Rock Machine members how to be Bandidos was one thing, but doing so while dodging bullets and bombs was another. The new Canadian Bandidos, as members of the Rock Machine, had been embroiled in a deadly war with the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in which 168 people had died since 1994.

Commonly known as hard core biker gangs, the inner workings of motorcycle clubs such as the Bandidos, the Hells Angels, the Outlaws, the Pagans, the Sons of Silence, and the Mongols have until now been a closely guarded secret.

Determined to set the record straight after leaving the club in late 2003 and as a form of therapy, Winterhalder spent almost two years transcribing the memories of his life. Ultimately, his memoirs evolved into a dynamic book called “OUT IN BAD STANDINGS: Inside The Bandidos Motorcycle Club – The Making Of A Worldwide Dynasty”.

Detailing the establishment and growth of the Bandidos organization in Canada, Europe and Oklahoma, this historical expose of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club gives the reader a rare look into the world of today’s 1%er motorcycle gangs, allowing the reader a unique opportunity to ride along as the Bandidos become the dominant international force they are today.

Published by Blockhead City Press ($29.95 – ISBN 0977174700), this 448 page hardcover book contains more than 150 color photographs and sports a dynamic dust cover jacket. “Out In Bad Standings” is available through Barnes & Noble bookstores in the United States, Amazon.com worldwide, Ebay.com worldwide and Chapters bookstores in Canada, and is a must read for every Harley rider on the planet.

For more information:
http://www.blockheadcity.com/outinbadstandings.htm

–from Rogue

WEST COAST CHOPPERS ALIVE AND WELL–Still plugging away at things here. Getting closer to filling “sale” orders and hope to finish out by early summer. Not going to any shows this year to help finish our back log and re group a bit.

Jesse has finished his run on monster garage and is on to doing our own shows produced by our “in house” production company “Pay up sucker”. You might have seen the “history of the chopper”. That is one of the first efforts and we are very happy with the way it turned out. More to come on that arena.

We do have some new products on the cusp of being ready for production. We are promoting our new improved website and will have new parts added as we get time.

We are also will be promoting our ten-day turn around, show-polished motor pricing on line soon as well. I must say things are looking better .

We still have a long way to go to finish all the orders we took during the anniversary sale. We sure do have a lot of loyal customers. The majority say they are willing to wait for the parts. I don’t think anyone on the outside really knows how much work goes into this stuff and what a tremendous value they are getting.. some do …

–SIMO
West Coast Choppers
Long Beach

HOLD ON THERE’S MORE–As you may know I’m working on a noise reg strategy to save lives. To an extent the adage, “Loud Pipes Saves Lives,” is true. We’re performing some initial tests in our Bikernet home town of Wilmington, California. Our building is poised on the edge of an 18-wheeler thoroughfare. We’re going to grab a decibel meter and capture some basic noise readings. We’ll bring you reports as the study continues.

In addition, highly educated Bikernet readers send in their advice and comments. Watch for some of these detailed reports in Special reports in the next couple of days. Thought-provoking material.

There’s the Bonne Belle, 45 flathead racer in color by Chris Kallas. We have his art prints in the Black Market. Buy some quick. He needs art supplies. He’s designing our 5-Ball Racing Team Logo and the tank art for the Salt Shaker.

On the upbeat side, we’re looking forward to an upcoming meeting with the MRF and Tony Sanfelipo from Michael Hupy’s office in Wisconsin. Hupy has been a Bikernet sponsor for years. He’s an attorney who has defended motorcyclists, the lifestyle, and our right to ride for over 20 years. He’s based in Wisconsin, if you need a good man.

Here’s what’s boiling to the top of the Bikernet Whiskey distillery -kicking out Bikernet Content: Several techs are headed onto the pages, a feature from Von Dutch, the story of Revolution Carbon Fiber Chassis, the secrets behind Dr. Neon, Fiction from UD in India, and half dressed Daytona features. We will also display all the D&D Dyna Exhaust System contestants and take your votes for the bike that deserves that shiny new pipe system.

I know I’m forgetting something, probably a whole list of projects, but I’m fried. It’s whiskey time. Can’t wait to show you the next Bonne Belle tech. It’s coming along. I’m rolling out to Performance Machine next week for brake calipers, rotors and controls. She’s almost a roller. We will also bring you a report on the engine rebuild.

Speaking of She?s, it’s time for some new talent around here, another Girl of Bikernet Feature. Hang on.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

By Bandit | March 23, 2006

BIKERNET NEWS TOPS -VON DUTCH GIRL, CANADIAN SHOW UPDATE, FLORIDA CRASH COUNSEL, STEEL DREAMS SHOW THIS WEEKEND, STURGIS HOUSING CONNECTION, REDHILL BIKE DEAL OF THE WEEK, BONNEVILLE SPONSORS NEEDED, ROADHOUSE DAYTONA STYLE, FRAME DEAL, AD COOK ART DISPLAYED, AND $5,000 VEGAS SHOW PRIZE

Continued From Page 2

VON DUTCH BRINGS ON THE CLASS–Carmella DeCesare, PlayBoy playmate of the year 2004, is the new face for Von Dutch Kustom Cycles! Watch for a feature of here with a Von Dutch Classic on Bikernet in the near future.

–Ron Starrantino
Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Development
Von Dutch Kustom Cycles
Office (909)481-0600
http://www.vondutch.com

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:

1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don’t hurt.
3) Families are like fudge…mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4) Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

–from Chris T.

MARCH 25-26th – WESTCOAST CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE SHOW UPDATE–Mechanical Works of Art on Display at the Westcoast Custom Motorcycle ShowMarch 25-26th at Tradex

On March 25-26th the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford will host hundreds of thehottest custom motorcycles in North America with most of them producedlocally. British Columbia is the undisputed home to some of the world’s topcustom builders including professional bike builder Roger Goldammer ofKelowna, who will have several bikes on display. Goldammer’s amazing workwon him 1st Place at the AMD/Custom Chrome World Championship in 2004 and2005.

This show will feature hundreds of custom bikes in more than 30 classesincluding Foreign, Street, British, Vintage, Radical, “Specialty” and a new”Pro Builders” class, with a $1000.00 prize for Best Bike. Spectators willget a chance to vote for who they think deserves the awards for “Best Bike”and “Pro Builder”.

There will be something for everyone at this show, from mild to wild! We’vegot everything from a fully customized Kawasaki ZX 7 to a restored 1948Indian Chief, Top Fuel Harley’s capable of speeds over 200 mph and, ofcourse, choppers galore.

Proceeds of this event will go to support the B.C. Coalition ofMotorcyclists (BCCOM). BCCOM is a professional lobbying organization thatworks on behalf of all motorcyclists rights in the province of B.C. andpromotes motorcycle safety and awareness.

For more information, visit http://www.westcoastcustom.ca.

WESTCOAST CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE SHOW
DATE: MARCH 25-26, 2006
LOCATION: Tradex Centre at Abbotsford Airport

SHOW HOURS:
Saturday, March 25th from 10am-10pm
Sunday, March 26th from 10am-6pm

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Westcoast Custom Motorcycle Show Inc.
Phone: (604) 580-0111 or 1-877-580-0111
Fax: (604) 580-0114
Website: http://www.westcoastcustom.ca
Email: office@westcoastcustom.ca

FLORIDA CRASH COUNSEL–Need to stop calling these things Accidents. They are collisions or crashes.The term Accident was coined by defense attorneys to trying and get lenient sentences for those that kill and injured others.

