BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–WE’RE UP AND RUNNIN’

Life’s bananas. We’re in the ghetto so it’s more difficult to coerce contractors to visit us on the industrial side of the tracks. The cable company, Comcast, won’t return our calls so we ended up running everything through the SBC phone company. Of course the DSL line went down two days after we finally got back on line. Through SBC we hooked up the phones, DSL for the Internet and dishes for television. Screw cable.

My 20 foot wide roll up door quit the other day. A kid came by, took one look at it and told me the door was toast. Just five grand to replace it. Then he sent me a bill for $250 to tell me that. The plumber told me he’d be here last Friday, called around 4:00 p.m. to tell me he couldn’t make it till Monday morning. Showed up at 3:00 p.m. Monday and couldn’t finish the job. I ordered polished diamond plate cut in segments for the shop head. Mendez told me that he would be back the next week. It’s been a week and I can’t reach him. Shit, I’m lucky the guys at Home Depot will talk to me. We had a new alarm system installed. Nothing worked, still doesn’t. If you see a report that I shot someone, you’ll know why.

Hang with us while we dial all this shit in. Let’s hit the news.

SCREAMIN’ EAGLE/VANCE & HINES V-ROD WINS GATORNATIONALS–H-D Team Dominates NHRA Pro Stock Bike Opener; Hines Wins Historic Final.GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 21, 2004) – The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines team scored a historic victory at the 35th Annual Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, as Harley-Davidson V-Rod riders Andrew Hines and GT Tonglet dominated the first Pro Stock Bike event of the season. Both riders advanced to the final round of eliminations, and Hines beat his teammate to win the event. It was the first time a V-Twin-powered motorcycle has won an NHRA Pro Stock Bike event.

“We worked so hard to get this bike to a point where it’s competitive with the top bikes,” Hines said of the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock effort, now in just its third season of competition. “Now we are the top bike. It’s nice because a lot of people have put a lot of time into this project. Let everyone else chase us for awhile. I’m out here to win the championship and right now, with the bike I have, I think I’m a strong contender.”

Hines and Tonglet set the tone for their weekend in qualifying. Hines took the number one spot away from reigning NHRA Pro Stock Bike champion Geno Scali, setting a new Pro Stock Bike track record in the third round on Saturday with a 7.097-second elapsed time at 189.43 mph to Scali’s 7.104/192.80. Scali found himself in a V-Rod sandwich, with Tonglet posting a run of 7.141/188.16 to take the third spot in qualifying.

Hines and Tonglet advanced cleanly through three rounds of eliminations on Sunday, each reaching the finals without the benefit of an opponent’s red-light start or mechanical failure.

In round one, Hines broke the track ET record he set in qualifying with a 7.051/190.83 run and defeated Josh Helvie (7.285/186.37), while Tonglet (7.092/189.87) powered past Chris Bostick (7.298/182.03). Tonglet (7.085/190.27) beat veteran Antron Brown (7.264/183.48) to take his second-round match, while Hines (7.156/189.15) defeated Joe DeSantis (7.318/180.32) to advance to round three.

Tonglet drew Scali in the semi-final round, and the champion powered his Suzuki off the line first with a reaction time of 0.057 seconds to 0.065 for Tonglet, but the Screamin’ Eagle rider chased Scali down at half-track. Tonglet (7.119/187.93) crossed the line ahead of Scali (7.140/188.87) and put one Harley-Davidson in the final.

VOTE FOR GARAGE PAGE–Just wanted to drop you an email to say thank you for putting up the garage page and all info therein. Also wanted to say your Touring Chopper is fantastic and one of the main reasons I decided to chop my Virago. I’m incorperating hard bags based on your design (made from fiberglass though). I’ve included a few pictures of my progress so far if it is of any interest, but mainly wanted to say thanks.

Thank you for the reply, I appreciate the time. Here is a shot of it withthe pipes and headlight tacked toegther and mounted. It will be taken apartand finish welded and bodywork done in the next week or so. I’ll send anupdate at that time. Thanks again.

Clinton Hoines
winger9@telusplanet.net

CREMATION URNS SPECIFICALLY FOR BIKERS–Lake Worth, Florida – January 10th, 2004, “What better way to memorialize the biker in your life than to put their ashes in an urn made from parts for a vintage Harley motor?” says Jerry Falk, creator of the “Biker Ash box”. He goes on to say, “We’re offering a very unique, custom made, final resting-place for your loved one that truly reflects his or her interest in the Harley-Davidson lifestyle with many choices and options.”

Several Years ago Mr. Falk lost a loved one who was into the motorcycle scene. She was cremated and the family searched for months for an appropriate urn to keep her ashes in. They called Harley dealers, funeral homes, searched the Internet, etc, but couldn’t find anything close to what they were looking for. So, as a seller of used Harley parts, Jerry found some valve covers from a Harley-Davidson Panhead Motorcycle (Made from 1948 to 1965) and made one himself.

Jerry Falk
Biker Ashes
561-963-1102
WWW.BikerAshes.Com

Email:Marketing@BikerAshes.Com

BIKERLADY IN PASTEL–Look at this painting that this fellow did of me. Though the colors aredifferent, that’s YOUR BLUE FLAME bike, too!Artwork by Jim Piper. Your photograph was the inspiration.

Love,
Sasha

DAYTONA BEACH–TALK ABOUT RESPECT–The city’s campaign to curb drunken lawlessness during Spring Break suffered a sucker punch early Monday. A thief in the night swiped 300 trash can sleeves emblazoned with the city’s new catch phrase: “It’s all about respect.”

The theft of the trash can cozies was committed in the core tourist district, historically where college kids converge to drink and often cause trouble.

But the plot thickens as investigators try to solve this baffling whodunit. No Spring Breakers are suspects, and police are wondering if they’re on the trail of some organized crime.

“I can understand how some students would have taken one or two or maybe 10,” Mayor Yvonne Scarlett-Golden said. “But to have taken 300 of them from the one corridor?

“It leads me to thinking it’s an organized effort, although I can’t think of who would have led that.”

TRUCK DEAL OF THE WEEK–Just in case you guys might know someone looking for a diesel truck, attached is the shit on mine, 2000 Dodge crew cab. Selling it for $21,500 obo.

Bob Bitchin
Founder & Publisher
Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine
publisher@latsandatts.net
www.latsandatts.net
888-8-WE SAIL
(310) 798-3445

SONS OF LIBERTY RIDERS E-NEWS– Missouri asking for more help…Get the word out for us, please. I personally spoke with the Lt. Gov. lastevening in Hannibal. He has always been our friend. Thanks.Freedom of Road Riders? has asked that everyone send letters to tourism totell them how much money they won’t spend in Missouri because of the helmetlaw. People tell me they are receiving replies that tourism can’t lobby socontact their legislators. Well, for all of our friends around thenation — our Lt. Governor will be pleased to receive your letters, and hecan lobby our cause! So we need letters — if you’ve already written –please write again! Send your message to:Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell: ltgovinfo@ltgov.mo.gov

Louisiana is under attack!!!!!

TWO bills have beenintroduced, one in the House and one in the Senate, that would once againrequire ALL motorcyclists to wear helmets.Skelly hooked me up with Ollie “Laddie” Elkins, ABATE of LA., Capitol AreaChapter. Louisiana NEEDS OUR HELP and they’re asking for a nation wide e-mailcampaign. We need to write the members of their Senate and House (at end ofthis email) and ask that they reject these bills – SB-29 and HB-109.

STEEL PONY EXPRESS BIKE RUN–Steel Pony Express, a bike run to New Orleans that ends with a weekend ofpartying (Last years attendance was about 10,000),Riverboat casinos in north and south Louisiana,Scenic rides: I-10 & I-20 run east and west through the state and I-49, I-55& I-59 take traffic north and south,Miles of coastline with some of the best fishing in the Gulf of Mexico andscores of restored plantation homes that are open to tour in both north andsouth Louisiana.The Mississippi River with at least 9 bridges and the way to see the riverfrom a bike about 12 auto ferries.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND BUELL DAYTONA BIKE WEEK RIDE-IN SHOW WINNERS ANNOUNCEDDaytona Beach, Fla. (March 04, 2004) – The Harley-Davidson and Buell Ride-in show took place Wednesday, March 2, 2004 at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center.

Judges, including Willie G. Davidson, Vice President and Chief Styling Officer, Bill Davidson, Director of Marketing, Motorcycle Product Development, and other Company representatives, selected “Best of Show” winners in 18 categories. Entries were judged on street function, paint, style and more.

Winners are:

1. Antique Class:
Best In Class: Gale McFarland, Largo, Fla.
1st Runner Up: Peter R. Schmidt, Dresden, Germany
2nd Runner Up: Ron Princler, Inverness, Fla.
Honorable Mention: Kent and Venner Saul, Los Lunas, N.M.

2. VRSC Class:
Best in Class: John Hamlin, Daytona Beach, Fla.
1st Runner Up: NY Myke, San Diego, Calif.
2nd Runner Up: James Rogers, Riverview, Fla.
Honorable Mention: Kim Kelley, Port Richey, Fla.

3. Sidecar Class
Best in Class: Erwin Boeckmann, Munich, Germany
1st Runner Up: Otha Johnson, Baytown, Texas
2nd Runner Up: James E. Bub Lollis, Greenwood, S.C.

4. Custom Trike Class:
Best in Class: Merce Schmidt, Menasha, Wis.
1st Runner Up: Janice M. Bizzell, Princeton, N.C.
2nd Runner Up: Larry Werkmeister, Gowanda, N.Y.

5. Full Dresser Class:
Best in Class: Wayne Drayer, Ocala, Fla.
1st Runner Up: Barry Norsell, Valparaiso, Ind.
2nd Runner Up: Jerry Cataland, Ocala, Fla.
Honorable Mention: Ken Zettelmeier, Milwaukee, Wis.

6. Ladies of Harley (LOH) Sportster Class:
Best in Class: Lora Biggs, Evansville, Ind.

7. Street Custom Sportster Class:
Best in Class: Biff Prinkey, Timonium, Md.
1st Runner Up: Penny Ezell, Honeoye Falls, N.Y.
2nd Runner Up: Dave Adams, Grayling, Mich.
Honorable Mention: Cec Prinkey, Timonium, Md.

8. Radical Custom Sportster Class:
Best in Class: Gordon Cooke, Orillia, Ontario, Canada
1st Runner Up: Dennis Oliva, Armonk, N.Y.
2nd Runner Up: Rick Kirchoff and Mike Temore, Monsey, N.Y.

9. Pro Sportster Class:
Best in Class: Dave Finn Motorcycles, Tappan, N.Y.
1st Runner Up: Mark Missildine, St. Simons Island, Ga.
2nd Runner Up: Troy Pentland, Indianapolis, Ind.
Honorable Mention: Jeff Schneider Motorcycle Works, Olathe, Kan.

