Mr. Big Candy Finds Motorcycle Nirvana

by Bandit I worked with Mike and his wife Patty for about 40 years covering his restorations, working with him on project bikes such as the Dicey Knucklehead which I still have. Hell, I made a deal to retrieve a Panhead from a brother partially because it held a Linkert Carb rebuilt by Mike Egan. I owned a 1931 VL for 25 or so years, which was owned by Lou Kimzey, the original Publisher and Editor of Easyriders Magazine. It was restored by Mike Egan, and I was offered the matching sidecar, which I mistakenly turned down. As Mike would say, “It’s worth Big Candy.”

CLICK HERE To Read this Feature on a Legendary Personality in Motorcycle Industry.

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Submit Your Application by April 15 for the Opportunity to Join Pirelli’s Road Racing Community

Join racers like two-time defending Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch as a part of the #pirellination road racing community.

ROME, Ga. (April 1, 2022) – Pirelli Tire North America is pleased to announce the launch of its new #pirellination road race community for the 2022 racing season. As the official tire of the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship, Pirelli and its DIABLO™ Superbike lineup is the go-to tire by racers around the world. Pirelli remains dedicated to the grassroots part of the sport, continuing with its motto “we sell what we race, we race what we sell”, and all riders may purchase the same race compound tires found on the bikes of their favorite professional riders and World Champions like Jonathan Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu.

The road race community program will ensure racers are the first to know about the latest brand news, be notified of Pirelli’s newest products, receive updates on national marketing opportunities within the brand, and be given access to technical advice and service at select races. Pirelli’s team will also be identifying and selecting several candidates who will have the opportunity to purchase race compound tires at preferred pricing and provided with Pirelli team-branded gear.

Residents of the United States and Canada are eligible for the program.

“Pirelli is extremely excited about building up its racer community with the all-new #PirelliNation program,” said Oscar Solis, road race manager, Pirelli. “Everything we do from the very top as a brand, including product development with World and National Championship racers, trickles down to the local, club level racer. Our goal remains to provide the everyday rider and racer with access to the latest technology and the very best products available on the market. With this new community, it will allow us to strengthen our bond with those racers, educate them on our products, and provide them with the knowledge and ingredients needed to succeed.”

Pirelli’s high-performance DIABLO Superbike lineup offers several different compounds including SC1, SC2, and SC3 on the front and SCX, SC0, SC1, SC2, and SC3 on the rear.

View the complete range of DIABLO Superbike tires on the Pirelli website.

CLICK HERE to submit your application for the 2022 #pirellination program. All applications must be submitted no later than April 15, 2022.

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Vance & Hines Reveals New Sidewinder Exhaust System for Suzuki Hayabusa Drag Racers

Santa Fe Springs CA – March 31, 2022 – Vance & Hines today announced the ultimate exhaust for Suzuki Hayabusa drag racing machines, the new 4-2-1 Sidewinder Exhaust, another step forward in the partnership the company has with Suzuki Motors USA.

The new system is designed for drag race-use on Suzuki Hayabusa models from 1999 to today. Its 4 to 2 to 1 configuration is the ultimate design for peak horsepower, particularly for higher displacement or heavily modified engines, including those running nitrous set-ups, but will still provide good gains on milder set-ups as well.

The exhaust is manufactured of lightweight 304 stainless steel, so it weighs only 14 pounds, a reduction of 30 pounds from the 44-pound stock system. It includes tapered head pipes and full merge collectors for maximum performance. The system also includes features that allow it to be adapted for whatever level of performance an owner/racer is seeking. This includes oxygen sensor bungs and an optional baffle so that the pipe can be adjusted to meet a broad range of performance mods. Suggested retail price is $1799.99.

“This is another great product from the Vance & Hines team at our Racing Development Center,” said Vance & Hines President Mike Kennedy. “The performance capabilities of this system and the vast number of Hayabusa-mounted drag racers should make this a winner for the riders and for Vance & Hines.”

The Sidewinder exhaust system is included in the Vance & Hines continency sponsorship program for the XDA drag racing series.

The new pipes are available immediately from the Vance & Hines Racing Development Center at 317-852-9057 or rdc@vanceandhines.com.

Technical Features

• Lightweight 304 stainless steel construction (.049″ wall thickness) with brushed finish
• Tapered head pipes and full merge collectors for maximum performance
• “Competition Only” Riveted Vance & Hines Logo Badge
• Slip-fit collector joints with dual swivel end retention springs
• Tuned length megaphone with optional baffle available (headers are 1-5/8″ tapered to 1-7/8″, 4-into-2 collectors are 1-7/8″ to 2-1/8″, final 2-into-1 collector 2-1/8″ to 3″, megaphone tapered from 3″ to 3-1/2″ then stepped to 4″)
• Two, 18mm oxygen sensor bungs for stock O2 sensors or wideband air/fuel ratio monitoring.
• Weighs only 14 pounds, 30 pounds lighter than the stock Hayabusa exhaust.
• Includes exhaust port flanges, oil cooler bypass kit and spring puller tool
• Fits all years 1999-2022
• Lower fairing modification required; adhesive cut-out template supplied

Learn more about the company’s history and products at www.vanceandhines.com.

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Thank Goodness It’s Friday : April Fool’s Day Anti-Wisdom Quotes

“You can educate a fool, but you cannot make him think.” — Talmud

“The fool wonders; the wise man asks.” — Benjamin Disraeli

“A fool’s brain digests philosophy into folly, science into superstition, and art into pedantry. Hence university education.” — George Bernard Shaw

“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool.” – Richard P. Feynman

“A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer.” – Bruce Lee

“A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.” – Baltasar Gracian

“The misfortune of the wise is better than the prosperity of the fool.” — Epicurus

“A wise man fights to win, but he is twice a fool who has no plan for possible defeat.” – Louis L’Amour

“Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain – and most fools do.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it.” — Henry David Thoreau

“You can fool some of the people all the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on.” – George W. Bush

“The person who writes for fools is always sure of a large audience.” ― Arthur Schopenhauer, Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays

“Those who will not reason, are bigots, those who cannot, are fools, and those who dare not, are slaves.” ― George Gordon Byron (Lord Byron)

“A lot of good arguments are spoiled by some fool who knows what he is talking about.” — Miguel de Unamuno

“If one does not understand a person, one tends to regard him as a fool.” – Carl Jung

“A fool flatters himself, a wise man flatters the fool.” — Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

“Never tell a fool that he is a fool. All you’ll have is an angry fool.” — Talmud

“Life is a dream for the wise, a game for the fool, a comedy for the rich, a tragedy for the poor.” – Sholom Aleichem

“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” – Mark Twain

“Before a man speaks it is always safe to assume that he is a fool. After he speaks, it is seldom necessary to assume it.” — HL Mencken

“A man may be a fool and not know it, but not if he is married.” — HL Mencken

“One fool at least in every married couple.” — Henry Fielding

“A mother takes twenty years to make a man of her boy, and another woman makes a fool of him in twenty minutes.” – Robert Frost

“Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.” – Samuel Johnson

“People have discovered that they can fool the devil, but they can’t fool the neighbors.” — Francis Bacon

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Producing the news can be sorta stressful. I collect news all week from sources all over the world. I search for anything I might share that could add clarity, inspiration or freedom to ride and build choppers.

I appreciate all the help I get from readers and staffers all over the world.

Ride fast and free forever.

–Bandit

QUOTE OF THE WEEK– If your path demands you to walk through Hell, walk as if you own the place.

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.

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Hey,

I watched “Ukraine on Fire” last night, a documentary recommended by Sean Penn. For 92 days the people of Ukraine fought their own government in the streets of Kyiv to force their Russian dictator to leave. This took place from 2007 to 2019. The whole Parliament voted for the dictator until the people threw him out.

Zelensky came along a couple of years after the insurrection in the streets. I wonder what he was doing during the riots. Have you watch one of his sitcoms about being elected and the corruptions. They are well done and humorous if you can keep up with the subtitles.

I’m still reading a 5-volumn set of books by Winston Churchill covering 1935 until after WWII. His mantra was that he would fight in the streets, in the alleys, at sea, in the mountains until the threat of the dictator was abolished. He would never stop. He offered that mantra to any country that would stand with the English at that time. He had a tough time convincing many countries and many chose to go with the bully, Hitler. As you know, that didn’t work out so good for them.

I believe the Ukrainians will fight in the streets, in the alleys, at sea and in the mountains to save their country and their freedoms. Maybe then Europe and America will respect them.

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.

THE PEOPLE’S CONVOY SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT AS IT RELATES TO A BASELESS SOCIAL MEDIA RUMOR REGARDING FISCAL STEWARDSHIP–

The People’s Convoy, represented by Brian Brase, Mike Landis, Marcus Sommers, Rebecca Burts, and Jerry Stetz, has been made aware of a rumor that is circulating which is entirely false and without basis.

Our convoy has raised approximately $1.5 million through American Foundation for Civil Liberties and Freedom. The collection and disbursement of those monies are being overseen by lawyers and accountants, and we’re in near daily contact with the organization’s founder and its head of operations. All such monies are present and accounted for – and those monies are regularly being disbursed to cover costs associated with the convoy. Ledgers are being kept, and all financial transactions are being handled in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Any rumors to the contrary are completely untrue and wholly without merit.

We should note that there are groups and individuals that have supported us at various points throughout this journey – Advocates for Citizens’ Rights, American Foundation for Civil Liberties and Freedom, Leigh Dundas, and others – and these groups and individuals deserve our thanks and support for helping to make our convoy the success it has been. We do not condone criticism or false accusations directed at any of our partners, who deserve only our sincere gratitude and respect.

We would all do well to remember that there are real opposition forces in the mix who seek to deprive us all of our freedom and civil liberties.

