Title: Justin’s Trophy

Subtitle: Don’t Miss The Run For Breath In Charlotte

by Wrench
photos by Sin Wu

There’s a party weekend in Charlotte each year that culminates in a Sunday gathering and a grand bike show. The humid weekend escape was created five years ago by Mike Pullin a member of the Charlotte H-D team, after his son, Justin, died of asthma complications while Mike was on a run. Mike discovered, that the American Lung Association created camps for educating asthma inflicted kids, parents and friends on how to deal with lung associated complications. With the correct information, used promptly at the proper time, kids can survive asthma attacks readily and live long healthy lives. This crucial knowledge is critical for kids, so Mike kicked off this party weekend to support the learning camps and make a hearty donation to the American Lung Association program. For two years Bandit was the proud grand marshal of this event, “Bikernet will support and sponsor this weekend for as long as Mike’s involved,” Bandit said recently after a three-day drunk. This year Bandit couldn’t attend, but got a call from Mike’s better half, Meanest, who also works at the dealership. “Bandit,” She said in distinctive southern slippery words that slid through the receiver and lingered on his ear lobes, like butter running off the side of a stack of pancakes, “honey, since you can’t make it to the event, I would sure appreciate it if you would make us a special trophy for the Best of Show Class.”

Could Bandit turn her down? There’s no way he could muster the heartless nature to deny this woman and or the event that means so much to this bikin’ community. Besides, he had recently purchase a new Millermatic 175 MIG welder and needed the practice.

“Of course, baby,” he said into the phone to her glee. He pondered a variety of Rube Goldberg art objects, turned trophies at last year’s HORSE Smoke-Out. Hackasaw welded various motorcycle parts together, then chromed the H-D part number trophies and presented them to Edge, the show promoter. The winners were dazzled by the creative nature of the trophies and the deft construction and welding abilities.

Bandit was challenged. Could he weld a myriad of ring gears, clutch hubs and connecting rods together to create a 50 pound tribute to the Best Of Show Bike? He was perplexed. He brought up his pappy, a big surly bastard who ran a machine shop for a nationwide oil well testing company. The man welded oil derricks together, if needed, during his 40-years in the oil fields. His law of welding was, “Never lose the bead,” he grumbled and reveled in vast deep burn wounds, “even if you catch fire. Just keep welding, someone will put you out.” Bandit watched him as a kid, arc weld with bare hands, the slag sizzling on the back of his hands. He wouldn’t flinch until the job was done. “Boot tough and rattlesnake mean,” David Mann, the artist, said about Bandit’s dad.

Bandit’s dad made some of the finest metal art sculptures I’ve ever had the privilege of viewing. He handled iron like a sculptor molds clay. With his artistic tradition in mind Bandit went to work. He’s been welding for 30 years, off and on. Back in the 70s he made towel racks with worn out chains. Door knobs were brazed tranny gears and cam shafts. There were motorcycle kitchen utensils that never wore out.

He scratched my thinning hair and faced the project at hand. A long shoreman, who stops by the headquarters from time to time, delivered chunks of iron and steel. Bandit planned a new steel-based fence made out of angle iron, solid steel spikes, corrugated steel sheets and old bike wheels for the headquarters. We’ll report on that later. The —– Union man recently brought dropped off a 6-foot length of 6-inch diameter, scrap steel tubing. It was Bandit’s inspiration. He decided to form the leather jacketed arm of a man holding a wheel for the world to see.

We started the project by cutting the steel tubing with a reciprocating saw then split it down the middle with a cutting torch. Bandit dug out his HA leather shirt and studied the cuff and cut of the forearm. He needed heat like a blacksmith. He cut a wedge out of the tubing with the torch then created a stand for his rose bud torch tip, which you can see in the back of some of these shots. With that blasting away and a set of vice grips firmly clamped to the tubing he began pounding the red hot mild steel until he blacksmithed the desired shape. Another portion of the rusty tubing was used for the buttoned placket.

Here’s the beginning of the segment built base and a mild-steel ring Bandit decided to use for the rim. He has a dozen of these rings, he’s carried and moved from place to place for 20 years. It’s about time he found a use for them.

While hunting through a metal supply joint, Bandit discovered pressed segments of steel scattered around the concrete deck and hit up one of the workers. The biker looked both ways and let Bandit bag a bunch of punched out hole segments. You can order a sheet of steel with holes pressed into it without drilling. Massive presses snap round shapes out of the material with immense strength. Some were an inch thick. They’re like thick, mild steel, quarters, dimes and fifty-cent pieces. He used them to form my base, then welded them together with the Miller MIG welder. He also used various sized segments to form the initial shape of the hand. After the base for the palm was welded together, he began to fill and shape the muscles of a hand with beads of weld. He made the wrist long enough to protrude deep into the sleeve or be adjusted to fit.

The process continued from weekend to weekend. The Bikernet schedule is hectic and a stack of articles, to be written edited and prepared for posting, grew. If Bandit was missing from his desk, we immediately checked to see if sparks were flying in the garage. In the old days he found time behind a doobie to lose himself in the flame of a cutting torch. “It was actually a good feeling to disappear in the quiet cubicle of steel and wail away,” Bandit mumbled. One afternoon he snuck out of the headquarters and dug through drawers to find just the right hub nut for the trophy wheel. He bought some 1/8-inch diameter brazing rod for spokes and went to work building the wheel. The rods are labeled bronze, yet to Bandit they’re brass. With the wheel set aside and the sleeve MIG welded to the base, the hand was the difficult sculpture’s task ahead.

Time is at a premium at the headquarters. Yet Bandit attempted to carve out an afternoon for Trophy progress. A Saturday afternoon availed itself and he hauled ass to the garage, but as he snapped on the Miller MIG his weld sputtered unnaturally. He double-checked the setting on the dinky 50-pound tank filled with Argon and Carbon Dioxide (75%-25%). It was next to empty. Two more beads and welding was shut down for the rest of the day.

The headquarters went into red alert for an Argon refill. It was after noon on a Saturday–welding supply joints were closed… There was hell to pay until Monday.

With a new gas supply torqued into place, he went after the hand like Frankenstien forming the monster. He welded long flowing beads, then yanked off my welding glove to inspect the lines and curves of his right hand. Back and forth he poured long beads of mild steel in patterns to mirror a fortune teller’s image of his palm. With a satisfactory underside region “in hand”, he turned the 10-pound claw over and began to work the wrist area. Then it dawned on the big bastard, “I better bend this sonuvabitch,” Bandit growled, “before I started forming the back of the hand and knuckles.”

The tough part was bending the hand. Some of the elements were almost 1-inch thick. Bandit used vice-grips and chunks of pipe wrapped around the massive fingers to pull the palm into shape. He yanked, snarled, lurched and beat it with a ballpeen hammer. He broke digits off and had to re-weld them, but with the garage fuming with steaming sweat and the heat of red hot chunks of steel, it began to take shape.

Finally, Bandit started to fill in the back of the hand and build the knuckles. MIG welding is like working in a lightless tunnel. You can’t see shit until you strike an arc. Then you can only view about a 1/4-inch radius circle from where the wire is feeding. You can slow your progress, or weave in the same area, but while you’re trying to find your bearing or direction, you’re building a puddle of metal. Your mind must fixate on the position of the wire and give guidance immediately to your hand, as the wire feed won’t stop and allow you to check out the situation. The more he worked with the excellent MIG machine, the more he adjusted his sight to see ahead and understand the form or shape he was searching for.

The monster’s hand took form and he studied every element for needed filling and shaping. The wheel actually slipped between the thumb and forefinger effortlessly and seemed to fit snugly, as if the monster had come to life and knew its mission was to clutch the ultimate symbol of motorcycling forever more. The wrist fit neatly in the sleeve and Bandit welded it into an everlasting position and then welded the wheel.

