This is difficult. I tried to write a bit every day, or at least every couple of days, so everything would be fresh and I wouldn't forget details. Ah, the World is full of intentions. Alas, there's no way to find rest in Daytona, much less a few moments of quietness. If it's not the Jap bike fuckers revving the damn motors till they float the valves and whatever else floats on those god forsaken motors, it's the newbies, playing throttle twist and freshly installed drag pipes. I guess they're trying to impress semi dressed babes or even fellow pompous new riders. I can't blame the residents who bitch and moan about their beach side town becoming a whole fucking freak carnival. Some people ruin it for the others.

The new wave of bikers have hit the streets in way more force than ever before. People who don't have the slightest clue of what this lifestyle is about, who think that wearing a certain “biker shirt” chaps, white tennis shoes or shitkickers, bandannas and all the other gizmos, seen at every trinket shop down Main street, is the “bomb”. Those who must stand in line to get their shirts autographed by the OCC guys, after forking money for the shirt and autograph, is the hippest thing in motorcycling. It's people who play dress up as if it's a Barbie doll house convention and they get to choose the proper costume for the occasion. Let's not even talk about the slow impregnation of kids on Spring Break, those who slowly seep through the Daytona cracks and start screaming like lunatics at the weirdest hours of the night, while puking the contents of their booze-filled stomachs and brains on the nearest floor, rug or whatever is closer.

Yes ladies and gentlemen, Daytona Bike Week has fallen from the event category into the major circus/freak show/tv frenzy/ super packed/traffic nightmare/ shithole.

This year, although it seemed less crowded than before (at the beginning), gave us a slap-in-the-face surprise by the end of the week. Taking an hour to get anyplace became the norm, be it by bike, car or even walking. Insanity was rampant, as well as the TV freaks flowing down the street to catch a glimpse of the newest Chopper TV stars. Nothing bad with that, I should add, but it has changed, from people who were in this “lifestyle” to mere mortals, who don't even know what a fucking bike is. If it wasn't for those Cake decorators (quoting Bill) that do “theme” bikes, I mean, tube fans just trying to get a glimpse of TV personalities augmented the overflowing crowds.

Let's talk about those new riders, the new sparkling, gleaming, big ass tired chops, the ones that show up on a matching Hummer and trailer, that stay at the most expensive hotels and wear those stupid shirts, with the sleeves cut off and all the fuzzy threads sticking out, (you know what I'm talking about poser). The same guys that wear the stupidest helmets, the ugliest boots and just whack the fucking throttle to get attention. The ones who talk the loudest.

I could live without, the clowns and monkeys.

With this introduction I might discourage some people from attending Bike Week. If you're one of the characters mentioned above, yes, stay the fuck away, but not all is gloom on the sunny (sometimes) streets of Daytona. There's friends, there's good times, and there's memories to cherish. That, my friends, is what it's all about, and that's what this story is about.

Chopper Dave says Hi

As always we arrived early. The booth was set up and all the other crap handled by early Friday. We paid a visit to our friends across the street, West Coast Choppers (which became a trend), said, “Hi,” to Indian Larry, Hank Young, Billy and their respective crews and friends. Like always, it was good to see our friends and usual suspects. This day was a copy of every other single day. See, our friends hang by the booth, eat dinner and hit Lollipops. If a bomb was dropped at Lollipops, 90% of the industry would be wiped out, including yours truly.

Saturday and Sunday went by in a blur. The list of friends, coming by to visit, kept growing by the hour. Every chance I had I escaped to the WCC booth area and hit their couch. They were more than kind and patient, after all they had the most fucking comfy space in the whole town. Bill Dodge, Rockabilly, Jay and my good friend, the foam sucking shaper from Hawaii, Jay Hodge were there. Needless to say the hordes of people asking for Jesse, time after time, again and again, never ended. I guess we became immune to that and kept on with the mischief. The speakers blasting away, the chicks to check out and the more than efficient waitress from the Wreck bringing cold stuff and even food right into the booth. I shit you not, I spent more time there that in my own booth.

One of the highlights of the trip happened when Bling Bling rode his cool, Count Chocula, WCC chop, and he over abused it (wheelies and burnouts are not proper break in procedures) and busted something. Everyone was helping out inside the trailer. I mean Indian Larry was there, Jack Rudy, all the WCC guys (but Jay who stood guard outside) and many of the guys. It's was plain and simple, a small example of what brotherhood is about. A few friends helping each other out and having a good time. What I did find amazing was the crowd gathering outside. I guess people assumed that there was a big pow wow with big chief Jesse James going on. After all many well respected builders walked in and out of that trailer, the lines of onlookers were a solid ten deep.

As the week rolled on we managed to see more and more of our friends. That's what I really like about Daytona. It's a place (since there's nothing else to do) to find industry friends from all over the country. Also, it's the meeting point of all our friends from foreign lands, France, Japan, Finland, etc. All the magazines are there, looking for new and cool bikes. Even though I had no new stuff, they still took the time to talk a bit about what's going on and what's being built at our shop. I should not forget about editors of US magazines as well, they came by said hello, that was super cool.

In case you are loosing the thread, we still managed to hit Lollipops every night, sometimes betting on who would turn out the lights after last call.

There's another thing about Daytona, while there's almost no riding during the day, it turns into a “what the fuck should I do?” during the night. There's industry parties, dinner invitations, more parties, unveilings, press releases and a million other industry related things. I'm saying this not because I feel I'm important, but just because it's a side of the whole event that people, who are not on the industry, never see or know of. As the week passes it all becomes complicated. More and more stuff to do and by then everyone, and I mean fucking everyone, is in town, so traffic is a total and utmost nightmare. There's not enough time to do it all. Even trying to get to sleep is a whole odyssey in itself.

Let's sum it up in a whole section devoted to events, or what the fuck went on: I'm not going into details like who had a BBQ at their house or shit like that, just general stuff. S&S and Hot Bike party at the Broken Spoke, we had a good time meeting with the WCC crew, Jesse Rooke, Chris Maida, Roland Sands and many other friends. It was located in the police warning zone, which is that stretch of US 1 in Ormond. More tickets there than any other place in Daytona for sure.

Willies Tropical tattoo first Chopper Show. We tried to head over but the booth and traffic made it impossible. We spent some time there earlier in the week (as always) and I promised to show up. I'm sorry I could not, since everyone told me it was kick ass.

Photo By Frank Kaisler

The Chop Shop took place on Main Street featuring bikes from Jesse Rooke, Billy Lane and others (which escape my mind). Another joint that I mustered the valor to walk over, yet never made it. Still some of my crew went over and brought the photos back. I had seen Billy's bike, but Jesse Rooke's was very cool.

Horse Crew

The Horse had a Chopper Show at the Last Resort, one place I had to be and managed to miss 'till too late. Again trying to escape the booth and traffic made it impossible to get there early. I should have ridden with Bill and Chopper Dave when they took off, after all Chopper Dave was judging. I heard from Geno (besides bitchin' at me for being late) that it was all very good with over 100 chops to judge.

At the same time the Rats Hole Show was taking place at the Peabody. Some smart advertising seeped into the news that Discovery cameras would be there, so just imagine the mayhem. Another event that I managed to miss.

The Hot Bike bowling party took place once more. Again I showed up late, but still managed to find a few diehard friends and had a good time.

The one I really hated to miss was the impromptu party at the Chart House with WCC and the Indian Larry crew. I heard someone played a joke on Larry and said it was his birthday. I guess the joke was on them when even the menu congratulated Larry on his birthday. I really, really hated to miss that one.

Even more, the VQ awards and Lynyrd Skynyrd concert took place at the same time at the same place. Zoo is not even close to the proper word, and to top it off it was in our hotel, so we had to hide in Lollipops (once more) till the chaos subsided, or maybe that was the night that we all went to Chica's motor home for another party and ended up at Lollipops once more.

I'm telling you, there's so much shit going that it's a full time job just trying to remember what, who and when. I know there's stuff I'm forgetting, yep so what the fuck is new….Let's just keep on.

Personalities:

I guess I have already talked about everyone asking where Jesse was. I guess no one will know, after sightings at a breakfast joint, some said he was still in Long Beach and some saw him taking off back to California. Was he there? Who know's, what's important is that Jesse is still the favorite, still the man, and I fucking respect that.

Billy Lane's new rig was packed, bikes, chicks, cars, even a stripper pole. When the very busy dreadlocked Billy showed up the lines for autographs and photos were endless, and you know what, even though some people were disappointed that he was not there longer. Billy wasn't fucking around, he was going back to his shop (every day) to finish some of the work, that was admirable.

To me Indian Larry was the champ par none. He was on hand the longest, every day, signing, taking photos, etc. etc. The man could not even get a break to eat or take a piss, without some fan calling him out (rude very rude). He still managed to keep his sanity (or lack of) during the whole week. I tell you he worked his ass off trying to please everyone, and he still had time to go across the street and check some old knuckles out or say hi to old friends. That was his time off from the lunacy. He was running out of place to hide and take a breather.

Hank Young and Chica had their Discovery bikes on the spot. We joked on how people were walking by and crowds were ultra thin. Let's see what happens when their Build Off airs, I'm sure we'll see a 180 degree turn. And all this involves our little space in the Daytona microcosm, our little chopper block.

