BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–HAPPY NEW YEAR GODDAMNIT!

Continued From Page 2

INDIAN LIQUIDATED– The sale or liquidation of a motorcycle company that was once a rival of Harley-Davidson could come by mid-January, according to a letter mailed this week to Indian Motorcycle Co. dealerships.

If a “bulk sale” of Indian is not settled soon, the company will be sold “piecemeal” in a Jan. 21 auction, according to the letter from a firm hired to find a buyer for Indian.

In September, Indian closed the Gilroy, Calif., factory where it made Chief, Scout and Spirit motorcycles. It hired CMA Business Credit Services, of San Leandro, Calif., to find a buyer for the company.

Selling Indian has been “more difficult and time-consuming than we had anticipated,” CMA said in a Dec. 23 letter to motorcycle dealers.

CMA said it continues “to work with several interested parties” for an acquisition.

Should the efforts fail, a Jan. 21 auction has been scheduled in Gilroy to sell Indian’s assets in pieces.

Indian dealers in Wisconsin are hopeful that a buyer will be announced before an auction deadline. They say there’s too much at stake to allow the company to be liquidated.

“The unknown is what’s affecting us now,” he added. “The quicker that we hear some news, the better off we will be.”

–from Rogue

BAD COP INVESTIGATION–North Carolina – The 2002 Chadbourn Police Officer of the Year is behind bars and facing charges of child rape.

Columbus County sheriff’s deputies arrested Christopher Olson on Friday. They charged him with raping a seven-year-old girl.Olson went before a judge Monday to face formal charges. If convicted of raping the child, he could face life in prison without parole.

The Chadbourn police chief said the child’s family registered a complaint on Friday. Authorities arrested and fired Olson the same day after a brief investigation uncovered a CD, which held incriminating evidence.

Olson is being held on a $500,000 bond. He is being transported to Central Prison in Raleigh for safety reasons. Authorities want to keep him away from Columbus County inmates whom he is arrested.

BLONDE FOR 2004–Returning home from work, a blonde was shocked to find her house ransacked and burglarized. She telephoned the police at once and reported the crime. The police dispatcher broadcast the call on the radio, and a K-9 unit, patrolling nearby was the first to respond.

As the K-9 officer approached the house with his dog on a leash. The blonde ran out on the porch, shuddered at the sight of the cop and his dog, then sat down on the steps. Putting her face in her hands, she moaned, “I come home to find all my possessions stolen. I call the police for help, and what do they do? They send me a BLIND policeman.”

–from Bob T.

BAD COP INVESTIGATION CONTINUES– Feds find some drug money stolen by cops New York – Federal and local authorities investigating a veteran detective and his retired partner charged with taking $169,000 from a drug money courier have recovered some of the cash, as well as money from other crimes the men committed, according to several law enforcement officials.

The veteran detective, Julio C. Vasquez, and a third man, a retired lieutenant who has also been implicated, have been talking to Brooklyn federal prosecutors and Internal Affairs investigators, although neither man has signed a formal cooperation agreement, a person familiar with the conversations said.

The retired detective, Thomas Rachko, who was arrested after the theft on Nov. 26 along with Detective Vasquez, began cooperating with prosecutors and Internal Affairs investigators within days, officials have said. Mr. Vasquez resigned from the force soon after his arrest.

Mr. Rachko implicated the retired lieutenant, John Maguire, a Columbia University graduate and former high school teacher, and two other active-duty detectives, the officials have said. One official said of Mr. Maguire: “He’s been talking. He’s admitted to engaging in a number of thefts and attempted thefts with Rachko and Vasquez.”

Mr. Rachko also told investigators that he and Mr. Vasquez stole narcotics from drug dealers and sold them through an associate, officials said.A lawyer for Mr. Vasquez declined to comment yesterday, and Mr. Rachko’s lawyer could not be reached by phone. A telephone message left at Mr. Maguire’s home was not answered.

A portion of the $169,000 was recovered at a garbage dump in the Bronx after Mr. Rachko told investigators he threw the cash in a Dumpster, and they traced its contents there, one official said. It could not be learned yesterday how much of the money was recovered or how much additional money was found.

Bad Cop… No Doughnut!

–from Rogue

MORE BAD COPS– Cop who sold seized property and stashed money charged Florida – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is stumped about why a detective allegedly stuffed nearly $560,000 in two Sheriff’s office file cabinets since 1998.

Detective Brian Murphy, who is a 23-year police veteran who sold property seized in crimes, reportedly stashed the money seized instead of depositing it with the tax collector.But investigators don’t know why.

Murphy’s scheduled to challenge charges against him at a disciplinary hearing Monday.

They discovered plastic bags filled with about $530,000 in cash and $30,000 in checks and money orders earlier this month, while reorganizing the office.

Authorities suspect it’s going to take an expensive, months-long investigation to account for the money and determine whether laws were broken.

The money was turned over to the tax collector.

–from Bikernet lead investigator, Rogue

QUOTE OF THE DAY– The government is merely a servant — merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn’t. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them. ? Mark Twain

CARIBBEAN 2004 ANNOUNCEMENT–PUERTO RICO BIKE WEEK COMING–Wishing everyone the best New Year ever !May 2004 bring you health, good fortune and peace.2003 was a great year for many of us, 2004 shall be even better.On the same line the PR Bike week end web site is partially working, here’s the link.http://www.prbikeweekend.com

Hope to see you all soon

–Jose

WRITING TECH TIP–I’ve got a few dozen writing books. The Writer’s Digest series is quick andalmost-if-not-quite painless; “Writing Down the Bones” is a good one, and”If You Can Talk, You Can Write” has its inspirational value.

A main reason for learning rules is to learn how and when to break them: forinstance, sometimes a writer actually wants to slow the action down, as in aportrait-type scene, where he wants the reader to observe somethingstatic–therefore passive voice is called for. I have a couple of reallygreat screenplay books, but, like you, when it comes to fiction, the how-tobooks are hard to apply.

In my previous career on occasion I was called upon to write taped phoneconversations, verbatim, with all the uh’s and interruptions of assumedpre-understanding; that, in itself, was a writing lesson, for I learned thatdialogue, while needing to seem realistic, cannot be presented like actualyhuman dialogue.

–Odhinn

Odhinn wrote a recent piece of Bikernet Fiction. I told him I picked up the Steven King book on writing. It contains his history and his rules on writing.–Bandit

Great Site…….21 days to Bagdad……….Great Photos– http://www.time.com/time/2003/21days/

–from Bbblehead

NOT AGAIN–ANOTHER BAD COP– Officer arrested after threatening to kill wife, Arkansas – A Rogers police officer faces charges after his wife says he threatened to kill her.

Cory Burke, age 23, turned himself in to Bentonville police Friday on terroristic threatening charges.

Burke allegedly threatened to kill his wife on Christmas Eve.

Burke’s wife claims he’s been both physically and verbally abusive in the past.Burke is on suspension with pay until an internal investigation into the matter has been wrapped up.

–from Rogue

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE BIKERNET CREW–It’s been a blast working with all the Bikernet readers to created this site through 2003. We’ve enjoyed the techs, building bikes, chasing women and relaxing with some Whiskey in the evening. It was a blast to fly to Hawaii for the first Choppers Only Show. We may be flying back for the first Discovery build-off conclusion, between Arlen and Cory Ness, on Oahu.

We enjoyed promoting the LA Calendar show in Long Beach, The Beach Ride, Jose’s first PR Bike Week in the Caribbean, The Run For Breath and Edge’s Smoke Out in North Carolina. It was a helluva year and we look forward to next year and riding to Sturgis. I’ve missed two years, that’s enough.

Let’s support Motorcycle-Right-Of-Way legistion. We’ll bring you additional reports on the efforts. Legalize prostitution and have a blast. May the God of Chrome be at your side throughout 2004.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–WE MADE IT TO 2004

It’s New Years Day 2004 and I’m glad. I’m looking forward to this year more-so than many. It’s a new/harsher era. Yet we’ve notched up our plight in many respects. I’m rambling, but this will certainly be a year that people respect more thoroughly. It’s that way when you witness people being bombed all over the world and threats to your own homeland. Suddenly, if you’re fortunate enough not to see major violence on the streets of your hometown, you give thanks, take better care of the people around you and your possessions. Maybe we’ll work harder, with more integrity and add constant vigilance to our lives.

I live on the edge of a major harbor, a terrorist target. I now watch out for cats I don’t believe should mill around our harbor. I’m actually looking for the appropriate number to call if I run across suspicious behavior. I don’t think 911 is the answer.

Anyway, in my positive vibe gut, I believe that this year will see terrorism throughout the world squashed and significantly more peace will abound. We’ll see corporate America straighten up its act. Finally we’ll see a new outlook on life, less overtly confident, more caring and knowing, that if we don’t watch out, anything can happen. Let’s hit the news:

LUCKY DEVIL UPDATE–Another one down. We just got done cleaning up this one and a dozen small jobs. Now it’s hard after Rick’s Trump chopper. Hope all is well and try not to have too much fun tonight.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ~!!!
–Lucky & the Devil

Click to see more from Lucky Devil

SENTENCING OPTIONS–Giving up a seat in Congress is just one of many changes that could await Bill Janklow after his sentencing next month on a second-degree manslaughter conviction.