These are the forces we must defeat through firm resolve and unity. United we stand, divided we fall, and with that in mind, we encourage everyone to remain focused on our goal of defeating government overreach, lifting mandates, ending states of emergency, abiding by our Constitution and having accountability.

Help us to do that by joining The People’s Convoy, or donating at www.ThePeoplesConvoy.org.

I wrote to them and tried to explain that the big picture fight is respecting fossil fuels and scientific transparency. Haven’t heard back.–Bandit

RIG STOLEN AT DONNIE SMITH SHOW—backbonebuiltbikes

The @lebinsurancegroup bike is finished and on display at the @donniesmithshow I want to thank everyone involved!!

This was his rig. Too bad he didn’t have Backbone Built Bikes painted all over it. Something to think about.

According to a couple of my brothers, he’s good people and a talented builder. If you find out anything don’t hesitate to reach out to them or me.

–Bandit
Bandit@Bikernet.com
310-528-9258

NEW FROM NASH MOTORCYCLE COMPANY—
Todd Blubaugh was born and raised in Kansas. His earliest interests were in art and motorbikes and since the age of 12, Todd has been pursuing these two passions. He currently works in film, writes, and shoots out of his home in the high desert of California.

His podcast “The Blue Todd Cast” – always connecting with a colored cast of characters and interesting folks from the motorcycle world and beyond.

His book “Too Far Gone” is a journey to discover meaning and soul on the wide open road.

Nash Motorcycle Co. partnered up to collaborate on some cool belts for our friend Todd!

The ThunderBird Belt” designed by Todd Blubaugh and manufactured in the good ol’ USA by Nash Motorcycle Co.

The ThunderBird Belt” designed by Todd Blubaugh and manufactured in the good ol’ USA by Nash Motorcycle Co.

NEWS FROM THE MIRACLE MAN—
I teach the science of the people who will not be slaves. – Ed Berry

In March 2022, the Los Angeles Times published an editorial that was 100% misinformation about what it called climate “misinformation.”

Climate change alarmism is not based on science. It is based on money, politics, brainwashing, groupthink, and conditioned reflex as Pavlov did with his dogs.

Far too many people, including scientists, incorrectly assume the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is correct about climate change. They incorrectly think undesirable climate events prove our CO2 caused these events, which is not only nonsense but also logically invalid because events do not prove their cause.

All claims that human CO2 emissions cause climate change begin with IPCC’s invalid theory that says human CO2 emissions have caused all the increase in atmospheric CO2 since 1750 (or above 280 ppm). All climate treaties, laws, regulations, taxes, green energy tax credits, and carbon capture, assume this false IPCC theory is true.

Peer-reviewed publications, that the IPCC ignores, prove this IPCC theory is false and that IPCC’s own data prove nature, not human CO2, controls the CO2 level.

These publications show human CO2 emissions are insignificant to atmospheric CO2. Therefore, efforts to reduce human CO2 emissions waste considerable time, money, and productivity.

The few scientists (remarkably absent from government payrolls) who study the true causes of climate change find that nature, not human CO2, controls the climate. And since our CO2 does not control the climate, we can’t “solve” or “address” climate change by turning off our CO2.

The so-called “solutions” to global warming make the poor poorer and the rich richer, and do not reduce CO2 emissions.

The scientific method says we cannot prove a theory is true, but only one contradiction proves a theory is false and this one contradiction outvotes all claims that the theory is true. Scientific consensus is irrelevant in science.

Science progresses by negating theories. Science becomes pseudoscience when people reject evidence that proves a theory is false, as they have done in climate science. IPCC’s pseudoscientists ignore evidence that proves IPCC’s theory is false.

The 20% drop in human CO2 emissions during the pandemic did not slow nature’s CO2 increase. If we removed all trace of humans on the planet, we would not stop nature’s unrelenting CO2 increase.

If climate alarmists would stop long enough to think and study, here is what they would learn.

CO2 flows into and out of the atmosphere as water flows into a lake and out over a dam. The higher the level (of CO2 or water), the faster the outflow. The level adjusts to make outflow equal to inflow. Thereafter, continued constant inflow does not further change the level. CO2 does not accumulate in the atmosphere. The CO2 level increases only enough to make outflow equal to inflow.

The IPCC agrees CO2 inflow into the atmosphere is 95% natural and 5% human. Physics shows each inflow produces a level where outflow equals inflow, making the (first order) human contribution to the CO2 level only 5% (or 20 ppm), using IPCC’s own data.

But the IPCC claims human CO2 is 30% (or 120 ppm) of the CO2 in the atmosphere. They do this because IPCC’s theory requires 30% and to say otherwise would admit IPCC’s theory is false. So, IPCC scientists adjust data to match their theory rather than use data to test their theory, as they should.

To support its sleight of hand, the IPCC claims human CO2 stays in the atmosphere longer than natural CO2, like for thousands of years. Indeed, if this happened, it would increase the human CO2 in the atmosphere. But the IPCC thereby violates physics.

Neglecting isotopes, human and natural CO2 molecules are identical. So, human CO2 and natural CO2 flow out of the atmosphere at the same rate. IPCC’s own data show the half-life of atmospheric CO2 is less than 3 years, which contradicts IPCC’s claim that human CO2 stays in the atmosphere for thousands of years.

In December 2021, the publications of my and others’ peer-reviewed scientific papers prove IPCC’s core theory is false. Yet, the zombie alarmist teachers in schools, colleges, and universities continue to teach their students climate fiction. In Montana, such teaching violates a 2011 Montana Supreme Court ruling.

Your and your children’s minds are too valuable to lose to alarmism.

Your future depends on whether your government follows climate truth or climate fiction.

Climate truth will give you freedom. Climate fiction will make you a slave. The road you choose makes all the difference.

I teach the science of the people who will not be slaves.

Ed Berry, PhD, Physics
Book: Climate Miracle (on Amazon)
Author, Speaker, Teacher, Coach

Next Revolution Max Harley-Davidson Sportster to Be Announced April 12—
Possible names include 48X and Nightster

Harley-Davidson will announce its next Revolution Max-powered Sportster model on April 12. The Motor Company dropped a short music-themed teaser video titled “Instrument of Expression,” to promote the announcement, and offer a few tantalizing glimpses of the new model.

Harley-Davidson previously teased the next Sportster model last July, revealing a design with more traditional styling than the Sportster S. A dimly-lit shot of the whole bike at around the 12-second mark reveals a motorcycle that resembles photos Harley-Davidson sent out in a survey to select people, with similar details like the engine, fuel tank and the seven-spoke wheels.

—www.motorcycle.com
–from Geno

NEW from S&S – Mk45 Cutlass Slip-ons for Touring Models

The Mk45 line of touring slip-ons from S&S Cycle gets a third tip design with the addition of the new Cutlass. Perfectly angled to match your bags or reversible for a slash down look, the Cutlass is powder coated using a heat resistant gloss black.

“This one is more evolution than revolution and represents an expansion of our Mk45 slip-on line,” said DZ

Like all of the S&S Mk45’s, this 4.5” muffler includes their removable dB Reducers that allow you to tune for sound and back pressure. Available in Guardian Black (a dead match to the factory header) or show chrome finish. The Mk45 uses a RaceTEX packing for a low, throaty rumble that wakes up the sound of the bike without creating a droning note on the highway. Check out the new Cutlass as well as the entire line of MK45 slip-ons from S&S at https://www.sscycle.com/feature/exhaust/mk45-touring-mufflers

I saw a Facebook post that Wyoming got their handlebar height requirement changed. July 1, 2022 is the date.

Do we have any contacts in Wyoming? Might be a good chance to congratulate them and start a dialog.

— Todd Riba

INTERMOT 2022: Voices from the industry approve the new concept

For motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts all over the world, INTERMOT – International Motorcycle, Scooter and E-Bike Fair, taking place this year from 4 to 9 October 2022, is the highlight of the year. As the first international motorcycle and scooter fair of the year, INTERMOT presents the latest models and new products to the international trade and the biker community. This year, the event will implement a future-oriented concept to further develop its position as a leading international business and event trade fair for the world of motorised two-wheelers.

BIHR GmbH – Antonio Lorenzo, Country Sales Manager
“BIHR is keen to make a clear statement. We are a part of this industry. And we want to achieve the same level of importance in Germany as we have in France and other countries. Anyone who wants to be successful in Germany should be there at INTERMOT – live, in colour, loud and direct!”

BMW Group – Michael Sommer, Head of BMW Motorrad Deutschland
“As a German motorcycle manufacturer with a long history, the entire BMW Motorrad Deutschland team naturally has a great interest in presenting our brand and products to INTERMOT visitors, with the Cologne event as a strong trade fair partner in the German market, which is so important to us. We are therefore looking forward to meeting our customers and motorcycle fans in person again at INTERMOT 2022, and celebrating motorcycling together.”

For us, INTERMOT is an important platform on which we can present our models to our customers live and in person. Of course, we also used digital platforms to introduce [our] new models during the pandemic. But with an emotional and technically complex product, this can never replace the live experience customers have when they touch and sit on our motorcycles, and talk with our staff in person.
After three years, we’re looking forward more than ever to being back in Cologne live and in person to present our latest and future models.”

They should be talking about a united industry front for freedom and scientific transparancy against Climate Alarmism, but maybe they’re afraid.—Bandit

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2014 Harley-Davidson XL1200X – Sportster Forty-Eight for $10,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=11798587

014 Black Harley-Davidson SPORTSTER FOURTY EIGHT 48

ONLY 19613.00 Miles !!!!!

This bike is super clean with lots of extras

Some of the features/Add-ons on this bike

* 1200c.c.Motor
* 5-Speed trans
* TBR stainless exhaust
* Chain drive conversion
* High-Flo air intake
* Saddle bags

Just $10,995.00

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

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/

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–My grandmother Rose at 17, she passed away when my mother was 11 so never met her of course.

