I’m excited about a couple of things. We completed the Shrunken FXR and shot if for a magazine feature. It came out damn sharp thanks to Cyril Huze, Ladd Terry, Giggie and Harold Pontarelli to name a few.

But hang on, another project is about to slip onto the hungry lift. I’m after building the ultimate riding chopper. After years of riding rigids, I’m going to build a bike for riding, anywhere at anytime. Indian Larry used the word, “Nimble”, since he rides on the hetic, narrow, rowdy streets of New York. Last year I rode a long stretched, fat tire, chopper on the island of Oahu for the Choppers only show. The bike was as cool as they come, but it wasn’t agile. It was a freeway flier, not a winding island road machine. It got me thinking.

Most of the time a project starts with a find, a score or a basket case. I loaned a bike to a brother, Rick Kranzler and in exchange he gave me a big inch Shovelhead engine. The project was kicked off. I ordered a new Paughco Chopper frame and discussed the configuration with Ron Paugh, the owner. We came up with a 2 out, 4-inch up stretch and only a 180 tire for light handling. A JIMS 6-speed is on order and a smooth Kraft Tech fender is already under the bench. Here’s some other elements of the plan. No jockey shift or sidemount taillight. It’s going to be light, narrow and easy to handle. The front end will be the light tapered springer from Paughco, only 9-inches over. Other surprizes are on the horizon. Let’s hit the news:

NUGGETS 40TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY–It’s this weekend, May 15th and 16th, starting at 10:00 a.m. at Camp Williams, 24210 East Fork Road, Azusa 91702. The charge is 15 bucks for a single or 25 for a couple. Live Band, food, games, raffle prizes 50/50 drawings, Limited Run souvenirs, 200 sites and limited RV hook-ups. Lots of room for bikes–Be There, Be There.

No weapons or attitudes and call Braids if you have questions (562) 305-8242.

RIGHT OF WAY EFFORT BY THE AMA–The American Motorcyclist Association created ?Justice for All? to focus the public?s attention on inadequate sentencing of drivers who seriously injure or kill motorcyclists, and to push for laws with tougher penalties when motorists? traffic offenses or criminal actions result in death or serious injury.

WHY:A $70 fine for killing three motorcyclists. And more stories of injustice.

You?ve heard the story: Former U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow was convicted of second-degree manslaughter for a traffic crash that killed a motorcyclist, and then got just 100 days in jail. Think that?s unusual? Think again. It?s just one example of what happens in courtrooms all over the country. And Justice for All, through the efforts of concerned motorcyclists nationwide, aims to change it. State by state.

HOW:If you want justice, you need to get involved. Learn about the AMA?s ?Motorcyclists Matter? program, which targets one of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes: motorists violating motorcyclists? right-of-way. Work with your local AMA Community Council — or, if there isn’t one in your area, organize one. And with a Justice for All kit, you can show the world that motorcyclists mean business.

WHEN:Taking justice on the road ? to Sturgis, South Dakota.The pursuit of Justice for All won?t end, of course, until we get tougher penalties in every state. But this summer, the road to justice will pass through Sturgis, South Dakota. And we?ll take our message to motorcyclists, legislators, and citizens throughout the Midwest, and to motorcyclists attending the 2004 Sturgis Rally.

VIRAGO CUSTOM–Don’t know if you remember me and the Virago, but I finally got it allfinished off. Here are a few pics of the finished poject. I have about a 100pics of the build, if you want any others. Let me know what you think.

–Clinton Hoines

Is that the finished paint job?

FLORIDA RED LIGHT BILL DIES IN SESSION–The speaker of the house has refused to hear the bill. He said that it was creating a new tax and would not allow it to be heard.

People were trying to call this a Stiffer Penalties Bill.

Hopefully the bill will be re-submitted next year and Not Raise the Fine or Points for people running red light UNLESS They Cause a Collision and Or Injure or Kill Some One.

If that is done the bill will get all the support it deserves.

–Rogue

STEALTH MAN UNLEASHES THE CODE–I have read for the past few weeks here on Bikernet different views of what being a biker is about. I have read what the Newbies think, what the RUBs think, what the HOG clubbers think and what us “old schoolers” think.

Being a biker to me is something I am very proud of and I hold it close to my heart. Being a biker is a way of life. It is an attitude, and when I say attitude I don’t mean proving you are a bad ass all the time. It is a mind set, a lifestyle. It is about having heart! It is about going to the end of the earth to defend that lifestyle.

Having a bike doesn’t make you a biker, yeah you have to have a bike to be biker, but it is only the start. Did you buy that bike to impress your friends and neighbors as it sits in the drive way? Did you buy that bike to let them know YOU had twenty grand to spend on that bike, or did you dream about that bike at night and dream how being a biker when you were a kid in high school, or is it just a passing fade for you? You see that is what I used to do when I was a kid in high school, dream of being a biker and riding, and to some that may sound corny, but I guess that is the difference between you and me. You see it has been in my heart for a long, long time.

Whether you are an “Old Schooler, Newbie, Rub or Hog clubber,” it really doesn’t matter to me because these are just labels, nothing more. What matters to me is what I see when I look past those labels. if you are into being a biker because you love the lifstyle and feel it in your heart, it will show and I will extend a hand to you as my friend. If on the other hand you just dig the Hollywood image of what being a biker is about, and you want to tell me how much your bike cost and how much your brand new leathers cost and how much that brand new “Live to Ride-Ride to Live” tattoo cost, then you are a poser and I have nothing in common with you. You don’t have to tell me everything is new, I can see! You don’t have to tell me how much everything cost, I work with it everyday! In other words you and I have nothing in common and we ride for different reasons.

Updated Best of Show Trophy for the Run For Breath. It’s Comin’.

Another part of being a biker is being honest and loyal. If I am your brother I am there for you, I have your back, no matter what stand you take. I am loyal to you when the shit hits the fan. I am not just there when the sun is shining on your ass. I am there for the cold rainy times too! Anyone can be there for good times and the easy days. A brother is there for all of these times. You have to be honest. You have to look youself in the mirror and be honest with yourself before you can be honest with anyone else.

Being a biker alson means taking a stand for what you believe is right. If it means going against the majority and most of the time it will, you still stand for what you believe. My dad never rode a bike in his life but he taught me this. He taught me to be my own man and to always stand tall for what I believe and to speak what is on my mind.

A biker doesn’t kiss ass, and he or she isn’t a YES man! When you see something that is wrong you say it is wrong! In todays politically correct world this goes against the grain. Being a biker is about being yourself, not wearing one face at work and another after work to please people. If you are a biker, you are a biker in your heart 24/7, not just after work or when you are around certain people.

In my opinion, that’s what makes Bikernet great. It’s the contributors to this site who are not afraid to speak their mind. If toes get stepped on, then so be it. Two people I respect the most, Mr. Bandit and Jose write about what they feel, and yes they and I catch our share of shit for doing it, but that’s all part of the wild picture. You can’t please everyone all the time, but you can be true to yourtself all the time!

Well it’s time to bounce to a Run For Breath meeting. We are thinking about adding two metric classes to the bike show. If we decide to do this the number of awards will grow to a total of 41! If anyone out there would like to volunteer to make a couple of these awards, it would be greatly appreciated. The 6th Annual Run For Breath “IN MEMORY Of JUSTIN PULLIN” will be held here in Charlotte, July 25th. If anyone is interested in making any awards, please contact me at:704-847-4647 Ext. 102 or 704-516-4630.

Later!
Mike (THE STEALTH)

BIKER PHOTOGRAPHER MICHAEL LICHTER LAUNCHES EXHIBITION IN FLORIDA, NORTH CAROLINA AND PENNSYLVANIA–BOULDER, COLO.- Longtime scooter photographerMichael Lichter launched a traveling MotorcycleArt exhibition. Recently exhibited in theMuseum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach, FL, it’s opening in May at the Spartanburg Museum of Art inSouth Carolina. Coinciding with the popularity ofmotorcycle related television shows; Michael has seena big increase in requests by public institutions todisplay his photography.

Summer is always a busy season for Michael and hisstaff. In addition to several upcoming assignments onboth coasts, Michael will be making an appearance at anew Harley-Davidson shop in California, speaking at aPennsylvania event, co-producing the “Art on TwoWheels” exhibit at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival andis the curator of an exhibition at The Journey Museumin Rapid City, SD.

A feature article on Michael and his work canbe seen in the May / June issue of Digital Photo Promagazine and in the May issue of 5280.

For more information, call 303 449-3906. You can seesamples of work at www.lichterphoto.com &www.lichtercommercial.com.

NEWS FROM WHITEHORSE PRESS–A couple of new products in our current catalog are “flying out of here.”

The BACK-A-LINE BELT — a back-support belt with a unique, patented design that reduces back pain, prevents injury and promotes good posture. Because it is firm instead of elastic, it provides consistent support, while typical elastic back supports give out when you need them most. Available in six sizes to fit waists from 23 to 48 inches. $39.95

http://www.whitehorsepress.com/

Stop & Go’s POCKET TIRE PLUGGER — plugs tubeless tires while they are still on the wheel. You won’t want to leave home without one. Easy to use and carry, weighs just 12 ounces, and comes in a 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 inch zippered pouch that fits in a corner of your tank bag. $34.95

http://www.whitehorsepress.com/

One other reminder: Reg Pridmore’s new riding skills book, SMOOTH RIDING THE PRIDMORE WAY, is shipping this coming week. If you haven’t already ordered, do it now to get a lifetime of techniques from one of the great teachers in motorcycling. $24.95

http://www.whitehorsepress.com/

Whitehorse Press
107 East Conway Road
Center Conway, NH 03813-4012
603-356-6556

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CRAZYHORSE PAINT AND MYRTLE BEACH REPORT OF THE WEEK–The weather here in the Carolinas has been perfect for riding. That’s good news for all the hordes that have been heading southeast for Myrtle Beach. I live near the main route to Myrtle, so each time I go out I see the bikes pass by. Each one packed up. At least from here, this is an event most people ride to. I see very few bikes being trailered. The lovely Jennifer Marquart, even rode her Redneck Rocket. Her hubby Mike is president of Redneck Engineering and trailered down a truckload of bikes. But Jennifer wanted to ride her evil teal hardtail seen above. So Mike gets to see the backside of his fine wife all the way to Myrtle.

My cop buddy traveled to New Jersey and back last weekend, and he was jonesin’ as the packs of bikes rumbled by on the Interstate. He left for the beach today on his black chopper, that he built with the help my hubby. Hope he doesn’t get pulled over. The only thing taller than his apehangers is the sissy bar. He even snatched the plate off my rigid. Bad Cop! No donut!

Wednesday I hooked up with Aaron Stevenson who is shooting my rigid for Easyriders. Then Friday I leave for the beach. My painter Wayne hates me. He says all I do is go on vacation. He sold his bike two years ago and is too cheap to buy another. We have many arguments about this, but I think he just likes to bitch and us painters do love to whine.

This week’s paint job is nothing to whine about. There must be a gazillion 100th Anniversary H-D’s out there with that gunmetal blue pearl color. Just ask Jose, I think he counted all of them at Sturgis. And everyone is keeping them stock so they’ll all be worth millions in 100 years. But Scott Berry wanted to change his just a little bit. I laid a few coats of thinned down candy blue over the stock pearl to brighten it up, taped off the stripes and emblems, and airbrushed a few metal effect flames on the tank, fenders and oil tank.

It was a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to set his bike apart from the crowd. I love jobs like this. So if you have a stock H-D with paint you want to jazz up a bit, gimme a shout. You’ll be happy. I’ll be happy. Your spouse will be happy you didn’t spend a fortune. Now if this wonderful weather will only hold up through the weekend. And don’t forget, if you’re Myrtle beach bound, stop by the Broken Spoke and see one of the best stunt riders on the planet do her thing. Sam Morgan and the Wall of Death will be there all week. I won’t be. I do need to work sometime, no matter what my painter says.

——CrazyHorse

FREEDOM BY THE CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND–Charlie Brechtel doesn’t simply take us on a serious ride into the rock and heavy blues that propel the soundtrack to this way of life…he explores just what it means to be a real biker…he explains, through his music, just what the legendary personalities in this lifestyle represent…he examines how the history of American motorcycles and the people who ride them have changed society forever.

He makes us proud of who and what we are.

“Freedom” is more than just the title to his new CD…it’s the focus that drives him…it’s what he…and we…are all about.

Charlie is from New Orleans, and all of the exotic heat, the voodoo grip, the wild-alley passion…all the power that is the unleashed scream of The Big Easy comes out in his music. Charlie’s regular band and the all-star line-up of musicians he assembled for this disc take “the serious ride” through driving rock, emotional blues and even some sweet, Neville Brothers-like gumbo funk.

The title cut of “Freedom” is rapidly becoming a classic anthem. It has already been used as the theme in several other multi-media projects. It’s the only instrumental on the disc and the feeling it generates is completely haunting…it climbs into your soul…fueled by Jeff Turner’s Satriani-style guitar it has genuinely captured the fever and the fury of “the ride.”

The rest of the CD features Charlie’s vocals…an explosive mix that sounds like the best of Dr. John, Bob Seger and John Fogerty…and it showcases Charlie’s brilliant ability to pull the essence of biker life into his lyrics.

This year’s officially sanctioned Hollister Rally DVD will also be backed by Charlie’s tunes and he and his band will be playing live throughout the entire Fourth of July celebration there.

Then it’s on to Sturgis where they will be opening for Z.Z. Top at the Buffalo Chip…then back east for an extensive tour around The Empire State.

