BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–BIG DOG SCORES, SIDECARS RULE AND KYLE PETTY RIDE

Lead shot from Rigid frame Richard

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.

Hugh King the director of the Biker Build-off series.

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

Continued On Page 2

BIKERNET NEWS ALERT–HEARSE BUSINESS BOOMS, STEALTH REPORT, BUELL WINS AND STURGIS SCHEDULE?

Continued From Page 1

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.?

photo by Rogue of Daytona H-D.

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.

The Meanest in her Bikernet hat.

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

Antique Indian shot from Rogue.

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.

Continued On Page 3

BIKERNET NEWS ALERT–MISSOURI BIKERS NEED TO STAND UP, KYLE PETTY RIDE HITS 10TH, CARIBBEAN REPORT AND BIG DOG HIRES A LAWYER

Continued From Page 3

BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES APPOINTS DOUG STUHLSATZ AS GENERAL COUNSEL–Recently honored as one of Wichita Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 for his leadership in business and in the community, Stuhlsatz is the $100 million company’s first in-house legal counsel

WICHITA, Kansas (April 29, 2004) Big Dog Motorcycles(, the leading designer and manufacturer of high performance, highly-styled heavyweight cruisers, announced that Doug Stuhlsatz has been named the company’s first in-house general counsel. In this newly created position, Stuhlsatz will have responsibility for all legal affairs of the cruiser company including all vendor contract negotiations, dealer agreements and compliance, real estate, and intellectual property related matters.

His skills are expected to be particularly integral as Big Dog Motorcycles continues to design more proprietary bike components, expand its workforce, factory, and dealer network, build vendor relationships, name additional branded dealerships, and strengthen its focus on parts, accessories, clothing, and brand consistency.

CARIBBEAN’S LARGEST BIKER EVENT EVER–Hola? from Puerto Rico!We are back again working hard on this year’s event and we want to know if you want to join the party. For those of you that didn’t make it last year here’s a little overview:

Mayhem on two wheels! is what best describes the Puerto Rico Bike Weekend. The three-day event takes place at ‘el Faro (the Lighthouse) Park, in the quaint surfing town of Rincon at the West coast of the island. With several beautiful beaches surrounding the event premises, it’s a site to see. The event starts on Friday with a Biker Bash Party and ends Sunday evening. We will have the three-day music festival, vendors, exhibitors, great partying, US Master Builders and most important lots of babes and lots of rum!

If you have never been to Puerto Rico or just want to come back again, this is your best excuse. Ride around beautiful mountain tops, crystal clear beaches and then relax with a Rum Punch at any of our many oceanfront hotels, bars or restaurants.

Last year we featured Indian Larry, Paul Cox, Hank Young and Puerto Rico’s very own Jose De Miguel from Caribbean Custom Cycles and this year promises to be bigger and better. With live concerts all weekend long, great food and lots of rum, we are sure it’s an event you’ll come back to every year. So get out of the snow and come enjoy the warm weather & Caribbean hospitality at the Puerto Rico Bike Weekend. Bikes, booze, babes in Paradise.

If you can let’s us know if you want or plan to come down this year please reply to this e-mail with your telephone number and person we should contact, to work out all the details of Bike Shipping, Hotels, etc.I know some of you have already confirmed but here’s the information anyway. For more information you can reach me at 787-620-7687, e-mail me at mailto:soup@prtc.net.

KYLE PETTY AND CHICK-FIL-A KICK-START CHARITY RIDE ACROSS AMERICA–10th Anniversary All-Star Motorcycle Ride Set to Roll This Weekend.

Fontana, CA (April 29, 2004) – NASCAR driver Kyle Petty will celebrate a different kind of milestone this weekend. Following Sunday?s race at California Speedway, Petty will hop on his Victory Motorcycle and travel more than 3,000 miles as part of the 2004 Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. This year?s ride marks the 10th anniversary of the annual cross-country motorcycle journey featuring more than 200 NASCAR celebrities, sponsors and fans.

?It?s hard to believe we?ve reached the ten year mark with the Charity Ride,? said Petty. ?This event has become bigger than I ever imagined possible. The Charity Ride just started out as a way for friends to get out on our bikes and enjoy the country while helping children?s charities. Now, it has become a hugely popular event for race fans and – most importantly – a major fundraiser for the Victory Junction Gang Camp.?

The Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride will kick off in Palm Desert, Calif. on May 1 and make overnight stops in Las Vegas, Nev.; Flagstaff, Ariz.; Roswell N.M.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Branson, Mo.; Tupelo, Miss.; and Atlanta, Ga. The Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride will conclude on May 8 at a private event in Randleman, N.C. at the Victory Junction Gang Camp, the ride?s main benefactor.

In addition to commemorating its tenth anniversary, the Charity Ride celebrates the addition of the Chick-fil-A? restaurant chain as the event?s title sponsor. The 2004 Charity Ride marks the first of a multi-year partnership with Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, the nation?s second largest quick service chicken restaurant chain.

Kyle and Pattie Petty founded Victory Junction in memory of their son Adam, who was tragically killed in a racing accident in May 2000. The goal of this racing-themed camp is to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses by creating camping experiences that are empowering, memorable and fun. Campers will be among peers that face same or similar illnesses, enabling them to share stories and build friendships while participating in activities such as boating, horseback riding and even swimming at the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Aquatic Center. The Victory Junction Gang Camp is scheduled to open this summer and will serve as a year-round retreat at no charge to the campers or their families.

We invite you to join us for the ride of your dreams

Coast to Coast. Fourteen States. Twenty One Cities. Two Weeks. 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”!

Wandering over hills, through valleys, up and over several mountain ranges, crossing rivers, passing lakes, cruising through miles of farmland and unforgettable scenery. Winding through America up close and personal. The wind of a nation passes. It is an incredible journey!

The ride travels over 3600 miles. 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 “Spirit of America Ride” hospitality also defines the time spent on your motorcycle. Scheduled stops will be arranged for food, fuel and hospitality. Many motorcycle dealerships will be available for oil changes and service. At the end of each day, the riders can join in the fun that is in the works, or they can go to their hotel room and rest up for the next day?s journey. Either way, it will be a memorable trip.

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, NB
September 4- Kearney, NB to Omaha, NB

September 5- Omaha, NB 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

Special Events will be a part of the journey at the following locations

Start your Engines! – Embassy Suites Hotel, Napa, CA
Virginia City, NV – Bluegrass Festival
Saddleback Harley Davidson Shop -Logan, UT
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, Jackson, WY
Go Fast Sports! and Hilton Denver Tech South Hotel, Denver, CO
The Town of Kearney, Nebraska
9-11 Memorial Park – Columbus, NE
Columbus Harley Davidson/Buell, NE
American Dream Club – Omaha, NE
Labor Day Parties in Central Illinois!
Fire Station #2 – Bloomington, IL
Gutterridge Harley Davidson/ Buell – Danville, IL
The City of New Castle, Pennsylvania
New Castle Harley Davidson/Buell, PA
9-11 Memorial Site – Shanksville, PA
Battlefield Harley Davidson/Buell – Gettysburg, PA
Harley Davidson York Vehicle Operations Plant Special Tour – York, PA
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Lombardi’s Staten Island Harley Davidson/Buell, NY
Chelsea Marketplace, New York City, NY

Coast-to-Coast and 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!

Cost:Coast-to-Coast Single Fee: $3000(One-person single occupancy)

Coast-to-Coast Double Fee: $3800(Two people sharing the same room)

Halfway Point Single Fee: $1750(One person single occupancy – Napa to Omaha /or/ Omaha to New York City, or any 7 nights)

Halfway Point Double Fee: $2000(Two people sharing the same room ? Napa to Omaha /or/Omaha to New York City, or any 7 nights)

Daily Riders can sign up and join in with us along the way, city to city. Call for more information.

Special Discount – Sign up by May 1st and mention this Advertisement, receive 10% off Rider Entry Fees.

This year’s proceeds will benefit the Worldwide Children’s Foundation of New York, Inc., a not for profit foundation devoted to providing life-saving or life-altering surgery to children in need in the United States and throughout the world. http://www.wwcf.org>www.wwcf.org

MISSOURI NEEDS YOUR HELP!–Missouri’s helmet bill HB1109 passed it’s third reading today thanks tothe efforts of many of you. It has been reported to the Senate andfirst read.

There is little time, Missouri’s session ends May 12. Please take aminute to email Missouri’s Senators and request their support forHB1109.

Below is a list of comma separated email address for Missouri Senators. Simply copy and paste it into the “to” field of your email and writea few (polite) words asking for thier support of HB1109.