Bandit was fortunate to have several true, trained artist, who are life long friends, and are only to happy to tell him when his design is shit. Nuttboy, who teaches art at several colleges and Chris Kallas, a biker artist who’s work is for sale in the Bikernet gulch, risked their lives, to stick their heads in our garage from time to time. Nuttboy told Bandit to go wild with the buttons he planned for the lapel of the sleeve. He pondered polished brass nuts, but while working on the King, discovered a couple of chromed license plate skulls with 1/4-20 studs on the back. He drilled and taped the holes. The skulls fit neatly into place. It was beginning to take shape.

Bandit contacted “Meanest” and requested the exact wording, she requested engraved into the trophy for the Best of Show recipient. She dictated each word to him, in no uncertain terms. May Ling, the new girl, feverishly hauled ass to the San Pedro trophy barn where she ordered a brushed brass plate engraved in black. It took the trophy bastard longer to computer-engrave a 2-inch piece of brass than it took Bandit to hand make the goddamn trophy.

Bandit asked his artist friends for finish input. He had a chrome credit and considered show chrome. Chrome has strange effects on various objects. It reflects the world, which works for custom parts, but often not on sculptures. Nuttboy again stepped up to the plate, since Chris sensed an evil spirit in Bandit’s seaweed green eyes, each time he lit the torch. Nuttboy suggested Bandit leave the corrosion-covered sleeve alone and bead-blast or wire brush the hand and base to give those areas a variety of treatments. He sorta took his Ph.D. advice. He polished the wheel and spokes, then wire-brushed the hand and the base.

When it came to the sleeve, he learned something about MIG welding. There are anti-splatter sprays to prevent slag from sticking to the welded surface and to the MIG tip. He hadn’t experienced this treatment, so the trophy was scattered with small beads of weld. He couldn’t leave the steel leather sleeve alone. He wire brushed it, but only to remove the slag. The rusty hue and the varied corroded pits remained.

Finally he dug through the garage box of spray cans for a heavy clear coat. He discovered Rust-oleum gloss, metal clear and doused the trophy. After it dried he peeled the skin off the double sided tape, on the back of the engraved brass plaque, and stuck it against the welded billboard. Done deal.

Two more tasks await. Sin Wu will find a thick felt lining to be glued to the bottom to prevent the 40-pound trophy for cutting the surface of furniture. The lovely one also suggested a light be dropped in the depths of the sleeve so he will drill a hole in the back for an extension cord. We’ll post another shot of it glowing. Hang on.

For information regarding the July 27th Run For Breath contact Meanest or Mike Pullin at Harley-Davidson of Charlotte, (704) 847-4647. Don’t forget to compete for this trophy by entering your bike. Make sure you have a back-up truck to haul the trophy.

–Wrench

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–SWEET RIDES, TWO WOMEN IN THE SAHARA, TAHITI RIDE, NO MORE ER STORES, AND FLAME THROWERS FOR BIKES

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FLAME THROWER KITS FOR BIKES AND HOTRODS–Hi, I have a new website that sells flamethrower kits for motorcycles and hotrods. People really flip out when they see flames shooting out the tailpipes of a bad bike. I was hoping to put a link on my page in exchage for a link on your page. I am new and trying to gain some exposure.

Thanks, –Zach Hiller, http://www.gotflames.net

EASYRIDERS SHOPS NO MORE– Joe Teresi, President of Paisano Publicationssent all Easyriders store owners a registered letter. The Easyriders name has to be removed byJuly 1st. So I’m gonna call the place Strokers Dallas along with StrokersIceHouse.

It’s funny how this game called life isplayed.

You’re Shovelhead is nearly completed. We received the paint from Harold Ponterilli and it’s killer.

–Hope to C-YA soon,
Rick

BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL NEWS– When John Major was Prime Minister he was walking through Hyde Park oneday when a prostitute standing on a corner hailed him.

“Hey, you’re John Major, aren’t you?! How about fifty pounds or a spot of business?!”

“No, no.” John replied with a grin, “five pounds!” and kept on walking.

This exchange soon became a part of his normal routine. Each day ashe’d approach the corner, the prostitute would yell out, “Hey, Mr. PrimeMinister. Fifty Pounds!” and John Major would call back, “No, Fivepounds!”

Well, one day, Edwina Curry decided she’d go out for a walk with John.As they neared the corner, John suddenly realised what an embarrassing scene was about to happen.

Sure enough, there was the prostitute who smiled and yelled out, “Hey,Mr.Prime Minister……See what you get for five pounds?!”

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–As you might know by now, I was away for a week or so as well as most of the Bikernet suspects, but guess what… We are back, and with much needed rest (some of us).

So yes I was fortunate enough to be invited for the second Discovery Channel Biker Build-off and you will read about it soon right here. We had a great time as always, with shit happening left and right, but I always look for the learning experience rather than the smooth sailing kinda deal. I met many people, we spent time at different places and everyone was more than happy to give us a helping hand or even shoot the shit. The little things are what make each adventure worth it. That’s what true brotherhood means (to me). Sure I’m going to plug some people this week, but they helped so much that it wouldn’t be fair to leave them out.

I was surprised by the number of riders who recognized me. Thanks for your time and for the kind words about my work here, on The Horse and at my shop. It’s always great to put names with faces, to be able to talk to people in person and not thru a damn computer. It still caught me by surprise when people I don’t know come over, say my name and start talking about Bikernet stuff. You don’t have an idea how cool I really think it is and how humbled I feel about it, again, Thanks guys..(and gals)

I’m not saying much about the ride since most of what can be said is in the upcoming report, plus photos. Hope you guys like it.The new bikes are slowly taking shape, the two Bobbers are almost there and I hope to have them ready by the Smoke Out in June, as well as some other projects that should be there as well. I’m getting this crazy ass exhaust for my new bobber, my friend Rich Ryan from Shamrock fabrication (www.shamrockfabrication.com) is doing a hell of a job. If you need some wicked stuff done, may it be pipes, metal work or even a whole bike give him a shout and tell him I sent ya. He will be joining us soon in The Horse with some very cool old school stuff…(Plus, he’s hooking me up with one of those really cool Goodson air cleaners).

As always it was great to hang out with Billy and crew, we had a blast and I had a chance to help them out a bit at the shop, he just moved next door and has lots more space. I saw some very cool stuff brewing up, but like it says at the door, ” What happens here, what you see here, what you hear here….Stays here” All I can say is that there’s some very evil shit going in there. Plus I got to spend some quality time with the Camel bike, and there’s so many details, cool details, that it’s amazing….Wait for the new projects, you will be amazed. Again thanks to Billy, Nick, Suzanne, Gene and Carlos for taking care of me while I was there…..(and I was there quite a long time…).

Nope I’m not going editorialize, as Bandit says, not this week. I’m going to let all the stuff from the ride weed itself out, and then maybe next week I will be back with a vengeance. Who know’s.All I am going to say is, it’s always better quality than quantity, and we shall leave it at that.

We had to fix some stuff during the trip. Yeah guys, we beat up those poor choppers, and beat them fuckin’ hard in Shreveport. If you are ever there, we were welcomed to Bayou Customs. Those guys went out of their way to help us out, excellent people and true bikers. My hat is off to them, my personal thanks to Jim and TC. I had such a good time while there, real people, no bullshit, no egos. We spent the whole day there and wished we could have stayed longer, but Dallas awaited. Thanks again guys…You rock !

The next Biker Build off will be Indian Larry vs Paul Yaffe. I guess it’s going to be pretty interesting. Keep your eyes peeled, and to top the scoop, whomever wins that one will go against Billy Lane. That will be a fun show to watch….

I heard rumors that the Camel bike deal is not going to happen anymore (no I wasn’t Billy). I guess the politicians and the anti- smoking campaign are part of the problem. I don’t know if this is going to happen now or next year, too bad. It was a pretty cool idea and a chance for the industry to get more recognition. Maybe some smart company will pick this one up. Let’s see what happens.

