Hey,

Is life nuts or what? We have a war in Europe. The UN is at war with humanity. They want to convince us that we’re doomed. Some media sources won’t allow scientific transparency, yet they must be aware that their political beliefs are breaking down. So, why all the conflict now? I don’t have the answer, but mild speculation.

Years, maybe decades ago we came to understand a change. As the population grows, we come face-to-face with small groups with larger voices. What once was an insignificant group became an entity with significant power like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and the Taliban. Maybe that explains some of the issues we face.

But wait, there’s a bright side for us grubby bikers, chopper builders, and even gun owners and enthusiasts. We are encountering larger and more active events, races and bike shows. Hell, the vintage section of our industry is growing like crazy.

A buddy of mine seems to go to a bike show every weekend. Last weekend Fandango in Texas celebrated the Vintage, Mama Tried is expanding and this weekend Hand Built shines in Texas. Check the news, there’s something happening every weekend.

So, what does all the above say about our world. Not sure. Think about it. Let’s hit the news:




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







PHILOSOPHY QUOTE OF THE WEEK—
Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn—and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.




SUPPORT GOOD TIMES NEWS ALERT–Banned on Instagram and Facebook due to nudity and sexual content. Get ’em while we still got ’em. T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, stickers, patches, and garage banners available worldwide at
SUPPORTGOODTIMES.COM










CLIMATE QUOTE OF THE WEEK–Absolutely nothing in this IPCC report is true. It is all fake and threatens the existence of civilization, especially the West because the East and the South don’t buy it. We must reject it or face the consequences.

#CelebrateCO2!!

–Patrick Moore





HELPING OUT– Ohio’s MSF RiderCoaches

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Government Relations Office was battling an Ohio law today that requires unnecessary and costly dual certification for MSF RiderCoaches. Ohio’s Senate Transportation Committee heard arguments and received written testimony from the MSF in favor of House Bill 338, introduced by Representative James M. Hoops last year.

“Unfortunately, due to ambiguity in the state law, MSF RiderCoaches must also be certified in Motorcycle Ohio curriculum and issue final testing under that curriculum rather than the MSF’s,” said Scott Schloegel, senior vice president at the government relations office serving both the MSF and the MIC. “This results in MSF RiderCoaches having to essentially be dual-certified in two programs, despite the Ohio Department of Public Safety certifying that both meet or exceed national standards.”

The bill passed the House in December and today’s hearing was the second one in the Senate transportation committee. After hearing from any opponents at a future hearing, and after a committee vote, the bill will go before the entire Ohio Senate for consideration.

“Legislative change can involve considerable time and effort but we’re striving for swift passage of HB 338 to provide some needed relief to the hard-working MSF RiderCoaches in Ohio,” Schloegel said.

“We look forward to passage of HB 338, which will preserve the state’s resources while allowing more opportunities for Ohioans to become coaches for either MSF or Motorcycle Ohio,” said Robert Gladden, MSF vice president of training operations. “We have had many people who are interested in contributing to motorcycle safety by becoming an MSF RiderCoach, but the dual-certification requirement creates a lengthy and expensive obstacle.”

–MIC





THE TEXAS FANDANGO–The Cherokee Chapter of the AMCA proudly presented The Texas Fandango. The Texas Fandango is a vintage swap meet, vintage bike show, and vintage races all rolled into one fun-packed weekend, April 1-3, 2022.

The Fandango was located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country at the Gillespie County Fairground in historic Fredericksburg. The premier event in Texas for any vintage motorcycle enthusiast. A portion from every ticket sold benefits the Optimist Club of Fredericksburg Texas.







HAND BUILT SHOW BY INDIAN–Come check out Indian Motorcycle at the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show and take part in the 2022 Scout Rogue Crewhouse Tour. Featuring demos & displays of Scout Rogue and the rest of the 2022 Indian Motorcycle line-up. Demos will be at Indian Motorcycle of Austin on Friday 4/8 and at this location on Saturday and Sunday 4/9 -10.


All riders and passengers must be 18 years or older and wear proper riding attire (DOT approved helmet, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and eye protection). All riders must also present a valid motorcycle endorsement.


While Progressive is sponsoring the Demo Tour, it is not providing insurance to any rider participating in the Demo Tour who does not already have Progressive motorcycle insurance.

Scout Rogue Crewhouse Tour – Handbuilt
Demo Events, Show Events
Apr 8 – 10
Austin, TX






STRIDER BIKE SERIES—
SFPR is pleased to partner with Special Olympics South Dakota for Young Athletes Strider Program. This program gives kids ages 2–5 years old the opportunity to get the feel for riding a bike.

Ah, the Official Strider Cup® race series.

It’s only our most favoritest time of year. We love putting on Strider Cup races and making new friends. These races give those tiny speedsters a chance to put their Strider Balance Bike skills to the test at several stops across the U.S. and worldwide.

You won’t find anything like a good Strider Cup race anywhere else because Official Strider Cup races can only be put on by Strider franchisees. The Strider Cup race series caters directly to children 2—6 years old, who want to experience the thrill of racing. We encourage kiddos of all sizes and riding abilities to participate. Admission to the race is free for families and spectators; however, an entry fee for racers may apply.

Apr 5 – 19
Kenny Anderson Community Center
3701 E 3rd St, Sioux Falls, SD





DAV NEWS– Every year, DAV empowers our nation’s veterans and their families by providing the resources they need to live their lives with respect and dignity. In 2021, we provided more than 163,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assisted in filing over 151,000 claims for benefits. You can help us continue to be there for veterans as they transition back into civilian life with these four easy ways to give back:

Donate Your Car

Donate Your Car — You can help DAV continue to make a big impact in the lives of our disabled veterans by donating your vehicle. DAV’s Car Donation Program helps disabled veterans by turning your old car, boat, RV and more into resources to connect veterans with the benefits they earned. The process is easy with our FREE pickup service. Learn more about DAV’s Car Donation Program today!








HANG ON FOR THE LOWBROW GETDOWN–If you’ve never been to the Getdown, and don’t know what to expect…

Let’s just say ‘PARTY’ sums it up.

This is NOT a bike show, with vendors or organized activities.

It’s a party in the woods with motorcycles, drinks, food, naps, swimming, campfires and friends!

Let us sum it up for you… Get on your dang bike and be at Nelson’s Ledges Quarry Park for the Lowbrow Getdown on June 24th – 26th, 2022!
Bring ibuprofen.






MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL–Opening Day
The 2022 Major League Baseball season gets underway today, one week after its original date, following an offseason lockout that continued into spring training. Despite the delay, fans will enjoy a full 162-game season under an updated agreement that ended the 99-day work stoppage.

The updated schedule resulted in a slimmer opening day slate, with just under half the league taking the field (see game times). One of the most notable matchups comes later in the day when the Houston Astros travel to face the Los Angeles Angels and two-way star Shohei Ohtani. The reigning MVP had a historic 2021 season, including becoming the first player to start as both a hitter and a pitcher in the All-Star Game.





EDITORIAL STATEMENT OF THE WEEK–I am skeptical that “collective action” through governmental policies will make planet Earth a more hospitable place. Is this the same government that can’t balance its budget, control its borders, stop the crime spree across America and has allowed a 10% inflation tax, among other foibles?

Now, these same politicians will, like Moses, stop the oceans from rising? Fat chance. And they accuse the United States of being religious zealots.

–Stephen Moore
BPR






EMISSION STANDARDS REVISED–US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made a big announcement Friday concerning new vehicle emission standards. The new fuel economy standards require that all new US cars get over 40 mpg by 2026. The NHTSA will nearly triple fines for automakers who fail to meet the new standards.

President Joe Biden announced that he would continue to release oil from the Strategic Oil Reserve to fight high prices. Landline called the move historic. The Hill reports that this is the largest-ever oil reserve release. The CATO Institute claims in an editorial that the Strategic Oil Reserve was never used strategically.





REPORT FROM THE BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL RIDERS NEWS DESK—
There is this wonderful group of riders who have accumulated a million kms and plenty more goodwill.

I had subscribed to their updates about new rides for many years but never actually went on a ride with them.

Anyways, I filled in their registration for coming Weekend short ride of just 250 Kms.

It would be best opportunity to take the new Hero XPulse 200 outside city limits to see what it can do.

Their website has information about them and about this upcoming trip.

Meanwhile – it seems like you are writing My Life Story as a comprehensive Adventure where multiple Characters are All part of Me.

(– Chance didn’t feel fit and strong. He felt drawn and emotionally drained.
–He didn’t want to be on the ramp heading into a herd of strange folks on a dock, but he knew he needed social interaction. He didn’t want to be around anyone, but it was time.)