Group criticizes fines for vehicle drivers

Motorcyclists are looking at these issues to improve biker safety:
Lobby for stiffer fines and mandatory minimum penalties for people who cause motorcycle accidents.
Break out statistics of motorcycle accidents so they are not grouped with pedestrians, bicyclists and other recreational vehicles.
Limit the height of landscaping in medians and along roadways.
Toughen educational programs and testing requirements for getting a license to drive a motorcycle.
Toughen qualification standards for someone buying a motorcycle.
Enforce restrictions on the difference between lane-surface heights in construction zones.

Motorcyclists met in Fort Myers on Saturday to launch an education campaign and a protest against vehicle drivers who get what they say are insignificant fines for causing accidents that kill motorcycle riders.

“We’re concerned with why a motorcyclist is allowed to be killed by a driver who made a mistake and only get a ticket,” said David “Surfer” Bowlby of Cape Coral.

“There should be more than a $52 ticket for failure to yield the right of way,” he said. “Is that what a life is worth?”About 40 people attended the regular meeting of local chapters of ABATE of Florida and other motorcycling groups at the American Legion Hall in downtown Fort Myers.

Much of the meeting dealt with the growing danger for motorcyclists on Southwest Florida’s roads.Six motorcyclists have been killed in Lee County this year, and 18 were killed in 2005.

A record 20 motorcyclists associated with Bike Week in Daytona Beach were killed this month.

Some of those deaths were caused by cyclist error, said Susan Huttman, a member of the Southwest Chapter of ABATE, but too many are caused by inattentive vehicle drivers.She said motorcycle groups should push for stiffer punishment for vehicle drivers who cause motorcycle accidents while also working to keep reckless cyclists off the roads.

The problem will continue to grow along with Florida’s population and traffic congestion, Huttman said.According to Florida ABATE, she said, the number of registered motorcyclists in Florida more than doubled from 195,000 in 2000 to 473,000 in 2005.

“That is a lot of political power, friends,” she told the gathering.

–from Rogue

STEEL DREAMS EPISODE 10-THIS WEEKEND–In episode ten, famed stunt rider, Monte Perlin, “The Wheelie King” tells how he turned his love for riding into today’s amazing “Globe-O-Cross” show that tours the world. Scenes from Pre-Love Ride in Santa Clarita, CA shows Perlin (who was the motorcycle riding stunt-double for Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Terminator) and his son thrilling crowds with high-speed gravity-defying spins inside the amazing one-of-a-kind 16-foot globe sphere.Then the Victor McLaglen World Champion Motorcycle Stunt & Drill Team performs many of the incredible multi-bike precision maneuvers and jaw-dropping formations that have thrilled audiences worldwide and won numerous competition awards.

Steel Dreams then shows viewers how Freestyle MX evolved from humble beginnings in backyards, parking lots and places like a Skateboard shop in Norway, Maine into today’s big-time thrill-packed arena shows and spectacular high-flying outdoor events. Riders of the Giant Bicycle Stunt Show tour are featured along with superstar rider Jim Mcneil on Boost Mobile Freestyle MX tour at Long Beach, CA and DUB Car Show, Los Angeles, CA.

It’s not motor sports on TV it’s “Steel Dreams” TV.

STURGIS LODGING CONNECTION–Anyone looking for some cool places to rent for the Sturgis rally, check out Black Hills Real Estate, http://www.blackhillsre.com . We have 3 house’s in Deadwood, all beautifully restored to their 1890’s condition, and a 3 bdr. modular on 1 acre 2 miles out of Sturgis with a great view of the valley. See you there!

For more info call Mike Stevenson at 818 8919055

REDHILL BIKE DEAL OF THE WEEK–All Aluminum Redhill BIthccraft for sale. Softtail aluminum chassis, TP 107-inch motor, TP Tranny, Ness Primary cover, Ness Foot controls and hand controls and a bitchin brushed aluminum paint job that isn’t just for bitches…$25K.

call 303-823-6363

–J. Ken Conte
Rise Above Consulting LLC
(970)227-3588

BUBS INTERNATIONAL SPEED TRIALS IN BONNEVILLE SEPTEMBER 3-7 NEEDS SPONSORS QUICK–Chance of a lifetime to be involved in the most historic motorcycle event ever. Just once a year the tried and true test their machines in the blistering sun on 65 square miles of dead flat salt in Wendover, Utah. This is a chance to become a sponsor of this event. Click on the above banner or call the lovely Delvene for information:

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK ROADHOUSE KICKS OFF 2006AT DAYTONA BIKE WEEK– Ft. Lauderdale, FL — The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse kicked off the 2006 Tour at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona during a weather-perfect Daytona Bike Week.

On Friday, March 3rd, the Hard Rock Bikes were unveiled to an awestruck audience. The four bikes, through metal, paint, and attitude, truly represented and displayed the unparalleled level of artistry and engineering of each uniquely talented bike builder. Anyone can enter to win one of these Hard Rock bikes for FREE along with 5 Trips to the Hard Rock at www.HRroadhouse.com!

You’ll see all the bikes and action in the next couple of days on Bikernet in our extended Daytona Coverage. Hell, the Bikernet team even had the pleasure of working on one of the bikes before it left the West Coast.

HARLEY DAVIDSON RIGID CHOPPER MOTORCYCLE FRAMECLOSE-OUT!–http://www.DEMONSCYCLE.COM

DEMONS CYCLE SOUTH
378 SW 14 TH AVE
POMPANO BEACH
3 3 0 6 9 FLORIDA

BIKERNET SALT SHAKER REPORT–There’s some good news. Or is it any news is better than no news?

Engine DID NOT SHIP! They forgot to spot face all of my cylinders so that is what we are doing today and tomorrow and it should ship Friday. Engine building is so romantic. I mean frantic.

–Berry Wardlaw

I’ve been slacking on you’re tranny order; I apologize. I can machine the pivot shaft to _-inch, no problem. Do you have an exact-year case that you want to use? From previous e-mails, I assume you need an Evo FLT case Raw finish.

–Adam “Stretch” Sanderlin
Sales Manager
BAKER Drivetrain
877-640-2004

Actually, waiting on Salt Shaker parts gives me some time to work on the Bonne Belle and try to read the FIM Salt Flats regs. They put me to sleep every time. Watch for a report on the 45 coming soon.–Bandit

NEW ARTIST ON BIKERNET–This guy is a guy that I hooked up with through the radio show. His work is unbelievable his name is ad cook. Here is the website http://www.adcookfineart.com/ Maybe you might be interested in doing a write-up through Bikernet. -Charlie Brechtel

I was born in 1961 in Phoenix, Arizona, and realized my passion for art very early on. As a kid I would draw everything I could on anything I could find. I knew that I wanted to be an artist as far back as I can remember. The creation of art has always been my ambition, and as far as I can remember, there never really was a choice about it. And that’s just fine by me.-AD Cook

$5,000 CASH PRIZE ANNOUNCED FOR CUSTOM BIKE SHOW RADICAL CLASS–The Las Vegas BikeFest Partnership announced today that a $5,000 prize will be awarded to the winner of the Radical Class in the Las Vegas BikeFestCustom Bike Show, sponsored by Tribal Motorworks and supported by Meguiar’s.