10. Ladies of Harley (LOH) Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Sandi Blackmer, Port Orange, Fla.
1st Runner Up: Margaret R. Nicastri, Bowie, Md.
2nd Runner Up: Rosie Dearmore, Leawood, Kan.
Honorable Mention: Vickie West, Greenup, Ky.

11. Street Custom Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Mike Hall, Fairborn, Ohio
1st Runner Up: Ken Lipack, Charlotte, N.C.
2nd Runner Up: Richard Ezell, Rochester, N.Y.
Honorable Mention: Billy Fumich, Pleasant Prairie, Wis.

12. Show Custom Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Joe Sciato, Alexandria, Va.
1st Runner Up: Dan Spina, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
2nd Runner Up: Jimmy Fleshman, Annapolis, Md.
Honorable Mention: Mike Pullin, Charlotte, N.C.

13. Street Custom Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Todd Osborne, Ooltewah, Tenn.
1st Runner Up: Avery Gardner, Spotsylvania, Va.
2nd Runner Up: Kevin Pezzuti, Annapolis, Md.

14. Show Custom Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Bruce Gardner, Tampa, Fla.
1st Runner Up: Dan Dearmore, Leawood, Kan.
2nd Runner Up: Lee Mullins, O’Brien, Fla.
Honorable Mention: Robert Berkowitz, Atlantic Beach, N.Y.

15. Radical Custom Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Charlie Tilse, Alphouelta, Ga.
1st Runner Up: Phillip Blackmer, Port Orange, Fla.
2nd Runner Up: Scott Nortnern, Waterford, Va.
Honorable Mention: Jim Murphy, Sanford, Fla.

16. Sport Touring Class:
Best in Class: Chris Neal, Jeffersonton, Va.
1st Runner Up: Roger Klock, Emery, S.D.
2nd Runner Up: James E. Robinson, Fairmont, W.Va.
Honorable Mention: Mike Patrick, Owensville, Mo.
Honorable Mention, Richard Teinert, Battle Creek, Mich.

17. Pro Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Ed Jean, Norfolk, Mass.
1st Runner Up: Preston Fairchild, Kenner, La.
2nd Runner Up: Scott Hall, Melborne, Fla.
Honorable Mention: Russ Austin – Precious Metal Customs, Roswell, Ga.
Honorable Mention: Dave Finn Motorcycles, Tappan, N.Y.

18. Buell Class:
Best in Class: Richard Rodney, Canfield, Ohio
1st Runner Up: Lisa Pentland, Indianapolis, Ind.
2nd Runner Up: Thomas Connelly, Polk, Fla.

Continued On Page 2

THE BILL BISH STUDY–ORWELL MAY BE COMING TRUE

Bill Bish, writer, rider, freedom fighter.

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com

NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWSCompiled & Edited by Bill Bish,National Coalition of Motorcyclists

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM ABATE of Florida, Inc. has concluded an economic impact study for the first three fiscal years of Florida’s amended helmet law, and the bottom line reveals that “freedom of choice” has generated over a billion dollars into the state’s economy from the increase in ridership. From 2000 to 2003 Florida’s motorcycle registrations went from 228,914 to 355,007, which represents a 55% increase. The motorcycle registration figures are compiled from the statistics of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The monetary figures come from the license and registration bureau.

114,457 motorcycles at a low average of $10,000 each = $1,144,570,000

Sales tax on motorcycles at 6% = $68,674,200

Registration fees on motorcycles = $4,578,280

Change of Title = $3,406,094

TOTAL = $1,221,228,574

“This is a low estimate as it doesn’t include accessories and other items bought,” according to James “Doc” Reichenbach II, State President and Lobbyist for ABATE of Florida, and Chairman of the Board for the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM). “This is over 1.2 BILLION DOLLARS in three years that was put into the economy of the State of Florida.”

Over 75 MILLION DOLLARS went directly into the state treasury for the general fund. This does not include the tourist money that has increased because of Florida now being a freedom of choice state. In the past three years, over 1.3 billion dollars has been spent in Florida for Bike Week and Biketoberfest.

“I hope this report will help anyone who has heard the bad publicity that has come out of our amended law,” said Doc. “The motorcyclists have certainly paid their fair share into the Florida economy and it can be done in every state.”

CHINESE MOVE TO BAN MOTORCYCLES China, the world’s leading motorcycle producer, has begun banning motorcycles in urban areas. Currently, nearly 100 large and medium-size cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou and Xi’an, ban or limit the use of motorcycles to curb increasing air pollution, accident rates and crime. Analysts estimate that China will not have an urban market for motorcycles by 2010 if more cities continue to ban their use.?

Since 1994, cities like Shanghai, Tianjin and Nantong have stopped issuing licenses to new motorcycles. In Shanghai, many motorcycle shops were even shut down recently.

In 2002, the city of Guangzhou (formerly Canton), shortened the service life of motorbikes to 8 or 10 years from the previous 13 years, and is offering cash rewards to owners who discard their bikes before their “end of life” expires. Within 3 months, the city will begin phasing out motorcycles, leading up to a total ban by 2007.

Nowadays, the Chinese government is following a “no encouragement and no support” policy towards the motorcycle industry, despite the fact that for the seventh year in a row China has produced more motorcycles than any other country — 13 million annually, with more than 3 million exported to foreign markets every year. The lucrative industry attracted nearly 200 producers during the 1990’s, but only 18 have an annual production capacity of over 200,000 units, and only three can make more than 1 million each.

“Under the current circumstances, where even county-level cities have started to restrict the use of motorbikes, we have no choice but to focus on the countryside and international markets,” Zhang Dahu, director of the Motorcycle Association under the Association of Chinese Automobile Manufacturers, told China Business Weekly.

In the meantime, American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has enlisted the U.S. federal government to fight what it calls protectionist Chinese trade practices, which include a 50% duty on imports, that make it nearly impossible for foreign motorcycle manufacturers to establish a foothold in the planet?s most populace nation?and potentially it’s biggest motorcycle market.

Orwell’s comin’ true!

DUTCH SAFETY EXPERT WANTS MOTORCYCLES OFF THE ROAD Dutch road safety expert Matthijs Koornstra wants motorcycles discouraged from using public roads, stating that “?all motorcycles should be removed from traffic or at least people should be discouraged from riding them through drastically increasing road taxes and insurance premiums.”

The Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) has criticized Koornstra’s simplistic views to improve the safety of Powered Two-Wheelers (motorcycles), which they say “favors marginalization of motorcycles to simply make them disappear from the roads.” Unfortunately, previous meetings with Koornstra have not been productive, reports FEMA.

MOTORCYCLES EASE LONDON CONGESTION Since February 17 last year, motorists driving into the heart of western Europe’s biggest city on weekdays between 7 am and 6:30 pm have had to fork out a toll of five pounds ($9.45 US, or 7.40 euros), but motorcycles are exempt.?

Transport of London, the body which oversees the congestion charge, says the fee has cut traffic delays by 30 percent and also reduced the number of cars entering the zone by 30 percent. Overall, traffic entering central London has dropped 18 percent and the average speed has risen by 15 percent.

Motorcycle sales are up 20 percent in London, and motorcycle traffic in the city has increased 20 percent, but there has been a 15 percent decrease in motorcycle casualties.

The toll is not popular with commuters, however, with 70 percent of drivers opposed to continuing the congestion charge, while 42 percent of retailers blame it for a drop in area commerce.

LA-DI-F***ING-DA A routine traffic stop last June 15 near Gate City, Virginia turned into a free speech issue when motorcyclist Roy Lynn Greene was pulled over for loud exhaust and the trooper noticed his leather jacket.

“While he had the gentleman pulled over, he noticed these two patches that were on his leather jacket that contained the ‘F’ word on both of them,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Marcus McClung. “He was riding his motorcycle on a public road on a Sunday, and those words were in plain view of everyone, including children. People coming out of church don’t need to see that,” McClung said.

In addition to the noise violation, Greene was issued a citation under the Code of Virginia, Section 18.2374, which is classified as possession of obscene material in a public place, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The case has already been before the judge in general district court and was appealed by the Commonwealth to circuit court, contending that this is a violation of community standards.

“I believe that the statements on the patches were obscene and the arresting officer acted accordingly in charging the defendant,” said McClung. “I thought (this case) was separate from the other cases that the Supreme Court has ruled upon. They have agreed that statements like ‘f*** the war’ are appropriate because they have some social value. My argument was that the items, or the patches, were obscene by the community of Scott County and have absolutely no social value. The phrase ‘la-di-f***ing-da’ has no social value that I see. Whether or not the judge agrees with that, I don’t know.”

Circuit Judge Birg Sergent is expected to render a decision in an appeal made by McClung in the case next month. Greene faces possible jail time and up to $2,500 in fines if McClung’s appeal is approved.

FLORIDA BILL WOULD FUND ABATE SAFETY PROJECTS Trauma centers around the state of Florida would get a much needed financial boost from some of their most frequent patients — drivers who run red lights — under a bill that jacks up the fines for the crime. And House Bill 65, sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tempore Lindsay Harrington (R-Punta Gorda) would also turn the motorcyclist advocacy group American Bikers Aiming Toward Education into a major educator.

Under an amendment tacked onto the bill Tuesday, February 17, ABATE of Florida would receive $1 million per year “for the purpose of fostering motorcycle safety awareness, education and research programs relating to accident prevention.”

Last year, the organization had to “rob Peter to pay Paul” in order to spend about $150,000 on education programs, James “Doc” Reichenbach II told Greg Martin, a staff writer for the Sun-Herald. Reichenbach is the State President of ABATE of Florida, its capitol lobbyist, and Chairman of the Board of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM).

“I want to see this thing go to billboards,” Reichenbach said of the education campaign, noting that ABATE would post 250 billboards to remind motorists to watch for motorcycles. “I want to send my people into high schools. I want to hold safety seminars to see what we can do to reduce accidents and injuries.”

His comments came after the House Transportation Committee voted unanimously to pass the bill. Next, it must survive a review by the Finance and Taxation Committee before going to the House floor. A Senate version must travel a parallel road.

If passed, the increased penalties would generate an additional $57.6 million, according to an analysis by transportation committee staff. All but $1 million for ABATE would get put into a trauma center trust fund to be disbursed to each of 22 trauma centers in the state.

Harrington, who is confident of passage, said he sponsored the bill at the request of ABATE which expressed concern over judges who had fined motorists as little as $80 in accidents that killed motorcyclists.

Click To Check It Out

NEWS OF THE WEIRD: HELMET SAVES MAN FROM GUNSHOT This newsbit from Dixie Rider may be evidence that wearing a helmet can save your life, at least if you’re being shot at. According to a Channel 13 Eyewitness News broadcast in Houston, Texas, an unidentified man was saved when he was shot by his girlfriend, because he was still wearing his motorcycle helmet.According to the TV news report, the couple had been riding together earlier in the evening, and an argument erupted when they arrived home around midnight.