Charlie doesn’t slow down much…but then again, neither does this lifestyle…our strength and pride just keeps on growing…just like the music of the Charlie Brechtel Band.

Reviewed by Bill Hayes

–from Rogue

POT ABUSE RISES AMONG ADULTS–CHICAGO — Habitual marijuana use increased among adults in the United States during the past decade, particularly among young minorities and baby boomers, government figures showed last week.More onlineJournal of American Medical Association

The prevalence of marijuana abuse or dependence climbed from 1.2 percent of adults in 1991-92 to 1.5 percent in 2001-02, or an estimated 3 million adults 18 and older.

That represents an increase of 800,000 people, according to data from two nationally representative surveys that each queried more than 40,000 adults.

Among 18- to 29-year-olds, the rate of abuse or dependence remained stable among whites, but surged by about 220 percent among black men and women, to 4.5 percent of that population, and by almost 150 percent among Hispanic men, to 4.7 percent.

Among all adults ages 45 to 64, the rate increased by 355 percent, to about 0.4 percent of that population.

The report, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was led by Dr. Wilson Compton of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, who said the rise in dependence probably was due at least partly to increases in the potency of pot during the past decade.

Also, the figures may indicate baby boomers “bring their bad habits with them into old age,” he said.

The researchers said adults were considered marijuana abusers if repeated use of the drug hurt their ability to function at work, in school or in social situations, or created drug-related legal problems.

BY LINDSEY TANNERASSOCIATED PRESS

–from Rogue

RENO H-D AND KRNV NEWS 4 JOIN FORCES IN CLOTHING DRIVE FOR NEEDY KIDS–

Seven-year-old Mayann was all smiles when she picked out her back to school clothes from Klothes 4 Kids at Reno Sparks Gospel Mission last year.

?She was so excited,? her mother Tanya explains, ?she was having a really special day.?

Reno Harley-Davidson and KRNV News 4 hope to help the Reno Sparks Gospel Mission make many more children happy this year with the second annual Klothes 4 Kids Motorcycle Run & Back to School Clothing Drive on July 24th.

The event will start out at Reno Harley-Davidson on 2295 Market Street (between Mill & Vassar, right next to U.S. 395) at 9 a.m. Saturday morning July 24th with registration, Krispy Kreme donuts and Boyds coffee.

The Run will take riders up to Lake Tahoe through the fabulous Sierra and end up back at the dealership for a party in the afternoon.

Drop off your article of new clothing for a school age child at Reno Harley-Davidson July 19th through the 24th for the 2nd Annual Klothes 4 Kids Motorcycle Run & Back to School Clothing Drive (boys jeans and shoes for boys and girls are particularly in demand).

The entry fee for the Motorcycle Run is $15 and includes the party at Reno Harley-Davidson following the ride. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on July 24th.

While kids aren?t thinking about going back to school in July ? their parents certainly are. And when money is tight ? parents are already worrying about the cost ofschool clothes for their growing children.

The Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission helps an average of 350 families a year with back to school clothing for kids.

?Each child gets three or four outfits. Girls get tops and skirts or pants, boys get shirts and jeans,? says Gospel Mission spokesman Rick Redding. ?It really helps the kids feel good about themselves to be able to wear something new to school. Their parents tell us they hold their heads high. It does wonders for their self-esteem.?

For details on the Klothes 4 Kids Motorcycle Run & Back to School Clothing Drive ? call Reno Harley-Davidson at 775 329-2913 or KRNV News 4 at 775-322-4444.

CHEAP WHORE ROLLING CHASSIS–The radical new line of CUSTOM ROLLING CHASSIS KITS just introduced by PRO-ONE have, without a doubt, some of the most creative names we’ve seen. And they actually do reflect the image produces by the different styles.

Shown here is the CHEAP WHORE, a rigid chopper frame that is anything but cheap in its quality and construction. The new frame reflects the company’s reputation for superior quality and workmanship with styling that’s right on the edge. CHEAP WHORE chassis are a perfect fit for 250, 280 and 300 applications and provide a nostalgic yet contemporary hard core chopper image. The frame is high quality tubing with 6-inch over single or dual downtubes, 5-inches in the backbone and 40 degrees rake. A custom fit steel strutless rear fender is included as is the steel Longshot front fender, oil bag, stretched chopper style gas tank and leather solo seat.

PRO-ONE provides each kit with your choice of PRO-ONE 1-piece chrome billet rims, chrome billet brakes, forward controls, side mount license plate, headlight, 1-inch bars, matching rotors and drive pulley and more. CHEAP WHORE shown here includes optional assembly, custom paint, Sinister II wheels and custom stitched seat. For complete details contact PRO-ONE at 800-884-4173 or go to www.pro-one.com

GHOST RIDER IS NOW AVAILABLE IN LIMITED EDITION ONLY 275– Legendary biker artist DaveMann (of Easyriders fame) has agreed to personally sign a small edition ofhis most well known painting: GHOSTRIDER. Mann’s ideas have depicted thebiker lifestye like no other for more than 30 years and this is a rarechance to own a highly collectable piece.

Specs are as follows: 1. Paper:20″ x 30″ image size, 275 pcs plus 25 Artists Proofs, Price: $400 or $650framed and delivered.

2. Canvas: 24″ x 36″ image size, 125pcs. Plus 15 Artists Proofs, Price: $1550 or 1850 framed and delivered.This is an extremely limited offer and time sensitive so please contact meat your soonest convenience to secure your piece of Biker history.

My best, Ron Copple

800-999-1297

Make sure to tell Ron that Bikernet sent ya. Keep in mind that we can release this news faster than any mag on the stands. You’re getting the first shot, before the world knows that these prints are available. Move fast, these classic prints could be gone in a hurry.

IT’S NUTS–These news days can feel like a bastard being shot from a cannon in front of a circus crowd. We hustle, clammor, research, chase images like mad dogs hungry for a bone. I can’t wait for the final fuze to be lit and the news is posted. Am I snivelin’?

As soon as it’s up we sit back, relax, run to to the bar for a drink, get the hell outta Dodge, to blow off some steam. Hope you enjoy this crap. We have a blast slamming it together, but we’re frazzed by the end of the day. Let’s ride.

–Bandit

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INTRODUCING DEWEY’S HEEL HAMMER SHIFT LEVER–No more scuffing your shoes. Simply push down with your heel to up shift, or push down with your toe to down shift. Dewey patented this bastard. It’s machined from 6061, T-6 aluminum. Speed shifting is a snap. 100 percent guaranteed or your money back.

Once you get use to this puppy you’ll be spoiled. Triple chrome plated or polished, your choice. And it fits Dynas with forward controls and some Softails. More styles comin’ soon.

Damnit, it’s proudly mad in New Mexico, USA.

Dewey’s Customs
3108 Pontiac Dr.
Farmington, NM. 87401
(505) 326-5998
www.deweyspegs.com

SEABEE NEWS–It is with a heavy heart that I write to share with you the devastatingnewsthat we have lost 7 members of our U.S. Navy Seabee family who weremobilized as members of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14,headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. These brave Seabees paid theultimateprice of freedom in two separate incidents in support of Operation IraqiFreedom as follows:

On Friday, 30 APR 04, two of our fellow Seabees were killed and 6 werewounded in action while conducting operations against anti-coalitionforcesin the Al Anbar Province of Iraq. They were all members of a convoythathit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Our Fallen Seabee Angels whogavetheir life in the defense of freedom are:

Steel Worker Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason B. Dwelley, age 31, fromApopka,FL, a member of the Orlando Detachment

Equipment Operator Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher M. Dickerson, age33,from Eastman, GA, a member of the Augusta Detachment

On Sunday, 2 MAY 04, the military installation in the Al Anbar Provincewhere some of the Seabees from NMCB 14 were located was hit by indirectfire. Three of our Seabees were killed in action while two additionalmembers died of wounds they received in the attack. An additional 28Seabees were wounded and survived. Please join me in praying for theirquick and complete recovery. Our 5 departed Seabee souls who gave theultimate sacrifice are:

Builder Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael C. Anderson, age 36, fromDaytonaBeach, FL, a member of Orlando Detachment

Equipment Operator Petty Officer 2nd Class Trace W. Dossett, age 37,fromOrlando, FL, a member of the Orlando Detachment

Construction Mechanic Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott R. McHugh, age 33,fromBoca Raton, FL, a member of the West Palm Beach Detachment

Builder Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert B. Jenkins, age 35, from Stuart,FL,a member of the West Palm Beach Detachment

Steel Worker Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald A. Ginther, age 37, fromAuburndale, FL, a member of the Tampa Detachment

All seven of our NMCB 14 Fallen Seabee Angels are now back on U.S. soil.They were met at Dover AFB by our Chief of Civil Engineers, Rear AdmiralMichael Loose along with a Navy Honor Guard from Washington, DC. As thedetails of funeral arrangements become available, they will be passedalongthrough the chain of command.

Let uspledgeto never forget them by providing anchorage to all members of our Seabeefamily as we continue to serve with Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

With the greatest respect and sympathy,
Barbara A. Sisson
CAPT, CEC, USNR
COMTHIRDNCR

DUI BIKERNET INVESTIGATION. THEY’RE OUT TO GET US–I have recently joined an organization named Responsibility In DUI Laws. I was doing some research and went to their web site http://www.ridl.us

I found the site to be full of FACTS that I found quite disturbing. Disturbing because they are apparently TRUE! I spent the last few days looking into the claims and have come away finding out the public has been duped. Do not get me wrong. Impaired driving due to alcohol or any thing else is a serious problem but various groups and our own government are misleading us. The question is why? It appears the DUI industry has mushroomed into over a billion dollar a year business. Laws have been created to aid this industry where everyone is Considered to be Guilty Unless They Can Prove Their Innocence.

When has it ever been a good idea to consider every one Guilty Unless Proven Innocent?

I now find out that Candy Lightner, MADD?s founder was forced out of MADD in 1985. Even she believes the organization has headed in the wrong direction. ?It has become far more neo-prohibitionist than I had ever wanted or envisioned?? said Mrs. Lightner, who founded MADD after her daughter was killed by a drunk driver. ?I didn?t start MADD to deal with alcohol. I started MADD to deal with the issue of drunk driving.?

We all have been fed misinformation and fudged up statistics. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has their hands in this. These are the same people that brought you the Mandatory Helmet Law with the same kind of misinformation.

All I am asking is that you check out this organization and if you agree with them, Join. It does not cost any money and it may save you a lot in the future.

–Rogue

RUN FOR THE WALL 2004 UPDATE– Run For The Wall 2004 is an epic journey by motorcycle that goes from Ontario, California across the heartland of America, and ends 10 days later at the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

Who: American Veterans of war, and all who support them.

Why: We ride for those who can’t. We ride to honor, support and not let be forgotten the sacrifices made by Americas Sons and Daughters who answer the call, take up arms and go forth to defend America against all enemies. We call upon our Government to account for all Americans who remain Prisoners Of War (POW?s) or are Missing In Action (MIA?s). We ride to honor and keep fresh the memory of our soldiers ?Still On Patrol? those Killed In Action (KIA?s).

When/Where: Run For The Wall 2004 begins at 8:00 am on Tuesday, May 18, 2004. The run will depart from the parking lot of the T & A Truck Stop on Milliken Ave., one exit West of the junction of the I-10 & I-15 freeways in Ontario, California

For more information, please log on to: http://www.rftw.org/

— Trash
Trash@GeezerFromHell.com
http://www.mudsoldiers.com

SPEAKING OF HAVING A FEW DRINKS–A woman and her boyfriend are out having a few drinks.While they’re sitting there having a good time together she starts talkingabout this really great new drink. The more she talks about it the moreexcited she gets, and starts trying to talk her boyfriend into having one.

After a while he gives in and lets her order the drink for him.The bartender brings the drink and puts the following on the bar — a saltshaker, a shot of Baileys and a shot of lime juice.

The boyfriend looks at the items quizzically and the woman explains. “Firstyou put a bit of the salt on your tongue, next you drink the shot of Baileysand hold it in your mouth, and finally you drink the lime juice.”

So, the boyfriend, trying to go along and please her, goes for it. He putsthe salt on his tongue — salty but OK. He drinks the shot of Baileys -smooth, rich, cool, very pleasant. He thinks – this is OK.

Finally he picks up the lime juice and drinks it …. in one second thesharp lime taste hits… at two seconds the Baileys curdles… at threeseconds the salty, curdled bitter taste hits. This triggers his gag reflexbut being manly, and not wanting to disappoint his girlfriend, he swallowsthe now nasty drink.

When he finally chokes it down he turns to his girlfriend.

She smiles widely at him and says, “So, how did you like it? It’s called’Blow Job’s Revenge.'”

–from Ken Miller

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI BIKER RALLY– It is held at the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center in Hattiesburg Mississippi and put on by the MISFITS MC

It is a five day event and only in it?s second year of operation and already a great success. All the activities, shows, bike parking, and vendors are under roof so weather can not dampen the party.

And what a party it was. The bands rocked the joint from 12.30 in the afternoon until 2:00 in the morning. Mean Gene Kelton, Dawn Barham, Haywire Band, Deepwater Band, Honest Brad Band and also the Navigators.

Mixed Drinks and Beer was served through out the complex and there were plenty of food vendors and some damn good Cajun Chow.

There was a stunt show by Fere, Bike Show, Biker Games, Miss. Mississippi Contest and of course a Wet T Shirt Contest.