–RFR

https://drivingtestsample.com/us-automobile-museums-map/

The map includes all automotive related museums in the United States, and we listed out their address, phone number, and website if that information was available.

Many of these museums put on events like open houses, auctions, swap meets, workshops, and other fun events and they are a great resource for car and motorsport enthusiasts. We wanted to put together a map so people can easily find a museum that is near their location.

Our website also has a large number of free driving sample tests as well as a road signs if you’re looking to brush up on rules of the road.

Also, if you happen to know of a museum or organization that we don’t have on our map, please let me know!

–Jenn Loughty

I asked Jenn if Motorcycle Museums were included or how they could be included or supported. Waiting to hear back. –Bandit

TRIKES OF THE WEEK—A wild bunch from our exclusive curator.

–Sam Burns
Certified Trike Curator
Bikernet.com™ Archives

ALERT FROM THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION–Where Does Your State Rank?

Last month the Motorcycle Riders Foundation released our first call to action of 2022. The call to action was related to H. Res 366, the anti-motorcyclist profiling resolution in the House of Representatives. Since its release, over 1,600 bikers have taken a moment to click a few buttons and have their voice heard.

One great part about this call to action is that if your lawmaker has already been supportive of the resolution, they get a thank you email. While if your member of congress has yet to act, it explains the issues and asks for support.

We’ve seen great results from this effort. Since the beginning of February, 26 new representatives have signed on as cosponsors!

If there is one thing we know about bikers, they are a competitive bunch. So, to inspire even more engagement, here’s a list of the top 5 states who’ve taken the time to answer the call.

1. Wisconsin – 176
2. Michigan 155
3. New York 136
4. Texas – 124
5. Arizona 118

The map also shows you how many bikers from each state have contacted their member of the House.

If you have already done the call to action, we thank you! But let’s keep the pressure up! You don’t need to do it again, but you can share the link below, forward this email and hit social media. Let’s get as many bikers as we can to take 2 minutes out of their day to spread the word on profiling.

If you want Washington D.C. to address the profiling of bikers click here.

As always, Ride Safe and Ride Free!

–MRF Board

TECH FROM LOWBROW— I would only recommend running the lithium battery if you are also running the DGV-5000L

https://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/products/cycle-electric-generator-dgv-5000l-low-voltage-for-harley-davidson-1965-1984 those batteries will malfunction if they are overcharged.

The 5000L runs less volts but the same amps so it will not overcharge the lithium batteries. If you decide to run that battery and generator you should be able to run this battery box in your horseshoe oil tank

https://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/products/bates-battboy-battery-box-for-modern-gel-or-li-ion-batteries

Thanks!

–The Lowbrow Team

[page break]

NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORIST ASSOCIATION–Calm Before the Storm
The city of Sarasota is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, just south of Tampa. Its population has declined in recent years to about 55,000, according to the 2020 U.S. census, within 24 square miles of territory. During the winter months, the number of residents swells somewhat with the snowbird migration from the north.

An NMA member is one of those who enjoys spending Januarys and Februarys in the more temperate climate of Sarasota. That enjoyment may become past tense. He clipped and sent us an op-ed published by the Sarasota Observer a few weeks ago. A few excerpts under the title, “Tom Barwin Gets the Last Laugh.”

“Many of our readers might remember Tom Barwin, former Sarasota city manager. A few years back, he and his band of merry planners were all about “walkability” and bike lanes for the areas in and around downtown Sarasota.”

“One of their brilliant new urban ideas was to tear up Fruitville Road from, say, Orange Avenue to Tamiami Trail and redesign it so it would be reduced to one lane and the speed limit would be reduced to 25 mph, making that whole stretch more accommodating to pedestrians and bicyclists.”

“Downtown Sarasota was to be the city of urban walkers . . .”

“The idea of traffic calming on Fruitville, however, brought an eruption of vocal opposition [from those who noted] Fruitville to Interstate 75 is the main evacuation route in the event of a hurricane, not to mention the primary artery for most downtown and barrier island residents to get to the interstate on normal days.”

“Well, Barwin got what he wanted. He “calmed” the traffic on Fruitville all right. He calmed it so much he brought it to a halt. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., traffic is bumper to bumper and inches along . . . The traffic is calm, but the motorists are not.”

“Barwin’s successor, Marlon Brown, and the Florida Department of Transportation should be planning now how to fix the traffic disasters at the roundabout rodeos. There is nothing calming about them at all.”

The embrace of traffic calming to meet the Vision Zero goals of eliminating all traffic fatalities is far from unique to Sarasota. Often, after exposure to the intended consequences of calming techniques, the NIMBY (not in my backyard) effect kicks in with residents.

Take Lacey, Washington, for example. TheOlympian.com reported that after the traffic disruption pictured below was installed on a city street, neighborhood residents voted not to keep the barriers in place. Any wonder why, after dealing with them coming and going every day?

The tactics available to restrict vehicular traffic are extensive, from chicanes, corner extension/bulb-outs, and median islands to raised intersections, road diets, speed humps, and traffic circles. Even on-street parking is used strategically in some instances.

The NMA’s Problems Associated With Traffic Calming article, courtesy of Kathleen Calongne, provides valuable information to combat efforts at artificially restricting traffic in your area. Let us know of your campaign for additional guidance and support.

Your local government, aided by its state and federal counterparts, will introduce the calm. Unless you want to live with inhibited traffic movement and congestion, we must all follow with the storm of opposition.

–NMA

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY— Three contractors bid to fix a broken fence at the White House. One is from Chicago, another is from Kentucky and the third is from New Orleans. All three go with a White House official to examine the fence.

The New Orleans contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil.

“Well,” he says, “I figure the job will run about $9,000. That’s $4,000 for materials, $4,000 for my crew and $1,000 profit for me.”

The Kentucky contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says, “I can do this job for $7,000. That’s $3,000 for materials, $3,000 for my crew and $1,000 profit for me.”

The Chicago contractor doesn’t measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers, “$27,000.”

The official, incredulous, says, “You didn’t even measure like the other guys. How did you come up with such a high figure?”

“The Chicago contractor whispers back, “$10,000 for me, $10,000 for you, and we hire the guy from Kentucky to fix the fence.”

“Done!” replies the government official.

And that, my friends, is how the Government Stimulus plan worked

–EL Waggs

2022 SOLO TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED— Costa Rica Unlimited

Costa Rica Unlimited, the industry’s #1 Enduro Tour Company, is now booking riders for our new 2022 Solo Rider Tours. What is a SOLO TOUR? Solo Tours allow riders who don’t have buddies that ride, or can’t get guys to agree on dates to come down(!) to join other ‘Solo’ Riders and receive the deep group discount rate, plus have Everything Included!

Aug. 20-24 | Nov. 25-29 | Dec. 7-11

We added the new GASGAS EC350F’s to go along with our KTM & Yamaha’s (250F/300/350F – 2 & 4 Strokes); what better way to test-ride up to SIX different models!

Details:
5 Days / 4 Nights / 3 Riding Days / 5-7 Riders

Price:
$2,850 p/p – ($1,000 Deposit)

Includes
Accommodations (dbl), Lead & Chase Guides, Airport Transfers, ’21 GASGAS EC350F, ‘201 KTM 300 XC-W/350 XC-F, or ’20 Yamaha YZ250F, All Fuel, All Meals, Nightly Bike Prep and Gear Cleaning, One (1) Activity (Zipline, Massage) and CRU T-Shirt.

NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET THOUGHT TEMPLE—Choice. When you think you don’t have a choice, you just made a choice.

Early last week I had a health scare. I ended up in emergency with a mild stroke. I was very fortunate because it was mild, and I have no side effects. I totally believe that the reason behind it was due to the choices I was making. This was a wakeup call. I needed to pause and take inventory of what was going on in my mind.

First off, I made the choice to allow stress to build up in my life. Stress can be a killer! I got caught up in stinkin’ thinkin’. I made a choice of not to wake up to being Grateful for the good in my life. I made the choice of focusing on lack, limitation, and negativity, simply I made some bad choices.

Ernest Holmes wrote: “change your thoughts, and you will change your life.” This was very clear to me that it was time to change my thoughts.

I know that the last two years has been a very tough on many of us. The world can seem pretty messed up. So much of our energy has been focused on negativity. As bad as it has been we could be in the Ukraine right now.

My friend Rosalee gave me a great AHAA moment the other day. She said she was grateful that her Grandparents left the Ukraine many years ago to come to Canada. It made me think how Grateful I am that my Grandparents did the same. Her words made me decide to change my thinking.

Today’s Affirmation: I begin the gift of this day with an attitude of Gratitude. I am so Grateful that I can change my thinking and change My Life.

I change my thoughts from sickness to Health, doubt to Faith, lack to Abundance, stress to Peace, sadness to Joy, from worry to trusting. I choose to Let Go of anything that does not serve my highest good. I choose to accept any problem as an opportunity to grow, for I always have a solution.

Today I say, thank you for the gift of Choice.

Today is Good
And So It Is
Namaste’

“Beliefs are choices. First you choose your beliefs. Then your beliefs affect your choices.”

— Roy T. Bennett

Thank You
–Yale Gelfant
Choppers Cycle

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–SPRING BREAK BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for March 24th, 2022

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/SPRING_BREAK_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_March_24th_2022.aspx

At one time there were four of us vets. Now I am the last one, said good bye to a brother Tuesday. It sucks to be the last one.

–A.J.
Deland, FL

GUN NUT REPORT–Two dozen. With the addition of Indiana, the constitutional carry club now has 24 members. Three (so far) in 2022. Governor Eric Holcomb signed the bill into law this afternoon and issued this statement . . .

The Second Amendment has been debated for years, yet time and again our U.S. Supreme Court has reaffirmed this important constitutional right that I fully support.