(–The round redheaded biker tried to resolve something in his past by drinking himself into physical oblivion every day. His health was in decline and no one could stop it. It was up to him, and he was mad, mad about something he did or someone did to him.
— never smiled and only nodded to folks he knew.
— It didn’t take Chance long to determine this biker’s self-induced destiny. He wanted to drink himself to death as fast as possible. NOTE: Though I use Cigarettes like Rudy instead of liquor
Sent: Tuesday, April 5, 2022, 07:08:44 PM GMT+5:30
Subject: Musafirs Motorcycle Club – Upcoming ride details for April 9-10, 2022



Hey Musafirs,

And it’s time for our April ride, come ride with us to our next destination – Kolad, Maharashtra. Enjoy the Musafirs camaraderie, take a dip in the pool and soak in the scenic beauty that this place has to offer.

With this being a short ride of just about 250 kms (round trip) from Mumbai and Pune, it’ll be a good “First” ride you can have with this club that is known for doing mile crunching long rides. So, if you have been sitting on the fence and simply observing us thinking of an opportune moment to join in, here’s your chance.

Unlike our last ride to Ajanta-Ellora where we were crunching miles every day, the idea for this ride to Kolad is to relax, make merry, rejuvenate, and just chill. Definitely Fun! Come join in.

We are an inclusive club – your age, gender, caste, religion, profession, sexual orientation, etc., does not matter. What matters the most is the head and heart that drives the machine and the soul! We strictly follow the no-drug and no-litter policy – if you can’t adhere, please F.O. That’s exactly how serious we are when it comes to these.

For more details and registration please visit us at – www.themusafirs.com

If you have any queries, feel free to get in touch with us. We will be happy to help 🙂

Godspeed,

Team Musafirs

www.themusafirs.com







TRIKES OF THE WEEK—from the Bikernet Trike editor and research specialists.







–Sam Burns
Trike Editor Supreme
Bikernet.com™





THE BATTERY HUNT—I’ve been on the hunt for a battery to fit a stock configuration 1948 UL oil tank. Simple right. Actually Lowbrow shared a lot of news about a lithium battery system that fits in a fake vintage battery case.

The more I read about lithium batteries, the more they scared me. Plus, I might have been forced to replace my generator. The cost was becoming considerable. So, I hunted for a sealed lead acid battery that might fit. Here’s some input from the experts:

We have nothing for that in Twin Power. Only stock fitment. Guys use to use a riser part and a 12N5 5A3B battery from a 350 Yamaha. It fits perfect. It is a small square. I can probably find you something in a Bikemaster Tru Gel so you have no acid hose to deal with.

780735 is a ms12-5A3b 4.7” X 2.4” X 2.4”



Here’s what I found:


More from James: That should work fine. Put some foam around it and you should be good. The cranking amps are in your right ankle, LOL!

I’ll let you know how it works out. I’m also looking for a UL manual.

–Bandit




Harley EL FL UL Service Shop Manual 1940 to 1947 Knucklehead Flathead NEW


You are purchasing one new reprint of the Harley-Davidson factory service manual for 1940 to 1947 big twin flathead and OHV UL, ULH EL, & FL models. Covers engine, transmission, electrical system including comprehensive wiring diagrams for all years and models listed, carburetion, chassis, forks, oiling systems etc. If you own a Knucklehead or big twin flathead you need this book to keep your bike on the road and to save you money on repairs. Covers Linkert M-Series carburetors and three brush generators including radio generators. In reality, this book will cover most anything on 1937 to 1948 UL and ULH models, as well as 1938 to 1947 Knuckleheads.

You will find relevant information for ’36 and ’37 Knuckles as well, however, some things like adjusting the oiling to the top end will not be covered here. You need Shop Dope II, which I have in my store to cover adjustments like that.

1937-1948 UL, ULH & UH 74” & 80” big twin flathead
1940-1947 E, EL, F, FL 61” & 74” OHV Knucklehead

This is a re-print of the original factory H-D manual. The reproduction quality is excellent on this and photo reproduction is fair as well, some photos are a little on the dark side, but still quite legible. All content is as original, nothing has been omitted.

Will ship via postal priority with insurance to domestic and foreign destinations or first class, your choice. Please feel free to contact me with questions.

International buyers: Sorry but this is too heavy to ship via first class mail, your option is postal priority.

PLEASE NOTE: When it’s practical, I will gladly combine all your purchases into one shipment for a discounted rate. If for some reason eBay will not allow you to combine the shipping automatically, just purchase the items you want and I will refund any over-payment of shipping charges immediately.


Know who you are buying from! We are not a drop-ship operation, each and every part we sell is carefully inspected to assure you get the quality part described in the listing. We have a no-hassle return policy, and we stand behind the parts we sell because we know what we are selling and shipping to our customers. Before you make a purchasing decision compare our feedback vs. others.

https://www.cimarroncycleworks.com





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BIKES ON THE BAYOU– Rolls Back into Downtown

Apr. 22-24, 2022 at Eleanor Tinsley Park

HOUSTON (April 4, 2022) – After a two-year hiatus, downtown streets will roar to life during Bikes on the Bayou at Eleanor Tinsley Park April 22-24, 2022. The celebration of two-wheeled transportation including motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters is an all-inclusive festival with music, activities, shopping, and community gatherings.

“After the pause the pandemic put on us, we’re excited to get back outdoors and celebrate with riders of all kinds,” said ‘Outlaw’ Dave Andrews. “We look forward to bringing the Houston community back together to jam to great music, admire the art of the bike and enjoy an overall festival atmosphere with the beautiful city skyline as our backdrop.”

Thanks to the support of sponsors such as Bud Light and Mancuso H-D, Eleanor Tinsley Park and along Allen Parkway will be lined with vendors, stunt riders from Team Yahama, X-Games BMX medalists on halfpipes and ramps, special events like a Hooter’s wing eating contest, an invitational bikini competition, and the Ball of Death. Two stages will fill the air with music from Saving Abel, Lil Troy, Everclear, Framing the Red, Cody Canada & the Departed, and Jake Worthington who appeared on the TV show, The Voice.

“With multiple charity motorcycle rides starting throughout the city and ending at Bikes on the Bayou, we encourage drivers to use an abundance of caution,” added Andrews. “We want all event-goers to have a fun and safe time while raising money for charities and supporting our community.

Friday’s Saving Abel concert will include a ‘Texas-sized’ meet-and-greet hosted by 94.5 The Buzz, giving nearly 100 listeners a chance to take photos with the band. Sunday, 93Q Country Radio will host a special First Responders Appreciation event and various activations and tastings will take place throughout the weekend in the Biergarten. The three-day event will also provide motorcyclists the opportunity to participate in cruises throughout the festival space and secure overnight parking on festival grounds.

Tickets are $20 for the full weekend and guests have come-and-go privileges with their tickets. All ages are welcome. A full line-up of events and concerts can be found on https://bikesonthebayou.com/.


Friday

Headliner – Saving Abel

Guest Appearance – Lil Troy

Saturday

Headliner – Everclear
Support Acts – Framing the Red

Sunday

Headliner – Cody Canada

Support Acts – Jake Worthington


Tickets: $20 for full weekend https://moontowertickets.com/showspage/16






FACEBOOK WARNING–if you mention the weather, c-19, or the Ukraine war….Facebook installs an announcement on your post where to go to get the FACTS about these three topics. What does that tell you unless you’re, ya know, not paying attention.







BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Women and Growth in Gun Ownership & Firearms Industry

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

Check out Leslie Easterbrook, Rhonda on Laverne & Shirley and Captain Callahan in Police Academy. Great Sporting Clays shooter. And check out Lily Sieu, also great. I’ve shot with both of them and Kim Rody.

–Michael Hupy
mhupy@hupy.com
Milwaukee, WI







A GREENHOUSE GAS—
Don’t take our word for it that the people making policy are neither as smart as they claim nor as pure. Well, do.

But consider also a video on ethanol from the popular “Engineering Explained” YouTube channel. (Seriously. With a name like that and 3.18 million subscribers, it definitely qualifies as “popular”.)

In this particular item, presenter Jason Fenske explains based on a new study from the University of Madison Wisconsin that, in essence, this heavily subsidized fuel additive actually gives off more CO2 than the fossil fuel it supposedly replaces. About a quarter more.

So, the problem here isn’t some “denier” saying the more CO2 the merrier. It’s a huge, multibillion-dollar program whose knock-on effects include worsening world hunger that, on its own terms of reference, is incredibly stupid. And its supporters, with some self-interested exceptions, just haven’t thought it through.

Ethanol is huge business. As Fenske notes, it makes up about 10% of all the gasoline sold in the U.S. And it does so because the 2005 Renewable Fuel Standard aimed to reduce emissions (although it’s noteworthy that ethanol has been around a lot longer, with the rationale for the subsidies shifting while the subsidies themselves do not, a point to which we shall return).

And the theory was that when you burn oil that came from plants that died hundreds of millions of years ago, there’s no carbon sink, but with corn, since you keep growing more, there is; the CO2 that is released one year is, at least in part, recaptured the next. Which is plausible on the surface. But what happens if you do the math?

The curious thing is, most ethanol proponents never bothered. It’s odd, since if you believed there was a problem that threatened human civilization and possibly much more besides, something that could “destroy” the Earth to hear Al Gore and others tell it, you’d probably want to check your solution for practicality. Twice even. So, Fenske did.

