June 24, 2004 Part 1
By Bandit |
It’s television mania for motorcycles. Every night it’s bike week. Last night Arlen Ness, the godfather of custom motorcycles, Eddie Trotta from Ft. Lauderdale and Russ Mitchel from Exile in Sun Valley, California. I lived in Sun Valley once. It’s a grizzly, hot, smog strewn suburb of Los Angeles. No wonder there’s no color to his bikes.
I’ve got to hand it to these builders. They’re talented, hard-working guys and it’s about time the general public got a taste of their abilities. Ten years ago, bikers weren’t allowed on television unless indicted.
I’ll be under the lights for Monster Garage next week thanks to Jesse. Interesting, challenging and I’ll tell you more after the news:
CALIFORNIA SUPERBIKE SCHOOLDOES BRAZIL!–Keith Code’s California Superbike School ran in Brazil the week of June14. Code hopes to open up the twelfth country for his schools.
Running at the Nelson Piquet circuit just weeks before the Moto GP tobe held there in Rio De Janiero, the school hopes to get a feel for theBrazilian riders and their needs.
Code says.”We’ve always gone into countries that have read the “A Twistof the Wrist” books but we don’t have it in Portugese yet. It is oneof the 7 translations we are currently working on. In the meantime,we are checking out Brazil to have a look at the situation there and seeif we can add a new continent to our schedule.”
The California Superbike School currently runs all across America, England,Ireland, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Greece, South Africa, The Phillipines,Australia and Malaysia on franchise agreements using the school’s ridertraining technology and format.
Keith Code has instructed champions and more than 125,000 motorcyclistsof all skill levels in “the soft science” of motorcycle riding and histextbooks and videos are widely utilized resources for motorcyclistsworldwide. The school’s website is: www.superbikeschool.com
SCREAMIN? EAGLE TEAM MAKES HISTORY AT ENGLISHTOWN–Hines Rides V-Rod to New Pro Stock Bike ET Record in March through Finals.
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. (June 20, 2004) – The Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines drag racing team set a new national Pro Stock Bike ET record as rider Andrew Hines roared through eliminations to win the class at the 35th Annual K&N Filters Supernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway. The win was the third of the season and second in a row for Hines, who now has a 185-point lead in the Pro Stock Bike class after six events in the 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
After a day of leading the class aboard his Screamin? Eagle V-Rod, Hines had posted the three quickest times in the Pro Stock Bike record book, saving his best run for the final round, a 7.016-second blast at 192.28 mph. Hines defeated Craig Treble (7.138/186.59) to take the win.
?To run a bunch of 7.0?s all day, let alone set a national record, is just awesome,? Hines said. “That last run was perfect.?During qualifying, Hines led the way with a 7.078/189.60 pass, while his Screamin? Eagle teammate, GT Tonglet, slotted into second at 7.161/188.15.
In the first round of eliminations Tonglet (7.113/189.31) easily handled Kurt Matte (7.445/148.62). Hines faced Karen Stoffer (7.219/184.67) in his first-round race and laid down his first record, a 7.020/192.08 that eclipsed the 7.049 ET mark established by Angelle Savoie at Englishtown on May 15, 2002.
Hines (7.070/191.76) marched through the second round, defeating Fred Collis (7.120/184.72). Tonglet (7.131/187.60) had a great run but lost with a red-light start that gave the win to Shawn Gann (7.193/186.05).
In round three, Hines (7.028/191.92) posted the second-quickest Pro Stock Bike run on record and defeated Steve Johnson (7.179/184.27) for the second week in a row to advance to the final round for the fourth time this season and the fifth time in his career.
Hines faced Craig Treble in the final before a grandstand packed with enthusiastic Harley-Davidson fans. Treble got off the line first with a 0.013 reaction time to 0.028 for Hines, but the Screamin? Eagle V-Rod made up that difference in 150 feet and roared off to the win and a new national ET record. At the end of the weekend, Hines was top qualifier, set quickest ET and fastest top speed (192.28 mph) for the event, had the best reaction time (0.004 seconds), won the final round and set a new national record.
?This was quite a record-setting weekend for the Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines team, but our success so far this season is really the result of three years of development and hard work by Byron Hines and the crew,? said Screamin? Eagle Racing Manager Anne Paluso. ?They never gave up when we weren?t running up front.?
?It?s hard to believe how far we?ve come since the 2002 GatorNationals, when we didn?t even qualify,? said team owner Byron Hines. ?It?s taken a tremendous amount of work and I take great pride in what this team has accomplished.?
After six rounds of NHRA Pro Stock Bike competition, Hines leads the class with 604 points, 185 points ahead of Gann, in second with 419 points. Tonglet is third with 393 points.
The next Pro Stock Bike event on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series is the 8th Annual Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals, June 25-27, at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill., just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis.
Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle racing. Screamin’ Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use applications, while Screamin’ Eagle parts offer street-use performance options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information.
ATLAS PRECISION HAS A BRAND NEW WEBSITE!–Digital’s been bangin’ on a new site for Atlas for some time. It just launched today. An all new improved site with online frame configuration and ordering like no other site on the net. Get it the way YOU want it, ONLINE. We’ve got the whole new 2004 Catalog posted. Check it out at http://www.atlasprecision.com
NEW BDL BELT DRIVE TECH COMING–We had some visitors last week, Helen Wolf and Mailman. At the same time I was installing the new EVO-3000 BDL Belt Drive system with outbound bearing support.
Mailman is an avid drag racing Sportster competitor. He worked with me on the installation. It should hit the site today, if I’m lucky.
THE BIKERNET NAVY–The Navy found they had too many personnel and decided to offer an early retirement bonus. They promised any officer who volunteered for retirement a bonusof $1,000 for every inch measured in a straight line between any two points on his body. The officer would get to choose what those two points would be.
The first officer who accepted asked that he be measured from the top of his head to the tip of his toes. He measured six feet and walked out with $72,000.
The second officer was a little smarter and asked to be measured from the tip of his outstretched hand to his toes. He walked away with $96,000.
Next came a grizzled old chief who, when asked how he would like to be measured replied, “from the tip of my penis to my testicles.” It was suggested by the pension board that he might want to reconsider, explaining about the nice big checks the previous two officers had received. But the old chief insisted and they decided to go along with him, provided that the measurement was taken by a medical officer.
The medical officer arrived and said “drop ’em” which the chief did. The medic put a tape to the end of the chief’s penis and began to work back.
“‘My God’ he exclaimed “where are your testicles’!
The old chief replied. “In Vietnam/”
–from Rogue
BEMISDERFER TAKES F-USA THUNDERBIKE POINTS LEAD AT LOUDON–Estok and Bilansky Falter as Bemisderfer Rides Buell to Second-Place Finish.
LOUDON, N.H. (June 20, 2004) – Harding Harley-Davidson rider Bryan Bemisderfer took over the season points lead in the Formula USA National Thunderbike championship, placing second aboard a Buell Firebolt while his main rivals failed to score points at the 81st running of the annual Loudon Classic at New Hampshire International Speedway.
Racing on his home track, Jeff Wood rode a Ducati 900SS to victory in the 12-lap Thunderbike event. Wood was also top qualifier. Rick Doucette placed third on a Suzuki, followed by Jerry Wood on a Ducati and Hoban Brothers Racing-Appleton Buell rider Jeff Johnson on a Buell Firebolt.
Harding Harley-Davidson rider and defending Thunderbike national champion Dave Estok had a forgettable weekend, qualifying in 9th position and then retiring with a mechanical problem to score a DNF for the race, his second consecutive race weekend without points.
Hal?s Buell rider Dan Bilansky also had a tough weekend at Loudon, placing 18th on a Buell Firebolt after a crash during qualifying left him starting in 20th position.
Bemisderfer?s steady ride left him with 60 points and a commanding 19-point lead after four of eight events in the Thunderbike National series. Estok, who led the series by a single point coming into Loudon, is now in second place with 41 points. Bilansky and Kosco Buell rider Joe Rozynski, who was 14th at Loudon, are tied for third position with 36 points. The next stop on the Formula USA National Thunderbike Series is June 25-27 at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va.
The Formula USA National Thunderbike series is a horsepower-to-weight ratio restricted class, open to a variety of production-based motorcycles. Buell-mounted riders competing in the eight-event 2004 Thunderbike series are racing for a share of the $70,500 contingency fund posted by Buell Motorcycle Company and Buell Riders Adventure Group (BRAG).
FULL-BORE DESIGNS– is the name of a new frame-making facility based in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.It is the latest project of Weld Racing’s former Plant Manager and Vice President Russ Bailey.
Russ identified a need for innovative, quality products in the bike market and founded Full-Bore Designs with himself as CEO.He has a wealth of experience from many years of frame building, with projects ranging from Top Fuel racers to sand toys.
Russ tells us he is currently engaged on work for a number of top custom builders but the designs must remain secret for the time being.
At present, Full-Bore is quoting four weeks delivery on its orders.This is already better than many of its competitors but the company hopes to improve on that figure by Fall this year.Frames are offered in chopper, cruiser or pro-street styles in a variety of sizes and are supplied complete with matching swingarm and oil bag.
–FULL-BORE DESIGNS
Lee’s Summit, Missouri, USA
Technical information – Tel: 816 537 7448
Sales and Marketing – Tel: 816 721 6058
E-mail: mailto:rraus@weldracing.com
–from AMD
POLARIS BREAKS GROUND ON NEW R&D FACILITY–New Wyoming, Minn. location to serve as hub for company’s engineering, research.
MINNEAPOLIS, June 17, 2004 – Polaris CEO and president Tom Tiller broke ground today at the site of the company’s future research and development center near Wyoming, Minn. Construction on the 100,000-square-foot facility, which is slated to begin later this month, is expected to be complete in Fall 2005.
Upon completion of the Wyoming facility, Polaris will operate in six major locations in the Midwest, including:
Medina, Minn. – Corporate headquarters
Wyoming, Minn. – Research, development and engineering facility housing laboratories and indoor and outdoor areas for ATV, personal watercraft and Victory motorcycle testing
Roseau, Minn. – Production and engineering facility developing snowmobiles, ATVs and RANGER utility vehicles
Spirit Lake, Iowa – Production facility developing personal watercraft, ATVs and assembly of Victory motorcycles
Osceola, Wis. – Production facility developing engines and components for ATVs, RANGER utility vehicles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and Victory motorcycles
Vermillion, S.D. – Distribution facility for parts, garments and accessories
“This is a very important day for Polaris,” said Tiller. “This new facility represents Polaris’ strong commitment to continuous improvement in the products we manufacture. Our research and engineering capabilities will be second-to-none as we continue to build our reputation as a manufacturer of innovative, high-quality recreational and utility vehicles. This facility also creates an opportunity for Polaris to bring good jobs and economic growth to the state of Minnesota.”
LOS ANGELES CALENDAR MOTORCYCLE SHOW–Saturday July 17th 2004 12 noon – 11pmThe Queen Mary Event Park, Long Beach, CA.
Huge Saturday Blues Festival featured at theLos Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show.This year’s Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show 2-day weekend event July-17-18th is a day long Mini Blues Festival on Saturday the 17th, 12 noon to 8pm in the Queen Mary Event Park. Featured acts include the Southland’s popular 2000lbs of Blues with special guests Lynwood Slim on hermonica and beautiful vocalist Taryn Donath. Other acts scheduled to appear throughout the afternoon and into the evening to fit the beautiful pinup calendar girl theme of the Show are Francesa & the Flames, Jill Sharpe, Mama’s Boys with Lisa Cee, and Jessie Payo from Jessie and the Raindogs.
BIKERNET CONTEST WINNERS–As Gar so politely pointed out, I am behind on picking new winners. My apologies, I could say it won?t happen again but that would be a lie. We get some really great comments and some weeks, being the fickle female that I am, I can?t decide so I don?t pick any. Then comes along a great suggestion or comment that moves me and I have no trouble picking a winner. Here are your winners for the week that peaked my interest.
PATRICK JORDAN FROM PITTSTON, PA
Suggestion:QUOTE OF THE DAY : FRIENDSHIP IS LIKE PISSING YOUR PANTS, EVERYONE CAN SEE IT BUT ONLY YOU CAN FEEL ITS TRUE WARMTH, THANK YOU FOR BEING THE PISS IN MY PANTS. PS KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK & KEEP THE FAITH.