The sentence handed down by Judge Rodney Steele could include prison time, and according to state law, that incarceration would trigger other penalties.

Under South Dakota law, a state penitentiary sentence of any duration suspends a prisoner’s right to vote, to run for or hold public office, and to serve on a jury.

Once released from prison, however, the person is able to vote again, said attorney general spokeswoman Sara Raybern.

Janklow also would be prohibited from owning a gun for at least 15 years after his release from prison or from probation, according to Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Dave Nelson.

His felony conviction means he also could lose his law license.

Before Steele hands down a sentence on Jan. 20, a court services officer will complete a presentence investigation. Such reports usually take a month to six weeks.

“The general purpose of the presentence investigation is to gather all the information that is pertinent to the judge’s decision,” Nelson said.

According to state law, the presentence report contains any prior criminal record of the defendant and information about him that may be helpful to the judge, such as his financial condition and circumstances affecting his behavior.

Judges look at a variety of factors in deciding a sentence, University of South Dakota law professor Chris Hutton said.

“The judge seeks a complete picture of the person which includes both favorable and unfavorable information,” Hutton said. “Since it (the statute) mentions prior criminal history, I’m sure his (Janklow’s) driving record will be part of it.”

A good presentence report also will include statements from the victim’s family about the effects of the crime personally, emotionally and financially, Nelson said.

Letters written on behalf of the defendant also can be used, he said.

Janklow faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison for second degree manslaughter and reckless driving convictions.

But the former governor might not spend any time in jail. If he receives a suspended imposition of sentence – an option available only for a first felony conviction – and abides by the judge’s stipulations for a two-year period, his record could be wiped clean.

Steele also could impose a prison term and then suspend all or part.

The difference between a suspended imposition of sentence and a suspended sentence is the effect on a defendant’s record. A suspended sentence does not remove the felony conviction from the person’s record, Hutton said.

Punishment also may include restitution and a fine. Janklow’s manslaughter conviction carries a maximum $10,000 fine; reckless driving, a maximum $1,000 fine; and speeding and failure to stop, a $200 maximum fine each.

Frequently, a presentence investigation will include a recommendation from the court services officer on possible sentences.

But the final decision on a sentence is the judge’s, Nelson said. There is no typical sentence for second-degree manslaughter in South Dakota, he said.

“There is no mandatory minimum sentence,” Nelson said.

Nelson said he did not know whether Janklow would serve any time in jail or prison.

“I can tell you that I have not been involved in or been aware of a manslaughter case in our county where either jail time or penitentiary time has not been part of the sentence,” he said.

–by John-John Williams IV

–from Rogue

MAKE VOICES HEARD ABOUT JANKLOW– Contact Governor Mike Rounds and Attorney General Larry Long and let them know how you feel about Janklow being convicted of Killing Randy Scott.

Please ask them to intercede to see that Janklow gets the Maximum Penalty prescribed by law and that he also not be sent to some Country Club Prison.

The Eyes of The World are now on South Dakota and watching to see what kind of message they are going to send. This message will Not Be In Words but In ACTION of how Janklow Is Sentenced.

You can contact them at the address below.Please forward to your contacts and ask them to write also.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

–ROGUE

Gov. Mike Rounds
State CapitolPierre, SD 57501
605-773-3212
mailto:Governor@state.sd.us

Attorney General Larry Long
Web Site: http://capwiz.com/amacycle/webreturn/?url=http://www.state.sd.us/attorney/index.htm
E-mail: http://capwiz.com/amacycle/mail/?id=131692&type=GV&state=SD>atghelp@state.sd.us

500 East Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Phone: (605) 773-3215
Fax: (605) 773-4106

CHURCH GIVES AWAY A CAR AND MOTORCYCLE ENCOURAGING ATTENDANCE–GALVESTON — A Galveston County church is dangling a couple of motorized carrots to increase its congregation.Abundant Life Christian Center in La Marque will give away a new Chrysler PT Cruiser to a woman and a Harley Davidson Sportster to a man at its New Year’s Eve service.

Parishioners and visitors have been eligible to enter for the free drawings each time they attended a service in recent weeks, and members who brought visitors could enter twice.

The church purchased the vehicles. The winners must be at Wednesday’s service to drive them away.

“This is an opportunity to give something to someone that will encourage people to come to the house of the Lord,” Pastor Walter Hallam told the Galveston County Daily News in Sunday’s editions. “We want to do something to have a positive effect on people’s lives.”

–from Rev CarlR

THE KEYS TO STORING MOTORCYCLES–Living up here in Northern California we have VERY wet, cold winters. These winters are probably worse than snowy, frozen ones, when it comes to machinery, because they hover at temps and humidities that love to eat metal. A few winterizing suggestions are:

In addition to Stabil (then fill the tank as full as possible to prevent condensation) is to wash your bike thoroughly with S100 to get all the dirt off(road dirt has a lot of chemicals that will eat the hell out of your chrome and paint if you let it sit long enough). Dry carefully. Spray the entire bike down with furniture polish, and wipe off the excess. Put the thing up on a block so the weight is off the wheels. Unless the bike is sitting outside. DO NOT put a waterproof cover on it…put a cover that has vents to allow the cover to breath…this will minimize condensation caused by temp changes in your storage area. Of course, disconnect the battery, remove it, and set it on a board or something…a battery sitting on a concrete floor will discharge very quickly…

When you get back, wash the bike thoroughly again with S100 to get the furniture polish off (it’ll turn your pipes a nice shade of brown when they heat up if you don’t). Change the oil (don’t forget fork oil and brake fluid), and if possible, change the gasoline, too. Gas and oil DO have shelf-lifes, and will break down just sitting in your bike. Stabil will slow, but not stop the breakdown process. Don’t forget to lube your cables and lever pivots.

On second thought, have you asked your local H-D dealer if they’d store the bike for you, for free, since you’re doing your duty to your country? I’m betting they just might do that, AND give you a discount on a tuneup when you get your porky butt back stateside…

Be Safe!

–Highwayman

Continued On Page 2

BIKERNET CHRISTMAS NEWS FLASH–WE’RE EVEN DISHIN’ OUT PRESENTS FOR READERS

Continued From Page 1

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN XMAS WISH–
Just a short note wishing everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays !

As always, hoping that all is well.

Best Regards to all

Jose

BIKERNET CHRISTMAS CONTEST WINNERS–
SEAN SAUDERSPARTA FROM NEW JERSEY

Suggestion: I’D LIKE TO SEE A TECH ARTICLE ON PROPER WINTERIZATION OF YOUR SCOOTER FOR SOME OF US WHO LIVE IN THE NORTHEAST AND HAVE TO PUT OUR BIKES DOWN FOR THE WINTER.YA KNOW A BASIC ARTICLE ABOUT CHANGIN ALL THE FLUIDS, PLUGS, ETC AND THE PROPER WAY TO DO IT.

Wanted: HOW ABOUT A SUBSCRIPTION TO THE HORSE OR A BIKERNET TSHIRT.(LARGE)

Here’s another present from Bikernet Santa:

Rodney (BIG HOSS) Drum from Maiden, NC

>Wanted: books, t shirts (4x at least)anything i can hang on the wall or collect dusy on the book shelf.

Ride safe BIG HOSS

Presents are on their way. Don’t forget ot enter the free contests on Bikernet.–Santa.

DAVE ZIEN FEATURED IN AMERICAN RIDER–Next issue I’ll cover Senator Dave Zien efforts as a Senator in the state of Wisconsin. He’s ridden over 1.7 million miles on a motorcycle, usually flying a 3 by 4-foot American flag.

He’s an incredible politician, motorcycle rights supporter, gun owner and veteran. Don’t miss his story.

HARLEY RIDERS SWAP MEET AND CHOPPER SHOW–JANUARY 4TH–Ho Ho Ho – Happy Holidays Harley Riders – – – BUT DON’T FORGET – SUNDAY NEW YEAR’S WEEKEND – JANUARY 4th

It’s Texas Scooter Times SWAP MEET DALLAS & CHOPPER SHOW !!

At The Gigantic Historic Longhorn Ballroom – Near Downtown Dallas

Nothin’ But LONG FRONT END CHOPPERS in This Show!!! Factory Built Choppers, Shop Built Choppers & Owner Built Choppers classes

And WALL TO WALL – SWAP MEET VENDORS – SELLIN’ BARGAINS onLeather Goods, Used Parts, Jewelry, T-Shirts, Manufacturers Overruns – New Parts – From Traveling Discounters, Patch Sewin? – Knife Sharpenin? – LIVE BAND – DOOR PRIZES

WIN PRIZES – ENTER THE “BARGAIN OF THE SWAP MEET” CONTEST!!