Twenty-three other states have laws comparable to HEA 1296. Vermont has had a constitutional carry law in place since it became a state, and several other states have had a similar law for more than a decade. HEA 1296, which I’ve signed today, entrusts Hoosiers who can lawfully carry a handgun to responsibly do so within our State.

It’s important to note that if a person is prohibited, under federal or state laws, from possessing a firearm before this law goes into effect, that person will still be prohibited. And if a prohibited person has a firearm, he or she can be prosecuted. Firearm permits will remain available, without fee, to anyone who wants or needs one, such as Hoosiers desiring to carry a firearm to, through or in another state that has reciprocity with Indiana.

Today, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the Firearms Policy Coalition-supported House Bill 1296 into law, making it the 24th state to enact permitless carry legislation. Under the law, peaceable adults, 18 years of age and older who are not otherwise prohibited from carrying or owning a firearm, will no longer need a license to carry either open or concealed in the Hoosier state. The law will go into effect July 1.

FPC applauds Gov. Holcomb for honorably siding with the constitutions of both Indiana and the United States. We also wish to thank the bill’s author, Rep. Ben Smaltz, as well as the Indiana state senators and representatives who actively supported H.B. 1296’s passing, despite multiple efforts to derail and gut the bill by amendment from the Republican Chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Liz Brown.

PRESIDENT GUS REPORTS–Won this bike in a dice game with the Satan’s Slaves late ‘70S. Later in the early eighties, Ed Colver took a series of pictures for L.A. Weekly. After I won it, it was taken completely down and David O. and I rebuilt it.

I did the motor stroked to 84-inches, lots of head work, high lift, long duration cam, light valve train and Dellorto carburetor.

I described what I wanted to do to the bike. Less chrome with a fast sleek look and this is what David Ortega and I came up with.

–George Christie

NEW ADVERTISER ON BIKERNET—Welcome American Biker apparel brand to Bikernet. Check out their product line. And if you get a chance, let them know you came from Bikernet.com. It helps.

–Bandit

QUOTE OF THE WEEK–If your path demands you to walk through Hell, walk as if you own the place.

–Bob T.

REAR-END MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS HAVE FATAL CONSEQUENCES – ARIZONA HAS A SOLUTION
Motorcyclists normally suffer serious injury and grievous wounds from accidents with a passenger or commercial vehicle but rear-end collisions could kill the biker as he or she flies off the motorcycle. The devastating effects could cause life-altering injuries and extensive property damage for the driver of a motorcycle.

When a person driving a motorcycle is hit from behind, he or she may experience the common injuries that accompany an accident for a biker. These include road rash from sliding on the cement or pavement, neck and head injuries, damage to the back and brain trauma from forceful movements to the head. If the driver does not wear a helmet or knee or elbow pads, the injuries are often more severe, or the incident could include death. The particularly dangerous aspect is the possibility that the biker will fly from his seat and crash into something that will kill him due to the collision from behind.

ABATE of Arizona has been working on a solution for 5 plus years to mitigate the rise in rear-end motorcycle collisions which is one of the leading causes of fatalities in the Grand Canyon State. SB1273 TWO-WHEELED MOTORCYCLE OPERATION could be the start to reduce those fatalities.

Commonly called “lane filtering”, SB1273 had an active rider as a sponsor this year in Senator Tyler Pace (R-Mesa). With bi-partisan support (29-0 in the Senate and 54-4 in the House), Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed this into law March 23rd. This bill was modeled after Utah’s lane filtering law which has seen success in reducing rear-end fatalities in that state.

I want to thank ABATE of Utah for getting their bill across the finish line and working with their DOT to help reduce motorcycle fatalities. Arizona followed their lead, made a few adjustments, and got it across the finish line here.

We are extremely optimistic to having this legislation in our toolbox to help reduce motorcycle deaths and injuries. We have been supporting the efforts of Mick Degn and the Arizona Safety and Awareness Foundation (AMSAF) and grateful for the care and support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in keeping motorcyclists in Arizona safe and trained. We have a director at the AzGOHS, Alberto Gutier, who genuinely cares and works with the motorcycle community for the betterment of the community.

For more information on this bill, you can read it at: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/77168
Ride Safe and Ride Free!

–Michael Infanzon
Legislative Director, ABATE of Arizona

TEXAS FANDANGO COMING— Craig Mac is with Chris Tribbey

Attention, Attention, as the sun sets you have about a week to find your way to the Texas Fandango in Fredricksburg Texas at the county fairgrounds April 1, 2, and 3!! Good times, you should go!! Without doubt.

April’s Fool’s Eve Anti-Wisdom QUOTES–

“You can educate a fool, but you cannot make him think.” — Talmud

“The fool wonders; the wise man asks.” — Benjamin Disraeli

“A fool’s brain digests philosophy into folly, science into superstition, and art into pedantry. Hence university education.” — George Bernard Shaw

“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool.” – Richard P. Feynman

“A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer.” – Bruce Lee

“A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.” – Baltasar Gracian

“The misfortune of the wise is better than the prosperity of the fool.” — Epicurus

“A wise man fights to win, but he is twice a fool who has no plan for possible defeat.” – Louis L’Amour

“Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain – and most fools do.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it.” — Henry David Thoreau

“You can fool some of the people all the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on.” – George W. Bush

“The person who writes for fools is always sure of a large audience.” – Arthur Schopenhauer, Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays

“Those who will not reason, are bigots, those who cannot, are fools, and those who dare not, are slaves.” – George Gordon Byron (Lord Byron)

“A lot of good arguments are spoiled by some fool who knows what he is talking about.” — Miguel de Unamuno

“If one does not understand a person, one tends to regard him as a fool.” – Carl Jung

“A fool flatters himself, a wise man flatters the fool.” — Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

“Never tell a fool that he is a fool. All you’ll have is an angry fool.” — Talmud

“Life is a dream for the wise, a game for the fool, a comedy for the rich, a tragedy for the poor.” – Sholom Aleichem

“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” – Mark Twain

“Before a man speaks it is always safe to assume that he is a fool. After he speaks, it is seldom necessary to assume it.” — HL Mencken

“A man may be a fool and not know it, but not if he is married.” — HL Mencken

“One fool at least in every married couple.” — Henry Fielding

“A mother takes twenty years to make a man of her boy, and another woman makes a fool of him in twenty minutes.” – Robert Frost

“Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.” – Samuel Johnson

“People have discovered that they can fool the devil, but they can’t fool the neighbors.” — Francis Bacon

–Wayfarer
Bikernet International News Bureau

ROYAL ENFIELD SLIDE SCHOOL BY MOTO ANATOMY 2022 SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED–New locations including Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Carson City, Nevada, highlight the 2022 schedule for Royal Enfield Slide School by Moto Anatomy.

Royal Enfield is proud to team up with Johnny Lewis and Moto Anatomy to offer Slide School once again for 2022. Now in its third year, the school, led by American Flat Track racer Johnny Lewis, provides a unique opportunity to learn the fundamental skills of flat track racing. From Carson City, Nevada, to Weedsport, New York, the Royal Enfield Slide School by Moto Anatomy will span the country, with several stops aligned with the 2022 Progressive American Flat Track Championship, as well as major events such as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

“This is our third year doing the Royal Enfield Slide School,” said Moto Anatomy’s Johnny Lewis. “It’s neat that we’ve been able to expand the schools, and add new stops. Flat tracking is hugely popular right now, and I love introducing people to the slide technique. It’s always fun to see the look on their faces when it all comes together. The slide is an art, and once you nail it, it’s hard to get away from that feeling!”

The Royal Enfield Slide School by Moto Anatomy introduces beginner to intermediate riders to the slide technique. The 3-hour course breaks down the same fundamentals used by professional riders in the AFT Championship, providing riders with the knowledge that could take them years to figure out on their own. Since 2020, Royal Enfield Slide School by Moto Anatomy has hosted hundreds of riders, and even traveled internationally. “We’re pushing close to our 400th student this year,” Lewis added. “It’s exciting to reach a milestone like that.”

This hands-on school puts riders aboard Royal Enfield FT 411 motorcycles. The Himalayan-based machines provide an ideal platform for flat track racing with a stable chassis and a tractable 411cc single-cylinder engine… and of course, no front brake!

“Flat track is a sport that is easy to ride, but hard to master,” explains Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “Johnny Lewis does a great job of breaking down the steps to learning how to slide the bike into a 180-degree turn, the signature of flat track racing. We’re proud to partner with Johnny for another season of Slide Schools, and we look forward to visiting some new venues in 2022.”

See the 2022 Royal Enfield Slide School by Moto Anatomy schedule below. Specific dates and locations are subject to change. Visit the Moto Anatomy Slide School website for the most up-to-date information on the 2022 schedule, and for information on how to book your spot.

2022 Royal Enfield Slide School by Moto Anatomy
Apr 29 S&S CYCLE / Speed Ranch Viola, WI
Apr 30 S&S CYCLE / Speed Ranch Viola, WI
July 1 Weedsport Speedway Weedsport, NY
July 2 Weedsport Speedway Weedsport, NY
Aug 5 Black Hills Speedway Rapid City, SD
Aug 24 Carson City Outlaw Flat Track Carson City, NV
Aug 25 Carson City Outlaw Flat Track Carson City, NV
Aug 28* Carson City Outlaw Flat Track Carson City, NV
Oct 14* (Location TBD) Central Florida
Nov 25 Flat Track Futures Fall Classic Harrisburg, PA
*To be confirmed

[page break]

LOWBROW BELT TO CHAIN CONVERSIONS FOR SPORTSTERS AND DYNAS— Ditch that belt and go with a traditional 530 rear drive chain setup on your 2006 & Up Harley-Davidson Dyna Twin Cam. This chain conversion kit keeps the same gearing ratio as your stock drive belt setup. Remove the stock pulleys and simply install the front sprocket, the spacer and rear sprocket with the included proper length Grade 8 hardware.