We had a chance to spend some time with Michael Lichter. He took a shitload of photos. Let’s see what comes from that. I’m sure whatever it is, they will be cool as hell. Also Donny Smith had a kick ass blue rigid chopper, good to see the guy enjoying his bike amongst us. Good to see Beau Allen Pacheco as well. It was good to be able to talk to those guys without the usual Rally mayhem.

Aaron Greene from Paramount Custom Cycles from Reno rode with us to Dallas. Really cool cat and really cool bikes, he was at Choppers Inc helping Billy out when I got there, again, what are friends for.If you have a chance check his stuff out. Watch for the Discovery show. They have shots of him jumping railroad tracks. It was insane.

Last but not least , gotta thank the Discovery crew. First for putting up with my antics once more, two for being cool about the whole thing. Maybe one of these days they will show up in Puerto Rico and we can really get in trouble, film or no film.

Anyway, I’m out of here. There’s a lot to be said about the whole ride. Then again, wait ’till the show airs and enjoy.

–Jose, Bikernet Caribbean Report
— Visit our Web Site http://www.chopperfreak.com

TAHITI 2003BYTEDDY “BEAR” BABOLCSAY–Papeete, TahitiMarch 2003,I was asked by The Tahiti Harley Riders Club, to bring a few American Bikers to Tahiti and celebrate Harley-Davidsons 100th Anniversary at a charity ball for handicapped children. Eight of us flew out and were astounded to find 850 people waiting to greet us. We helped to raise over $30,000 for the kids. All the TV stations and newspapers also showed up. We took a few Harleys for a grand tour of the island and all fell in love with Tahiti and her people.

This is Tatao, she’s 8 years old and has polio. Imagine, in this day and age for a child to have polio. She’s one of the kids Nyla, Maggie, Keith and I had a chance to visit with at the childrens center on Moorea. She’s one of the reasons I’m trying to put these trips together and getting that beautiful little girl to smile was the best part of the trip for me.

Kiki the president of the Tahiti Harley Riders Club and Bandit.

The Rugged Road by Theresa Wallach.—The remarkable story of the first womento cross the Sahara on a motorcycle. North Conway NI-I, March 2003 Whitehorse Press, publisher of books for motorcycle enthusiasts, is distributing this adventurous tale of two women traveling from London to Cape Town, overland by motorcycle and sidecar, pulling a trailer. The trip took place in 1934-35, before there were roads. They had no back up, and no compass! Theresa Wallaeh and Florence Blenkiron undertook this incredible journey from oasis to oasis, straight across the Sahara through equatorial Africa, and then south to the Cape. Being undeterred by nomads, sand drifts, heat, rain, rivers, breakdowns, and politics, they rode on. Having to fashion a tow hitch in the middle of the desert or rebuild the engine from scratch didn?t stop them either. On their way, they met gorillas, lions, and snakes, saw camels in their natural habitat, stayed in African villages, and met an amazing variety of friendly and helpful people.

This is a remarkable journey not to be missed by any motorcyclist who enjoys adventure travel, or those who dream of it! The book has black and white photos of the trip and maps detailing the route. It a tale of two women who had to overcome all the prejudices and problems of their day as well as the physically demanding task of riding across the Sahara and the length of Africa?7,500 miles.

Theresa Wallach is one of only three women ever to exceed 100mph at Brooklands. She held a degree in engineering from University College London, traveled alone all through the USA by motorcycle before it was fashionable and safe to do so, and started a business importing British motorcycles into the USA. She eventually ?retired? to Phoenix, Arizona, where she opened a school to teach motorcyclists how to ride properly and safely, and wrote a well-known book on motorcycle riding entitled, Easy Motorcycle Riding. Theresa Wallach died on her 90th birthday in 1999.

Hardbound, 6-1/4 x 9-1/2 inches, 152 pages, b/w illus. Price of the book is $24.95 plus shipping. VISA,

Press, or to obtain a free Whitehorse Press Motorcycling Catalog containing more than 1,500 motorcycling books,videos, maps, T-shirts, toots, and accessories, contact Whitehorse Press, P.O. Box 60, North Conway, NH 03 860-0060. Telephone toll-free 800-531-t t33 in the United States or Canada, or 603-356-6556 internationally; fax603-356-6590; e-mail Orders@WhitehorsePress.com. or visit their web site at www.WhitehorsePress.com. Me

SOME SWEET PAN AND SHOVELS–Greetings from miserable Atlanta (44 & raining). I’m headed back tonight to 75 degrees and sunny tomorrow in Lauderdale. Need to take the afternoon off and put some miles on the Pan.

Thought you could use some sweet Flathead and Shovel pics for the news. Thought you mentioned possibly hittin’ the 100th, any update on that? Would be cool to have some old school rides up front as well as the latest Twinkies…

–Lojack

I’m still anticipating riding the Pan to Milwaukee instead of Sturgis this year. Compu-fire is helping with an electronic distributor. The bike is running fine, although I need to check the rear breaks. They’re a tad on the soft side. That’s still the plan, though.

THE BREAK WHISTLE BLEW–Time to knock off and post this sucker. Daylight savings time is on, Spring is here, days are longer and the sun is brighter. Everything is feeling good from workouts to women.

We’re about to complete the Shrunken FXR. Should have a sizzling metal fabricating report next week. We even have a painter lined up.

I’m waiting for one part from the factory and the King will be on the road next week. In the meantime I ride the Pan around town. The other day I worked on the clutch pedal (tank shift) while the artist Chris Kallas was hanging out. The dual carbs make it difficult to reach, but we created a pedal tab that extended the front lip. It’s never been so easy to reach. Thanks Chris, for the inspiration.

I’m hoping Chris will give us a hand with the Run For Breath illustration. Goddamn, I love the sun. Let’s ride.

–Bandit

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–AMERICAN THUNDER SHOW, HOLDEN DOWNED, MICAH HAS AMERICAN IRON HORSE, AND FIXIN’ PLASTIC

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HOW TO REPAIR PLASTIC BODYWORK–Unfortunately it’s a familiar story in our world — a simple accident in thedriveway results in a cracked bumper, taillight lens, or motorcycle fairing.With few repair shops interested in repairing plastic bodywork, replacing anexpensive part has often been the only option. Here’s a new book thatsolves this common dilemma with easy-to-follow instructions and clearillustrations that give Do-It-Yourselfers a way to make basic plasticrepairs on their own, easily and with great results. We know. We triedseveral plastic repair projects here at Whitehorse Press, using techniquesand materials described in this book, and the repaired parts look like new!

HOW TO REPAIR PLASTIC BODYWORK: Practical, Money-Saving Techniques for Cars,Motorcycles, Trucks, ATVs, and Snowmobiles, by Kurt Lammon, 144 pages, fullcolor photos throughout, item code W-PLAS, $19.95http://www.whitehorsepress.com/email.asp?cn=50245&en=en0304&id=plas

And, if you want to hear more about our own plastic repair experience, callJeff, our ace Customer Service Rep and all-around gearhead, at 800-531-1133,and he’ll be happy to bend your ear. He saved more than $600 on his firstrepair!

RIGID PHILOSOPHY–If I could, I’d enlist today and help my country track down thoseresponsiblefor killing thousands of innocent people in New York City andWashington,D.C. But, I’m over 50 now and the Armed Forces say I’m too old to enlist. You can’t be older than 35 and join the military.

They’ve got the whole thing backwards. Instead of sending 18-year-olds offto fight, they ought to take us old guys.You shouldn’t be able to join until you’re at least 35. For starters:Researchers say 18-year-olds think about sex every 10 seconds. Old guys onlythink about sex a couple of times a day, leaving us more than 28,000additional seconds per day to concentrate on the enemy.