Wanted: I WISH I CAN COME INTO SOME CASH AND HAVE INDIAN LARRY BUILD ME AN OLD SCHOOL TRIUMPH CHOPPER.
The best I can do here is send Patrick an Indian Larry T-Shirt and possibly a signed pic of one Larry?s bikes. Patrick, shoot me an email back confirming your shirt size and address. sinwu@bikernet.com
GAR FREYMANN FROM MANCHESTER, WA.
Suggestion: IF YA SAY “WEEKLY” PRIZES …. GET THE PICTURE ? ROGER HAS BEEN HERE FOR 2 WEEKS NOW AND I KNOW HE?S PROUD OF THAT BELT DRIVE BUT LET SOMEONE ELSE HAVE A CHANCE!
Wanted: BECAUSE I LOST MY RIGHT FOOT TO DIABETESE LAST YEAR FROM “AGENT ORANGE” IN NAM I HAD TO GET A HACK! I COULD USE A BANDIT BAG TO STORE ALL THE SHIT I HAVE SLOPPIN AROUND IN THE THING. JUST FINISHED ORWELL GREAT BOOK! KEEP IT IN THE WIND!
Fair enough, Gar. You caught me so you tell me if you?d prefer a Day Roll, or a Bed Roll. Thanks for keeping me in line.
And For The Cantina Winner–
Nick Pinell From Woodland Park, Colorado USA
Wanted: A set of cool ape hangers for my way too stock 01 softtail
14 inch Custom Chrome Ape Hangers it is. Confirm back with your address. sinwu@bikernet.com
Sin
Continued On Page 2
June 18, 2004
By Bandit |
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at < COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS BIKER VETS VISIT BUSH– The roar of Rolling Thunder at the nearby Capital Mall could be heard across the South Lawn of the White House as eight motorcycles rolled up the driveway to the South Portico where President Bush was waiting to greet them. Bush shook hands with Artie Muller, president of the Rolling Thunder veterans’ advocacy group, and kissed Muller’s passenger, singer Nancy Sinatra, a veterans’ supporter. Other bikers who rode up the driveway included White House budget director Josh Bolton, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson and Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi, and various Rolling Thunder leaders. Bush led them on a personal tour of the Oval Office, reported the Associated Press. Later, Bush addressed, via a telephone hookup, a Rolling Thunder rally at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in the nation?s capital. The president noted the letter of endorsement he recently received from the group. “Artie, I thought you were going to offer me riding lessons,” Bush joked. “In the Oval Office, I looked you in the eye as you told me of your relentless pursuit of finding out the plight of many of our POW/MIAs, and I appreciated so much your concern, your care and your persistence,” Bush told the rally. “I also want to thank you and your organization, Artie, for honoring the men and women of our military who fight today in Afghanistan and Iraq.” “Ride safe,” he told them. Rolling Thunder is an organization that seeks to create awareness of POW/MIA issues and promotes increased veterans’ benefits. It has 70 chapters and over 7,000 members throughout the United States and abroad. MASSACHUSETTS ENACTS “NELLY’S BILL” TO EDUCATE DRIVERS Governor Mitt Romney signed House Bill 2124 into law on June 6, 2004, to require at least one hour of a motorcycle safety and awareness module be included in the course curriculum for 398 licensed auto driver training schools statewide. Known as “Nelly’s Bill,” in memory of Nelson Selig who was killed in 2000 when a 19-year-old driver crossed into the path of his motorcycle, the law will take affect in 90 days. “We’re very grateful our legislators who listened to those who ride,” said Paul W. Cote, Director of Government Relations for the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association. “This legislation, when implemented, will begin another element of our process at reducing accidents, injuries and fatalities here in Massachusetts,” said Cote. Funding for the expectant $10,000 cost of the materials will come from the state’s Motorcycle Safety Program, accumulated by $2 of each of the 144,000-plus motorcyclist’s annual registration fees. “Riders pay their own way,” Cote said, noting that during their lobbying day last month, they also sought a $5 increase of the $25 annual motorcycle registration fee for more money in their Safety Fund. U.S. MOTORCYCLE SALES REV UP FOR 11TH STRAIGHT YEAR Sales of new motorcycles increased 6.4 percent in 2003, while combined sales of motorcycles and ATVs reached an all-time high. Motorcycle sales have now been on the rise for more than a decade, according to the latest Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) estimates for all brands, marking the 11th consecutive year that new unit sales of two-wheelers increased compared to the previous year. Approximately 996,000 new motorcycles were purchased in 2003, up from 936,000 in 2002. All Terrain Vehicle sales climbed to an estimated 886,000 in 2003 and increased by 3.8 percent over the previous year, posting their 12th straight year of growth. Estimated combined motorcycle and ATV sales for 2003 reached 1,882,000, which is an all-time record and up 5.2 percent over the previous year. UK BIKE SALES CONTINUE DROPPING The latest figures released by the British motorcycle industry group MCIA shows that new motorcycle sales fell by around 21% in May 2004. So far, some 45,000 two wheelers have been sold this year, down 17% on the 2003 total. Smaller bikes and scooters seem to be less popular than ever, down by a whopping 41% in May, which is astonishing, says the MCIA, given the recent hike in petrol prices in the UK — surely some bike dealers must be marketing scooters to cash-strapped English car drivers? Best selling big bikes in Britain so far in 2004 are the new Yamaha R1, followed by the Honda CBR600RR, then the CBR125R. On the brighter side, bike thefts in the U.K. have dropped by 7%. VIRGINIA GOV VETOES SAFETY BILL Despite passing unanimously through the House and Senate, Governor Mark R. Warner has vetoed HB 408, a bill that would have required the marking of steel plates on Virginia roadways to make them more visible to drivers and riders. 140 Legislators saw the value and benefit of this key piece of safety legislation, yet Governor Warner rejected a bill that is designed to insure motorcyclists, and the general public, are safer on the roads by requiring that steel plates installed on roadways be clearly marked, reports Jim Cannon of the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists (VCOM). WEST COAST CHOPPERS GEAR BANNED FROM CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS The Iron Cross, a recognizable symbol of Nazi Germany, has become a popular design with skateboard companies such as No Fear and biker clothing manufacturers like Jesse James’ West Coast Choppers. But school officials in Southern California have banned the symbol and recently mailed over 13,000 letters to parents of children in the Simi Valley Unified School District to inform them of their decision to bar clothing and jewelry depicting the symbol they say is being used by believers of “white power” movements to identify themselves. School officials said that the step was recommended by the Police Department, which considers the Iron Cross a gang symbol, and was taken due to rumors of rising tensions on campus which they fear could lead to violence. U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE APPEALS BAN ON BIKER ATTIRE IN COURT The U.S. Attorney’s office has appealed a judge’s ruling that bars biker attire in a Salt Lake City courtroom. In May, a magistrate judge ordered that motorcycle gear — especially that worn by the members of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) — not be worn in court proceedings for a child sex abuse case currently in federal court. Members of BACA often show up in courtrooms when child abuse suspects are on trial to show support for the victims, and U.S. Attorney Paul Warner says the order barring the motorcycle gear limits the First Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. Warner’s office is hoping that the order will be reviewed, and overruled. Last year, a judge in Provo barred BACA clothing during a sex abuse case involving a child, saying the clothing and logos could influence the jury. TATTOOING NOW LEGAL IN 49 STATES Many states outlawed tattooing in the 1960s, but South Carolina and Oklahoma are the only states to continue the ban, at least until now. A compromise bill lifting South Carolina’s ban on tattooing has passed the House and Senate and is on its way to Governor Mark Sanford’s desk. Sanford has said he will sign the bill as long as it protects public safety, according to the Associated Press. The bill outlaws tattoos for anyone younger than 18 and requires a parent’s permission from 18 to 21. It bans tattooing the face, neck and head. Tattoo artists will have to use disposable needles and follow local zoning laws, such as opening businesses away from churches and schools. Tattoo parlors also will need a license before opening. A conference committee deleted a part of the House bill that would give local governments more control, which many supporters worried might kill the bill. But the House approved it 62-29 shortly before adjourning, and the Senate followed with a voice vote soon after. STUDY SHOWS THAT HELMETS SLOW REACTIONS Cricket helmets may slow the brain, according to a new study from the U.K. Keeping a cool head may have real advantages for batsmen at the crease, according to new research among cricketers that found a measurable improvement in reaction times and vigilance when players did not wear protective helmets. Researchers believe that the difference in performance may be linked to an overheating of the brain in players batting in helmets — possibly similar to the effects on people over-using mobile phones. Dr. Nick Neave, of the human cognitive neuroscience unit at Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, said his study showed that “in young adults, in a mild climate, some aspects of cognition are affected by wearing a non-vented protective helmet following exercise.” Dr. Neave told the annual conference of the British Psychological Society in London that his team tested 16 cricketers, aged 13 to 17, who were members of Durham County Cricket Club. The boys — half wearing standard helmets — batted in the nets with a bowling machine and underwent a computer test for mental abilities, including vigilance, reaction times andattentiveness. The study showed that getting hot alone had no effect on the physical abilities of the young cricketers or on their mental abilities to perform very simple mental tasks. But when they were asked to perform more complex tasks, involving making choices, their reaction times fell. One measurement showed a 16 millisecond deficit in helmet-wearing boys. Dr. Neave and his colleagues now want to test their results with adult cricketers to see if experience overrides the slight detrimental effect of wearing a helmet. NOT YOUR TYPICAL REALITY SHOW Bravo has announced that actors and friends Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman will star in and co-produce “Long Way Round,” a new reality series chronicling the duo’s four-month long transcontinental motorcycling journey. The two left from London in late April after taking survival training, first aid, nutrition, bike maintenance and linguistics classes, and plan to arrive at their final destination of New York City by the end of July. Their trip takes them over 20,000 miles, circumnavigating the longest continuous landmass on earth, through the Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, Siberia, Alaska and Canada before arriving in the United States. They will live off the land and out of a tent, encountering hardships along the way, including cultural and language barriers. “We live in such a comfortable and easy time that it doesn’t do yourself any harm to go and test yourselves and survive with just the bare essentials,” said McGregor, who is best known for his movie roles in Moulin Rouge, Trainspotting, the Star Wars trilogy and more recently starred in the Golden Globe nominated film Big Fish. Boorman, the son of famed Hollywood director John Boorman (Hope and Glory, Deliverance), is also a movie veteran with a multitude of supporting screen credits including Deliverance, Excalibur, The Serpent’s Kiss, The Emerald Forrest and many more. In fact, the two adventurers first met eight years ago on the set of The Serpent’s Kiss, where they discovered their mutual passion for motorcycling. The six-episode series will air later this year. WEIRD NEWS: NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES A Romanian man says he’s “had enough” after being run over for the seventh time since 1987; four times by a car, once by a motorcycle, once by a bus and once by a train. Nicolae Tabacu, 44, from Valea Mare, Arges county, Australia, has now broken every limb except for his right hand. He was run over by a police car in his most recent accident, which put him in the hospital with a broken leg. “I was only 10 meters from my house when I had this last accident,” the unlucky pedestrian told the Jurnalul National newspaper. “I think I’ve had enough. I wish this policeman hit me harder as I am really fed up with spending time in hospitals.” FREE MOTORCYCLES ON THE WEB Yamaha Motorcycles is invoking the ancient art of Origami, Japanese paper-folding, to lure bored bikers to their website, www.yamaha-motor.com, to download directions for numerous paper models of their most popular bikes. Click on the global links page that has a category for entertainment, then go to the papercrafts links. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Politics is supposed to be the second-oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.” Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States (1911?2004)
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists
June 17, 2004 Part 1
By Bandit |
Not being afraid of hard work, we start our day enthusiastically with a cup of coffee and a list a mile long. By 10:00 or 11:00pm, we feel we?ve accomplished enough, and fall in to bed exhausted. This week however, we’re wore down. I don?t know if it was all the partying we did because of our weekend visitors, Helen Wolfe and Mailman, (I love you guys!), or the years worth of projects jammed in to a few days, but we are pooped. And the week isn?t over yet?
Today I get to do the news cause Bandit is in Los Angeles getting Billy Lane?s bike crated and on a plane to Hawaii for the 2nd Annual Choppers Only Show. Before that he attended his grandson?s graduation in Pico Rivera, (way to go Frankie!) and when he returns he has to work all night to finish the trophy for the ?Run For Breath?. We agreed this morning we need a change in plans; a plan that allows more time to relax?.. yeah right. Now for the news?