Police say the girlfriend then shot the male in the head, but his full-face helmet protected him from serious injury. The female then barricaded herself in a nearby apartment until police hostage negotiation teams were able to convince her to surrender. She was charged with aggravated assault.

CAMPBELL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT It is with heavy heart that NCOM relays the March 3rd announcement that U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell will not seek re-election for health reasons.

Campbell is a longtime member of the NCOM Legislative Task Force and has been a champion for bikers’ rights for many years, having been actively involved in every piece of motorcycle legislation passed by Congress since the eighties. He was elected to serve as a Democrat in the Colorado House starting in 1982, serving two terms before being elected to Congress. After serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1992, Campbell won the Senate seat he now holds. He switched to the Republican Party in 1995, and was re-elected in 1998 by nearly two-thirds of the vote.

Born April 13, 1933, in Auburn, Calif., Campbell is one of two children of May Vierra, a Portuguese immigrant, and Albert Campbell, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Tribe. The senator is one of 44 chiefs of that tribe, and one of only eight Native American Indians ever to serve in Congress. He is a renowned jewelry designer whose Nighthorse signature pieces are prized by collectors of fine native jewelry.

Campbell served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-53, and fought in the Korean War as an airman second class. He graduated from San Jose University in 1957 with a degree in physical education and fine arts, and later attended Meiji University in Tokyo in 1960 as a special research student. In 1964, Campbell competed in the Olympic Games as captain of the U.S. Judo Team.

Motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere will remember Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell as more than their legislative warrior, but as a fellow biker who rode his Harley to work in the Nation’s Capital, to events, and throughout Colorado, including the Four Corners Iron Horse Rally which he founded. Thanks for everything, Ben, best wishes and we?ll see ya down the road?

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth.”

Charles Darwin, British Naturalist (1809-82)

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH?BIKERNET DISCONNECTED, LOST, BEDRAGGLED AND HAUNTED

We can?t do anything like normal folk. We just moved into an 8,000 square foot building that was built in 1926 as the Catalina Hotel on the edge of the Los Angeles Harbor in Wilmington, California. In 1981 a madwoman gutted the building and turned it into an industrial building with a loft, separate apartment and a cafe out front. Do you smell breakfast burritos at Bandit?s Cantina?

We?re located in the bowels of Harbor industry. There?s nothing upscale or trendy about this area. Day before yesterday, while the alarm technician demonstrated the keypad he pressed the panic button and within five minutes the building was surrounded by armed cops. They even jacked up the cats.

Sin Wu dials the phone in a sweat daily trying to hook up our new DSL lines. We?re due to hit the airways next Tuesday. It?s a bitch but gave us time to deal with electrical, new gates, plumbing, cable, rats, weirdoes and drug addicts.

Hang with us, ?cause this joint will launch us into a new era of wild tales, more bike builds and sex. I don?t know why I mentioned sex, except there?s two tittie bars within a mile of here. All the women around here are covered in drywall dust. Otherwise there?s nothing but chain link, barbed wire, 18-wheelers, rust, pallets and shipping containers in the neighborhood.

If you took a large shot of Tequila or smoked a joint and stumbled a couple of blocks north from here, suddenly you?d experience a Twilight zone aura. You?d sense being beamed to another land, south of the border. Suddenly the signs are all in Spanish, the people on the streets speak another language and all the restaurants are Mexican.

It?s a trip, in a city of meth labs, homeless and junkies with rusting grocery carts. But we?ll dial it in. We can pull burnouts all night and no one will bother us. Next week we?ll rock the site with reports from Daytona, Cincy, and the back streets of Wilmington. We?ll begin reworking this joint, wiring the Shrunken FXR and building iron gates. And you thought you?d seen extreme homes on HGTV. You can watch this bastard come together a nail at a time.

Ride Forever,

Bandit

SONS OF LIBERTY RIDERS E-NEWS–TEA REPORT, N.C. CALL TO ACTION, MISSOURI NEEDS HELP AND BEWARE THE MATRIX

TEA News

Hi Everyone;

I have learned that the House plans to pass a 60 day extension to TEA.This will require the House to amend the 4-month extension it recentlypassed. The Senate is also expected to approve a 60-day extension. This voteshould come sometime today.

Bottom line…nothing is expected to happen tomorrow..and the TEA money runsout this weekend. There is a “tentative” mark-up scheduled for March 3rd in the Highways &Transit Subcommittee, chaired by Petri of Wisconsin. There is no guaranteehere…

Boyd has sent the House TEA language back to Young’s Office. We stillexpect our language to be included in final mark-up..whenever that happens.

I would like to thank everyone, especially Boyd McFail, for all theircontributions and comments to this language. Several SMROs, SMSA (StateMotorcycle Safety Administrators), TEAM Oregon, and the AMA all offeredvalued comments.

When we have the “polished” version from Congressman Young’s office, we’llput it out for everyone. If you would like a copy of the “rough draft”please e-mail me or Boyd. Please keep in mind the “rough draft” is proposedlanguage. Congressman Young has the final say in what he is planning tooffer.

–Karen Bolen

Call to Action! North Carolina Could Use YourHelp!

North Carolina’s helmet bill, HB-670, is being heard in the House SelectCommittee on Motorcycle Helmet Laws. The next meeting is on March 4th, andis to focus primarily on the impact the bill could have on tourism andeconomic development. The members of the committee have so far proven to beopen-minded and fair. The two primary sponsors on the committee have beenvery aggressive and thorough. Now is when we need your help. Pleasecontact the committee members and let them know that the rest of the countryis watching and waiting to decide on where to spend their vacation moneynext year! We have a good head of steam going on this bill, but this islikely our make-or-break year. We need your input! The motorcyclists ofNorth Carolina have been doing everything we can to push this bill through,but the more voices heard, the better we will do.Thank you, and please make those calls and emails.

Sam Nobles
Legislative Director, CBA/ABATE of NC
Lobbyist, NC BikePAC

Committee Members:

Rep. John Sauls Co-chair
418A Legislative Office Building
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
919-715-3012
mailto:Johns@ncleg.net

Rep. Earl Jones Co-chair
536 Legislative Office Building
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
919-733-5825
mailto:Earlj@ncleg.net

Rep. Rex Baker
302C Legislative Office Building
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
919-733-5787
mailto:Rexb@ncleg.net

Rep. E. Nelson Cole
1218 Legislative Building
Raleigh, NC 27601-1096
919-733-5779
mailto:Nelsonc@ncleg.net

Rep. L. Hugh Holliman
1213 Legislative Building
Raleigh, NC 27601-1096
919-715-0873
mailto:Hughh@ncleg.net

Rep. Don Munford
539 Legislative Office Building,
NC Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
919-733-5809
mailto:Donm@ncleg.net

Rep. Keith Williams
418C Legislative Office Building
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
919-715-3009
mailto:Keithw@ncleg.net

Rep. Larry Womble
537 Legislative Office Building
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
919-733-5777
mailto:Larryw@ncleg.net

Missouri is asking for urgent help

WE need to get on this ASAP…even if you don’t plan on riding throughMissouri in the next year – they don’t have to KNOW that as things change.WE need to flood these flood these people with email. Remember, we’re out ofstaters. WE need to be cordial, professional and to the point…it’s ALLabout the money we would spend in tourism dollars in the state of Missouri”if” the helmet mandate was repealed/modified.

We’re all in this together…let’s get the word out and make a positivedifference in a helmet state.

We need to create some numbers for the tourism people to look at inMissouri. We need motorcyclists from across the continent to e-mail theMissouri Tourism Commission to let them know that motorcyclists will not betraveling through Missouri during the upcoming Midwest riding season becausethey do not wish to bring along a helmet!

If motorcyclists are going to Daytona, we need for the tourism people toknow that Missouri was bypassed, and we need for them to know approximatelyhow many dollars were spent in other states instead of Missouri. Even ifyou are hauling to Daytona, Missouri could be bypassed because it appears tobe motorcyclist unfriendly!

If motorcyclists are planning trips for Laughlin, Laconia, Sturgis, etc.for the summer of 2004, we need for the tourism people to know that Missouriwill be bypassed, and we need for them to know approximately how many dayscould have been spent in Missouri, and how many dollars Missouri will missbecause of the helmet restrictions.

Send e-mails to:

Missouri Tourism
tourism@ded.mo.gov

and

Missouri Tourism Director, John Robinson
john.robinson@ded.mo.gov

The Helmet Bills ( HB 1109 and HB 770) are ready to be heard before theHouse. We are claiming that Missouri is losing revenue from motorcyclistsacross the country. Help us show the Tourism people that we knowmotorcyclists will come here to ride and spend money in our beautiful stateif Missouri makes them welcome!

Freedom isn’t FREE… YOU have to FIGHT for it.

Tell Your Legislators to Stay Out of the Matrix

From: Matt Howes, National Internet Organizer, ACLU
To: ACLU Action Network Members
Date: February 24, 2004

1) Tell Your Legislators to Stay Out of the Matrix

Your state is currently participating in a program to compile your personalinformation into a giant database that law enforcement agents can combthrough to find evidence of wrongdoing.According to news reports and internal documents, the Matrix (which standsfor Multistate Anti-Terrorism InformationExchange) is an effort to combine state government records, such as driverslicense information, with commercially available data, such as credit cardinformation, to create a vast database capable of compiling and analyzing aprofile of every American. This database is then used by law enforcementagents and government contractors to search through your private records andinvestigate your activities.

Matrix is an expensive, invasive program being undertaken without theapproval of your state legislature.

Take Action! Urge your state legislators to reign in this domesticsurveillance database.

Click here to get more information and to send a free fax to your statelegislators:http://www.aclu.org/Privacy/Privacy.cfm?ID=15032&c=40

HERO AND DORK OF THE WEEK

Send any nominations to tmor@nauticom.net and the Officers will pick fromthe cast of entrants and characters.

If you need more info on this or any other subject just go to the Sons ofLiberty Riders Info Zone:http://solriders.com/ or http://solriders.net/index.php

Later
Hawk
ICQ 34668186
AOL SoLRHawk
Sons of Liberty Riders
http://www.solriders.com/ or http://www.solriders.net

Click to order Catalog!

BRAND NEW CUSTOM CHROME CATALOG RELEASED–

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ONLY $9.95 + 6.95 Shipping**

BIKERNET NEWS ALERT–SUPPORT RUDY, BEWARE PEPPER SPRAY, SMOKE OUT UPDATE AND JANKLOW DENIED EARLY RELEASE

Continued From Page 3

BIKERNET FOREIGN RELATIONS–A Frenchman and an Italian were seated next to a Biker on an overseas flight. After a few cocktails, the men began discussing their home lives.