The people who are putting this event on told me, “We’re dedicated to making this one of the biggest rallies in the Southeast.” I think they are going to pull it off.

I will be attending again next year and hope to see you there.

For more information check out the website: http://www.southmississippibikerally.com

Or contact ROGUE at mailto:rogue@bikerrogue.com

–from ROGUE

IS THAT A LOUNGE LIZARD?–You bet. In keeping with PRO-ONE’S trend setting PRO-ROLLER, power train ready, rolling chassis kits, the new LOUNGE LIZARD is certain to provide its owner with as much attention and riding enjoyment as he or she can handle.

Offered as shown, painted and completely assembled, or in pure kit form, the LOUNGE LIZARD is based on PRO-ONE’S proven chopper style Softail frame. A perfect fit for 250, 280 or 300 applications the frame is fabricated of heavy round tubing with 5-inch in the backbone and 6 inches in single or double front tubes. Buyers can pick and choose components that make up the complete chrome front end assembly from the billet lower legs to the 10-inch tubes, chrome billet trees and Pro-bars. Steel fenders front and rear cover a choice of 1-piece chrome billet PRO-ONE rims.

The latest if PRO-ONE gas and oil tanks are included as are chrome billet forward controls, side mount license plate frame with LED lighting and wheel matching rotors, and pulley. PRO-ONE billet 4-piston calipers provide stopping power while a leather solo seat and chrome Softail shocks soften the ride. As with all PRO-ROLLERS the LOUNGE LIZARD can be ordered with just about any option you could want including flawless paint and graphics.

For complete details call 800-884-4173 or go to www.pro-one.com.

Tell ’em Bikernet sent ya, goddamnit.–Bandit

Continued On Page 4

Continued From Page 1

WIN A BELT DRIVE AND SEE YOUR BIKE FEATURED ON BIKERNET–That’s right. If you’re a Cantina member check the door prize section and enter. Here’s the deal. We have a brand new 3-inch BDL kit for a Softail. We also have a brand new exterior cover conversion for a BDL 3-inch belt drive for a Softail.

When you enter the door prize area make sure to let us know what year Softail you have and whether you can bring your bike to the Wilmington, CA ghetto or not. Bike must be here to have the unit installed and photographed for a Bikernet tech.

Only serious applications apply.

RICKY NELSON’S MUSTANG–We stumbled across Mustang Jack and his story about Ricky Nelson’s Mustang. Ya got to check the Digital Discovery area of the Cantina, to see the results. It’s this level of rare material that you’ll find as a member, plus it’s cheap.

COMING SOON TO A WAL-MART NEAR YOU–All the feel of the TV show drama, without having to venture out on to theopen road! The “Learning” Channel tests their newest theme show.

–John Siebenthaler

ANOTHER BIKERNET PROJECT COMING–Choppers Unlimited noticed that we have a 2004 Sportster that we’re messing with. Soon you will not another department on Bikernet devoted to Sportster. Kjell of C.U. cohersed us into building another Sporty in a custom rigid frame with an exclusive C.U. hidden axle front end. No, we’re not pulling the 2004 rubbermounted Sportster down. Two Sportsters will see techs in our Sportster section: An Evo wreck mounted in the C.U. chassis and modifications to the new 2004 rubbermounted custom. It will be a wild comparison series indicating the opportunities with the new line of Sporties and how to build a reliable chopper for under ten grand. Find a wrecked Evo Sportster, tear it down and launch it into a C.U. frame. Watch for both.

Here are some examples of C.U. based bikes.

A classic excample on how to build an extreme chopper that actuallyworks

Kjell Bjerke
Owner
Choppers Unlimited
Phone: 1-866-938-3375 (Toll Free)
Phone: 1-910-938-3375
Fax: 1-910-989-0061
Website: www.choppersunlimited.com
E-mail: choppers@choppersunlimited.com

CHECK THE LUCKY DEVIL TECH–Kent, the Lucky Devil himself, is modifying a stock Nigh Train on Bikernet. ” The rake is 38 degrees, trail is 6.5 inches, the backbone is 7 inches over stock, with 10-inch over on the front single tube for a 14-inch over front end,” Kent said.

Check it out. They’re a good group of builders and a blast in the process.

MICHAEL LICHTER’S TRIBUTE TO JR’S FUNERAL–It is almost a year, but I thought you might like to see these. JR’s funeral was quite the affair with the truce and clubs represented from all over the nation. The Feds were there in strength too.

–Michael

If you go to Mike’s site you’ll discover classic biker photos back to the ’70s. Signed prints are available for sale.

BIKERNET TECH REQUEST– Some of us owners of earlier model TC88’s are getting to the mileage where we’re going to have to consider putting in a new final drive belt. As much as I love dumping truckloads of money in the front door of my local Harley dealer, I’d rather do this job myself. When you look in the service manual, there are a lot of references to special tools that are unavailable to mere mortals like myself. You got any plans for a “How to in the Real World” for this job? You know what I’m talking about. “The Kent Moore tool #389493-80A rev B. “Transmission Air Volume Adjuster” (retail $783.23) can be replaced with a Craftsman “Wizard Wrench” and a Kenmore dryer.

–Hiwayman…….

This could be a good tech and we’ll look into it. Basically you need to remove the primary, the clutch and primary drive, the inner primary and the belt. I’m not familiar with twin cam clutches. Not sure they’re much different. I’ll bet the special tool has something to do with the clutch, pulling it. The bike needs to be jacked up and the swingarm detached.

Keep in mind that those belts will often last 100,000 miles. You may not need a new one for awhile.

It’s The 3rd Annual -“Texas Style Party Drags” DALLAS CHAMPIONSHIPS At – Redline Raceway

Top Fuel Harleys, Nostalgia Fuel Harleys, Top Alcohol Harley Dragsters,& 32 Sportsman Trophy Classes for any type of Harley Davidson Motorcycle!!!!!!Hot Street Strokers & Choppers – Drag Modified Harleys & MUCH MORE !!

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
ALL SPONSORED BY – Ancira RV?s & Chrome & Steel Fantasies>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CHECK TEXAS SCOOTER TIMES WEB SITE FOR MORE RACE INFO: SEE PHOTOS OF LAST SEASONS DALLAS CHAMPIONSHIPS !!

BRAND NEW DVD TITLE ?CHOPPERS ? WILD WEST? DEFINES THE NEW TERM ?CHOP-UMENTARY? WITH ITS VISUAL FEAST OF SEXY BIKES & BABES!–San Luis Obispo, CA May 10, 2004) ? Chopper fans and gear heads everywhere finally have the chance to bring home the bike they have always dreamed of, Rise Above Entertainment is proud to announce the release of The Game Entertainment?s newest video title, ?CHOPPERS Volume 1 ? Wild West.? This pure chopper-culture video breaks new ground by being the first chop-umentary project of its kind released to the mainstream. With coverage of the hottest chopper builders, the coolest events on the west coast and tons and tons of beautiful bikes and babes all cut to a killer biker-band soundtrack, bikers the world over will be drooling for a new ride after watching this.

CHOPPERS ? Wild West, Vol. 1 takes you into the garages of today?s hottest builders and behind the scenes wear the sweat and muscle produce the hot bikes, not just big money. Builders like Chica Custom Cycles, Count?s Customs, Death Valley Choppers, Viscous Cycles and Power?s Custom Cycles show off their latest creations and give the viewer something to drool over. Viewers also get a bird?s eye view of hot shows like the famous Hollister Independence Rally, the Las Vegas Bike Fest and a number of other shows and rallies. Today choppers are experiencing a huge comeback as the traditional bike look can be purchased off of the showroom floor by anyone. The chopper on the other hand has become the canvas for bike builders and modifiers to show off their skills with custom fabrication of parts and mind-blowing paint jobs and handiwork. CHOPPERS Vol. 1 ? Wild West covers it all.

Mike Freeny

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–I’m going to let you all in on a little secret. Before having to write here every week and for The Horse, I used to write stuff for fun. I have always enjoyed writing. The time I spent in NYC was mostly writing about everyday life; I would even have a small notebook with me all the time and write notes for later use. The only thing is that it was in Spanish. Why Spanish you may ask? Well, first it’s my first language and second I believe it’s a much richer language for expressing yourself, not trying to offend anyone. Other languages seem curt compared to Spanish, but I guess I can also express myself in English on a pretty good level. Where the fuck I am heading you might be asking yourself right at this moment…….

I guess what I’m trying to say is that I might as well have written my Daytona report in Spanish, or French for that matter, since some people did not get even a bit of it, even if it was written in their mother tongue. I guess we all know who I am referring to……While Mr. blah,blah was so busy expressing his point of view I guess he was totally oblivious of the “meanings” that flew over his head. Maybe I needed to add footnotes to further explain what each paragraph really meant, but let’s take the painful task of dissecting it bit by bit.

“Dropping names” I’m sorry, but when you mention people’s names and they are friends this does not apply. If I did not know any of these people, or were trying to impress someone by mentioning them, then the name drop would apply. Since this is not the case, that one is out the door.

“Company clothing? Since when I have endorsed any company clothing or said that it was the cool gear of the day? For someone that wears Vans every single day and does not own anything that says HD on it , it would be illogical to say that it’s the cool wear and what we wear…..I’m not a fashion advisor either. Bandit wears shit kickers all the time and what do I really care about that? I don’t remember the last time I wore boots, times change so do people. We wear (or I wear) what we wear for comfort, not to start a fashion rage. Sure we ride and Vans are not the safest, but then stand for endless hours at the booth or the shop and you will know what I mean, painful to say the least. More so, the only guy I know that wears boots day in and day out is Nick from Choppers Inc., (again not dropping names since he’s my friend) and I don’t know how he can manage.

After reading the comments I “saw” someone that has paid it dues in full, then again , what do I care, or who am I to judge what you do or don’t do. I really don’t give a bubonic rats ass what you wear or what you do, which bike you own or if you like your sleeves cut off or not. This is not the gospel according to Jose, it’s just my very OWN point of view of what goes on in the motorcycling world, or an event in this certain case. More so, sarcasm does not mean shit to me, the player has to have a bag to give and a bag to receive…In Ian Fleming words ” Live and let Live”

Don’t get confused with such attention dear Sir. If you have been here long enough, you might know that I take it to the extreme to answer each and every message or note that is aimed towards me, critique or praise, makes no difference to me. Even thought I’m sitting behind a screen I decide not to be an anonymous person or face, HIDING, behind the same screen.

The same words that you used applies , “you do not learn unless you listen?. If you are looking for a good tattoo artist I can let you know of many good ones, but the part of being like me, I don’t get, since as you claim, I’m just a “poser”. By the way, the assumption that I was talking about what you masterfully call “re-entry riders”, I’m talking about something else, maybe not, but then again you do not learn unless you listen…. Sounds familiar?

So be and let be. I really don’t care if anyone trailers or not, what you do with your money it’s your own business. If you want to look like a dork trying to fit in, be my guest, it really makes no difference to me. It does not impress me that you have added overpriced stuff to your bike, it should impress you and maybe your HOG buddies. Then again I guess you are fitting the mold since most of the things we see as weird is what you are doing to fit in. We do what we do and we live how we live and I for one don’t really care what others might think; neither I will stop saying the way I see things. Maybe next time you are enjoying the ride to the Marriott, while giving the finger take some time to take some photos and write up a report. I will dissect it hoping to comprehend it as well as you have with my Daytona one.

And now the news…

Our friends from Frisco, formerly Frisco tee’s have moved into a new showroom right in San Francisco, now called 415 Clothing. It?s open to the public and also has a tattoo shop on premises. We wish the best of luck to Rudy and Heather. For more info check http:// www.415clothing.com .

The Horse Smoke Out is near, join the usual suspects in Salisbury North Carolina June 25th and 26th

The Puerto Rico bike week end web site has been revamped, lots of info on the second year event check it out at httpwww.prbikeweekend.com .

I’m looking for a set of original white floorboard rubber mats, if you happen to have a set at a reasonable price, let me know.

Well, Summer is here, go hop on the bike and stop bitchin’. Remember that it’s Winter to those on the Southern hemisphere, so get ready to rock. The super fast pace this year is rolling; the warmth will be over before you realize it…

See you next week

Jose ? Bikernet Caribbean Reporter

Continued On Page 3

Let me lay out the background for this project. Scooter is anattorney. Maybe that makes him a yuppie, who the fuck cares? He’s acriminal attorney of the highest order, in fact recently herepresented a prostitute and we will have a full report on thatepisode. In this case, he was representing a jealous Bouncer from a stripclub whowas going after his girlfriend’s lover and was busted in route. Thecharges called for 20 strikes that would put him away for threelifetimes. As payment for Scooter’s courtroom talent he gave up thisbasket case. He ultimately received less than two years sentence andtwo strikes against his spotty record. He’ll have to be damn carefulin the future.

Scooter is a rider with a Dyna Glide, and a man who loves tolearn. He doesn’t stop at the surface of any project, but digs forall the knowledge he can muster to get the job handle properly. Thisis his first project bike which started out as a scattering ofassorted parts in boxes and strewn around the oily concrete floor,plus a rolling chassis which gave the rider a glimmer of hope.