Let them know that Missouri is losing your tourism dollar due to theirmotorcycle helmet law.

FTW,
–Stroker

matt_bartle@senate.state.mo.us,
mary_bland@senate.state.mo.us,
jbray@senate.state.mo.us,
victor_callahan@senate.state.mo.us,
harold_caskey@senate.state.mo.us,
john_cauthorn@senate.state.mo.us,
normachampion@senate.state.mo.us,
doyle_childers@senate.state.mo.us,
dan_clemens@senate.state.mo.us,
maida_coleman@senate.state.mo.us,
ritadays@senate.state.mo.us,
jdolan@senate.state.mo.us,
pat_dougherty@senate.state.mo.us,
bill_foster@senate.state.mo.us,
mrgibbons@senate.state.mo.us,
wayne_goode@senate.state.mo.us,
john_griesheimer@senate.state.mo.us,
chuck_gross@senate.state.mo.us,
ken_jacob@senate.state.mo.us,
harry_kennedy@senate.state.mo.us,
peter_kinder@senate.state.mo.us,
david_klindt@senate.state.mo.us,
john_loudon@senate.state.mo.us,
jim_mathewson@senate.state.mo.us,
gary_nodler@senate.state.mo.us,
ed_quick@senate.state.mo.us,
john_russell@senate.state.mo.us,
delbertscott@senate.state.mo.us,
charlie_shields@senate.state.mo.us,
sarah_steelman@senate.state.mo.us,
steve_stoll@senate.state.mo.us,
carl_vogel@senate.state.mo.us,
charles_wheeler@senate.state.mo.us,
anita_yeckel@senate.state.mo.us

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–Hey guys, just got back from Miami Bitch, straight into the shop and head first into the bikes I have to finish. I’m not bitchin’ but I?m also toast.I guess you are guessing why I’m calling Miami “bitch” well, I can’t even start to describe or tell the amazing amounts of good looking chicks that Miami has. Every place you were, every way you looked, there was one hotter than the other. Kid you not, it makes you want to move over, buy a Ferrari and prowl the streets.

Although the over abundance of primo chick material, there was a major lack of cool bikes (at least what I consider cool) lots of heavily modified Japs, more OCC bikes than I have ever seen in one place and a lot of way overdone customs. I managed to see three, maybe four, bare chops while there, and I knew most of the guys that owned them. Still when you are in a place like Miami, there’s no way that meaningless things like that will spoil the trip. There?s so much to do (party wise) so many chicks (did I mention chicks ?) and a few good friends to make the stay more than worthwhile.

The Miami Bike Show was small, but it had a lot of heart and the potential is there. Indian Larry, Roger Bourget, Paul Jaffe, Dave Perewitz and Eddie Trotta were the main attractions. Then again, there were some local builders there but with way overdone bikes for my simple taste. I have to find out how many people went thru the doors, since I was too busy enjoying the babe parade at South Beach ….

Thanks go to the guys at Automatic Slims, The Deuce and DL at Tattoos by Lou. That’s it for now, I’m bailing on Laughlin since I have way too much shit to do, and I will have more detailed news on the Miami trip for next week, for now here’s a couple photos…..On the bright side I think the bikes are coming out really nice….And I’m looking for the latest issue of Vibes where it is claimed I have a full photo/interview article.

See you next week…

Jose Caribbean Bikernet report

Jose submitted this last week but since we did the news early to leave for Laughlin, it never made it in. Better late than never!

THAT’S ENOUGH, I QUIT–I need a woman and a tall whiskey. Wow, once in a while the news kicks my ass. But it’s good to know that the chopper world is happening.

Now I’ve got a hot American Rider deadline hangin’ over my ass. This weekend I’ll bend over my welding table and begin a sculptured trophy for the Run For Breath Best of Show award. Have a helluva weekend.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–SUICIDE SPORTSTER, JOKER BILLET GAS FITTINGS AND INDIAN CONNECTION

Continued From Page 2

NEW SOFTAIL FAT-TIRE KIT FROM BIG BOAR– new Softail fattire kit coming to Bikernet next week. Kits are available for 240 and 300 tires but… “I do have a 300, but you have to cut the left rear frame rail out and replace it with one supplied with the kit,” Aaron explained.

Bikernet hopes to work with Aaron on a complete wide tire report from 140 Avons all the way to monster 300 tires.