Chica Discovery Bike

But be ready for this, at a spot near us, the infamous OCC guys had their corral (which is the proper word), people standing in line in fenced walkways to see their favorite TV dysfunctional family and their theme bikes. I better leave it at that, since I really don't like the circus, nor monkeys, much less clowns. “Please hurry up, they won't talk into cell phones,” the announce proclaims. “Buy the merchandise…” Nothing like people telling you what to do.

Fab Kevin

We joined forces with Fabricator Kevin and Biker Spot magazine. Kevin managed to talk to 20% of the Daytona population and meet so many people his rolodex is probably twice its size. I have to thank them, Kevin and Carla, for holding the fort while I was fucking around. BikerSpot gave away tons of magazines and did tons of shootings. Good material for upcoming issues.

Me, I sold a few shirts, but I had a great time amongst friends, got my bike shot and would not have missed Bike Week for the World.

Keino and Chica

Sometimes the stuff you gain must not be measured in monetary value. There's no way some dollars can replace nor stand in the way of having a good time amongst friends. There's no price to the stuff that you do and see, of being able to share time, space and ideas with the top names in the industry, or just planning the next trip to Puerto Rico or any other place. Fun can be as simple as figuring out when to meet to go surfing.

Daytona is a place for me to meet friends and spend the time with pals I can't see in Puerto Rico. As annoying as it's getting, there's always a good side. There's always a good (or many) stories to tell. Daytona is a place to check out the very good-looking chicks and make fun at the clueless new “bikers”. It's a goddamn circus on the outside but a close knit family gathering on the inside. Yeah it's been twelve years now, and I hate it with all my guts, but I would not miss it for the world.

Jose's list of what to do in Daytona

(I'm not mentioning names to protect the guilty)

COOL
Drive down the road on a big ass truck with the nastiest air horn at 8:30 am, see some guys on theme bikes waving at the non existent crowd, honk the fucking horn as long as the compressor will last and remind them there's no one in the streets !

Not Cool
Take pictures of certain builder and his dick while taking a piss

Cool!
Get a blow job in one of the trailers by groupies

Not cool
Get a ticket for wearing a helmet, but the helmet is not approved and you have no proof of insurance on a helmet free state (Go figure that one out !!!)

Cool
Getting to hang at Lollipops every night, (thanks guys).

Not coolTaking an hour to drive a fucking mile at 10:00 am so you can get to the booth

CoolGetting lap dances while getting tattooed

Not cool
Having to listen to all the newbies whacking their throttle at the hotel lobby

Cool
Seeing a cop giving them a ” souvenir” and or watching a motor blow or plugs fowl.

Not cool
Having to move all around town to visit places since it's all spread out as fuck (go back to traffic)

Cool
Getting lots of hot chicks to sit on your bike for photos and getting their numbers !

Not cool
Getting their boyfriends pissed at you.

Cool
Getting the fuck out of Daytona, blasting, riding on sidewalks or whatever the fuck it takes to escape.

Below is a complete listing of events for Daytona Bike Week 2004, but don't miss the coverage on Bikernet, before, during and after the sand settles. Here's a tease from Bikernet correspondent, custom painter and hot female rider, CrazyHorse:

“Well my articles usually follow whatever adventures I have. I'll cover the cool paint jobs, but I'll be on my new chopper, so that should make for someinteresting sidebars. I 'm also getting skinny again, so hot bike,non-doughy bod, ought to make for fun times. Too bad Angie is notcoming down. Her and me tend to get into all kinds of trouble. But mygorgeous friend Shari will be there. But so will her boyfriend.

I'dlove to write a chopper girl on the loose thing. This will be my first Daytona on a completely custom chopper. I can'twait.”

Hang on for all the action on Bikernet. We'll have no less than five reporters on the scene.–Bandit

MILWAUKEE IRON IN DAYTONA Randy was wondering if you could put on there somewhere that wewill be set up @ the Black Hills Saloon. Belay my last, he'll be set up at the Daytona International Speedway

Thank you!
Cindy
MILWAUKEE IRON

February 27 – March 7, 2004 – 63rd Anniversary of Bike Week – Harley-Davidson Official Calendar of Events

February 27 – March 7, 2004 – 63rd Anniversary of Bike Week – Area wide – (386) 255-0981

February 27 – March 7 – Official Bike Week Welcome Center – Free literature on area events – Free Blood Pressure Checks, First Aid & Biker Blood Drive -Pick up the Official Pocket Guide & 2004 Bike Week Poster – Riverfront Park – Beach Street – (386) 255-0981

February 27 – March 7- Daytona International Speedway – Daytona 200 Week – Ticket Info (386) 253-7223; www.daytonaintlspeedway.com

February 27 – March 7 – ABATE of Florida, Inc., Campground – Hot showers, beverages, food, vendors, 24 hour security, no hook-ups – Volusia County Fairgrounds – (904) 943-9610

February 27 – March 7 – “Cackleberry’s Lot Next Door” – Cabbage Patch – Plenty of entertainment, food, games, and beverages – RV & Tent Camping Available – Vendor space available – West on International Speedway Blvd., south on Tomoka Farms Rd (415) 8 miles – (386) 428-5459

February 27 – March 7 – Flea & Farmers Market Camping – Tent sites & RV sites – Hot showers, RV water fill-up, no full hook ups – 2987 Bellevue Ave., Daytona Beach – (386) 253-3330, ext. 14

February 27 – March 7 – Jackson Hole Campground – 4 miles from US1 strip – Primitive camping is available – Call Sandy for reservations & directions – (386) 673-0617

February 27 – March 7 – KOA Kampground – Bikers Welcome – Breakfast restaurant, hot showers, good rates – I-4 exit 54, DeLand/Orange City – (386) 775-3996

February 27 – March 7 – Moonshine Campground – Primitive camping, no hook ups, clean restrooms & showers Food, cold beer, tee’s – $11 per person per day – 24 hour security – 1725 N US Hwy. 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 677-1550

February 27 – March 7 – Motorcycles Only Camping available – Daytona 200 M/C Clubhouse, 1 mile west of I-4 on Hwy. 92, Daytona Beach – Clean rest rooms, showers, full kitchen, security – High & Dry – Camping by donation, contact Phil Sozio (386) 775-7755 or Andy Campanaro (386) 789-9426

February 27 – March 7 – New Smyrna Speedway Campground – (386) 527-6010

February 27 – March 7 – Nova Family Campground – 24 hour guarded, primitive tent camping available, campfires permitted – Camp store, firewood, LP – 1190 Herbert St., Port Orange – (386) 767-0095

February 25 – March 8 – Spider’s Cycle City – Bike Week Campground – Hot Showers – Volusia County Speedway – 15 Miles West of I-95 – (888) 438-2729

February 27 – March 7 – Thunder Gulch – Live Entertainment, Contests, Prizes, Giveaways, Food & Vendors, “Winn Thrills” Motorcycle Thrill Show on the high wire – 2129 N. US Hwy. 1, 2 miles from Bunnell – (800) 714-8388

February 27 – March 7 – Arlen Ness Custom Motorcycles – Outside vendors, all motorcycle related products, t-shirts, trailer sales, sunglasses, custom bikes & choppers, custom wheels & much more – 420 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach – (386) 271-1981

February 27 – March 7 – Barneys Leather – Vending, Food, Beer, Music & T-Shirts – 438 N Beach St., (386) 677-7674 & Barneys Leather North – Vending, Food, Beer, Music, Jesse The Human Bomb – 1148 N US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach

February 27 – March 7 – Bikers in the Park – “Stocking Park” behind Friction Clubhouse – Vendors, camper parking, motorcycle parking – Food & Music – (386) 255-7040

February 27 – March 7 – Biking On The Boulevard – Live entertainment, vendors, BBQ, bike shows – Bethune Boulevard, Historic District, Daytona Beach – (386) 253-1067

February 27 – March 7 – Boot Hill Saloon – Live music daily – Food vendors, beer garden, contests, exhibits & displays – 310 Main Street, Daytona Beach – (386) 257-2007 or www.boothillsaloon.com

February 27 – March 7 – Broken Spoke Saloon – Great drinks, beer specials daily, full liquor bar, giveaways daily, contests nightly – Free bike parking – Live Music – 1151 N. US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 673-1040

February 27 – March 7 – Carl’s Speed Shop – Harley Performance Center – Dyno Jet Power Commander II – Product seminars daily – Visit our showroom and real performance shop with the best manufacturers in the motorcycle industry – 9AM-7PM – 390 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach – (386) 258-3777

February 27 – March 7 – Cheyenne Saloon – Where good friends meet & eat – Outback Bar – BBQ Ribs & Smoked Turkey Legs – Games & Contests – Breakfast Buffet every day 7AM-11AM – Live Bands – Music All Day – East Palatka FL – (386) 328-9216; www.cheyennesaloon.com

February 27 – March 7 – Christian Riders Ministry – Free band nightly, coffee, water, & lemonade – Ordained ministers who can perform Christian marriages – Tent facing cemetery on Main St. & Peninsula

February 27 – March 7 – Conklin Centers for the Blind – Motorcycle Raffle – 1948 restored Indian M/C – Ticket booths located at Iron Horse Saloon, Wise Guys Watering Hole – (386) 258-3441

February 27 – March 7 – Daytona Fun Machines – Food and lots of vendors – 8AM till – 450 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill – (386) 238-0888

February 27 – March 7 – Daytona Harley-Davidson – Outside vendors – All motorcycle related products, clothing, leather goods, chrome & much more – 8AM-8PM – 290 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach – (386) 253-2453