JESSE JAMES RIDES AGAIN IN DISCOVERY CHANNEL’S MOTORCYCLE MANIA 3–The Master Mechanic Shares His Feelings on Fame, Fortune and Fatherhood on Sunday, June 20, from 9-11 PM ET/PT –
Like his legendary namesake riding into the sunset, Jesse James mounts his custom-made chopper once again with Discovery Channel’s newest installment of MOTORCYCLE MANIA, biographical specials that have introduced Jesse to the world. MOTORYCLE MANIA 3: JESSE JAMES RIDESAGAIN makes its world premiere on the Discovery Channel on Sunday, June 20, at 9-11 PM ET/PT.
In this chapter, Jesse James, the legendary custom motorcycle maker and host of MONSTER GARAGE, recounts the recent events of his life, including the building of a new chopper using pure copper for himself, a covert journey into Iraq to visit the troops and an epic road trip across the border into Mexico with his friend Kid Rock.Jesse James also reveals the constant challenges that come along with his newfound celebrity status, including the constant demands of running his West Coast Choppers operation, building his bikes, selling his merchandise and hosting MONSTER GARAGE. Jesse must continually expand his business in order to manage it, which oftentakes him away from the very thing he loves to do most, build choppers.
Between his professional and personal responsibilities, Jesse labors to meet the delivery date of Kid Rock’s bike in addition to his own masterful copper creation in order to thunder across the deserts ofMexico and enjoy some peace and at least partial anonymity with a good friend. Viewers see how even the master mechanic himself has to learn a new trick or two, as Jesse decides to work with copper for the firsttime to build his one-of-a-kind motorcycle. The film captures the painstaking process by which Jesse sculpts and hand rivets everything from the copper fenders to the gas tank – learning a new medium and creating an unprecedented piece of motorcycle art along the way.
ZEN THOUGHTS FROM JOAN
3. It’s always darkest before dawn. So ifyou’re going to steal your neighbor’snewspaper, that’s the time to do it.
4. Don’t be irreplaceable. If you can’t bereplaced, you can’t be promoted.
5. No one is listening until you f a r t.
6. Always remember you’re unique. Justlike everyone else.
7. Never test the depth of the water withboth feet.
8. If you think nobody cares if you’re alive,try missing a couple of car payments.
9. Before you criticize someone, you shouldwalk a mile in their shoes. That way, whenyou criticize them you’re a mile away andyou have their shoes.
10. If at first you don’t succeed, skydivingis not for you.
11. Give a man a fish and he will eat for aday. Teach him how to fish, and he will sitin a boat and drink beer all day.
12. If you lend someone $20 and never seethat person again, it was probably worth it.
13. If you tell the truth, you don’t have toremember anything.
14. Some days you are the bug; some daysyou are the windshield.
15. Good judgment comes from bad experience,and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
16. The quickest way to double your moneyis to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
17. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
18. Duct tape is like the Force. It has a lightside and a dark side, and it holds the universetogether.
19. There are two theories to arguing withwomen. Neither one works.
20. Generally speaking, you aren’t learningmuch when your lips are moving.
21. Experience is something you don’t getuntil just after you need it.
22. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
23. We are born naked, wet and hungry,and get slapped on our ass…Then thingsget worse.
24. Never, under any circumstances, take asleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
25. There is a fine line between “hobby”and “mental illness.”
26. No matter what happens, somebody willfind a way to take it too seriously.
27. There comes a time when you should stopexpecting other people to make a big dealabout your birthday .. around age 11.
28. Everyone seems normal until you get toknow them.
29. The most wasted day of all is one in whichwe have not laughed!
BIKERNET PANHEAD CONNECTION–Hello :I have for sale about 500 parts for panhead, price $ 7000.I based in bogota Colombia, look forward to your comments.
Sincerely, Jaime Tirado.
hiclasicasdecolombia@hotmail.com
FALLEN BETHREN–I work until 2 everyday…. synagogue spoke with Greg Anderson (a friend of Gypsy’s) that is making the arrangements…..tentatively it will be held in the city of Walnut at a Christian Center.I will talk with him again tonight and as soon as I get the plans I will call & email them to you.
I think for you to place a Memorial tribute to him on your site would be a wonderful thing….he would like that. I was blessed to have been able to spend a lil bit of time with him over the past 5 years….he would always let me come work whatever event locally that he’d be doing. Get me in for free and then pay me to hang out selling with him. He was like an Oyster man….rough on the outside but soft & sweet inside…..always concerned for a friend, always willing to help when he could, and He really loved the pretty women.
I will think of him and see him often as I don’t intend on letting his spirit leave my side . I will miss talking with him on the phone. I am glad he was able to find his way back to his faith ( he told me he was actively back at his synagogue), and happy to be there.
Funny, I bet he was strengthening up for the trip. He told me he was going to ride his bike up to Alaska after Hollister this year and then over to Sturgis to earn money for the ride home. LOOKS LIKE HE TOOK AND EVEN BIGGER TRIP – GOOD FOR HIM, HE IS AT PEACE NOW, HIS JOURNEY ENDED.
I am glad for the chance to have meet him and cared about him. I will always think of him fondly.
Diane aka Housemouse…. Gypsy would laugh to hear that name…I bet he’s chuckling now.
BANDIT: This is Wendell from Thunder Press emailing you from my mainstreamjob that supports my motorcycle habit. I wanted to let you know, if youdon’t already, that Gypsy the vendor, Mark Cohen, died on Saturday at about10:30 p.m. His memorial will be Saturday, 6/19/04 @ 1:00 p.m. at SouthlandChurch International, 1920 South Brea Canyon Cutoff, Walnut, CA 91789.Family requests donations to American Diabetes Association instead offlowers. Greg @ 714-815-6670 may know more if you have questions. Ithought you may want to put it on your website. Thanks.
BIKERNET ADVICE -HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT WOMEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:–
1. She is not a BABE or a CHICK – She is a BREASTED AMERICAN.
2. She is not a SCREAMER or MOANER – She is VOCALLY APPRECIATIVE.
3. She is not EASY – She is HORIZONTALLY ACCESSIBLE.
4. She is not DUMB – She is a DETOUR OFF THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY.
5. She has not BEEN AROUND – She is a PREVIOUSLY ENJOYED COMPANION.
6. She is not an AIRHEAD – She is REALITY IMPAIRED.
7. She does not get DRUNK or TIPSY – She gets CHEMICALLY INCONVENIENCED.
8. She does not have BREAST IMPLANTS – She is MEDICALLY ENHANCED.
9. She does not NAG YOU – She becomes VERBALLY REPETITIVE.
10. She is not a SLUT – She is SEXUALLY EXTROVERTED.
11. She does not have MAJOR LEAGUE HOOTERS – She is PECTORALLY SUPERIOR.
12. She is not a TWO-BIT WHORE – She is a LOW COST PROVIDER.
HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT MEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:
1. He does not have a BEER GUT – He has developed a LIQUID GRAIN STORAGE FACILITY.
2. He is not a BAD DANCER – He is OVERLY CAUCASIAN.
3. He does not GET LOST ALL THE TIME – HE INVESTIGATES ALTERNATIVE DESTINATIONS.
4. He is not BALDING – He is in FOLLICLE REGRESSION.
5. He is not a CRADLE ROBBER – He prefers GENERATIONAL DIFFERENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS.
6. He does not get FALLING-DOWN DRUNK-He becomes ACCIDENTALLY HORIZONTAL.
7. He does not act like a TOTAL ASS – He develops a case of RECTAL CRANIAL INVERSION.
8. He is not a MALE CHAUVINIST PIG – He has SWINE EMPATHY.
9. He is not afraid of COMMITMENT – He is MONOGAMOUSLY CHALLENGED.
10. He is not HORNY – He is SEXUALLY FOCUSED.
11. It’s not his crack you see hanging out of his pants….It is MALE CLEAVAGE.
“I have learned that opportunities are never lost, someone else will take the ones you miss”
–from Sifu
BIKERS GET DAYTONA?S ATTENTION–For some years now the Bikers have been telling Daytona Beach that they are unhappy with the way that they have been treated when they show up for Bike Week in March and also Biketoberfest in October. Many other cities in Florida have been welcoming the Bikers and this has seriously impacted Daytona Beach attendance.
The half-million motorcyclists who usually make it to Daytona Beach during these events are still coming to Florida but many are evading the hassles and high prices of the area, Orlando, Miami and even Key West reported a record number of motorcycle visitors during March 2004 while the numbers were down in Daytona Beach.
This has not gone unnoticed by the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau who have started a campaign to bring the Bikers Back To Daytona Beach.
Prior to Biketoberfest you will see a push from business leaders who want the Bikers Back. Why Not? The Bike Events bring $744 Million to the Daytona Beach area. The next highest moneymaker is the Daytona 500 and Pepsi 400, which brings in $561 Million
Kevin Killian a vice president of the Chamber of Commerce has said ?Our message is, We appreciate your business and we are glad you?re here.?
Part of the campaign will encourage bartenders to wear buttons welcoming bikers. It will also include ads of a man wearing a business suit, exposing his tattooed arm with the text ?There?s a little biker in all of us.? Though that is a good start it has not solved the real problems why the Bikers are going else where and that is the high prices and the over zealous law enforcement through out the area.
The Chamber needs to address that situation very aggressively and if Biketoberfest changes the Bikers will spread the word and some may go back to Daytona Beach.
?There isn?t a city in the nation that wouldn?t give their right arm for a event like this?, said Bonnie Miller a biker that serves on the committee trying to bring the Bikers Back.
She is right and other Florida locations are actively trying to bring the bikers to their area and having a lot of success in doing it.
If Daytona Beach Really Wants The Bikers They Need To Change The Way They Treat Them During Bike Week and Biketoberfest.
I live in Florida and go to the Daytona Beach fairly regular and I can tell you Bikers are treated a lot better at other times of the year. You may want to contact the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce and let them know how you feel. Their web site is http://www.daytonachamber.com and street address is 126 East Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL. 32114
ROGUE
Continued On Page 2
June 17, 2004 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
LONG-LOST DAVE MANN–I found a David Mann picture that I did not have and is not on the CDthat I sent to you so I am e-mailing it to you so you can add it to yourCD !
:SNAKE:
BIKERNET EDERLY REPORT–A small boy was lost at a large shopping mall.He approached a uniformed policeman and said,
“I’ve lost my grandpa!”
The cop asked, “What’s he like?”
The little boy replied, “Coffee, HARLEY-DAVIDSONS and women with big boobs.”
–from RevCarlr
HARLEY DAVIDSON MUSEUM PROJECT TERMS APPROVED–The City of Milwaukee Common Council on May 25 took a major step in support of plans to locate the Harley-Davidson Museum in the Menomonee Valley. In an 11-4 vote, the Council approved the general terms for redeveloping 20 acres at the 6th and Canal Street location for the museum and additional development.
In January, Harley-Davidson announced a proposal to build a 230,000 square foot development on the property in three phases, to include the museum, a cafe, retail and banquet space and other future development, representing a planned investment of $95 million.
“This is a big step toward making the Harley-Davidson museum a reality, and it’s a big step in the redevelopment of the Menomonee Valley,” said Lara Lee, Harley-Davidson Vice President. “We’re eager to get going with the museum development. Hundreds of thousands of Harley-Davidson customers are looking forward to visiting Milwaukee and the world-class destination that’s in store.”
With the Council’s vote, Harley-Davidson and the city can now begin work on the detailed contracts required to move the project forward. A final redevelopment plan and related aspects of the project are subject to future Council approval.
“Harley-Davidson thanks all the people and organizations who supported the proposal,” said Lee.
For the latest information on the Harley-Davidson Museum project, please visit www.h-dmuseum.com
Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) Supports Rolling Thunder–H.O.G. members from across the nation participated in the 17th annual Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom over Memorial Day weekend.
The Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom is a ride in Washington D.C. aimed at raising money and awareness for the POW-MIA issue. H.O.G. encouraged its members to attend by providing 3 pin stops on Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. At designated locations, participating H.O.G. members were able to order decorative pins commemorating the event. Over 7,100 H.O.G. members stopped to order their commemorative pins.