Let us repeat here that he’s no climate skeptic. At the end of the notes on the video he writes “What’s the solution? We need to choose options that have a greater percentage of net emissions reductions, so that we don’t unintentionally increase emissions if regulators estimated predictions are incorrect.”

So, the question here is simply whether the people leaping into action, and shouting at anyone who raises doubts, have any real idea what they’re proposing. And again, the answer is no.

The drawbacks of ethanol are considerable, including that it manages to be more corrosive to engine parts than gasoline. Which matters because of course parts, original or spare, need to be manufactured, and manufacturing requires energy which generally speaking releases GHGs.

We won’t recap the whole video, which is a masterpiece of concision at just under 13 minutes. Instead, we invite you to watch it and discover how it is that such things as the GHG footprint of farming and the impact of changing land-use patterns counteract the naïve assumption that corn sucks in CO2 and oilfields don’t so it must be better. And how even the best-case scenario for ethanol in this respect make a trivial difference.

Meanwhile we will note, as promised above, that the original ethanol subsidy program was intended to reduce American dependence on foreign oil back in the 1970s, with the post-Yom-Kippur-War energy crisis of 1973 then the post Iranian-revolution one. And once farmers started farming the treasury for corn subsidies, and by farmers we don’t mean Henry and Martha so much as giant conglomerates, and rewarding politicians who funneled the money to them, it created an unwholesome “public choice theory” dynamic that defies efforts at reform.

And that diverts an astounding proportion of American farmland to corn and then an astounding proportion of the American corn crop to fuel ethanol, reducing the supply and thus increasing the cost of this diet staple. And if arguably people in the developed world could get by with less corn and especially less of the high-fructose corn syrup that advanced industrial methods extract from it and apply directly to your belly, there are all kinds of people in the world for whom higher food prices spell disaster (especially with Ukrainian and Russian wheat likely to be less available this year).

As Fenske adds, ethanol has merits. It amps up the octane count of fuel which improves engine efficiency in ways that prolong its life into the bargain and also reduces the carbon monoxide (CO rather than CO2) in exhaust. But what it doesn’t do is what it’s meant to do, reduce GHG emissions. Never mind debating whether the crisis is real. If you think it is, you would not want to subsidize ethanol on a massive scale. And yet they do.

So, it’s surprisingly straightforward that ethanol is not a good solution to man-made global warming, if any. And thus, that the advocates have not thought it through. Which should make a sensible person wonder what else they haven’t thought through.

–Nexus
Op-ed report





BAKER DRIVETRAIN DEALER OF THE WEEK–Fuel Moto

In 2021, Fuel Moto was a top ten BAKER dealer based on the following criteria; sales volume, customer support, and (most important) systemic knowledge. When it comes to performance upgrades, very few shops have the systemic knowledge necessary to properly integrate any engine performance upgrade with the rest of the motorcycle. Simply put, FUEL MOTO HAS KNOWLEDGE.

Fuel Moto is a family-run business that opened in 2004. In 2019, they moved to their new 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Appleton, Wisconsin. Their shop specializes in EFI tuning, exhaust systems, and a wide range of performance components. They are also a full R&D facility offering custom in-house performance installs and dyno tuning. They offer only the highest quality parts at the best prices, but more importantly, they provide their customers with unmatched product knowledge and technical support on all of the products they sell, offering industry-leading service to their customers.

–Bakerdrivetrain





DOES NEW YORK’S NEW EXHAUST NOISE BILL CREATES A 60-DECIBEL MUFFLER LIMIT?

The initial versions of the New York’s new law were quite different from the final product. As initially drafted, cars and trucks would have been limited to 60-decibels of exhaust noise, subject to a flat $1,000 fine, and police cars would have been equipped with sound meters to help enforce the law.

None of these proposals made it into the final version of the bill.

The decibel limit was removed as it would have rendered practically every car on the road illegal, the universal fine was changed to a cap, and the sound meters were scrapped as well.

IS IT TRUE THAT A NEW BILL IN NEW YORK WILL BAN EXHAUST NOISE MODIFICATIONS?

FICTION
In 2021, lawmakers in New York introduced a pair of bills (S. 784 and A. 471) seeking to curb loud cars and trucks. The bills were amended several times prior to passage and were approved by Governor Kathy Hochul in late October.

The new law doesn’t change the state’s existing exhaust noise laws, which require every motor vehicle to be equipped with a muffler in working condition and prohibits the installation of bypasses, cutouts, or similar devices.

Comparable language is universally used by states across the country and is designed to prevent motorists from deleting their muffler and/or catalytic converter. The new law simply allows police to write larger fines for those breaking existing law.







VINTAGE RIDES TRAINING AVAILABLE–Exhilarating. Fantastic. Sensational. Extraordinary. Frenzied. Addictive. You can choose the superlative, but we must all agree on one thing: setting off for an adventure on the world’s tracks and roads – whether they’re in Mongolia, Tanzania, Ladakh, Argentina, Thailand or Mustang – is probably one of the most amazing experiences out there.

Improve riding on tracks and trails

Do you still break out in a cold sweat and panic before you set your wheels on the first stretch of track? After talking to many of our riders over the years, we realized that some of you still do not dare sign up for our Adventure Raids. And it’s just for one reason: because off-road riding has the reputation of being for Enduro bikers and other seasoned riders.

We also noticed that many of our riders enjoyed the off-road stretches of our tours but could do with a better grasp of riding techniques to have more fun on difficult ground.

We, therefore, wanted to debunk the myth and make off-roading more accessible by creating the Vintage Rides Academy. In 2020, we worked flat out to find the perfect formula and welcome you to a riding course in the Beaujolais region, just a short distance from our Lyon office.





Discovery, safety and fun in equal measure

Whether you want to tackle your first tracks or perfect your off-roading skills, our French Motorcycle Federation-certified instructor will help you reach new milestones, whatever your riding level.

The Academy can help newbies get to grips with stand-up riding or tackling difficult conditions on all types of ground. And for the more experienced riders, the training course will help them correct poor posture and bad habits they’ve acquired over the years.

Renaud, a keen traveller and a seasoned biker, took part in our off-road training session last spring, and this is what he had to say about it: “It’s always good to question yourself, think about how you ride and how you can be safer on tracks. Having an instructor to watch you and correct you really helps. You naturally gain more control and confidence. My top tip: loosen your grip on the handlebars and keep smiling!”


At the Vintage Rides Academy, you will discover or relearn off-road riding basics on a Royal Enfield trail bike: the Himalayan. The course looks at posture and includes several workshops on bends, braking, ascents, descents, etc. After, you can enjoy two days of riding across the Beaujolais region’s tracks.


Fancy a change of scenery without having to travel to the other side of the world? Get a group of friends together for three days and ride through this stunning, authentic part of France. You’ll see that the Beaujolais region and its quaint towns are not short of hidden gems!


Vintage Rides
teamvr@vintagerides.com
+442070316050





CHECK OUT THE NEW 5-BALL GARAGE SHOP—for leathers, books, bandanas and more.

It’s all new and Shopify and Instagram connected. Hope we did it right this time.

–Bandit





Climate Doom Report—Okay, so California closed access to lands over Climate Doom. The new Democrat-Led FEC will control investments not for the public but for the Planet.

States and local governments are trying to punish all drivers under the guise of zero tolerance and less Climate doom. Our economy, our rights, our freedom of speech are being impacted by Climate Doom. Our motorcycles and our future is being impacted by Climate Doom. So, who is asking if it’s true or for scientific transparency? Anyone in the motorcycle or car industry? Why not? Are we really doomed? I don’t think so.

–Bandit





THE BUELL REPORT–Buell Current and Future Products Get Standing Ovation at Daytona

Grand Rapids, MI – The Buell is Back mantra was reaffirmed and reinforced after a strong showing and enthusiastic response from consumers at Daytona Bike Week 2022.

“Thank You, Thank You, Thank You and now it’s back to work,” said Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycle Co. “We were humbled by the wildly enthusiastic response from both the media and consumers at Daytona on our current and future models. Their encouragement and insistence to keep expanding the Buell brand into new segments while pushing the power envelope was clearly heard…so as it pertains to new product development – you ain’t seen nothing yet!”

Buell showcased the Hammerhead and 1190 SX models currently in production while unveiling two new prototypes, the Baja DR and SuperTouring, announcing their entry into the off-road and touring segments while maintaining the brand’s coveted DNA customers expect.

The Baja DR will boast the world’s fastest production dirt bike with a 175hp liquid-cooled, 72-degree V-twin engine with 101 ft-lbs. of torque. Add to this the trellis frame, adjustable swing arm for a 66-72” wheelbase, industry-standard 37” seat height with 26.75-degree rake and you’ve got the makings for an unmatched top-of-the-market speed and performance dirt bike. Production is planned for early 2023.

The new SuperTouring model will possess the fastest touring bike in the marketplace producing an industry-leading 185hp. It retains Buell’s famous Fuel in Frame handling but will exhibit a more upright riding position, variable mounting points for hard or soft bags and room for rider customization with aftermarket touring accessories. Production is planned for winter 2022.