Thanks, Aaron @ Big Boar

THE AUSTRALIAN BIKERNET CONNECTION–Picked up the new 2004 Electra Standard, sharp looking bike , but it definitely needed a few changes. I bought the bike from Morgan & Wacker Harley-Davidson of Brisbane (Queensland, Australia). Mark and Brad run the business, with their father, Bruce. They are Harley-Davidson’s oldest international distributor, established in 1917. It’s in its third generation of a family owned operation.

For international visitors they offer a fly & ride program, have a huge range of new & used bikes (including BMWs and Buells) and accessories, along with expert advice from their staff. You can check them out on their web site http://www.morganandwacker.com.au.

After all the paper work was done. Mark handed me the keys and I was out of there. Had a great two hour ride home, the new 88s are a strong. I can’t wait to open it up. I’ve got my 1,600 klms on it so I’m back down for my first service on Thursday. I’ve included photos of the changes and I have to say I am really happy with the results. I was after the bagger look while trying to keep the bike close to stock.

Take it easy,

Glenn Priddle
( The Australian Connection. )

SCARY STATS– I receive an email wanting to know if I wanted to take a college course to be a cop. DUH!

By 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor anticipates more than a 29% increase in cops:

Police & Sheriff Officers
FBI Officers
U.S. Customs Agents
Corrections Officers

–from Rogue

Rogue is headed for the South Mississippi Biker Rally in Hatiesburg on April 29th to May 2nd 2004.He hopes to see you there. Have him take your picture, You could end up on Bikernet.

Event info at: http://www.southmississippibikerally.com

–Bandit

FLAG TRIBUTE ON CALIFORNIA COAST– Between the field where the flag is planted there are 9+ miles of flower fields that go all the way to the ocean. The flowers are grown by seed companies. It’s a beautiful place close to Vandenberg AFB. Checkout the dimensions of the flag.

The 2002 Floral Flag is 740 feet long and 390 feet wide and maintains the proper Flag dimensions as described in Executive Order #10834. This Flag is 6.65 acres and is the first Floral Flag to be planted with 5 pointed Stars comprised of White Larkspur. Each Star is 24 feet in diameter; Each Stripe is 30 feet wide. This Flag is estimated to contain more than 400,000 Larkspur plants with 4-5 flower stems each for a total of more than 2 million flowers. You can drive by this flag on V Street south of Ocean Ave. in Lompoc, CA.

Aerial photo courtesy of Bill Morson Soldiers’ Prayer. Please send this on after a short prayer. Prayer wheel for our soldiers…please don’t break it. Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Prayer is the very best one.

–from Rogue

ROAD HOUSE WEEKLY REPORT–Throttle up your engines, theres never been a ride like this before! TRIMSPA Announces Sponsorship of the Seminole Hard Rock ROADHOUSE Tour

CEDAR KNOLLS, NJ, APRIL 21, 2004, TRIMSPA, maker of the leading weight loss tablet, announced today its sponsorship of the Seminole Hard Rock Road House Tour. The tour will begin in May with Myrtle Beach Bike Week and cover five additional bike weeks there after; including Laconia, Sturgis, Daytona BiketoberFest and the Ft. Lauderdale Sun Run.

Rollin’ in with some of the country’s hottest custom builders including Eddie Trotta, Kendall Johnson, Chica, and Cory Ness, TRIMSPA will have on display their famous OCC Chopper and Roger Bourget Bike. Also on site looking hotter than ever will be the Hawaiian Tropic girls, TRIMSPA models and the Hard Rock girls.

“This is such a perfect fit for TRIMSPA,” said Alex Goen, Founder and CEO of TRIMSPA. “The Hard Rock Roadhouse Tour is bringing together sexy bodies and sexy bikes.”

For more details and updates check out http://www.HRRoadhouse.com.

The company has helped celebrities like Anna Nicole Smith and heavyweight boxer Shannon Briggs lose weight. For more information about TRIMSPA and its products visit “http://www.trimspa.com/” http://www.trimspa.com or call 1-800-TRIMSPA.

FLORIDA ATTEMPTS TO SLIP LAW THROUGH–The Florida Bill that increases fines for running a red light has now been slipped into the larger appropriations bill PCBAP 04-35. This usually happens when they want to slip some thing in with out to many people noticing what is happening

If you are against the increase in higher fines for running a red light from $65.00 to $125.00 then you need to contact your legislator and let him know. If for some reason you are in favor of this you should also contact them.

NOW IS THE TIME TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS!