It began life as a ’98 Softail Custom, but other than thesheet metal and wheels, not much of the original bike remained. Theframe was replaced with a Jammer 2-inch stretch with a 35 degreerake. The drivetrain kept the original H-D jugs, that were bored andhooked up to an S&S bottom end for 89-inches of pure power and aDelkron tranny. Rumor has it the engine work was done by Sonny atWestminster H-D before Scooter got the stuff, but it was expertlyassembled by Todd, who insisted on refitting with original H-D casecovers for a quality fit with (hopefully) no leaks. Before theengine could be mounted, the frame had to be heated and peened a tadto provide clearance for the rigid mount engine. It looked just alittle too tight when they did the mock-up, so they createdadditional vibration clearance. Also, the welds were rough andneeded some grinding and smoothing. We decided to paint the casesblack to match the cylinder fins.

The next step was to powder coat the frame to match the H-DLaser Red color on the stock sheet metal. The red they got wasbrighter and flatter, so we took it to a painter and got a niceclear coat to dress it up. Unfortunately, we now have to repaint thesheet metal to match the powder coat color, at least on the basecolor of the custom paint job. I spoke to Rock and Roll CustomPaintworks and Al Martinez about my paint scheme ideas, but haven’tcommitted yet. They both had some great looking airbrushed nudes onseveral tanks in the showroom which scooter drooled over, but wasconcerned about pulling up to courts and creating problems. Maybesome deep understated ghost flames instead.

Scooter was fortunate to hook up with a great custom bikeengineer named ScottLongnecker who currently builds custom bikes and just about everything elseat Kendon Industries. They manufacture a line of ‘stand up”trailers. Scott hooked Scooter up with a set of billet forwardcontrols and hand built a custom 2 into 1 pipe that’s currently at thechrome shop. The pipe is straight and clean, withthe collector running cleanly along the frame. The performance should bean improvement over the drag pipes that came with the basket, but thedownsideis they have no shields. Oh well, he can sometimes use the extraheat on his scrawnylegs when the temp drops and the cold wind blows. On the other hand,it’s not a problem to build a set of shields.

They’ve ordered up are the fat drag bars and stainlessbraided cables and hoses. The law says you gotta have front andrear turn signalsvisible from the sides and bright and big enough to be seen by everyonewithin your sphere of existence, but stock signals look … well…stock.Heopted to risk an uncomfortable discussion with the local constable byinstalling minimal lighting. Kuryaken has a new LED marking light/mirrorcombo that pairs a nice looking oval mirror and billet look stem with abright LED light mounted in the front side of the mirror housing. At about$180/pair they aren’t cheap, but may streamline the front end and stillprovide a degree of safety.

The rear lighting situation was confusing ashell, because everyone and his cousin makes a fender strut mounted markerlight. Scooter chose one that has a long, sleek housing that coversthe holes andhardware on the strut for a cleaner look. It also has a larger lens with adouble filament bulb and comes with both red and amber lenses. He’s alsohaving a tough decision with the pegs and grips. He really likes the lookandfeel of the Iso-pegs by Kuryaken, but… when I found out I couldn’t usethestock forward controls because the new frame wasn’t tapped for the rearmaster cylinder, he shifted to billet controls with an integralmaster cylinder.

-Nuttcase

Continued From Page 3

CRAZYHORSE MEETS MYRTLE–Looks like I’m riding to Myrtle Beach next week. Jim has my 1200 up on thelift, cleaning off all the grunge from last year. Just going out for two daysto hang with my Wall of Death riding buddy, Samantha Morgan. It ought to bepretty interesting. They have the Wall set up at the Broken Spoke. It surewon’t be dull. If anyone is out that way, be sure to check out Sam’s show.She’s been riding the Wall since she was 15 years old. Sam broke her back in Germany while doing her stunts. Took her years to recover. Butas soon as she was able, she got right back on her Indians and startedriding vertically again. So witness a legend doing what she does best andrisking her life to do it.

The Broken Spoke is on Highway 17 South inGarden City. Big flashing sign so you can’t miss it. The Spoke has tons ofvendors to puruse and some of the best music around. They’re featuring aBike Rodeo daily, a Miss Broken Spoke contest on Thursday and Friday, achopper show on Fri May 14, judged by Master Bike Builder Kendall Johnson,plus lots of other events.

There’s even a rumor Goth Girl might make anappearance. So come on down and say howdy to Sam and me.I just hope the weather is nice for the ride there and back. I love ridingacross the South Carolina countryside by myself. Riding at my own pace,stopping when I want. I’ll have a full report for Bikernet. Gotta a new 5.0megapixel digital camera. That should make life a little easier. No morescanning prints. Souix Falls Shari, the lovely blonde featured in my lastbit for the News, is thinking of riding out with me to Myrtle. This would begood news for all the men at Myrtle who appreciate truly beautiful blondes.But she needs a ride here from South Dakota. She doesn’t like to fly andit’s a long haul here from Souix Falls.

We’ve got a few sweet rides in reader’s Showcase this month. My favorite isa evil sweet little springer shovel belonging to Charles Owens. It’s onebike I wouldn’t mind having and never parting with. You can tell Charlestravels on this bike a lot. Check out the Showcase. We’ve got some cool ridesand a few really good stories posted. Ya’ll keep sending them in. Got abuild off tale? Share your experience. Info is on the Reader’s Showcasepage. It’s the only place on earth where you can feature your own ride, whenever you want.

Well that’s it for now. Oh, the annoucement was made on the Sunday News, butI’ll repeat it here. Looks like Bandit may not be the only publishedauthor here at Bikernet. I’ve signed two contracts with MotorbooksInternational–the people who brought you “The Art of the Chopper” the”Monster Garage” book, and Mike Lichter’s Sturgis book.

I’m coming out withtwo custom motorcycle painting books. One deals in advanced paintingtechniques and airbrushing. It’s a no bullshit, straight talking, verycomprehensive guide to laying down kickass artwork without losing your mind. Ileave nothing out–any fool can custom paint like a pro with this book. Myfriends tell me I’m nuts to do this book and give all my secrets away. Iguess I’ll have to come up with new ones.

The second book deals with basicmotorcycle painting. But there’s nothing basic about this book. It willthroughly explain how to mold a frame and handle bodywork on fabricated parts.How to build paint stands, how to deal with flames, the best way to lay downstress-free coats of custom paint. Killer artwork don’t mean squat if youdon’t have a solid foundation and this book will tell you how to do a paintjobthat will last longer than you will. I ought to know, I’ve made every mistakea painter can make.

Both books will deal extensively with how to notscrew up or what to do when that big boo boo happens. Shortly before thebook’s release I’ll be publishing painting how tos here on Bikernet and invarious magaines. I’m also thinking of initiating a best bike paint contest inDec- the winner gets a copy of the advanced custom painting techniques bookand an Iwata airbrush.

—Crazy Horse

WHERE’S RETRO–A gay couple is driving along one afternoon, and while stopped at a stop sign, they are rear ended by a big semi. Furiously, the guy in the passenger side throws his purse on the seat, gets out of the car, goes back to the truck and starts banging on the door.

The truck driver opens the door and the gay guy, standing there with his hands on his hips, says, “I’m gonna sue your ass, Buddy!”

The truck driver, laughs and says, “Blow me!”

The gay guy stands there for a second, then his eyes get really big and his face lights up. He runs back to the car, and says excitedly to his lover, “You won’t believe this, he wants to settle out of court!”

–from Ken Miller

THE CANADIAN`S BIKE IS READY FOR DISASSEMBLY AND PAINT–BIKE IS BASED ON A ROLLING THUNDER FRAME 6-INCH STRETCH, 40 DEGREE RAKE,-2-inch DROP NECK, PEARSE TREES WITH 6 DEGREE RAKE,TOTAL RAKE 46. M/C ADVANTAGES SUPPLIED THE DRIVETRAIN 6-SPEED/S&S 113, PM WHEELS BRAKES, and FORWARDS. HOTMATCH PIPES,TANK,FENDERS FAT CATZ -MODIFIED BY KMC. ALL SHEETMETAL FABWORK BY KMC ALSO. LEGEND AIR SUSP.KMC WILL BE MAKING THE BARS, ALL WIRING AND LINES ARE INSIDE THE FRAME, BDL SUPPLIED THE CLUTCH, PRIMARY DRIVE. THE BIKE IS OWNED BY FRANK.

THANKS,
— KEN

JANKLOW IN COURT AGAIN– SIOUX FALLS – Former U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow will testify again about the day of an accident that killed a Minnesota motorcyclist, according to a federal court order filed in Minnesota.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan has granted a request from lawyer Ronald Meshbesher to take the depositions of Janklow and Chris Braendlin, Janklow’s chief of staff at the time of the accident.

Meshbesher has up to four hours with each man to question them about what they did Aug. 16 before a car Janklow was driving collided with a motorcycle ridden by Randy Scott near Trent.

Scott died instantly. Janklow suffered a broken hand and a head injury. Braendlin escaped injury.

Meshbesher, who represents Scott’s family, wants a wrongful death lawsuit moved back to state court in Minneapolis so the Scott family can sue Janklow for punitive damages, something not allowed under the Federal Tort Claims Act that protects federal employees.

U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger has ruled that the U.S. government should be responsible for any damages because Janklow was on duty, and therefore, protected by the law.

At a hearing Tuesday in St. Paul, Minn., Meshbesher asked Boylan to either order a hearing where Janklow and Braendlin would have to testify, or at least order them to give depositions.

By Carson Walker, Associated Press Writer

–from Rogue

BIG DOG PROVIDES RUN TO THE WALL TRIBUTE POW/MIA PITBULL BIKE–Bike to travel from Ontario, California to Washington, DC in 16th Annual Run For The Wall May 19-31; Motorcycle will be given away on Memorial Day.

WICHITA, Kansas (May 4, 2004): Big Dog Motorcycles (the leading designer and manufacturer of high performance, highly-styled heavyweight cruisers), and John Scott, a Wichita POW/MIA activist, are honoring veterans by providing a special edition 2004 POW/MIA Pitbull to benefit the national Run For The Wall Foundation.

The rigid cruiser, laser black with ghost flames graphics on the tank and fenders and the well-recognized POW/MIA insignia painted prominently on the dash, will make the annual ten-day journey across the country with thousands of riders toward the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC starting May 19. The bike will be given away on Memorial Day, May 31.

Following the Run For The Wall?s central route ? from Ontario, California to the nation?s capital, the trailered motorcycle will make a dozen stops. At each stop, activists, supporters, and enthusiasts can get an opportunity to win the bike for a $20 donation to the POW/MIA Run For The Wall Foundation, which benefits families of Prisoners of War or those Missing in Action with scholarships, housing, and other financial assistance.

“As America continues to battle the war on terror, it is important for all of us to appreciate those men and women, from this war and others, who ensure our freedom, opportunities, and security is in tact,” stated Nick Messer, Big Dog Motorcycles’ president. “Everyone who has fought for America, or has friends or families who have fought for America, deserve to be honored and thanked every day. We hope this motorcycle will help do just that.”

Since its introduction in 1997, Big Dog Motorcycles? Pitbull has continuously been a top-seller. The 2004 model, like all the company’s cruisers, comes standard with a 107 cu.in. engine, 6-speed transmission, PM brakes, and exclusive proprietary components. The bike also has a super fat 250-rear tire and a low ground clearance of just over four inches for extra attitude.

Special Note: The Special Edition 2004 Pitbull will take the Central Route, making stops in these cities on these dates:

May 18Ontario, California
May 19Williams, Arizona
May 20Gallup, New Mexico
May 21Cimarron, New Mexico
May 22Limon, Colorado
May 23Salina, Kansas
May 24Wentzville, Missouri
May 25Carefree, Indiana
May 26Hurricane, West Virginia
May 27Rainelle, West Virginia
May 28/29Alexandria, Virginia
May 30Washington, DC

PLACE: KAPIOLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE NEXT TO BEAUTIFUL DIAMOND HEAD IN HONOLULU
TIME: 1:00PM — 6:00PM

CELEBRITY GUESTS WILL INCLUDE:
BILLY LANE OF CHOPPERS INC.
INDIAN LARRY
PAUL COX
MONDO PORRAS OF DENVERS CHOPPERS
TOM PREWITT FROM MONSTER GARAGE
KEITH “BANDIT” BALL OF BIKERNET.COM
JOSE DE MIGUEL OF CARIBBEAN CUSTOM CYCLE

PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN AWAY THROUGHOUT THE AFTERNOONINCLUDING A TRIP FOR 2 TO AUSTRALIA FROM HAWAIIAN AIRLINESHOTEL IN QUEENSLAND FROM OUTRIGGER HOTELS-RESORTSINTERISLAND TRIPS AND MUCH MORE

THERE WILL BE A RIDE IN THE MORNING AROUND THE ISLANDWITH THE CELEBRITY GUESTS. FOR UPDATES CLICK ON THE BANNER ABOVE.

IMB MARTIAL ARTS SEMINAR, CIRICACO ” CACOY” CANETE–With a member of the US Martial Arts Hall of Fame,the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame, theBlack Belt Hall of Fameand the only surviving founding member of Doce Pares Club since 1932.

@ The IMB Academy on Sunday, June 13th from 9 AM to 4 PMTel (310) 787-8793 www.IMBACADEMY.com Fax (310) 787-879522109 South Vermont Avenue, Torrance, California 90502 USA

The hands-on training is not designed to compete against your style but will compliment alllevels above age eighteen: male and female, beginner to advance, and non-martial artists areinvited. We don’t want to teach you only martial art techniques.

You will learn and exercise what GM Cacoy studied and practiced: (1) Eskridosweeps, locks and throws (2) Resistance training against obstacles for sparring accuracy.(3) Pangamot of empty hand strikes (4) Reaction drills for immediate response. (5) Agawsof front and rear hand disarming and locks.