“Last night I made love to my wife four times,” the Frenchman bragged, “and this morning she made me delicious crepes and she told me how much she adored me.”

“Ah, last night I made love to my wife six times,” the Italian responded, “and this morning she made me a wonderful omelet and told me she could never love another man.”

When the Biker remained silent, the Frenchman smugly asked, “And how many times did you make love to your wife last night?”

“Once,” he replied.

“Only once?” the Italian arrogantly snorted. “And what did she say to you this morning?”

“Don’t stop.”

–ROGUE

JANKLOW DENIED EARLY JAIL RELEASE–Janklow was refused permission Tuesday to leave jail early, as a judge discredited his appeal as an effort to postpone justice.

“Retribution should be swift, and it should be complete,” Circuit Judge Rodney Steele said at the close of a 10-minute hearing at the Moody County Courthouse.

Steele’s ruling meansJanklow will stay in the Minnehaha County Jail for 75 more days – until May 17, the end of his 100-day sentence for causing the collision that killed motorcyclist Randy Scott.

Janklow remains eligible for daytime release for community service, starting March 8, but he has no plans for that.

“Right now, he has not got anything scheduled and at this time isn’t sure if he’s going to,” said Perry Danforth, chief court services officer in Huron. “That can change at any time during his incarceration.”

Janklow, who has appealed his case to the South Dakota Supreme Court, did not appear in court Tuesday. His lawyer, Melissa Hinton of Sioux Falls, argued that he should be released during the appeal, saying he is no danger to society, nor is he a threat to flee. Hinton noted that he was allowed his freedom before and during the trial and for two months afterward until reporting to jail Feb. 7.

“Mr. Janklow, just like every other defendant, has a right to appeal,” she said. “The appeal in effect would be moot because Mr. Janklow would have served his entire sentence before the Supreme Court heard the case.”

By Jon Walker, Argus Leader

–from Rogue

CLEANING STUFF–Need cleaning equipment specifically for bikes. Well, the factory now carries what you need. See a dealership, check the H-D web site or get a catalog quick.

A BIKERNET RELIGIOUS MOMENT– A man walking along a California beach was deep in prayer.Suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, the Lord said, “Because you have TRIED to be faithful to me in all ways, I willgrant you one wish.”

The man said, “Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over anytime I want.”

The Lord said, “Your request is very materialistic. Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking. The supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific! The concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that would honor and glorify me.”

The man thought about it for a long time. Finally he said, “Lord, I wish that I could understand my wife. I want to know how she feels inside, what she’s thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says ‘nothing’s wrong,’ and how I can make a womantruly happy.”

The Lord replied, “You want two lanes or four on that bridge?”

–from Rev CarlR

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHIL PETERSON–My friend Phil Peterson who owns Miami Harley Davidson turned 80 years young on February 24- 2004. A party for him and a celebration of the new Miami store being opened for 8 years was held at the dealership on Sunday February 22nd. It also celebrated the Peterson family being in the Harley business for 50 years.

There were vendors, super deals in the store and basically all the things that go into making of a fun day. Face painting, balloons for the kids ( I did not see any age restrictions) and knowing Phil I suspect Big Kids could be included, Damn I didn’t get one.

Actually that was my fault. I was sick and did not make it, which made me feel bad all over. Phil and I have been in touch though, and he knows I was with him in my thoughts and that he always has my best wishes.

If you are in the Miami area visit Petersons Harley-Davidson. If you ever get a chance to meet Phil do so. You will never meet a nicer person.

–ROGUE

2004 SMOKE OUT UPDATE–I heard from the Indian Larry camp and it is official. Indian Larry and Paul Cox will be at Smoke Out V. Of course, Billy Lane will be there. It would not feel like a Smoke Out without the HORSE, B.C.?s favorite son. Undoubtedly, the women will be lining up to have their breast autographed. It?s hard work but Billy?s up for it.

The other news is a bit ominous. I was in San Pedro this week and had dinner with Bandit, Layla and the Bikernet crew. Then Coral, Sin Wu and Bandit?s ex (not so ex?) lover showed up. I thought there was going to be a catfight right there in the 22nd Street Grill. Both of those girls are such hard-bodies I tried to convince them to come to the Smoke Out. Both hot tempered, hot blooded and hot looking vixens may attend the Smoke Out along with Bandit and Layla, but I am not sure they can behave.

–Edge

WIDE TIRE INFO–We have a Bikernet goal to deliver as much wide tire info as possible to our readers. If you check the Avon department you’ll run across several articles, but we need to go beyond what’s published so far. I recently proposed the notion to John Covington, who wrote the safety article listed on the Bikernet Home Page. Check it out. Here’s his response. I’ll keep on working him:

That subject could get very complicated…fit to what? The big tire thinghas become so far removed from sticking them on stock H-D’s. There’s the PM240 kit and the Ness/German 250 for a Softail. I’ve installed them, but they endup so expensive, it makes more sense to build a bike the way you want itin the first place.

It’s much easier/cost-effective to find THE chick withTHE boob job in place. The stat’s are that most chicks move on after theguy has bought her the larger rack anyway…….. It’s just more costeffective to zero in on what you really want in the first place. Thosemods, like boob jobs, are costly. Then most ‘trade up’ and sellthe modified version for the ‘real thing’ whatever that may be? I thinkbreast augmentation surgery is less expensive too. Tough decisions.

BigTits/Big tires?

I do get people inquiring about doing the 250 kits on their H-Ds but oncethey realize the final costs above and beyond buying the kit, wheels, tires,fenders, tail lights, struts, PAINT..it’s a tough sell.

I just signed a lease on the space next door to my existing store, we’reexpanding the shop to set up a mini-production area for the Muscle 300’s in all thevariations, chopper, long low, pro-street and fat ‘n wide. hit the “pricesand specs” button on http://www.musclebikes.com/motorcycles/ for the spread sheet on modelswe’re working on.

Photo’s of one of the Ness 250 German made kits is on my site here toohttp://www.musclebikes.com/motorcycles/sch/ black bike top of the scroll,250 kit on a night train. The customer wanted the Avon 250, not theMetezeler 240 kit (that’s all that will fit on the PM unit). It’s “10 more”.Installing it was like sticking 50 pounds of crap in a 10 pound bag, trannymods, custom struts, frame grinding, custom brake anchors, wheel hubmodifications,..whew! And then after all that, it didn’t deliver the ‘shockand awe’ for the bucks. I’m not really the believer in that stuff.

–John

PEPPER SPRAY KILLS–FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. ? A grand jury has issued a report on how police and paramedics might have prevented the death of a man who died in police custody after being pepper-sprayed.

Raymond Sterling Jr., died April 19, about an hour after police used pepper spray to subdue him while he resisted arrest for speeding in his car.

The same grand jury cleared the police officers and paramedics of criminal wrongdoing in December.

Wednesday?s report said Fort Lauderdale police officers should have told the paramedics they pepper sprayed Sterling, 21, after he ran from a traffic stop and struggled with them, rather than saying Sterling was ?exhausted.?

Also, the paramedics who arrived at the city jail should have used a basic tool they carry to measure the oxygen saturation in Sterling?s blood. The paramedics spent six minutes with the dying man, taking his pulse and respiration and waving ammonia inhalant under his nose before leaving, the report said.

–from Rogue

BIKERS’ PRAYER

As we go out on our ride,
We pray the Lord rides by our side,
Keep us safe and in your sight,
And let it rain some other night.

–from Rogue

RUDY’S BUCKLES–Rudy made me a couple of buckles while in prison. He no longer had the resources to make more buckles but still has 50. They may look like shit in this photo but they are hot, professionally built, hand made quality buckles. If nothing else, do me a favor and drop him a line, a postcard or a couple of bucks.

If he can put the change together, he can make custom buckles and I’m honored to own one. Here’s his address: George (Rudy) Votteler, #86462, Unit CCC-17, P.O.Box 4020, Golden, Colorado 80401.

WHERE’S THE ESCAPE HATCH?–A couple of months ago I quit mentioning sex in the news for several reasons. Jealousy was one of them. If I mentioned one broad the others started squaking. The endeavor to keep the news G-rated, sorta, and let it fly in the Cantina was reason number two.

On top of the above, life around the headquarters had settled down. In other words Layla ran off the other broads. Coral split to New Orleans. Sin Wu worked hard at her education and since I was being a good guy, we didn’t see much of each other. Layla’s done a trememdous job at the headquarters and sorta took over. I swear, I’m an innocent bystander.

But I can smell spring in the air. Coral returned and took Layla to lunch last weekend. Sin Wu graduated from something and lured me out to meet her. The next thing I knew there was a For Sale sign in the front yard. I’m trying to piece all this shit together when I found out that my real estate agent, a good lookin’ broad, is the wife of a Hamster. Speaking of broads, they got me drunk and had me sign some papers regarding a piece of property on Broad Street. What the hell is going on? I retired, like in “slow down”. Now I’m living in boxes and more girls are running around the headquarters. Coral ignores me, a new brunette came in the door crying the other day and Sin Wu is calling. I shoulda escaped to Bike Week.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–TEXAS SWAPMEET, NEW BIKER BIBLE, BIG DOG EXPANDS AND DAYTONA TOPLESS PROTEST

Continued From Page 2

KEN MILLER PROJECT START–Frank’s bike is kicking off with a 6-inch stretch, 2-inch drop neck, 46 degree rake, 113 S&S 6-SPEED.

Ken
Miller4Nitro@aol.com

EUROPEAN DOLLAR BOOSTS H-D SALES–NEW YORK (CNN/Money) – If you’ve traveled to Europerecently, or have even considered a trip, you probablyknow just how big the impact of the depressed dollar hasbeen.

When I visited Paris a few years ago, the euro was downto 85 cents. Clothes were so cheap that I just threw outa lot of the things I had brought and replaced them withnicer stuff at Bon March?, the Paris equivalent of Saks.

But when I went back to Paris last October, the euro wasup to $1.15, and to economize I tried to buy as littleas possible and ended up staying at a hotel in acommercial neighborhood — the hotel was nice enough butI did have to pass a couple of adult theaters to get toit.

Since then, the dollar has dropped ever further againstthe euro.

Currency exchange rates have equally great impact onstock prices. Figuring out what the effects will be,however, can get quite complicated.

If a company produces goods in the U.S. and sells themoverseas, it benefits from a cheap dollar, because itsproducts become less expensive for foreign buyers. Salesgenerally get a boost as a result.

This benefit, however, can be offset for many reasons,especially if the company owns factories or other assetsin foreign countries. In that case, labor costs andother expenses in foreign factories may rise in U.S.dollar terms. Or the company may be affected by changesin the dollar-value of foreign property, plant andequipment or investments denominated in foreigncurrencies.