“To go along with the glitz and glamour of Sin City, we want a collection of the most radical rides in the country entered in our Custom Bike Show”, stated Harry Schwartz, president of Full Throttle Events, one of Las Vegas BikeFest’s partners. Schwartz continued, “We give away the most radical trophies in the world, custom built by Tribal Motorworks, and now we are going to give away a radical prize of $5,000 cash. The prize was increased from $400 and now we offer one of the largest prizes for a single entry class of any bike show. That’s Las Vegas style!”

Custom Bike Show entry forms are available on-line at www.LasVegasBikeFest.com.

Tribal Motorworks is one of the industries premiere aftermarket accessory manufacturer’s; specializing in CNC machined billet aluminum accessories for V-twin bikes. Since establishing a solid relationship with Tribal Motorworks in 2003, Las Vegas BikeFest was one of the first events to have the opportunity to give out custom, one-of-a-kind billet trophies.

Participants of the Custom Bike Show will also be entitled to a detailing kit offered by the Custom Bike Show’s supporting sponsor, Meguiar’s. Meguiar’s, Inc. is one of the world’s leading surface care products companies, providing highly specialized products for almost every conceivable type of surface.

The 6th annual Las Vegas BikeFest will be held September 14-17 in the most famous 24-hour city, Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will consist of the Vendor Village at Cashman Center with over 275 manufacturers and vendors, and activities such as Poker Runs and competitions, and non-stop entertainment including concerts with well-known celebrity bands. Artistry in Iron, Master Builders’ Championship will also take place at Cashman Center. 40,000 bikers and enthusiasts are expected to be in attendance.

Las Vegas BikeFest is produced by the Las Vegas BikeFest Partnership made up of ConvExx and Full Throttle Events. Las Vegas BikeFest information is available www.LasVegasBikeFest.com, or call toll-free 866-BIKEFEST (866-245-3337) or e-mail info@lasvegasbikefest.com.

RICHARD CAPKA NOMINATED AS ADMINISTRATOR OF FHWA–The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports President George W. Bush has announced his nomination of Richard Capka as Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Mr. Capka was appointed Deputy Administrator of the FHWA in August 2002. He helped prepare the Bush administration’s transportation reauthorization proposal, shape the management of highway mega-projects across the country, and develop other programs and initiatives for the FHWA. Capka must be confirmed by the US Senate before officially taking the top spot at FHWA.

Mr. Capka retired after a 29-year military career as a US Army Brigadier General who was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. Following retirement and prior to this nomination he had served as Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA) overseeing the completion of the infamous Boston tunneling project known as the “Big Dig”.

In 1997, he led the federal flood system recovery response to the unprecedented California floods which had severely damaged the Sacramento and San Joaquin flood control systems. The effort earned specific praise from both the President of the United States and Governor of California.

A West Point graduate he also holds a Master’s Degree in engineering from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master’s Degree in business administration from Chaminade University of Honolulu. He is a professional engineer, registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Since former Administrator Mary Peters left her position at the end of July 2005 Mr. Capka has been serving as acting Administrator for the FHWA. “Of course we will miss Administrator Peters but look forward to a productive working relationship with Mr. Capka” said Jeff Hennie Vice President of Government Relations for the MRF.

The Federal Advisory Council created by the MRF and the US Congress in the most recent Highway Bill (PL 109-59) will advise Mr. Capka and the FHWA on road, bridge and barrier design and how the motorcycles must be considered when engineering our nations highway system.

Continued On Page 4

By Bandit | March 23, 2006

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH -DAYTONA REPORTS, VALERIE WINS, ANTI-BIKER NEWPAPER EDITOR, WIN AN OCC BIKE, CONCOURS COMING, FAST SCREAMIN EAGLE V-ROD, GERMAN SHOCKS COMING TO USA, NOISE ATTACK AND BIKERNET NOISE PLAN MAY WORK

Hey,

Daytona rumors, reports, studies, and stories are flooding in. We’ll do our damnest to launch ’em all. Shortly you’ll see and hear Branscombe’s American 1902 Motorcycle report, then the Seminole Roadhouse Rundown from Carrie Repp and Rogue’s Daytona coverage. That’s just the tip of the sand castle. Hang on.

Let’s jump right into the middle of it:

UNDERCOVER BIKERNET REPORTER INVESTIGATES DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS– I made it to Virginia back in February, just in time for a 12 inch snow storm. I finally made it down to Richmond this past weekend and wanted to let you know the guys at Departure Bike Works took good care of me. I contacted Greg, “Z”, in service and he told me to come on in.

They did a 5k service and replaced a rear tire for me on a Saturday on short notice. I got to meet Lee and Greg and the other guys, and gal, in the shop. They even served up lunch and a cold beer while I was waiting. I had the opportunity to stand around and tell lies with Lee. All-in-all a comfortable way to kill a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon.

The Bonne Belle engine being stripped.

I also got the nickel tour around the shop including a peek at the Bikernet Bonne Belle ’45 engine parts ready for DBW to work their magic.

I just wanted to give DBW their props for taking good care of a fellow Bikernet bro.

–Chuck

BIKERNET RACING WOMAN GETS FIRST AHDRA WIN–After winning her first trophy at the NOPI Nationals this weekend at Firebird International Raceway, Valerie Thompson (Scottsdale, AZ) is ready to go against ALL Harley’s in April. Thompson was named the Street ET Bike Champion with a 9.59 second pass at 138.33 mph. Valerie is sponsored by Monster Energy Drinks and Bikernet.com.

The All Harley Drag Racing Association members and fans will see racers on only Harleys, but of either gender during the Nationals event at Firebird April 8th and 9th.

Valerie Thompson is a motorcycle drag racer. Not just any motorcycle; a Harley Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod Destroyer, powered by a 1300cc engine, bragging 165 horsepower. Hacienda Harley in Scottsdale supplied the hog as part of her sponsor agreement for the ’06 season. “The opportunity to run my bike in Arizona, at Firebird Raceway, makes the April event more important to me than any other stop on the schedule” Thompson stated about racing in her home state.

This lady hot rod was a collections agent in her “former life” and now has the bug for drags and for Harley. “Nothing compares to the roar of the engine, the rush off the line and the realization of the finish line” said Thompson. She left behind collections to compete in the AHDRA series with more than $1 million in prize money for Harley racers to collect. More information about Thompson at her website www.vtracegirl.com.

Racers with a valid AHDRA Competition License capable of safely operating a motorcycle can compete in 16 different classes. All motorcycles must meet the requirements outlined in the AHDRA Rulebook. For tickets and information go to www.firebirdraceway.com or www.ADHRA.com.

SPLATT SEZ– Turn your turkey baster on stun and get ready to stick it to yet another idiot and his publisher. Just remember, when you write, you represent ALL of us, so be polite, make your point in a few short sentences and always use spell-check.