Two local Harley-Davidson dealerships, Harley-Davidson of Washington and Patriot Harley-Davidson, held events including H.O.G. pin stops on Saturday, May 29th. Sunday’s H.O.G. pin stop was located at the start of the parade route in the Pentagon’s North Parking Lot.
Several Harley-Davidson executives participated in the parade including President and COO, Jim McCaslin, Vice President and General Manager of York Vehicle Operations, Jorge Hidalgo and Director of Government Affairs, Wayne Curtin. These and other Harley-Davidson riders joined the over 300,000 attendees in support of the POW-MIA issue.
For more information on Rolling Thunder and the Ride for Freedom, please visit their web site at www.rollingthunder1.com
Harley-Davidson Announced as Recipient of Employer Support Freedom Award–Harley-Davidson was announced as a winner of the 2004 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for its continued support of employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve.
Each year The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognizes companies that have shown immense support of their employees who serve in the Guard or Reserve. Harley-Davidson was selected as one of the 15 companies nationwide to receive this award.
For years, Harley-Davidson has been supporting its Guard and Reserve employees by providing them with equal opportunity employment and continued pay and benefits during the first year of active duty. The company signed an Official Statement of Support with the ESGR in April 2003. In doing so, Harley-Davidson pledged to publicly encourage its Guard and Reserve employees and maintain its unwavering support of their patriotic sacrifices.
“I was the master of ceremonies when Harley-Davidson Motor Company signed the Official Statement of Support on April 5, 2003,” said Harley-Davidson Human Resources Generalist and member of the 440th Airlift Wing, 1st Lt. Felicia Townes. “I can’t begin to explain the feeling that came over me as the documents were being signed. Since the signing of the Official Statement of Support, the one thing that I don’t have to worry about is my employment with Harley-Davidson. Not too many companies continue pay and benefits during the first year of active duty. I am proud to say I work for a company that supports its Guard and Reserve employees.”
Harley-Davidson and other 2004 award winners will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on September 21, 2004.
For more information on the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award and this year’s recipients, please visit http://www.esgr.com/employers2/news.asp?c=newsFAP2004b.html
Milwaukee Black and Blue Ball Raises Money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association–The 11th annual Black and Blue Ball was held May 7th at the Midwest Express Center in Milwaukee, Wis. Over 1,000 attendees helped raise more than $422,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
The Black and Blue Ball, sponsored by Harley-Davidson, is a themed event where attendees are encouraged to show up in their denim and Harley-Davidson apparel for a night of fun in the name of a great cause. Many guests rode their Harley-Davidson’s to the event where they enjoyed silent and live auctions, a raffle, boot shine stations, temporary tattoo parlors, dinner and entertainment. All proceeds went to MDA.
Since 1980 Harley-Davidson has partnered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to raise money and promote awareness and raise research dollars for people with neuromuscular diseases. As a devoted partner, the family of Harley-Davidson dealers, customers and employees spent the past 24 years supporting the MDA through fundraising efforts. Through these efforts, Harley-Davidson has raised more than $47 million since the start of the partnership.
The Black and Blue Ball started in Milwaukee in 1993 and has since spread to other cities in the United States. May 7th was also the date of the Grand Rapids, Mich. Black and Blue Ball. Over 550 guests helped raise $150,000 at this event.
For more information on the Muscular Dystrophy Association and their upcoming events, please visit their web site athttp://www.mdausa.org
BRAG Successfully Brings It Home–Buell riders descended upon Southeastern Wisconsin June 2nd through the 5th as the Buell Riders Adventure Group (BRAG) hosted Bringing It Home, an event designed to celebrate the thrills and excitement common to Buell riders.
Riders from around the world began arriving in Delavan, Wis., on Wednesday where the event kicked off with a BattleTrax competition. During the competition, riders were able to test their braking and maneuvering skills on a specially designed parking lot course.
Bringing It Home attendees continued the adventure by participating in group rides along some the area’s most challenging roads. One such ride ended with a dinner at Buell Motorcycle Company, hosted by Erik Buell and his employees. The East Troy Chamber of Commerce was also on hand to welcome the group and serve dessert. Other event hosts included Hal’s Buell, Sauk Prairie Buell and Uke’s Buell each of which took turns hosting parties for the event participants.
The final day of Bringing It Home ended with a self-guided ride to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., for the AMA Races, where Buell Formula Xtreme Racers Mike Ciccotto and Michael Barnes signed autographs for event participants between races.
For more information on upcoming BRAG events please visit
BIKERNET REPORT – Sturgis 2003 Stats–
Statistics from 2003:
Estimated Attendance: 450,000
Marriage Licenses Issued: 100
Rally-Related Deaths – SD: 6
Felony Drug Arrests – Sturgis: 8
Misdemeanor Drug Arrests – Sturgis: 84
Arrests for Non-Traffic Violations – Sturgis: 230
Traffic Violations – Sturgis: 172
Rogue
BIKERNET COMPLAINT DEPT.– An elderly lady phoned her telephone company to report that hertelephone failed to ring when her friends called – and that on the fewoccasions when it did ring, her pet dog always moaned right before thephone rang. The telephone repairman proceeded to the scene, curious tosee this psychic dog or senile elderly lady.
He climbed a nearby telephone pole, hooked in his test set, and dialedthe subscriber’s house. The phone didn’t ring right away, but then thedog moaned loudly and the telephone began to ring.
Climbing down from the pole, the telephone repairman found:
1. The dog was tied to the telephone system’s ground wire via a steelchain and collar.
2. The wire connection to the ground rod was loose.
3. The dog was receiving 90 volts of signaling current when the phonenumber was called.
4. After a couple of such jolts, the dog would start moaning and thenurinate on himself and the ground.
5. The wet ground would complete the circuit, thus causing the phone toring.
Which demonstrates that some problems CAN be fixed by pissing andmoaning.
–from MaryLou
BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–Hi guys, yeap, I’m back, kind of sort of. I have been absent the past couple weeks because of work and trips. As you might or might not know we went to New York to visit Indian Larry and show support in his first annual bash. It was a really good time for all of us. As always it was full of friends, who I will not mention since some people might think I’m just dropping names once more. And, as always, without a trace of a doubt, New York City is the best place in the world. There are so many things to do and so many places to go. It never ceases to amaze me, although it was a very short trip it was packed.
After an all day party we headed over to Hogs and Heifers, were Michelle (the owner) hooked us up big time. Everyone was there, even all beat up. There were like 20 different bachelorette parties going on, but we got a corner closed off and hung out ’till the wee hours. Let?s say half of the Discovery channel competitors were there, plus another dozen or two of friends.
Another place that I must mention ids the Red Rock Tavern, we were also treated very well there, it was funny to be at a bar in New York City, watching the Discovery channel build off series.
Speaking of Discovery, make sure you check out their week of motorcycles stuff, starting with Motorcycle mania 3 Sunday night, then from Monday to Thursday with the new Build Off’s.
Also remember that the Horse Smoke Out is taking place next week in Salisbury North Carolina, a lot of my friends will be there and it’s always a good time, but this year, I wont be there….
You might wonder what is making me not write or not go to places? Well, good intentions and trips don’t pay the rent. Besides as some of you might know, I’m building a Bobber for the Journey Museum in Rapid City (during Sturgis) and the exhibition is a tribute to Dave Mann. Running around like a headless chicken is not easy, and I’m not going to bore anyone with details, but right now Caribbean Custom Cycles is a one-man band. Deadlines don’t wait for no one, this ain’t no TV show, it’s reality.
I’m trying to have everything done on the Bobber before heading out for Hawaii, and what I believe is a much deserved rest….fuck bikes.. I’m going surfing.
Even last night I had a chance to take off early to enjoy a soccer game, just to head back and weld some more. It’s a shame that I live in paradise and it’s Summer, everyone is fucking tanned and I look like Casper the friendly ghost. But then again, if and when I get my Discovery chance, I hope things will change.
Well, kind of my overdoing the Bobber is that I don’t have the luxury to keep on working ’till the last day before heading over to South Dakota; we need at least two weeks before, to head out. Put it this way, the trailer and truck leave the 22nd of July…. That?s it…and that’s when it needs to be done.
I have received a lot of news recently. We wish Jesse James a prompt recoup after hitting the wall with his race car, and breaking way too much shit…..American Dream Machines from Atlanta is having their annual party June 27th, if you are from that area show up and have a good time, send my regards, the whole family is very cool….Hank Young will also have a party in Atlanta at ESPN zone, they will watch his build off against Chica, yeap, another party I’m fucking missing…At least I’m going to Hawaii…
Amongst all the chaos and mayhem we are putting a chop together for our friend and Tattoo artist, Demian. It?s the no budget chop, yeap you heard right, not even low budget, just none. Let?s see what it can be done with what we have at hand, it certainly will be interesting.
Another week goes by and I have not been my usual self, no one hates me, no e-mails from rodents, no arguments, no one bitchin’… Man I’m going to have to get my ass in gear. I’m boring…
By the way, I’m so excited that the new 2000 whatever company models are getting unveiled that I need some prosaic to calm my nerves. Can?t wait to see what I will never buy.
On another line, if you want to see some real athletes, go see a Soccer match.
And last but not least….I want to congratulate all the fathers, deadbeat or not, on their well deserved day. I have always wondered why they don’t celebrate a sons day, we are the ones that have to tolerate all the grumpiness and weird shit that comes with age. My best wishes to my own dad Guti… and to those who treat me like a son. I’m not a dad, but if you want to send some gifts (you never know) you know how to reach me. Have a great weekend, I know I wont…..
Later dudes ? Jose, the Bikernet prodigal son with the Caribbean report…..
STURGIS BAN ON NUDITY–Meade County Ordinance- Purpose of Ordinance to prohibit and ban public nudity. (This ordinance is listed in the newspaper in Sturgis Wed June16th)
Basically it outlaws pasties and even thongs. Illegal to show anything from the center of the nipple down. It will go to court on July 6th presumably to screw up Sturgis Rally and Races 2004. The area affected will be county wide.
With all the turmoil in the world, I need my “shot” of Sturgisthis year. Below are numbers and addresses where you can voice your displeasure, I have called and I plan to call daily until our voices are heard and recognized.
Meade County Auditor
Lisa Schieffer
Office: 605-347-2360
Meade County Chairman
Robert Mallow
Office: 605-347-2360
Sturgis Lover
BIDDING FAREWELL–Gypsy was quite a character and served many in the biker community for many years.His sense of humor and colorful presence will be missed by many.Come and join us in celebration of his life and the marking of his death. Offer him a prayer for his journey
Memorial Service
June 19, 2004 @1pm
Southland Church
1920 S. Brea Canyon Cutoff
Walnut, CA
Reception to follow
Service at church.
I?m done, I quit. My office is heating up like a oven with the sun going down, blasting through my windows. I need to move away from this computer and enjoy the rest of my afternoon outdoors in the cool shade. Stay tuned cause we have lots of new things to post over the next couple days, and next week. This weekend however will be dedicated to shuffling furniture and settling in this old building a little deeper. I called it a dump earlier cause it is, but it?s my dump, my home and I love it.
It?s almost five o?clock in the afternoon and Bandit just got home from running around all day in the LA traffic, what a waste? I?m gonna wrap this up and make that man a drink!
Till next week, take care.
Layla
June 17, 2004 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
Photo from Wino Joe
BIKERNET ZOO– On the farm lived a chicken and a horse, both of whom loved to play together.
One day the two were playing, when the horse fell into a bog and began to sink. Scared for his life, the horse whinnied for the chicken to go get the farmer for help! Off the chicken ran, back to the farm.
Arriving at the farm, he searched and searched for the farmer, but to no avail, for he had gone to town with the only tractor. Running around, the chicken spied the farmer’s new Harley. Finding the keys in the ignition, the chicken sped off with a length of rope hoping he still had time to save his friend’s life.
Back at the bog, the horse was surprised, but happy, to see the chicken arrive on the shiny Harley, and he managed to get a hold of the loop of rope the chicken tossed to him. After tying the other end to the rear bumper of the farmer’s bike, the chicken then drove slowly forward and, with the aid of the powerful bike, rescued the horse!
Happy and proud, the chicken rode the Harley back to the farmhouse and the farmer was none the wiser when he returned. The friendship between the two animals was cemented: Best Buddies, Best Pals.