Opportunities to reserve a production slot for the Hammerhead, 1190 SX, Baja DR, and SuperTouring models are available now by placing a $25 reservation at www.BuellMotorcycle.com. You’ll receive a limited-edition Buell hat too!

Buell is headed back more energized than ever to deliver more Hammerhead and SX models, make improvements and prepare to launch their new Baja DR and SuperTouring models and explore opportunities to expand into new product segments as well.

Daytona Bike Week only reaffirmed that Buell is back and delivering excitement at every turn.

For future Buell updates, follow our news page on our website and our social media pages.

Website: www.BuellMotorcycle.com




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NORTHEAST BUSINESS AID—
Massachusetts Launches Training and Grant Program to Spur Job Growth

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker launched his state’s new “HireNow” program to help employers quickly hire and train workers and get more of them back to work. The program provides eligible employers with grants up to $4,000 per newly hired employee, and the money can be used to cover training costs or as a signing bonus.

There is a limit of $400,000 per employer, and funds will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses can learn more about eligibility and apply at mass.gov/HireNow.

–MIC





5-BALL RACING LEATHERS TO ADVERTISE IN CHOPPERS MAGAZINE—Frankie and the Venice, California 5-Ball Racing Leathers team is working hard to expand the line with dealers in Las Vegas, Deadwood and Temecula.





H-D FOR UKRAINE LIMITED-EDITION T-SHIRTS–Harley-Davidson has released “H-D for Ukraine” limited-edition T-shirts in conjunction with United Way Worldwide to benefit humanitarian relief efforts for Ukraine.

For each T-shirt sold through June 15, 2022, $26 will benefit United Way’s “United for Ukraine Fund” to provide transportation, shelter, food, medicine and critical childcare supplies. In addition, the Harley-Davidson Foundation has donated $50,000 to the United for Ukraine Fund.

This program was conceived by Harley-Davidson employees who wanted to find a way to give back and show support for relief efforts for Ukraine. The shirt was designed by employees and features the colors of the Ukrainian flag across the iconic Harley-Davidson logo on the chest. On the back, UNITED WE RIDE is featured, epitomizing the spirit of Harley-Davidson, rallying together to help when needed.

The H-D for Ukraine shirts are now available at:

Harley-Davidson.com




OUR KLOCK WERKS FLTR WINDSHIELD FAMILY IS GROWING…

We are proud to announce one of the a few new windshield sizes to join the Klock Werks Flare™ Windshield family. Available now and ready to ship to your doorstep is the new 10″ Pro-Touring for your 2015+ FLTR.
Get Yours Before Your Next Ride






NEW FROM BURMA SHAVE–My cock is in your pussy /
And your tongue is in my mouth /
We’ll make the winter so damn hot /
the geese will not fly south / burma shave

–J.J. Solari
X-Rated Burma Shave Writer





QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–ULTIMATE SPORTSTER TECH OF THE DAY



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



Brings back memories. My first car was a 52 Deluxe. White top with brush painted light blue bottom. I took the pitted chrome parts and painted them flat black. The ole six ran great until I threw a rod and graduated to a 59 Studie Silver Hawk.
Had a 52 Chevy 3100 also. Wish I had them now.

–Rhys
S. Daytona, FL










$ 4.00

Support Good Times Adult Entertainment Panhead Sticker. 3 x 1″ vinyl laminate.








AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Bike Night–May 21, 2022

Bike Nights are a staple in the motorcycling community. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame traditionally welcomes motorcyclists and fans of motorcycling to Bike Nights in the spring and the fall. The event, which raises funds for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, features music, food vendors, free entry to the museum and more.


For 2022, the spring event will be held Saturday, May 21 from 4-8 p.m. Join us at the AMA campus, located at 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, Ohio.

The event will include:
Free admission to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Adventure Bike Challenge

Local motorcycling advocacy and safety organization Motorcycle Ohio

Free gift when you join the AMA or renew your membership

Food trucks

Music from Capitol City Sounds
And much more!

Visit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Fall Bike Night event page on Facebook






BIKERNET STAFFER COMMENT— I especially enjoy reading the installments about all your adventures in the Cantina. I have read #1 thru #6. Pretty damn interesting! I always imagined what a real biker party was like and now I know.

Continue your writing of the episodes and you can put them in a book. They are great! Keep on tweekin! Ha, ha. Hope I spelled it right. Hal’s wife. I like that too.

–Ann Robinson
Director of Hal Robinson Sales
Bikernet.com™








The California Coastal Commission, without deliberation, unanimously voted in late December to further restrict OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, immediately shutting down 108 acres of riding and driving area. Commission staff cited dust control and dune restoration as reasons to propose the shutdown, despite evidence that dust in the area is primarily caused by the wind and dunes themselves, not any human activities.

“The Coastal Commission rammed the closure through during the holidays with minimal public notice,” said Scott Schloegel, MIC senior vice president of government relations. “This will further diminish the recreational experience and access for the millions of visitors to Oceano Dunes each year.”

The MIC sent a letter to the CCC in December noting that claims about dust from OHVs have been debunked in two separate reports authored by Dr. Lynn Russell of the University of California, San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography. And the MIC’s Mario Mairena, senior manager, federal affairs, spoke at the commission meeting opposing closure during the public comment period.

“Throughout the public works plan process, we submitted comments and testified at public hearings suggesting ways to responsibly and safely preserve OHV access and resources at ODSVRA,” stated the letter, signed by Erik Pritchard, president and CEO of the MIC, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association. “We repeatedly offered to partner with State Parks to enhance safety, training, and awareness of sensitive areas at ODSVRA.”

–MIC




CHOPPER ORWELL READER REVIEW—I started reading your grandfather’s book a couple of days ago and was super impressed. I didn’t really have any expectations or know what to think when I picked it up. I’d say I was captivated and read more than half of it in the first sitting and have less that 100 pages left.

I appreciate you sharing that with me. More than you know.

–5-Ball customer








REPORT FROM CENTER FOR INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS–Freedom from endangerment

In this email, we’re going to discuss the freedom from endangerment.

It is vital for human well-being that individuals are protected from dangers to their air, water, sanitation, and safety. Energy production and use, including fossil fuel production and use, can endanger people in all kinds of ways if done badly—from bad burning processes, to waste that’s handled improperly, to oil rigs going out of control, to gas lines exploding.

It’s really important that we have policies to protect us from such dangers. How to do this is not obvious, but the key is to always think about what’s best for human flourishing.

Personally, I think there are three keys to a good policy that protects the freedom from endangerment. A good policy is one that establishes standards of health and safety that are

reasonable and equitable
scientifically verifiable
economically desirable

Reasonable

What do I mean by reasonable? When talking about protecting health and safety from certain kinds of risks, we have to acknowledge that every human action and technology carries risks and dangers. Nature itself carries risks and dangers.

We can’t have a policy that demands actions and technologies be totally free of risks and dangers, because then we would not be able to do anything, or we would just keep doing the same old things, ignoring that they also have risks because we’re used to those risks.

For example, think of the first people to use fire. They were exposing themselves and their family to a certain amount of smoke—much more than modern power plants do, for sure. Now, should they have not used fire because of the smoke? No. Fire was so vital to their lives that it would have been harmful to their health and safety not to have the fire. If there had been a policy banning the use of fire because of the smoke, that would have been an example of overprotecting themselves to the point of harm.

By the same token, we can’t have standards for energy risks or energy safety that would prevent people from using energy. That’s what I mean by a policy having to be reasonable: protecting without overprotecting.

Equitable

This goes right along with equitable, or fair and impartial.

We want to be equitable and we don’t want to discriminate against some industries or some forms of energy, holding them to impossibly high risk and endangerment standards. Often, however, safety standards aren’t equitable because people tend to see new and unfamiliar things as riskier than old things.

Take hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, for example. This is a technology that has been around a long time, but the term fracking wasn’t introduced into common usage until around 2010. People think of it as very risky even though it’s been done very safely for a long time. They worry about the risk of fracking but not about the risk of driving, which is an incomparably greater risk than fracking.

Unfortunately, it is very common to treat unpopular industries such as the oil and gas industry this way. They get held to completely different standards than more popular industries. Take the issue of noise. What you’ll find is that the amount of noise accepted from janitors, construction workers, and movie theaters is often far greater than that of a fracking job. But people complain that their rights are being violated by the noise from the fracking job and not by the noise from these other activities. That’s clearly non-equitable.

It’s important when we hear talk of risk and danger that we’re clear on whether there is actually an unreasonable amount of risk in a given area, or whether we’re holding some industry or activity to a higher standard than other comparable industries or activities.

–Alex Epstein






DEAL OF THE WEEK FROM LIFESTYLE CYCLES–2019 Harley-Davidson FLHT – Electra Glide Standard FOR $22,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=11869243

2019 Black Harley-Davidson ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD FLHT



ONLY 21271.00 Miles !!!!!