Contact info for The Lake Cities Sun
The Lake Cities Sun
PO Box 879
Lake Dallas, Texas 75065
(940) 497-4141
Fax (940) 497-2273
Mark Henry –
Publisher.editor@sunnewspapers.com
Tina Moore – Business Manager.
tina@sunnewspapers.com

“I want so badly to open my car door just before they reach me.” (As motorcyclists pass by)

Airing of grievances
Douglas Simpson
Managing Editor

To quote Seinfeld’s Frank Costanza at Festivus dinner, now is the time for the airing of grievances.

Usually there’s one hot topic to prompt me to write a column, as my fingers angrily dance across the keyboard. But there are a few things that are, well, bugging me that I need to address.

Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Motorcycles. Why are these things street legal? I challenge anyone out there to remember a time they saw a motorcycle that was driving the speed limit and adhering to all traffic laws.

When I see them, they are usually going about 120 mph down I-35E, weaving in and out of lanes like those white lines are just there for show.

Nothing irks me more than sitting in dense 5 p.m. or Friday traffic, only to see a motorcycle driving between the rows of cars, going about 40 mph. I want so badly to open my car door just before they reach me.

I’ll never forget the time I was driving down the George Bush around 10 p.m., when all of a sudden scorching down the road were not only about five motorcycles driving erratically, but they were all riding on their back tires. Popping a wheelie while doing 80 mph down a public roadway: stupid.

I remember a few years back, I think after Gary Busey had his bad motorcycle wreck, there was a public service announcement asking motorists to keep an eye open for motorcyclists, like they are being abused by us car and truck drivers.

I remember telling the TV, “I’ll look out for them as soon as they start obeying traffic laws.” I’m still waiting, so in my eyes, they are fair game.

Our police officers do a good job, I just hope they pay a little extra attention to the wheelie-popping idiots that are making the roadways dangerous for all of us.

Mr. Editor,

I have a tough time with anyone who wishes to maim or kill because someone annoys them. I’m a motorcyclist and yearly I’m forced to review statistics pointing out that between 70 and 85 percent of all motorcycle accidents are caused by motorists.

Doesn’t Douglas enjoy any aspect of this country involving freedom besides free speech? How about loud rock and roll, skateboarding, driving fast cars, snow skiing? In most cases they’re citizens vehemently opposed to some aspect of each endeavor. We need to congratulate, honor and support the freedoms we have, not kill people because they’re doing something we don’t care for.

I live in Los Angeles where lane splitting is legal. I have noticed more and more motorists pulling slightly over in their lanes to let us pass. I always try to acknowledge the effort with a wave or salute. We are riding air cooled vehicles. If they aren’t moving the engines are over-heating. There’s also a positive aspect for motorists. By lane splitting, we are moving out of traffic, eliminating another vehicle in line in front of you or behind. Motorcycles generally share parking spots, leaving another open for you.

Imagine how traffic would be reduced, if more people rode motorcycles. Imagine the fuel consumption reduction if more motorcycles were used. There’s a number of positive aspects to motorcycling, but if Mr. Douglas chooses to publicly recommend that you kill bikers or maim them, I don’t blame bikers for leaving their bikes at home and crowding thoroughfares with more gas guzzling SUVs.

–KRB

WIN AN OCC CUSTOM CHOPPER–BUILT FOR THE RADNOR FIRE COMPANY–
TICKETS ONLY $ 40.00
BIKE WORTH OVER $ 57,000.
TICKET SALES BENEFITRADNOR FIRE CO. 100TH ANNIVERSARY

FOR DETAILS & TICKET PURCHASES

GO TOWWW.RADNORFIRE.COM

DRAWING MAY 6 AT THERADNOR FIRE COMPANY’S100TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE

WORLD CLASS CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE COMING–This is the first world-class concours d’elegance exclusively for motorcycles. On display will be 200 of the world’s finest motorcycles judged by an international panel of experts including legends Bud Ekins and Oriol Bulto. In addition, and exclusive to this premiere event, is the Steve McQueen?? Award selected by a panel of celebrities, the People’s Choice Award that Governor Schwarzenegger has been invited to confer, and the Field of Fame?? consisting of bikes owned by Steve McQueen, James Dean and Elvis.

Being called a judged outdoor museum exhibit, this luxury charitable event will encompass over a century of design, style and ingenuity in the form of rolling sculpture.

“Legend of the Motorcycle is a celebration of the art of motorcycling. It pays homage to the rich heritage and enormous influence the motorcycle has had on popular culture,” says co-founder Jared Zaugg. “The collaboration and the interest this has received have been incredible. Involved are extraordinary people including the curator of the Guggenheim Museum’s record-breaking exhibit ‘Art of the Motorcycle,’ the Chief Judge of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Chief Judge of the Louis Vuitton Classic.”

The featured marques will be the Brough Superior and the Crocker. The Brough is referred to as the “Rolls-Royce of motorcycles,” whereas the American Crocker is called the “Duesenberg of motorcycles.” These legendary bikes will be the center of attention at the concours. George Brough’s own serial number “001” and Al Crocker’s “1X” will be on display from private collections.

The lawns atop the rugged Pacific Coast at The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California, will showcase the event on May 6. Half Moon Bay is a scenic 30-mile drive south of San Francisco in a spectacular setting of ocean and mountains. Sponsors include Bentley Motors, Cartier, FedEx, Forbes, Kiehl’s and Robb Report MotorCycling. For information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.LegendoftheMotorcycle.com.

SCREAMIN’ EAGLE/VANCE & HINES TEAM OPENS THE 2006 NHRA SEASON WITH A SEMIFINAL FINISH FOR HINES– Two-time defending NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Andrew Hines rode his Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines V-Rod to a semifinal round finish Sunday at the 37th annual ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

It was what the team considered to be the lone highlight at a track, that has normally been the site of so many momentum-building performances in the past. Fans at Gainesville Raceway have seen the first Harley-Davidson victory (2004) and the first six-second run (2005), just to name a couple of historic moments.

“This was the first race with a drastically different rules package for the Pro Stock Motorcycle class,” tuner and team owner Byron Hines said. “We knew we were in trouble after the first couple of qualifying rounds. But the team handled the situation very well. The guys rode really well, and the rest of the team rallied and worked great together. Everyone had a common goal and that was to get things handled and make sure both bikes were qualified and that we were ready to race on Sunday.”

Hines qualified third with a 7.056-second pass at 189.43 mph while teammate GT Tonglet took the 12th spot with a 7.122 at 188.16. Tonglet lost in the first round of eliminations on Sunday, turning in a 7.130 pass at 185.87 in a losing effort to eventual race winner Angelle Sampey’s 7.099 at 187.14.

Hines won his first round matchup against Steve Johnson. He rode to a 7.092 at 185.37 to top Johnson’s 8.212 at 115.85. In Round Two, Hines (7.239 at 179.17) took the victory over Karen Stoffer after she fouled at the starting line. He lost to Antron Brown in the semifinals, going 7.221 at 181.56 to Brown’s 7.202 at 185.52.

Beyond being the season-opening weekend for the 15-event racing season, the team also helped debut the Harley-Davidson Acceleration Nation display. The new interactive pit display features real V-Rod motorcycles that fans can ride and is just one component in the new multi-year, multi-tiered sponsorship deal with the NHRA and Harley-Davidson, who is now the official motorcycle of the sanctioning body.