(See and Vote for the Current Contestants From The Last Swap Meet – On our Website !
Move In 7am-9am – SHOW HOURS 9am – 5pm Admission $8

FOR INFO: ABOUT WHAT VENDORS ARE COMING ! HOW TO ENTER THE CHOPPER SHOW ! & to Check Out the “Bargain Of the Swap Meet” Contest”

WWW.TEXASSCOOTER.COM – – – – – – Vendor Reservations & Anything Else 254-687-9066

DOWNTOWN HARLEY-DAVIDSON BUILDS CHOPPED BLAST–It’s slow here at Downtown Harley-Davidson before Christmas and I thought you might use a chuckle. My fellow technician Jeff Hart and I (pictured) threw this lil’ bar Blast-er together for the heck of it.

It’s really fun to zip around on and make everyone laugh, but the one thing neither of us counted on is that the motorclothes girls would want rides on it! Also there might be a buyer interested in it now… Hell, ya never know.

–DJA

KNIFE HANDLE KICKER TECH RESPONSE–AWESOME! Very cool, both pages! I can’t believe you destroyed a real MK1 and a Stone knuckle!! Your a wild man.

Merry Christmas to you and family!!

All the best,
Frank

Outstanding Bob!!! BUT…..”has a goddamn box full of of them.”!!! I know you know they make these repros for about $15. Wouldn’t a handle from one of those be better that junking an old collectable blade or wouldn’t that work, for some reason (cheap brass)? Or is it just the idea of havin’ a piece of history on the bike?

I still haven’t gotten around to collecting one of these blades and you’re junking em’.

A Reader

Merry Christmas From The Big Bear Crew–from Bob T.

BLONDE IN A BLIZZARD– It was snowing heavily and blowing to the point thatvisibility was almost zero when the little blonde got off work. Shemade her way to her car and wondered how she was going to makeit home.

She sat in her car while it warmed up and thought about hersituation.

She finally remembered her dad’s advice that if she got caught in a blizzard, she would wait for a snow plow to come by and follow it. That way she would not get stuck in a snow drift. This made herfeel much better and sure enough in a little while, a snow plow went by, and she started to follow it.

As she followed the snow plow, she was feeling very smug as they continued, and she was not having any problem with the blizzard conditions.

After quite sometime had passed, she was somewhat surprisedwhen the snow plow stopped and the driver got out and came back toher car and signaled her to roll down her window.

The snow plow driver wanted to know if she was all right, as she had been following him for a long time. She said that she wasfine and told him of her dad’s advice to follow a snow plow when caughtin a blizzard.

The driver replied that it was OK with him, and she could continue ifshe wanted…but he was done with the Walmart parking lot and wasgoing over to Kmart next.

–Rev CarlR

DON’T MISS IRISH RICH–We recently launched an article on VL Frame mods by Irish Rich of Shamrock Fabrication. If you need work on a classic Harley Frame, he could be your man.

Shot from Chris T.

FELIZ NAVIDAD, GODDAMNIT–Hope you received your dream gifts (I did) and next year will be the best damn year of your life. Let’s us know if we can make your year any better.

Ride Forever,Bandit

MERRY CHRISTMAS NEWS–SANTA ARRIVED ON TIME

Christmas card from Jon Towle.

It’s a miracle of Christmas. The news is out. Say hallelujah, praise the Lord and pass the presents. This has been a tough year in some respects, yet as a country we’ve stood tall and faced terrorists, war in Iraq, illegal cooperate manuevers and a stock downturn.

Bikernet stood tall through the internet slump and we’re still growing and fighting the print media for recognition. As the year closed we stumbled into more and more manufacturers, including Victory who are now using the internet to share their products and services to the world successfully. Other companies are trashing their print catalogs for flexible and timely internet product listings.

Victory studied the market and discovered that less than one percent of the population are cruising rider customers. Digging deeper they discovered that 50 percent of their prospective buyers enjoy highspeed internet capabilities. Now get this, according to FOX news, 63 percent, or 126 million Americans are now on line. What a country, what a sport. And we thank all our dedicated contributors and sponsors for every joke, tech, bike feature and babe that makes this site complete. Thanks, and Merry Christmas.

I better get to the news, before I get all choked up:

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**

Merry Christmas from Bob T.

NUMB NUTS OF THE YEAR AWARD–Whacked Mexican decides to give kids a treat by being a “human pinata” for them to hit with a stick while he hangs from a beam on the ceiling with a rope tied around his neck:

MEXICO CITY – A 24-year-old man died in southern Yucatan state after reportedly allowing himself to be used as a human pinata, the decorated clay jar that children in Mexico traditionally break open with sticks to get the sweets hidden inside.

To indulge his two younger siblings, Sebastian Cahum Pech allowed them to tie his hands and feet, balance him on a beam and swing at him with sticks, the newspaper Reforma reported.

Cahum Pech, who was tied loosely to the beam by the neck, jumped to avoid the blows, which were delivered by his sister, 13, and brother, 8, with the traditional pinata sing-song rhyme, “Hit it, Hit it, Really Hard.”

While he twisted to avoid one blow, Cahum pech fell from the beam, tightening the rope round his neck and leading him to die of asphyxiation. The accident occurred Tuesday and was reported by state police Wednesday in the rural township of Chemax, about 80 miles (130 kms) inland from the Caribbean resort of Cancun.

–from Dan the Knife

BAD COP SHOOTS MAN IN PARK–A police captain who issued a roll-call memorandum about the transfer of an officer who shot and paralyzed a man in the Metcalfe Park area has been relieved of his command, Police Chief Nan Hegerty announced Saturday.Milwaukee

Reacting quickly to the first controversy during her administration, Hegerty said that Capt. Glenn Frankovis hurt efforts to strengthen police-community relations when he urged officers under him to turn up the heat on “thugs” who had threatened the officer, prompting his transfer.

“The tone of Captain Frankovis’ memorandum has undermined our efforts to improve police-community relations and to treat all citizens with dignity, courtesy and respect,” Hegerty told reporters at a Saturday press conference. “The captain’s comments were inappropriate and intolerable.”

Hegerty said Frankovis, a 28-year veteran, has been assigned to administrative duties because she had “lost confidence in his ability to command.”

“We are a professional police department, and we all have to behave in a professional manner,” Hegerty said.

Hegerty’s announcement came one day after some aldermen criticized the memorandum and five days after Frankovis issued it.

“She is the chief, and I respect her decision,” Ald. Willie L. Hines said after learning of Hegerty’s reassignment of Frankovis. “I believe her actions will go a long way in mending relations with the Metcalfe Park community.

Frankovis’ memorandum Monday was a response to the transfer of Officer Michael Lutz from the 3rd District patrol area where he shot and paralyzed Timothy Nabors in August.

Several people who said they witnessed the shooting initially reported that Nabors, 26, was unarmed when Lutz shot him in the 2500 block of N. 27th St. Nabors later admitted that he was picking up a gun tossed to his feet when Lutz started firing.

Nabors eventually pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct and was sentenced to one year of probation, a six-month stayed jail term and 25 hours of community service.

–By DAVID DOEGE
journalsentinel.com

AVON ROCKS WITH THE FIRST 300 TIRE–Watch as John Covington shows us the hot point of the news Avon 300 and his new Muscle Bike frame to suit the rubber. It’s comin’ shortly.

MIKE HUPY REPRESENTS OUTLAWS MC– Mike Hupy is representing some Outlaws on a First Amendment suit dealing with them getting kicked out of Summerfest this past summer. This kind of thing is going on all over, with Hells Angels dealing with the same shit in California and elsewhere. In fact, George Christi talked to Mike last week on the phone about his case out there.

Mike is also trying to retrieve a member’s job, after being fired because the Milwaukee police demanded it, and even went so far as to threaten to harass the bar and patrons if they even let the guy frequent the place.

He wrote a letter to the Mayor and police chief, but before they could deny the allegations, a memo came out which dealt with another case, but which clearly indicated the pattern and policy of the Milwaukee cops.

We believe, and I think you’ll agree, that the event promoters aren’t behind keeping the club members out, since they never caused problems before. It’s a concentrated effort by law enforcement, around the country, to pressure venues into succumbing to their will. More needs to be done to bring this treatment of bikers to the public’s attention.

I would like to see the biker’s rights organizations come to bat for the club members also. There has been a deafening silence from these groups when it comes to fighting for club members. Like them or not, club members are bikers, and if you claim to fight for biker’s rights, you can’t exclude or ignore those you don’t associate with.

Pisses me off. Following is the letter Mike wrote to the Chief of Police.

–Tony Sanfelipo

December 15, 2003

The Honorable John O. Norquist
The Mayor of Milwaukee
200 East Wells Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Re:Illegal Activities on the Part of Members of The Milwaukee Police Department

Dear Mayor Norquist:

The purpose of this letter is to bring to your attention some of the illegal activities on the part of the Milwaukee Police Department of which I have recently been made aware.

I have heard from several sources that members of the Police Department, including Troy Jankowski and Chris Mason, have engaged in systematically harassing and violating the rights of customers at taverns on Water Street including McGillycuddy?s, The Lodge and Mel?s. The customers being harassed are members of The Outlaws Milwaukee Motorcycle Club, and it appears that the harassment is part of a systematic effort by employees of the City of Milwaukee, acting within the scope of their employment, to illegally interfere with basic civil rights. I am also advised that police officers have followed people leaving the clubhouse and demanded that they be allowed to take pictures of them after stopping their cars for no legitimate purpose.