A few weeks later, the chicken fell into a mud pit, and soon, he too, began to sink and cried out to the horse to save his life! The horse thought a moment, walked over, and straddled the large puddle. Looking underneath, he told the chicken to grab his hangy-down thing and he could then lift him out of the pit. The chicken got a good grip, and the horse pulled him up and out, saving his life.
The moral of the story? (Yes, there’s a moral!)
“When You’re Hung Like A Horse, You Don’t Need A Harley To Pick Up Chicks!”
–from Sifu
TEN THINGS GOD WON’T ASK ON THAT DAY–
1…God won’t ask what kind of car you drove; He’ll ask how manypeople you drove who didn’t have transportation.
2…God won’t ask the square footage of your house; He’ll ask how manypeople you welcomed into your home.
3…God won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet; He’ll askhow many you helped to clothe.
4…God won’t ask what your highest salary was; He’ll ask if youcompromised your character to obtain it.
5…God won’t ask what your job title was; He’ll ask if you performedyour job to the best of your ability.
6…God won’t ask how many friends you had; He’ll ask how many peopleto whom you were a friend.
7…God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived; He’ll ask how youtreated your neighbors.
8…God won’t ask about the color of your skin; He’ll ask about thecontent of your character.
9…God won’t ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation; He’lllovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.
10…God won’t have to ask how many people you forwarded this to; Healready knows whether or not you are ashamed to share this information withyour friends.
AMEN – Shipwreck
BIKERNET STEALTH REPORT–
This week I am doing a little something different. I am going to shed a little light on two guys who are just getting started in the bike building business.
I have known these guys for the past couple of years, John Norris and his side kick Dennis Elliott. The two of them turn out some old school, cool sportsters. They fly under the name of Chopper John’s Sheetmetal Fabrication. Take a look at the two chopped sporty’s they ride and I think you have to agree they are on the right track.
When I met John and Dennis a year or so ago, they were putting together a sporty for the Easyriders bike show. I was impressed with how when they faced a problem, and there were a few, but they never gave up and their spirit never faded. Another thing that impressed me was that John and Dennis are big HORSE fans and when I heard that, I knew they couldn’t be all bad!
John does Tig and Mig welding and really gets into shaping metal. When he tells me about cutting the legs on a frame and adding that stretch, you can see his eyes light up! John and Dennis say that their favorite bike to chop is a sporty, and don’t buy into the theory that bigger is always better. John has been welding for six years and was bitten by the chopper bug two years ago and has been chopping ever since. He has been riding for fifteen years, so he knows his way around bikes.
Currently John and Dennis are fabricating a complete frame, tank, fenders, oil tank, for an S&S 80″ hybrid reworked 95 horsepower sporty. Rigid frame of course, and inverted front end. It should be a cool ride!
John also likes that satin flat black look, in other words that “STEALTH” look. I wonder where he got that?
John and Dennis say since they are new at the game they usually work cheap or trade for their services. So I guess if you want them to do some work, call real soon because these guys have the raw talent to start to make their move .
Give them a call at Chopper John’s 704-821-0602 or 704-564-3677. Tell them you heard about them from the “STEALH” report on BIKERNET, the greatest biker web site in the world!
By the way, John has agreed to make three awards for The 6th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin” to be held here in Charlotte July 25th. One of these awards was featured in the Sunday Post last week. Take a look I think you will be impressed!
One more thing my BIG bachelor party is this Saturday night, we are all riding that night and hopefully I will be home in time to write the STEALTH report for next Thursday’s news? That’s right, the big day is next Sunday, 6-27-04!
Until next week, RIDE!
Stealthman
BIKERNET REDNECK REPORT–A redneck, a sheep, and a dog were survivors of a terrible shipwreck.They found themselves stranded on a deserted island.After being there a while, they got into the habit of going to thebeach every evening to watch the sun set.
One particular evening, the sky was a fiery red, with beautiful cirrus clouds, the breeze was warm and gentle; a perfect night for romance. As they sat there, the sheep startedlooking better and better to the redneck. Soon, he leaned over to the sheep and put his arm around it, but the dog got jealous and began growling fiercely until the redneck took hisarm from around the sheep. After that, the three of them continued to enjoy the sunsets together but there was no more cuddling.
A few weeks passed by, and lo and behold, there was another shipwreck. The only survivor, was a beautiful young woman, the most beautiful woman the redneck had ever seen. She was in a pretty bad way when they rescued her, but they slowly nursed her back to health.When the young maiden was well enough, they introduced her to their evening beach ritual.
It was another beautiful evening; red sky, cirrus clouds, a warm and gentle breeze–perfect for a night of romance. Pretty soon, the redneck started to get “those feelings” again. Hefought them as long as he could, but he finally gave in and leaned over to the young woman, cautiously, and whispered in her ear… “Would you mind taking the dog for a walk?
–from Sifu
Xdomes MARK THE SPOT ? COMING SOON TO BIKERNET–My wife and I were sunbathing in Ibiza Spain when I spotted a tent that looked like the Spanish flag, it was actually just a yellow and red tent. The ideas came to me like crazy…Flames, Raiders, Lakers, Packers, Harley and many more. I put it all down on paper, quit my job and started Xdomes Incorporated.
This is my first year in business and I’ve found that the biker community has endeared my tents more so than regular campers. It’s just a matter of cool people liking cool designs. Right now I have the Flame & Patriot tents available in the 4-person size. More styles and sizes will be coming soon.
I will try to go to several bike runs and make theses tents available to everyone. However, my goal is to wholesale them to other vendors and retailers so that they are easily accessible to the general public.
Keep checking my web site (www.xdomes.com) because I plan to keep up with the NEW and COOL designs.
Thank you!
Roland Marin
Keep your eye on the Gulch. These will soon be available through Bikernet!
LIFE– Is all about ass, you’re either covering it,
laughing it off,
kicking it,
kissing it,
busting it,
or trying to get a piece of it.
–from Sifu
BIKE WEEK REPORT–I spent a few hours at the Weirs and thought that the crowd wasa bit light. I got a parking spot right on the causeway.had hoped to hook up with the crew on the poker run, but couldn’tget my act together in time. So I looked for faces in the crowd fromthe group. To my dismay, I saw no one who I recognized.
Just a warning to you all. I drove up thru Concord and passed by acouple of cops doing noise checks on some bikes in a parking lot onthe side of the road. As my pipes are marginal, I didn’t stickaround to see the outcome.
Rogue
BIKERNET RELATIONSHIPS– A white-haired old man walked into a jewelry store on a Friday, witha beautiful young lady at his side.
“I’m looking for a special ring for my girlfriend,” he said. Ourjeweler looked through our stock and took out an outstanding ring priced at $5,000.
“I don’t think you understand-I want something very unique,” the mansaid.
At that, our now very excited jeweler went and fetched our specialstock from the safe.
“Here’s one stunning ring at $40,000.”
The girls eyes sparkled, and the man said that he would take it.
How are you paying?” asked our jeweler.
I’ll pay by check; but of course the bank will want to make sure that everything is in order, so I’ll write a check and you can phone thebank tomorrow, and then I’ll fetch the ring on Monday.”
Monday morning, our very disappointed jeweler phoned the man.
“You lied, there’s no money in that account.”
“I know – sorry – but can you imagine what a FANTASTIC weekend I had?
–from Kenny Price
SCREAMIN’ EAGLE TEAM DOMINATES NHRA PRO STOCK BIKE AT COLUMBUS–Hines Scores Trifecta with Track-Record ET, Top Qualifier Slot and Final-Round Win
HEBRON, Ohio (June 13, 2004) – The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines drag racing team took control of the Pro Stock Bike class at the 40th Annual Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals at National Trail Raceway here today, setting two track records and claiming the top spot in qualifying before team rider Andrew Hines powered his Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod to a satisfying win in the final round of eliminations. It was the Screamin’ Eagle crew’s second final-round win of the season. After five Pro Stock Bike events on the 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, Hines has a 119-point lead in the season standings.
“The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines team, led by Byron Hines, exerts an incredible amount of intensity and effort into each race. Paired with their experience and skill, it’s a winning combination,” said Screamin’ Eagle Racing Manager Anne Paluso. “Andrews bike needed a fresh engine after qualifying. There was a lot of thrashing in our pit, and a lot of work going on behind the scenes at the shop, but that’s what it takes to win at this level.”
Screamin’ Eagle rider GT Tonglet got the weekend off to a fast start with a qualifying run of 7.148 seconds at 191.51 mph, good for a new Pro Stock Bike top-speed track record. Hines upped the ante with a blistering run of 7.081/189.39 to set a new track ET record for the Pro Stock Bike class and claim the top qualifying spot. Tonglet qualified fifth.
Both riders advanced cleanly through the first round of eliminations on Sunday. Hines (7.126/187.78) defeated Redell Harris (7.466/179.25) while Tonglet (7.205/179.56) dispatched Kurt Matthe (7.355/180.26). In round two, Hines (7.214/188.89) nipped Antron Brown (7.254/183.42) but had a scare on this track’s short cool-down area when his front wheel locked up while braking on water seeping through the track, but he managed to ride it out safely. Tonglet came to the line with a new engine and put down a strong run of 7.208/191.43 but a 0.043-second reaction time gave the win to Geno Scali (7.229/184.67), who posted a 0.015 reaction time.
“We’re really pleased with both riders’ performances, and to be leaving this event with both bikes taking numbers 1 and 2 in the championship points chase,” said Crew Chief Byron Hines.
In round three, Hines (7.131/187.86) charged past Scali (7.238/184.55) to put his Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod in its third final-round appearance of the 2004 season, where he faced veteran rider Steve Johnson, making his sixth career final-round appearance and his first in three years. Johnson, who has never won a final, ran a (7.447/180.16) and left disappointed again, as Hines (7.131/185.56) posted a convincing win over the Suzuki rider.
“We had the fastest bike all day,” Andrew Hines said after the win.
“It was awesome. This Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson is so consistent and easy to ride. It just flies. I know that all I have to do is do my deal and we’ll win. The crowd support for our program has been tremendous. People love to see these Harleys go fast and beat up on the Suzukis and the Kawasakis. Another manufacturer competing in the class only makes it better.”
After five rounds of NHRA Pro Stock Bike competition, Hines leads the class with 466 points. Consistent results at Columbus moved Tonglet from third to second place with 336 points, just ahead of third-place Angelle Savoie with 331 points.
“The Pro Stock Bike class has gotten tougher and tougher over the last three years and we really have reached a point where anyone can win,” said Hines. “I’m just going to stay focused on the championship and getting points. We’re a third of the way into our season and it’s great to be out front. The fans are counting on us to keep our lead on the championship.”
The next Pro Stock Bike event on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series is the 35th Annual K&N Filters Supernationals, June 17-20, at Old Bridge Township Raceway in Englishtown, N.J.
Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle racing. Screamin’ Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use applications, while Screamin’ Eagle parts offer street-use performance options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information
Continued On Page 3
June 10, 2004 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
THE HUNT FOR ’62 PANHEADS CONTINUES–We’re looking for a set of ’62, inside oiler panhead for a friend who inherited his father’s Pan. In the process of restoring the bike a mechanic disappeared with his heads. We need to replace them.
Drop me a line if you have a link to a set: Bandit@bikernet.com.
THE CHARLIE BRECHTEL BOOZE FIGHTER REPORT–Bill Hayes here…I’m the one who has been working a lot with Charlie Brechtel…Charlie mentioned that you might have a line or two on publishers who might be interested in biker subjects…I have just completed the book, “The Original Wild Ones”…about the legendary Boozefighters MC…it has been a two-year project…the book is also accompanied by a 47-minute professionally-produced DVD featuring interviews with three of the surviving original members…guys who were in Hollister in ’47…any help you could steer this way would sure be appreciated…
–BILL HAYES
mailto:gotdablues@hotmail.com
–from Rogue
WISCONSIN HELMET LAW CHANGE RESULTS IN 1.9 MILLION SETTLEMENT–The Hupy law firm again showed their commitment to bikers by working with Wisconsin legislators, Governor Doyle and ABATE of Wisconsin to over-turn the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The following shows how the new law immediately affected the life of a biker family.
Click herefor more information.