The team now has less than two weeks to prepare for the next event, the O’Reilly Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park in Houston, March 31- April 2.

NEW SHOCKS FOR CUSTOM APPLICATIONS–The company “Wilbers Products GmbH” is manufacturer of high-qualitysuspension system products which are distinguished by the predicate”Made in Germany”.

For 21 years Wilbers is supplier of suspension technology and since1998 we produce our own suspension systems. For us, the most importantvehicles on the market are motorcycles and sidecars howeverspecial-vehicles as Quads and ATVs are revised and mounted with oursuspension products from Nordhorn/Germany.

“Wilbers Racing Suspension” products belong to the world’s peakconcerning their quality, flexibility or durability. That was provenmore than once in motor sports and touring.

For example the world-championship in the Superbike-class was, in theyear 2000, won by a motorcycle, equipped with “Wilbers” shockabsorbers. Another time we sent ourproducts to Siberia for long-term testing during a boggy summer and afreezing winter. As you see, our products are intensively tested toreach highest demands.

That is why, in Germany, we are market-leader concerningsuspension-systems for many years now!Starting the first of May this year we would like to conquer theAmerican market as well. We plan to launch ourinternet appearance under http://www.wilbers.de/usa in English/Americanlanguage.At the same time we are beginning to open 100service-points throughout the USA.

Furthermore we guarantee to produce and deliver any given individualshock-absorber to every possible spot in the USA through DHL-Expressnot exceeding 14 days of delivery time.

–Benny Wilbers
Wilbers Products GmbH
Alfred-Mozer-Str. 84
48527 Nordhorn
Germany
Phone: 0049-5921-72717-30
Fax: 0049-5921-74099

LOUD PIPES ATTACK–Now the secret is out about loud pipes. And somebody went and made a commercial about it. Sheeesh. http://www.noiseoff.org/motorcycles.shtml with their fancy, printable, http://www.noiseoff.org/media/flyer.motorcycle.pdf “Bikers Beware, Citizens are Taking the Community Back” flyers, but these folks are brutal.

And if you’re FINALLY worried about losing your riding privilege, JOIN a Motorcycle Rights Organization in your state, TODAY. Here’s a http://www.geocities.com/splatt_the_harley_ratt/smro.htm LIST.

~splatt
http://www.bikernation.us

NEW BIKERNET CONTRIBUTOR–Also I have a good buddy,his name is William Mas.He has been around the old school community for some time and is friends with James (Gaskets) etc. He has some big endeavors going on right now on the manufacturing side and is suffering from the same illness the rest of our industry has- too much work, not enough money!

Anyway, thought because of the breadth of content he can provide you, it would be a good crossover to the old stuff for your site!

http://www.masclassics.com/

NEW BIKERNET SPONSORS—We are proud to announce two new Bikernet Sponsors. Big Dog and Von Dutch Motorcycle logos will be spotted on the home page shortly. We look forward to bringing you road tests, new model descriptions and company reports.

There’s never a dull moment in this industry and we can deliver the action as fast as it happens, and it’s archived on Bikernet forever, so readers have constant access.

Okay, I’m blithering. Let’s get back to the news.

A VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE BIKERNET MOTORCYCLE NOISE PLAN–Here’s Chris Maida’s, Editor American Rider, testimonial letter: I like this a lot! Bringing out that this is a safety issue, which is the truth, is a great idea. Being in CT, the land of SUVs and soccer moms, I’ve almost been whacked a number of times on a stock H-D since they’re so quiet. That’s not an issue when I ride a custom, which has quite a bit more bark to its exhaust note.

As we discussed, I believe allowing a bike to be as loud as a truck, so the noise levels are not more than what is already out there, is reasonable. As anyone who has ridden for any length of time knows, car drivers don’t see you, flashing lights and all, with the radio on, the cell phone, etc. going on inside the car. However, whenever a louder noise comes near them, they pay attention and look to see what’s making the noise.

As you know, I definitely agree that keeping a low profile is not going to work anymore. I’m surprised we got away with it as long as we did, but now’s the time to make a major push with this before we’re down for the count. As I told you, that legislator told me the greenies are watching all this very closely and they’re desire is not just cleaner air, it’s to get rid of bikes altogether.

Please keep me in the loop.

–Chris

Continued On Page 2

By C.S. Berg | March 23, 2006

NATIONAL COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS

About 30 years ago, bikers across America got sick and tired of beingtold by a bunch of Washington bureaucrats and local politicians who’d neverthrown a leg over a motorcycle what they HAD TO WEAR, how they HAD TO RIDE,and what our BIKES HAD TO BE BUILT LIKE!!

And over the years, motorcyclists have organized themselves into a viablepolitical force. We are one of the few TRUE grass roots movements in thecountry. Others may share an avocation, profession or recreation, but theydon’t share the passion.

Bikers have succeeded in taking their passion and turning it into amovement…a “Freedom Movement,” because we have the passion for freedom.Freedom is something we believe in, and that motorcycling is just one veryenjoyable way to experience it. Well folks, that passion will always beinside you, each of you, the Harley, Honda, Yamaha, BMW or Triumph rider,from the doctor to the construction worker. And that motorcycle will remainan outlet for that passion…as long as we continue to bypass the barriers ofappearance or ego and work together to preserve our right to ride.

And that’s what our movement is all about…a diverse bunch of people,most of us staunch individualists, but with one common denominator and acommon goal…Freedom Of The Road.

The kind of camaraderie that brought the first two motorcycle riderstogether to share a ride down a country lane is the same kind of camaraderiethat formed our early motorcycle clubs and associations and, eventually, ourmotorcycle rights organizations.

Motorcycle Rights Organizations (MRO’s) as we now know themstarted developing in the early 70’s, after the first national helmet effort causedalmost every state to pass mandatory lid laws. Since then motorcyclists have never beenstrangers to political activism.

In fact, early motorcycle riders were among the first special interestgroups to lobby for better roads. At the turn of the 20th Century as Indianfootpaths and trails became rough and rutted dirt roads, motorcycles servedas a primary form of transportation, and motorcyclists became vocal aboutimproving the road conditions. Later, riders were among the first groups topush for an interstate highway system.

YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHERE YOU’VE BEEN TO KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING!

My name is Bill Bish, and I’m the former Executive Coordinator of theNational Coalition of Motorcyclists and Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM &NCOM), and have been active in bikers rights for over fifteen years. I haveserved in various state positions with ABATE of California, including twoterms as Chairman of the Board and two terms as State Director.

Sooo, for you history buffs, I’ll try to piece together some of our earlybeginnings, with apologies to those who were there from the start. I wasn’t,so this is only from my early conversations with people like Deacon DavePhillips, Ron Roloff, Keith Ball, Sherm Packard and others who WERE there, aswell as my own research and admittedly spotty memory. But, to help validatethis version of Biker History, I ran the article by most of the peoplementioned herein.

Through NCOM and ABATE of California, I have traveled across the UnitedStates to preach unity and spread information, and I will always treasure mymemories of the places that bikers’ rights has taken me and the friendlyfaces that have greeted me. Because our issue is so emotional and deeplypersonal, I have developed close relationships with many Freedom Fightersthroughout the country who I am proud to call Brothers and Sisters.