Young guys haven’t lived long enough to be cranky, and a crankysoldier is a dangerous soldier. If we can’t kill the enemy we’llcomplain them intosubmission. “My back hurts! I’m hungry! Where’s the remote control?”

An 18-year-old hasn’t had a legal drink yet and you shouldn’t go to waruntil you’re at least old enough to legally drink. An average old guy, onthe other hand, has consumed 126,000 gallons of beer by the time he’s 35 anda jaunt through the desert heat with a backpack and M-60 would do wondersfor the old beer belly.An 18-year-old doesn’t like to get up before 10 a.m. Old guys get up early(to pee).If old guys are captured we couldn’t spill the beans because we’d probablyforget where we put them. In fact, name, rank, and serial number would be areal brainteaser.

Boot camp would actually be easier for old guys. We’re used to gettingscreamed and yelled at and we actually like soft food. We’ve also developeda deep appreciation for guns and rifles. We like them almost better thannaps.

An 18-year-old has the whole world ahead of him. He’s still learning toshave. To actually carry on a conversation. To wear pants without the top ofthe butt crack showing and the boxer shorts sticking out. To learn that apierced tongue catches food particles. And that a 200-watt speaker in theback seat of a Honda Accord can rupture an eardrum.

All great reasons tokeep our sons at home and to learn a little more about life before sendingthem off to a possible death.Let us old guys track down those dirty, rotten cowards who attacked ourhearts on September 11. The last thing the enemy would want to see right nowis a couple of million old farts with attitudes.

–RFR

NEW DRUGS FROM THE BIKERNET PHARMACY–F l i p i t o r, Increases life expectancy of commuters by controlling road rage and the urge to flip off other drivers.

HOLDEN RAPHAEL DIED SUNDAY– April 6 at the age of 49 in a motorcycle accident. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, daughter Jackie and his mother and brother. He was known as a big man with a big heart. For eight years he’s been a up-standing member of the Uglies Motorcycle Club. For seven years he has been responsible for the entertainment at the Beach Ride, a charity event that benefits the Exceptional Childrens Foundation.

He promoted motorcycle and non-motorcycle music related events throughout Southern California, across the USA and in Europe. He was well known and respected in the motorcycle and rock and roll communities.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 11 at noon, at Mount Sinai Memorial Park, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles.

He will be sorely missed.

MICAH MCCLOSKEY’S CUSTOM MOTORCYCLES BECOMES HOME TO AMERICAN IRON HORSE IN LOS ANGELES–That’s right. If you live in Los Angeles you can now purchase American Iron Horse customs and Dallas Choppers through Micah’s shop. These wild customs come with a two-year warrenty. The shop is located in Canoga Park on Sherman Way. Call (818) 348-8967.

INTERESTING QUOTES ABOUT THE WAR– “It’s like a movie. I can’t believe what I’m seeing,” said Adel, a lawyer in Beirut. “Why didn’t he just give up to start with if this was all the resistance he could muster? Instead of wasting all those lives for nothing.”

“Saddam Hussein is proving for the thousandth time that he is stubborn, stupid, idiotic and a terrorist. He is more like the head of a gang and not the president of a respectable state like Iraq,” said Sultan Nasser, 49-year-old Saudi bank employee.

NEW BIKERNET CORRESPONDENT COVERS DONNIE SMITH SHOW–Check out the coverage of Donnie’s third annual American Thunder Show on the bikernet Home page. Troy is a new Bikernet correspondent, young and learning the ropes. His first lesson: Don’t drink two sixers and try to photograph anything. Enjoy.

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BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–DANNY’S TRIBUTE, BIKERS WIN APPEAL, SOLDIER’S RIDE STOLEN, AND OZARK ED ON WOMEN

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THE BIKERNET OZARK REPORT–The names have been changed to protect to innocent. Man, things change quick. I don’t know what’s up with Skitzo. He’s been seeing this chick and that’s no big deal. I know he’s spending most of his time with her, and I’m ok with that. But I haven’t heard from him in about three weeks except one time when he needed something. I just figured he was spending his time with her. But you know I see that girl that no one knows. I’m seeing and I get told stuff that I ain’t supposed to know and can’t tell.

Well I found out that he’s not hanging out with the chick that much, and he’s still not calling or coming around. I haven’t done anything to piss him off or anything but he’s obviously avoiding me. Now I’m pissed at him. I am very direct with people, and if I’m pissed at someone, they’ll know it.

Next time I talk to him I’ll straighten it out, but I ain’t calling him. In the meantime me and mark rode with Dan out to a prospect party at the shop where Paul works. Pete met me there. We met the president of the Illinois club and arranged a big old thing at Marks club for a book signing party for Sonny Barger.

We found out that Paul quit working at the shop, but it must’ve been friendly because he was at the party. He told me he was opening his own shop in a small town nearby, so I told him he was welcome to eat at my house anytime he wanted to. He’ll need it. There’s already too many shops around and Paul isn’t the most skilled mechanic. He’s got alot of friends, though, so you never know. Anyway, he’ll always have a cold beer and a hot meal at my house.

Mark and Dan left the party early because Dan was playing drums in a band at a club later that night, and Mark had to go open his club. Pete’s drinking again. This is bad and good. It’s bad because he’s one of those guys who slowly but surely loses control and ends up in jail. It’s good though because he’s my best party pal and when he’s on the wagon he’s no fun at all. I tell him that he shouldn’t drink, but I’m not his keeper. He’s a grown man. Me and him stayed at the party until it started thinning out, and then we rode that 30-mile trip home. I was fucked up and I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed riding more than that. We took a curvy back road for the first 15 miles and got our fill of that. We jumped on the freeway and hammered like there was no tomorrow. God I love the freeway. Pete got in trouble with his new girl for being gone all day and coming home drunk, so he called me Sunday to go to the river in her boat. It was raining and cold but we went anyway to get away from the bitches. Both his girl and mine were pissy from the all-day partying. We had all kind of trouble with the boat, but who cares. We were out, had some cold buds and no bitches to nip on our ass.

Now for the update on the secret girl. my goal of hitting that a time or two has been realized way beyond my wildest dreams. It’s now mine for the taking. She isn’t all up in love or anything, but she appreciates that I can hit it and keep it to myself. She’s a beautiful girl of just barely 21, with a goddess’ body. She’s not slutty and doesn’t give it out much. It pisses her off more than anything to treat her like a trophy, and most every guy whose hit it has told everybody they know. You know I want to tell it, too, but I’m not stupid. I can call her at anytime, day or night, and she’ll ditch whatever she’s doing and meet me at the fleabag. Who would screw that up just to be the man? But believe me, it would make me the man, if everyone knew. I know that this kind of shit always comes out, so I’m going to ride the wave and try my best to keep it quiet. When it does come out somehow, it won’t be my fault. My girl will beat her ass to a pulp, and everyone will talk about it. Damn, I’m gonna hate that.

–Ozark Ed

SONS OF LIBERTY RIDERS E-NEWS– A lowlife scum stole a deployed service members ride!See pictures and flyer at http://www.abatesc.com/stolen-motorcycle/index.htmThis motorcycle was stolen just days after its owner Michael M. was deployedin the Iraq War

The motorcycle was stolen from his residence on Brabham Drive in Dalzell, SCthe night of March 17th while his Wife and Daughter slept.1994 Kawasaki ninja zx-9r.. It is red, black, and silver.. the vin number isJKAZX2B12RA006212

Thank you for your help..My husband is really upset about this, and he hasmore important things to worry about.. his name is 1lt Michael P M. … onthe left side of the bike on the frame near the chain there are three stripson the frame where the paint was taken off when the battery leaked..it had ashaw afb sticker on the front..my husband is currently in the middle east ..he works for the 609th ACOMM at shaw afb…anything you can do to help willbe greatly appreciated..Thank you,Sarah M.