BIKERNET AUSTRALIAN REPORT– Just a short note to say I had a great trip and it looks like they are going to give me a 4-year visa instead of 12 months which will save a lot of mucking around. We booked the Harley for our trip at the end of August, really looking forward to that. You won’t know yourselves when all the work is finished at the headquarters and you get back to a normal life (whatever that is ). The Pan is coming together slowly, I will get more photos and a rundown on my trip, also a review on some music as soon as I get my arse into gear. Kerry says Hi and hope you are both in good health and great spirits.
Best Regards,
Glenn.
2ND ANNUAL CHOPPERS ONLY RUN & SHOW JULY 4TH 2004 OVER $25,OOO IN CASH & PRIZES SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM
Deacon & Chris Tronolone Promotion
Place : KAPIOLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Time: 12:00pm ? 6:00pm
Admission: $10.00 Kids under 12 Free
Celebrity Guests: Billy Lane of Choppers Inc.
Indian Larry Legendary Bike Builder
Peter Fonda: Actor ? Star of Easy Rider
Paul Cox Custom Leather King
Mondo Porras of Denvers Choppers
Tom Prewitt Of Damon?s Painter From Monster Garage
Keith ?Bandit? Ball Of Bikernet.com
Jose De Miguel Of Caribbean Custom Cycles
Come ride with the Celebrity Guests.Ride will begin at Cycle City Harley-Davidson?s New Super Store, Registration at 8:30am, ride will start promptly at 10:00am with celebrity guests leading the way. $10.00 Entry Fee for the ride and admission to show, first 300 bikes will get t-shirts and other gifts. Ride is open to all motorcyclists. All participants will receive a voter ballot to judge the bike show. Ballots will be numbered for prize giveaways. Additional voter ballots and raffle tickets can be purchased at the event for $5.00.
Registration for the Avon Tyres Custom Bike Show will begin at 10:30am and will promptly end at 1:30am with a $30.00 entry fee.Classes will be: Full custom, Old School Chopper, New School Chopper, Vintage, Harley Custom, Back Street Chopper, Digger, Hawaii?s Legendary Local Boy and Best of Show. Handcrafted Trophys and $500.00 Cash Prize to 1st place in each class. All judging will be people?s choice. There will be a Best Paint job Award to go to the Owner and Painter of the bike by House Of Kolor & DeVilbiss.
Hawaii?s Award Winning Artist Dennis Mathewson of Cosmic Airbrush will be Pinstriping your motorcycles on site.
Prize giveaways will include: 2004 Buell Harley-Davidson
Motorcycle from Cycle City Harley-Davidson
Trip for 2 to Australia from Hawaiian Airlines with Accommodations from Outrigger Sun City Resort located in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.
Interisland Trips from Hawaiian Airlines
Surfboards from T&C Surf, Strong Current and Buttons Hawaii
Fine Art Limited Edition Graphic by Christian Riese Lassen
World Renown Surf Photographer Signed Cibachrome Print by Hank Foto
Gift Certificates from Custom Chrome, Avon Tyres & Bikers ChoiceAnd much more prizes
Choppers Only Hawaii will be sponsoring an Elementary School Essay Contest for a Computer Giveaway.
Assistance by some of Hawaii?s Premier Bike Clubs
SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM
READ ORWELL–HERE’S THE PIZZA 2008 LESSON– Operator: “Thank you for calling Pizza Hut. May I have your national ID number?”
Customer: “Hi, I’d like to place an order.”
Operator: “I must have your NIDN first, sir”
Customer: “My National ID Number, yeah, hold on, eh, it’s 6102049998-45-54610.”
Operator: “Thank you, Mr. Sheehan. I see you live at 1742 Meadowland Drive, and the phone number’s 494-2366. Your office number over at Lincoln Insurance is 745-2302 and your cell number’s 266-2566. Email address is sheehan@ home.net. Which number are you calling from, sir?”
Customer: “Huh? I’m at home. Where d’ya get all this information?”
Operator: “We’re wired into the HSS, sir.”
Customer: “The HSS, what is that?”
Operator: “We’re wired into the Homeland Security System, sir. This will add only 15 seconds to your ordering time”
Customer: (Sighs) “Oh, well, I’d like to order a couple of your All-Meat Special pizzas.
Operator: “I don’t think that’s a good idea, sir.”
Customer: “Whaddya mean?”
Operator: “Sir, your medical records and commode sensors indicate that you’ve got very high blood pressure and extremely high cholesterol. Your National Health Care provider won’t allow such an unhealthy choice.”
Customer: “What?!?! What do you recommend, then?”
Operator: “You might try our low-fat Soybean Pizza. I’m sure you’ll like it.”
Customer: “What makes you think I’d like something like that?”
Operator: “Well, you checked out ‘Gourmet Soybean Recipes’ from your local library last week, sir. That’s why I made the suggestion.”
Customer: “All right, all right. Give me two family-sized ones, then.”
Operator: “That should be plenty for you, your wife and your four kids, and your 2 dogs can finish the crusts, sir. Your total is $49.99.”
Customer: “Lemme give you my credit card number.”
Operator: “I’m sorry sir, but I’m afraid you’ll have to pay in cash. Your credit card balance is over its limit.”
Customer: “I’ll run over to the ATM and get some cash before your driver gets here.”
Operator: “That won’t work either, sir. Your checking account’s overdrawn also.”
Customer: “Never mind! Just send the pizzas. I’ll have the cash ready. How long will it take?”
Operator: “We’re running a little behind, sir. It’ll be about 45 minutes, sir. If you’re in a hurry you might want to pick ’em up while you’re out getting the cash, but then, carrying pizzas on a motorcycle can be a little awkward.”
Customer: “Wait! How do you know I ride a scooter?”
Operator: “It says here you’re in arrears on your car payments, so your car got repo’ed. But your Harley’s paid for and you just filled the tank yesterday”
Customer: Well I’ll be a “@#%/$@&?#!”
Operator: “I’d advise watching your language, sir. You’ve already got a July 4, 2006 conviction for cussing out a cop and another one I see here in September for contempt at your hearing for cussing at a judge.” “Oh yes I see here that you just got out from a 90 day stay in the State Correctional Facility. Is this your first pizza since your return to society?”
Customer: (Speechless)
Operator: “Will there be anything else, sir?”
Customer: “Yes, I have a coupon for a free 2 liter of Coke”.
Operator: “I’m sorry sir, but our ad’s exclusionary clause prevents us from offering free soda to diabetics. The New Constitution prohibits this.
Thank you for calling Pizza Hut!”
–from Chris T.
NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON COMBINATION SPEEDOMETER/TACHOMETER–Mount A Tach Without Cluttering The Handlebar Area– MILWAUKEE (May 15, 2004) The new Combination Speedometer/Tachometer (P/N 74549-04, $449.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories allows the owner to add a tach to monitor engine speed without installing a separate gauge housing on the motorcycle. The analog tachometer sweeps across the lower portion of the gauge face.
The backlit face aids night-time viewing, and the easy-to-read LCD odometer/tripmeter remains visible when the ignition is turned off. The unit mounts in the stock dash opening on the tank-mounted console and is a direct plug-in installation for 2004-later Dyna Wide Glide, Softail and Road King models.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
BIKERNET ZEN TEACHINGS–Do not walk behind me, for I may notlead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I maynot follow. Do not walk beside me either.Just pretty much leave me the h e l l alone.
–from Joan C.
WE’RE BURNIN’ DAYLIGHT–Shit is flying around here and I’m as excited as a kid with this first Harley. I can’t wait to set up the shop. When it’s complete we look forward to more Baker tech articles. Next week, hook, or goddamn crook, we’re puttting together a BDL/Compu-Fire tech when we install the latest BDL Belt Drive System on a Bikernet Door Prize Winner’s Softail.
Rogue, in Florida, is working on a Bassini slip on muffler tech and test. We should have it in the next couple of weeks.
In the meantime I’m the grunt helping haul lumber to get the job done. Whatever it takes.
Have a great weekend.
–Bandit
June 10, 2004 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
BIKERNET CANADIAN DIVORCE– A Polish man married a Canadian girl after he had been in Canada a year or so and although his ‘English was far from perfect, they got on very well. Until one day he rushed into a lawyer’s office and asked him if he could arrange a divorce for him, very quick. The lawyer said that the speed of getting a divorce would depend on the circumstances and asked him the following questions.
Lawyer: Have you any grounds?
Pole: Ja, an acre and half and a nice little home with 3 bedrooms
Lawyer: No, I mean what is the foundation of this case?
Pole: It is made of concrete brick and mortar he responded.
Lawyer: No, does either of you have a real grudge?
Pole: No, he replied we have a two car carport and have never really needed one.
Lawyer: I mean what your relations are like?
Pole: All my relations are in Poland.
Lawyer: Is there any infidelity in your marriage?
Pole: Yes, we have hi fidelity stereo set and DVD player with 6.1 sounds. We don’t necessarily like the music, but the answer to your question is yes.
Lawyer: No, I mean does your wife beat you up?
Pole: No, I’m always up before her.
Lawyer: Is your wife a nagger?
Pole: NO, she white.
Lawyer: Why do you want this divorce?
Pole: She going to kill me.
Lawyer: What makes you think that?
Pole: I got proof!
Lawyer: What kind of proof?
Pole: She going to poison me. She buys a bottle at the drug store and put on shelf in bathroom. I can read – it says, “Polish Remover”.
–from Chris T.
BIKERNET DENTAL DEPARTMENT–A man walks into the dentist’s office and after the dentist examines him,he says, “that tooth has to come out. I’m going to give you a shot ofNovocain and I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
The man grabs the doc’sarm, “no way. I hate needles I’m not having any shot!”
So the dentistsays, “okay, we’ll have to go with the gas.”
The man replies,”absolutely not. It makes me very sick for a couple of days. I’m nothaving gas.”
So the dentist steps out and comes back with a glass ofwater, “here,” he says. “Takethis pill.”
The man asks “What is it?” The doc replies, “Viagra.”
Theman looks surprised, “will that kill the pain?” he asks.
“No,” repliesthe dentist, “but it will give you something to hang on to while I pullyour tooth!”
–from Chris T.
BIKERNET TEXAS REPORT–Still trying to recover from the weekend. Picked up a Canon I9900 photo quality printer yesterday and have not had the sense to install the software yet.
Just got off the phone with Bradley Da Polisher he is going to get me some additional info on the homepage cutie (Dallas Honey) I still love her! Hell everyone that has seen that image is like…DAMN! Hoping to get some additional shots of her! Have Lights, Will Travel. Will probably do the story on Bradley’s shop after the Smoke Out.
Everyone trying to get me to go to the SO, Bradley said hell dude fly out Saturday and return Sunday…it will be worth it! Lucky Devil planning a party July 17th, just about got all the ROT images reduced, have not even started on the words. Maybe I should check and see if I won the Lotto over the weekend.
How was y’alls weekend? Riding and having fun I hope!
See Ya
RFR
AMD ON EUROPE’S FREEWAY MAGAZINE– Some news aboutFreeway– never stopped printing. Since March the new Owner is Fabrice Roux (my old boss). He is the creator of Freeway and he bought the Titles Freeway, Kustom and Rallye magazines) with 5 associates who work directly for the magazines. The new adress is:
FREEWAY MAGAZINE
65 boulevard Cote Blatin
Centre Viaduc
63000 Clermont -Ferrand
The name of my substitute is Thierry Roche
e-mail : troche@6packpublishing.fr
phone : 00 33 4 73 29 32 40
fax : 00 33 4 73 29 32 49
Best regards
Robin Bradley
HARLEY-DAVIDSON BOLSTERS CHINA PRESENCE–Motorcycle Maker Announces Relationship with Chinese Company.
MILWAUKEE (June 8, 2004) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. today announced the signing of a memo of understanding with the Zongshen Motorcycle Group which could facilitate Harley-Davidson’s entry into the Chinese motorcycle market and enhance Zongshen’s capabilities in its home market. The announcement came during a visit by Harley-Davidson Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Bleustein and other company officials to Zongshen’s headquarters in Chongqing, China.
Both companies emphasized that the memo of understanding provides a framework for a potential relationship, but that many details are yet to be discussed before the two companies commit to a formal agreement.
“Harley-Davidson’s primary objective is to export our American-made motorcycles to China and to develop political and motorcycle industry alliances in anticipation of the market becoming more accessible,” said Bleustein. “We do not believe it will be necessary for Harley-Davidson to manufacture its motorcycles in China in order to be able to sell them there,” he said.