It was this deep sense of “family” within the motorcycle rights communitythat inspired me to trace our Family Tree. Much has been said of the comingnew millennium, and of the opportunities and pitfalls our future holds instore, but one thing is certain…YOU CAN’T KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING UNLESSYOU KNOW WHERE YOU’VE BEEN!

With that thought in mind, I’d like to take you on a brief trip downmemory lane, as we open up our Family Album and retrace our History as abikers’ rights movement here in the United States. Don’t worry, there won’tbe a test, and hopefully this brief history lesson will be at least asinteresting as your High School History classes!

Easyriders magazine editor Lou Kimzey issued a plea in issue #3, October1971, for bikers to come together to fight impending restrictions from theNational Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) by joining anew national bikers’ rights organization called the National Custom CycleAssociation, but because of a conflict with the acronym the name was changedin February 1972 to A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments (ABATE).

Irecall Joe Teresi, publisher of Easyriders, telling me that they had acontest around the office to come up with a new name, and one of thesecretaries came up with “ABATE”. He told me they were on deadline and hadto come up with a logo real fast, so they took a stylized German eagle andtransformed it into the logo used by many ABATE’s to this day.

Keith Ball was just 22 when he became the original ABATE managerin 1971, and he later became editor of Easyriders and the National Director of ABATE. He recently retired from Easyriders as the Editorial Director and Executive Vice President of Paisano Publications and went intoretirement, though he now operates an internet site called Bikernet.com whichstill focuses on bikers’ rights. Easyriders began granting state charters in1974, and ABATE’s which came into existence around this time were charteredin Kansas, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and New York; andalso MMA of California, MMA of Massachusetts, New Hampshire Motorcycle RightsOrganization, Rhode Island Motorcycle Association, Connecticut MotorcycleRights Association, and the Wisconsin Better Bikers Association. Easyriderspublished phone numbers, contacts and legislative news, and the bikers rights network began to grow. The Modified Motorcycle Association of California was founded at the same time as many ABATEs.

The original federal helmet mandates, which were instituted in 1966 byCongress and later repealed in 1976, were designed by the U.S. DOT (Department ofTransportation) as a means to restrict modified or customized”choppers” which they deemed unsafe. Especially extended forks andapehangers which were popular.

Deacon, founder of ABATE of California, once related to me thatthe 60’s fad of ridiculously high sissy bars came about because thegovernment started requiring “grab bars” for passenger safety, so the ridersof the day flaunted the law by building them as long and garish as they couldget by with.

Almost every state during this time began passing handlebar heightrestrictions, eyewear requirements, motorcycle licensing requirements,lights-on laws and other equipment regulations and many other restrictions. The government claimed that the restriction against our “Freedom Machines” were coming down the pike to make motorcycle riding”safer”. Funny, but back in the sixties they just wanted to force bikers offthe streets. Publicly they tooted that they wanted to SAVE US from ourselves!

In most states, before motorcyclists became politically organized, theclubs were the first to fight helmet laws and other restrictions. In manyinstances clubs founded the states’ motorcycle rights organizations.

Before MMA or ABATE of California came intoexistence, the Hells Angels M/C and Ralph “Sonny” Barger in particular hadsucceeded in keeping the state of California helmet-free even though Congresshad passed legislation in 1966 requiring every state to pass a helmet law orlose 10% of their federal highway funds, (this should sound familiar, since wejust recently faced the same type of national helmet law in the nineties).Rumors still circulate around Sacramento about 1,000 Hells Angels on theCapitol lawn, and HA’s camped outon the door steps of legislative opponents. Soon the old intimidation tacticswore thin and club leaders realized that they needed tolegitimize their efforts by creating a more sophisticated political lobbyingarm. In the case of California, the Hells Angels founded the MMA of California. Various states have similar history with local clubs which were the roots of their MRO.

About this same time, the American Motorcyclist Association began torecognize the motorcyclists rights movement and they established the AMAGovernment Relations Department, but not until 1976.

As the rights movement grew, Don Pittsley, a member of the Huns M/C inConnecticut convinced his congressman, Rep Stewart Mckinney, to introduceH.R.3869 to end the Federal authority to withhold highway funds from stateswithout helmet laws. In July of 1975, Rob Rasor of the AMA, Ron Roloff ofMMA and Ed Armstrong of ABATE of Chicago presented the House Sub-Committee onSurface Transportation with convincing testimony to repeal the mandates. California was being sued by the DOT, because GovernorRonald Reagan refused to comply with the federal mandate. Roloff helpedconvince California Senator Alan Cranston to offer the language of the billas an amendment to the 1975 Federal Highway Act, which passed withoverwhelming support from the California delegation because of the impendinglawsuit. It was signed by President Gerald Ford on May 5, 1976. Not bad fora rag tag bunch of bikers with little or no previous political ambitions.

Spurred on by many successful protest rallies around the countryfollowing the national helmet law repeal, 30 state laws were repealed. ABATE, MMA and other motorcycle rightsorganizations sprang up in every state across the country and are now afixture in state houses.

There were several failed attempts to start a national motorcycle rightsorganization, including Easyriders’. In 1985 the Motorcycle Rights Fund (MRF – later changing their name toMotorcycle Riders Foundation) hosted their first Meeting of the Mindsconference, and a few months later, in 1986, the National Coalition ofMotorcyclists (NCOM) held their first National Convention. Motorcyclingleaders realized the need for a united voice and the necessity of networkingand communications, and both the MRF and NCOM grew and have become effectivepartners with state MRO’s in protecting riders’ rights on the federal, stateand local fronts.

The concept of unity was put to the test in the early 1990’s, whenCongress again attempted to force states into passing helmet laws, andAmerican motorcyclists came together en masse, and in a coordinated effortbetween the MRF and NCOM virtually every state sent representatives fromtheir State MRO to walk the hallowed halls of Washington, D.C., in search oftheir U.S. Senators and Representatives. The grand lobbying experimentWORKED, and in just FOUR YEARS bikers were able to convince Congress to onceagain repeal their misdirected and misguided “nanny” law and return thedecision to the individual states. That same legislation also repealed the55 mph minimum speed limit! Soon afterwards, Arkansas modified theirmandatory helmet law to allow Freedom of Choice for adult riders 21 andolder. Texas soon followed, as well as Kentucky, Louisiana and, mostrecently, Florida.

Today, the scoreboard reads 20 Helmet Law States vs. 30 Free ChoiceStates!

As a result of our newfound political clout, motorcyclists havesuccessfully approached Congress twice over the past few years, first in 1996to grant federal protections against insurance discrimination based on modeof transportation because many companies (most notably Ruger Firearms and theTeamsters Union) were denying medical benefits to employees injured inmotorcycle accidents). Although this legislation was recently nullified bynew federal regulations written in the waning days of the ClintonAdministration, this nationwide effort was textbook politics at its best. The fight continues but the movement WILL succeed in reinstating the intent of Congress to protect us againstinsurance discrimination.

Then, in 1998, motorcyclists united once again to put together apro-active agenda for bikers, and succeeded in lobbying it through Congress.Included in this “wish list” for bikers was a guarantee that motorcyclistswould be included during the development of the Intelligent TransportationSystem (ITS) technology, which ensures that motorcycles are guaranteed access toany and all roads built with the use of federal highway funds (no road bans).This effort will restrict anti-motorcycle lobbying efforts by NHTSA and provides $131 millionfor recreational trails development and maintenance!