February 27 – March 7 – Dirty Harry’s – Three hot bands daily; Contests at 2PM, 5PM, & 7PM make for non-stop entertainment at this open air venue – Bobby Friss & Band take the stage at 9:30PM nighty – 705 Main Street, Daytona Beach – (386) 252-9877

February 27 – March 7 – Dockside Restaurant & Marina – Live entertainment daily – Full menu – seafood & steaks – Contests & Giveaways – Indoor & Outdoor bar on the water – Look for the balloon – Under Rt. 100 Bridge, Flagler Beach – (386) 439-4295

February 27 – March 7 – Down The Hatch – An authentic Florida Seafood Restaurant – Live Music – Outdoor deck – Scenic View – Open 8AM-10PM – Front St., Ponce Inlet – (386) 761-4831

February 27 – March 7 – Easyriders Daytona Pavilion – Come meet the master builders – Over 30 manufacturers – Food & Drinks – Riverfront Park, downtown Daytona Beach

February 27 – March 7 – First Turn Lounge & Steakhouse – Live Music, Rock & Roll – Fresh smoked North Carolina BBQ – Free secure bike parking – Free beer hour – Horseshoe pits, Rolling Thunder dyno, daily contests, exhibits & displays – 5236 US 1, Port Orange – (386) 788-5434

February 27 – March 7 – Froggy’s Saloon – Music day & night – Food, souvenirs and more – 7AM-3PM – 800 Main Street, Daytona Beach – (386) 254-8808; www.froggyssaloon.us

February 27 – March 7 – Full Moon Saloon –- Home of the $2 Bloody Mary’s, featuring Big Mike Griffin and his Nashville band nightly. No cover charge in this rustic rock-n-roll barn overlooking the Camel Roadhouse – 705 Main Street, Daytona Beach

February 27 – March 7 – Gilly’s Pub 44 – Bike Week Kick Off Party – Live Bands Noon-2AM – Vendors, Food & Drink, Miss Bike Week Semi-Finals, Contests, Prizes & Giveaways – “Wall of Death” – 1889 SR 44, New Smyrna Beach – (386) 428-6523 – www.pub44.com

February 27 – March 7- 13th Annual Gold Wing Getaway hosted by Chapter FL1-H – Sponsored by GWRRA Region A & Florida District – Vendor Expo & GWRRA Public Relations Booth – Free Admission – 9AM-6PM – New Smyrna Beach Airport – (386) 426-5418 or (386) 677-1786

February 27 – March 7 – Highlander Outpost & Goods – Outdoor Bars & Party Deck, Live Music, Cold Beer, Full Liquor, Great Food, Gift Shop, Ice Cream Parlor – Vendor; Boss Hoss, Hot Leathers, Jewelry, Airbrush Artist – Free Bike Wash – Camel Tent – 1821 S. Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona – (386) 322-8829

February 27 – March 7 – Inlet Harbor Marina & Restaurant – Live music daily, fresh local seafood, steaks, cold beer & tropical drinks – Party on the areas largest torch lit deck – South on A1A to 133 Inlet Harbor Rd., Ponce Inlet – (386) 767-5590

February 27 – March 7 – Iron Horse Saloon – Food, vendors, Wall of Death, Burn Out Pit – Live entertainment nightly – Open 8:30AM-3AM – 1068 N. US 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 677-1550

February 27 – March 7 – Jackson Hole Saloon – Every night is custom Bike night with VIP parking for all Custom Choppers – Legendary Biker Celebrity Mickey Jones – Crazy Bike, Rock Wall, bon fire, bike repair, full liquor bar, steak dinners, turkey legs, & pizza – Live Music – Free parking – 10AM-2AM – 1081 N. US 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 673-6996

February 27 – March 7 – Jam-On Productions – Flagler County Swapmeet Vendor Registration & Set-up 10AM-8PM – Flagler County Fairgrounds – (301) 336-2100; www.jam-on.com

February 27 – March 7 – JB’s Fish Camp – Rustic dining on the river, Key West style sunsets, airboat rides, eco tours, full bar – Over 20 years of “where the fun is” – Live rock or blues nightly – A1A South, Beachside, New Smyrna Beach – (386) 427-5747

February 27 – March 7 – Main Street Pier – Dine over the ocean, shrimp baskets, cold beer, daily drink specials – Space Needle Observation tower 180’ for a view down Main Street – Ride Sky Lift out over the waves & back – (386) 253-1212

February – March 7 – No Name Saloon – 3 Bands Daily, contests with cash prizes & $1 breakfast every day from 9AM-11AM – 2001 S. Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater – (386) 428-9229

February 27 – March 7 – Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club – Reggae Beach Bash 2003 – The only party right on the beach with a Beach Beer Garden & Live Music Stage – 127 S. Ocean Ave, Daytona Beach – (386) 253-5224

February 27 – March 7 – Riverfront Park – Dozens of vendors, Easyriders’ Pavilion, Camel Roadhouse Tour, food court & live entertainment – (across from Daytona Harley-Davidson) Daily 8AM-8PM

February 27 – March 7 – Sunshine Park Vendor Expo – Free admission – 2400 S. Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona Beach – (386) 677-6749

February 27 – March 7 – Wiseguys Watering Hole – Welcome to the new guys on the strip – Great entertainment, great food & fun – Best view in town of Main Street – Free vacation given away daily, must be present to win – 415 Main Street – (386) 253-8251; www.wiseguyswateringhole.com

February 27 – March 7 – The Wreck Riverfront Bar & Grill – Located directly on the river – Covered deck dining – Great food & drinks – Open daily 11AM – 510 Main Street – (386) 226-3000

February 27 – March 6 – AMI Campus – Open House & Tours – 9AM-5PM – 3042 W. International Speedway Blvd. (I-95 & US 92) – Daytona Beach – (386) 255-0295February 27 – Jackson Hole Saloon – Chuck Bob & the Gatortails – Full liquor & food – Free parking – 10AM-2AM – 1081 N. US 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 673-6996

February 28–29 – The Art of Chrome & Leather, “Celebrating Motorcycle Culture” – DeLand Museum of Art

February 28 – Budweiser Clydesdale Parade – East on Glenview to A1A, South on A1A to Main Street, West on Main St. to Glenview, East on Glenview to staging area – 12:30PM

February 28 – Jam-On Productions – Flagler County Swapmeet – Vendor Registration 7AM-10AM – Gates open 10AM-6PM – “Side Car & Trike Day & Show” sponsored by Hac’k Magazine – 12:30-2PM – Judging 3PM – Wild Animal Extravaganza 1:30-3:30 – Flagler County Fairgrounds – (301) 336-2100; www.jam-on.com

February 28 – Motorcycle Races at Volusia Speedway Park – Gates open at 5PM – Starts at 7:30PM – 15 miles west of I-95 – (386) 985-4402

February 29 – Budweiser Clydesdale Parade – East on Glenview to A1A, South on A1A to Main Street, West on Main St. to Glenview, East on Glenview to staging area – 12:30PM

February 29 – Free Sober Concert & Hog Roast – Biker Games & Kids Games – Bring canned soda or covered dish – No alcohol – 2512 Orange St., Bunnell, FL – (386) 437-0373

February 29 – Jackson Hole Saloon – Vintage Bike Night – Harley vs. Indian – $500 1st prize to anyone who can ride Crazy Bike – 7PM-9PM – Stevie Ray Tribute, Texas Flood, Johnnie Cash Tribute – Ring of Fire – Rick Magee & the Roadhouse Rockers – Free parking – 10AM-2AM – 1081 N. US 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 673-6996

February 29 – Jam-On Productions – Flagler County Swapmeet – 10AM-6PM – “Custom Bike Day & Show” – Sponsored by Full Throttle Magazine – 12:30-2PM – Judging 3PM – Wild Animal Extravaganza 1:30-3:30 – Flagler County Fairgrounds – (301) 336-2100; www.jam-on.com

February 29 – Motorcycle Races at Volusia Speedway Park – Starts at 2PM – 15 miles west of I-95 – (386) 985-4402

February 29 – Rick Derringer Concert – 8PM – Location to be determined

February 29 – Westside Ride Poker Run – Registration 9:30AM – First bike out 10AM – Last bike out 12Noon – Bike Show Awards 4PM – Starts at International Speedway Archives Building (off Fentress Blvd., 2 blocks north of Speedway) Finishing at OB’s in DeLand – Bands, Bike Show, BBQ – $10 per poker hand

March 1 – March 5 – 15th Annual Brute Horsepower Shoot-Out – AMI Campus – 9:00AM-4PM – 3042 W. International Speedway Blvd., (I-95 & US 92), Daytona Beach – (386) 255-0295

March 1 – March 6 – Harley-Davidson Activities – H-D & Buell Demos 9AM-3PM – Daytona International Speedway

March 1 & 2 – Daytona International Speedway – Practice Sessions & Finals/ARHMA Vintage Road Races – (386) 253-7223

March 1 – Jackson Hole Saloon – Special Appearance Foghat 8PM – Stevie Ray Tribute, Texas Flood, Johnnie Cash Tribute – Ring of Fire – Rick Magee & the Roadhouse Rockers – Free parking – 10AM-2AM – 1081 N. US 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 673-6996

March 1 – Jam-On Productions – Flagler County Swapmeet – 10AM-6PM – “Antique Bike Day & Show” sponsored by AMA Heritage Museum – 12:30-2PM – Judging 3PM – Wild Animal Extravaganza 1:30-3:30 – Flagler County Fairgrounds – (301) 336-2100; www.jam-on.com