No spectators and video cameras allowed

MORE TECHS COMING TO BIKERNET–Check the site above. It contains some hot tech info. From time to time you’ll see techs by Gary on Bikernet.

MIAMI OFFICER’S CORRUPTION TRIAL– Attorneys for a suspended Miami SWAT officer told a jury Tuesday that fellow officers will testify they saw a toy gun in a dark yard after their colleague fatally shot a crazed man. Prosecutors said other officers will testify the toy wasn’t there, so it must have been planted to make the shooting look legitimate.

Federal prosecutor Edward Stamm told jurors that the toy gun inexplicably moved around in the yard in the hours after officer Alex Macias fired a three-shot machine gun volley that hit Jesse Runnels twice in the right cheek.

Stamm described how the “black toy gun that was not found under the kitchen window, then was seen under a tree and then was seen under the kitchen window.”

But defense attorney William Matthewman insisted, “It was there. It just wasn’t seen by everybody.”

“Alex Macias acted properly. Alex Macias didn’t do anything wrong. Alex Macias did not lie,” Matthewman said.

Macias is charged with two counts of obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to investigators twice the day after he killed Runnels in his girlfriend’s apartment on March 23, 1999.

Macias could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted in the fifth corruption trial of Miami officers in less than two years. He was acquitted a year ago of charges in another SWAT killing.

Associated Press.

–from Rogue

TENNEESSEE HELMET REPEAL MOVING–Well Right now our Helmet Bills is put behind the budget but our sponsorshave said me might be able to get the department of tourism to move the billout for us.

If any of you on the list has anything that would show that the tourismwould go up in Tennessee please help me with that information.

Here is a list of what might help

1. Your state commissioner of Tourism to give a statement of how the helmetrepeal helps your state in tourism dollars

2. A fiscal Impact statement of how many more motorcyclists would travelhere with Freedom of Choice.

3. Contact our Governors office to let them know that with out Freedom ofChoice you will not visit our state.

Here are the numbers and e-mails that you all could write letter to statethat you would travel here if you had Freedom of Choice:

Our Governor is Phil Bredesen
Governor’s Office
Tennessee State Capitol
Nashville, TN 37243-0001
Phone: 615.741.2001
Fax: 615.532.9711
Email: phil.bredesen@state.tn.us

Commissioner of Tourism
Susan Whitaker
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
320 Sixth Avenue North
5th Floor Rachel Jackson Building
Nashville, TN 37243
>Email: tourdev@state.tn.us

Thank you for all your help
-Nancy Halftrack

BURNIN’ DAYLIGHT–I’m still lost. Where do I turn next? Theres more projects around me than a plumbing contractor in Iraq. They finished half the gate project, so I’ll be forced to stand guard duty tonight. I need to fire the torches and hit the welding bench for the Run For Breath Trophy, but I’d rather ride and chase women.

There’s two titty bars down the street in the depths of the industrial part of Wilmington. I need to check ’em out and Sin Wu wants to tag along. If you experienced this cast iron, 18-wheeler, container crane and dirt neighborhood you’d wonder why any woman would come within 10 miles of here.

I can’t even say that it’s a great place to work, but I wouldn’t want to live here. They’re ain’t anything great about it, but we’ll see. It can all change tomorrow. Work places need to be cool, too. Let’s ride.

–Bandit

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THE RETROSEXUAL CODE–I’ve received this a half dozen time and finally read the whole damn thing. It aint’ bad–Bandit.

Please allow me to vent. I have had it. I’ve taken all I can standand I can’t stand no more. Every time my TV is on, all that can be seenis effeminate men prancing about, redecorating houses and talking aboutforeign concepts like “style” and “feng shui.” Heterosexual, homosexual,bisexual, transsexual, metrosexual, non-sexual; blue, green, andpurple-sexual – bogus definitions have taken over the urban and suburbanworld!

Real men of the world, stand up, scratch your balls, belch, and yell”ENOUGH!” I hereby announce the start of a new offensive in the CultureWars, the Retrosexual movement. ”

A Retrosexual man, no matter what the women insists, PAYS FOR THEDATE.

A Retrosexual man opens doors for a lady. Even for the ones thatfit that term only because they are female.

A Retrosexual DEALS with IT, be it a flat tire, break-in into yourhome, or a natural disaster, you DEAL WITH IT.

A Retrosexual not only eats red meat, he often kills it himself.

A Retrosexual doesn’t worry about living to be 90. It’s not howlong you live, but how well. If you’re 90 years old and still smoking cigarsand drinking, I salute you. If you are still having sex, you are a God.

A Retrosexual does not use more hair or skin products than a woman.Women have several supermarket aisles of stuff. Retrosexuals need anendcap (possibly 2 endcaps if you include shaving goods.)

A Retrosexual does not dress in clothes from Hot Topic when he’ 30 years old.

A Retrosexual should know how to properly kill stuff (or people)if need be. This falls under the “Dealing with IT” portion of The Code.

A Retrosexual watches no TV show with “Queer” in the title.

A Retrosexual does not let neighbors screw up rooms in his houseon national TV.

A Retrosexual should not give up excessive amounts of manlinessfor women. Some is inevitable, but major reinvention of yourself will onlylead to you becoming a froo-froo little puss, and in the long run, she ain’tworth it.

A Retrosexual is allowed to seek professional help for majormental stress such as drug/alcohol addiction, death of your entire family in afreak treechipper accident, favorite sports team being moved to adifferent city, favorite bird dog expiring, etc. You are NOT allowed to see ashrink because Daddy didn’t pay you enough attention. Daddy was busy DEALINGWITH IT. When you screwed up, he DEALT with you.

A Retrosexual will have at least one outfit in his wardrobedesigned to conceal himself from prey.

A Retrosexual knows how to tie a Windsor knot when wearing atie — and ONLY a Windsor knot.

A Retrosexual should have at least one good wound he can bragabout getting.

A Retrosexual knows how to use a basic set of tools. If you can’thammer a nail, or drill a straight hole, practice in secret until you can– or be rightfully ridiculed for the wuss you be.

A Retrosexual knows that owning a gun is not a sign that your areriddled with fear, guns are TOOLS and are often essential to DEAL WITH IT.Plus it’s just plain fun to fire one off in the direction of those people or things that just need a little “wakin’ up”.

Crying. There are very few reason that a Retrosexual may cry, and none of them have to do with TV commercials, movies, or soap operas.Sports teams are sometimes a reason to cry, but the preferred method of releaseis swearing or throwing the remote control. Some reasons a Retrosexual cancry include (but are not limited to) death of a loved one, death of a pet(fish do NOT count as pets in this case), loss of a major body part, or loss ofmajor body part on your Chevy truck.

When a Retrosexual is on a crowded bus and or a commuter train,and a pregnant woman, heck, any woman gets on, that retrosexual stands up andoffers his seat to that woman, then looks around at the other so-calledmen still in their seats with a disgusted “you punks” look on his face.

A Retrosexual knows how to say the Pledge properly, and with thecorrect emphasis and pronunciation. He also knows the words to the StarSpangled Banner

A Retrosexual will have hobbies and habits his wife and mother donot understand, but that are essential to his manliness, in that theyoffset the acceptable manliness decline he suffers when married/engagedor in a serious healthy relationship – i.e., hunting, boxing, shot putting,shooting, cigars, car maintenance.

A Retrosexual knows how to sharpen his own knives and kitchen utensils.

A Retrosexual man can drive in snow (hell, a blizzard) withoutsliding all over or driving under 20mph, without anxiety, and withouthigh-centering his ride in a snow bank.

A Retrosexual man can chop down a tree and make it land where hewants. Wherever it lands is where he damn well wanted it to land. Excepton his truck–that would happen because of a “force of nature”, and then theretrosexual man’s options are to Cry, or to DEAL with IT, or do both.

A Retrosexual will give up his seat on a bus to not only any womenbut any elderly person or person in military dress (except 2nd Lt’s)NOTE:The person in military dress may turn down the offer but the Retrosexualman will ALWAYS make the offer to them and thank them for serving their country.

A Retrosexual man doesn’t need a contract — a handshake is goodenough. He will always stand by his word even if circumstances change orthe other person deceived him.

A Retrosexual man doesn’t immediately look to sue someone when hedoes something stupid and hurts himself. We understand that sometimes inthe process of doing things we get hurt and we just DEAL WITH IT !

MISSOURI HELMET LAW REPEALED–JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missourians who are old enough to legally drinkalcohol also could ride a motorcycle without a helmet under a bill passed bythe House. The bill repealing Missouri’s mandatory helmet law for those 21andolder now heads to the Senate.

Supporters say wearing a helmet should be a matter of personal choice, notlaw. Opponents say severe head injuries cost many other people throughhigherinsurance rates, free care provided by hospitals for some people withoutinsurance, and government expenditures to treat victims covered by MedicareandMedicaid.

The House approved the bill 96-43 on Thursday. Gov. Mel Carnahan vetoed asimilar bill in 1999. Other proposals have failed in the Legislature, beforeand after that. Not wearing a helmet now can result in a $25 fine.

SCREAMIN? EAGLE FLAT TRACK TEAM PRIMED FOR SPRINGFIELD–Team Looking Forward to Miles after Short Track Struggles.SAN FRANCISCO (May 2, 2004) – The Screamin? Eagle Performance Parts Racing team looks forward its return to the historic Springfield Mile as the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship series heads for the famous track at the Illinois State Fairgrounds May 29-30. Screamin? Eagle rider Rich King won both Springfield Mile events in 2003 aboard a Harley-Davidson XR 750.

?We?ve had a tough start on two unusual short tracks this season,? said Screamin? Eagle Racing Manager Anne Paluso. ?I think you?ll see the Screamin? Eagle team get back on track when the series comes to Springfield, where we had our best results last year. We?ve got a rider who really knows his way around that track, and the team obviously has a good set-up for the XR 750 at Springfield.?

The Screamin? Eagle team had a disappointing outing at the inaugural Ricky Graham Memorial Indoor Short Track held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. This was the first AMA Grand National event held on an indoor concrete surface, and it proved to be a challenge for many of the top riders in the series. The track was laid out in a football-shaped oval, and lap times were just over eight seconds, leaving little margin for error or time to recover from a mistake.

King fell victim to the slick surface in his first heat race, falling on lap two. He was quickly back up and managed to finish sixth. King then placed fifth in a semi-final heat after set up and tire changes were made to his bike. He rode hard from the back row, and made some aggressive passes, but failed to make the 16-rider field for the main.?Like many of the teams at the Cow Palace, we had some trouble with traction and tire selection,? said Paluso. ?This was a learning experience.?

Reigning Grand National champion Chris Carr rode his Quality Checked Pre-Owned Ford KTM to victory in a main even that was marred with crashes and required three re-starts to complete 30 laps.

DUCATI BASED BAD ASS SPORT CHOPPER– MotoCreations to premier new Ducati based Bad Ass Sport Chopperat the Performance Machine sponsored LA Calendar Motorcycle Show July 17-18thApril 30th, Los Angeles, CA – FastDates.com is excited to announce that designer and race car fabricator Mark Savory of MotoCreations.com based in Chandler, Arizona, will use the Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show, held the July 17-18th 2004 weekend at the Queen Mary in Long Beach,CA, to premier in public his exciting new MotoCreations.com sport cruiser prototype bike based on Ducat’si venerable Monster with the new DS1000 engine.

Savory decided to start his new company MotoCreations.com to create the right type of bikes the market was missing. The new MotoCreations Ducati based Sport Cruiser concept bike offers that in spades, and potentially at a very affordable price should it be put into limited production by Savory or mass produced by a manufacturer like Ducati

You can see the world premier of the new MotoCreations Ducati based cruiser at the July 17-18th LA Calendar Motorcycle Show, along with many other sportbike attractions including the Jardine West Coast Horsepower Dyno Shootout, and The Las Vegas Extremes stunt riding team starring Pauly Sherer and beautiful JoJo Farmer. Complete information is available at http;//www.FastDates.com

THE BIKERNET STEALTH INVESTIGATION–It seems in life everything sooner or later comes to end. Jobs, marriages, relationships and friendships and good times. For one reason or another they come to an end and usually there are a lot of hard feelings at the end of a marriage or relationship.

The toughest of these is when a marriage ends or a relationship comes crashing to an end. I have been married twice, failed both times, and another relationship has just ended for me. With each failure, in this area, I take responsiblity for my part. Yeah, I admit I have been a son of a bitch, and I have been told at times that I am not the easiest person to be around. With that being said, I find myself in relationship HELL! It seems when a relationship ends you lose a part of yourself, and it’s gone forever. I don’t want this to sound like one of those advice columns you read in the news papers, but hopefully it will help someone out there. I know a lot of you have been through this. When a relationship ends, I try to learn from it, and yeah sometimes I have had to learn the hard way. I guess some of us are not meant to be in a lasting relationships, but we still continue to look for that special one. I have learned that with every good-bye there is anticipation of the next hello.

When I find myself in this situation, I try to focus on something I can count on to clear my mind. Right now I find myself staying focused on the 6th Annual Run For Breath “IN MEMORY OF JUSTIN PULLIN,” to be held here in Charlotte, July 25th. In the past getting on my bike and blasting down the highway has always helped see me through and clear my mind. It’s like a best friend, a true friend at times like these, it is there for you and never questions you as to why you’re faced with a mess again. If you have been there you know what I am talking about, “IF I HAVE TO EXPLAIN, YOU WOULDN”T UNDERSTAND!”