During this active span of time, many state rights groups have become proactivewithin their states instead of RE-acting to legislative threats. Minnesotapassed our nation’s first law to make it illegal to discriminate againstsomeone because they ride a motorcycle. Arizona, Iowa, Oregon and Washingtonhave successfully repealed or modified their state’s handlebar height laws.Virginia and Illinois have lobbied their states to reinforce the federallyguaranteed access to roads by passing laws to protect our rights to ride onany roads within their state boundaries. Virginia and Maryland amended theirstate’s parking laws to allow more than one bike per metered space. Andseveral states have fought and defeated “No Fault” insurance proposals thatare unfair to motorcyclists.

Also, now, through the work of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists,patch holders in nearly 40 states and two Canadian Provinces have cometogether to form Confederations of Clubs to fight discrimination and policeharassment through the courts, bringing the motorcycle rights network fullcircle with the rejuvenated interest of the motorcycle club community.

While our early bikers’ rights leaders paved our way, other dynamic andconcerned riders have come forward to take the reigns and lead us into thenew millennium.

We should never forget the efforts and sacrifices of our predecessorswho faced intimidation from law enforcement, indifference from legislatorsand animosity from a public that saw “The Wild One” one too many times.They got the job done. Were it not for their perseverance and dedication,we would not have become the respected and effective grass roots lobbyinggroup that we are today.

So, there you have it. The roots of ABATE and the Americanmotorcyclists’ rights movement run deep in the hearts of those of us who haveaccepted and, in turn, passed on the torch of Freedom of the Road. To allthose who came before, we salute you.

Where will the future take us? That’s entirely up to you. New restrictions onour freedom and our motorcycles are coming at us now from across the big pondIf we don’t increase our political strength, we may be looking at thelast days of motorcycling as we know it.

W need to protect the future of motorcycling against theupcoming European invasion! The biggest threat facingmotorcyclists today is not necessarily from our own Government. It may verywell be the EUROPEAN THREAT, as the strictest motor vehicle standards in theworld are adopted as global standards.

On June 25, 1998, the global motorcycle came closer to reality, as theUnited States, Japan and the 15 member countries of the European Union (EU)signed an agreement in Geneva, under the auspices of the United Nations, todevelop global regulations concerning the safety performance of motorvehicles and equipment. So, the UNIVERSAL motorcycle is on it’s way.

The automotive and motorcycle industries have long advocated globaluniformity of standards, because conflicting standards mean expensive designchanges for each market. Unfortunately for motorcyclists, this means thatEuropean threats such as leg protectors, air bags, noise limits, horsepowerrestrictions and anti-tampering measures, will now become global issues. There are 300,000 new bikes sold in the USA eachyear, and 1,000,000 new bikes sold in Europe. Which standards do you thinkwill apply?

Construction standards could ban:Air-cooled engines, open chain drives, 2-stroke motors, self-tuning andcustomizing. Regulations will include Catalytic Converters to reduce emissions, along with reducingpower and increasing fuel consumption, while driving up the cost ofmotorcycles.

Medium/Long Term Threats in Europe include the following:
Vintage/classics banished to museums, due to End-of-Life issues
Construction standards mandated
Using “Anti-Tampering” Sheer Bolts to prevent home maintenance andperformance work.
Armored, high visibility clothing.
Bike bans on certain roads, in certain tourist areas and when pollutionlevels rise.
Massive road tax increases and heavy-handed taxes on motorcycles.
Multi-stage (tiered) licensing to ride a motorcycle, and very expensive.
Yes, and research continues, even today, on leg protectors and air bags!

Vision Zero:There’s no such thing as an “accident” with today’s technologically advancedvehicles. BUT motorcycles will always be subject to human error?thereforethey would be BANNED under this proposed Swedish plan which almost becameofficial policy!

Intelligent Transportation System:Basically, the purpose of ITS is to use technology to achieve a moreefficient flow of traffic. But while the goal is safer, quicker travel,ultimately ITS technology will eliminate human error by taking control of thevehicle away from the driver.

NHTSA promises active public participation in the development of the newglobal motor vehicle safety standards, with public meetings and commentperiods as the plan is implemented, and Congress has promised thatmotorcycles will be included in any future ITS developments. Motorcyclistswill have to ensure that our collective voice is heard during the planningstages.

So, if we want to continue to ride free, we must spread the word toother concerned riders, to our youth, and to our legislators. Join a motorcycle rights group and support their efforts. Freedom will never die.

–Bill Bish

By Bandit | March 21, 2006

BILL BISH NCOM MONTHLY REPORT–ANTI-PATRIOT ACT, ILLEGAL TO GIVE A KID A RIDE, NCOM CONVENTION COMING, BIKERS BACK SOLDIERS AND MASS BILL CLEARS SENATE

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

NOT SO PATRIOTIC PATRIOT ACT: a few grand moments in the Senate, the final version of the Patriot Act signed by President Bush on March 9th imposes no meaningful restraints on the vast power Congress granted the government to spy on its own citizens in the fear-ridden wake of the 9/11 attacks, reported the Baltimore Sun on March 13, 2006.

Senators demanding greater privacy protections gained traction late last year when it was revealed that the Bush administration has been secretly wiretapping Americans for years without any sort of court approval. In the end, though, nearly all settled for minor concessions that leave the worst features of the Patriot Act intact.

Lawmakers are betting that if forced to make a choice, Americans will favor security over liberty, haunted as they are by a post-9/11 fearfulness recently on display in the frenzy over the prospect of an Arab-owned company running some U.S. port operations.

Among the most important changes:

Recipients of court-approved subpoenas for information in terrorist investigations will have the right to challenge the requirement that they not tell anyone about the subpoena. In addition, recipients of such subpoenas will no longer be forced to provide the FBI with the name of their lawyer. Also, the civil liberties package clarifies that most general-purpose libraries are not subject to demands made in so-called National Security Letters for information about suspected terrorists.

But not even the secret seizure of library, medical and business records without probable cause was adequately addressed. So the job isn’t done. And it won’t be unless outraged citizens demand it.

offered new legislation that would demand evidence of a link to a foreign power before library, business and medical records could be obtained; eliminate a one-year period before gag orders on requests for such records could be challenged in court; and require that the target of a “sneak and peek” search warrant be notified within seven days of its execution.

Now that the expiring provisions of the Patriot Act have been restored, though, pressure for further action is off. Senator Specter’s bill is likely to languish unless umbrage at the needless intrusion into the lives of innocent Americans makes itself heard.

Some of the Patriot Acts most important provisions will face another reauthorization in four years. Among them are Sections 206 and 215, which allow roving wiretaps and permit secret warrants for books, records, and other items from businesses, hospitals, and some libraries.

BIKERS ROLL TO SOLDIERS? FUNERALS Wearing vests covered in military patches, a band of motorcyclists rolls around the country from one soldier’s funeral to another, cheering respectfully to overshadow jeers from church protesters. They call themselves the Patriot Guard Riders, (www.patriotguard.org) and they are more than 5,000 strong, forming to counter anti-gay protests held by the Rev. Fred Phelps at military funerals.