This bike is over the top with everything done right!



This is just some of the features/Add-ons on this bike

* 117c.i. motor JE pistons 10.8 compression,fueling cam plate,rocker stud conversion,S&S lifters,adjustable push rods,woods wm8-22 cams.

* Screaming eagle 55mm intake manifold,HPI tunnel ram intake,A1 cycle oil pressure gauge,crankcase vent system,Supertrapp stainless exhaust.

* 6-Speed trans with BDL 2-inch open primary with centrifugal lock out clutch.
* MX-bars with risers and PM grips.
* Mach7R lower legs with adjustable damping and RWD rear shocks
* Flo motorsports floor boards




Just $22,995.00

Plus, license, and a $85.00 documentation fee and your local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like dealers, We have no reconditioning or prep fee’s.

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety and mechanical/structural inspection.

You can fill out an online application with EZ FINANCING and EXTENDED WARRANTIES available to purchase!!! and you can ride today!

Lifestyle Cycles located at 1510 State College Blvd,Anaheim,CA,92806 NOT LOCAL WE HAVE ******SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!******

Call today (714) 490-0155. **Open 7 days a week**

To view our current inventory, please visit www.LifestyleCycles.com or www.facebook.com/LifestyleCyclesUsedHarleys/






DENNIS KIRK SUPPORTS LA CHOPPERS–Dennis Kirk has an outstanding selection of parts and accessories to upgrade your ride from our friends at LA Choppers. Orders placed by 8PM Central Time ship the same day, with free shipping on orders over $89. Shop denniskirk.com today!

Ride More. Wait Less.







2022 AMA National Gypsy Tour Events
June 7-11: Americade, Lake George, N.Y.
June 11-19: Laconia Motorcycle Week, Weirs Beach, N.H
June 23-26: Thunder in the Valley, Johnstown, Pa.




NEW FROM THE NASH MOTORCYCLE COMPANY— The Nash Motorcycle Co. “Hammer Hangers” Collection


The Original Hammer Hanger, “Lights Out” Hammer Hanger, Torch Holder, Jason Momoa On The Roam “Double Knuckle” Hammer Hangers

*** 100% US made 100% US materials! ***


Ever been on a long ride and realized you brought all the tools you need except your hammer?

Our brainchild, the one of kind design to fix that problem was the Original Nash Hammer Hanger! Made from high quality leather from right here in the USA.

The Hammer Hanger and all of its versions can be mounted anywhere you need by using our 3/4? strap mounting system. The “Hammer Hanger” sling is made to fit the Nash MC hammer, but just about any hammer, larger hammers – 16 oz. or bigger are best.

Our other versions are designed to fit a Maglight, Nash Knuckle Choppers, Lights Out Hammers, and the Knuckle Hammer versions.

Match the right one to your favorite Nash tool! Many leather and hardware color choices to choose from!















–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™





MUSTANG SEATS Acquired by Veteran-founded Investment-Firm LDR Growth Partners


Three Rivers, Massachusetts – April 4, 2022 – LDR Growth Partners today announced the acquisition of Mustang Motorcycle Products LLC, maker of Mustang Seats and related motorcycle accessories, in a private transaction closed last Friday. Mustang, known for high-quality, handmade motorcycle seats, was founded in 1980 near Three Rivers, MA, where the company maintains factory operations. Mustang was purchased out of Motorsport Aftermarket Group, owned by a group of investors, led by Monomoy Capital Partners.

“Mustang Seats presents a tremendous opportunity for us at LDR,” said William Brame, partner at LDR and co-head of its acquisition business. “Our unique approach is in providing growing companies the resources they need to continue to expand while identifying areas for new value creation. We’ll invest in people, technology, and the machinery the company needs to help deliver the iconic Mustang Seats to motorcycle riders looking for our products domestically and internationally.”

Mustang employs 85 people in a historic facility in Three Rivers. The company was founded by Al Simmons and named after the legendary P51 military aircraft from World War II. Mustang designs and manufactures a variety of styles of seats, with fitments for all major brands of motorcycles. The company also offers rider and passenger backrests and seating-related products.

LDR Growth Partners is a private investment firm focused on acquiring and growing unique, cash flow generating businesses in the manufacturing, industrial products, and transportation sectors. The company currently owns and operates Whitman Controls, a 50-year manufacturer of process automation controls with large, multinational customers across a range of industries. LDR, founded in 2011 by three US Army officers, is also the owner of LDR Advisory Partners and LDR Leadership, firms which focus on improving company, employee and leadership performance.

LDR intends to keep Mustang’s operations in its current primary location as it adds manufacturing technology, production capacity and marketing capabilities to the organization. The company has added nearly 20 additional employees since September of 2021 and the new owners anticipate hiring additional resources in the coming months to accomplish their goals.






AMA EVENTS NEWS–Get Ready to Ride!
The AMA would like to give a special “shout out” to Concours Owners Group as they kick off a full calendar of sport and recreational riding events. Learn more about the club.

April 1: Wildflower Rally, Hunt, Texas
April 1-Sept. 30: AMA Grand Tour: Tour of Honor, Idaho
April 29-30: Carving the Cumberland: SE Spring Rally, Spencer, Tenn.
April 29-May 1: Scull Shoals National Dual Sport, Union Point, Ga.
April 29-May 1: Scull Shoals National Adventure Ride, Union Point, Ga.
Find more events at americanmotorcyclist.com/findanevent .

Find AMA Clubs near you at americanmotorcyclist.com/findacharter .





SPEAKING OF EVENTS—Arizona bike week is happening this weekend. My grandson is headed out. Jason Mook from Deadwood Custom Cycles built two FXRs for a friends FXR build-off which involved Ari from Law Tigers, Brian Klock, Paul Yaffe and Nick Trask.










They are all meeting outside Phoenix and riding in together. The event is being covered by Chris Callen at Cycle Source, who also built a hot rod FXR for Arizona Bike Week.





We are about to feature this rare Jefferson, Waverly racer from the Markus Cuff Collection.





Cabana Dan in Sturgis is building a Strider bike custom for an upcoming charity auction. The rear fender was custom bent to fit the small wheels by 7-Metal West Fenders.



I’m collecting parts and will write up a story about the 1948 UL as soon as I collect the tank from Greg and make some progress. I can’t wait to tune and fire that puppy.

In the meantime, don’t let the bastards get you down and ride fast and free forever.

–Bandit

My baby bed, was built by Mopar, and colored Plum Crazy and Big Bad Orange. My dad bragged that I could tell a Ford from a Chevy by the time I learned to walk.. and when i did learn to walk, I left tiny handprints in the dust of an old yellow Volkswagen bug in the corner of the shop.

I. Hate. Electric. Cars. I mean, I knew in second grade that my little sister’s Barbie Jeep was a piece of shit next to my Daddy’s Silverado.

I am blown away with how many morons are on the news sites defending electric cars today. One of these green new dildos mouthed off ‘my local Hy-Vee grocery charges cars for free.’

I asked her how many it can charge at a time. She says, ‘ 2.’ Sooo.. since it takes a few hours to charge… maybe four people can charge their car at her grocery store, over the course of a work day?

Another dude says they won’t stress the energy grid because people charge their cars after midnight ‘ when nobody is using much electricity.’

That’s not what happened in California last summer. I mean, first of all.. EVERYBODY charges their cellphones after midnight, right? Why would you think they do better with their cars?

It’s evil April 5th, 2022, on the Streets of Long Beach, Califa

by Bandit

A brother from Long Beach, California can’t leave his 1950 Chevy truck alone and somehow it involved a Sportster gas tank. On top of that he’s been helping other Sportster riders with their clutch lever pull problems.

Recently, Jeremiah challenged Zack to a race on Anaheim Boulevard near the Port of Los Angeles.

At 68 years of age Zack found himself flying at over 100 mph in his Mini-Cooper S, the last year with a factory Supercharger, on a boulevard packed with semis and potholes next to the richest harbor in the country.

He beat the younger man’s silver Dyna, and fortunately the cops in Long Beach can’t ticket him.

CLICK HERE To Read this Photo Feature Adventure only on Bikernet.com

Join the Cantina for more exclusive Action on streets, highways, beaches, hills, dirt tracks – Subscribe Today!!!

ARIZONA BIKE WEEK

Come find us at Arizona Bike Week. We have Legend techs and staff there to talk suspension and answer all of your questions.

Our team will be at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale April 6th-April 10th. To stay updated be sure to follow our instagram and Facebook for Legend exclusives, where we are located, and updates throughout the week!

We are excited to see you all and talk suspension!

-The Legend Suspension team

CLICK HERE to Sign up for Free Weekly Newsletter from Bikernet.com to stay updated on latest Motorcycle news, events, products, tech, tips, reviews, fun & more

Where else would you want to be on Milwaukee Day?

MILWAUKEE, USA (April 6, 2022) – It’s the most wonderful time of the year to celebrate Brew City and the people that make Milwaukee the best city in America. Make sure you find yourself at the crossroads of 6th & Canal for what’s sure to be an epic Milwaukee Day celebration in the Menomonee Valley on April 14 (aka 4/14).