While in China, Bleustein is also pressing Harley-Davidson’s case for market entry with government officials. The day before his visit to Zongshen, Bleustein met in Beijing with China’s Vice Minister of Commerce, Wei Jianguo, to urge the easing of official and unofficial trade barriers that limit Harley-Davidson’s ability to sell its premium American-made motorcycles in China.
Those barriers include a 50 percent import duty on motorcycles. The duty is scheduled to drop to 30 percent by January 2005, a level which is still onerous according to Harley-Davidson. In addition, local governments in China often limit the number of motorcycle licenses they will grant, and motorcycles are singled out for outright bans from operating in many of China’s largest cities.
BIKERNET PHILOSOPHY CLASS–Consider the words of Plato. “One of the penalties for refusing toparticipate in politics is that you end up being governed by yourinferiors.” –Plato
–from Joan C.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF CUSTOM BIKE BUIDING–The event is a joint venture between American Motorcycle Dealer, the UK based international dealer magazine for the custom v-twin industry, and Custom Chrome, the Morgan Hill, California based distributor of aftermarket parts and accessories.
The idea has its origins in Europe, at the AMD ProShow that has been held each year since 2002. That event is hosted by Custom Chrome at their European subsidiary’s annual Dealer Show in Germany at the end of March each year. That event is now to become the Official European Championships Of Custom Bike Building, and the winners are invited to compete with challengers from North America and the rest of the world at the Official World Championships.
The first event will be held at the annual Custom Chrome Dealer Show, at their Morgan Hill, California world headquarters, from October 8th to 10th 2004. Judging will be on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th, with the announcements made at a special gala occasion on the evening of Saturday October 9th.
The Official World Championships are open to literally all comers, dealers, distributors, parts or motorcycle manufacturers, dealership personnel, professional designers/builders and amateur/privateer custom enthusiasts; of all nationalities, world-wide.
The Official World Championships are completely OPEN. You don’t need to be involved with Custom Chrome to enter.
Entries my run, but beyond that, no rules. There are no other restrictions, formulas, or criteria. Although the competition will be dominated by 45 degree air cooled v-twins. Actually any kind of custom motorcycle can be entered into the primary/principal Freestyle class. There are specific classes to recognise the work of OE builders, that is to say volume builders (of more that 200 motorcycles a year), and another class specifically for builders of Custom Chrome HR3 kit bikes, but these can also enter the Freestyle?class. Future years may see the evolution of further classes (metric cruisers, performance customs etc), but all such entrants will also still be able to enter the Freestyle class.
There is a nominal $100.00 entrance fee for the Freestyle class in order to ensure that we know which motorcycles are going to arrive at the event by the deadline for doing so. This has been introduced simply as a goodwill statement of intent so that lists, display and judging materials can be prepared in advance with a reasonable degree of accuracy.
See full details in the rules and regulations section of this web site, and download the entry forms for faxing to AMD or complete them on-line here in the AMD ProShow web site, amdproshow.com.
As detailed in the official rules and regulations an independently scrutinised and managed panel of judges will be appointed, consisting principally (perhaps entirely) of editors and other personnel from the markets custom and wider motorcycling press and media including Bikernet. No members of staff or related family members of employees of Custom Chrome or AMD or any related businesses will be permitted to be involved in the judging. Neither will any participants or family of participants to permitted to judge. The judging will be independent, impartial, honest, authoritative, and scrutinised.
As detailed in the official rules and regulations the winner of the Freestyle class will receive a $25,000.00 cash prize. They will also receive a Championship ring which is theirs to keep forever, and be honored with a perpetual trophy that they will be invited to present to the following year’s winner. The winner will also have the right to call himself or herself the Official World Championship Custom Bike Builder for the year in question, and to historically refer to themselves as having been the Official World Champion for the year in which they won. There are other prizes for the first and second reserve winners of the Freestyle class and for the winners of the other classes; these are detailed in the official rules and regulations.
For More info just e-mail Robin Bradley or his son, Ben, showmaster@amdproshow.com, or check their amdproshow.com
Continued On Page 4
June 10, 2004 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
THE WHITEHORSE PRESS SUMMER REPORT–Like many of you, we’re getting into the summer riding season, which for us shifts to high gear next week with BIKE WEEK at Laconia and the thrilling RIDE TO THE SKY up Mount Washington here in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. As I pulled out our riding gear, I was reminded of a number of products we sell that always make our rides more comfortable.
Powersports’ heavy-duty OVERBOOTS offer maximum water repellency, easy on-off styling, good traction, and are compact enough to keep a pair in your tank bag or saddlebag on every ride. $39.95
The Motosport COOLING VEST will keep you cool and comfortable for up to 8 to 12 hours of hard riding, and is available in either silver or black. $49.95http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product.asp?id=mcvb
“No itch” Merino WOOL SOCKS give your feet a smooth and luxurious feel and wick away moisture, making them ideal to wear in both warmer and cooler weather. Available in two weights, the mediums have extra cushioning in the toe box, sole, and shin for extra comfort. If you order three or more pairs, we’ll give you a nice break on price too.http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product.asp?id=sokchttp://www.whitehorsepress.com/product.asp?id=sokp
The Back-A-Line BACK-SUPPORT BELT reduces back pain, prevents injury and promotes good posture. Available in six sizes to fit waists from 23 to 48 inches. $39.95
Airhawk SEAT CUSHIONS or Butt Buffer GEL PADS eliminate painful pressure points to promote consistent blood flow for a more enjoyable ride. No more numbness, no more aching butt!http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product.asp?id=cvram http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product.asp?id=bbm
Whitehorse Press
107 East Conway Road
Center Conway, NH 03813-4012
603-356-6556
BDL CLUTCH SYSTEM REVIEW–OK… I’m thoroughly impressed (not easily done). I changed my 1975 Shovelhead a little this year, to include a new S+S 98″ stroker motor, Divinci carb, new trans gears, dual-plug / single-fire ignition, lots of speed goodies, and of course, a new BDL belt drive & quiet clutch set up.
I did quite a bit of grinding in the inner primary to create the necessary clearance for the belt drive. But, other than that, installation was a breeze. Everything lined up perfectly.
I finally fired the bike yesterday (second kick !) and took my first ride.
The first surprise was when I went to engage first gear. I went for it like I normally do, a firm toss to first gear anticipating the clunk normally heard at this point in the process. Well, I shifted way too hard. All I heard was “click” and I was in gear. Pull in the clutch and the clutch plate makes 2 revolutions and STOPS. Total disengagement instantly. Absolutely no clutch drag. I must have had a look of surprise on my face since the shop owner was smiling & laughing at me. I guess I looked confused.
OK, out we go, onto the road for a shakedown cruise. The hardest thing to get used to so far is the bike now shifts from gear to gear with a very quiet little click, and no clunks, or normal-typical noises. When I stop, I can click from gear to gear and locate neutral with my toe, not my hand or the old “shut it down & then find neutral” like I’ve been doing for almost 40 years now all the time owning stock to semi-stock H-D clutches.
The clutch works great, the bike shifts great, and in a word, it think the entire system is GREAT !
I’m almost as impressed with the new clutch-trans action as I am with the new stroker motor & horsepower.
I’m not sure what impresses me most, the motor, the clutch, or my very first ever electric starter. (OK, I’m a slow learner)
Thanks for a truly great product, which installs easily and works right from the first time out. No adjustments were necessary in any way. Install & go.
Have a good day.
Sincerely,
Dennis Blue
Regulatory Compliance Coordinator
Adhesives Research, Inc.
Glen Rock, PA
drblue@arglobal.com
NEW NYC LAW WILL COST LOUD PIPES BIG BUCKS–In an ever expanding effort to turn NYC from “The Big Apple” into “The Cash Cow” , Mayor Mike Bloomberg announced today, June 8th, a new noise ordinance. It would seem that Hiz Honna has sensitive ears and wants NYC residents to live a more pastoral existence. In addition to baring folks from mowing their lawns except during the hours of 9 AM to 6 PM on weekends and even going so far as to have your dog not bark for more than 5 minutes a day, he has decreed that if we can hear your motorcycle from 200 feet away, you’re gonna get a ticket. That’s right boys and girls. 200 feet!!!
No longer will law enforcement have to carry decibel meters to check out the commotion. All they have to do is say they heard you coming from more than 200 feet away. No word from the Mayor on distributing tape measures to the cops.
If you wish, earplugs can be sent to the Mayor at:
Mayor Bloomberg
Gracie Mansion
590 E. 89th Street
NYC, NY 10128
Maybe that will help his sleep at night and we can get back to riding our motorcycles safely, using less foreign fuel and lessening the traffic and parking nightmare that is NYC.
On a lighter note, the Mayor’s out door announcement was momentarily interrupted by a passing motorcycle.
–TBEAR
FANTASY IN IRON PRODUCTS REVIEW–Dennis makes the hottest air cleaners on the market, and I’ve been using them for over a decade. Check out some of his shit.
The Little Breather
#LB-48 “The Little Breather” with finnes 6 1/2 x 3 1/2 cover and backing. This little sucker is cool! Fits 97-1 thru 97-9, also fits 97-12, 97-14. Black or red foam filter # Pt2331Every Hog Could Use A Little Breather
Goodson Magneto Cover
#M332 Ridge down the middle, matches air cleaner. Polished aluminum not plastic.
#M32G Supreme gasket for Goodson mag covers made from cork/neoprene are water tight. We don’t recommend using paper gaskets on the Goodson mag cover.
Goodson Air Cleaners
These little units look hot painted or polished.For the nearest dealer nearest you call Dennis Goodson at (303) 455-4054
Fantasy In Iron
1204 W. 38th Ave.
Denver, CO 80211
IN SEARCH OF LOST ISSUES–I am trying to locate the July, 1976 edition of EasyriderS magazine – it featured a prison run (Folsum or San Quentin).
Also looking for the year-end wrap up edition of Outlaw 1979 or 1980
If you could suggest any ideas I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
J. Hayes
“Jody Hayes”
For more info call Leonette “Leo” Powers @ 602-725-1603
STURGIS
Heading Southwest
‘Ol Two Lane Blacktop
Is The Route I Like Best
Leaving In Plenty Of Time
Getting Lost In Memories
Shifting Gears
Listen To That Motor Whine
Through Nebraska We Roll
Pack Getting Larger
The Further We Go
Stopping To Help
A Bro In Need
Set Of Points
Maybe Some Gasoline
South Dakota
Here We Come,
Hear Us Come
Rolling Thunder
A Million V-Twins United
Together As One
Tonight We Set Up Camp
Tomorrow We Awake
With The Sun
Hit Ol’ Main Street
Rested And Ready
For Some Righteous
Biker Fun
Composed By Panhead Josh Of Outlaws World
WHIPLASH FLORIDA REPORT–Shot a few frames at Dick’s Wings bikenight, Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Didn’t see any biker babes worthy though……dammit. Also, lots of folks want to see your BIKERNET and the pics I shoot of them and their bikes.
Bob “Whiplash” Sofford
Bikernet intern photog ( I like the sound of dat)
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(INSIDE SHOW – AIR CONDITIONERS – WIDE OPEN!!)
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BARGAINS !!! – BARGAINS !!! – BARGAINS !!! –
Motorcycle Parts & Accessories – New & Used
T-Shirts – Leather Goods at Summer Prices…
“You Can Probably Find What You?re Lookin? Fer CHEAP!!
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COLD BEER SPECIALS!! – DOOR PRIZES !!
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Got Some Motorcycle STUFF layin? around the Garage you
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Information: www.texasscooter.com or 254-687-9066 m-f 9-6
Continued On Page 3
June 10, 2004 Part 1
By Bandit |
New Victory models were just announced and 2005 looks hot. We’ll bring you the line-up as soon as it’s released. Harley-Davidson releases their 2005 models next week to the media. And Helen Wolfe, Bikernet correspondent and the Mailman are rolling to Las Vegas for Harley’s presentation, specifically for women riders. Again there’s embargo dates on the info, but we’ll launch it when we’ve cleared those dates. 2005 Looks to be a screamin’ year.