When a relationship starts to spin out of control there is no slowing it down and the end awaits.Things are said and not forgotten. Sides are choosen, and there’s no going back. If you do go back, the shit is always in the back of your mind. The scars that hurt the most, are the ones we never see. The scars inside, those are the worst. In time they fade but never really go away completely.

Another thing you learn at times like these are who your true brothers and friends are. I dare to say that most of us can count our true brothers and friends on one hand and have two or three fingers left over. You see at times like these, if you are not loyal, you are not a friend, PERIOD! You choose your side, and once you make that choice, you stick to your guns. If you ever go through this, it will surprise you to find out that who you thought had your back actually held a knife in their hand. Yeah, this is the worst kind of betrayal, and it takes a rat to do this and you should remember who the rats are, and in my case, there’s no forgetting. People have said that sometimes I wear my feelings on my sleeve, and I guess I do. If I like you, you will know real quick, and if I don’t, well, you get the picture. Maybe that sounds harsh, but at least I am true to myself. I wear the same face all the time. I don’t put a brilliant disguise on to please people. You learn a lot about people who were supposed to be friends at times like these. Fortunately Bandit, Sin Wu and the Bikernet crew has always been there for me.

Well I feel a little better after saying that, I hope I didn’t make anyone cry!Hey enough of this, I will be fine. It is time to go for a ride and find that next HELLO!

Later!
–Mike (THE STEALTH)

INTAKE SEAL SOLUTION–JAMES GASKETS has just introduced what may well be the ultimate INTAKE MANIFOLD SEAL ever produced for Harley-Davidson Big Twin Sportster and Buell motorcycles. Developed specifically for 1986 to present EVO, Twin Cam, Sportster, Buell Blast, XB9R/S and XB12 applications, these high tech seals are manufactured with a metal ring molded into the seal itself.

This design provides rigidity and a positive, leak free seal between the manifold and cylinder head port. The unique INTAKE SEALS work with stock and most aftermarket manifolds incorporating a manifold sleeve diameter of 1.800.”

JAMES GASKETS are available at finer motorcycle, parts and accessories dealers worldwide. Call 775-246-2220 for the location of a dealer near you or catch the full lineup at http:// www.jamesgaskets.com .

BIKERNET CONTEST WINNERS– From the free section we have:

ETHAN JONES from EVNASVILLE, INDIANA
Suggestion: MAKE A SECTION ON YOUR SITE FOR POOR FUCKERS LIKE ME THAT NEED TO PART TOGETHER A BIKE JUST TO KEEP MYSELF SANE.
Wanted: I JUST WANT A PROJECT TO WORK ON, THAT HAS ONLY THE PARTS I NEED TO GET IT GOING. I NEED THE WIND IN MY HAIR AND THE SUN IN MY FACE. I AM A POOR FUCK THAT IS GOING THROUGH A REALLY SHITTY TIME IN LIFE, AND I NEED SOMETHING TO KEEP MY HEAD ON STRAIGHT!

I really wish I could send this guy a bike, if that would help keep his head on straight. But, I can?t. What I can send is a Bikernet Hat to keep on his head.

FROM THE CANTINA CONTEST–

Travis Wasko from Pensacola , Florida
Wanted: Anything I can get and use for FREE!!!

He gets an Indian Larry t-shirt and a Big Jugz cup cooler. He can use that to keep his beer cold.

I have a couple more Indian Larry t-shirts to give away. ENTER THE CONTEST!!

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BUELL DEALER TEAMS TACKLE EXTREME RACING CHALLENGE–Hal?s and Kosco Run Strong in First AMA Formula Xtreme Outing.SONOMA, Calif. (May 2, 2004) – The Hal?s Harley-Davidson/Buell and Kosco Harley-Davidson/Buell racing teams took on full-bore factory competition for the first time this season in the Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme class at Infineon Raceway. Kosco rider Michael Barnes rode a Buell Firebolt to an eighth-place finish, while Hal?s rider Mike Ciccotto rode a Firebolt to 11th place in the event, part of the third stop on the 2004 AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship Series.

?These dealer teams jumped right into the deep end of the competition pool and we are really proud of their results,? said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. ?AMA Formula Xtreme represents a very high level of competition in U.S. roadracing, and it?s a real test for the Buell Firebolt and for our racers.?

Barnes qualified eighth for the Formula Xtreme event at the hilly, 12-turn, 2.52-mile course located in the wine country of Northern California, while Ciccotto qualified 10th. On race day, riding a back-up bike after an ignition problem sidelined his primary racer, Barnes worked his way up to sixth place before dropping back two positions at the finish. Honda factory rider Miguel Duhamel, who has dominated Formula Xtreme so far this season, won the event after a battle with Erion Honda rider Jake Zemke. Both riders set a blistering pace, turning lap times close to those of the top AMA Superbikes.

AMA Formula Xtreme for 2004 is a class open to motorcycles with 600cc four-cylinder engines and larger-displacement V-Twin engines, with a great deal of modification permitted. ?It is the closest thing to a GP class in the US at the moment,? said Buell. The Hal?s and Kosco teams are working on tuning their Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin engines for maximum horsepower. This is a significant change from the limited-power rules in Formula USA Thunderbike, where both teams have competed previously using the Buell Firebolt racebikes.

The next stop on the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship schedule is May 14-16 at Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, Ala.

BANDIT’S CANTINA–A drunken man walks into a biker bar, sits down at the bar and orders a drink. Looking around, he sees three men sitting at a corner table He gets up, staggers to the table, leans over, looks at the biggest, meanest one in the face and says, “I went by your grandma’s house today and I saw her in the hallway buck naked. Man, she is one fine looking woman!” The biker looks at him and doesn’t say a word.

His buddies are confused, because he is one bad biker, and would fight at the drop of a hat. The drunk leans on the table again and says,”I got it on with your grandma and she is good, the best I ever had!”

The biker’s buddies are starting to get really mad, but the biker still says nothing. The drunk leans on the table one more time and says, “I’ll tell you something else, boy, your grandma liked it. She’s a real goer!”

At this point the biker stands up, takes the drunk by the shoulders, looks him square in the eyes and says, “Grandpa,…Go home, you’re drunk !!”

–from Thomas Brown

JOSE’S DAYTONA BIKE WEEK–I wanted to say that I really enjoyed your article, “Daytona Bike Week – Caribbean Style”. I found it generally amusing and satirical to say the least. Lots of criticism directed towards “newbies” and the article was gorged with name dropping. This article reminds me of a situation the occured about three months ago, that I will probably never forget. Bear with me..cuz’ the story gets longer.

When I was 11 years of age, I loved cars, motorcycles, boats..anything that made noise, had wheels or moved via a gasoline engine. I talked “Pops” into buying me a Benelli mini-cycle that I flat drove into the ground. I was too young to take it to the streets, so I drove that damn thing on a big lot across the street from my home, and did nothing but drive in circles for hours at a time, spinning up dirt and grass and eventually I was asked to permantley leave the area by the Canadian owner, who somehow seemed to have a hard time selling the lot for I had turned his lush grassy lot into a mud pit! That ended my 1st introduction into the motorcycle life. Mom put her foot down and said “NO!” to owning a motorcycle until I was older.

I then reached 15 years of age, and again I talked my good ol’ Dad into getting me the newest Kawasaki 90 that was on the market. The salesman brought the bike to my house and while he was in with my parents signing the paperwork, I drug that bike out of his van..started it up and off I went! I drove the crap out of that bike.

I finally met my fate on the bike, while riding with a friend. I was coming to a stop with him following behind, and he was not paying attention and rear ended me. Put a hole in my tank…a hole in my back, (impaled by his left mirror), and generally screwed up my biking life at that time. Again…Mom puts her foot down and says “NO!”. 2nd bike…”See ya!”.

The saga continues when Dad finally put his foot down and said “Yes” to a Kawasaki Mach 500. At 17 years of age…this was all the bike and more. The bike was so fast, that it would have made a grown-up ‘Bikers” balls shrivel up. I however being a “responsible young man” did not push the envelope too much and pretty much obeyed the speed limits and laws. I did NOT need this bike taken away from me as well. Some old lady that did not know the difference in red and green lights kinda fucked up my chances by running a light and basically being responsible for taken inches off my waist via road rash. Asphalt is not too kind to the youthful image that I was trying to maintain. 3rd bike…GONE !

Now that I have bored the shit out of you with my childhood history on bikes..here’s the next boring chapter. I am getting to the point…be patient and get your head out of your ass. You do not learn unless you listen.

Years had gone by..as well as a marriage or two and while deep into my third “forever” relationship, I decided to buy another bike. Mom and Dad were NOT going to say “NO!” this time. It was a 1986 Kawasaki Vulcan 750. This bike was clean as shit..looked good and I was hooked. This time..ownership was bittersweet. My Mom’s nagging was replaced by my wife’s incessant bitching about the bike. “why don’t you spend time with me? Don’t I matter?” Then one day, we received notice from our companies insurance company that they would no longer insure me in a claim involving a motorcycle. I had a wife and three kids, and I had to make the “responsible decision”. Get rid of the fucking bike..AGAIN!

Ok…we are coming to an end here, so bear with me. The wife is gone…the kids are grown and in college or the military. Everyone is just fine. Thank you for asking. It’s just me and the dog. He doesn’t bitch at all. Flip him a pig ear and he’s in 7th heaven. Life is good, and now it is time for round 4. An employee at the company, I worked for, was going through a divorce and a nasty one at that. He needed money and I needed a emotional douche. He had a 2000 Fatboy that I wanted, and he needed to sell. My insurance company said “OK!”…my dog said “who gives a shit!”..and my mother just said “Just be careful” and “Why don’t you wear a helmet?” I again ride the shit out of that bike, and I do realize that there’s a code of ethics that we as “Newbies” (as you critically label us re-entry riders), must adhere to. I wouldn’t be caught dead going to a rally or bike night wearing my Tommy Bahama silk shirt, cargo shorts and a pair of Tevo foot flops. It would be frowned upon and ridiculed by you “real bikers”. I went to Harley and bought the coolest shirt and jeans that they had and even bought a pair of really neat boots. You’d love them!! Now, I don’t look like a dork to you “bikers” that were born with an exhaust pipe sticking out of your ass.

I was not born to a pit bull infested household with an alcoholic mother and father. My family was never on welfare or did it require food stamps to feed us kids. I didn’t have cars in the front yard with cars on blocks, and there were no housing projects close by. I did not have the proper upbringing to be a rebel biker. I just loved anything with a motor. Old cars with big engines and motorcycles that made a lot of noise.

What gives you the fucking right to criticize anyone? We are all riding a bike or own an old classic muscle car for one reason only. The love for riding..driving…and freedom from life’s bullshit. I forget everything when I am out on that bike. The wind..the sun..the rain..anything that Mother Nature can deal out does not matter and is welcome. It keeps me sane. I rub on that bike every night and spend countless hours adding overpriced accessories and custom parts that the motorcycle industry has offered to us “Newbies”.

You think Harley-Davidson exited its financial woes by selling to hardcore rebel bikers?? HA! I’m not saying by any means that there are not extremely sucessful men and woman out there who are not life long bikers. What I am saying is to ease up on us late bloomers that have found freedom and exhilaration, just as you did when you first started riding. It took us longer. If you are being critical of “newbies”, then maybe YOU are the “poser”, and are expecting us to adhere to a look and lifestyle that you think acceptable. We are all different in dress, attitude, vocabulary… a multitude of ways, but the one common thing that we share is the love of riding. So stop worrying about who trailers their bike. Maybe they don’t have to prove how physically and mentally tough they are by riding 16 hours to an event across country. Maybe..they are just smarter?!! Ya think??

I’ll see ya in South Carolina. I’m the one with the sleeveless shirt with the fuzzy threads hanging off the edge, and 2004 Ford f-250 Lariet supercrew with an attached custom trailer, and also the one that will be giving you the finger as I pass through on my way to the Marriott resort.

Oh..by the way..do you know of a good tattoo artist in your area?? I wanna be just like you! Don’t be hateful..just think and learn.

–filthy Phil

CODE OF THE WEST–TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS–Let’s see if I understandhow the world works lately… If a man cuts his finger offwhile slicing salami at work, he blames the restaurant.If you smoke three packs a day for 40 years and die of lung cancer, your family blames the tobacco company.If your neighbor crashes into a tree while driving home drunk, he blames the bartender.If your grandchildren are brats without manners, you blame television.If your friend is shot by a deranged madman, you blame the gun manufacturer.And if a crazed person breaks into the cockpit and tries to kill the pilot at 35,000 feet, and the passengers kill him instead, the mother of the crazed deceased blames the airline.

I must have lived too long to understand the world as it is anymore.So, if I die while my old, wrinkled butt is parked in front of this computer, I want you to sue Bill Gates…okay?

–from Rev CarlR

BANDIT’S BUSTED–Sheila comes home early from work one day to find her husband BANDIT,in bed with a woman. Sheila says “That’s it, I’m leaving and nevercoming back.”

BANDIT says ” Don’t you at least want to hear my explanation?”

Sheila shrugs and says “Fine. Let’s hear your story”

BANDIT says “I’m driving along the street when I see this young ladyin torn clothes, no shoes, all muddy and crying. I took pity on herand asked if she would like to get cleaned up in my house. Sheclimbed into the truck and I brought her home. She took a shower, Igave her the underwear that doesn’t fit you anymore, the blouse Ibought you 2 years ago that you never wore, the $150 Nike runningshoes you bought but never used. I even gave her some of the roastbeef you had in the fridge, but didn’t serve to me. I showed her tothe door. She thanked me profusely.