We also include a specially designed, stainless steel locking tab washer for the rear sprocket hardware. In addition to installing the hardware properly with clean hardware, red Loctite and proper hardware torquing, this locking tab washer physically stops bolts from being able to loosen. 530 chain not included, supply your own or choose one from the 530 Drive Chains here at Lowbrow and we will send it on it’s way.

The transmission sprocket, rear sprocket, sprocket spacer and the included hardware are all Made in the USA to the highest quality available. Beware cheap imported imitations, ours are engineered and manufactured in the USA, heavily road-tested and built to last. The front sprocket is high quality nickel plated Chromoly steel, and the rear sprocket is 7075-T6 certified aero space grade aluminum for long life and light weight. The mounting hardware is Grade 8, zinc-plated, and includes super heavy duty 1/8 inch thick washers (also Grade 8). The locking tab washer is stainless steel.

This kit is designed to match stock gearing for 2006-2017 Dynas. The countershaft (front) sprocket is 25 teeth, and the rear sprocket is 55 teeth, for a 2.214:1 gearing ratio. This means that the countershaft sprocket rotates 2.214 times to spin the rear sprocket one full revolution. The less times the countershaft sprocket has to rotate, the taller the gearing, meaning less power off the line but better high-speed cruising. The rear sprocket has a 2.214 inch diameter center hole to properly fit 2006-2017 H-D Dyna rear wheels.

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–Interviewer: “What is this five-year gap in your work history?”

Me: “I was in prison.”

“What did you do?”

“I told you, five years!”

–Sam Burns
Official Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Bad Joke Library

WHEELS THROUGH TIME REPORT–Join Us for The 2022 Season!

We open for the 2022 season on April 7th! With new machines, new exhibits, and a whole new visitor experience, Museum guests are sure to have a blast! Will you be one of them?

We are excited to announce an all new comprehensive exhibit detailing our Founder Dale Walksler’s passion and vision. The exhibit chronicles his life, from his youth and earliest days as a Harley-Davidson dealer to building and growing the collection, his prescient move to Maggie Valley, and both his and the museum’s rise to international status.

Our 2022 season is jammed packed with all sorts of excitement! Don’t miss this month’s special offer to score TWO FREE tickets to visit “The Museum That Runs” this season.

ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT, Don’t Miss Out!

NEW FROM THE CREW AT BELT DRIVES LIMITED–Replacement for the 138-1 ¾” Primo Primary Belt

BDL’s new primary drive belt #BDL 138-175 is an 8mm-138 tooth belt which is a direct replacement for the popular and often hard to find 138-1 ¾ enclosed Primo belt. The belts feature a new Gates Performance composition which provides the ultimate in durability, strength and longevity. On sale now from BDL and BDL dealers worldwide the latest addition to the BDL line up retails for $125.00. Additional details available at www.beltdrives.com

–Bob Clark

LESSON FROM THE BIKERNET UNIVETSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT–Is it karat or carat?
Both spellings are used, but they can refer to different things in different places.

The spelling carat is typically always used for the unit of measure for the weight of gemstones, as in a three-carat diamond.

In the US and some other places, the word karat is used as a unit of measure for the purity of gold, as in 14-karat gold and 24-karat gold.
In the UK and other places, the spelling carat is used for both gold and jewels.

What does karat mean in gold?

Pure gold is a very soft metal—it’s so soft it can be bent without even being heated. This makes it extremely inconvenient to make jewelry out of. It’s also very expensive. For these reasons, gold jewelry is often made from gold alloys, meaning gold mixed with some other metal.

The amount of gold in an alloy is measured in karats (or carats, in the UK and some other places). The mix is divided into 24 karats, which are kind of like fractions of the metal.

–Dictionary.com

THE WORLD’S FASTEST WOMAN IN THE NEW EASYRIDERS—Valerie Thompson is soon to be featured in the next issue of Classic Easyriders Magazine. Hang on for the report by Dave Nichols and another staff member.

–Renegade

HISTORY LESSON FROM THE BIKERNET UNIVERSITY–“Now I’ll tell you a story how I got my first Harley-Davidson. We didn’t have any money, so we traded two skunk skins for it [1922 JD]. Ever since that day, I guess you could say I have had a one-track mind. I’ve just been crazy about Harley-Davidson.” -Waldo Brandt

When we say our love for H-D runs deep…we mean it. Thankful for our history and to share our love for Harley with all our Brandt’s family!

–from Professor Sam Burns
Bikernet Historian

REPORT FROM THE CENTER FOR INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS–In the next few emails, we’re going to be talking about energy policy.

In previous emails, we concluded that fossil fuels are a moral form of energy that should be expanded, not restricted. But, there’s one qualifier. We can say there are moral forms of energy, but it’s only moral to use them if they are being used the right way.

Minimizing misuse

Like any technology, fossil fuels can be misused. Part of ensuring the proper use of fossil fuels involves every company doing its best to be ethical and having a major emphasis on safety.

By the same token, consumers of fossil fuels need to be responsible—for example, performing regular maintenance on their heating systems and vehicles. Everybody has a part in making sure that all forms of energy are used as safely as possible. But that’s not enough.

Once we’ve concluded that fossil fuel energy is a fundamentally good technology when used in a beneficial way, we need to have the right kinds of laws in place to ensure that it is used in a beneficial way.

This brings us to the issue of energy policy.

We need policies that protect our right to use energy responsibly and that punish people when they deliberately fail to use energy responsibly and endanger our lives.

The three energy freedoms

One of the major things we need is proper policy to protect us from companies endangering neighbors, whether through explosions, spills, or dangerous emissions like smog.

But we also need policy to protect companies, and more broadly to protect production, from people who want to stop it. Imagine you’re running a company that’s trying to drill for oil and somebody who doesn’t like oil tries to sabotage your rigs. That can cause you to lose millions and millions of dollars endanger crews. The government needs to protect every producer from people who try to sabotage them—whether it’s direct sabotage or getting the government to sabotage projects they don’t like. Having policies that restrict our ability to develop is a major threat to progress. And less progress means less prosperity.

Finally, we need policy to protect innovation. We want the energy market to evolve over time, but with the wrong policies it is very easy for special interests to stop innovation. One thing fundamental to innovation is competition. It’s important that we be free to choose the best kinds of energy—that we be free to choose fossil fuels when they’re the best form, but also others when they’re the best. Often, however, companies will want to suppress competition. But if we care about human flourishing, what we need are policies that protect everyone who’s not endangering others to compete.

We can think of policy, then, in terms of three crucial freedoms:

freedom from endangerment
freedom to develop
freedom to compete

We’ll be discussing each of these freedoms in more depth.

–Alex Epstein

BILLY RAY CYRUS AND SNOOP DOGG JOIN THE AVILA BROTHERS FOR
“A HARD WORKING MAN” COLLABORATION–
AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE APRIL 1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – They’re the epitome of artists who’ve transcended genres, and on Friday, April 1, entertainment icons Billy Ray Cyrus and Snoop Dogg come together with The Avila Brothers for a “A Hard Working Man,” released via Avila Brothers Music Group/BMG.

While on set shooting a video for “A Hard Working Man,” Snoop Dogg let the cat out of the bag by posting a behind the scenes clip on social media with Cyrus.

“Who said you can’t teach an old Dogg a new trick! Snoop and the Avila Brothers are on fire with this new song out Friday!” Cyrus shared.

“Timing has always been critical for us. For this project, everything lined up perfectly! Even more exciting is the partnership with BMG which shines an even brighter light on the contribution of global superstars, Billy Ray Cyrus and Snoop. The record we created puts the focus and value back on hard work. Together, we collectively illuminate, celebrate, and honor those around the world that have continued to show up every single day; keeping our world moving. Music transcends boundaries and is responsible for bringing the colorful world of The Avila Brothers, Billy Ray Cyrus and Snoop Dogg together,” said The Avila Brothers.

Produced by The Avila Brothers and mixed by DJ Quik, “A Hard Working Man” is written by Bobby Ross aka AHVLAH, IZ Avila, Billy Ray Cyrus and C Broadus. CLICK HERE to pre-save and pre-order the new track.

PHOTO CREDIT: DERREK KUPISH
LtoR: Bobby Avila, Billy Ray Cyrus, DJ Quik, Snoop Dogg, IZ Avila

NASH/MAMOA’S KNUCKLEHEAD AXE SALE–Pre-sale end this Friday, April 1st. at Midnight

A popular request, the Knuckle Axe is the latest addition to our collection of collaborative pieces between Nash Motorcycle Co. and Jason Momoa’s, On The Roam brand.

This is a full size tool. The bigger brother to the Knuckle Chopper and a perfect size of 24” long – the Knuckle Axe has an American grown hickory handle topped with a 4lb stainless steel head. This is totally capable of chopping significant vegetation…or more.

This is a preorder, be one of the first!

The 24″ Knuckle Axe is bigger than the 13.5″ Knuckle Chopper

FEATURE BIKE OF THE WEEK—This week the pick comes from Sure Shot Custom Builders.

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike editor
Bikernet.com™

TUCKER Powersports Becomes Exclusive Distributor for FUELL Inc’s E-Bikes and Accessories—

Tucker Powersports today announced an exclusive agreement with FUELL, Inc which names Tucker as the exclusive distributor of FUELL’s complete line of premium Flluid e-Bikes as well as FUELL’s branded accessories and replacement parts.

ELECTRICAL INSIGHTS—

Man, daughter died of suffocation as their e-bike bursts in flames

A 49-year old man and his 13-year old daughter died after their e-bike went up in flames suffocating their asbestos sheet-laden house in the wee hours on Saturday. He plugged the charger of his bike into an old socket in the entrance of his house and went to sleep on Friday night.