Senate Bill 682 and House Bill 065 are now an amendment to PCBAP 04-35, which is a general Transportation Bill in Appropriations. Please refer to this Bill number when contacting your legislators. Below is some summary information.

The number refers to the new designation for the generaltransportation appropriation bill that will be voted on before the end ofthe legislative session. It is the number by which the legislature nowrefers to what is being called the stiffer penalties bill,. The new legislation used to be identified by HB 065and SB 682 (i.e., House Bill, Senate Bill), but now that it has been added tothe larger general appropriations bill, so we need to refer to the newnumber when emailing or calling our legislators over the next few weeks.

–Rogue

INDIAN CONNECTION–for restoration info, antique reproduction parts or full on restorations. Call Fred Lange. He’ll help you out. He specialize is pre 1916 Harley-Davidson and Indian racer restorations. This is a recent 1914 Indian board track restoration. Whatta knock-out.

BBLange@aol.com
(805) 937-4142

FLOW BENCH MYSTERY–Pablo will be back with his slow process of building a flow bench, but here’s a link to active information on flow bench builds: http://www.tractorsport.com>www.tractorsport.com . That way if anyone wanted the plans they could ask for it from that Flowbench forum. Somebody always sends in a link on where to download them.

We’ll be back with updates shortly.

–Wilburn Roach

KRAFT-TECH FENDERS ROCK–We showed you the new Kraft/Tech 300 fender last week. Here’s a 180 beside that monster. We’re using this 180 on our next Bikernet Project Chopper.

These fenders are smooth as a baby’s ass and notched for belts. Even the fender tips are super-supported for extra strength.

To check the price contact Kraft/Tech at (818) 837-3520. Tell ’em Bikernet sent ya.

ALERT, MORE FLORIDA VEHICLE LAWS– Florida House Bill 1341 sponsored by Rep. Ken Sorenson, R. Key Largo.Drivers will face a $60.00 Fine, $30.00 in Court Costs and Four Points on their License if they fail to move back over to the right lane after passing.

DAMN We Have Enough Laws Already and (4) Four Points to boot.

–Rogue

CNC MACHINED BILLET FUEL FITTINGS–Multiple carburetors can really make your custom bike or hot rod realize its full power potential. However, hooking up the plumbing to more than one carburetor can be a real nightmare, and very unsightly to boot. When you spend so much time and money building your latest creation, the last thing that you want is a bunch of ugly rubber hoses running amok from a hardware-grade brass push-on hose fitting.

Joker Machine has a clean solution that allows you to neatly branch out from a single hose and add three to five more. Joker manufacturers five different multi-tap fuel fittings with a single 1/8 pipe thread on the side and three to five more around the outside perimeter, giving you plenty of places to tap into when adding carburetors or re-routing fuel for NOS systems. You can even order one with more fittings than you need and block them with Allen-head plugs, leaving you room for future expansion.

Visit your local Drag Specialties or Parts Unlimited dealer to get more information, or log on to http://www.jokermachine.com” to see the entire Joker Machine line.

SUICIDE SPORTSTER TECH QUESTION– Any of you guys know how to convert a ’68 sportster to jockey shift/suicide clutch. My bike has a Corbin Gentry hardtail frame and a 12 over Paughco springer front end.

She is all most up and running but don’t want to do it twice. I will probably have to fabricate most of it myself right. The frame has the cross shaft. I’m sure I’ll have to use it, right? Any help would be appreciated.

My email address is mailto:sprockethd@yahoo.com.

–Sprocket

STEALTH WEEKLY ACTION–Working at an H-D dealership, I get to see all the new accessories probably before most of you do. The Motor Company usually comes out with some pretty cool stuff, but every once in awhile they come out with something that, in my opinion and as my taste run, is questionable and goes against why I ride.

In this case the little part I am speaking of are these clocks or time pieces, or whatever you want to call them that mount on your switch housings. When I ride I never where a watch, think about or worry about time. This is one of the reasons I ride. I don’t want to be on a schedule or be reminded of punching a clock. I want to be free from the restraints of keeping time. When I ride, I get there when I get there, NO Schedules! No Deadlines!

To me this is what riding is about, getting there in your own time. I remember watching the movie Easyrider and the scene where Captain America and Billy are about to embark on their journey, Peter Fonda takes off his watch and throws it on the ground and they blast off down the road. Everytime I leave on a road trip I don’t throw my watch away, I leave it at home and I replay that scene in my mind. This is my time and I don’t need to be reminded of work or being on time for anything. The next time you leave on a road trip try leaving the watch at home, you will enjoy the trip a lot more.