If you have any information or questions please contact 843-345-5926 orstolen@abatesc.com

Another stolen bike in Pa.Our Bike http://www.starroute.com/bike.htmThe link above has pictures of bike.1999 FXSTS yellow and copperGMK47vin 1HD1BLL11XY026962Stolen out of garage in Harrisburg PA about 6am April 2 2003

Contact Dubois Danielswebmater@starroute.com717-213-0970

Social Burden?From the ABATE of Wisconsin State Office The following is a letter sent to the Behnke Insurance Agency in Fond duLac ( the agency’s phone number is 920-922-3850). This agency has taken outan ad in a local shoppers guide type paper stating that non-helmetedmotorcyclists are a burden to society, and therefore motorcyclistsnationwide should be required to wear helmets. We are urging everyone to write and or call thisagency and let them know how you feel about their advertising. –Ed Williams 02, 2003 April

Mr. Scott Behnke
Behnke Insurance Agencies, Inc.
17 Forest Avenue
Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Bikers Win Final Appeals Case.Break out the bikes.The Appellate Division of the District Court Department, Northern District,issued its decision March 28 on the final case pending before it involvingthe “Newburyport noise” citations.

The decision was received March 31 at the Law Offices of Joseph S.Provanzano, general counsel of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association(MMA).

A three-judge panel reversed and vacated a trial court’s responsible findingand dismissed the citation against the defendant, who was cited foroperating a motorcycle with an exhaust system that had been modified toamplifies the noise emitted by the exhaust. The judge’s panel, however,ruled there was insufficient evidence that the decibel reading was louderthan the sound produced by the original exhaust system.

Provanzano’s office has since requested that the Newburyport District Courtreview the decision, along with those issued earlier this month findingother riders not tested by a sound meter also “not responsible.” The lawoffice also advised the court on re-hearings for all prior issued citationsgoing back to the 2000, 2001 and 2002 seasons and those “stayed” pending theoutcome of the four recent appeals court decisions.

Late last month, the Appellate Division of the District Court, NorthernDistrict, reversed the lower court’s findings for three other motorcycliststicketed by the Newburyport Police for “excessive noise” violations, therebyvacating the judgments and dismissing the citations.

“This reaffirms what other district courts have decided in similarsituations, ‘no test, no ticket,'” said Paul Cote, legislative director ofthe MMA. “The court’s decision also shows riders can alter their exhaustsystems so long as they do not exceed the state’s allowable decibel level of99.”

Late Breaking News…… Nebraska needs help!!!!Tomorrow (4-8-03) the helmet bill will be decided by the whole legislature. We could use the help of all to get LB303 passed. We have been hit by 3 terrible amendments they are trying to attach to the bill.

1) we would be required to be organ donors
2) we would be required to carry long term health care insurance.
3) we would not be allowed to use Medicare/Medicaid if involved in a accident without a helmet.

We are completely against these amendments and need to see them defeated before LB303 is voted on. I know this is very short notice as the vote will be taken tomorrow. Any help you and the S.O.L can give in the form of e-mails, will be greatly appreciated.The address for the Nebraska Legislative WebPages ishttp://unicam.state.ne.us then just click on contacting senators

–Breeze Grove

BIKERNET RELATIONSHIP ADVICE–Here’s a card for your girl: I admire your strength,
I admire your spunk;
But the thing I like best
Is getting you drunk.

–from Ken Miller

A BROTHERS TRIBUTE– I have attached a shot of the the tribute photo that was done by the local racetrack for my friend. I apologize for the quality. If it is useable by all means use it. Danny and I often laughed over and discussed your column. He also lived by the code of the West always there for a friend but once you messed him over you were on his out side.

A story you might like. There were three of us who rode to Sturgis one year. Danny and I rode up from Lousiana and met another friend of mine in Denver. We toured and camped the area thru the week. One afternoon we went on a “buffalo” hunt riding through the black hills looking for a herd to photograph. After awhile we saw a herd and rode down to check things out. Danny and Bo rode ahead while I stopped to get out my camera. When I caught up I found Bo parked amidst a group of excited tourists. I asked where Danny was and Bo pointed to the herd. There was Danny in the middle of the herd in a standoff with a large bull. He would rev up his FXR and move up a couple feet. The bull would paw the dirt, snort and shake his woolly head. All the time the herd was milling about encircling the two of them. After a minute or two the bull turned and trotted away. Danny rode out of the herd laughing and said “let’s ride”. With that we left the buffalo and stunned tourists and headed into town.

Be cool and ride safe!

–Anson

Continued On Page 3

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–HONDA HOOT?, STURGIS RENTAL, BIKER GUITARIST, BIKERNET EMBEDDED REPORT AND MORE.

It’s one of those weeks. I wish I knew which direction to turn. There’s a benefit to having a small but sexy staff. The project list contained the news, Beach Ride efforts, King techs, Panhead tuning and the need to work on book projects. Yet, in amongst the crap it takes to make a living we could take a break and hit the bed for some serious business. Puts the entire day on a positive note and reestablishes what’s really important in life.

Makin’ money ain’t what it’s all cracked up to be. The touch of a woman and the open road is way above it on the list. Let’s hit the news:

BIKERNET REPORTER EMBEDDED IN THE REAR–Bandit, I made it safely back to the rear. Iraq is great, if you’re a fly. Iguess they really are attracted to shit. There ain’t one thing up thereworth my time.

Mark your calendar. April 8th. Today Saddam Hussien is in hell. Confidenceis high that Special Operators performed survielance and directedlaser-guided bombs from stealth aircraft onto a meeting place where Saddamand his sons were planning their escape from Iraq. That place is now asmoking hole in Iraqi earth. Reporting from the rear area (where I deserveto be).

–Doc In Iraq

UNSCHEDULED DEATH SENTENCE–[The News of the Weird]: Michael Anderson Godwin made News of the Weirdposthumously. He had spent several years awaiting South Carolina’selectric chair on a murder conviction, but his sentence had just beenreduced to life in prison. While sitting on a metal toilet in his cellattempting to fix his small TV set, he bit into a wire and was electrocuted.

–from Miss Kris

HACKASAW FEATURE TRIUMPH–The girl is Kat, Hacksaw is the owner of thissnake and several other exotics. Any day now we will launch a full feature on this classic Triumph. Watch for it.

STREET REPORT–What a surprise to see our old Buell photos in the bikernet news this week. It has been a long time since I last updated you and thought this a good opportunity to say hello and what’s been going on.

The Buell thing got old real quick. After Buell dropped the M2 model I had enough. What really got me was how docile it seemed to get in a short while. The claimed rear wheel 90hp kick in the pants seemed to fade as the miles rolled by. I sold it amazingly and moved on to a “bike in a box” project. When I was my son’s age (11) all I craved was a set of motorized wheels. As a kid I pored over the monthly Popular Mechanics ads, drooling over the minibike and go-kart plans. It wasn’t until I was 15 and had my first summer job that my folks agreed to my plea and let me purchase a Harley 125cc Rapido. It was black of course and cost $425 including helmet. I rode it everywhere and anywhere, it was my street and trail ride and I just rode it without concern. I remember riding out of town on it for the first time. As I got out past the interstate and into the country I thought I could just go on forever and there were no limits to the adventures possible. Well this winter I ! found a minibike kit and the kids and I assembled it in a couple evenings. It is a red framed, wide tired, high bar wheelie machine that scoots along at 25mph. It is squirrely as hell and a hoot to ride. My son’s riding it fulfills my wish as a kid.

For myself I sold my ’95 FXD and a bunch of parts in the garage. In turn I picked up a used 2002 FXD and using ebay bought chrome accessories, handlebar set up, corbin seat, and BUB pipes. At this time I have a total of $12k in it less the selling price of the ’95 FXD. I think it shows that it doesn’t take a high-dollar budget to ride a Harley. Of course it is a basically a stock bike but what the hell.