“The most important thing we can do is let families know that the nation cares,” said Don Woodrick, the group’s Kentucky captain. “When a total stranger gets on a motorcycle in the middle of winter and drives 300 miles to hold a flag, that makes a powerful statement.”

At least 14 states are considering laws aimed at the funeral protesters, who at a recent memorial service at Fort Campbell wrapped themselves in upside-down American flags. They danced and sang impromptu songs peppered with vulgarities that condemned homosexuals and soldiers.

Westboro Baptist Church is made up mostly of Fred Phelps’ extended family members who, during the 1990s, were known mostly for picketing the funerals of AIDS victims, and they have long been tracked as a hate group by the Montgomery, Ala.-based Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project.

The project’s deputy director, Heidi Beirich, said other groups have tried to counter Phelps’ message, but none has been as organized as the Patriot Guard. “I’m not sure anybody has gone to this length to stand in solidarity,” she said. “It’s nice that these veterans and their supporters are trying to do something. I can’t imagine anything worse, your loved one is killed in Iraq and you’ve got to deal with Fred Phelps.”

MASSACHUSETTS PRO-MOTORCYCLE BILL CLEARS SENATE The Massachusetts State Senate has passed Senate Bill 2368, which contains numerous provisions beneficial to motorcyclists:

Increasing civil and criminal penalties to motorists who cause accidents when they violate the ‘right of way’ of all other road users (including motorcyclists), and shifting the financial burden (excess medical costs and lost wages) from injured victims to the at-fault operators;

Allows owners of motorcycles to ‘opt-out’ of the existing motorcycle insurance system and go to a competitive market, opening the doors for more insurers to write coverages in Massachusetts;

Allows experienced motorcyclists (6 years or more) or those to take the Rider Education Course, and have private health insurance or $50,000 in optional medical payments coverage, ‘choice’ of helmet wear;

A $125 assessment to those who violate the law, with the assessment going to the State’s Head Injury Trust Fund Program;

Changes in the existing motorcycle exhaust laws to limit the noise of motorcycle pipes.

The bill goes next to the House of Representatives for action.

“A lot of effort from a lot of motorcyclists the past several years lead to today’s success,” said Kevin Griffin of Plymouth, Chairman of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA). “We also challenge riders who want to lower their motorcycle insurance premiums, not be victimized twice in motorcycle crashes with excessive medical bills and lost wages, and the opportunity to choose wearing a helmet or not with some restrictions, to enlist their riding friends to join the MMA or buy raffle tickets, and plan to STORM the STATE HOUSE with us Thursday, May 18th. Membership, tickets and STORM products can be purchased on-line or downloadable forms are available at www.MassMotorcycle.com.”

TENNESSEE BILL WOULD BAN KIDS ON MOTORCYCLES Senate Bill 3032 has been filed for introduction in the Tennessee legislature on February 16, 2006, to prohibit children under nine years of age from riding as a passenger on a motorcycle:

Filed for intro on 02/16/2006

SENATE BILL 3032
By Harper

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 8, Part 1, relative to riding on motorcycles.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-8-164, is amended by adding the following new subsections thereto:

(e) No operator shall carry as a passenger on a motorcycle any person who is less than the age of nine (9) years.

(f) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2006, the public welfare requiring it.

BIKERS VS. DISNEY The Hells Angels Motorcycle Corp is suing Walt Disney for trademark infringement.

A suit filed in the US District Court in California claims Buena Vista Motion Pictures, a division of Disney, and a film production company are illegally using the Angels’ trademark — a helmeted, horned and feathered skull — in the film Wild Hogs.

The movie, in which John Travolta and Tim Allen are scheduled to star, is described as a comedy about “middle-aged wannabe bikers looking for adventure out on the open road, where they soon encounter a chapter of the Hells Angels”.

The group says that characters in Wild Hogs are identified as members of the club and wear its skull logo. They assert that Disney did not give them a copy of the film’s screenplay which has yet to start production.

“The words Hells Angels and the Deaths Head Logo are property of Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation, Inc. (HAMC) and protected by one or more Trademarks, Service marks, and Collective Membership Marks owned by HAMC. All unauthorized use is strictly forbidden, including reproduction in any manner,” asserts the club.

WEIRD NEWS: Safety Test Burns Club To The Ground A strip club owner burned his club to the ground while trying to prove it was fire-proof to health and safety inspectors. The owner of the Cabaret Club in Kienberg, Switzerland, started the blaze to show how fire-proof it was when he was visited by safety inspectors. They had questioned whether his decorations were in accordance with fire safety rules, and he used his lighter to set fire to the paper ornaments in a bid to prove there was nothing to worry about. But the fire quickly took off and spread throughout the club and the neighboring restaurant – burning both establishments to the ground. According to local police no one was hurt in the fire, but the damage amounts to more than $500,000.

NCOM CONVENTION The 21st annual NCOM Convention will be held Mother?s Day weekend, May 11-13, 2006, at the Executive Inn, located at 978 Phillips Lane in Louisville, Kentucky. Reserve your room now for the special NCOM rate by calling (502) 367-6161.

Hosted by the Kentucky Motorcycle Association/KBA and the Kentucky Confederation of Clubs, this annual gathering draws over a thousand motorcyclists rights leaders from across the country to discuss topics of concern to all riders. Meetings, seminars and group discussions focus on safety issues, legal rights, legislative efforts and litigation techniques to benefit our right to ride.

Registration fees for the Convention are $75 including the Silver Spoke Awards Banquet on Saturday night, or $40 for the Convention only. All motorcyclists welcome. To pre-register, call the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 525-5355 or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

The National Coalition of Motorcyclists is requesting that MRO’s, motorcycle clubs, and riding associations submit the names of those members and supporters who have died since May 2005, so that we may honor their memories during the traditional ?Ringing of the Bell? tribute to fallen riders during the opening ceremonies. Dedications can be e-mailed to NCOMBish@aol.com.

http://WWW.metricthunder.Com”>

« Previous
1
…
1,510
1,511
1,512
1,513
1,514
…
1,628
Next »

Updating the Bikernet Experience

I’LL JUST CALL IT MY STORY

By Bandit | April 6, 2006

March 30, 2006 Part 3

By Bandit | March 30, 2006

March 30, 2006 Part 2

By Bandit | March 30, 2006

March 30, 2006 Part 1

By Bandit | March 30, 2006

Bikernet Interviews – Hells Angel Rusty Coones

By Bandit | March 30, 2006

March 23, 2006 Part 4

By Bandit | March 23, 2006

March 23, 2006 Part 3

By Bandit | March 23, 2006

March 23, 2006 Part 1

By Bandit | March 23, 2006

A HISTORY OF BIKERS RIGHTS IN AMERICA

By C.S. Berg | March 23, 2006

March 21, 2006

By Bandit | March 21, 2006

By Bandit | April 6, 2006

By Bandit | March 30, 2006

By Bandit | March 30, 2006

By Bandit | March 30, 2006

By Bandit | March 30, 2006

By Bandit | March 23, 2006

By Bandit | March 23, 2006

By Bandit | March 23, 2006

By C.S. Berg | March 23, 2006

By Bandit | March 21, 2006

Start typing and press enter to search