March 1 – The Wreck – Georgia Satellites Concert – 8PM

March 2 – March 6 – Harley-Davidson Activities – 10AM-5PM -Indoor Show– Traveling Museum – The Harley Store – Willie G. T-Shirt Sales – H.O.G. & Co. – Ford Vehicle display – Free Bike Wash 10AM-4PM – Seminars time TBD – Ocean Center Arena– (386) 254-4500

March 2 – Jackson Hole Saloon – Stevie Ray Tribute, Texas Flood, Johnnie Cash Tribute – Ring of Fire – Rick Magee & the Roadhouse Rockers – Free parking – 10AM-2AM – 1081 N. US 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 673-6996

March 2 – Jam-On Productions – Flagler County Swapmeet – 10AM-6PM – “Shovelhead Day & Show” sponsored by Full Throttle Magazine – 12:30-2PM – Judging 3PM – Wild Animal Extravaganza 1:30-3:30 – Flagler County Fairgrounds – (301) 336-2100; www.jam-on.com

March 2 – Motorcycle Races at Volusia Speedway Park – Gates open at 5PM – Starts at 7:30PM – 15 miles west of I-95 – (386) 985-4402

March 3 – 17th Annual Mystery Alligator Gypsy Road Tour – Registration 8AM – Ride starts 9AM sharp – $25 includes lunch & attraction – Bikes leave Daytona 200 M/C Clubhouse – Corner of Fire Tower Rd. & US 92 – 1 mile east of 1-4 overpass – (386) 789-9426

March 3 – Boot Hill Saloon – Miss Boot Hill Bike Week Beauty Contest – 10PM – 310 Main Street, Daytona Beach – (386) 257-2007

March 3 – Cabbage Patch – Coleslaw Wrestling – 12 Noon – Samsula – (386) 428-5459

March 3 – Daytona International Speedway – Daytona 200 By Arai qualifying & practice sessions; AMA Hot Shoe Series at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium – (386) 253-7223

March 3 – Harley-Davidson Activities – Ride-in Show Registration 8AM-11AM – Ride-in Show Judging 11AM-3:30PM – Awards 4PM – Ocean Center East Side (new location) – (386) 254-4500

March 3 – Jam-On Productions 26th Annual Daytona Swapmeet Vendor Registration & Set-up – 3PM-9PM – New Event; American Motorcycle Trade Show Vendor Registration & Set-up 3PM-9PM – Volusia County Fairgrounds – Rt 44 & I4 – (301) 336-2100; www.jam-on.com

March 3 – Jackson Hole Saloon – Custom Bike Night – sponsored by Steel Stallion, Big Bike, Tomoka Indian Choppers & UK Indian – Legendary Biker Celebrity Mickey Jones – Victory in Heaven Blues Band, Aqualung-Jethro Tull Tribute, Mark Hodgson & the Blues Express – Free parking – 10AM-2AM – 1081 N. US 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 673-6996

March 3 – RoadBike’s Daytona Metric Rally – Sponsored by RoadBike magazine – Free bike show & Free field events open to all imported motorcycles – Free bike show for classic, customized, touring & sport/race bikes & Free field events – Magazine coverage & chance to have your bike photographed – Registration open at 10AM, trophies at 3PM –- Daytona International Speedway

March 3 – Warrant & Night Ranger Concert – 8PM – Location to be determined

March 4 – Broken Spoke Saloon – Styx Concert – 8PM – 1151 N. US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 673-1040

March 4 – Classic American Iron Daytona Rally – Sponsored by American Iron Magazine – Free bike show & Free filed events open to all pre-1984 American classic, custom & race motorcycles – Magazine coverage & a chance to have your bike photographed & featured in American Iron Magazine – Registration opens at 10AM, trophies at 3PM – Daytona International Speedway

March 4 – 23rd Annual Bike Bash – Gilly’s Pub 44 – Outdoor concert – Real Food & Drinks – Vendors – 1889 SR44, New Smyrna Beach – (386) 428-6523

March 4 – Daytona International Speedway – Daytona 200 By Arai qualifying, Lockhart-Phillips Formula Xtreme & Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock; U.S. Flat Track Championship AMA Progressive Insurance Grand National Final at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium – (386) 253-7223

March 4 – Jackson Hole Saloon – Legendary Biker Celebrity Mickey Jones – Jesse the Human Bomb, Victory in Heaven Blues Band, Aqualung-Jethro Tull Tribute Band, Rick Magee & the Roadhouse Rockers – Free parking – 10AM-2AM – 1081 N. US 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 673-6996

March 4 – Jam-On Productions 26th Annual Daytona Swapmeet 10AM-6PM – American Motorcycle Trade Show – 10AM-6PM – “Custom Bike Show Day” & “Side Car & Trike Day & Show” – 12:30-2PM – Judging 3PM Wild Animal Extravaganza 1:30-3:30 – Team Extreme, Motorcycle Stunt Show – Volusia County Fairgrounds – (301) 336-2100; www.jam-on.com

March 4 – National Association to Protect Children – Poker Run – Registration from 9AM-11AM at Volusia Mall (main entrance, across from Speedway) Finish point is Volusia County Fairgrounds 3PM – Prizes awarded to 3 best hands –

March 5 – Custom American Iron Daytona Rally – Sponsored by American Iron Magazine – Free bike show & Free field events open to all customized American bikes regardless of age or style, classic, custom & race motorcycles – Magazine coverage & a chance to have your bike photographed & featured in American Iron Magazine – Registration opens at 10AM, trophies at 3PM – Daytona International Speedway

March 5 – Boardwalk Merchants 13th Annual Boardwalk Classic Ride-In Bike Show – Registration 8AM-11AM Show begins @ 11AM – Awards 4PM – Cash prizes & trophies – Enter Boardwalk from corner of Main St. & Ocean Ave. – (386) 253-0254

March 5 – Daytona International Speedway – Daytona Supercross by Honda – First time in history this race will be held under the lights – Practice & heat races begin at noon, main events will be under the lights – Ticket Info (386) 253-7223; www.daytonaintlspeedway.com

March 5 – Jackson Hole Saloon – Legendary Biker Celebrity Mickey Jones – Jesse the Human Bomb – Ring of Fire-Tribute to Johnnie Cash, Aqualung-Jethro Tull Tribute, Rick Magee & the Roadhouse Rockers – Free parking – 10AM-2AM – 1081 N. US 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 673-6996

March 5 – Jam-On Productions 26th Annual Daytona Swapmeet & American Motorcycle Trade Show continues

“Antique Bike Day & Show” – 12:30-2PM – Judging 3PM – Wild Animal Extravaganza – Nitro Dirt Drags & Rodeo – 1PM – Team Extreme, Motorcycle Stunt Show – 3 times daily – Volusia County Fairgrounds – (301) 336-2100; www.jam-on.com

March 5 – JB’s Fish Camp – 11th Annual Clambake & Seafood Festival – 11:30AM – “Lion Heart Band” 12-5PM – “Twistin Tarantulas” 6-10PM – A1A Beachside, New Smyrna Beach – (386) 427-5747

March 5 — J. Wood & Co. 17th Annual Antique & Classic Motorcycle Auction, Swap Meet & Trade Show – Auction at 1PM – Edmunds Center, Stetson University, DeLand – (352) 795-8895

March 5 – 17th Motorcycle Demolition Derby & Thrill Show – M/C Demolition Derby, Wall of Steel, House Trailer End-To-End Jump, Jet Truck Bike Burn Down, Human Bomb, Car Roll-Over, Wall of Fire, World Record Beer Chug Attemp, Wheelie Contest, Slow Race & More – 8PM – Rain or Shine – New Smyrna Speedway, 10 miles south on SR 415 at Hwy 44 – (386) 427-4129

March 5 – Plaza Resort & Spa – Lynyrd Skynyrd Concert – 8PM – 600 N. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach

March 6 – Bikers in the Park – International Custom Bike Show – Registration starts at Noon – Judging at 3:30PM – $10 per bike – Daisy Stocking Park – 559 Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., – (386) 255-7040

March 6 – Boardwalk Chopper & Custom Bike Show – Registration 8AM-11AM – Show @ 11AM – Awards 4PM – Cash prizes & trophies – Enter Boardwalk from corner of Main St. & Ocean Ave. – (386) 253-0254

March 6 – Daytona Beach Community Foundation Official Custom Motorcycle Drawing to benefit Bike Week Festival Task Force – Approx. 1:00PM at Bandshell behind Adam’s Mark Resort – (386) 255-0981

March 6 — Daytona Harley-Davidson – George Thorogood Concert – 8PM – Riverfront Park, Daytona Beach

March 6 – Daytona International Speedway – 63rd Daytona 200 By Arai – Most prestigious racing in America, will be contested on a new day – Saturday – The Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport Championship race and the BMW BoxerCup will get things warmed up before the Daytona 200 By Arai goes green. Ticket Info (386) 253-7223; www.daytonaintlspeedway.com

March 6 – Harley-Davidson Activities – MDA Auction & Bike Raffle Noon – Ocean Center Arena

March 6 – Jackson Hole Saloon – Indian Bike Night sponsored by Tomoka Indian & U.K. Indian – Legendary Biker Celebrity Mickey Jones – Aqualung-Jethro Tull Tribute, Ring of Fire-Johnnie Cash Tribute, Rick Magee & the Roadhouse Rockers – Crazy Bike Contest – $1000 1st Prize – Free parking – 10AM-2AM – 1081 N. US 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 673-6996