–Anson

GUITAR GREATCHUCK ALVAREZLIVE at The COACH HOUSE April 18, 2003– For those looking for a great ride and great entertainment…..Chuck Alvarez will be playing this weekend, Sunday April 13th at 12PM noon at Paradise Corners where Hwys. 74 & 371 meet in Garner Valley between Hemet and Palm Desert.

For those of you who might appreciate a ‘blast from the past’ of rock and roll history, The Sons of Champlin will be playing at the Coachhouse www.thecoachhouse.com in San Juan Capistrano on April 18th. I highly recommend catching this concert,

The Sons of Champlin began in 1965 in Marin County, Ca. They brought a unique mix of technical skill, eclectic breadth and solid musical passion. What distinguished the band from their electric guitar-dominated contemporaries playing the San Francisco ballroom circuit was their mix of jazz, blues, R & B, folk and a section of horns.

Opening for the Sons of Champlin is the local blues group, the Chuck Alvarez Blues Band. San Pedro born Chuck Alvarez has been a rockin’ fixture of Southern California blues scene. Chuck often plays at biker related venues and events, both here and in Arizona.

Don’t miss this event, it will be a unique experience for those hip enough to attend.

–Nuttboy

KNITTING BLOND–A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway.Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the blonde behindthe wheel was knitting! Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashinglights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on hisbullhorn and yelled, “PULL OVER!”

“NO!” the blonde yelled back, “IT’S A SCARF!”

NEW 51MM SCREAMIN? EAGLE SUPER BORE CARB KIT FORDEEP-BREATHING, HIGH-REVVING TWIN CAM 88 ENGINES–
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (April 4, 2003) ? Unleash the full potential of a modified Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88 engine with the new Screamin? Eagle Super Bore 51MM CV Carburetor Kit (P/N 27926-02).

This is the largest CV carburetor available and is designed to work well on engines displacing at least 95 cubic inches. The CV (constant velocity) design allows the carburetor to compensate for various changes in temperature and engine load. It features easy access to the main and pilot jets without removing the bowl. This exclusive Harley-Davidson kit comes complete with a carburetor, intake manifold, high flow air cleaner and mounting hardware, and fits 1999 and newer carbureted Twin Cam models, using stock throttle and idle cables. It is not compatible with standard HTCC heads. For race applications only, the Screamin? Eagle Super Bore 51MM CV Carburetor Kit has a U.S. retail price of $689.95

The Screamin? Eagle Super Bore 51MM CV Tuners Kit (P/N 27432-02) includes a variety of jets and needles to fine-tune the Screamin? Eagle 51mm CV carburetor for top track performance. For race applications only, the Screamin?Eagle Super Bore 51MM CV Tuners Kit has a U.S. retail price of $74.95.

The Screamin? Eagle Super Bore 51MM CV Rebuild Kit (P/N 27524-02) includes all the necessary components needed to rebuild the Screamin? Eagle 51mm CV carburetor. For race applications only, Screamin? Eagle Super Bore 51MM CV Rebuild Kit has a suggested U.S. retail price of $74.95.

For photography and information on Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Buell Motorcycles, visit www.h-dmedia.com.

For additional information on other Screamin? Eagle and Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

HOUSE FOR RENT THREE BEDROOMS, TWO BATHS, DEN CONVENIENT STURGIS LOCATION– For rent during Sturgis Rally, available prior to Rally if needed. Close to all the action, but on a quiet residential street south of the interstate. Deck, large yard, very nice and clean, new furniture. Mountain views. Washer and dryer, etc. Attached garage for your bikes. Photos, map available.

?Sleeps up to six people, three separate bedrooms, perfect for three couples.
?$500 per night, seven day minimum. Available prior to Rally.
?Contact Erica at (605) 645-4636 and at ericaWll@mato.com

NEW LINK ON BIKERNET–Please add a web link to FastFred’s Motorcycle Rights E-zine on your Bikernet site under Online Magazines.

FastFred’s Motorcycle Rights E-zinehttp://www.fastfreds.com

“The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.”~ Plato

FastFred – http://www.fastfreds.comLow Country Area Coordinator – lowcountry@abatesc.comABATE of South Carolina – http://www.AbateSC.comMRF – Motorcycle Riders Foundation – http://www.mrf.orgSOLR – Sons of Liberty Riders – http://www.solriders.net

Learn the Five Steps to Liberty at http://www.abatesc.com/five-steps-liberty.htmJoin the ABATE of SC email list at http://www.abatesc.com/mail-list/join-list.htm

“In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man and brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.” Samuel Clemmens

–FF

EDITOR ATTEMPTS TO FORCE BANDIT TO ATTEND HONDA EVENT–I received a strict, unconditional assignment from the editor of Cruising Rider Magazine, “Cover this event and don’t come back until you do.”

I didn’t and won’t, but here’s the scoop:The Honda Hoot is June 17-21in Knoxville. This is a laid back affairwith the focus on area rides/scenery, local attractions, some officialHonda-sponsored events (barbecue, etc.). There will be a vendor area, bikeshow and an okay downtown area worth a cruise or two. to ride. There are some real cornball things like Dollywood and Ripley’sBelieve It Or Not Museum within striking distance, which could be good stroyfodder.

Continued On Page 2

Title: TEXAS MEETS DISCOVERY RIDETitle: TEXAS MEETS DISCOVERY RIDE

Subtitle: Billy Lane, Choppers, Breakdowns And Hamsters

Photos and text by, our Bikernet Caribbean connection, Jose. It was a clear and sunny that infamous Monday morning in San Juan. The plane awaited to haul me toward Orlando where I jumped a rental car to Melbourne, home of Choppers Inc. As the plane took off I got the panoramic view of the North Coast. The surf was breaking in foamy explosions. The entire coastline looked better than ever….It was a really nice day. But action awaited for me in Florida and today was the day to rock.

As planned, I arrived at Billy’s shop around 1:00 PM. It was my first encounter with Billy’s Discovery Channel entrant into a two man ride-off. The Orange chopper (which I later nicknamed Agent Orange). It was still on the lift, work to be done, things to complete, I took a long look at the shapely project and sat down on a milk crate to soak it all in.

The Discovery filming crew was there, a bit antsy, but there. Billy was busy as hell trying to juggle the bike and his other commitments. Aaron from Paramount choppers was on hand to give Billy considerable, last minute, assistance. Nick, a Choppers Inc. master mechanic, was going crazy with other projects and his busted, multicolor toe. Yep, so what’s new at Choppers Inc.?Time went by and kept going. I thought about getting a hotel room and resting up. We had a long ride to Pensacola ahead of us, at least that was the plan.?Billy, Aaron, Ruskin, Booster, Beaner and me would get on our choppers and meet the ” other side”. Yeah right. Billy said he was going to work all night, and you know how it is. If a brother is going to burn the candle, we all burn the fucking candle.

Night turned into day and I passed out on the red couch. Not too bad, considering the lovely Suzanne tucked me in when she returned from work. The insanity rolled on. We were expected, yet still working. We all pitched in what we could, being aware of that strange space/relationship between builder and chopper, you know helping out but keeping a safe distance away from flying tools. Finally the chopper sputtered to life, the crew filmed the event and then took off for our meeting point. There was still work to be done. Tuesday was almost over.

At 6:00 am Wednesday Agent Orange rolled out the doors and was ready for a maiden voyage. Soon after that we loaded the Camel bike and my chopper in the trailer to head out. Yep , no trailer shame, I had appointed myself to drive the truck with Nick. The rest of the guys would roll on. Billy decided to load the chopper as well for the ride to the meeting point in Pensacola. It would be quicker that way, but he would ride from time to time to break the beast in. By eight we were on our way to Pensacola, really late, behind fucking schedule late.