Harley-Davidson isn’t affected much by those factors.The company makes classic American motorcycles in thiscountry and sells some of them in Europe and Japan. TheU.S. dollar is down so much against the euro and the yenthat Harley’s motorcycles look relatively cheap toforeign buyers. And not surprisingly, sales are upsignificantly in both those markets.

Moreover, Harley (HDI) qualifies for my list of 70 long-term growth stocks even without the current boost fromforeign sales. Earnings are projected to grow at a 16percent to 17 percent compound annual rate over the nextfive years. At just over $53 a share, the stock tradesat less than 20 times estimated 2004 earnings.[ http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/sivy_seventy/ ]

Although today’s unusually cheap dollar is giving salesan extra boost, Harley has a long history of success inall kinds of markets. The company has just celebratedits 100th anniversary. And Harley’s most recent earningsreport — a 31 percent gain in profit from 2002 to 2003,on a 13 percent rise in sales — represents thecompany’s 18th straight annual increase in both revenuesand earnings.

–By Michael Sivy, CNN/Money contributing columnist

Rare mars shot from Bob T.

A DOCTOR’S ETHIC– Doctor Dave had sex with one of his patients andfelt guilty all day long. No matter how much hetried to forget about it, he couldn’t. The guilt and senseof betrayal was overwhelming.

But every once in awhile he’d hear an internal, reassuring voice thatsaid: “Dave, don’t worry about it. You aren’t the firstdoctor to sleep with one of their patients and you won’t be thelast. And you’re single. Just let it go..”

But invariably another voice would bring him backto reality, whispering…………..

“Dave, you’re a veterinarian…”

QUOTE OF THE DAY–“Once the pin is pulled, Mr. Hand Grenade is no longer our friend.”

–U.S. Marine Corps

DAYTONA TOPLESS PROTEST– Liz Book believes exposed breasts are a part ofmotorcycle culture, so she plans to lead a protest of topless women on thelast day of Bike Week.”

I’m not making this up. Try the link above, for today’s AP sourced protestparade details scheduled for Bike Week wrapup this Sunday. Of course, Ifully support – if that’s the correct word – all civil disobedience thatseeks to right social injustices.

The $253 fine ($126.50 a side) does seem a bit excessive. My hunch isDaytona could set out tip jars along the parade route and fund all new roadconstruction for the next decade. Hell, they could probably build anelevated freeway from I-95 to the beach ramp with plenty left over.

If the link doesn’t work, try the Daytona Beach News-Journal>APWire>offbeat.

–John

BIG DOG BUILDS ENGINEERING STRENGTH–Joining the company is Glen Martin as Regulatory Compliance Engineer; Ryan Linton as Mechanical Engineer; Kevin Werner as Current Product Support Engineer;and Shawn Berkley as an intern in industrial design.

WICHITA, Kansas (March 2, 2004): Big Dog Motorcycles (the leading designer and manufacturer of high performance, highly-styled heavyweight cruisers, has expanded its engineering team, allowing for greater focus on overall motorcycle design, accessories design, as well as drivetrain engineering and compliance.

“In the last two years, with the rapid introduction of our exclusive components and technologies, we officially finished the transition from an aftermarket assembler to true OEM status,” stated Sheldon Coleman, founder and CEO, Big Dog Motorcycles. “With this new status and our new growth, it is critical we focus on engineering and design to stay cutting-edge while maintaining compliance,” he added.

Hahn announced the appointments of Glen Martin to regulatory compliance engineer, Ryan Linton as mechanical engineer, Kevin Werner as current product support engineer, and Shawn Berkley as an intern in industrial design.

Adding these four employees expands Big Dog Motorcycles? engineering department to 16, eleven of whom hold degrees in engineering and design.

Glen Martin, as regulatory compliance engineer, will focus on drivetrain design, specifications, and compliance with government standards. With a rich background in engineering and compliance, most recently with Mercury MerCruiser, a leading manufacturer of inboard marine engines, Martin comes with a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Ryan Linton, as mechanical engineer, will concentrate primarily on BDM Performance Products, Big Dog Motorcycles? exclusive line of accessories. Charged with designing accessories that make the company?s complete line of six bikes more stylish, functional, comfortable, and custom, Linton also holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Kevin Werner, as current product support engineer, will serve as the engineering liaison for any production-related issues. He will also concentrate on integration among engineering, production, warranty, and technical support, ensuring issues are communicated and resolved appropriately and effectively by each department.

Shawn Berkley, who is currently pursuing is Bachelors of Fine Arts degree, also recently joined Big Dog Motorcycles as an intern in industrial design. Using education and practical experience, Berkley will contribute to overall motorcycle design, focusing primarily on bike style.

DAYTONA BACKDROP FOR FILMS– ORMOND BEACH — Thunderous motorcycles blast along South Beach Street, past a boy slumped in a wheelchair.The noise catches the youth’s attention, but he can’t see the gleaming flashes of chrome and steel against the Halifax River — because, according to the movie script, he is blind.

“The Bike King,” a made-for-TV Christian movie being shot here this week, is using Bike Week as a backdrop. The movie’s director is one of several filmmakers capturing biker activities this week for documentaries, videos and Internet broadcast. Janet Kersey of Convention and Visitors Bureau Daytona Beach Film Office said “The Bike King” movie crew got its film permit last week.

Christian talk-show host Julius Ah Sam of Ormond Beach, formerly of Hawaii, is backing the movie and wrote the 80-minute screenplay, which he will market to religious channels. He brought his talk show, “God’s Love,” from Olelo Community Television in Honolulu to Orlando’s WACX Super Channel 55 last year.

Another cameraman capturing Bike Week events on film along Main and Beach streets and State Road A1A is Harold “Raven” Kionka, who operates a 24-hour Internet webcast station, www.daytonabeach-live.com from a permanent studio at Beaches Ocean Front Resort in Daytona Beach.

Another film company, Hot Spot Entertainment from Los Angeles, also has applied to the film office for a permit.

Rick Wren of Hot Spot said he plans to film in the area during Bike Week and Spring Break, including a pilot for Spike TV — an MTV network for men — along with videos for sale on the Internet. He said he hopes to counter any negative reputation left behind in other years by other film companies.

By AUDREY PARENTEStaff Writer

–from Rogue

ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE–Center Conway NH, January 2004. Whether you’re looking to get grease up to your elbows or just want to keep up with your fast-talking mechanic, The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance is the latest must-have tool for motorcyclists. Written with humor for the average bike owi~er by expert Mark Zimmerman, this authoritative new guide will help anyone master basic motorcycle maintenance skills and keep their favorite two-wheeled machines ruining smoothly and safely.

Featuring more than 500 full-color photos and illustrations, The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance covers each component of a bike’s anatomy and offers step-by-step instructions for all common tasks on street and dirt bikes. Included are simpler tasks such as oil and coolant changes, bleeding brakes, changing drive chains, replacing fork seals, and balancing tires; as well as more complex projects like properly adjusting today’s complex suspensions, synchronizing carburetors, and replacing a clutch. For even quicker reference, a handy troubleshooting guide will help diagnose and fix the most puzzling problems.

Along the way, Zimmerman cuts through the clutter of mechanical misinformation to explain, in his easy-to-follow style, how motorcycles work. The author has tackled every topic from ignition and electrics to engine tuning and suspension in a way that allows even the most amateur mechanics to learn their way around any type or model of motorcycle. More than a manual, The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance is destined to be every motorcyclist?s favorite dog-eared reference.

Softbound, 8-114 x 10-1/2 inches. 256 pages, 500 illus. Price of the book is S29.95 plus shipping. VISA, MasterCard, American Express. Discover, checks, or money orders accepted. Note to international customers: Shipping is by air and actual cost is charged. Please contact Whitchorse Press for a quote. Whitehorse Press. 107 East Conway Rd., Center, Conway NH 03813. 603-356-6590, or www.WhitehorsePress.com.

Here’s a Texas mailbox from RFR.

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

END OF WINTER LEATHER DEALSGARAGE CLEAN OUTS * USED PARTS VENDORSDISTRIBUTERS OVER-RUNS * JEWELRYLIFESTYLE NECESSITIES & lots of “stuff”

Live Band * Door Prizes * Parts & Party* $100 to Win – Jalapino Eatin? Contest *

Show Hours: 10am-5pm
Admission: $8 Adults – $5 5-12 – Under 5 Free
Location: Longhorn Ballroom is located on the corner of Industrial Bouldvard and Corinth. Take Industrial Blvd. Exit from I-30 or I-35 where they cross in downtown Dallas go south 5 blocks & you?r there…

Info: www.texasscooter.com 254-687-9066 M-F 9am – 6pm

SATURDAY MARCH 6TH – Before The Swap Meet It?s Texas Scooter Times “Texas Style Party Drags”

PRE RACE SEASON PAR-TEE ! At the THUNDERHORSE SALOON in Lewisville !!

Continued On Page 4

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–DAYTONA SLOW, GUNS, PANHEAD URNS AND H-D RIDER COURSES

Daytona Rider from Rogue.

Life was calm here in San Pedro, California, just south of downtown Los Angeles on the coast. I moved into a seaside ghetto to escape Easyriders politics, write books, semi-retire and chase women. This was designed to be a low stress move. We restored a 1937 bungalow over looking the harbor and all was at peace for a couple of months.

I’ve been here almost 4.5 years. Thought I’d never move again. Fat chance. I suspect women have something to do with it, but I’m still scrambling to untangle the clues. There’s calm and sirene Sin Wu, jealous Layla, I try to keep them separated, and Coral, the bouncy, milky, voluptious blond. I thought I was doing good to keep a redhead out of the passionate mix.

We better roll with the news. It’s packed with Daytona tidbits as the event unfolds. I’ll tell you more at the end:

DAYTONA BIKE WEEK OFF TO SLOW START–The 63rd Bike Week in Daytona Beach seemed to be getting off to a slow start. The weather was cool.

A lot of motorcycles loaded down were spotted South of Daytona as were those on trailers indicating some had chose to go to other spots before visiting the Famous Beach.

Actually it was a benefit, as you could get around and even find parking spaces. We started at the Last Resort in Port Orange and worked our way North on US1.

One of the first things we do, when we hit town, is pick up the Pocket Guides and event fliers that are strewn all over the place. So many things to do, it takes a little planning.

We made it out to Softtails on Rt. 92 in Deland for the Fat Biker Tricycle Races. Give the guys a few hours to warm up and have a few beers. Then they break out three brand new tricycles put ’em to the test.

Your feet must stay on the pedals, plus you have a glass of beer in your mouth. See who gets to the end first. If it’s close the one with the most beer left in the glass wins. Poor Tricycles were trashed by the time it was over. Broken pedals, bent wheels and numerous other damage, but it Was A Hoot.