March 6 – Jam-On Productions 26th Annual Daytona Swapmeet & American Motorcycle Trade Show – Last Day – 10AM-6PM – “European Bike Day & Show” – 12:30-2PM- Judging 3PM – Volusia County Fairgrounds – (301) 336-2100; www.jam-on.com

March 6 – 32nd Annual Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show – New Location – Peabody Auditorium – All contestants line up next to curb on Wild Olive between 7:30 & 8:30 a.m. – Judging starts at 10:00 a.m. – 600 Auditorium Blvd. – (386) 454-3496

March 7 — Blessing of the Bikes – St. Paul’s Catholic Church – US Hwy. 1, Daytona Beach – 7:30AM – Ride to Bellair Plaza for parade start – (386) 255-0981

March 7 — Annual Harley-Davidson Parade – Formation 8:30AM – 9:30AM – Leaves from Bellair Plaza, Atlantic Avenue to Daytona International Speedway – Harley Heaven, Horseshoe Curve – (386) 255-0981

March 7 – Jackson Hole Saloon – 10:30 AM Worship Service & Blessing of the Bikes with the Brotherhood of Jesus – Legendary Biker Celebrity Mickey Jones – Last minute shopping – 10AM-6PM – Free parking – 1081 N. US 1, Ormond Beach – (386) 673-6996

Photos by Rogue and Frank Kaisler

Here's the Sturgis 2004 enigma. Was attendance overwhelming or were the biker underpinnings faltering? This dire question and so much more will be covered in our vast, strident Badlands reports. Hang on as Rogue, CrazyHorse, Jose, Frank Kaisler, Doze, Harley-Davidson and newspaper clippings make up the most complete Black Hills coverage in the Biker Nation.

Hang On,

–Bandit

The Rogue Run To The Badlands

It had been a couple of years since I roamed Sturgis, and getting ready this year was no different than in the past. I had last minute changes in plans and a ton of things to finish before I left. At least I split on the day I planned, though. We arrived in Sturgis August 5th

Made good time getting there and the map took us right to our stay location. Berry Wardlaw of Accurate Engineering hooked us up with a friend of his Kathy who let Bill and I stay at her house. Of course Berry was off to Deadwood for some early partying and we didn't get to see him until the next day.

Kathy, Tim and her son Jake made us feel at home. There is so much to do and see while in Sturgis and the Black Hills.

Kathy and Tim took a few days off from work and were going to show us around including riding some of the canyons and showing us the back roads in and out of places. Boy that sure came in handy as more and more people arrived and traffic backed up.

First thing was always breakfast. That started with a 20 mile ride through the canyon to the Nemo Fire Dept. The ride is beautiful and the food delicious. Afterwards I was ready for whatever came up.

The speed limit on the interstate was 75 mph and you can do 80 with out getting hassled. The canyons are fun but you need to pay attention to the speed limit and watch the curves as they come up quick. Also, you are out in the country where animals live. Yeah, they do think they own the road and will hurt you if you hit one. But it is some wonderful riding.

Back in the city the bars were rocking. We made the rounds, stopped in Gunner's on Main Street and said, “HI,” to John, over to the Knuckle which was to turn out to be our in town bar.

Took a run out to the Buffalo Chip and got signed in as I was shooting Charlie Brechtel Band later in the week. Well hey! the Full Throttle was on the way so checked that out too.

Damn if Berry didn't fall in lust again.

Kept the party pretty tame when we were riding as the cops were real serious about drinking and riding and a lot of people were getting pulled over especially on Rt. 34 heading in and out of Sturgis to the Full Throttle, Chip and camp grounds.

We partied at the Knuckle one night and were dropped off and picked up. Big Fun. Charlie was playing and I was having a great time dancin' and Shit you don't want me to snitch on myself, do ya?

There was one thing I had to do while in Sturgis this year and that was to make sure I got to the Sturgis Museum Hall of Fame Breakfast on the 11th to accept the induction award for my friend and brother Donald “Pappy” Pittsley. I was Honored to accept it on his behalf. Pappy fought the mandatory helmet law in Connecticut. As it turned out numerous other people I know received awards and of course the audience was filled with the who's who of the motorcycle industry. It was good to see a lot of old friends.

I got to visit Keith Terry, Terry Components, at his new shop in Spearfish and he installed a fuel management system on my new bike. (More on that later)

Blasted into Rapid City to the Harley Show and also attended Michael Lichter's show BOB'S BACK at the Journey Museum.

I had a great time, met a lot of nice people, rode, partied and didn't get arrested for anything. Shit can't beat that.

Look at the pictures, They should tell a story themselves.

Yeah, I already made up my mind to do it again in 2005. Good Lord willin'.

ROGUE

BADLANDS DUI ARRESTS STEPPED UP

DEADWOOD – Deadwood Police Chief Kelly Fuller on Monday credited a strong effort by officers on foot and in cars for reducing DUI driving during the recent motorcycle rally, which ended Sunday.

“With our efforts I think, and this is not scientific but based on my observations, that we definitely saved lives of motorcycle drivers during the rally,” said Fuller.

“There were many motorcycle riders who were on their bikes and stopped who were not in any shape to have been able to make it 'home,' where ever that was for them,” said Fuller.

This year it was easy to spot the work being done by the foot patrols acting to stop the potential DUI motorcycle driver. Officers were stepping out from the sidewalk to waive a driver over to the curb, sometimes running as fast as they could to catch a driver to get them to pull over.

The Black Hills Pioneer

–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com

JANKLOW CASE RAISED AWARENESS

STURGIS – As hundreds of thousands of bikers rumble through the Black Hills this week for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, driver safety takes on new urgency.

“There's a lot of bad drivers out there,” said motorcyclist Roger McDonald. “They've just got to slow down.”

The American Motorcycle Association has formed “Justice for All”, an effort to increase penalties nationwide for nonmotorcycle drivers with poor records who kill or injure motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists. The AMA set up a tent in Sturgis on Tuesday to raise awareness of the program.

Tom Lindsay, spokesman for the AMA, said the formation of Justice for All began in February, partly spurred by motorcyclists' reactions to the sentence for former Rep. Bill Janklow, who collided with a motorcycle driven by Randy Scott of Hardwick, Minn., on Aug. 16, 2003. Scott was killed in the crash near Trent.

Janklow, who was convicted of second-degree manslaughter and three misdemeanors, served 100 days in jail and was fined $11,009.

“What we saw as a light sentence in the Janklow case is not unique to South Dakota,” Lindsay said. “It happens everywhere.”And not only in response to accidents involving motorcyclists, he said, but for those involving bicyclists and pedestrians as well.

While Justice for All was not formed in direct response to the Janklow accident, Lindsay said the former congressman's case drew national attention that puts the AMA's cause in context.

“This isn't about Bill Janklow,” Lindsay said. “The tragedy that affected the Scott family cannot be undone.”

The AMA is working with individual states to increase penalties for repeat offenders. So far, said Edward Moreland, vice president of government relations with the AMA, representatives from motorcycle groups in Virginia, New York and Massachusetts are seeking to change their states' laws.

Moore said there's no excuse for people to drive recklessly.

“Maybe if there's more uniform punishment, people would wake up and pay attention,” he said. “The excuse is, 'I never saw them.' “

By Monica LaBelle

–from Rogue

First Lady Fills Bikers With Breakfast

STURGIS – About 50 bikers gathered Thursday morning for coffee, doughnuts and breakfast breads at the house of the First Lady of Sturgis.Away from the congestion of downtown, they met in the back yard of Pearl Hoel's little red house on Baldwin Street.

Hoel, 98, has hosted the breakfast since 1976. It coincides with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the annual reunion of the Retreads, an international group of bikers older than 40.

“They're a good bunch of people,” said Hoel, who, along with her late husband, John Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, was instrumental in starting the rally.

Each year, about 20 people set up residence at Hoel's place. They arrive the Thursday or Friday before the rally and stay in Hoel's garage or set up tents in her backyard.

“I tell them, 'I'll give you a place to lay your head at night, a shower, and I might even do some laundry,' ” Hoel said. “After that, you're on your own.”

The houseguests buy groceries and use Hoel's kitchen to prepare meals.

Carl Edeburn, author of “Sturgis: The Story of the Rally,” has been a guest of Hoel's and has attended the breakfast for the past 10 years.

“It's kind of interesting waking up in the morning and having a 98-year-old woman make you breakfast,” he said.

Preparing the meal is quite a task.Hoel baked 14 assorted breads. She made them in batches of four loaves and froze most of them beforehand. Retread members from Rapid City brought doughnuts, and a friend from Seattle brought two cherry pies.

–By John-John Williams IV

–from Rogue

Non-Harleys Find Their Place

STURGIS – Sturgis has long meant the rumble and roar of Harley-Davidsons. Nowadays, it also means the throaty purr, the burble — and sometimes the growl and roar — of Hondas, Yamahas, BMWS and custom choppers.

In the 1970s and '80s, Japanese motorcycles and most other non-Harley-Davidsons were not all that welcome at the Sturgis rally.Hard-core Harley riders sometimes hassled non-Harley riders, particularly if they rode bikes made outside of the United States.

“It was not uncommon to see a Yamaha on fire up in a tree,” Sturgis Police Chief Jim Bush said of the earlier Sturgis rallies, particularly the scene at city park.