Be sure to visit H-DMuseum.com to get reduced rate H-D Museum tickets at $4.14 – only available online – to join the celebration! And then make a day of it with stops at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and The Shop, both of which are proud to feature Milwaukee-made gear, food, drink and fun. And don’t worry; the H-D Museum™ campus will be open late so you can celebrate until 8 p.m.

But that’s not the only party coming to campus in April. Extend your Earth Day celebration and feel good while doing good. Milwaukee Riverkeeper is proudly hosting its 27th Annual Spring River Cleanup on April 23 when nearly 4,000 volunteers join together to pick up trash, get outdoors and help to achieve swimmable, fishable rivers. As a thank you, Rock the Green brings it 11th Annual (FREE) Earth Day Celebration to the H-D Museum grounds.

The zero-waste celebration features: A live concert on the famous pedal-powered stage with indie-folk band, Bendigo Fletcher, and Milwaukee’s very own V FUNK; tasty sustainable fare and local beer for purchase from MOTOR, and so much more.

Speaking of MOTOR, the famous Sunday Bloody Mary Bar returns April 3. Finally, on Easter Sunday on April 17, enjoy tasty brunch items like Five-Spice Bacon and Smashed Avocado Toast, Pork Shoulder Breakfast Burrito Bowls, and Huevo Rancheros with Chorizo and Salsa Verde from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Make your reservation today for Easter or for the ever-popular BBQ & Blues every Saturday night to guarantee a seat at the table. It’s a good thing MOTOR has expanded its hours of operation (Sunday – Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.) to fit in all the goodies.

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS
Milwaukee Day, April 14, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
On April 14 (a.k.a. 414 – Milwaukee’s area code), the world celebrates the people, places, businesses, and spirit that make Milwaukee the best city in America. Whether you’re a 414 resident for life or just happen to be in town on this most festive day, it’s the perfect excuse to do something totally Milwaukee and visit the Harley-Davidson Museum. In celebration, the H-D Museum™ campus is open late until 8 p.m. and admission is only $4.14 (for tickets purchased in advance online). While on campus, visit The Shop for gifts unique to Milwaukee and MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant for plenty of menu items from Milwaukee-area businesses. Purchase specially priced tickets here.

Rock the Green, April 23, noon – 3 p.m.
Join Rock the Green for its 11th Annual (FREE) Earth Day Celebration with Milwaukee Riverkeeper at the Harley-Davidson Museum. The zero-waste Celebration features: A live concert on the famous pedal-powered stage with indie-folk band, Bendigo Fletcher, and Milwaukee’s very own V FUNK; tasty sustainable fare and local beer for purchase from MOTOR; remarks from Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Rock the Green, the City of Milwaukee and so much more green fun.

On-site eco-education from local environmental non-profits and orgs: Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin, City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office, Teens Grow Greens, Sweet Water-Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, UWM School of Freshwater Sciences, Reflo Sustainable Water Solutions, Milwaukee Bicycle Collective, Urban Ecology Center, Compost Crusader, Rock the Green and more.

To have a maximum impact of landfill diversion, the event incorporates zero waste production including waste reclamation stations and food served on compostable servingware.

Annual Pass
Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s new Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include: virtual access to the H-D Museum with various Harley history topics covered in our Virtual Gallery Talk series, admission discounts, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more. Visit H-D Museum.com for details and other terms and conditions.

Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)
All scouts are welcome to come earn their Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley-Davidson Museum! This experience will be launched by our merit badge counselor. Then, scouts will explore the history of Harley-Davidson as well as the engineering of motorcycles as they complete the nine merit badge requirements. Advance registration is required. Program registration closes one week prior to the scheduled program date. Ticket includes: downloadable activity booklet used for the program, partially facilitated program, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration) and an exclusive H-D Museum™ patch.

Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)
This new 90-minute online program is open to scouts from all over the country. Our program facilitator will guide the troops and explore the role an engineer plays while creating a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle. Nine requirements for the Engineering Merit Badge will be discussed during this virtual, interactive program. Advance registration is required. Program Fee: $20 per Scout, which includes an activity booklet used during the program and a special H-D® patch upon completion of the program.

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS
Keith Brammer (Die Kreuzen) leather jacket (on display now)
Perhaps no other genre of music is so closely associated with the classic black leather jacket than punk rock. Keith Brammer, of Milwaukee’s hardcore punk band Die Kreuzen, has graciously lent his well-worn leather to the H-D Museum. The jacket was purchased in New York City in the 1980s and was a constant companion for Brammer throughout his touring days. Check out the Custom Culture gallery to view this piece of Milwaukee music history.

Inspiration and Recovery: Wounded Veteran Climbs the Seven Summits (on display now)
In September 2009, Specialist Benjamin Breckheimer, a Cavalry Scout with the U.S. Army 2nd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, was severely wounded during a tour in Afghanistan. His rehabilitation was difficult as he endured numerous surgeries. During this same time, the Harley-Davidson Museum regularly sent care packages – including H-D Museum™ flags dotted with well wishes – to active-duty military personnel. Breckheimer took to mountaineering during his recovery and over the summer carried the H-D Museum™ flag to the summit of Denali, the highest point in North America. With that peak reached, Breckheimer became the first and only Purple Heart recipient to reach all the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. He continues to climb, and he shares his inspiring story to encourage resiliency and support the mental health of veterans and current service members.

Revolution® Max Engine (on display now)
The brand-new Revolution® Max 1250cc engine powers a new generation of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. See the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin that delivers for the Pan America™ adventure touring model and the performance cruiser Sportster® S motorcycle. On view in the Museum lobby.

Clubs & Competition (on display now)
In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games and other riding competitions.

The newly reinstalled display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, customized by the owners with their club’s name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives collection includes Motorclothes® apparel sold in H-D® product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.

Harley Fox (on display now)
Gail Anderson’s 1986 Softail® Custom motorcycle, “Harley Fox,” built by her partner Bob Burrows, took top prize at the first Ladies of Harley® (LOH) ride-in show during Daytona Beach Bike Week in 1987. With her custom bike and themed riding gear, Anderson presented a striking image that fit the growing visibility and exciting new options for women riders in the 1980s.

Alfonso Sotomayor’s 1957 Model FL (on display now)
The Harley-Davidson Museum is proud to announce its collection has recently grown with the addition of a 1957 Model FL that was ridden by famed Mexican stunt rider and racer Alfonso Sotomayor Canales.

Harley-Davidson’s history in Mexico dates back to at least 1913. In the 1920s, the brand was more frequently spotted throughout Mexico City as the motorcycles proved popular with the local traffic police who would also perform stunts with their Harley-Davidson® bikes. After racing from the 1930s into the 1960s, Sotomayor launched his own stunt riding career by performing the famed “Salto de la Muerte” or Jump of Death. Learn more about Sotomayor’s feats of derring-do and Harley-Davidson’s early entry into Mexico with this new display located in the Custom Culture area.

“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (on display now)
In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson® motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared.

“Building a Milwaukee Icon: Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue Factory” (on display now)
A recently recovered cache of architectural drawings includes plans for the original Juneau Avenue facility. The pencil drawings, along with archival photographs, demonstrate the whirlwind pace of the company’s early growth. While building an international business—going from producing just over 1,000 motorcycles in 1909 to manufacturing 27,000 motorcycles in 1920—the company’s Milwaukee factory experienced near-constant expansion. Construction through this relatively brief period created the buildings that today, a century later, are still the proud home of Harley-Davidson.

“Building a Milwaukee Icon” provides a snapshot of Harley-Davidson’s formative years and illustrates a chapter of Milwaukee history when the city was known as the “Machine Shop to the World.”

Google Arts & Culture, Bring a 1919 Window Display to Life (on display now)
We scoured the Harley-Davidson Archives to identify the colorful pamphlets used to catch the attention of those passing by this dealership window.

THE SHOP
The Shop at the Harley-Davidson Museum is the place to find exclusive apparel, collectibles and accessories inspired by the H-D Archives. Check out new spring items that are arriving daily!

MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT
New monthly specials, new expanded hours and the return of the Sunday Bloody Mary bar are all happening at MOTOR in April. So why aren’t you here already?

Throughout April, enjoy the Grilled Chicken Parmesan Sandwich (marinated grilled chicken breast, house-made marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and spinach on toasted ciabatta, $15.95), Braised Short Ribs with Gnocchi (braised beef short rib, sautéed carrots, onions and mushrooms with a red wine-thyme demi-glace and served over fresh potato gnocchi, $20.95) or the decadently delicious Fried Oreos (battered deep-fried Oreo cookies served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, sprinkled with powdered sugar, $7.95).

Plus, check out the smoking lineup for BBQ & Blues (every Saturday): April 9: Alex Wilson, April 16: David Harmonica Miller & Cadillac Rob Seville, April 23: Mighty Ms. Erica Trio and April 30: The Incorruptibles.