As she was about to leave she turned around and asked me, “Is thereanything else your wife doesn’t use anymore?”

–Rogue

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–Last week I said I was going to talk about Miami. The kind of bikes I like there were only three. Miami is a place to party; with the close proximity to South Beach and all the clubs it would be a very cool place to do the show and chaos at night. One of the cool bikes there is Billy’s Devil in a red dress (his red pan), which is owned by a Miami resident and my friend Tony. A PR ex pat who calls south Florida home. He built a very cool Pagan gold chop, which will be featured in The Horse soon.

I just got some news that hank Young is selling his Discovery special, if interested give him a call or check his web site http:// www.youngchoppers.com. Also, I’m letting you guys know before hand, check the site and get your shirts before the Discovery show hits the air in June 17th and then total mayhem befalls.

I bet many of you are wondering what is up our sleeves. Sometimes I don’t release any news until they are already published or I get the green light. As every year, Michael Lichter (of Easyriders fame) has an exhibition on the Journey Museum in Rapid City (during Sturgis rally & races). This year it will be based on Bobbers, the official name is Bob’s back, a tribute to David Mann (Dave ?) and the following builders will be participating, Chica, Hank Young , Billy Lane, sculptor Jeff Decker and his cool Crocker.

I forgot his name but the bike that was in the Guggenheim museum (you know that cool Indian bobber) and yours truly. Yeap, my nights and early mornings have all been working on that Bob for Sturgis. I’ll post some photos right before heading over, I promise. In the meantime here is another chop that we just finished for a customer/ friend. Going back to the bobber, I have been wondering what could I build, I guess a bobber is a bobber, I mean, there’s a certain style and certain things that are strictly bobber, but then again I have to give a certain touch of where I come from. As much as I would like to build a totally true bobber, I guess I’m sidetracking a bit, let’s see what happens at the end.

On the same event line, we have been invited to go to Japan this October. I know you readers are from all over the planet, and it’s time to ask for a favor. Anyone that knows about Japan, or is there, shoot me an e-mail at Jose@chopperfreak.com with information about it, even better, if we can manage to meet while there. You know what I mean, where to stay, party, what to do….all that crap. All the numbers for single, good looking chicks, strip joints, chopper shops…. Whatever. All information would be extremely cool. If you happen to have a big house, a harem and many cool cars and chops, we would be willing to stay over for a week.

I heard that Billy Lane is in LA filming something, gotta find out from the man himself. I bet it’s interesting. Also heard that there’s a bunch of new books coming up, as soon as I get solid news about it, be sure that I will inform here. Keep your eyes peeled on the Discovery channel. Father?s Day week end it will be chock full of motorcycle shows, all the new Biker Build off’s and even Motorcycle Mania 3, where Jesse and Kid Rock take a “cruise” South of the border.

Well guys, there’s lots more, but I really don’t remember right now. I guess my mind is on that Bob’s back bobber…..So it’s back to the shop. I’m even thinking about renting my house and moving there….

See you next week…have fun in Myrtle Beach,

Jose Bikernet Caribbean “enquirer”

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It’s Thursday, and the news is packed. Laborers are tearing up our gates and replacing them with wrought Iron jobs that are electrically operated. Get this, we’re going to line the backs of them with tin so we’re private. Then at midnight when I’m flying down Harry Bridges drunk, and the cops are on my ass I can press the remote in my vest and fly through the gate to safety. Press it again and the gate closes. Yeah right. Let’s get to the news.

VICTORY MOTORCYCLES RETURNS AS MAJOR SPONSOR OF KYLE PETTY RIDE–MEDINA, MN (May 3, 2004): Victory Motorcycles is a major sponsor of the 2004 Kyle Petty Charity Ride and Victory is once again the official motorcycle of the annual ride that raises money for children’s hospitals and the Victory Junction Gang Camp for kids.This year’s Kyle Petty Charity Ride is being run May 1 through May 8 from Palm Desert, California, to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, North Carolina.

Victory will once again set the pace for the ride as both Kyle Petty and his father, legendary NASCAR champion Richard Petty, are among the riders on Victory motorcycles.The 2004 edition is the 10th annual fundraising ride led by NASCAR racer Kyle Petty. It started in 1994 as a recreational ride from North Carolina to a NASCAR race weekend in Arizona. The ride was so much fun and attracted enough riders that Kyle envisioned turning it into a fundraising ride.

More than $4 million has been raised in the past decade. The money has been given to children’s hospitals and clinics across the country and has financed construction of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. The camp project was launched by Kyle and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam, a NASCAR racer who died at age 19 in a 2000 practice crash.

The ride traditionally starts in California, where NASCAR races prior to one of its rare weekends off. For several years the ride ended at Kyle and Pattie’s farm in North Carolina. In 2003 the ride ended at Daytona Beach, Florida, and this year it will end at the Victory Junction Camp.In the ride’s first nine years, it has logged over 24,000 miles and has involved more than 3,000 riders. This year?s ride will cover approximately 3,188 miles and will include overnight stops in Las Vegas, Flagstaff, AZ, Roswell, NM, Oklahoma City, Branson, MO, Tupelo, MS, Atlanta and Randleman, NC, home of the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

For More Charity Ride InformationFor more information about the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, or to make a donation, visit www.kylepettycharityride.com, call 888-45-PETTY or e-mail: info@kylepettycharityride.com.

HUNTED LIMITED EDITION PAINT JOB–I’m looking for a 2003 hard to find Harley paint set that none of the dealers have at this time. On their computers they show two stores that have the set but I’ve already called. The set was a numbered radical set with part number 95710-03BFY. It was black with blue flames. If you have any luck locating one from an individual, I would buy.

“Nicholas Sears”

NEW CANTINA MEMBER’S STORY– I signed up for the Cantina a couple of months back and just wanted to let you I enjoy it a lot. I find it interesting that you were in the Navy about the same time I was(’66-’69, I was in for a kiddie cruise). I was homeported in Key West, Fla. stationed on a destroyer escort – great duty. I was a third class gunners mate and never figured out why they never sent me to ‘nam – I even put in for it.

Anyway, after I got out, I went back to Tucson and got my first scooter – a ’56 pan – wishbone rigid, 12-inch over wide glide, 21 front wheel (no front brake), jockey shift and suicide clutch. It was the first bike I ever rode. Hell, I thought they all came like that. I rode that evil bastard for many years until the lower end seized up and left me stranded for the last time. After that I rode Sportsters, a ’75 xlch and a ’67 xlch(stretched rigid) – both fast bikes. My latest is an ’81 Shovel(low rider) which has both kick and electric start – a first for me. I’m in the process of a ground up rebuild. I’ll send pictures of it when I’m finished, if you’re interested. It’s old school – basic black and a little chrome with nothing extra. I’m a fanatic about unnecessary weight. I don’t even pack.

You sure triggerd a lot of memories for me with your own experiences. Back in the early ’70s there were three outlaw clubs in Tucson, the Soul Sinners, the Sons of Odin and the Ironhorsemen. They had an alliance and had Tucson divided up for their own territories. Then the Dirty Dozen came to town and Arizona was a one club state. I live in New Mexico now where the Bandidos rule. I never rode as a 1% but always got along and had their respect. Stand up and be a man of your word always worked for me.

Keep up the good work.

Ride free, ride fast,

–Bill

Wish I still had the Pan.

BIG DOG SHIPS 500 BIKES IN APRIL–This marks the first time the manufacturer has reached the one-month, 500-unit milestone, shattering all previous records of units shipped.

Big Dog Motorcycles(, the leading designer and manufacturer of high performance, highly-styled heavyweight cruisers, shipped 503 new motorcycles in April as its growing network of dealers geared up for their summer selling season. This is the first time the 10-year old, $100 million manufacturer has sold and shipped over 500 bikes in a single month and represents a 43% increase over April 2003 when 351 left the company?s warehouse.

In the first four months of 2004, Big Dog Motorcycles’ dealers have taken delivery of 1,600 bikes, keeping the company on track to hit its forecast of 5,000 units for the year. Since the company?s inception in 1994, it has enjoyed year after year of record sales and shipments. This year will be no different, as the manufacturer will close 2004 with sales that beat its own records and growth outpacing the motorcycle industry as a whole.

BIKERNET STAFFER MUST BE FIRED– An executive was pondering over a hard decision. He had to get rid of oneof his staff. He had narrowed it down to one of two people, Debra or Jack.It would be a hard decision to make, as they were both equally qualified andboth did excellent work. He finally decided that in the morning whicheverone used the water cooler first would have to go.

Debra came in the next morning, hugely hung over after partying all night.She went to the cooler to get some water to take an aspirin and theexecutive approached her and said, “Debra, I’ve never done this before, butI have to lay you or Jack off.”

Debra replied, “Could you jack off – I feel like shit.”

–from Ken Miller

BIKERNET SPONSORS BOAT CRUISE– AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Partygoers apparently hoping to catch a glimpse of nude sunbathers crowded on one side of a floating barge, prompting the ship to capsize and dump all 60 people into Lake Travis.

Two people were hospitalized with minor injuries Sunday after the rented double-decker barge sank near Hippie Hollow, a lakeside park and the only public nude beach in Texas.

The accident occurred during Splash Day, a semiannual event hosted at the clothing-optional area by the Austin Tavern Guild, a gay and lesbian bar association.

Witnesses said that all of the people aboard the barge moved to one side as it neared Hippie Hollow, creating uneven distribution and making it tilt. It sank in 50-foot-deep water.

–from Rogue

BIKERNET APPROVES TRADEMARK OF “FCUK”–The French Connection United Kingdom Company has applied for government approval of a registered trademark using their acronym, “FCUK.” If the French Connection gets approval for the trademark, the “FCUK” will begin appearing on T-shirts, tote bags, sodas, mugs and many, many other products worn and displayed in the public, all with the approval of the U.S. government! Plus it will be used in advertising in all media: TV, newspapers, magazines, etc.

–from Rogue

JOIN THE RIDE OF YOUR DREAMS–Spirit of America Ride–The Journey Begins August 28,2004. Coast to Coast. Fourteen States. Twenty-One Cities. Fifteen Days. The United States of America in Full Living Color from Your Handlebars! Hear the rumble of the engines…Pull up your kickstand…Twist the throttle…Here comes “The Spirit of America”!

The Spirit of America Ride for kids worldwide was created by the goodwill of a group of motorcyclists who together formed an alliance to raise money and to make a difference in a child’s life. At the heart of this group are workers from the recovery of Ground Zero in New York City. The spirit of compassion so apparent everywhere after 9-11 has not died. It lives on through the giving of these Ground Zero veterans and all who participate in the Spirit of America Ride for Kids Worldwide. Honoring the past and rebuilding for the future.

The ride travels over 3600 miles coast to coast. Each day the mileage varies according to the terrain. Most days the riders will be on the road for 5 hours or more, some days only a few. Average mileage is 260 miles per day. The riders can ride along with the Road Crew, or take in the day at their leisure, meeting us that evening.

Spirit of America Ride Route and dates:
August 28 -Napa, CA to Virginia City, NV
August 29-Virginia City to Wendover, NV
August 30-Wendover, NV to Logan, UT
August 31-Logan, UT to Jackson, WY
September 1-Yellowstone National Park, WY
September 2-Dubois, WY to Denver, CO
September 3-Denver, CO to Kearney, NE
September 4-Kearney, NE to Omaha, NE
September 5-Omaha, NE to Burlington, Iowa
September 6-Burlington, Iowa to Bloomington, IL to Danville, IL
September 7-Danville, IL to OHIO
September 8-OHIO to New Castle, PA
September 9-Shanksville, PA
September 9-Shanksville, PA to Gettysburg, PA
September 10-Gettysburg, PA to York HD Factory Tour to Langhorne, PA
September 11-Langhorne, PA to Staten Island, NY
September 11-Staten Island, NY to New York City, NY

Coast-to-Coast & Halfway Point Rider Fees Include:Hotel accommodations for 16 nights across the country at each stop; various meals; T-Shirt and ride pin; special event privileges and more!

Further Information and Registration:

Spirit of America Ride for Kids Worldwide
1114 Avenue of the Americas
Suite 2300
New York, NY 10036
800. 293.0370
http://www.spiritofamericaride.com
mailto:info@spiritofamericaride.com

THE LAUGHLIN BUILD-OFF– On April 20th ten of the world’s greatest bike builders thundered into Laughlin, Nevada. For 72 hours in a secret desert shop they worked non stop to create BBO X, a one-off 124 cubic inch, rigid, right side drive, black and chrome, spear-like chopper. Then they presented it to Hugh King, producer of Discovery’s Great Biker Build Off. The geniuses who came together to make this awesome steed were Arlen Ness, Cory Ness, Russell Mitchell, Eddie Trotta, Mitch Bergeron, Kendall Johnson, Matt Hotch, Joe Martin, Chica and Hank Young.

Chica hand fabricated the gas tank. Hank Young made the oil tank. Kendall Johnson was responsible for assembling and tweaking the 124 cc. S&S motor and the Baker 6 speed transmission, Mitch Bergeron was responsible for the frame and the billet down tube (in which was cut in the Roman Numeral X and the Discovery planet), Matt Hotch fabricated the fenders, Joe Martin built the pipes and did the pin striping, Russell Mitchell and Eddie Trotta built the front end and Arlen Ness and Cory Ness were responsible for the paint and the overall supervision of the project.