Now, Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasakis, Suzukis, Triumphs, BMWs and Ducatis are parked alongside Harleys on Main Street in Sturgis. A burgeoning number of custom-made choppers and trikes has also joined the non-Harley parade.

On one stretch of Main Street on Sunday night, there were 123 Harleys, 13 Hondas, four Yamahas, one Kawasaki, one (modern) Indian, one Buell, two custom choppers, one BMW and one Boss Hoss (a huge, V-8 powered bike).

The non-Harley riders, for the most part, are being tolerated, even accepted.

“You have to forgive these people,” said longtime Harley rider Ron Belson of Rapid City, of the non-Harley riders. “At least they're here.”

“Now, I think there's a lot less discrimination,” Holmes said, as he stood near his ‘94 Harley Road King on Main Street this week. “It doesn't matter what you ride as long as you're putting miles on a bike.”Holmes has owned six Harleys and three Yamahas.

In any case, Harley is still a major player in the cruiser market and still dominates the Sturgis rally, even though the rally was originated by an Indian motorcycle dealer, Pappy Hoel.

Harley-Davidson built 291,147 motorcycles in 2003, nearly 30,000 more than in 2002. It plans to produce 317,000 motorcycles this year and 400,000 for 2007. Motorcycle sales for the first six months of 2004 are up 16.5 percent over last year, according to Harley's Web site.

–By Steve Miller, Journal Staff Writer

–from Rogue

Bear Butte Attendance Up During Rally

STURGIS — Bear Butte State Park attendants are asking visitors to demonstrate sensitivity during the Sturgis motorcycle rally.With about 200 people a day coming to the visitor's center and up the butte east of Sturgis, park manager Jim Jandreau and his staff ask visitors to respect the American Indians who may be worshipping on Bear Butte.

“This is an outdoor church that's every bit as revered as a Judeo-Christian church in Philadelphia,” Jandreau said.

In preparation for the large number of tourists visiting Bear Butte, park officials overlapped staff schedules, scheduled longer work days and asked for extra help from the state Game, Fish & Parks department.

The visitor's center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Park admission fees are $3 a person or $5 a vehicle.

A good beginning is to understand that the Indians they will see are the flesh-and-blood descendents of the people found in history books, he said.

“They're people, not myths,” Jandreau said

As part of their culture, they will perform ceremonies on the butte as their ancestors did generations ago. Although it may spark people's interest and imagination, Jandreau asks that visitors respect the privacy of the participants.With Lakota, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Mandan, Kiowa and other bands making pilgrimages to Bear Butte, a festoon of tobacco ties and prayer clothes, will decorate the branches of the park's trees. Visitors are asked to stay on the trail and leave the religious items alone.

–By Jomay Steen, Journal Staff Writer

–from Rogue

Kid Rock Rumor Just That

A rumor that sprang up in Sturgis motorcycle rally Wednesday afternoon and seemed to take on a life of its own today, is apparently not true.

Kid Rock, a.k.a. Robert James Ritchie, 33, was not arrested on drug charges in Pennington County, Meade County or any other South Dakota county that the Rapid City Journal could find.

“Nope,” Meade County Sheriff Ron Merwin said when asked this morning if such an arrest had been made. Calls to Pennington County authorities and the South Dakota Attorney General's Office produced similar answers.

Kid Rock was indeed in the neighborhood of the Sturgis rally. He's was the headliner on the stage at the Buffalo Chip Campground concert venue east of Sturgis.

Sanborn said he suspects that someone has been starting the rumors to sabotage the Buffalo Chip ticket sales. Rumors that headliners won't go onstage at the Buffalo Chip, he said, have almost become an annual occurrence.

–By Dan Daly, Journal Staff Writer

–from Rogue

Photos by Buck Lovell and Jose.

Music festival Canceled

STURGIS — Debbie Fromme is way beyond having the blues. She is hopping mad.

“I feel ripped off,” the Newell woman said Wednesday when she learned that not only had the Sturgis Music Festival's B.B. King show been canceled, but she also may never get a refund for her tickets.

“I've never been involved in a situation like this,” she said. “I just feel like I've been taken. Where's my $100?”

In a saga complete with nasty rumors and cryptic accusations, the Sturgis Music Festival came to a screeching halt Tuesday night, and ticket holders were left wondering where their money went.

Sturgis 2004 LLC, the company putting on the festival, canceled Classic Rock Night only four hours before show- time Tuesday. No further information was released until 4 p.m. Wednesday, when B.B. King's 8 p.m. show was officially canceled. The rest of the festival was canceled at that time, as well.

In a brief statement, Sturgis 2004 LLC promoter Erica Hansen apologized to fans and said that “in light of an investor pullout,” the festival had been canceled. She promised that she was “diligently working to solve the refund issue” with E-Tix, the venue's ticket vendor.

Hansen told ticket holders to stop at the venue box office in the parking lot of Lynn's Dakotamart on Lazelle Street, where they can leave their name for refunds. She also warned that it may take time.

Earlier in the day, however, Sturgis 2004 LLC investor Ron Rose gave very different information regarding refunds. In a phone interview, Rose pulled no punches. “They can't get a refund. … There are no funds left in the till,” he said.

Rose cited poor ticket sales resulting in an empty bank account for the festival's fate. “The corporation has zero funds. Therefore, we've lost everything,” Rose said. He said Sturgis 2004 LLC would be forced into bankruptcy.

By Lynn Taylor Rick, Journal Staff Writer

–from Rogue

Pricey Bikes Stolen During Rainstorm

When Todd “Red” Laube of Madison went to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally last weekend, he never imagined he would be returning home early without his $35,000 custom bike.

Laube and his friend Wes Josephson, who own Titan Gecko RM Retro motorcycles, stopped at the Broken Spoke bar in Sturgis, along with their wives, to wait for a rainstorm to pass. When they went back outside, their bikes were gone, along with their leather jackets, chaps and other belongings.

Laube said they had been in Sturgis for only four hours when the one-of-a-kind bikes were stolen Aug. 7.

“We arrived at the Spoke around 1 p.m. and went in to have a beer and visit with people for a while,” Laube said. “By the time the rain stopped around 5 p.m., we went outside and they were gone.”

“We've had five bikes stolen so far this year at the rally, and we had 12 last year,” said Sturgis Detective Gerard Brennan.

“It's very unusual for us to recover these stolen bikes immediately. These thefts are usually done by professionals, and in many cases they get out of the area quickly.”

BY CRAIG HENRY,Argus Leader

–Rogue

Festival Fans Who Charged Tickets Will Receive Refunds

STURGIS (AP) – Fans who bought tickets for canceled Sturgis Music Festival concerts with a credit card will receive refunds, according to the company that processed the transactions.

Etix, which handled online and box office credit card sales for promoter Sturgis 2004 LLC, said customers should eventually see a credit for the purchase on their statements.

Though the music festival is timed to coincide with the 64th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, it's not affiliated with the city's main summer event.

–from Roguehttp://www.bikerrogue.com

Bikernet Sports Special Report, Football analysis by a blonde…A guy  took his blonde girl friend to her first football game. They hadgreatseats right behind their team's bench…

After the game, he  askedher how she liked the experience.

“Oh, I really liked it,” she replied, “especially the tight  pants and allthe big muscles, but I just couldn't  understand why they were killing each other over 25  cents.”

Dumbfounded, her date asked, “What do  you mean?”

“Well, I saw them flip a coin and  one team got it and then for the restof the game, all  they kept screaming was: 'Get the quarterback! Get the quarterback!' Hel-LLLO! It's only 25 cents!”

–from Skooter

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is reporting less crime at the 64thAnnual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, compared to previous ones. Here areThe numbers:

Troopers say they were called to four fatal rally-related accidents.A total of nine have been associated with the biker event. ThereWere 107 traffic accidents, eighty of those involving injuries. Asfar as drug offenses go, the Highway Patrol reports 238. Nearly 300Drivers were arrested for drunk driving. There were seven confirmedStolen motorcycles, and a average of 200,000 people a day hit theRally.

These numbers are only from the Highway Patrol.

–Rogue

STURGIS RIDE-IN SHOW BRINGS OUT BEST OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON

The Harley-Davidson and Buell Ride-In Show took place at the Sturgis rally on Thursday, August 12.

Rally-goers were encouraged to enter their Harley-Davidson or Buell motorcycles to be judged in their choice of eighteen different classes. Harley-Davidson Vice President and Director of Styling Louie Netz headed up the judges panel as they evaluated each bike based on its engineering, paint, street function, seat/upholstery, style and plating/polishing.

Best of Show winners were awarded $200 cash, and $500 was given to the top Sportster and Big Twin utilizing Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Company Accessories. All event participants were given a special-edition commemorative plaque.

Proceeds from the Ride-In Show were donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Winners are:

1.Antique Class
Best of Show: Brian Mask, Lansdale, Fla.
1st Runner Up: Bill “Hogg” Shelly, Gillette, Wyo.
2nd Runner Up: Will Stuart, San Diego, Calif.
Honorable Mention: Peter Schmidt, Dresden, Germany
Honorable Mention: Greg Gullickson, Minot, S.D.

2.VRSC Class
Best of Show: Steve Ward, St. Joseph, Mo.
1st Runner Up: Art Meisenback, Elk River, Minn.
2nd Runner Up: Terry Brown, San Diego, Calif.
Honorable Mention: Dennis Brigham, Berthoud, Colo.