And on Easter Sunday (April 17), leave the cooking to the staff at MOTOR and enjoy brunch from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Please note: Brunch pairs well with the return of the Sunday Bloody Mary bar.

Finally, check out MOTOR’s blazing hot chili at WMSE’s Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser on Sunday, April 10.

And don’t forget: MOTOR’s famous AYCE Wisconsin Fish Fry and the instant classic North Atlantic Cod Sandwich are available Wednesdays and Fridays throughout Lent, and will continue on Fridays throughout the year.

1903 EVENTS
Did you see the news? The H-D Museum announced plans to reshape its campus. And that includes our special-events spaces. The all-new Garage will be open later this spring, and the team at 1903 Events would love to make your event one for the ages. Contact them now to book for this year (and beyond).

SAVE THE DATES
Inaugural Bike Night, May 5
Free Bike Demos, May 7

About the Harley-Davidson Museum
Discover culture and history through stories and interactive exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie, and love for the sport at the Harley-Davidson Museum. A visit to the H-D Museum is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. With an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, a 20-acre, park-like campus, and a calendar full of activities, the H-D Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. Make your plans to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at H-DMuseum.com.

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A brother from Long Beach, California can’t leave his 1950 Chevy truck alone and somehow it involved a Sportster gas tank. On top of that he’s been helping other Sportster riders with their clutch lever pull problems.

“I told a friend of mine,” Zack said, “I had his car (1952 Chevy Style line Deluxe), and he had my truck, a 1950 Chevy 3100 pickup truck.”

The truck set in the owner’s Pedro driveway and hadn’t run for years. It was the notorious Jeremiah’s brother’s, and he turned down hundreds of previous offers to sell it. His family had outgrown the pickup. “We traded even up,” Zack said. But that’s not all.

Recently, Jeremiah challenged Zack to a race on Anaheim Boulevard near the Port of Los Angeles. At 68 years of age Zack found himself flying at over 100 mph in his Mini-Cooper S, the last year with a factory Supercharger, on a boulevard packed with semis and potholes next to the richest harbor in the country. He beat the younger man’s silver Dyna, and fortunately the cops in Long Beach can’t ticket him. They’ve got bigger fish to fry, and the city won’t let them arrest folks. They can only talk to them nicely and get out of their way, while calling the EMT’s to clean up the AIDs infested blood.

If a cop pulled him over, he might say, “You’re doing over 100 mph on a city street. Can’t your vehicle go any faster? Have a nice day.”

Your woke response should always be, “You’re a racist. I’m going to call the mayor.”

The Governor of Washington recently banned fossil fuel vehicles because we are all doomed, except China. Apparently they didn’t get the memo. They are building more coal mines. Makes perfect sense, right?

So, Long Beach riders are scrambling to ride as hard and fast as possible. Tomorrow they could be doomed or banned, pick your poison. If you’re going to relax with a book ever again, read Sam “Chopper” Orwell quick.

I don’t know where the hell I was going with this, but you can guarantee I was headed somewhere. Oh, yeah, Zack’s truck and Sportster tanks and tips. But there’s more.

It all started in Zack’s downtown Long Beach building, when he decided to cut the noise in the old truck cab with Dyn-mat and then a new seat mounted to move slightly farther back, which meant removing the gas tank out from behind the seat. “I shot the interior with lizard skin sound Deadener,” Zack said. “The raw truck rattled like it was steel drum as you drove down the road.”

While he told me the interior story a clatter interrupted us in the alley behind his building. “It’s homeless folks climbing in and out of the dumpster,” Zack said. “Ignore them. It’s only when they set up tents in the alley, I need to go out there.” He collected a line of canes and baseball bats stored just inside his steel roll-up door. The alley was too narrow for folks to live. He wasn’t being a bad guy…

After he topped off the lizard skin with Dynamat sound deadener and additional sound deadening insulation, he reupholstered the seat and finally added new rubber on the pedals and new floormat.

“I finished the dashboard off with necessary accessories,” Zack said, “and a beer opener on the side of the bed.”

Just then there was a clammer at the back of the building and Zack made a beeline for his arsenal of bats and canes. “I’ll be right back,” he said. He made his way up a wrought iron spiral staircase across a handmade steel catwalk and up another set of stairs to his roof access, where he discovered a homeless cat crawling up an adjacent telephone pole and jumping onto his arched wooden and tar-paper roof.

It was showdown time, Zack stood, feet spread, with his stout wooden weapon facing a drug addicted homeless trespasser. “You’re going to get off my roof one way or another,” Zack said but thought about all the consequences of open conflict on his teetering roof. The druggie freaked and ran across the corner and jumped into an open window in the adjacent building, almost missing his mark and falling three stories to his certain death. Zack breathed a sigh of relief and returned to the shop. “No sweat,” he said, and we returned to our discussion of his truck mods.

The truck is a 1950 with a 1957 235 straight six engine. Unfortunately, the truck gearing was designed for stump-pulling and not 70 mph on the freeway, while escaping to the Badlands with his Sportster in the back.

He needed new gearing for the rear-end. I thought he would need a newer 4-speed transmission, for the straight six. He did his homework and ordered a gearing kit and researched a shop in Long Beach that is still allowed to work on fossil fuel vehicles. The owner painted, “Joe’s High Gear Donuts,” on the front to keep the man away. It didn’t work.

“I’ve got to run the truck to the shop to change the gearing in the rear differential, so I can cruise out at 70 miles an hour, rather than scream at 50,” Zack said. He is going to change the ring and pinion in the rear differential from a 4:11 to a 3:55 gear ratio. “So, I can drop the RPMs at cruising speed.”

He yanked the gas tank out of the cab and bought a new one. “It’s gonna mount under the bed in the rear,” said Zack. The new tank will hold 15 gallons. “I figured I’d get that work done on the differential before I drop the gas tank right in the way.”

“So, I mounted the Sportster gas tank temporarily so I can move the truck around,” Zack said. “My biker roots showing.” The truck currently gets about 15 mpg and the tank holds 2.3 gallons. Just enough, hopefully.

Hopefully the truck with fit on the donut shop lift after being lowered. We will see. You know the drill: Time will tell, and shit will smell.

We heard another noise, but this time out front. Again, he hit his weapons stash and headed to the front of the building where another drunk or stoned dispossessed dude knocked over one of his ceramic planters and scattered planter soil and the struggling-to-survive, wounded succulent across the stained sidewalk. Zack worked hard to give the neighborhood a facelift, but it was an ongoing battle between rioters and uncaring homelessness.

This time he was mad and ready to act against the small man curled and prone in the grime on the sidewalk. I can’t go into what happened next. But he finally returned to the shop.

We shared a joint and relaxed for a minute. “The previous owner was also a biker,” Zack said. “He had these old fish tips welded on the exhaust. They’re going to stay. I do need to move them inboard a bit, as they’ll slice your ankles sticking out like that. They’ve got me a couple times.”

“I’ll dive under the hood soon,” Zack said. He bought this awesome polished aluminum valve cover for the engine and a chrome side plate. “It’s a strong running engine, so I’m going to replace all the freeze plugs and gaskets everywhere, as it leaks like a pig. I’m going to add an aluminum radiator with an electric fan. I’ll slap on that Offenhauser valve cover, get all the wires run through fabric wire looms.” It has a stock three speed manual transmission with three on the tree. He will finish off the bed with new stainless steel bed strips and wood. “I will drive the piss out of it. Got the Bikernet sticker on the cargo box, which will mount in the bed.”

We will bring you a finished, done, kaput report, when the Sportster tank is gone, and the new tank is carefully mounted under the bed.

Once more someone banged on the back door and Zack headed to his armory. “This is how we roll in Long Beach,” Zack said.

Mustang Seats Acquired by Veteran-founded Investment Firm LDR Growth Partners

New Growth-Oriented Owners Will Invest in Company’s Factory Operations, Marketing Programs and Presence with Customers

Three Rivers, Massachusetts – April 4, 2022 – LDR Growth Partners today announced the acquisition of Mustang Motorcycle Products LLC, maker of Mustang Seats and related motorcycle accessories, in a private transaction closed last Friday. Mustang, known for high-quality, handmade motorcycle seats, was founded in 1980 near Three Rivers, MA, where the company maintains factory operations. Mustang was purchased out of Motorsport Aftermarket Group, owned by a group of investors, led by Monomoy Capital Partners.

“Mustang Seats presents a tremendous opportunity for us at LDR,” said William Brame, partner at LDR and co-head of its acquisition business. “Our unique approach is in providing growing companies the resources they need to continue to expand while identifying areas for new value creation. We’ll invest in people, technology, and the machinery the company needs to help deliver the iconic Mustang Seats to motorcycle riders looking for our products domestically and internationally.”

Mustang employs 85 people in a historic facility in Three Rivers. The company was founded by Al Simmons and named after the legendary P51 military aircraft from World War II. Mustang designs and manufactures a variety of styles of seats, with fitments for all major brands of motorcycles. The company also offers rider and passenger backrests and seating-related products.