I have learned that we all hold thekeys to our own chains that restrain us. Don’t be afraid to unlock those chains!

Speaking of time, if you are in the Charlotte area July 25th, check out the 6th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin.” You will have great time and it is all for a great cause, asthma camps for kids put on by the American Lung Association. If you need more info, give me a call at704-847-4647.

Well that is it until next week, Ride safe!

Later!
Mike (THE STEALTH)

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BIKERNET NEWS ALERT–SMOKE-OUT INTERVIEW, BANK ROBBERS, AND JACK’S JAM

Continued From Page 1

BIKERNET BIKER MOVIE NEWS–Heard from David Peckenpaw’s rep today. David has read all three of your books and likes them. He has a project under consideration with Jerry Weintroph (spelling?). This is first, then comes our stuff. He liked everything and his favorite book is Orwell. He thought the trilogy idea in the synopis was good, evidently. So this is on the conveyerbelt.

Think I will stop by Dennis Hopper’s with a set of books and a synopsis. He was a neighbor of mine for years.

–Dirty Dan

KING REPORTS REPORT–Finally got around to reading all the posts about your Road King project. Thought you might like to see a similar styled Road King. This one a 1996. I’ve got some 60 spoke all black powder coated rims going on it soon

Cheers,

Charile O
Fort Worth, Texas
formerly from Dago, CA

RIDE THE COAST RUN–I’m on the committee for Ride The Coast, it’s an event benefitting the Santa Ana Boys and Girls Club. The ride is underwritten by the city of Santa Ana. We ride 90-miles through Orange County (most of it on PCH) and end up at Main Place in S.A.

I somehow opened my mouth and volunteered to throw a little bike show at the end. It’s a first time effort so it will only consist of about 12 or so bikes. Gene Koch is gonna ride his Aerial Square-4 and I thought it’d be cool if you could attend with one your bikes.

If you know of some other fellers with righteous scooters I would glad to get ’em in. Please check out www.ridethecoast.com

The event is on Sunday, June, 27 (www.ridethecoast.com )

–Best, John

AUSTIN, TEXAS BIKE NIGHT AT JACK’S–Still have not broken the 700 bike mark at Jack’s Backyard in Austin. Maybe this week. I never did locate Sportbike Girl after she took off all that leather. All I know is she is a blonde haired cutie. Maybe I can track her down tomorrow night!

The guy in image 214 – Will Cascio, made the vest and I assume the belt on the cute girl with him. You can check out his stuff at www.heavymagicleather.com He has a link to Strokers Dallas on his site, not sure if he has done any work for them or not? I am going to give him a call today and get some more info. I will let you know what I learn.

Later
–RFR

UNDERWATER GETAWAY TWARTED AT LAKESIDE– OLYMPIA, Wash. — Maybe it was the weight belt. Or the air tank and regulator slung over his shoulder. Whatever his excuse, a wet suit-wearing bank robber couldn’t make it to the water before being tackled by police.

Police subdued the man Thursday on the shore of Budd Inlet after a quarter-mile dash through the woods, a car chase and crash, Olympia police Sgt. Ray Holmes said.

“No truth to the rumor he was running in flippers,” police spokesman Tor Bjornstad said, although he noted officers found a pair of fins inside the car after making the arrest.

The pursuit began at a Key Bank branch on the west side of Olympia. A man entered the bank, pushed a customer out of the way, pointed an assault rifle at a teller and demanded money.

The teller handed over an undisclosed amount of cash, which the man shoved into the backpack. Police said he was wearing a wet suit under an overcoat or a sweat suit.

Witnesses spotted him several blocks from the bank, running toward the woods behind a restaurant and getting into a car. The man led police on a two-mile pursuit, then plowed through a chain-link fence and crashed into a tree. After a few minutes of trying to get the car unstuck, he fled wearing a weight belt and toting an air tank and regulator over his shoulder, Bjornstad said.

He managed to get close enough to toss the backpack into the water before officers tackled him on the shore and used an electronic stun gun to halt him, Holmes said. The money was recovered.