3.Sidecar Class
Best of Show: Theresa Harvey, Worland, Wyo.
Runner Up: Jim Claypool, Hunts Point, Wash.

4.Custom Trike Class
Best of Show: David Hunter, Imperial, Pa.
1st Runner Up: Keita Davis, Kokomo, Ind.
2nd Runner Up: Julie Bachelder, Carson City, Nev.
Honorable Mention: Shirley McDermott, DeSoto, Mo.

5.Full Dresser Class
Best of Show: Gary Hill, Tamworth, England
1st Runner Up: Eddie Martin, Vancouver, Wash.
2nd Runner Up: Ed Woldt, Rapid City, S.D.
Honorable Mention: Myles Racine, Dayville, Calif.

6.Ladies of Harley Class (LOH Sportster)
Best of Show: Brenda Ringold, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Runner Up: Sharon Jones, Kansas City, Mo.
Honorable Mention: Joanne Duncan, Waco, Texas

7.Street Custom Sportster Class
Best of Show: Michelle Larsen, Tisdale, Canada
1st Runner Up: Daleen Brink-Michel, Marshaltown, IA
2nd Runner Up: Jim Bell, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Honorable Mention: Gary Nathanson, Vashon, Wash.

8.Radical Custom Sportster Class
Best of Show: Joseph Parent, Rapid City, S.D.

9.Pro Sportster Class
No Entries

10.Ladies of Harley (LOH Big Twin) Class
Best of Show: A.J. Venezea, Sterling Forest, N.Y.
1st Runner Up: Brenda Ringold, Eden Prairie, Minn.
2nd Runner Up: Dawn Powell, Thunder Bay, Canada
Honorable Mention: Jean Livermore, Rubicon, Wis.

11.Street Custom Big Twin Class
Best of Show: Michael Murphy, Redmond, Wash.
1st Runner Up: Jerry Fear, Lakeville, Minn.
2nd Runner Up: Tracy Reece, Edmond, Okla.
Honorable Mention: Tim Tomann, Waukesha, Wis.

12.Show Custom Big Twin Class
Best of Show: Robert Bashor, Edmond, Okla.
1st Runner Up: Bennie Botter, McClean, Va.
2nd Runner Up: Ed Pilarz, Riverside, Ill.
Honorable Mention: Stan/Eileen Thompson, Indianola, Iowa

13.Street Custom Big Twin Class
Best of Show: John Kallies, Thornton, Colo.
1st Runner Up: Sparky Sparky, San Diego, Calif.
2nd Runner Up: Bill Reddick, Slippery Rock, Pa.

14.Show Custom Big Twin Class
Best of Show: Marc Sonkin, St. Charles, Ill.
1st Runner Up: Michael Assarian, Birmingham, Mich.
2nd Runner Up: Jim McGrath, Janesville, Wis.

15.Radical Custom Big Twin Class
Best of Show: Chris Reed, Gardner, Kan.
1st Runner Up: Randy Connell, Townsend, Del.
2nd Runner Up: Tom Wohlman, Garwin, Iowa

16.Sport Touring Class
Best of Show: Jim Mason, Indianola, Iowa
1st Runner Up: Tom Ringold, Eden Prairie, Minn.
2nd Runner Up: Albert Chambers, Houston, Texas
Honorable Mention: Fawaz Charabally, Kuwait
Honorable Mention: Donald Cervantes, Houston, Texas

17.Pro Big Twin Class
Best of Show: George Marriott, Gardner, Kan.

18.Buell Class
Best of Show: Brent O’Connell, St. Charles, Ill.
Runner Up: Drake Matovich, Walkerton, Ind.

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORTER EMBEDDED IN BADLANDS

As you night know, when I arrived from Hawaii, I only had a week and a half to finish my bobber for the journey Museum exhibit, so the 20 hour days were in order, I mean, 20 hours if I was lucky. Many days overlapped in that damned week.

I'm not bitchin', you do what you have to do, but when you have a 2,000 mile trip after all the chaos and mayhem of building and shipping, I really don't know why i can't stand it.

Yes ladies and gents, I envy those who take the flying metal birds and get there in six hours, then again, they do miss half the fun, or pain that comes with crossing the US …..

But the story goes as it does, we were waiting anxiously in Jacksonville for our trailer. Yes, save the trailering crap for someone else, unless you can ride six bikes at the same time across the country and across water, from a Monday morning release (of the trailer) it extended to 4:30 PM Tuesday. We had to be in South Dakota by Thursday morning. Do the math, we have 2,000 miles to go in more or less than 30 hours.

Famous painter CrazyHorse goofing off.

Our first stop was a forced one, a flat trailer tire on the Georgia border. I say this, because it will be apart of the story later on. The tire wasn't the pain, it's just having to stop and get a new one quick, just in case. So we did it, and the only tire was a white wall car tire, Yeap, we pimped the ride.

Early in the morning we showed up at Hank Young's place. We picked up Pichigui's new '73 Shovel and Hank's chop, we scored another spare tire that Hank had lying around. So we took off once more to the Black Hills.

We had to haul ass.

The rest of the trip into the Badlands was uneventful, and I won't bore you with details. We made it to the South Dakota border in 24 hours. A quarter of the trip awaited.We called our friends from Twisted Choppers but no answer so we sped up to Mitchell. Klockworks was there and we stopped to say hi, eat something and bash him for being a Hamster, (just for fun, please do not reinstate me on the Hamsters hit list and hate mail program).

We got a look at the new shop and got to eat a dinner bordering in breakfast. Also we met Scott from Road Weary films, time to haul ass once more. We stopped at a rest area 150 miles out of from Rapid City for a couple hours of shut eye. We drove twenty something hours straight. We arrived at the house in less than 32, including the stops and flats.

Welcome to the Black Hills, the middle of nowhere.

How many times have wished that the Black Hills and Sturgis where in the middle of Georgia or Tennessee, you have no fucking idea…..To some the trip there is like sailing, the fun part is getting there, riding their bikes and having a grand time on the road with friends. To me it's not, just a mad scramble so the fun can start. Maybe one of these days, if I get famous enough with TV and shit, someone else can drive up and I will ride there….

Mike Lichter shooting Jose's bobber.

To me the fun is there, seeing all the friends who show up and we get to ride or party around with, the impromptu meetings and BBQ at my house. I mean getting to shoot the shit until the wee hours with people, some of you claim, I'm dropping names about, no crowds, no attitudes. That makes the whole pain of the drive more than worth it. Just friends.

On the trip up from I 90 we where received by a newbie, who came in too hot on a curve, I looked at what seemed a guy flying into our lane. I noticed the saucer eyes of panic, guess who would have lost that fight, a bike vs. my dually.

just an ugly sight, in nano-seconds the dude was on the curb, flying still, feet down, my heart skipped a beat just thinking of the guy hitting the guard rail.

I guess God was with him that day, he just kept on going 'till a safe stop, and painting a double yellow line. Lucky bastard ! Five minutes later a deer was hopping next to us and in an instant crossed the road in front of us. Venison for the BBQ would not have been bad at all. It made me think of Bandit and his encounter, but we both got out safe this time. Welcome to the Black hills indeed, what a fucking start.

So before I forget, and I must mention this: no matter how much hate e-mail I receive from clueless riders, with all this sudden coolness and glamour of TV bikes, there seems to be a lot of new riders out there. What you've heard about feet draggers is not even close to reality. Sturgis and the surrounding areas is not a place for beginners. Add a couple beers and the attitude that comes with a new bike and there's a formula for trouble. This year there were nine fatalities. It's a shame, but two major components are nature and being stupid. Reality is, many of us can handle fast turns, some can't, ride to your ability not your friend's. There's no shame in being slower if it's safer for you. Remember, better to get there 5 minutes later than never. Don't try to carve Spearfish Canyon because your buddies are.

The second worst threat is deer. Those suckers will and do get in your way, and sometimes we are lucky, sometimes we end up with the loosing hand. I saw guys flying down I 90 at 3 a.m. How stupid is that? That road is dark as fuck and deer, mountain lion and other critters lurk in the dark. Like I said, better late than never. If you can't understand this go pick another hobby, or sell that 250 fat tire chop now.

Anyway, this is getting awful long ,so I better cut to the story.The museum was a blast, who's who in the industry was there. The coolest was that none of the bikes looked alike, everyone expressed their own style and there were some mean ass bobbers there. I'm sorry that I forgot some of the builders names, but they were all amazing bikes. I want to congratulate Michael Lichter for putting up one hell of a display, and the Journey Museum for being excellent hosts. If you go by Rapid city, you must stop there, and please make a donation, the survival of the museum depends on us.

There's Bill Dodge the WCC boss and Hawaii's Jay Hodge.

The guys from WCC showed up by the house, steaks in hand ready for the grill, Jay Hodge had us laughing the whole night. Like I said, it's kick ass to be able to spend time and share stories with friends, Bill brought a bunch of primo stoogies and they all spent the night puffing away. Guys, you are always welcome at the house, anyday and everyday. We had a full house this year, with friends from all walks of life showing up and crashing there, and even people who we did not know, but quickly became part of the “circle”, again. That is the whole of it. The doors are always open.

Willie G. and Hank Young. Talk about new and old school.

One of our guests was Hank Young, and I mention this because there's a funny story coming, Alexis bike was put together by Fred from Phat Freddie's in Mo. He brought the bike all the way up, so we offered beds for the remaining of the week. One morning he wakes up and Hank's in the couch, “You are Hank Young” says Fred.