I need to finish the Run For Breath trophy this weekend and ship the sucker. I’m requesting a couple of calm days and cold beer–fat chance. In the meantime, washers are running, electricians comin’, carpet guys measuring, railing people drawing up plans and I’m hammering on the news. Let’s rock:
JUDGE, SENATE CANDIDATE BACKS MEASURE TO AMEND ‘THREE STRIKES’– (ORANGE COUNTY, CA.) – Saying judges frequently “have their hands tied” by the state’s tough and arbitrary criminal sentencing laws, U.S. Senate candidate and state superior court judge James P. “Jim” Gray (L-CA) became the first statewide politician to endorse the recently-qualified ballot measure to amend the “Three Strikes” law.
“From what I see as a trial court judge, the Three Strikes sentencing law is often inefficient and unduly rigid,” say Gray, who was appointed by Gov. Deukmejian to the municipal court in 1983 and the superior court in 1989. “We could save hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars every year by simply requiring a third strike be a violent offense.”
This week, the California Secretary of State’s office told organizers of the “Citizens Against Violent Crime” that they had gathered enough signatures to place the measure on the November ballot, along with at least 13 other propositions, after years of effort to qualify the initiative.
If passed by voters, a criminal convicted of a third strike would still receive a mandatory 25-to-life sentence if they committed a violent crime, such as assault with a deadly weapon, rape, robbery or murder.
The ballot measure, which has not been assigned a proposition number, will also toughen prison sentencing for those convicted of sexually abusing children.
There are 42,322 people in state prison on second and third strikes, according to the Department of Corrections. Only one-third of these are incarcerated for violent crimes. Most of the other two-thirds committed non-violent property or drug offenses. There are three times more marijuana offenders incarcerated on a third strike than for the offenses of robbery, rape and murder combined.
–from Rogue
ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIKER BASH–Lyons, Colo: This year the sun was shining down on the people at the fourth annual Redhill Motorcycle Werx Pig Roast in Lyons, Colorado. It is a chance for all of their long time customers and new customers to come up have some free hog and talk shop with the owners Scot and Mercedes Ross. This year and estimated 800 people rode up and partied with the pig! “This gives us chance to say thank you to all of our loyal customers and show off some of our newest custom builds” said Mercedes Ross. “It’s fun to have, what feels like family, come up and just have a good time”.
A good time was had by all. There was a free bikini bike wash with some girls from The Bus Stop, door prizes and a give-away. All this while you could feed your face with some of the finest roast pig around and listen to some great live music. They showcased several of their custom builds including Mercedes “Bitchcraft” an all aluminum women?s specific bike that you will see adorning billboards in Sturgis this year, and Scot’s personal ride “Silver Tongue,” a classic chop with a 124″ S&S that has brought home a few trophies.
Tours of the shop were available were you could see the full paint shop they have set up in back, housing Black Canyon Custom Paint and get a to see the Dyno room. They will have plenty more parties as the summer goes on and come on over and say “Hi” to Scot and Mercedes at Thunder Road in Sturgis this year.
–J. Ken Conte
SUMMER RIDING ALERT–COLORADO SPRINGS– Just thought you might like to let ALL your riders know that IF they are visiting Colorado or just passing through they should avoid Colorado Springs UNLESS they have the ‘STOCK EXHAUST’ still on their Harley. If you own a custom and your pipes DON’T say either DOT or Harley Davidson on them, you too will receive a ticket. Minimum cost is $50. And it’s a PRIMARY OFFENSE, so they can pull you over and write you up JUST for the exhaust issue. The police who pull you over determine whether your exhaust is legal or not.
On your way to Sturgis from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada or SoCal and planning on going up I-25 through Colorado Springs to Denver and then on to Sturgis? Plan to add $50 Colorado Springs Noise Tax ticket to your trip. OR avoid Colorado Springs all together. Your choice. I personally am starting a boycott of ALL Colorado Springs business’, as it’s the ONLY WAY to send a message. If tax revenues dip and business STOP seeing motorcyclists coming to their place of business, then MAYBE we can get these people to come to their senses.
The city ordinance used is section 10.22.204, which is used to ticket BOTH motorcycles and ‘euro race cars’ according to the Colorado Springs City Council.
Sincerely,
Jim Waldrep
Denver, Co<
whiterivr@msn.com
A DIXIE MEMORY–Remember ‘Dixie’ from Rescue 911? This a pic from her singing days.
–from Ron W.
WHITEHOUSE REPORT–President gets off the helicopter in front of the White House, carrying ababy pig under each arm. The Marine guard snaps to attention, salutes, andsays: “Nice pigs, sir.”
The President replies: “These are not pigs, these are authentic TexanRazorback Hogs. I got one for VP Cheney, and I got one for Defense SecretaryRumsfeld.”
The Marine again snaps to attention, salutes, and replies, “Nice trade,sir.”
–from S & C
STEALTH REPORT FROM NC–Life is precious! We have all heard this before and when we hear it we usually stop for a second or two and think about it. When tragedy strikes it makes us realize that things can change with the blink of an eye. It makes us reevaluate what is important in life and how fragile our time is. When my son Justin passed away at the age of sixteen it made me see things in a new light.
At that time in my life I would find myself thinking and seeing myself five years down the road, 10 years down the road. I stopped looking down the road and started to pay attention to where I was in the road at the present time. My point is to pay attention to what is at hand. You only live once, when it is over there is no second chance. Live life like you are dying! You can’t wait for one day forever! Life is not a dress rehearsal!
I know it is hard to do everything you dream of and probably impossible to do everything you would like to do, but we all need to have dreams. We all need to do something we really want to do and not put it off until tomorrow or in five years. You see the funny thing about life is that we never know how much road we have been given, how many rides we have left. I know sometimes I am still guilty of thinking too far ahead and when I find myself doing this, I snap out of it real fast.
When you have a chance to do something you really want to do, do it! When our time is over it is over and you don’t want to be sitting around when you are older saying to yourself “I wish I would have done this or that, I could have, if only I would have taken the chance.”
Speaking of promises The 6th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin” promises to be a must attend event this summer. The run is Sunday July 25th here in Charlotte. We have even gotten the LAW involved. I guess that is a good thing? They have agreed to provide a police escort from “STEALTH” headquarters to Ben”s V-Twins in downtown Charlotte.
Well that is it for this week, until next week RIDE and do something special for yourself!
Later!
–Mike (STEALTHMAN)
BUELL DEALER TEAMS FASTER AT ROAD AMERICA FORMULA XTREME–Strong Runs by Hal?s and Kosco Riders Rev Up Hometown Crowd.
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. (June 5, 2004) – The Hal?s Buell and Kosco Buell dealer teams ran strong in front of a partisan crowd of Buell fans during the Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme race during the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship Series at Road America.
Hal?s rider Mike Ciccotto qualified eighth and ran as high as fifth, in a five-rider dog fight battling for the final podium spot before dropping back to seventh halfway through the race when the experimental front brake on his bike lost performance. Kosco?s Michael Barnes qualified ninth but suffered similar trouble on the first lap with the experimental front brake on his bike and battled through the race to come home in 11th position.
?We?re really proud of these dealers teams and what they?ve accomplished in such a competitive class. This is exactly the kind of grueling testing and learning that goes on in racing that you just can?t duplicate in the real world,? said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company.
?We were doing great in the first half of the race,? said Ciccotto. ?I?m feeling really confident on the Hal?s Firebolt, and at one point I was able to make an awesome pass of [HMC Ducati Milwaukee rider] Doug Chandler. I was right there in the fight for third.?
?It?s frustrating,? said Barnes. ?But even with our problems, we were just outside the top ten. This Kosco bike has a lot of potential.?
AMA Formula Xtreme is a class open to highly-modified motorcycles with 600cc four-cylinder engines or larger-displacement V-Twin engines. The next stop on the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship schedule is June 25-27 at the Brainerd International Raceway near Brainerd, Minn.
BIKERNET POLICE RELATIONS SESSION– A guy blows through a stop sign and gets caught by a policeman.
Cop says, “License and registration please.”
Guy says, “What for?”
Cop says, “You didn’t come to a complete stop at the stop sign.”
Guy says, “I slowed down, and no one was coming.”
Cop says, “You still didn’t come to a complete stop, license and registration, please.”
Guy says, “What’s the difference?”
Cop says, “The difference is, you have to come to a complete Stop. “License and registration, PLEASE!”
Guy says, “If you can show me the difference between slow down and stop I’ll give you my license and registration.”
Cop says, “Exit your vehicle sir.”
The cop takes out his Night Stick and starts beating the guy and says, “Do you want me to slow down or stop?”
–from Chris T.
Continued On Page 2
Daytona Beach Bike Week 2004
By Bikernet Contributor Rogue |
The famous beach drew fewer riders to the 63rd annual event than in recent years, but for many that was a positive element. It made getting around quicker; parking places were easily found even on Main and Beach streets. You could walk the sidewalks without hassle. Vendors had more time to spend with customers, and you waited in shorter lines, if there was any.
Businesses and vendors noticed less traffic. All who I interviewed said their business was down, althought there was a constant stream of customers. They were busy, just no long lines as before. There were considerable lines to see Billy Lane, Indian Larry and some other well known builders. Fans waited to talk to them and grab autographed purchases.
Locals and regulars were heard making statements like, “Biketoberfest was busier” or “It must have been all the rain from last year or the cold from the year before.” Some even went so far as to estimate attendance down to 300,000 – 350,000, from the 500,000 they normally claim.
Actually the Bikers were in Florida, just not in Daytona Beach. Well not all at the same time, anyway.
There has been a growing, spreading trend for riders to hang in other parts of the state, like Orlando, Miami and even Key West. Reports from these communities claimed more visitors than normal this year. These areas welcome the Bikers and want their business, and it seems to be paying off.
Cocco Beach recognized the growth with local newspaper articles welcoming bikers and asking motorist to be watchful for them. The city stated how riders added to the economy and were welcome. I'd never witnessed this level of support before, but it was similar to reports from other areas.
An advantage of staying outside of Daytona Beach is Money and less aggressive police enforcement of things like handlebars, exhaust, etc. Don't get me wrong there are aggressive enforcement areas all year long in Florida, but most do not just pull over every 5th or 7th biker and hunt for infractions.
There are plenty of parties, restaurants and other forms of entertainment everywhere, and of course, you can ride into Daytona for a day or two see everything you want and get the hell out.
The communities starting just outside Daytona tried hard to draw business, and they were successful at doing it.
Riders now are from more different backgrounds, social levels, etc. They're looking for more than what Daytona Beach offers and hunting elsewhere in Florida. Those who opted to stay in Daytona Beach had plenty to do. Harley Show, Rat's Hole, Ole Skool Chopper Show were just a few of the Bike shows. Free Concerts almost every night, all the bars had bands, drink and drink and party hearty.
On top of the non-stop entertainment, the weather was in the 70s and a couple of times 80s. No Rain anywhere. Great riding weather and a lot of people were taking advantage of it.
Of course so were the cops. There was the normal squad in front of the Iron Horse and also on the south end in front of Club 44 who were reported giving out tickets at a steady rate. As were the motorcycle cops sitting on the east end of International Speedway Blvd. As bikers took advantage of the new bridge, the the boys in blue were waiting and pulling them over for speeding. Hey you play, you get caught, you pay. The local newspaper reported the police expected more arrests this year, including an increase in DUI charges. Florida is pushing their “You drink You Drive, You Lose Campaign”.
There was also a goon squad roaming around looking for stolen bikes and snatched one from a dude in New Smyrna Beach. He says they said the numbers looked suspicious so they took it to an impound in Daytona Beach. Took the ignition out, cam cover off, cut 2 pushrods to get the cam out, all to check out the numbers on the inside of the case. The NUMBERS MATCHED. They took his bike on Thursday, and it wasn't returned until Saturday. Still he paid towing charges and he had to trailer it back to his home.
As of this article he has not got the bike back together, as he doesn’t have the parts to fix it.
Okay You Motorcycle Riding Lawyers Out There, Which one or Team of You are Going To Step Up And Help This Dude Out? THIS BULL SHIT HAS TO STOP! Bikers need to let Daytona Beach know that they are tired of how they are treated. If the city wants their business they need to shape up. If not riders will spend their vacation in one of the other areas that welcome them.
If that happens watch the big motorcycle company vendors get more involved.
All in all I had a great time. I hope you did too. Learning more about the area and what's going on where helps riders understand the event and what's available. Watch for articles here on Bikernet before you head to Daytona.
We will continue to keep you informed in hopes that your stay is more enjoyable. That's our mission.
–ROGUE