A special guest appearance was made by legendary seat maker, Danny Gray who fabricated a black leather seat with a zebra stripped manta ray inset.

On Saturday night, April 24th, before thousands at the Laughlin River Run, BBO X was unveiled and formally presented to Hugh King.

Each of the ten builders had competed in Bike Build Off before. Their ten bikes were on display at the Discovery both where the people voted on which motorcycle they thought was best in show.

Matt Hotch’s low slung, blue beach cruiser took the prize.

All these productions, BBOs V-X, will air on Discovery Channel during Bike Week which begins Monday, June 14 and continues through Father’s Day June 20th.

THE BIKERNET COWBOY– An old cowboy sat down at the bar and ordered a drink. As he sat sippinghis drink, a young woman sat down next to him. She turned to the cowboyand asked, “Are you a real cowboy?”

He replied, “Well, I’ve spent my whole life, breaking colts, workingcows, going to rodeos, fixing fences, pulling calves, bailing hay,doctoring calves, cleaning my barn, fixing flats, working on tractors,and feeding my dogs, so I guess I am a cowboy.”

She said, “I’m a lesbian. I spend my whole day thinking about women. Assoon as I get up in the morning, I think about women. When I shower, Ithink about women. When I watch TV, I think about women. I even think>about women when I eat. It seems that everything makes me think ofwomen.”

The two sat sipping in silence.

A little while later, a man sat down on the other side of the old cowboyand asked, “Are you a real cowboy?”

He replied, “I always thought I was, but I just found out I’m alesbian.”

–from Pablo

SIDECARS FITTER FOR SPEED– ROGER SYMINGTON is an apostle of speed who preaches agospel of going faster on three wheels than most people canon four – especially around corners.

Mr. Symington’s vehicle of choice: a high-performancemotorcycle sidecar (in his case, a Dutch-made EML),propelled by his hopped-up 172-horsepower Honda CBR1100XXBlackbird. “I especially want younger people to getinterested in how extremely near the edge sidecars canperform,” said Mr. Symington, a 61-year-old retired vancustomizer from Hemmingford, Quebec. “I ask them what kindof ride they want. Just a ride, or a real ride.”

Motorcycle sidecars aren’t often thought of as thrillmachines. More often they are seen as the middle-agedbiker’s accessory, added on for a nonbiking spouse, theluggage or even a pet. Indeed, Hal Kendall, a Houston-basedsidecar authority and a co-founder of the United SidecarAssociation, estimates there are as many as 100,000traditional sidecars on American roads, but fewer than 200high-performance rigs. “On two or four wheels, if you see a30 or 40 m.p.h. speed limit sign on curves, you alwaysthink you can beat it by 10 or 20 m.p.h.,” he said. “On aconventional sidecar, don’t try, unless you know racingtechniques.”

High-performance rigs, in contrast, “dig in,” corner flat,and grab the road. They mate to the motorcycle with moresophisticated suspensions. And the rig’s tires and wheelsare switched to a wider automotive type to better grip theroad. With specially modified hub steering, the motorcyclewheel also turns the sidecar wheel (a conventional sidecaris just pulled along). The motorcycle is often ahigh-performance sport bike putting out close to 200horsepower.

The result: “It’s like flying an aerobatic airplane withoutthe wings,” said Hal Walters, 53, a human resources managerat the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, who fliesplanes in his spare time. Mr. Symington recently blastedhim around the hairpin curves and bends of Route 276 andthe Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smoky Mountains. “I’d guesswe were pulling one and a half G’s or more in turns,” Mr.Walters said. “And I’m used to acceleration, but nothinglike this.”

The high-performance models generally come from Europe,where they were developed for rally racing, and cost$16,000 or more – which does not include getting the kitmounted on the motorcycle, a job that entails swappingwheels and suspension parts on the cycle for new ones, thenhooking up the electrical, steering and braking systems.That can run as much as $3,500.

For Doug Miller, it was worth it. In 1993, Mr. Miller, aformer motorcycle racing champion who had suffered a spineinjury (unrelated to the sport) that meant he could not usehis legs to balance on a bike or work foot controls, wastaken for a ride in one of Mr. Symington’s sidecar rigs anddeclared, “I’ve got to get one. If you hear of a series ofbank robberies by a guy in a wheelchair, it’s me.” Now hehas a high-tech French RDS Neptune sidecar with an ’03Suzuki GSXR 1300 Hayabusa motorcycle, originally capable ofmore than 180 miles per hour. With the sidecar forstability and using special hand controls, Mr. Miller isrenowned now as a top rider in the sidecar world.

By GEORGE P. BLUMBERG

–from Tbear

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ESTOK NIPS BEMISDERFER FOR DAYTONA THUNDERBIKE WIN–DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 29, 2004) – Harding Harley-Davidson rider Dave Estok rode a Buell Firebolt to a photo-finish victory in the opening round of the 2004 Formula USA Thunderbike series at Daytona International Speedway here today.

Estok, the reigning Thunderbike champion, crossed the finish line just .069 seconds ahead of his teammate Bryan Bemisderfer, also aboard a Buell Firebolt, after the pair battled throughout the final six laps of the nine-lap race. Kosco Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Joe Rozynski rode a Buell to claim the third podium position. Baton Rouge Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Kurt Miller rode a Buell Firebolt to fourth place, edging Brian Parriott on a BMW R 1100 S.

It was a triumphant conclusion to a difficult weekend for Estok, who joined the Harding team just two weeks ago and struggled though practice and qualifying with mechanical and set-up problems with the new motorcycles. ?We had a lot of bad luck this weekend, and I just want to thank this Harding team for working so hard on the bikes,? said Estok. ?This is a great win considering we had very little track time before the race.?

Bemisderfer took the lead in the race on lap three after Hal?s Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Dan Bilansky crashed in the dog-leg section of the course. Estok quickly passed Bemisderfer on the high-speed oval portion of the course, but Bemisderfer was faster than Estok through the tight infield section of the track. The two drafted together on the oval and pulled away from the pack, setting up a final dash for the finish line. Bemisderfer set up for a classic Daytona drafting pass and ran very low on the track apron coming out of the last turn.

?I tried to go down low to cut Brian off, but I could see that his bike was really loose down there and gave him plenty of room,? said Estok. ?As it turned out I had just enough left to hold on for the win.?

Bemisderfer, who is over six feet tall and thus aerodynamically challenged at high-speed tracks like Daytona, was happy to come away with second-place points to start the season. ?I?m racing for tractor money this year,? said Bemisderfer, who recently bought a small farm near his home in Greencastle, Pa. ?It?s not so bad to lose to Dave when he?s on your team. He?s going to be my biggest challenger for the championship this season.?

Daytona Harley-Davidson/Milwaukee Harley-Davidson rider Richie Morris took the Thunderbike pole aboard his Buell Firebolt with a fast lap of 2:03:537 in very windy conditions for qualifying on Saturday. Morris led the first lap of the race on Sunday, but dropped out with a mechanical problem on the second lap.

The next stop on the eight-race Formula USA schedule is April 23-25 at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wis.

The Formula USA Thunderbike class is 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.

THE STEALTH REPORT–It seems that lately there is a growing trend of excuses from guys as to why they can’t have a bike, can’t buy that new part or get that new paint job to name a few. These are four excuses that I hear day in and day out.

The first is “My wife would kill me if she ever found out that I bought a bike.” This is about as weak as you can get. There was one guy who got a bike and as soon as he left the store went and got a storage unit to keep the bike in because he was afraid to take it home. This is a true story! This has gone on for 18 months. This guy needed a new wife more than a new bike! If he was that afraid of her, I am sure he really didn’t have the balls to ride. I haven’t seen him lately. I wonder if I should check the missing persons list at the police station? Maybe she did kill him?

The next one is “I would really like that to have that part, but my girlfriend won’t let me spend that much money.” How lame is this? There are no legal ties and she controls what you spend after you work for it! Grow some balls! Maybe you really don’t need that new part because you would probably have to ask “Is it okay if I put this on my bike?” and I know you would not want to start anargument over this!

The next one is “I would really like to have a bike, but I just can’t afford it.” Let’s take a minute to examine this one. The same guy who whines about not being able to afford the bike can’t wait until Friday and Saturday night rolls around so he can lay $100 down on his bar tab. Let’s do the math here, $100 every weekend, 4 weekends per month, so $100 X 4 weekends = $400.00! That $400.00 would make a nice bike payment or save it and build your own bike. So in this case you just didn’t want that bike bad enough to make a sacrifice, did you?

The last one I hear is “I gotta get rid of my bike, I am getting a divorce.” I have never understood this one. Are you divorcing your wife or the bike? I don’t think it is written anywhere that you have to automatically get rid of your bike because you are getting a divorce. Yeah it is tough and you may have to give up some other things, but dammit, the bike is the last thing you give up! Work a second job for awhile, do what it takes. To me my bike is part of my soul and a part of who I am. and I would never sell my soul. Get tough and find a way to hold onto your bike. Time will pass and the divorce will be over and you will still have your bike. You might want to ask me if I have had to deal with this. The answer is yes, two times and I still have my bikes in the garage!

I am sure others of you out there have heard all of this too! I am not saying neglect your responsibilities, all I am saying is hold onto what is close to your heart. Being a biker is about independence and making your own choices and not always having to ask permission to do something.

A lot of the above situations have to do with finding the right woman. and I for one will tell you that can be like looking for a needle in a hay stack. I think that is why “THE MEANEST” and I get along real good. She takes interest in bikes and bikers and is a strong force behind The Sixth Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin.” She understands how I feel about being a biker and how I feel about my bikes. Don’t get me wrong, she will speak her mind when she feels the need to, but I like that about her. I respect her for that, and I respect her opinions.

So I guess that is enough on this and I will close this out with an old saying that goes like this, “Each of us holds the key to unlock our own chains.” You just have to have the courage to put the key in the lock and open it!

See you down the road!
–Mike (THE STEALTH)

But Mr. Stealth, I wanted a V-Rod, but my mom won’t let me have one.–Snake

STURGIS REPORTS ALREADY?–Buffalo chip sturgis rallyMONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2004 ZZ TOP8:15 pm W CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND 9:00 pm TBA 10:10 pm W ROSS & ROTTEN 10:30 pm W ZZ TOP!!!!!!!!!! ZZ TOP ZZ TOP ZZ TOP ZZ TOP ZZ TOP

12:30 am W CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2004 THE BEACH BOYS

10:00 am K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND 11:00 am K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND Noon K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND 1:00 pm K The Harley Hypnotist10:30 pm W THE BEACH BOYS – THE BEACH BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!! Midnight W Miss Buffalo Chip Semi-Finals12:30 K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2004

5:00 pm K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND 6:00 pm K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND 6:00 pm Championship burnouts @ Dual Competition Burnouts Pits 6:30 pm B The Harley Hypnotist 7:00 pm B Pitchfork Fondue 7:00 pm K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND8:30 pm W REO SPEEDWAGON

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2004

Noon K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND 1:00 pm K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND 2:00 pm K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND 2:30 pm Weinie Bite Contests + The World’s Longest Happy Hour ($1 dogs & $1 drafts) 3:00 pm K Captain Jack

12:30 am W CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2004

5:00 pm K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND 6:00 pm Skywalk Dual Competition Burnouts 6:00 pm K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND 6:00 pm B The Harley Hypnotist 7:00 pm B Pitchfork Fondue 7:00 pm K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2004 GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS

10:00 am K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND 11:00 am K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND Noon K CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND 1:00 pm K The Harley Hypnotist10:30 pm W GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS12:30 am W CHARLIE BRECHTEL BAND

TOMBSTONE HEARSE BUSINESS BOOMS–DAYTONA BEACH — Tombstone Hearse debuted at Bike Week last year by carrying the ashes of Karl “Big Daddy Rat” Smith in a parade down Main Street.

Photos of the glass-walled hearse pulled by a motorcycle trike showed up in biker magazines. Business boomed. This year the founders of Tombstone Hearse returned to Bike Week to discuss franchising opportunities.

Prepaid packages are selling for a flat rate of $899.

In February, Harley Davidson introduced its own wedding collection, everything from silver cake cutters to 14-karat gold karat rings to black leather bow ties and white leather garter belts.

By JIM HAUGBUSINESS WRITER

–from Rogue

WORST PRESIDENT– The following appeared in the Durham, NC local paper as a letter to theeditor. This will put things in perspective:

Liberals claim President Bush shouldn’t have started this war. Theycomplain about his prosecution of it. One liberal recently claimed Bush was the worst president in U.S. history.

Let’s clear up one point: We didn’t start the war on terror. Try toremember, it was started by terrorists on 9/11.

Let’s look at the “worst” presidents and mismanagement claims:

Franklin D. Roosevelt led us into World War II. Germany never attacked us:Japan did. From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost, an average of 112,500 per year.

Truman finished that war and started one in Korea, North Korea neverattacked us. From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost, an average of 18,333 per year.

John F. Kennedy started the Vietnam conflict in 1962. Vietnam neverattacked us. Johnson turned Vietnam into a quagmire. From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost, an average of 5,800 per year.

Clinton went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent, Bosnia neverattacked us. He was offered Osama bin Laden’s head on a platter three times by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attackedus on multiple occasions.

In the two years since terrorists attacked us, President Bush hasliberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Lybia, Iran and North Korea withoutfiring a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people. We lost 600 soldiers, an average of300 a year. Bush did all this abroad while not allowing another terrorist attack at home.

Worst president in history? Come on!

–from Chris T.

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