The Discovery crew was flipping out, but being in two places at the same time is impossible, as far as I know. Who could blame Billy, he built five awesome bikes, moved the shop, plus built a bunch of customers bikes in less than six months. No easy feat, most single projects take longer than all these combined. The guys took off on their choppers and we never saw them again. Let’s fast forward a bit……

The ” other side” (Perewitz and 60 Hamsters) had already left Pensacola for Baton Rouge, which turned into Lafayette and a bit further. we were haulin’ ass trying to get there as soon as possible, something that never happened.

By the time we got to Pensacola there was a call from Aaron, his battery had taken a dip and they were in Tallahassee searching out a new one. We had their helmets and gear, and they needed it, plus some warm stuff for the night ride. We stopped at the state line and hid their stuff behind a fallen tree trunk, which will bring out other stories. Be we had to keep on rolling like madmen on a mission. We crossed Alabama and Mississippi in a flash. As the evening started to cool down Billy decided to ride the bike a bit, Booster as well. We rode/ drove into the state of Louisiana by night fall. That was the last time we saw Booster that night.

To top it off another call that Aaron’s battery had gone to better life (the second one), plus his regulator as well. They were forced to look for replacements in the darkness. Still in Florida, we were already hitting interstate 12 towards the West, no time to turn around and pick them up. They understood. That’s the way of the brotherhood, sometimes you can help, sometimes not. By the time we got to Baton Rouge we got a call from Booster, his pulley nut had loosened and he was some place near New Orleans.?I guess he got carried away with his new six speed tranny, what the hell. The bike was finished that same morning.

There was a Cajun party and Billy was expected. We had to carry on. We had no choice. By that time Beaner had his hand inside a dark tree trunk and was thinking of snakes. At least they found their gear and his hands were intact. Although, it seemed a bit funny that he had a rattlesnake adorning his top hat later on….

At last we made our exit. Billy was as tired or even more so than we were. The Discovery crew took him right into the party, we headed directly into the hotel room. It?was 11:00 PM Wed night, over 60 hours since I had left my house in Puerto Rico. We snagged Booster a tow truck for a mere $500.00, made the arrangements and crashed like there was no tomorrow. The shitty part was the obvious realization that there was a gruesome tomorrow ahead.

Thursday morning I rode my bike towards the group. On the way there my chopper had felt a bit funny and by inspecting it noticed that the rear axle had come loose, a quick decision was made to put it back on the trailer and fix it on the next stop, no suck luck. The threads had gone south. I was trailer queen ’till Shreveport.

I was apart of the last Discovery ride, what a blast. This time it seemed like a sea of yellow Hamsters. Over 50 bikes were lined up, ready to go. We started calling all this little mishap the ” Hamster Conspiracy”. Actually we started calling shit that since the first morning at Choppers Inc.

We left Lafayette following Billy and Dave Perewitz down country roads. The crowd was separated since it was too much for the small streets of the Bayou. Before I forget, they (Billy and Dave) had to get up at five in the morning to get some helicopter shots down I-10, way too fucking early for this Caribbean soul, I was more than happy in my hotel room.

As always the rides are as fun as the people you meet. We always have a great time at the gas stations along the way. Cops love to show up, shoot the shit and admire the bikes. We even managed to get a police escort in one of the towns. As you might imagine, I’m skipping some stuff. Why? Well, I don’t want to spoil the show, so let’s keep on.

One of the highlights of the day was Billy’s ass catching fire. His pipes merged into the fender. Yep, the fender was actually part of the exhaust. Although we had wrapped it, it still got hot. We became the unofficial water boys, that is, until his padding caught fire and we had to rush to put out the flames. In typical Billy style, he said that Dave was telling him that his ass what hot and he thought Dave had turned gay, to which Dave responded…”Choppers are for Kids”…..

Mike Lichter and Billy Lane. Mike has been shooting Sturgis for over a decade. On Father’s day his first photographic book will be published by Motorbooks International. It’s a tribute to his riding history and Sturgis.

To cap off the road day, we met at the last gas station and Billy popped a classic wheelie. Bye, bye to the rear belt, the Chopper rode in the trailer for the last 40 miles. We had late night plans (AKA visit strip joints) but everyone was beat to a pulp and we had to work on the bikes. We opted for a dinner break. Michael Lichter joined us and we had a great time, just talking, and enjoying Boosters antics. That’s when the rest of the guys showed up. Yep Ruskin, Aaron and Beaner, they finally made it all the way, two rigid choppers and Beaners raked road king. We had to kick out a bunch of kids from Billy’s room. It’s amazing how people recognize him and relate to him. Another long day waited ahead of us.

Friday morning the departure time was set for noon. We split early to a shop, Magic Touch AKA Bayou Customs. If you are ever by that neck of the woods, go visit Jim and TC. Those guys rock ! They opened the shop for us and let us repair anything. This is the stuff that I really like, people helping each other out, no egos, no crowds. The yellow shirted rodents were pissed at our delay and took off for Dallas. We had a good time fixing the bikes, why rush things? While Billy fixed his belt, Booster fixed his pulley. I fixed my axle and all the other guys checked what needed to be checked and welded what was cracked. Mind you, these were all rigid choppers, bare as they can be and ridden hard, very hard. Triple digit speeds are the norm. Aaron was flying over railroad tracks and Miss Behavin’ was on her second long-ass trip. No rest for the wicked! Meanwhile, the Discovery crew and Michael Lichter were having a ball with all the antics that went on. Even the guys from Klock Works out of South Dakota were hanging out. They had jumped ship on the “Hamster side”.

Booster and Chucky.

After reworking my whole rear wheel, we were ready to get the hell outta Dodge. A light rain started falling and we still had a bunch of miles before we’d hit Dallas. We tried to pay, but Jim would have nothing to do with that. I want to thank him and everyone there for their hospitality and help. We left some beer money and left the tallest rooster tails Shreveport has ever seen. I was wet but happy to be riding again. Life plays tricks when you think you have the upper hand. My spacers started rotating once more and I decided to call it quits before becoming a hood ornament or eating a asphalt buffet. My total riding distance of the trip was around 30 miles. Oh well, such is life outside the Tropics.

The afternoon turned into a pretty nice one, and I’m sure some of the best filming took place then. We hauled ass to Dallas, the party awaited.

We arrived in Dallas later that night. The party was in full swing at Easyriders of Dallas. We made the ultimate smoke burnin’ entrance. After so many miles Miss Behavin’s throttle got stuck and sent Ruskin flying into a sea of full dressers. The guy managed to dodge some of them, but not all. Fiberglass and reflectors flew all over the place. He managed to stop at the back wall and assess the damage. Needless to say, there were some very pissed off Texans. But what the hell are you gonna do? The party went on and fist fights never occurred. We closed the place up, these guys deserved it. Dallas cuties were all over the place.

It was Saturday at last. The Easyriders show was full on. Both bikes were separated by the ballot table. We had a grim 60 Hamsters to 6 odds, but people seemed to like Billy’s bike better. He was available all day to sign autographs and talk to people, Knowing Billy I can tell you he is a humble and simple person. I guess that’s why mere Joe’s like him. They can relate, but in all fairness I can’t say anything about Perewitz since I don’t know him that well. The afternoon went on and at the end Billy won the Build off. As the sun ducked out of sight, Tornado warning sirens and hail the size of golf balls sliced to the pavement. What a fucking way to end this strange, long trip. But like they say in the informercials, wait there’s more.

Silver City welcomed us with open arms and hot looking chicks, I took off early since I had to catch a plane back to Puerto Rico, the plane that never happened, the flight canceled and sending me to Miami, sleep over with no luggage?and catch another flight to San Juan, plus waiting six hours at DFW ….. What the fuck ! If this shit did not happen I could not be talking about it. Congrats Billy !

AFTERTHOUGHT

After being fortunate enough to be able to participate in the last two Biker Build Offs, I had a better view of differences and similarities. I don’t want to bash anyone, but I will always say it like I see it, so here we go. Let me warn everyone, this is my opinion and my opinion only !