In one instance, an employee of the City of Milwaukee demanded that the owner of McGillycuddy?s tavern on Water Street fire an employee merely because he was associated with The Outlaws Milwaukee Motorcycle Club. That person is now unemployed because of actions on the part of the City of Milwaukee. I understand that, as recently as Friday, December 12, 2003, Mr. Mason went back to McGillycuddy?s and stated to employees that the person who had been fired should not be allowed on the premises.

It is well known in the City of Milwaukee that my law firm has filed a lawsuit against Summerfest for demanding that members of The Outlaws Milwaukee Motorcycle Club leave the Summerfest grounds for doing nothing other than wearing club insignias. It is also well known that the club assured me that there would not be any problems caused by club members wearing ?colors? during the Harley 100th Anniversary celebration. Based on these assurances, I advised the office of the Police Chief that I did not feel that there would be one incident involving The Outlaws Milwaukee Motorcycle Club during the Harley 100th Anniversary, and there was none.

You may be aware of the fact that three (3) murders were committed in Milwaukee during the weekend of the Harley 100th Anniversary, and none was committed by any of the 300,000 bikers in Milwaukee that weekend.

Perhaps the Police Department could spend more time preventing and solving murders than harassing innocent citizens who have done nothing.

We would ask your office to assure us that this type of conduct will cease and desist immediately.

Yours truly,
MICHAEL F. HUPY & ASSOCIATES, S.C.

Michael F. Hupy

Continued On Page 2

THE GUNNY INVESTIGATION–TRAINING AND TOUGHER LAWS

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.

From TheGUNNY’S SACK

2003 has seen several large and small successes and a few failures in the motorcycle world. The thing that worries me more than anything is our safety on the roadways.

We are the little guys out there with the light machines compared to the cages. We are the ones who suffer when some fool in a car runs over us, yet so many of us, and the safetycrats too, consistently refuse to admit that if we spend a little money for some training, it might make us better riders.

We spend thousands of dollars on our machines and thousands more for paint and chrome but refuse to insure those expenditures with formal rider training. Why? Are we really dumb, or is it the macho thing to do? I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people say things like “I’ve been ridin’ 20 years, and I don’t need no one to tell me how to ride.”

Nobody who has taken a rider ed course will say those words. I hear “Wow, have I been doin’ it all wrong!” Or, “I didn’t realize how much I really didn’t know!” Do yourself a favor and take a rider ed course this winter, if for no other reason, than to try to prove the Gunny wrong. You might be surprised, and it could save your life. It’s nice to know the best ways (legal ones), to avoid a cage. I’ll stop my preaching now. Learnin’ don’t make you a wuss.

Let’s start the new year trying to stay alive and not bury so many of our brothers and sisters in 2004.

Gunny. Let’s preach about Motorcycle Right-Of-Way efforts. We can learn and cagers can be told not to hit bikers.–Bandit

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NEWSBIT’S ‘N’ PIECES

PANAMA CITY, Fla: Timothy Pilgreen of Texarkana, Ark., was charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer he allegedly scuffled with as he tried to flee, on top of the two counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder for driving the stolen pick-up into a group of “outlaw bikers” from Bay City Michigan. He killed two after having argued with them earlier. It looks like he will at least get a life sentence out of it. He may really get some “justice” after he is found out behind bars. I don’t need to elaborate on that.

Pilgreen apologized, and said he would ask for the death penalty because of that: He said he didn’t want to face retribution in prison, when interviewed by The News Herald of Panama City.

FLANDREAU, S.D.: I gotta tell ya this guy Rep. Bill Janklow needs to feel the teeth of the law, which as you probably now know, he will. Janklow was convicted of Manslaughter for killing a biker while speeding. He tried to claim he was passing just to avoid a speeding ticket, and speeding is part of the case against him. Wow! It came out that Janklow told investigators he was accelerating to pass another vehicle at an intersection before that deadly collision with the biker.

I can’t say I’m sorry he was convicted. The trauma to his family must be unreal, to know that one of their own is on his way to prison for being selfish and a liar. Justice is done folks. I would bet he’d slide because of who he was and his money. A terrible waste. Some of this information comes to us from The Sons of Liberty Riders. Thanx, guys!

MYRTLE BEACH, Fla: Jay Jarman of Bikers Blvd. in Raleigh, NC was killed by a hit and run driver during the May Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2003. The driver fled the scene and later turned himself in. He has not been prosecuted yet.

Take a look at Jay Jarman’s memorial website, at www.justiceforjay.com and sign his guest book. I have heard that it gives his family some comfort. Along with raising awareness of this situation. This is one way fellow bikers can support a fallen brother. Here again is senseless loss of life. We need stronger laws on the books for this sort of thing. The people need to face serious consequences and pay for negligent homicide. Make no mistake, this is MURDER on our roadways. It’s time we put a stop to it with severe penalties.

SAFETY ALERT! I mentioned this last month. METZELER HAS RECALLED MOTORCYCLE TIRES. The tire is: METZELER Model : SPORTEC M-1 P Build Dates : JAN 26, 2003 – FEB 08, 2003. If you wear Metzler tires on your scoot and have any doubt about this get to your tire dealer NOW.

DON’T ride on dangerous rubber. Metzeler will replace their tires with no charge to you.

This is the first time NHTSA has done anything worthwhile, in my mind, about motorcycle safety.

RUSSIA: NO YA’ CAN’T KISS YUR SWEETIE IN PUBLIC. It’s a proposed new Moscow ordinance. Now I can understand passing a law against whizzing in the street but outlaw a liplock on yer squeeze? Come on.

HANOI, VIET NAM: From the Jakarta (Indonesia) Post comes this tidbit. Like a lot of places in the Far east the Motorcycle Taxi is a very popular beast, as well as inexpensive. Besides, they scoot through traffic with aplomb. In Indonesia they call them “Ojek.” Hanoi residents call them “Semoy.” No matter what the name they are a valuable way to get around town. Time to recognize what the rest of the world already knows: Motorcycles, and their “Semoy” stepchildren are the cheapest, quickest ways through the big cities.

MEXICO: So Fernando pulled to the side of the road, while on his way from the US to Mexico City, because he smelled something burning. He discovered his Camaro was on fire, so he promptly disconnected the trailer he was pulling that contained his motorcycle. Isn’t that typical of us all? The guy saves his scoot and lets a rig burn that probably cost more than the scooter. Hell I’da done the same thing.

GUNNY AGAIN: If you’re a new SACK reader, you oughta know that the Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) attorneys all across the country ride and take very good care of us in the scooter community. God forbid you get in an accident, but if you do, or have other legal needs, call your nearest AIM attorney at 1-800-ON-A-BIKE, or look him up at www.ON-A-BIKE.com, and he will advise you of the best course to take.

We have AIM criminal attorneys now too, if you need it. Oh, and on that website you can look up all my old Gunny’s Sack columns, going back a few years, too! Lots of other info, too, for you web-heads.

Happy holidays and we’ll see ya on the road somewhere next year.

REGIONAL CONVENTION: One small reminder, especially for you e-mailers who will get this SACK in time: Don’t forget the West Coast Regional NCOM convention, to be held January 10th-12th at the Holiday Inn in Sacramento, CA. Call the AIM office at: 1-800-531-2424 for the best information. Rooms are real cheap at $79.00 per night double or single. Call for reservations and ask for the NCOM rate. There will be seminars on the Patriot Act and many other timely subjects that affect us all. E-mail me if you wanna catch up with the Gunny there. I’m always at AIMGunny@aol.com.

Keep the round side on the bottom
–Gunny, Oregon AIM Chief of Staff

BIKERNET HOLIDAY NEWS–PRESENTS, HISTORY, BROTHERS GET PAID AND WIDE TIRE KITS

Continued From Page 3

ANOTHER BANDIT SIGHTING–Sin, My sources have found Bandit again, passed out at Bikernet Headquaters West.

Damn the Tullamore! Leaves all the work for you to do..

XX OO Scoot

SPEED FREAKS WILL CONTINUE TO RULE THE MOTORSPORTS EMPIRE–Saturday And Sunday With Sirius Satellite Radio Through 2004.

Hollywood, California (December 15, 2003) – With over 80 affiliates in their radio stable for their award winning Sunday night show, SpeedFreaks have cleared the way to bring their top shelf ‘tude to Sirius Satellites’ Sirius Sports Action Stream 123 through 2004. The relationship began earlier this year in July as SpeedFreaks’ Kenny Sargent and Statt Mann Caruthers ponied-up to host Sirius’ NASCAR Pre-Race show, Oval Track. Through much success, they were then invited to be the initial headliners for the daily show, Victory Lane.

THE BIKERNET TRAVEL CHANNEL–A Hawaiian woodpecker and a California woodpecker were arguing about which place had the toughest trees. The Hawaiian woodpecker said that they had a tree that no woodpecker could peck.