Surprising how much fun you can have when you mix wheels, beer and women together OH YEA.

Though there are things going on daily, damn, I love shooting the women doing the oil, cream corn, spaghetti, or cole slaw wrestling. Which wet t-shirt or no t-shirt contest do I attend? Decisions, Decisions. Decisions.

I am sure I will figure it out so keep checking back.

–ROGUE

Check the first Rogue, Daytona Report, which should see the home page today.

CHEAP CHOPPER BIBLE–By Timothy Remus. Choppers don’t have to cost $30,000. In fact, a chopper built from the right parts can be assembled for as little as $5,000. How to Build a Cheap Chopper documents the construction of FOUR inexpensive choppers with complete start-to-finish sequences photographed in the shops of Tom Summers, Donnie Smith, Brian Klock and Dave Perewitz.

Least expensive is the metric chopper, based on a Japanese 4-cylinder engine and transmission installed in an hardtail frame. Next up, price wise, are 2 bikes built using Buell/Sportster drivetrains. The recipe here s simple, combine one used Buell or Sportster with a hardtail frame for an almost instant chopper. The big twin chopper is the least cheap of the 4, yet it?s still far less expensive than most bikes built today.

Cheap Chopper uses 144 pages and over 400 color images to completely explain each assembly. Available for $24.95 + $5.50 S&H from Wolfgang Publications, 217 Second Street N., Stillwater, MN 55082. Order from the web at wolfgangpublications.com or by phone at651.275.9411.

photo by Rogue

DAYTONA HEALTH WARNING–Another Bike Week has arrived.But friends, Romans and motorcyclists, lend me your ears.The American Tinnitus Association is warning even recreational bikers that the ringing they hear might be from more than cell phones. Riders are at increased risk of developing tinnitus — an incessant buzzing, whistling or ringing in the ears.

“I got that,” said Panhead, a 51-year-old member of the Daytona Beach Outlaws, as he sipped a beer on Main Street. “But it’s from working in factories and steel mills in Pennsylvania.”

Experts say prolonged exposure to any 90-decibel sound, including motorcycles, can cause gradual hearing loss. A city motorcycle noise report released in 2001 recorded decibel levels as high as 120. Regular exposure of anything 110 or higher, for as little as one minute, can risk permanent hearing loss.

By RAY WEISSStaff Writer

–from Rogue

BURY ME IN A PANHEAD–I have had my home made pan box all ready for the past 5 years and then I see this mess. Oh well, so much for spending eternity in a unique space. Gotta start some creative thinking again.

–TBear
http://www.bikerashes.com

ANOTHER REASON TO JOIN BANDIT’S CANTINA–This week we’re launching another Bandit Life and Times, The 22nd Chapter of the Chance Hogan first book, and a rare historic glimpse into “Colors Magazine”. Even before Easyriders there was a eastern mag devoted to outlaw club life. It lasted less than a year beginning in ’71. Check it out in the Cantina.

COWBOY BOOTS– A Texas teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put onhis cowboy boots. He’d asked for help and she could see why. Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little bootsstill didn’t want to go on. Finally, by the time the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat.

She almost cried when the little boy said, “Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet.”

She looked and sure enough, they were. It wasn’t any easierpulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the bootsback on – this time on the right feet.

He then announced, “These aren’t my boots.”

She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, “Why didn’t you say so?” like she wanted to. And, once again she struggledto help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet.

Just about as the boots were off, he added, “They’re my brother’s boots.My Mom made me wear ’em.”

Now she didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. But, she mustered up thegrace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet yet again.

Helping him into his coat, she asked, “Now,where are your mittens?”

He said, “I stuffed ’em in the toes of my boots.”

Her trial starts next month.

–from Chris T.

REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT NYLON BANNERS–Don’t be like my friend Rick – he dumped his shiny new Road King in the middle of Main Street in Daytona because he forgot to remove the disc brake lock from his front rotor. Actually, you don’t want to be like Rick for several reasons…

That said, here’s an eye-catching orange nylon flag like they use to warn flight crews of locking pins. It works great for disc brake locks. If you don’t have a disc brake lock, you could have your ol’ lady clip it to her bra.

Whatever.
http://www.thepilotsnest.com/pilot%20supplies/prods/PN-586.html

–Rogue

HARLEY-DAVIDSON INTRODUCES RIDER’S EDGE SKILLER RIDER COURSE–MILWAUKEE (March 1, 2004)- Rider?s Edge, the Harley-Davidson Academy of Motorcycling, introduces a new course aimed at further developing the riding skills of current motorcyclists. The Rider?s Edge Skilled Rider Course offers motorcyclists additional training and practice to give riders more confidence and make the riding experience more enjoyable.

?Every motorcycle rider can benefit from additional training and development of riding skills,? said Dave Koenings, Harley-Davidson director of Rider?s Edge. ?Whether you?re an existing rider, a returning rider or a newer rider, the Skilled Rider Course gives all motorcyclists a way to improve riding skills in a controlled setting.?

Several Harley-Davidson dealers, who currently offer the Rider?s Edge New Rider Course, are preparing to offer the Skilled Rider Course starting this summer. Similar to the Rider?s Edge New Rider Course, the Skilled Rider Course uses the proven curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation?s (MSF) Experienced Rider Course (ERC) Suite. Additionally, all Skilled Rider Course instructors are MSF and Harley-Davidson certified.

?Harley-Davidson wants to help equip riders at every skill level for a safe riding experience,? said Koenings. ?Offering continued rider training is one of the steps the company has taken to accomplish that end.?

The Rider?s Edge Skilled Rider Course takes place in the dealership and at nearby range facilities, with class sizes ranging from six to twelve students. Lasting approximately seven hours, the course includes interactive exercises and plenty of riding practice.

Rider?s Edge, the Harley-Davidson Academy of Motorcycling, currently offers three training courses: the New Rider Course, the Skilled Rider Course and the Group Riding Course. For more information on Rider?s Edge courses throughout the country, please visit www.ridersedge.com.

GUNS vs DOCTORS– a. The number of physicians in the United States is 700,000

b. Accidental deaths caused by Physicians per year is 120,000.
c. Accidental deaths per physician is .171. (US Dept. of Health & Human Services)

THINK ABOUT THIS: a. The number of gun owners in the US is 80,000,000 (yes, eighty- million!).

b. The number of accidental gun deaths per year (all age groups) is 1,500.
c. The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is .0000188.sistically, doctors are about 9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners.

FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN, BUT ALMOST EVERYONE HAS A DOCTOR.

Alert your friends to this threat. We must ban doctors before this gets out of hand.

As a public health measure I have withheld the statistics on lawyers for fear that the shock could cause people to seek medical attention.

–from CarlR

SPEAKING OF DOCTORS– One day, in line at the company cafeteria, Bob says to Stanley, behind him,”My elbow hurts like hell. I guess I better see a doctor.”

“Listen, you don’t have to spend that kind of money,” Stan replies. “There’s adiagnostic computer down at WalMart. Just give it a urine sample and the computer’ll tell you what’s wrong and what to do about it. It takes ten seconds and costs ten dollars…a lot cheaper than a doctor.”

So Bob deposits a urine sample in a small jar and takes it to WalMart. He deposits ten dollars, and the computer lights up and asks for the urine sample. He pours the sample into the slot and waits. Ten seconds later, the computer ejects a printout:

“You have tennis elbow. Soak your arm in warm water and avoid heavy activity. It will improve in two weeks.”

That evening while thinking how amazing this new technology was, Jack began wondering if the computer could be fooled. He mixed some tap water, a stool sample from his dog, urine samples from his wife and daughter, and masturbated into the mixture for good measure.

Bob hurries back to WalMart, eager to check the results. He deposits ten dollars, pours in his concoction, and awaits the results.The computer prints the following:

1. Your tap water is too hard. Get a water softener.
2. Your dog has ringworm. Bathe him with anti-fungal shampoo.
3. Your daughter has a cocaine habit. Get her into rehab..
4. Your wife is pregnant. Twins. They aren’t yours. Get a lawyer.
5. If you don’t stop playing with yourself, your elbow will never get better.

Thank you for shopping at WalMart

Continued On Page 2

BIKERNET NEWS ALERT–TEXAS PARTY, MOVIE NEWS AND HAWAIIAN BUILD-OFF REPORT

Continued From Page 3

CHOPPER WIRING DIAGRAM–Check it out on the home page for wiring tips. It will always have a spot in the Bikernet Tech area when you’re ready to finish that project.

–Wrench

DONAHUE V-ROD PROJECT REVEALED– The Vrod project was completed by Kyle Kucin and John Metz. We started out by tearing it all the way down and sent the frame out to Art at Performance Polishing in Zimmerman, Mn. It took about a month and a half to get the frame back and he did a great job. In the meantime we located all the other parts.

We wanted to do a big tire on the back and you can’t do a bike without custom wheels, so we went with Rick’s wheels. They come from Germany but we got them from Bridget at Custom Works in Daytona. We also got the matching rotors and rear fender from them. This setup lets you use the stock swingarm, and you can go as big as a 240 like we did.

There was a bit of modification that had to be done to the swingarm and belt guard and we had to make some wheel spacers for proper fitment. You also have to flip the tranny pulley over for the belt to sit out farther. From here we added custom components to set this Vrod apart from the rest. We picked up the rear smooth lowered shocks, the turn signal relocators and the Italian Rizoma bar and gauge setup from Ernie at Breathless Performance in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.

Headlight and turnsignals come from Headwinds and definitely looks better than the stock Vrod setup. All the other chrome goodies are right out of the 2004 Harley-Davidson catalog.

You can’t have a custom bike without custom paint! For this we went to my good friend John May in Denver, Co. He did a silver pearl marble with silver tribal flames and red pinstripes. Seventeen coats of clear seals the deal on this amazing paint job.

I like to think that you can’t have enough horsepower, but in this case we left the engine alone except for pipes, SE air cleaner and an SE race tuner. This bike sits very comfortable and is sure to turn some heads.

For more info you can contact Kyle at Donahue Harley-Davidson in Delano, Mn. 800-827-2530 or at mailto:Krkucin@aol.com

CHOPPERS ONLY HAWAIIAN BUILD OFF– It’s Friday morning Australian time, I’ve managed a few hours sleep after a 20 hour flight from Hawaii via L.A. Thought I would get a report in early on the Hawaii bike show. As most of the readers would know, it was a bike build -off between Arlen Ness and his son Cory combined with a ride and a bike show. I arrived in Hawaii at 3 a.m. got a couple of hours sleep, then spent the day relaxing around Waikiki, a couple beers here and there, a catamaran ride you know the normal tourist stuff.

Bikernet Australian Connection, Glen Priddle.