Police said that the socket might be an old one with less voltage capacity to charge an e-bike. Police said that they assume the father and daughter died due to suffocation as there were no burn injuries on the bodies.

The man was a widower having lost his wife in 2013 and was living with his son and daughter.

READ FULL ARTICLE AT SOURCE:

Ola S1 pro electric scooter catches fire in Pune, company says will take appropriate action.

At least half a dozen instances of thermal runway have emerged in the last six months including in scooters from Pure EV and Okinawa, but Ola’s is the most high profile case till date.

Thermal runaway is an uncontainable exothermic reaction that can occur inside a lithium-ion battery when it is damaged or short-circuited. Once a lithium ion battery is on fire it is also difficult to extinguish.

Immediately upon contact with water it produces hydrogen gas and lithium-hydroxide. The hydrogen gas is a significant obstacle due to its extreme flammability.

India does not manufacture its own lithium-ion cell — a key component in a lithium-ion battery, and companies source it from suppliers in South Korea, Taiwan, China and Japan.

In most cases, batteries catch fire due to poor quality of lithium-ion cells or an inefficient battery management system.

READ FULL ARTICLE AT SOURCE:
https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/two-wheelers/scooters-mopeds/ola-s1-pro-electric-scooter-catches-fire-in-pune-company-says-will-take-appropriate-action/90460999

–Wayfarer
International Editor
Bikernet News Desk

NEW MAGAZINE IS NOW ONLINE—

April 2022
FULL THROTTLE
MAGAZINE
Check it out on line.

SECURITY ALERT–Device Maker, Monimoto, Warns Against Using Apple’s AirTag to Secure Motorcycles

Monimoto, maker of Europe’s fastest growing anti-theft GPS tracker, recently published a report detailing the challenges of using Apple’s AirTag to secure a motorcycle versus a GPS-based tracking device such as the Monimoto 7. The Apple product has recently been criticized for its use in stalking or following individuals against their will. Apple’s mitigation procedures for this issue have added to the reasons to be skeptical of its ability to protect a motorcycle, bicycle or automobile.

“Apple is wise to take steps to stop the use of AirTags as a way to stalk someone,” said Andrius “Bruno” Rimkunas, a motorcycle security expert and co-founder of Monimoto. “However, these procedures, and the AirTag’s reliance on other Apple devices for location and communications, are exactly why motorcycle owners should select a different device…one that provides immediate alerts and ensures owners never need to worry about losing the motorcycle they love.”

Apple AirTags use Bluetooth technology to connect to any Apple device in a nearby area. When an owner realizes that his or her protected item is missing, the owner can request a signal from the AirTag to provide its location. This could be hours after a theft occurred and the protected vehicle could be far away from its original location. To avoid stalkers from using AirTag, Apple has programmed the product so anyone with an iPhone can see if an AirTag is nearby, which alerts thieves to find and remove the tag from a vehicle they have stolen. In addition, after a specified amount of time, the AirTag will emit a sound, further alerting thieves that they are being tracked.

In contrast, GPS tracking devices like the Monimoto 7, will immediately alert owners that their motorcycle is being tampered with. In one recently documented case, a Monimoto user in New York City was able to disrupt a potential theft by checking on his bike after receiving an alert. Almost all GPS tracking devices will continually update the user on the device’s location, allowing users to work with local authorities to assure a quick return of their motorcycle. GPS trackers generally don’t have LEDs or make sounds, so they don’t alert thieves that they are being tracked.

The Monimoto 7 stands out among GPS trackers, in that it uses both global positioning from viewable satellites and also 4G/5G cellular signals to identify the specific location of the bike and to communicate with the owner by phone calls and notifications on a smart phone. The device is not connected to a vehicles electrical system, which means it continues to operate for 12 months on its internal battery, even if the motorcycle’s battery is disconnected. Monimoto’s weatherproof case make it perfect for the rigorous environment of a motorcycle. Monimoto’s rating on Trust Pilot, the Apple Store and Google Play store are tops in this field.

The report is posted to Monimoto’s website and includes links to source material from Apple and other news sources to explain AirTag features and anti-stalking measures, as well as reference materials for GPS trackers.

–Steve Piehl

MORE NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET THOUGHT TEMPLE–A BUDDHA was quoted:
There are three things that cannot be easily hidden:
The Sun, the Moon and the Truth.

Two Truths and 5 Rules of Life:

SIMPLE TRUTH 1:
Lovers help each other undress before sex. However, after sex, they always dress on their own.
Moral of the story — In life, no one helps you once you’re screwed.

SIMPLE TRUTH 2

When a lady is pregnant, all her friends touch her stomach and say, “Congratulations.”
But none of them comes up to the man, touch his penis and say, “Good Job.”
Moral of the story — Hard work is rarely appreciated.

FIVE RULES TO REMEMBER IN LIFE:

1. Money can’t buy happiness – but it’s far more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
2. Forgive your enemy – but remember the asshole’s name.
3. If you help someone when they’re in trouble – they will remember you when they’re in trouble again.
4. Alcohol does not solve any problems – but then, neither does milk.
5. Many people are alive only because it’s illegal to shoot them.

BONUS RULES:

Condoms do not guarantee safe sex! A friend of mine was wearing one when he was shot by the woman’s husband.

I think all politicians should wear uniforms. You know, like NASCAR drivers, so we could identify their corporate sponsors.

Also, all politicians should serve only two terms – – one term in office and one term in prison.

–Micah McCloskey

THIS JUST IN–Air Force investigates cargo plane crew for ‘unplanned’ landing to pick up motorcycle in Martha’s Vineyard, “Don’t see that every day.”

Unless you’re a biker.–Bandit

The Air Force C-130 is one of the most versatile aircraft in its arsenal: it can deliver close air support, put out wildfires, and pick up special operators from austere landing strips in the middle of nowhere. In fact, the Hercules showed off its ability to pick up cargo and rapidly take off again recently in the Northeast.

Early Friday afternoon, residents of the famous Massachusetts island vacation town Martha’s Vineyard were surprised to see a C-130 with its four big, loud turboprop engines appear in the sky, land at the Martha’s Vineyard airport, drop its cargo ramp, pick up a motorcycle, then take off again in just about 15 minutes.

“Don’t see that every day,” said local resident Doug Ulwick, who was dining at the nearby Plane View Restaurant at the time and could see the whole affair, according to the Martha’s Vineyard Times, which first reported the story.

Unlike white-threaded sparrows, American goldfinches, or cedar waxwings, the C-130 is not a bird often seen in Martha’s Vineyard. In fact, this particular Hercules had come all the way from Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, where it is assigned to the 403rd Wing’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. A spokesperson with the 403rd Wing confirmed the incident.

“The crew picked up a motorcycle that belonged to one of the crew members,” said Lt. Col. Marnee Losurdo, the wing’s Chief of Public Affairs. “Leadership is aware of the incident, which is under investigation. Once the investigation is complete we will provide additional information.”

BY DAVID ROZA, Task and Purpose

–from Rogue

The shop behind the Sturgis Headquarters is almost complete with portholes, serious insulation and drywall might fly against the walls this coming week.

We may add to the Mike Egan piece as we move forward. Mike was amazing and now he’s gone. I’m searching for more of his history. Check out the story on the home page.

The team at Nash asked me to take a shot of my Spyke, Evo-styled starter button on my ’69 Panhead project. They make a large button, that’s easier to reach and push. I ordered one and will report on it, as soon as it arrives.

Greg let me know that my tank will be completed next week. And now the license plate is in place, but damn I forgot the tag. It’s coming.

There’s more to report, but whiskey awaits. In the meantime, ride fast and free forever.

–Bandit

METZELER CRUISETEC Tires Selected as Original Equipment Tires of New Indian Motorcycle Pursuit Lineup

The next generation of American touring performance motorcycles will be factory equipped with METZELER CRUISETEC™ tires.

Rome, GA – March 29, 2022 – METZELER USA is proud to announce that Indian Motorcycle has once again selected the METZELER CRUISETEC™ as original equipment tires on a new collection of models: the Indian Pursuit Dark Horse and Pursuit Limited.

Building on the already strong relationship between the German-born tire brand and America’s First Motorcycle Company, METZELER CRUISETEC™ is now the original equipment on most Cruiser, Bagger, and Touring models, including the all-new Indian Pursuit.

Indian has built the Pursuit around the comfort and features of a traditional touring bike, but with more power and attitude. These motorcycles are designed to provide both rider and passenger with ultimate luxury while also delivering a staggering 122 hp and 128 ft-lbs of torque. With a chassis-mounted fairing, premium suspension, inverted front forks, a cast-aluminum frame, and of course METZELER CRUISETEC™ tires, the Pursuit models offer rock solid stability and control.

“As Indian Motorcycle continues to push the envelope and build cutting v-twin motorcycles that are extremely powerful and capable while also featuring cutting edge comfort and technology, the need for high performance tires is paramount,” explains Josh Whitmire, North America OE Manager for Metzeler. “The METZELER CRUISETEC™ is simply the perfect tire for the new Indian Pursuit models.”

The METZELER CRUISETEC™ was especially designed to offer superior grip, handling, control and durability under the intense forces produced by today’s heavyweight and high powered motorcycles. Dual compound rear tires promote fast warm-up and chemical grip even in wet conditions, while the brush-like tread pattern helps clear water and keep your motorcycle glued to the road. The profile, reminiscent of a more aggressive sport touring tire, helps maximize the contact patch while cornering and offers incredible stability for those riding with a passenger.