The California woodpecker challenged him and promptly pecked a hole in the tree with no problem. The Hawaii woodpecker was in awe.

The California woodpecker then challenged the Hawaiian woodpecker to peck a tree in California that was absolutely un-peckable. The Hawaiian woodpeckerexpressed confidence that he could do it and accepted the challenge.

After flying to California, the Hawaiian woodpecker successfully pecked the tree with no problem.

The two woodpeckers were now confused. How is it that the California woodpecker was able to peck the Hawaiian tree and the Hawaiian woodpecker was able to peck the California tree when neither one was able to peck the tree in their own state?

After much woodpecker-pondering, they both came to the same conclusion:

Your pecker is always harder when you’re away from home

–from Chris T.

Redneck shot from Rogue.

ROGUE ROAD RAGE ITEM–Bad Cop: Road Rage Cop charged Illinois – A commander with the New Lenox Police Department was charged with aggravated assault after allegedly pointing his gun at a female motorist and her husband during a road rage incident on the Dan Ryan Expressway Sunday.

State police spokesman Lincoln Hamton said Cmdr. Thomas Klier, 44, was driving a 1999 Ford Explorer south on the Dan Ryan, near 75h Street, when he and the other driver almost collided while trying to merge into the same lane. The two had “an exchange of words” and pulled onto the shoulder of the expressway, where they continued arguing.

During the argument, Klier allegedly pulled out a gun and threatened the female driver, who was in a Ford Expedition with her husband.

Klier was arrested later that day, after state police got a phone call about the alleged incident.

Klier was released on bond after being charged with aggravated assault. Police said he was off duty at the time of the incident, and no alcohol was believed to be involved.

Bad Cop… No Doughnut!

–Rogue

BIG BOAR PRODUCT MAKES WIDE TIRE KITS–Hey there’s a company that makes wide tire kits for Touring Models, FXRs and Dynas. Hell, if you can ship your bike out they’ll install it. Check their site.

CANADIAN STREET GANG VIOLENCE INCREASE–Police organizations are scrambling in Montreal to get control of the increasing street crime.

Five police organizations in Montreal have created a squadron dedicated to fighting street gangs. About thirty investigators will be assigned to the sqaudron, named Sans Frontires (Without Borders).

The five organizations involved are the Montreal, Laval and Longueuil police forces, the provincial police and the RCMP. Quebec municipal police may also join the squadron to deal with that city’s street gang activity.

Street gang activity has increased recently after large numbers of outlaw motorcycle club members were imprisoned. The number of gang-related murders has increased along with other street gang related crime.

Normaly, criminal activity is lowest in the area of a motorcycle clubs headquarters as the clubs normaly police the streets themselves.

It is unclear when Sans Frontires will begin operations. The Minister for public Safety, Jacques Chagnon, has yet to announce an official date.

–from Rogue

COPS CLASH WITH BIKERS–The bikers who met for drinks in Prince George’s Generator bar during the annual motorcycle drag races last summer were markedly well-behaved.The actions of police were another matter.

In a decision last week, Judge Randy Walker harshly criticized the “unnecessary, excessive, gratuitous and unprofessional” behaviour of RCMP officers who arrested two visiting Hells Angels prospects June 20.

“In my view, this constitutes a kind of wild-west mentality that this community does not need,” said Walker, tossing out the charges against Mission-area bikers Lee Wiscombe and Jon Charles Tenenbein.

Wiscombe was pepper-sprayed at point-blank range while lying face down in handcuffs with an officer’s boot on his head.

Tenenbein, whom the judge ruled was wrongfully arrested for pestering police, was slammed into a wall and pepper-sprayed.

The court decision describes the tension in the packed bar shortly before the altercation between the bikers and three inexperienced, burly police officers.

–from Rogue

NEW PRODUCT FROM JOKER–Introducing another unique lighting idea from Joker Machine – an easy approach for a side mounted license assembly which uses your existing rear footpeg mounts for attachment!

All Billet construction like our other assemblies!Features super bright white L.E.D.’s in a compact light housing.

Entire unit pivots up or down which gives you the choice of running a Horizontal or Vertical License look on your bike!

You may also rotate the unit to your desired angle by adjusting the foot peg mount on the bike’s frame.Package includes Left(on unit)and Right foot pegs.

Pegs are available in Ball Mill or Rubber Insert versions which match our forward controls.Must use in conjunction with a separate taillight located elsewhere.

JUDGE BRISKMAN GRANTS MOTION TO PAY AMERICAN QUANTUM CYCLE EMPLOYEES– On December 17, 2004 Rogue, Sal, Denny, Barbara, Melissa and Don were in Federal Bankruptcy Court in Orlando Florida to hear the motion to pay past American Quantum Cycle Employees money owed them when the company went bankrupt.

Judge Briskman approved the motion and ordered the monies paid. The trustee will now have some papers signed and will be sending out checks. By Federal Law they will pay money owed up to $4300.00.

They will take Taxes out of the amount owed and will send out an IRS 1040 form so that you can claim it on your taxes and possibly get a refund.

The trustee said they would try to get the checks out as soon as possible but did not know if that would be before Christmas or after but it would definitely be before the end of December.

It has been a long time coming but We Are Going To Get Our Money!

If You Have Moved Since Working At Quantum Make Sure The Court Has Your Correct Mailing Address. If your name was not on the list of those being paid I suggest you write a letter to Judge Briskman and request a Hearing or a report on why not.

In my opinion the Trustee should have sent ALL Past Employees the proper forms to fill out or even filed on behalf of All the Employees himself. It is unthinkable that those being owed money would not want it or be entitled to it.

–Rogue

BIKERNET HISTORY LESSON–In ancient Greece (469 – 399 BC), Socrates was well known for his wisdom.One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who said excitedly:

“Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?”

“Wait a moment,” Socrates replied. “Before telling me anything I’d like youto pass a little test. It’s called the Triple Filter Test.”

“Triple filter?”

“That’s right,” Socrates continued “Before you talk to me about my student,it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you’re going tosay. The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what youare about to tell me is true?”

“No,” the man said, “actually I just heard about it and ….”

“All right,” said Socrates. “So you don’t really know if it’s true or not.

Now let’s try the second filter, the filter of Goodness. Is what you areabout to tell me about my student something good?”

“No, on the contrary …”

“So,” Socrates continued, “you want to tell me something bad about him, butyou’re not certain it’strue. You may still pass the test though, because there’s one filter left:the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student goingto be useful to me?”

“No, not really.”

“Well,” concluded Socrates, “if what you want to tell me is neither true norgood nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?”

This is why Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.

It also explains why he never found out that Plato was banging his wife.

–from Joan C.

CHRISTMAS OFFERS FROM SEGAL FINE ART–Don’t miss the Special offers From Segal Fine Arts, representatives of finest Harley related art work on the planet–http://www.segalfineart.com/sfa-msp.html. If you don’t like their stuff try our gulch for Chris Kallas and Eric Herrmann master pieces.

IT’S A GODDAMN WRAP–I’ve got to wrap gifts, take the chrome in for the Shrunken FXR, ship out the Powder coating, finish deadlines or jump on the Road King and fly to Mexico.

I’ll find a whorehouse, little Mari Cruz and a fifth of tequila. You may not hear from me until after the first of the year.

Stay calm,
–Bandit

BIKERNET HOLIDAY NEWS–CRAZY COPS, HOLIDAY TRIBUTES AND CARIBBEAN WHINNING

Continued From Page 2

BIKERNET MILITARY DEPARTMENT– An officer in the U.S. Naval reserve was attending a conference that included admirals from both the U.S.Navy and the French Navy. At a cocktail reception, he found himself in a small group that included personnel from both navies. The French admiral started complaining that whereas Europeans learned many languages, Americans learned only English.

He then asked: “Why is it that we have to speak English in these Conferences rather than you speak French?”

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied: “Maybe it’s because we arranged it so you did not have to speak German.”

–from Jay Hodge

Bill Bish author and freedom fighter.

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS–

SENATOR CAMPBELL EXPRESSES CONCERNS TO NHTSA — U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, a longtime motorcyclist and champion of bikers’ rights, has sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration expressing concern over NHTSA’s recent actions in regards to motorcycling issues.

In particular, Campbell’s December 10 letter is critical of the federal agency’s attempt to promote helmet laws through the United Nations, and the rewarding of a contract to complete a study of “Characteristics of Motorcycle Operators” which was improperly awarded six months prior to a public comment period requesting input on the study.

Campbell is one of several lawmakers who serve on the National Coalition of Motorcyclists Legislative Task Force (NCOM-LTF), and he has always stepped up to bat on important issues affecting America’s motorcycle riders.

BIKERS CHALLENGE CANADA’S “ANTI-GANG” LAW– Lawyers representing two Hells Angels MC members charged with extortion want Canada’s new “anti-gang” legislation struck from the Criminal Code. The law violates the Charter of Rights because it is too vague, defense lawyer Paul Burnstein told the Toronto Sun on November 29. He said this is the first constitutional challenge of the 2002 legislation.