On Sunday morning I picked a bike up from Larry at Big Kahuna Motor Cycle Rentals, kindly organized by Deacon, and headed out to the event. It was only 8:30 and there were already a couple of hundred bikers gathered. I wandered around, took heaps of photos and talked to the owners of some very fine machinery while watching the endless stream of bikes arriving. Arlen and Cory rode in and were immediately swamped by the ever growing crowd.

I caught up with Deacon and felt very honored when he hooked me up with Ed a member from the Alii M/C, the oldest club in Hawaii who invited me to ride with them. Deacon’s instructions to more than 1,000 bikers that the event was being filmed by The Discovery Channel and ‘Pleeeease!!! no waving to the helicopter while on the ride’, was met with a resounding roar!! We snaked our way around this sensational piece of paradise that is Oahu and arrived to a very enthusiastic crowd of 3,000 at The Hard Rock Cafe in Waikiki – then the party began. It was very obvious that Deacon, Chris and their crew had worked incredibly hard to put on a first class event. I had such a good time that plans are already afoot to attend the ‘Chopper Only Show ‘on July 4th with my wife Kerry.

Many thanks to Deacon for organizing a bike for me and to Chris and Joerline for finding me accommodations on such a busy weekend in Honolulu. Also thanksto Allen and Janette, great folks who took time out to show me around their Island. All in all a fantastic five days in Hawaii, met a lot of great people and saw some amazing country, like someone else said before me, “I’ll be back!”

–The Australian Connection.

MO’ PROJECTOR ROOM UPDATES–I just got some feedback on this. My contact put me on the phone with his guy. It seems that the package is very appealing to them so far. The fact that Fx’s cameraman from Lord of the Rings wants to be involved doesn’t hurt either. They will contact me within a week and would like to read the books. Please send down two sets of them. My idea is to send them one at a time, but if they insist, I’ll give them all three.

Personally Outlaw Justice is the one that most jumps onto the screen for me, but all of them are very strong.

They were hyped by the merchandise possibilities, which is good.

–Dirty Dan

BIKERNET GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT–Two women friends had gone for a girl’s night out, but had been decidedlyover-enthusiastic on the Bacardi Breezers. Incredibly drunk and walkinghome they needed to pee, so they stopped in the cemetery. One of them hadnothing to wipe with so she thought she could take off panties, use themand throw them away. Her friend however was wearing a rather expensivepair of panties and did not want to lose them, but was lucky enough tosalvage a large ribbon from a wreath that was on one of the graves, andshe proceeded to wipe with that. After the girls took care of businessthey proceeded to go home.

The next day one of the women’s husbands phoned the other husband and said”Listen, these damn girl nights are gonna’ stop. Would you believe my wifecame home last night with no panties?”

“Tell me about it,” said the other guy, “Mine came back with a card stuckto her ass that said ‘From all of us at the Fire Station. We will neverforget you!’.”

–from Dave F.

And you think you have it bad?

DON’T MISS !!!!!THIS SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 29TH the EAST TEXAS MOTORCYCLE EXPO & SWAP MEET !!!!!–All Indoors at the – Maude Cobb Convention Complex – Exhibit Building – LONGVIEW Texas

AS OF 5 PM THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26TH ** 118 Swap Meet Booths are RESERVED **** FOR PREVIEW OF VENDORS www.texasscooter.com

ANTIQUE CUSTOM & TOURING MOTORCYCLE SHOWNo Entry Fee – Trophies for 1st & 2nd In Each ClassPeoples Choice Award – by crowd vote & MORE !!check www.texasscooter.com for classes & entry info

&

WALL TO WALL – Motorcycle Related Vendors!!!

&

Mad Max and the Max Attack – 12:30 to 5″A band our age that?s wowed the Swap Meet Crowdsin Conroe & Abilene with GOOD Rock & Blues!!

&

GOOD VITTLES FROM: Bull’s AlleyUp from Austin for the 3rd Year by “Request”

Admission $8 for Adults – $5 ages 5-12 – under 5 FREE
SHOW HOURS: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
DIRECTIONS: From I-20 take the HWY 31 East exit, go approx. 5 miles and take a left on FM 1815. go one mile and take a right on Jaycee Drive/FM 2206 and the complex is on the left a half a block down.

BE THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lost my job…

THAT’S IT–While everyone has a blast in Daytona, we’ll have a surprise for you next week that will rock your boat. Bikernet is expanding.

This day slid away like riding in the rain. Tomorrow’s another big one with hopefully more refined focus. I was scattered today. Too much rain and no riding. Let’s see how the weekend pans out.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–DATING RULES, MINI-CHOPS AND BAD COPS

Continued From Page 2

CONTEST WINNERS, WINNERS, WINNERS–We asked, ?Who wants free VIP passes to BiketoberWest?, and Rebel said ?I want time with Sin?. Close enough. It wasn?t only cause he wanted time with Sin, it was because I liked his attitude. Rebel, shoot me an email at sinwu@bikernet.com for the VIP pass info. If you don?t email me quick, I?ll have to pick another winner.

REBEL from SAN DIEGO, CA – USFUCKINA
Suggestion: HAVE AN EVENT WHERE YOU GIVE REBEL THE TICKETS.
Wanted: TIME WITH SIN, ONE OF YOUR BITCHIN BIKES, FINISH THE FAB ON MINE FOR ME 🙂 (OF COURSE I’LL CLAIM I BUILT IT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE), TIME WITH SIN (YA, I LIKED THAT ONE), WHO?S THE BRUNETTE IN THE PICS?

Sorry Rebel, but no time with me. Do you have a cute sister? As for the brunette, if you think she?s cute, it?s Layla. If it?s an ugly chick, I don?t know whom you?re talking about.

AND FOR THE CANTINA WINNER–

Doug Bowles from Portorange, FL
Wanted: more shovelhead sheetmetal and exhaust systems. All there are is evo and 88 crap any more. And also a bikernet hat thanks. Also you have a great site!!!!

Thank you Doug, we work very hard on Bikernet . A hat is on the way!

Enter the contest! ~Sin

Click To Enter

BILL TAPS TRAFFIC VIOLATORS FOR TRAUMA FUNDING–Harrington got the idea from biker group.Trauma centers around the state would get a much needed financial boost from some of their most frequent patients — drivers who run red lights — under a bill that jacks up the fines for the crime.

And House Bill 65, sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tempore Lindsay Harrington, R-Punta Gorda, would also turn the motorcyclist advocacy group American Bikers Aiming Toward Education into a major educator.

Under an amendment tacked onto the bill Tuesday, ABATE of Florida would receive $1 million per year “for the purpose of fostering motorcycle safety awareness, education and research programs relating to accident prevention.”

Last year, the organization had to “rob Peter to pay Paul” in order to spend about $150,000 on educational programs, said James “Doc” Reichenbach II, ABATE’s capital lobbyist.

“I want to see this thing go to billboards,” Reichenbach said of the education campaign. “I want to send my people into high schools. I want to hold safety seminars to see what we can do to reduce accidents and injuries.”

His comments came after the House Transportation Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to pass the bill.* Currently, if a driver runs a red light and no one is injured the driver can be fined up to $60 and assessed three points against his license. No court appearance is required.

Under the bill, the fine would be increased to $125, four points would be assessed, and a court appearance would be required.

* Currently, if the driver runs a red light and causes “serious bodily injury” in a crash, a court appearance would be mandatory and a judge could assess a fine from $60 to $500.

Under the bill, the judge must impose a $500 fine and suspend the driver’s license for three months.

* Currently, if a driver runs a red light and kills another person, a judge could fine up to $1,000.

Under the bill, the $1,000 fine would be mandatory and the license would be suspended for six months.

The increased penalties would generate an additional $57.6 million, according to an analysis by transportation committee staff. All but $1 million for ABATE would get put into a trauma center trust fund.

By GREG MARTIN,Staff Writer

–from Rogue

BIKERNET PROJECTOR ROOM UPDATE–I was requested to submit the three novels to a new production company that is affiliated in some way Sony. (They only have 150,000,000, which means each project must be rather inexpensive (probably under 20 mil). Guess I will have to whip up some treatments quick. I have been thinking that all the stories should be set in a future somewhat like in Orwell. The last outlaw narrates and is telling stories to younger guys about the old days when outlaws roamed freely. This will tie everything together for sequels or a series.

–Dirty Daniel

A SHOT FROM Dealer Expo, Feb, 2000–“Is bitchin’ chopper building you are,” Yoda Ball says to the young LaneJedi. “Has this thing got a cush-wheel, or what?”

–jksiebenthaler@earthlink.net
www.siebenthalercreative.com

ROGUE BAD COP FILES– Deputy busted for DUI South Carolina – A Charleston County sheriff’s deputy has been charged with driving under the influence.

Twenty-two year old Deputy Joshua Alexander Tackett of Johns Island was off duty when he was arrested by Charleston police Monday morning.

City officials say Tackett refused to take a breath test and was released on a one thousand dollar bond.

Sheriff’s Captain Dana Valentine says Tackett will be on leave without pay pending the outcome of the charges.

Trial is scheduled March 24th.

Tackett has been a sheriff’s deputy since December 2002.

Bad Cop… No Doughnut! Note another cop refusing to take breath test. Do they know some thing about the machines being used that we do not???

BAD COPS AGAIN– Retrial of 3 cops in gun planting incident to begin Florida – Jury selection began slowly Monday for the retrial of three police officers accused of covering up the planting of guns at scenes where police killed two fleeing robbers.

The judge and lawyers questioned 11 jury candidates and dropped three of them by late afternoon from an initial pool of 43 people. A previous jury deadlocked on four officers while convicting three others and acquitting three.

The officers could face up to five years in prison if convicted. All three are charged with conspiracy, and two are charged with perjury and obstruction of justice.

Lt. Israel Gonzalez, Sgt. Jose Quintero and Officer Jorge Garcia are on paid suspension under the 2001 federal indictment.

Bad Cop… No Doughnut!

ANOTHER BAD COP– Cop to be sentenced on counterfeiting charge Connecticut – A former Waterbury police officer is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday on a counterfeiting charge.

Effrin Ellison pleaded guilty in December to passing $420 in counterfeit money in 2001.

Prosecutors said the 39-year-old Ellison admitted that while on duty as a Waterbury police officer and in uniform he passed $20 bills at a Waterbury toy store. He said he bought video games and a video game playing system.

He testified that he knew the bills were fake. He was caught on videotape passing the phony money.

Ellison faces up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.

Bad Cop… No Doughnut!

–from Rogue

TECUMSEH MINI-CHOPPER IMAGES– We have in stock a wide variety of TECUMSEH engines including POWERSPORTS with or without electric start/alternator and MOTORSPORTS and the drive components to build mini choppers such as COMET torque-a-verters, hydraulic brakes, etc.