“Yes I know,” responds Hank.

Hank got This response when he introduced himself to Willie G, since WG was very interested in Josh's bike. Hank said, “Hi, I'm Hank Young.”

Willie responded, “Yes I know, my favorite bike is the Flying Pan.” 

The guys from twisted choppers swung by as well. We had a hell of a crowd. We never had a quiet moment or a lack of mayhem. I really liked when Kai burned up a tire at our garage, and my mom got up to see what the fuck was going on. The whole house was full of tire smoke, for hours, to say the least she was not happy, but my dad was having the time of his life.

Even the nightly outings to Sturgis (which I never do) were a blast, Chad, Jeff and Kai, had all of us rolling on the floor with their antics and heavy duty jagger bomb consuming. One morning John from tribal rites in Ft Collin's showed up (as every year) with a bunch of friends. We met Carlos and Melissa, and I must say this: Melissa has a cool 1972 sporty, she kicks the damn thing and even gaps and changes the plugs if needed.

It was kick ass seeing all the yuppies drop their jaws when she started kicking the blue XL. They both stayed around and became part of the Motley crew of 318 Dixon, even Carlos lost his Sporty since Alexis scored it for Yari, his wife. Not before heading down to Mount rushmore and 16a in what seemed to be Polar bear butt temps. Everybody was making fun at me, since when I got to the Presidents,

I just pointed in their direction and hauled ass towards Lead. Fuck that, I was freezing.

Nice ass.

What makes Sturgis, Sturgis is not the cool rides (which are a plus) nor the good times at the house, town or different booths, the photo shoots or museums, it was our friends. It's the people you spend a whole week with, day and night. No matter if I have known them for over 15 years or 15 minutes, true, simple, normal people is what makes this event an event to be at, no matter the long-ass drive, the cops or whatever else.

On the way back, which I hate even more than heading there, we stopped three more times. Yep, if you did'nt get bored after the first paragraph, three more trailer tires fucked up. We stopped once more at Hanks shop in Marietta and he hooked us up big time with four new trailer tires. He was busy getting ready for his new Discovery match, so we hung out for a bit and took off. I promised to come back soon if he needed help. That's what friends are for.

Jose on the other side of the reporter's note pad.

One thing is for sure, no matter what, we will see each other at the Black Hills next year….as simple or difficult as it may be.

–Jose, Bikernet Caribbean Reporter

Doug from Carl's Speed Shop running the Dyno.

BLACK HILLS CONCERT REPORTS, SORTA

I didn't make it to the Kid Rock concert… I was told that itwas the biggest crowd that the Buffalo Chip ever has had. Odd rumors floating around after the concert too – that Kid Rock wasarrested right after the concert – it was totally untrue – he was notarrested afterwards, and he went on to play a big concert in Sioux Fallsthe next night… He wasn't arrested there either… 🙂

The Sturgis Music Festival (the one that was cancelled) – I didn't haveany pics from there – didn't go to the first days events… And then ofcourse no one went to the later concerts…

–Randee Peterson

More Sturgis reports coming: The best Sturgis Bikes and Babes from Frank Kaisler, The CrazyHorse ride to the Badlands and anything else we may stumble on that might be of interest. Hang on.–Bandit

Rookie reporter Fritz reporting in with 2004 Boogie report! For some reason my system won't send it all at once. If they don't get there, let me know and I'll re-send them.

My hat's off to you for your skills. This ain't near as easy as reading. Geez man, I can build bikes, wrecked semi trailers, truck engines, weld, and have some carpentry skills, can't can't find a way to get my word program to send it. Gonna have to call my kid and get him back to town for more lessons. Seems we spend a lot of time learning from each other. So here it is:

Left the shop early on Thursday. It's party time! Dash home and finish packing the bike. Double check the load: Cloths, leather shirt, toothbrush, rain jacket (it always rains at the boogie),party supplies, yup, all there. Ride over to Gary's house. He's ready, so we head out. Half way there we pick up a lost couple from Michigan. Showed them the way to the promised land. Arrived at dark. Just enough light to set up the tent. Half hour later we're puttin on the buzz. Didn't make it to the stage.

Warrant was playing, but I'm not a real “80s hair band” kinda guy anyway. Did hear that a major storm came through on Tuesday. Turned over the sign in trailer, blew tents away, all kinds of stuff tore up. The crews worked hard to get it all back in shape in time.

Friday we were up early. Walked over to a vendor for breakfast, Bacon & egg biscuit & coffee for $8.00! Couldn't even eat it all, tasted so bad. Spent most of the morning people watching. Seems that's turned into my favorite pastime at runs any more. Yuppies, newbies, great entertainment! That afternoon we down to the bottoms to watch the “hole shot” contest. Lots of dust & noise. One guy put his new Springer Softtail into the hay bails. The rest of the contestants seemed to know how to ride their bikes. You'd think they would spend some time learning the bike & how to ride it before they try this.

Couple of hours later we headed up to the stage/vendor area to get some grub & check out the action. Walked through the bike parking area. Saw some nice customs. Lots of new & almost new bikes. Very few fat tire versions. A few older bikes here & there.

The vendor count was down this year. Been declining for a few years now. More than one that I talked to bitched about ABATE charging to much for space. Food was a lot better & cheaper at this end of the compound.

Then it happened. RAIN!!! Lots of it, in a short time. Shit, time to hang out under the big tent for a while. Checked out the bull ride. Ladies standing in line to put on a show. Bought a run T-shirt. Checked out the vendor stalls, They're all selling the same old shit. Waited long enough for the water to drain off and went out to the main road for some more yuppie watching. Watching all these new riders trying to go up & down the hill, dropping their brand new bikes in the mud. Fills you with mixed emotions. Sometimes you want to take them under your wing and show them the way. And sometimes you just want to smack the shit out of them. Enough of this shit. It's back to the camp, they closed the road.

Freshly buzzed and sitting by the road nursing the whiskey bottle, watching the boogie world go by. We are constantly entertained by all sorts.

Every personality in the world will present itself before the night was over.

Back to the stage at 10 to watch Pat Travers. Now he put out some good tunes. everybody jammin and having a good time. Lots of women. All shapes and sizes. Some clothed, some not. Now this looks like a bike run! Two hours later it's back to the camp for more road side entertainment. Up early Saturday after sleeping three hours. I don't sleep good at bike runs. Old habits die hard, and the more you sleep, the more you miss in life. Seems there was some sort of problem two campsites down. Security invited the sheriffs dept. into the campgrounds to help solve it. Remember when we took care of our own problems? Damn some of the changes in life. They hauled some guy off. Never did here why.

Down to the bike show at 10:00 to help set up. We got that done and it was time for people watching again. Two hours later, we're signing bikes for the show, and in pops Teacher Kevin! Rode that school project Pan 400 miles from Minnesota for the party! Best damn Pan I saw all week-end. Lots of neat, old school work. Custom flame cut license bracket. Remote oil filter. Real old school chopper. We talked for a little bit. Kevin, you're a stand up biker in my book. My hats off to you for having the patience and stamina to take a whole group of kids and show them the way. I hope you come down again next year with a new project bike. We'll find time to do some partying.

I did find this cute little honey to decorate the Paul Cox seat for a few pictures. Damned if seat didn't look good with her on it. His bike was put in the vintage custom class. I'm sorry to say that it didn't win. The judges all had a conversation after the show. Some new classes and changes for next year are being discussed. I, for one, didn't like the way some things turned out.

The bad part about working all afternoon is that all the other events are happening at the same time. So I can't tell you anything about them. We rode around after the show to check out the action. All the events were already over. Grubbed at the stage and visited with friends we've made over the years.

Back to the campsite for a break. MORE RAIN!!! Damnit! Some things never change. Skipped the titty show this year. Didn't think it was worth the effort to ride in the rain, through the mud, with the newbies, to see the same thing I've been looking at for 25 years. All the wagons were full when they came buy, so we stayed put. Am I getting old or what!

Kenny Wayne Sheppard hit the stage at 11:00. The roads were dry again so we headed that way. Another good show! The kid can play! Rockin blues the way they're supposed to be played.

Back to the camp for more roadside thrills. Saw things this weekend that I'd never seen before.

After 25 years I still see shit that baffles the mind and confuses the senses. Some will learn, some will never get it.

Sunday morning it's pack up & move out. Time to get home and re-pack for the road trip with the ol' lady. Re-packed and on the road again Tuesday morning headed for North Carolina. What a life!

For those who have never been or haven't been in a few years, yes the “Boogie” is different. The location changed three years ago. ABATE bought property in Lawrence county, 400 acres. Things are more spread out. I don't agree with the way some things are set up. But it still beats the hell out of Daytona or Sturgis. This year the bands were better, the roads were better, and as always, more bikers than yuppies. I'll be back next year.

–Fritz
fleettrailer@firstbankconnect.com

2005 Boogie

For those interested in attending the 25th annual “BOOGIE” ,next year, save the third weekend in July. Sponsered by ABATE of Indiana, it's in Lawrence county, at the Lawrence County Recreation Center. Highway 37 south out of Indy, about 25 miles south of Bloomington.

Follow the signs. It's well marked. Or follow the bikes. They're all headed to the same place. You can find event listings, bands scheduled, and all pertinent information at their webb site. www.abateofindiana.org

See you at the party!