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

For the full Coast To Coast news stories check the Bikernet Rights Department.

THE FRANK KAISLER PAPERS–I was just cruising through the “Your Shot” letters and read the one about the 4-speed transmission blowing oil out of the rachet top.

You are correct about the vent screw on the right side of the top, the correct location for this vent screw is the screw hole closest to the dowel pin on the right side of the trans.

4-speeds are a little more sensitive to over-filling of oil, especially if the bike leans over farther on the kickstand than stock.

Oil level should be checked with the bike vertical.

–Frank Kaisler

THE GREAT DISCOVERY BIKER BUILD-OFF SHOW HAWAII —February 15th, 2004,Hardrock Cafe, Honolulu Hawaii.The bike build-off will challengeArlen Ness against his son and partner Cory Ness.There will also be a Bike show as well featuring localfavorites.

Any questions, please contactDeacon (808) 371-5170

For Travel arrangements, please contact:Joerline Tronolone,Carefree Tours & Travel
(808) 638-8550
(808) 330-2917 Cell
mailto:carefreetours@hawaii.rr.com

RHYMING MY RHYMES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What Do I Say?
Where Do I Start?
These Poetic Words
Are Special
They Come Straight
From This Biker’s Heart

I’ve Been Hurt
Way Too Much
In These Decades
Collective
Almost Thirty Years

I Have Nightmares
Of The Things
These Ancient Eyes
Have Seen
I Wouldn’t Wish
These Visions
On My Worst Enemy

Old Beyond My Years
I’ve Lived My Life
By A Forgotten Code
Diamonds Surround Me
I Can Pick And Choose

I’ll Stay Independent
I’ve Payed My Dues
This Biker Can
Not Be Bought Or Sold
This Biker You
Will Not Own

Love & Respect
Is Something You Earn
If You Give It
It’ll Be Returned

Talk Is Cheap
Actions Speak
Louder Then
Any And All Words

Some Say
I’m A Living Legend
Doing My Own Thing
In My Own TimeThat Don’t Concern Me
I’m Just Liven My Life
Rhyming My Rhymes

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Written By Panhead Josh Of Outlaws World

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT- ALMOST–
Sorry no news, no report
Stop. Way too busy with the new place
Stop. Promise to make it up for next week
Stop. Is it fucking Christmas yet ?
Stop. I really don’t even know what day it is
Stop. Just in case happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all our readers and friends.
Stop.This is getting silly

Stop. I guess the telegraph was done way too many years ago
Stop. Insanity is the proper name, three days and a whole 5 thousand sq/ft demolished and already painting.
Stop. Send more paint, Iron beams and any materials, Brass pole for the shop more than welcome, strippers optional.
Stop. Neon signs, plaques and anything else welcome.
Roger, over ,out 10-4 and everything else.

Jose ? In The Land Of Kaos–

CHRISTMAS STEALTH REPORT–Since I will be on the road next week visiting my family and some old riding buddies up in Virginia, I thought I would send out my Christmas wishes this week. To all the readers of Bikernet, a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. To Mr. Bandit and all the staff at Bikernet headquarters, I wish you a great Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May Bikernet continue to grow.

As I take time to reflect on the past year, it was pretty good for me and “THE MEANEST.” We went to bike week in Daytona, Las Vegas for the H-D dealer show and to the Custom Chrome dealer show near San Francisco. If we all take a few minutes to think about it, we all have something to be thankful for. It is not always measured in money. Your health, your family and the people who are closest to you and the freedom to go out and blister the pavement with your bike when ever you feel like it. That brings me to another point, take time this year to think of the ones fighting to preserve that freedom, we owe them a lot!

As the new year approaches there is a lot to look forward to. We will start the planning of the 6th Annual Run For Breath “IN MEMORY of JUSTIN PULLIN” by the end of January. I have heard rumors that Mr. Bandit already has an idea for the “best of show” trophy. It will be hard to top what he did last year, but I know he will pull it off! We have a couple of new ideas being kicked around for the event. Oh I almost forgot, “THE MEANEST” had to have one Christmas present early, a digital camera. It has been driving her nuts all week, but as soon as all the kinks are worked out, there will be a lot more pictures coming this way! Stay tuned to this site for future details!

Ride safe!
Merry Christmas!

–The Stealth

ROGUE REPORTS FROM THE STREETS–Bad Cop: Fired cop sentenced for rape of man in Kansas – A former Kansas City, Kan., police officer has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for sexually assaulting a man while on duty.

Brian Dupree, 37, pleaded no contest in August to aggravated sexual battery, aggravated assault and attempted aggravated criminal sodomy.

The Police Department fired Dupree, a six-year veteran, after he pleaded no contest to the charges.

Prosecutors said Dupree drove up in an unmarked police car, displayed a handgun and twice ordered the 21-year-old perform a sex act. He was refused. The incident lasted about 35 minutes.

The incident was recorded by outdoor surveillance cameras, prosecutors said.

Bad Cop… No Doughnut!

–from Rogue

Continued On Page 4

BIKERNET HOLIDAY NEWS– BAD COPS, NEW RULES IN SD, INDIAN RECALLS AND BANDIT SIGHTING

Continued From Page 1

PRO-STREET SLASH CUT–Bar Hoppers, Street Scorchers and just about any Harley rider looking to enhance the performance and appearance of his, or her, machine are going to be hard pressed to find an exhaust system that even comes close to these new PRO-STREET SLASH CUTS from Bassani.

Aggressive “Let’s-get-it-on” styling combined with superior exhaust flow characteristics put the latest from the Bassani works in a class all their own. Offered for Softail, Dyna and Sportster applications, Bassani PRO-STREET SLASH CUT pipes feature 16-gauge steel construction with stepped head pipes, rugged, show quality hard chrome finish, slant or straight cut tips and Bassani’s unique tunable/replaceable flow-through baffle system.

These latest offerings from Bassani retail for $359.00 and are available exclusively from North County Customs. Call 866-439-4287 or catch them on the Web at www.northcountycustoms.com.

INDIAN RECALLED THE 2002 INDIAN CHIEF–ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER COULD CONTACT THE ROTOR AS A RESULT OF A MISALIGNMENT OF THE CALIPER CARRIER.

THE REAR BRAKE CAN OVERHEAT AND FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLE TO ENSURE THAT THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER AND ROTOR ARE CORRECTLY POSITIONED. IF THEY ARE NOT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SWING ARM AND REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AT 1-408-846-7228.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 02V246000.

Redneck shot from Rogue.

BIKERNET EMERGENCY MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS–Two Hillbillies from Kentucky walk into the local bar to wash the dustfromtheir throats and grab a beer. They stand at the bar, drinking a beer andtalking about current cattle prices. Suddenly a woman at a nearby table,who is eating a sandwich begins to cough. After a minute or so it becomesapparent that she is in real distress. One of the hillbillies looks atherand says, “Kin ya swaller?”

The woman shakes her head no.

“Kin ya breathe?”, ask the hillbilly.

The woman begins to turn blue and shakes her head no.

The hillbilly walks over to the woman, lifts up the back of her dress,yanks down her panties, and runs his tongue all over her butt cheeks in acircular motion. The woman is so shocked that she has a violent spasm andthe obstruction flies out of her mouth.

As she begins to breathe again, the hillbilly walks slowly back to thebarand takes a drink from his beer.

His partner says, “Ya know, I’d heard of that there “Hind Lick” maneuver,but I ain’t never seen nobody do it.

–from Chris T.

BIKERNET DESPERADOS–Three cowboys are sitting around a campfire, out on the lonesome prairie, each with the bravado for which cowboys are famous. A night of tall tales begins.

The first says, “I must be the meanest, toughest cowboy there is. Why, just the other day, a bull got loose in the corral and gored six men before I wrestled it to the ground, by the horns, with my bare hands.”

The second can’t stand to be bested. “Why that’s nothing. I was walking down the trail yesterday and a fifteen foot rattler slid out from under a rock and made a move for me. I grabbed that snake with my bare hands, bit its head off, and sucked the poison down in one gulp. And I’m still here today.”

The third cowboy remained silent, slowly stirring the coals with his cock.

–from A. Friedman

BANDIT SIGHTING–Sin,someone sent me a pic with a note enclosed, it says something about Bandit, Tullamore Dew, and motorcycles….Should I call in the search and rescue? Or just open another bottle of the sacred dew and let him sniff his way to it?

Scoot, cowpie county PA

ROGUE BAD COP REPORT–2 deputies fired over assult charges South Carolina – Two Greenville County Sheriff’s Office deputies were terminated Wednesday in connection with assault charges they face.

Former deputy David Jerry Hannon, 36, of Greer, was charged with two counts of pointing a firearm and assault and battery, according to an arrest warrant.

Former deputy Michael Christian McElroy, 28, of Greenville, was charged with criminal domestic violence, according to an arrest warrant.

The deputies were terminated and then arrested Wednesday in connection with the incidents, which did not occur while they were on duty, according to Master Deputy Michael Hildebrand, a sheriff’s spokesman.