OE Fitment:
Front Tires: METZELER CRUISETEC™ 130/60B19 M/C TL Reinf
Rear Tires: METZELER CRUISETEC™ 180/60R16 M/C TL 80H Reinf (I)

For more information on the new Pursuit Dark Horse and Pursuit LImited models from Indian Motorcycle, visit www.indianmotorcycle.com. To learn more about the METZELER CRUISETEC™, visit www.metzeler.com, or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

About Metzeler:
Metzeler has manufactured motorcycle tires since 1892 and our history goes hand in hand with the history of the motorcycle. From the use of new materials and the development of innovative tread designs to the introduction of advanced rubber compounds, the German brand is always at the forefront of technical development. Learn more at www.metzeler.com.

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CARDO UNVEILS THE ALL-NEW PACKTALK GENERATION – The PACKTALK EDGE. GREATNESS. REBORN.

Following extensive research and development, and a complete overhaul of the entire component make-up of the PACKTALK series, Cardo Systems is proud to announce a new generation of the world’s best motorcycle communications system, the all-new PACKTALK EDGE.

Key highlights include:

• New slim modern design with no external antenna
• New magnetic Air Mount for effortless and secure attachment of unit to helmet
• Second-generation Dynamic Mesh Communication with faster and easier pairing process and wide-band intercom
• Most advanced Bluetooth 5.2 Technology with “Live Intercom“ support and improved universal connectivity
• Upgraded Natural Voice engine, enhanced JBL Sound, improved noise-cancelling microphone
• Additional new features include over-the-air software updates and fast charging via USB-C

The new small, slimline, antenna-free unit, has been completely redesigned, boasting a whole host of new features as well as benefiting from all the user-favorite attributes of the previous generation, to make the world’s best motorcycle communications device, even better.

In 2015, Cardo Systems launched the world’s first motorcycle communicator to go beyond Bluetooth, with its introduction of Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC). The state-of-the-art technology means the devices function with a self-adjusting network that not only automatically maintains a connection between up to 15 riders, but allows them to seamlessly join, leave and rejoin. The PACKTALK EDGE takes this technology one step further and boasts second-generation DMC connectivity with benefits including: an unparalleled deep wideband sound quality, a simpler and faster grouping process in DMC mode, faster pairing in Bluetooth mode, and Live Intercom Bluetooth support.

Helping cement its ‘edge’ over its predecessors, the PACKTALK EDGE has enhanced sound thanks to redesigned JBL speakers and three new sound profiles, attaches to any helmet using a new magnetic cradle for ease of use, and boasts universal fitment and has an improved noise-cancelling microphone. It also houses the most advanced Bluetooth 5.2 chip on the market for universal connectivity. The upgraded Natural Voice Operation engine also means that riders can continue to keep their eyes on the road, hands on the bars and activate their device by simply saying “Hey, Cardo.”

Other features include 13-hours battery life, USB-C and fast charging as standard – a quick 20-minute charge gives users two hours of ride time and 1.5-2 hours offers a full charge.

Over-the-air software updates via the Cardo Connect App, mean no cables or Wi-Fi adapters are required to ensure the PACKTALK EDGE device is loaded with the latest firmware.

Alon Lumbroso, Chief Executive Officer, Cardo Systems, comments: “The PACKTALK EDGE is the best communication device we have ever developed. With the ultimate audio performance in the industry, a novel Air Mount for rapid and secure attachment, and beautiful sleek, and clean design. The PACKTALK EDGE is a fantastic flagship to our extensive range of communicators. This latest offering is testament to Cardo’s three pillars – quality, purposeful innovation and user-first. Innovation is in our company DNA and we’re proud to translate that into a product for fellow motorcyclists.”

The new PACKTALK EDGE has an MSRP of $389.95/€389,95 – single and $699.95/€699,95 – duo and will be available from retailers in late April or alternatively, it can be ordered directly from www.cardosystems.com now. The PACKTALK BOLD will continue to be offered alongside the PACKTALK EDGE and available worldwide.

For more information about Cardo Systems, visit cardosystems.com or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and see all the latest videos on YouTube.

About Cardo Systems
Cardo specializes in the design, development, manufacturing and sale of state-of-the-art wireless communication and entertainment systems for motorcycle riders. Since inception in 2004, Cardo has pioneered the vast majority of innovations for Bluetooth motorcycle communication systems and in 2015, it has also introduced the world’s first mesh powered communication protocol into the motorcycle market. The company’s products, now available in over 100 countries, are the world’s leading communication devices for the motorcycle industry.

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Twice a year I make a run to Daytona and Sturgis to co-produce the Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast with Marilyn Stemp, Managing Editor of Iron Trader News.

My first big decision concerning the trip was Sporty or DYNA? I chose the Sporty for the 2,000-mile roundtrip from Indianapolis. Three weeks before the event, I heard a ticking sound in the engine, so I slid it into a “new” local shop. I check with them two weeks later and the mechanic says, “I’m not sure if I can work on Sportsters.”

Huh, I’ve never heard that one before. No Sportster, so Plan B.

Plan B included my 1995 DYNA. I don’t like it as well because I don’t have the ergonomics right, but I had a plan.

I yanked the cover off the ’95 DYNA. I traded an Indian PowerPlus engine for the very used Dyna at Sin-Central Garage in Iowa. I scrambled to install a set of D&D Pipes, tighten all the bolts, run a tank full of gas through it, and start stuffing my Leatherworks INC. saddlebags with necessities.

Four days before blast off, I rolled my worn hotrod out of the shed and got it stuck in the soft grass. After fighting it for an hour, it stuck further in the mud as rain arrived in sheets. I take a break and call Atomic Bob from Ohio for advice. He gave me two words. Kitty Litter.

Kitty Litter To The Rescue – I head to Kroger’s for kitty litter. I spread it around the wheels, and in no time the bike is moving – only I can’t make the turn quick enough and run it into the 6-foot wooden fence. Even with the kitty litter, I can’t budge it backward. Stuck again.

A week before I spent $170 for AAA road service. I call them on the Bat line and they let me know they can’t help because they’re busy. “You know, it’s raining, for god’s sake.” They recommend following up the next day.

What to do? I call the new shop and they have time to come out for a rescue. They snatch the bike and haul it to the shop for an oil change. I was rapidly burning daylight.

They noticed a groove in the rear tire. I speculated that while trying to get it unstuck, my mudslinging found a sharp rock and it sliced a line in the center of the tire. SAD!

So, along with the oil, I put a new Metzeler ME888 on the back because they don’t have my Bridgestone donuts in stock and the clock was ticking violently.

And in a blink of an eye and just $376.01 dollars later, I am riding again with new hooves on the rear.

Based on previous rides, here’s my Daytona pack list:

Check weather
Check credentials
Select primary credit card
$50 cash, $100 hideout
Battery charger
Credentials in plastic
AAA membership
Smart wool t-shirt
Smart wool high-collar shirt
Smart wool socks
Venture Heat heated glove liners
Regular glove liner
Ski Gloves
Knuckle dragger wrist gloves
5 Ball Leather Shirt
Motorcycle tools
Wire
Full face helmet
Balaclava
Insulated jeans
Insulated underwear
Rain gear
CBD & Advil
Velcro bags from Aerostitch
2nd Wallet
TCX riding boots
Velcro strips
Bunge cords
(2) iPhone cords and chargers

My first stop is in Columbia, SC, to meet up with the Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast social media photographer Greg “Edge” Scheuer and event volunteers George Miller and Mike Ludlow.

197 miles to a Winery – The next day we took all day to jam 197 miles to Watermelon Creek Vineyard in Georgia. That day our motto was, “Eat to ride, and ride to eat.”

Even though we have a light day of riding my back screamed, remember the ergonomics. I pull out some Delta 8 gummies and CBD capsules and pop them at our first Waffle House stop. These are water soluble natural goodness that start working in 20 minutes. They put a smile on my mug and a bounce in my throttle.

The winery proprietors, Charles and Deborah Tillman, produce 11 muscadine and blueberry wines. The wines lean to a sweet taste and a promise of adventure.

The Wine Story – Watermelon Creek Vineyard began on the banks of Watermelon Creek in 1820. Three members of the Padgett family settled there and began a legacy forging an influence on agriculture, business, and spiritual life in Tattnall County for over 150 years.

Once the site of a sawmill, grist mill, turpentine still, barrel making, general store, post office, and the Padgett home place, Watermelon Creek Vineyard flourishes as a testimony to the love, labor, and devotion that the Padgett family dedicated to this area.

Pin-up girl – Charles Tillman spoke with us about his Ohoopee Whoopee label design. “After purchasing the 1820 Padgett homeplace, various artifacts and memorabilia were uncovered during its restoration. One item that caught our attention was a calendar print Aunt Lawana had saved. It’s a 1940s illustration by Rolf Armstrong, entitled, ‘SURE ENOUGH!’ It’s our pin-up girl for our ‘Whoopee Series’. Model Jewel Flowers embodies the pure satisfaction of just being herself and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.”

We spend the night in Glennville, GA, and early Saturday morning, I’m motoring to Bruce Rossmeyer’s H-D where I meet my partner-in-crime, Marilyn Stemp. We do a walk-through and meet up with the owners’ Mandy and Shelly Rossmeyer. Their advance person, Carrie Repp, does a good job of the setting up and we were good to go for the Sunday event.

Fortunately, there were only two times during the trip I was forced to show up clean and sober. I was bright-eyed while walking the facilities at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson dealership with owners Shelly and Mandy Rossmeyer, on Saturday morning at 10AM, March 5th and Sunday, March 6th at 6:30AM to kick off the event.

Proceeds from the event teach kids to ride on 2 wheels. Last year we helped to train over 70,000 kindergartners through their P.E. department. This year we funded the Ormond Beach Elementary, the same school Mandy Rossmeyer attended when she was a little shaver.

The event went off without a hitch. We enjoyed meeting and seeing the builders, including Cory Ness, Chop Docs, Brian Klock, Rusty Wallace, and a host of others.

After setting up the online silent auction and getting the products to the winners physically at the Benefit, we ship the remaining products to the out-of-state winners.