–from Rogue

SMOKE OUT UPDATE–Every year for the Smoke Out I look for one musical act, where those uninitiated to the unique aspects of this particular event, sit back and say, “What the fuck?” One year Goth Girl, in full gothic regalia with fog rolling over the crowd, laid down a short but moving piece of classical piano music. Not typical biker fare. Another year we had Hayseed Dixie, a bluegrass band that only played AC/DC covers.

Just what that one special event would be this year was unknown. In such cases I wait, knowing only that The HORSE worldwide network of underground operatives would uncover something. The message came through Von Smink to T-Bear to me. The future is unknown, the Unknown Hinson.

The Unknown Hinson has reemerged from his thirty-year hiatus of penal semi-rehabilitation to take back his title as the King of Country and Western Troubadours. This is a man who can sing eloquently about riding in his Cadillac, with a woman locked in the trunk or ?.well, I really do not want to ruin the surprise. Go to the UnknownHinson.Com website. This is one journey into the unknown that I guarantee you will enjoy.

I caught up with Hinson at Old Smiths’ Bar in Atlanta. I was summoned back stage by Hinsons’ silent man-servant Gustav. The rumor is Gustav was re-animated from the grave by Hinson and I wondered if he would reek. Actually I didn?t detect any offending odors. I had time for a short interview.

EDGE: What is your favorite handgun and how does that affect your music?

HINSON: Well I carry a Smith & Wesson .38. For me, well, people relax in different ways, you know, relieve stress. Some people squeeze tennis balls to relieve stress. I like to squeeze the trigger of my .38. I’m not saying I fire it every time. I squeeze it just enough to say, “what if?” It’s a stress relief for me. That helps me write songs.

EDGE: I heard the past a great Country and Western singer Farron Young had a strong influence on you. What would he say if he saw your show tonight?

HINSON: Well I think he’d like it. I think he’d probably be kicking hisself cause he didn’t do it first, but the feeling would be mutual because Farran, well, he was the man. He was a true Country and Western troubadour. He would be doin no Rawk and Roll demonstrations like I have to do just to show yongers that it don’t take no talent to play that mess. Country Western, that takes talent. Everything I write about I’ve experienced in my chart-topping life or witnessed with my chart-toppin eyes.

EDGE: You have a lot of deep lyrics and deep thoughts.Would you attribute your deep thoughts from the years you spent in prison.

HINSON: Some and some on the Midway six truck carnival, travelin and doin’ County fairs. I’d handle snakes that bites the heads off certain domestic fowls. I was fourteen years old. That is when I first started writing chart-toppin hits singing in the sideshows. I got quite a following and caught the attention of a Nashville record man. That’s when I was set up and framed by certain cowboy hat wearing singers with names like Roy, Hank and Ernest. There where various and sundry charges including murder and grave robbing. I was sentenced to 20 years and when I told the judge I would whup his ass I ended up with thirty years. It put quite a dent in my career for awhile. But I ain’t goin back. I been out for 11 years now.

We talked a bit more about motorcycles and when Hinson was a kid. There was a time when his daddy wasn’t drunk and took Hinson to a flat track race. Hinson loved the big bike sliding around the corners with the engineer boots. “That’s excitin’ man.”

SWAP MEET DALLAS – This Sunday at the Gigantic Historic – LONGHORN BALLROOM

* USED PARTS VENDORS* MOTORCYCLES**DISTRIBUTERS OVER-RUNS * Ridin? Gear*LIFESTYLE NECESSITIES & lots of “stuff”

############################

PREVIEW VENDORS THAT ARE ALREADY SCHEDULED TO COME www.texasscooter.com

############################

On Display – Paul Jones’ Nitro Harley Dragster- with ADVICE on Racing YOUR OWN Bike at the Drags !!

* Door Prizes * Texas? Hottest Biker Band !!!MAD MAX & The Max Attack – “Rock & Blues”

PRO CUSTOM CYCLES – Motorcycle Dyno !

“Who Makes the HORSEPOWER HERE ??Trophy & Photo Session to Highest H.P. BIKE

Show Hours: 10am-5pm
Admission: $8 Adults – $5 5-12 – Under 5 Free
Location: Longhorn Ballroom is located on the corner of Industrial Boulevard and Corinth. Take Industrial Blvd. Exit from I-30 or I-35 where they cross in downtown Dallas go south 5 blocks & you?re there…
DON’T MISS IT !!!!!!!!
Info: www.texasscooter.com
254-687-9066 M-F 9am – 6pm

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