Hannon and McElroy could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

Sheriff Steve Loftis said he can’t ever recall a day when two deputies were terminated on the same day.

“It’s an unfortunate situation,” Loftis said.

According to the incident report, Hannon is accused of repeatedly punching a man following a verbal altercation at a party on Pepperbush Court late Dec. 5 or early Dec. 6.

Hannon is accused of later pointing a shotgun at the man and his wife after they left the party and drove past the deputy’s house, according to the report.

The incident was investigated by the department’s Office of Professional Standards.

McElroy is accused of kicking and shoving his wife sometime Sept. 23 or 24, according to the warrant.

Bad Cop… No Doughnut!

–from Rogue

SD HIGHWAY PATROL TO REVIEW TROOPER DESCRETION–In the wake of Congressman Bill Janklow’s manslaughter trial, the South Dakota Highway Patrol is reviewing the level of discretion troopers have when deciding whether or not to issue tickets in traffic stops. Some testimony in Janklow’s trial showed that troopers stopped Janklow for a speeding on a number of occasions but did not issue a ticket.

Colonel Daniel Mosteller says troopers do have some discretion as to whether to ticket, warn or even ignore a speeder while on patrol. He says the Highway Patrol evaluate that.

Janklow was convicted last week of second-degree manslaughter and three misdemeanors in the death of Randy Scott, a 55-year-old Minnesota motorcyclist. Shortly after his conviction, Janklow announced he would resign in January.

–from Rogue

Continued On Page 3

BIKERNET HOLIDAY NEWS–GET DRUNK AND HIDE

Ah, the Thursday before Christmas. One stinking week to pull all your shit together. Seems impossible? It is, but don’t stress. Do what you can and know that if your friends are worth their salt, present or not, they’ll know you’re thinking of them (in one way or another).

So be careful, put the guns away, break out the firewood, whiskey and spend a warm evening with the woman you love. If ya can’t ride, kick back with a CCI catalog and ponder the impending riding season just a couple of months away. Let’s hit it:

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.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS, GODDAMNIT–Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all…

And a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2004, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only “AMERICA” in the Western Hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or sexual preference of the wishee.

(By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.)

–from Rogue

BIKERNET LEGAL ADVICE–Why lawyers should never ask a witness a question if they aren’t prepared for the answer:

In a trial, a Southern small town prosecuting attorney called his firstwitness to the stand — a grandmotherly, elderly woman. He approachedher and asked, “Mrs. Jones, do you know me?”

She responded, “Why, yes I do know you, Mr.Williams. I’ve known yousince you were a young boy, and frankly, you’ve been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you’re a big shot when you haven’t the brains to realize you never will amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you.”

The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, “Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?”

She again replied, “Why yes, I do. I’ve known Mr.Bradley since he was ayoungster, too. He’s lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. Hecan’t build a normal relationship with anyone and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state. Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women. Yes, I know him.”

The defense attorney almost died. The judge asked both counselors to approach the bench, and in a very quiet voice, said, “If either of you bastards asks her if she knows me, you’ll be jailed for contempt.”

BIKERNET BOOKEEPING ADVICE–A Mafia Godfather finds out that his bookkeeper has taken him for ten million bucks. This bookkeeper happens to be deaf, so the Godfather brings along his attorney, who knows sign language.

The Godfather asks the bookkeeper: “Where is the 10 million bucks you embezzled from me?” The attorney, using sign language, asks the bookkeeper where the 10 million dollars is hidden.

The bookkeeper signs back: “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

The attorney tells the Godfather: “He says he doesn’t know what you’re talking about.”

That’s when the Godfather pulls out a 9 mm pistol, puts it to the bookkeeper’s temple, cocks it and says: “Ask him again!”

The attorney signs to the underling:”He’ll kill you for sure if you don’t tell him!”

The bookkeeper signs back: “OK! You win! The money is in a brown briefcase, buried behind the shed in my cousin Enzo’s backyard in Queens!”

The Godfather asks the attorney: “Well, what’d he say?”

The attorney replies: “He says you don’t have the balls to pull the trigger.”

–from Chris T.

BIKERNET TRAVEL ADVICE–A bus full of really ugly people died in a wreck. As they were all standingin line in heaven, God decided to grant every one of them one wish forhaving had to endure a life of misery for being so unattractive.

The first person said, “I want to be beautiful,” so God made it happen.

The second person then said, “I want to be beautiful,” so God made ithappen again.

This continues all the way through the line, with each person wishing to bemade beautiful.

However, as this was going on God noticed that the man at the end of theline was laughing. Not only was he laughing, but as each person expressedtheir wish to be made beautiful, the man continued to laugh harder andharder, until he was laughing hysterically.

When the man’s turn finally came up, God asked him for his wish.

The man said, “Make ’em all ugly again.”

–from Richard

PERFORMANCE MACHINE GOES TELEVISION–Tune in to the Speed Channels, American Thunder this Tuesday night and every Tuesday night for the rest of December to follow the build up of the wildest custom bike Performance Machine has ever attempted.

We let the crew from American Thunder play voyeur in our super secret R&D Department and they have the scoop on some of the most innovative products PM has developed for 2004. You’ll have to see it to believe it as the PM build team scrambles against all odds and a brutal timeline to complete the bike for a Hot Bike Magazine cover shoot. Check it all out on American Thunder on the Speed Channel, Tuesday nights at 7:00 Pacific Time.

–David Zemla
Art Director
Performance Machine Inc.

PANHEAD IN THE NEWS WILL ROCK READER’S SHOWCASE– THANKS for featuring my Panhead on the Thursday news!! It was a great thrill to see my bike on the website…

I read your news flashes every chance I get, and I can’t wait to tell some of my ridin’ bros to look me up on your site!

I started reading Sam Orwell and it’s got me hooked.

It was too cool to see my bike on the same page as Indian Larry and Billy Lane. It made my day.

RIDE ON CHOPPERS 4 EVER.
Kevin Flynn from Niagara Falls

We’re going to take his classic Pan a step further. I sent it to CrazyHorse to be featured in the Reader’s Showcase department of Bikernet. You can feature your bike on Bikernet by slipping into the Reader’s Showcase area. Don’t miss it.

THE LUCKY DEVIL TEAM RETURNS–Lucky Devil Metal Works rose from the fiery depths nine months ago to begin its dominance on earth. The owners Kent Weeks & Eric Joly have established a reputation for building bikes that are unique in design and for their trick parts.

They both have well-established backgrounds in the motorcycling community having come from different aspects of the profession. It seems the adventure is about to become a family affair with Kent’s wife coming on board to handle the office duties and bringing along her years of experience working for two factory H-D stores in Houston.

As you enter the shop there is a pretty cool front display area large enough for a few bikes, the normal shop merchandise, a sitting area to kick back and relax with a cool beverage. The H-D cooler is stocked with a variety of items, one being their own Lucky Devil bottled water. Taken from the brow sweat of the thousands of little demons out back in the devils workshop filing, smoothing and grinding on the custom bikes.

Kent’s a master welder (for 12 years), and it’s his main passion. The motorcycling community is fortunate that he likes shaping sheet metal, too. Once we entered back stage area of the “Devils Workshop” Kent showed us a Softail, or at least that’s what it was when it entered the building. This is one long, low and lean bike. Check out that front grillwork.

The custom touches are all over this bike from the in-shop made rockers and axle spacers, to the two-piece front exhaust pipe for easy removal. The pipes run between the frame and engine and will will be connected to the heads with springs like drag bikes.

Ya gotta check out the Texas 3D metal work! There ain’t no bondo there boys, just some very impressive metal work. That’s all hand formed metal.

Lucky Devil Metal Works offers limited edition accessories. There are point covers, derby and chain inspection plates. They are currently working with Rick Fairless of Strokers in Dallas on additional designs.

They also manufacture a clean clutch cable bracket for converting to foot clutch, that allows the stock foot shifter to be used for the clutch. I ordered one for myself. No trans shifter available at this time. He is also working on a heavy-duty kick ass shifter arm that he started fabricating for a client, who has since disappeared. I’ll take it. He also began a cobra shifter arm. There’s more, the unique devil’s tail license plate/taillight brackets and top motor mounts too.

Kent spent two hours showing us the shop and some of the previous bikes they have built. Most of bikes were long gone. They did a great job of documenting their work and will upgrade their website in the near future. So continue to check back.

I’m sorry I missed the opportunity to meet Eric and look forward to insight into the second half of this creative team in the future. Lucky Devil Metal Works perform minor sheet metal fabrication right up to full customs. I’m thinking of taking the little red rigid down there to see what ideas they might have for her.

I will continue to visit to see what’s next to emerge from the bowels of the Devils Workshop!

Later,
Rigid Frame Richard

Click to see more from Lucky Devil

Continued On Page 2

THE BISH INVESTIGATION–MOVIES, RESTAURANTS AND LEGAL WRANGLING

Bill Bish author and 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

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

CONGRESSMAN FOUND GUILTY IN BIKER’S DEATH, RESIGNS– Representative William Janklow, South Dakota’s lone congressman and former four-term governor, will resign after being found guilty of manslaughter in the death of a Minnesota motorcyclist who crashed his Harley-Davidson into Janklow’s speeding Cadillac as it blew through a stop sign at a rural intersection in eastern South Dakota this summer.