LDR Growth Partners is a private investment firm focused on acquiring and growing unique, cash flow generating businesses in the manufacturing, industrial products, and transportation sectors. The company currently owns and operates Whitman Controls, a 50-year manufacturer of process automation controls with large, multinational customers across a range of industries. LDR, founded in 2011 by three US Army officers, is also the owner of LDR Advisory Partners and LDR Leadership, firms which focus on improving company, employee and leadership performance.

LDR intends to keep Mustang’s operations in its current primary location as it adds manufacturing technology, production capacity and marketing capabilities to the organization. The company has added nearly 20 additional employees since September of 2021 and the new owners anticipate hiring additional resources in the coming months to accomplish their goals.

“We believe in Mustang’s product, in its people and in the strength of the motorcycle accessory market,” continued Brame. “Our leadership is excited about entrenching ourselves in this company and in the riding community. We look forward to meeting our loyal customers and partners at rallies and events this year.”

“The leadership and employees here at Mustang couldn’t be happier about the news,” said Mustang GM Mike Cornelius. “The additional investment from LDR will help us take the next step forward. Our orders show that riders want Mustang Seats and our team is excited to continue to deliver them to our loyal dealers and customers.”

About Mustang Motorcycle Products
Mustang Seats are handcrafted in the USA to give riders the style they want and the comfort they deserve. Mustang is known worldwide as the highest quality motorcycle seats for virtually all brands of motorcycles. Based in Three Rivers, Massachusetts, the company sells seats and accessories through its network of premier powersports dealers and direct to consumers through www.mustangseats.com

About LDR Growth Partners
LDR Growth Partners supports growth-oriented businesses, management teams, and entrepreneurs with equity capital and precision support to scale operations and maximize returns under a spirit of market leadership, creativity, and innovation. LDR is led by a five-person cross-functional leadership team, and was founded in 2011 by U.S. Army Officers, with a common vision for business leadership and the power of building, supporting, and growing exceptional teams. The company has offices in Stamford, CT, Houston, TX, and Washington DC.
Visit their Website at http://www.ldrgp.com/

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Behind the scenes in Argentina: Ride to the Moon

Argentina: vast open spaces, salt flats, lunar landscapes and Andean peaks towering over 4,500 m altitude. You’ve been asking us about it since our very first tour across the Himalayas back in 2006: “Since the Himalayas, I can’t stop thinking about Argentina. When will you take us there, Vintage Rides?”

Expectations are running high for this legendary destination. So, challenge accepted! 😉

Alexane and Simon: the dream team

During the summer of 2021, Simon suggested entering into partnership and opening a Vintage Rides office in the heart of the Andes. “I have been riding here for more than 10 years and know the region like the back of my hand. I have hundreds of unexplored tracks under my belt, ready to design new tours. I knew it was time for me to set something up”. A friendly, enthusiastic biker, he is smitten with his adoptive country and its culture and shares many common values with us. We speak the same language. So we decided to take him up on his offer and set up Vintage Rides Argentina together with the headquarters in Salta, in the north of the country.

At the mercy of nature, which reigns supreme, the tracks are constantly changing. While the borders were closed, Simon had all the time in the world to do what he loves most: criss-cross the tracks, try out all the roads and uncover the best places, which you won’t find on Google maps – believe us, we’ve tried!

From the Lyon office, Alexane is on hand to help get the joint venture up and running. She’s been thrown in at the deep end: she’s only just joined us at Vintage Rides and she’s opening a new office in Argentina! That’s a big adventure in itself. ¡Bienvenida, Alexane!

Spring 2022. The routes are ready, the tracks tested and the restaurants and hotels selected. We are raring to go and can’t wait for you to come and join us.✌

The bikes are set for adventure

“And what about the bikes?” we hear you cry! Simon isn’t just an adventurer, he’s also a motorbike mechanic and a fan of Royal Enfields. We asked him to work on the Himalayans, which are ideal for tours that alternate between small roads and winding tracks through the Andes. Simon came up with a series of improvements to make them unique, robust and ready for adventure without scrimping on comfort: reinforced sump guards, side saddlebags and tanks. You won’t have seen anything like them!

So far, we are the proud owners of 10 Royal Enfield Himalayans, fresh from the factories in Buenos Aires. Simon has fine-tuned them in our Argentinian workshop and they’re dying to be ridden under the Andean sunshine.

Ride to the Moon

As you can see, Argentina makes us dream as much as you do and we are so happy to set our wheels in motion there. And we are not the only ones. Thanks to support from our partners, Mutuelle des Motards, Bell and In&Motion, the film-maker, Florian Moscat, will follow our first group of Vintage Riders this spring and capture their adventure. We’ll tell you more about it in the coming months, but for now, we can give you a sneak peek at its name: RIDE TO THE MOON. Try as you might, the landscapes will be even more impressive than you could ever imagine.

Today, we couldn’t be prouder of the local knowledge we have on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. We can’t wait to share all the emotions that have kept us going these past few months with you.

Do you want to help us write the rest of our adventure story?

Argentina : Next departures

RAID IN ANDEAN LAND

13 days with 10 riding days
from €4790€/pilot

From april 10th to 22nd 2022 (full)
From september 24th to october 6th 2022
From october 23rd to november 4th 2022

From march 4th to 16th 2023
From april 6th to 18th 2023
From september 17th to 29th 2023
From october 3rd to 15th 2023
From october 19th to 31st 2023

THE MYTHICAL LAND OF THE GAUCHOS

11 days with 8 riding days
from €4390€pilot

From august 21st 31st 2022
From october 11th to 21st 2022

From march 20th to 30th 2023
From september 1st to 11th 2023

CANCELLATION INSURANCE: Book with complete peace of mind

CONTACT: Vintage Rides

teamvr@vintagerides.com

+442070316050

https://www.vintagerides.com/

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Contributions American women make to the firearm and ammunition industry – past, present and future

by Larry Keane from www.TheTruthAboutGuns.com

March is Women’s History Month and there’s no better opportunity to celebrate the contributions American women make to the firearm and ammunition industry – past, present and future.

Women have accounted for 40 percent of firearm sales over the past two years.

Click Here to read this Feature Article on Bikernet.com

Check Out our “Celebrate Women” section – Click Here

From the early days of Annie Oakley shooting the ashes off cigarettes in the mouths of wild west show volunteers and Calamity Jane gunslinging and scouting on the early frontier through the decades to today’s world-renowned women competitive shooters for Team USA, women have held an integral and rightful place in the industry supporting Americans’ Second Amendment rights.

What’s more is that women are leading the charge in growing and diversifying the gun-owning community in America by the millions.

The Past

Even before those women achieved renown, women were instrumental in the firearm industry and gunsmithing that helped propel a young America to victory and independence more than a century before. Among the earliest gun manufacturers, women often helped their husbands operate successful gunsmithing businesses, producing firearms for militia units and private sales dating back to the 1650s and 1700s.

The Nicholsons were a well-known gunsmithing family in Philadelphia in the early 1800. When John Nicholson passed away, his widow Rebecca took over and grew the family gun manufacturing business. It was somewhat uncommon, but women were noted trailblazers in the firearm industry centuries ago.

The Present
A flourishing firearm industry requires leadership within as well as among those charged with protecting and upholding the Second Amendment, providing for the exercise of the right to keep and bear arms.

Joyce Rubino is the Vice President of Marketing at Colt’s Manufacturing Company and previously served on NSSF’s Board of Governors. Kelly Residorf is the Chief Communications Officer and General Manager, Venor, responsible for all facets of external communications at Vista Outdoor. Kirstie Pike is the Founder and CEO of Prios Hunting Apparel for Women.

These are just a few of the women leading the firearm industry and hunting market into the 21st Century.

Alabama Republican Gov. Kay Ivey recently signed constitutional carry into law in her state and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds have unquestionable Second Amendment credentials and the political track record to prove it.

Lanny and Tracy Barnes are Olympic biathletes. Tracy once gave up her spot on the Olympics so Lanny could compete. Lanny, a three-time Olympian, is also a 3-gun competitor. Gabby Franco shot for Venezuela in the Olympics before immigrating to the United States where she continues to shoot competitively.

Today there are numerous Second Amendment advocacy groups focused solely on women firearm ownership, training and education, helping to cultivate current and future generations to keep women gun owners thriving and growing.

The Future

For comparison, in 2003, only 13 percent of women identified as gun owners. Fast forward to 2020 and that number totals nearly 25 percent. What’s more is the figure is definitely even higher today, as women have accounted for 40 percent of firearm sales over the past two years as law-abiding Americans have purchased guns in record numbers – totaling nearly 40 million. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 25 percent of those female gun owners say self-protection is their main reason for owning a gun, and 70 percent say owning a gun is essential for their personal freedom.

Ladies’ Night training and practice courses at local shooting ranges are jampacked. Hunting excursions are looking different as more women head afield and into the woods. And the face of the American gun owner is quickly changing and in large part it’s due to women taking up their Second Amendment rights.

About the Author: Larry Keane is SVP for Government and Public Affairs, Assistant Secretary and General Counsel of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.