Our website is www.islandracing.com

Contact Information:
Tel.787-890-4129
Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00

–Betsy Poland

MAD MAX PRESENTS-TEN SIMPLE RULES FOR DATING MY DAUGHTER–Rule One:If you pull into my driveway and honk you’d better be delivering a package, because you’re sure not picking anything up.

Rule Two:You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter’s body, I will remove them.

Rule Three:I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don’t take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose his compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact, come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.

Rule Four:I’m sure you’ve been told that in today’s world, sex without utilizing a “barrier method” of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.

Rule Five:It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is “early.”

Rule Six:I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.

Rule Seven:As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process that can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don’t you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?

Rule Eight:The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there are no parents, policemen, or nuns within eyesight. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka – zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which features chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.

Rule Nine:Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.

Rule Ten:Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit your car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car – there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.

EVERY MAN DIES, NOT EVERY MAN REALLY LIVES

–from Panhead Josh

Continued On Page 4

BIKERNET NEWS ALERT–NEW “V” FROM CUSTOM CHROME, CARIBBEAN MADNESS AND SASHA’S MOVIE RELEASED IN DAYTONA

Continued From Page 1

NITRO CHOPPERS GIVES RETRO RISERS A REBIRTHNITRO CHOPPERS has launched their retro parts, offering an old look but with a new name ? Eagle Legs.

Carved out of billet aluminum, these beefy risers are sure to give that retro feel to any bike in 4, 6, 8 and even 10 inch monsters! Available in three finishes: raw aluminum, professionally polished or chrome.

Looking for more information or to place an order visit www.nitrochoppers.com or email info@nitrochoppers.com Get back to the way it once was with a new set of Eagle Legs.

The Bikernet Chief

THE CHIEF’S BIKE–A missionary who had spent years showing a tribe of nativeshow to farm and build things to be self-sufficient gets wordthat he is to return home.

He realizes that the one thing he never taught the nativeswas how to speak English, so he takes the chief and startswalking in the forest. He points to a tree and says to the chief,”This is a tree.”

The chief looks at the tree and grunts, “Tree.” Themissionary is pleased with the response.

They walk a little farther and the padre points to a rockand says, “This is a rock.”

Hearing this, the chief looks and grunts, “Rock.”

The padre is really getting enthusiastic about the resultswhen he hears a rustling in the bushes. As he peeks over thetop, he sees a couple in the midst of heavy romantic activity.The padre is really flustered and quickly responds, “Riding abike.”

The chief looks at the couple briefly, pulls out his blowgun and kills them.

The padre goes ballistic and yells at the chief that he hasspent years teaching the tribe how to be civilized and kindto each other, so how could he just kill these people incold blood that way?

The chief replied, “My bike.”

–from Rev CarlR

DAYTONA INVITATION–Here’s an invitation to our exclusive cocktail party and screening of TLC’s “Biker Girls: Born to be Wild” at the Adams Mark Hotel in Daytona Beach on March 2nd-We hope to see you there — Please don’t forget to RSVP as seating is limited. Also, Sasha Mullins will be in front of Choppersworld on Main Street most of the week so look for us there by the BAM booth.

Jill Mangino for Bikerlady Inc.
Custom Chrome, Bikerlady Inc. Inc.

PresentsAn Exclusive Cocktail Party & Private Advance Screening of TLC’S Biker Girls: Born to Be WildStarring Sasha Mullins AKA “Bikerlady” and Vicki Gray AKA “Racegirl”

March 2, 2004
6:30pm-8:30pm
Adams Mark Hotel
Daytona Beach, Florida

RSVP REQUIRED DUE TO LIMITED SEATING Please call Carla at 800.937.6590mailto:bikerladypr@aol.com”

MILWAUKEE IRON IN DAYTONA Randy was wondering if you could put on there somewhere that wewill be set up @ the Black Hills Saloon. Wait, now he’s set up at the International Speedway. Chase him down.

Thank you!
Cindy
MILWAUKEE IRON

JOHN REED DESIGNED CUSTOM CHROME PERFORMANCE KIT BIKE–The latest creation from Custom Chrome’s HR3 line of kit bikes is simply known as the “V”. It is 50% sport bike, 50% V-Twin and 100% passion. The heart of this new bike is a purpose designed “featherbed” style frame with a rubber mounted 110-inch RevTech engine coupled to a RevTech 6-speed transmission. The V is a feature laden streetfighter with the muscle and simplicity of a V-Twin power-train. It is the crossover bike the industry has always wished for. The V is the creation of world renown motorcycle designer-builder John Reed.

HR3 bike kits, from Custom Chrome, set the industry standard. They include every part needed to assemble the motorcycle, except for the paint, gasoline and labor. These bike kits have been proven out by thousands of builders that possess skill levels ranging from novice to master craftsman. HR3 bike kits are available exclusively through Custom Chrome dealers.

For your nearest Custom Chrome dealer: call 800-729-3332 or visit http://www.customchrome.com”.

Click to order Catalog!

BRAND NEW CUSTOM CHROME CATALOG RELEASED–

Custom Chrome’s new offering for 2004. The California based distributor brings you the most comprehensive product offering in the Harley-Davidson aftermarket! At over 1,200 pages and over 22,000 part numbers, their 2004 Catalog features the new RevTech 110 Motor, Hard Core II, Ares bikekits and noumious frames and forks–everything from nuts & bolts to performance products. It’s the Custom Bike Bible for the year.

ONLY $9.95 + 6.95 Shipping**

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–

All day I had an idea for the news. It was rolling around my brains but sure, as always, all the daily crap helped me forget. As soon as I sat in front of the keyboard I went blank. Screw the idea, let’s get this news rolling…

By tomorrow most of us will be in Daytona getting the booths ready. The whole Circus will be full blast balls out. For me, the beginning of Daytona is all the e-mails and phone calls from friends and builders and the yearly exchange of cell numbers to get in touch once there. I guess this year we will be really easy to find, just visit West Coast Choppers and cross the street, Billy Lane, Indian Larry, Fabricator Kevin, and Hank Young will be there as well. I guess it will be a pretty good compound of friends and cool chops. The Horse chopper show will take place the last Saturday at the Last Resort; Chopper Dave will be the judge. I also heard that the Rat’s Hole Show will be a good one, I really hope so, since in the past years it’s been kind of lame. The Peabody is small, but the gossip is that Discovery will be filming. If it’s true, it will be great, if it’s a promo stunt, it will get people there.

Both shows will be the same day, so lets see how we figure that one out. As always the Boardwalk show will take place Friday. I did the show thing one year, and got a couple awards, but I guess the bikes that win have to be super good, like Mike Maldonado’s stuff, or as flashy as sin…. I remember when Billy’s hub less bike was at the show and I believe it did not make the top 20, a bike that has created such publicity for him, not even noticed, go figure.

Not because I’m part of The Horse, but I believe the only honest show for the true old school chops is their gig, flashy is not welcome.

We can’t wait to see our friends from the several publications around the World. I tried very hard to have a new bike to show those guys, but I did not have time, so my bike from last year is over there. Then again with all the rain the only real shoot was from Freeway, so I guess Vibes will have another chance. I don’t know why but I really enjoy those magazines, maybe they show that like us, there’s choppers all over the world and everyone has their style. Speaking of magazines, we will be there with our local publication BikerSpot, which happens to have one of my chops (and a very hot chick) on the cover, here’s a sneak peek. The guys? will be giving away mags and selling shirts.

Speaking of magazines and builders and stuff, I might have said this before, but I’ll repeat it once more (after all I have to do 52 reports like this and there’s going to be some stuff I repeat, since I don’t have photographic memory) It amazes me every time someone sends me an e-mail or recognizes me in the street. I really don’t see myself as a famous (I rather say well known) person or bike builder. This all started because a friend was reading a book and he was surprised to see so many builders; amazingly there were 30 or so, which is a minimal amount of the real number of bike builders across the USA alone. I really don’t want to sound like I’m full of myself or tooting my own horn, but I feel very proud of being able to reach such a wide variety of people from all over.

Just here with this report, the number is totally astonishing. Sure we now have a select bunch of builders who are in the top echelons of the famous ladder, but if you really think about it, the number is not that big. Again, I really don’t know if it’s in the circles I frequent, but I bet some people will have some very well known local builders which are foreign to me. We can blame this phenomenon on TV, or magazines or whatever. The truth is, how do we measure “fame”? It’s a mind-boggling situation, sort of how do we know who’s a ” Master Builder”, and I’m talking within the closest circles of the industry, to the mere mortals. All they know is what they have seen on TV. I guess the Chopper world is like a tree, there’s a center and rings that spread further apart. The better known and respected by the circles close to the core, the better you are, while known by the way outer circles is good, just to sell shirts and be the talk at the water fountain. It might be arrogant of myself, but I already have a Discovery bike planned, why? I really don’t want to be taken off guard if the call comes. Hell, it might be a long shot, but it’s still a real possibility. One of those build off’s will automatically move you very close to that center core, but then again, even if it’s a smart business decision I really believe the fun part is being able to show the world what you are capable of doing, your surroundings, your lifestyle and your area.

Sure it’s fun to see the guys going to Sturgis, but how many times you have the chance to see the real Caribbean? I guess that’s why the Hawaii show will be a big hit; it’s totally different. Same as the magazines I mentioned above, it’s different from what we are all used to. The planet is big, really big. Daytona as circus like as it is, is a small example of what I’m talking about. It’s the event that people from all corners go, to see and be seen. Then all that information is processed and showed to the less fortunate that could not go. It’s a small bit of the motorcycle world all in one beach town. But let me not stray way too far from my line of thought. In this age of web sites, TV, and tons of magazines, how well known might a builder might be? In this case yours truly; if you add the hits here, in my web site and The Horse readers, it becomes a pretty considerable amount. I guess what I’m getting at is that while I’m not a Ness, or Billy Lane, or Indian Larry, there’s a huge amount of ways to reach people, other ways that did not exist a few years ago.

I humbly repeat that I don’t consider myself even close to those guys, but still I wonder what my position is in YOUR eyes (if you know what I mean) we all see things in different perspectives, while to many Jesse James is a TV personality and hero, I see him as a friend who is doing really good for himself. There’s an old saying in Spanish, ” todo depende del cristal con que se mira” or loosely translated into ” things vary according the glass that is seen through.Again this is an honest question totally lacking airs of superiority. I’m always humbled and happy with each achievement and always wondered how to portray these things without sounding cocky. I really hope that this writing is not taken as such. Once upon a time the sign for making it was a bike in Easy Riders, now it’s a Discovery show, things chance, parameters change, and hopefully, we as human beings and humble hard working people will stay the same.

I’ll see you guys next week and once again thank you for taking the time to read my delusions week after week.

If in Daytona don’t forget to show up and say hi…….

Jose Caribbean Bikernet report.

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