Police investigations revealed that Janklow was driving in excess of 70 mph in a 55 mph zone when he failed to stop and proceeded into the path of motorcyclist Randolph Scott, a 55-year old farmer from Hardwick, MN, who had no chance to avoid the collision.

On December 8th, jurors from Janklow’s boyhood hometown of Flandreau, SD took just five hours of deliberation to reject defense arguments that Janklow was suffering a diabetic episode that impaired his judgment and found him guilty on all counts, including second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving, speeding and running a stop sign. The Moody County jury of eight women and four men was not allowed to hear evidence about Janklow’s prior driving record which included numerous speeding tickets, so they reached their verdict based solely on the facts of the August 18 wreck.

Janklow faces up to 10 years in prison as a result of his conviction, and will be sentenced on January 20th, the effective date of his resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives. He could also face further civil actions by the Scott family.

SENATOR CAMPBELL EXPRESSES CONCERNS TO NHTSA — U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, a longtime motorcyclist and champion of bikers’ rights, has sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration expressing concern over NHTSA’s recent actions in regards to motorcycling issues.

In particular, Campbell’s December 10 letter is critical of the federal agency’s attempt to promote helmet laws through the United Nations, and the rewarding of a contract to complete a study of “Characteristics of Motorcycle Operators” which was improperly awarded six months prior to a public comment period requesting input on the study.

Campbell is one of several lawmakers who serve on the National Coalition of Motorcyclists Legislative Task Force (NCOM-LTF), and he has always stepped up to bat on important issues affecting America’s motorcycle riders.

EASY RIDER GETS STAR– Peter Fonda, who directed and co-starred in the iconic 1969 Academy Award-nominated biker flic “Easy Rider,” received the 2,241st Star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 22, following in his famous father’s footsteps and hoping to carry on his legacy.

He is the son of Henry Fonda, who died in 1982, and the brother of Jane Fonda – both Oscar winners. His daughter is actress Bridget Fonda and his son Justin Fonda is a cameraman who worked on such films as “Vertical Limit” and “The Last Ride.”

“This is great for me to be able to join my father,” Fonda said at the ceremony. “I certainly hope my daughter and my son can join me soon.”

Fonda’s star is located on Hollywood Boulevard in front of the historic Roosevelt Hotel, while his father’s star is on Vine Street.

As for rumors of an Easy Rider sequel, the 64-year old Fonda recently was quoted as saying, “I’ve got maybe one more motorcycle movie in me.”

EASY RIDER’S GRILL NOW WELCOMES PATCH HOLDERS– The New Mexico Confederation of Clubs is celebrating their first victory! For over a year, an Albuquerque, New Mexico restaurant “Easy Rider?s Grill” (no affiliation to Easyriders magazine) has had a sign posted stating that club colors were not allowed in the restaurant. As a result, the NMCOC had established a boycott of the popular restaurant. The NMCOC contacted the owner of the restaurant and adjacent Easy Rider’s Motorcycle shop about the offending sign, and is pleased to announce that Reinhart “Rhino” Sherman, president of the NMCOC, managed to convince him to remove the sign; therefore the NMCOC considers Easy Rider’s Grill — recently renamed “Rio Grande Big Dog” — to be on the list of COC friendly places.

Members of the NMCOC recently visited Easy Rider’s Grill to celebrate and thank the owner, Clif Fodge. “The COC was really pleased at how open Clif was to speaking with us and resolving this issue,” reports Rhino. “I think most folks are willing to see us in a positive light if we can just talk.”

The NMCOC plans to use this event as a benchmark to convince other New Mexico eating and drinking establishments to remove similar discriminatory signs.

CANADIAN BIKER BEATS NOISE RAP– Ontario Confederation of Clubs independent member Ted Cairns was pulled over on the afternoon of May 18 while riding his 2002 Harley FLSTC at legal speed through the Peterborough area in the Canadian province of Ontario, and was stopped and ticketed for “unnecessary noise.” The police officer ran a tape measure up his Vance and Hines Longshots exhaust system, deemed them illegal on the spot, and handed Cairns a ticket for $110.00.

During his trial on December 8, Cairns lawyer David Ross pointed out to the court that the Highway Traffic Act does not define “unnecessary noise,” and showed the judge several cases of law that have been overturned on this basis. In all these cases the judges ruled that unnecessary noise had to be a direct and purposeful action of the defendant at the time of the charge or the unnecessary noise would not be subject to criminal charges. In Cairn’s case, the Crown Attorney argued that the simple act of switching from a stock exhaust system to the Vance and Hines was the act that created the unnecessary noise. The judge disagreed with the Crown and the case was dismissed.

“We can see that through this decision that Bill 241 (aka the Street Racing and Vehicle Modification Act) is a little less stronger than it used to be,” said Brian Dodds, recording secretary for the Ontario Confederation of Clubs. “By picking away at this ridiculous law, it can be amended or even repealed.”

BIKERS CHALLENGE CANADA’S “ANTI-GANG” LAW– Lawyers representing two Hells Angels MC members charged with extortion want Canada’s new “anti-gang” legislation struck from the Criminal Code. The law violates the Charter of Rights because it is too vague, defense lawyer Paul Burnstein told the Toronto Sun on November 29. He said this is the first constitutional challenge of the 2002 legislation.

The law defines a “criminal organization” as an organized group of three or more that commits serious offences for financial benefit. Burnstein said the definition is “vague” and infringes on the right to associate.

He said it could criminalize harmless or political association, thus violating the charter.

BRITISH POLICE CONFISCATE “NUISANCE MOTORCYCLES” — A four-wheel all terrain vehicle (ATV) and three motorcycles have been confiscated by police in Burnley, UK as part of their continued crackdown on “motorcycle nuisance.” The four vehicles were taken away by police in response to a catalogue of complaints from residents on the Kibble Bank estate about motorbike riding, and owners of the vehicles received verbal and written warnings prior to their bikes being taken away. In removing the vehicles, police were exercising new powers which enable them to seize bikes that are causing alarm, distress or annoyance. Complaints reportedly eased considerably following the seizures, and Burnley police pledge to “keep up the pressure on those reckless motorcyclists.”

OZZY INJURED IN BIKE ACCIDENT– Speaking of Brits and bikes, 55-year old rocker Ozzy Osbourne suffered multiple broken ribs and other injuries when he crashed an ATV on the grounds of his country estate in Buckinghamshire, England on December 8th.

The accident happened during a day off from promoting his new single, “Changes” — a duet recorded with his daughter Kelly.

Osbourne fractured eight ribs and a vertebra in his neck and underwent emergency surgery to reconstruct his left collarbone and restore blood flow to his arm, but doctors said he was comfortable and stable in the hospital, reports Reuters news service.

GIMME MORE– In other celebrity biking news, the National Enquirer reported that actress Demi Moore bought her young lover Ashton Kutcher a brand new motorcycle, but he refused the gift.

Kutcher, who plays the character Kelso in the TV sitcom “That 70’s Show,” reportedly told Moore angrily; “You’ve got to be kidding me! I’m already getting enough crap about our age difference. Now people will start saying I’m your Boy Toy. If I need a motorcycle I’ll buy one myself.”

Moore is almost twice his age, and apparently twice as gutsy.

If he can’t handle it, get out of the kitchen.

UPS YOUR’S– In last month’s column we told readers about a United Parcel Service ad for holiday employment opportunities that played on the negative stereotype of bikers, but enough concerned riders contacted UPS to complain that the company discontinued the print ad and began sending the following response:

“Due to the number of responses we have received, UPS will no longer be running the commercial in question. In no way did UPS intend the commercial to be offensive to motorcycle enthusiasts. We apologize for any objectionable material contained in the commercial.”

WEIRD NEWS OF THE MONTH: BLOWN AWAY– Steve Dass of Walnut Creek, California says strangers stole his money. Dass was riding eastbound on Highway 4 when thousands of dollars flew off the back of his motorcycle. Eyewitnesses say busy freeway traffic came to a halt as dozens of people scrambled for cash. John Craig, a Pittsburg resident, said: “So everybody went crazy, everybody burning rubber, pulling over. So we pulled over, like naturally everybody hopping out…getting money.”

The CHP says Craig was the only one who returned some of the money. $200 dollars was recovered, but Dass is still out $7,000.

A frantic search in, around, and near the freeway turned up nothing. According to Daas, “I was keeping this money for my mother. It was $7,000 and I was going to go give it to her. This money is very important because it’s the last piece of money my mother has for herself.”

The California Highway Patrol says their initial investigation confirms Dass’ story and his intentions. “He told us he was going to use the money to take his mother furniture shopping for her new condo in Antioch,” said a CHP spokesperson. There’s one final component to this sad story: Mr. Dass was recently laid-off from his job.

QUOTABLE QUOTES: “Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny.”Edmund Burke, British political writer and statesman (1729-97)

Have a Merry Christmas and ride safe, goddamnit.–Marlon