I stuck around until Tuesday morning and at 8:00 a.m. the three amigos, Bear, Edge, and myself, headed North. We shot up 95 North and over to Columbia, SC. Bear and Edge peeled off for home, and I mistakenly stopped for lunch.

During this late lunch, I added some Delta 8 and CBD combo to take care of my back, and then jumped on the DYNA. Five minutes later the bike shut down, and I coasted across three lanes of rush-hour traffic to the shoulder of the road.

It turned out my starter stuck on, and with the combination of the throaty growl of the D&D Pipes and the earplugs, I didn’t hear it. It burned out the starter and blew a fuse.

I got on the horn and called AAA. They said I don’t have the correct membership level (WTF), but I could get a tow at commercial rates. They also suggested I could get an upgrade but would need to wait 72 hours to use the service. Which was a polite way to say, “Boy, you’re screwed.” They quoted a commercial rate of $350 (WTF). By the way, after you finish Monday and Tuesday, what you have left are the (WTF) days.

I called the local Harley Dealership: No Joy –Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson, only work on vintage bikes in the offseason. Vintage? I didn’t think a ’95 was that old. But 27 years old does make it an antique. It doesn’t look that old. You remember the story about how exotic dancers and Harleys are the same? When you stop spending money, they quit.
The dealer was polite but hemmed and hawed about when the bike would see the light of day. Maybe next off season– certainly not in a mood to help a brother out.

While I’m on the side of the road, Derek stops in his work truck, ambled up and we talked about DYNAs for 30 minutes.

Again, I was burnin’ daylight. What to do? I called Commander Edge for a rescue.

He hooked me up with Joe Licketto of Madness Motorcycle. Joe hauled my bike in and then and home because he’s sick.

Plus sick the next day. Finally, on late Thursday afternoon, Joe and the bike were good to go. And in a blink of an eye and just $475.31 dollars later, I am riding again with a new starter.

At lunch, I noticed in the reflection in the Waffle House window, my brake lights work but not my running lights. So, I keep an eye out for a dealership off the Interstate. I stop at in Tennessee at Smokey Mountain Harley-Davidson and pay $10 for a $2 bulb. While I’m there, Jackson ambles up and we talked about DYNAs for 30 minutes or so.

A few miles outside of Lexington, KY, the Polar Vortex that was racing to the East Coast sweeped through the area and created a whiteout on the road. I head for the nearest exit to find The North Star Inn and Cafe.

The registration desk was in the Cafe. Only the Cafe doesn’t serve food. They have a dress shop. And the dress shop was actually a buyer’s club that is accessed on Facebook. But they do have rooms, rooms for travelers.

I’m not the only one with the idea of getting out of the cold. The only room left had a jacuzzi. Sweet Jesus! Cold to the bone, my hands felt like needles were piercing my fingers.

I parked the DYNA next to the motel door out of the elements, or so I thought. Two inches of snow found the black beast.

I like the Leatherworks saddlebags. They lock on the bike, and the bags themselves also lock. This means I can set them, forget them and unlock them and take them into the hotel. Another benefit is if I go down, these heavy 10oz leather bags take the road rash and not the painted pieces.

LINK – https://leatherworksinc.com/

The next exit up held a path to the Ark Encounter Museum.

The Inn was full not just because of the weather. The next exit up held the magnificent Ark.

The Ark Encounter is a Christian religious and Young Earth Creationist theme park. It opened in Grant County, Kentucky, in 2016. The centerpiece of the park is a large representation of Noah’s Ark based on the Genesis flood narrative contained in the Bible. It is 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high.

Weird. Who goes to these things?

Turns out, people from across the world come to visit the ark. It must be a satisfying experience as each year the exhibits grow.

The next day was cold. A thin layer of ice laid dangerously under the deceiving snow. The temperature hovered around 20 degrees. I planned for sun, rain, and cold. But not 20 degrees and ice. So, I stayed the day and bought a pizza at the gas station – which gave me a mild case of food poisoning a few hours later. It was a tasty pizza with dubious origins.

Sunday morning, I’m up early, packed, and ready to go. The bike turns over a couple of times and then won’t fire. I unpack the saddlebags and locate the Battery Tender.

I roll the sled into the sun and hook up the juice. At 30-minutes past check-out, the Inn, dress shop, and Facebook promoter /owner gave me the hairy eyeball. So, I attempt another start… it almost fires. SAD!

Voodoo Hoodo – When I lived in California my hippie girlfriend nicknamed Lisa Armbong, (she had a thing for herb), took me to a Reiki class where we moved energy with our hands. So, I dusted off the instruments and laid may powerful paws on my battery.

I said a mystic incantation and then told the Della DYNA I’ll take a hammer to her tail light if she doesn’t start. I hit the power switch.

She fired right up.

Now cooked! I threw a leg over her and headed to Indy.

Event Recap – The ride was excellent. Enough things happened to make it memorable. I planned a 7-day trip, it required 12. I got to hang out with cool people and had lunch with Donnie Devito, President of KIRSH Helmets. It took 5 days to make it back to Indy—a one day run, usually.

LINK – https://rallytickets.com/2021-flying-piston-breakfast-benefit/

Mike Egan recently passed away. I worked with Mike and his wife Patty for about 40 years covering his restorations, working with him on project bikes such as the Dicey Knucklehead which I still have. Hell, I made a deal to retrieve a Panhead from a brother partially because it held a Linkert Carb rebuilt by Mike Egan. I owned a 1931 VL for 25 or so years, which was owned by Lou Kimzey, the original Publisher and Editor of Easyriders Magazine. It was restored by Mike Egan, and I was offered the matching sidecar, which I mistakenly turned down. As Mike would say, “It’s worth Big Candy.”

Mike was an original, a one-of-a-kind master of Harley-Davidson restorations and a font of knowledge around Harley and Indian history. At times an acerbic character, he surrounded him and his family with historic Harley treasures as if he was the caretaker of King Tut’s tomb. He knew minions were constantly clamoring to get at the chests of gold icons, but somehow, he was able to secure himself and his fortunes in the Santa Paula, California hills surrounded by orange groves and avocado trees.

We worked together on an historic Board track display for the Santa Paula Museum, and I wrote numerous features about his restorations for celebrities, such as Steve McQueen. Many of these stories might be captured in the new Classic Easyriders DVD volumes if they can ever reach the West Coast from China. As Mike would always say, his restorations were, “First cabin.” He was close to Budd Ekins and worked with Von Dutch and the owners of the Buena Park, California Wax Museum. At one time Mike offered me two basket case Brough Superior motorcycles. I came close but didn’t pull the trigger. Again, he wanted big candy.

At one point in Mike’s younger years, he traveled the country buying up dealership inventories of motorcycles, Harley parts, advertising materials and display antiquities. Life changed dramatically and rapidly from 1903 until just after WWII. New and modern became the order of the day and the past was considered antiquated junk and needed to be removed. Mike recognized the trends and the value of the history. Maybe he had a mentor, or perhaps he found himself being taught in the art of respecting motorcycling history.

Even as the whole Chopper lifestyle emerged Mike didn’t follow the wild radical trends but kept to the traditional and even the purely historic restoration aspects of motorcycling. Maybe he never smoked a joint and thank the chromed gods he didn’t. He stayed true to a rare code, one of pure respect for mechanical antiquity. I spoke to him and Patty shortly before he passed. His passing is like losing the key to a rare kingdom.

–Bandit

Michael F. Egan

Santa Paula – Michael F. Egan, of Santa Paula, CA, passed away in his home surrounded by family on Monday, October 18, 2021. Mike was 77 years old.

Mike is survived by his wife, Patricia Egan (née Parrott); his daughters, Candace and Catherine Egan; his grand-daughter, Evelyn Walker; his sisters, Patricia Egan Turner and Margaret Egan Barker; and his brother, Paul E. Egan, along with nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Paul F. Egan and Patricia Mangan Egan, and his brother, Christopher J. Egan.

Mike was born in Aurora, IL, on December 13, 1943, to Paul F. Egan, former two term mayor of Aurora, IL, and Patricia Mangan Egan. He attended Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, IL, and later moved to Los Angeles, CA, where he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1964. Mike was a natural leader and achieved the rank of Sargent. He was combat tested and was wounded during his tour of duty in the Vietnam War. He served in the Marine Corps from 1964 to 1968 and earned an honorable discharge. He then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, on the G.I. Bill and graduated with honors as a history major in 1971. He was also inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honorary society.

Mike and Patricia met in Long Beach, CA, in 1973, and were married on December 19, 1974. They welcomed two daughters, Candace, in 1981, and Catherine, in 1992.

Mike was a legendary motorcycle enthusiast and internationally recognized collector and restorer of rare, antique domestic and foreign motorcycles, motorcycle parts, and memorabilia. He traveled to obscure corners of the world gathering pieces for his collection as owner of M. F. Egan’s Vintage Motorcycle and building the legacy he leaves behind today.

Mike gained notoriety as a member of the California custom motorcycle and car counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s. He was a publisher of a monthly newsletter, Vintage Motorcycle Advertiser, in the early 1980s, and later published two catalogs of his own inventory in the 1980s and 1990s.

Throughout his career, he contributed as a guest writer and was also featured in various motorcycle publications, including Easyriders, Cycle World, BikeWorks, and Hot Bike magazines. Additionally, Mike curated two museum exhibitions at the California Oil Museum in Santa Paula, CA: “Splinter Road” in 1994 featuring early racing motorcycles; and “Bikes and Badges” in 2001 which showcased motorcycles used by law enforcement.

When not working on motorcycles, Mike enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, and being outdoors, and spent the last decade of his life as an avocado rancher. Mike will be greatly missed, and always remembered for his rebellious spirit, tenacity, intelligence, creativity, and sense of humor.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, at the Egan residence at 19900 South Mountain Road, Santa Paula, CA.