There’s cool people and there’s dicks. There were over 60 people on this ride, so the odds were greater. Although I have very good friends within the Hamsters, the group at this ride were very competitive, they seemed rallied against us. They rode a lot of dressers and?Easter-egg colored?bikes. We were the “kids” on choppers, including Donny Smith (a Hamster) who had a very cool blue chopper with a girder front end. Maybe not them against us, but them there, we were here–kinda deal. On the first Discovery ride, everyone hung out together and had a great time. The group was together all the time, no bitching, no real desire to win or lose by either builder. No flyers with vote for such and such. At least at the end of the day we all hung out at the bar and laughed at all this.

I noticed that a lot more builders were there, Rumble Customs, Donny Smith, Aaron Greene, Bryan Klock, and others as well as journalists and photographers such as Beau Allen Pacheco and Michael Lichter.

The best time we had was within our small group. I heard that some people were pissed after Billy won, I was not there, but it might have happened, might not. There was no need for that, since we are all winners, no matter what.

I was also amazed by the number of people walking introducing themselves, either for the stuff they read here at Bikernet or The Horse. No one bitched at me, all were encouraging words. I’m still taken by surprise every time someone approaches me and says my name, even people that thought I was Billy’s brother, or saw me in the first show (and remembered !).

I can’t wait for the next ride. I know it’s going to be lots of fun as well. I guess this one was a lesson, in that strength is not based in numbers but on tenacity and friendship. We were just extras in this movie and all the importance was for the main character. I would endure a similar ordeal, anytime, with no regrets. That’s what friends are for.

Let me end this with something that Jim (from Bayou Customs ) said, (in more or less his words), ” I’m glad that this shows the true brotherhood of our lifestyle, the young guns who are keeping the true meaning alive, while the old guys forget what it is all about.” True indeed my friend, the old guys doing new stuff, the young guys keeping the old school tradition alive.

— Jose De Miguel
— chopperfreak@earthlink.net
— Visit our Web Site http://www.chopperfreak.com

Dripping Daytona 2003 – You Don’t Shovel Rain

Continued From Page 8

We thought something was up the next morning, when we finally woke up with a distinct lack of sun slithering through the cracks in the window blinds. All was confirmed with a step out onto our ocean front balcony, cold wet feet snapped us right to attention, damn. Thankfully, the TV remote still worked and we sailed towards the weather channel, only to discover upon landing, that it was going to be wet and dismal for the rest of the day and the next. Ok, so it’s going to rain, at least it isn’t snowing.

With one eye directed at the sky and the other watching out for traffic, we headed for the Beach St. vendor area. We discovered soon enough, one of the hidden benefits of the vendor area, along with the friends and acquaintances; there were also tarps and awnings to duck under when the clouds cracked. Of course, all the new parts are on display as well; since this is the first time shops get to show off their winter’s work to the riders on the street.

An impressive assemblage of hardware not found anywhere else in the free world was available daily. During one particular drenching downpour, Hachet Head and I were separated, so I ducked into Jose’s “Chopper Freak” booth to keep the camera dry. I think HH sneaked into one of the ladies portables, but I’m not sure. He showed up later with a grin that a quarter mile of rough asphalt wouldn’t budge.

The sun came out for one and a half days, give or take a minute or two. We did get some riding time in, but not nearly what we expected. As we soon discovered there were other sources of amusement. One that comes hit us after lunch at Ponce Inlet. The wind and rain came like a wall of water across the narrow channel toward the restaurant pier where we were seated comfortably, followed by a display of lightening bordering on biblical proportions, even sending a bolt of high-voltage to the end of our pier purely for entertainment value.

Toward the end of the week, we rolled over to Deland, Florida, to Stetson University, the sight of the Woods motorcycle auction. A very nice crop of bikes was waiting the sound of the auctioneer’s satatco enticement and the word “sold”. The parking area surrounding the university gym was a show of motorcycles of all descriptions. Even the bikes loaded in the back of pick-up trucks and lashed down on trailers looked awesome. Some were going to new homes, some just heading home.

Home was where we headed, after witnessing the rapid advancement of a boiling thunderhead, which postponed the weekending Daytona 200 race till the next day. We casually observed firey laps from the dry comfort of a couch.

Did it rain most of the time? Yes. Did it suck? Not at all. We came to have fun and fun being the final frontier, we ventured forth. How can you not have fun in a city stuffed with motorcycles and packed with their riders?

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–READERS’ POLL RELEASED, VICTORY VEGAS TESTED, BUELL RACE SERIES AND TROUBLE HEADED FOR LAUGHLIN

Continued From Page 2

Joker Machine Lens Panels–Brought to you by popular demand,these versitile 8″ x 8″ x 1/8″ thick panels are a must for custom bike builders that incorporate their own lighting ideas into custom applications. Originally manufactured for our own product line, we now offer these Unique and hard to find panels to the public.(See auxillary photo above for close-up of material)

THEY FEATURE:
Excellent D.O.T. Style optical Light Dispertion.
Easy to machine (or saw cut) polycarbonate material.
High quailty 8 inch square panel covers most size requirements for special projects.

ANOTHER HOT NEW MIRROR FROM JOKER! —Introducing the “Low Brow” mirror. Features shapely CNC machining from a solid block and truly represents itself as a sleek design statement for those who want optimal mirror size (without sacrificing looks!) This mirror gives you the image your looking for! They are Fully chrome plated and feature our famous 1 piece design.

LAUGHLIN PREPARES FOR ALAMO–The City Council in Bullhead City has approved a resolution granting the mayor expanded emergency powers.

She will now be able to impose curfews, close roads, and shut down businesses if necessary during next month’s Laughlin River Run motorcycle rally.

City Attorney Ron Ramsey says Mayor Diane Vick already had the powers sought in the resolution.

He says the resolution was drafted to specifically explain how those powers would be applied.

The resolution was developed as a response to a deadly biker brawl at Harrah’s Laughlin casino, across the Colorado River from Bullhead City, during last year’s River Run.

Three people were killed and many more injured during the clash of rival biker gangs. –Associated Press

BIKERNET RELATIONSHIP CORNER– As a woman passed her daughter’s closed bedroom door, she heard astrange buzzing noise coming from within. Opening the door, sheobserved her daughter giving herself a real workout with a vibrator.Shocked, she asked, “What in the world are you doing?”

The daughter replied, “Mom, I’m thirty-five years old, unmarried, andthis is about as close as I’ll ever get to a husband. Please, go away andleave me alone.”

The next day, the girl’s father heard the same buzz coming from theother side of the closed bedroom door. Upon entering the room, heobserved his daughter making passionate love to her vibrator. To hisquery as to what she was doing, the daughter said, “Dad, I’m thirtyfive years old, unmarried, and this thing is about as close as I’ll ever getto a husband. Please, go away and leave me alone.”

A couple days later, the wife came home from a shopping trip, placedthe groceries on the kitchen counter, and heard that buzzing noisecoming from, of all places, the family room.

She entered that area and observed her husband sitting on the couch,staring at the TV. The vibrator was next to him on the couch, buzzinglike crazy. The wife asked in a demanding tone, “What the hell areyou doing?” The husband replied: “I’m watching the hockey game withmy son-in-law.”

–Ken M.

BUELL MOTORCYCLES HOSTS 2003 BUELL NATIONAL BATTLE TRAX SERIES–Series includes a 10-city tour with riders competing for a national championship.EAST TROY, Wis. (March 28, 2003) – Buell Motorcycle Company invites riders to participate in the 2003 Buell National BattleTrax Series, a free motorcycle event that challenges riders to compete in a controlled environment and rewards skill and consistency. The National BattleTrax Series, which kicked off March 8 during Daytona Bike Week, showcases Buell?s latest award-winning motorcycles – the Lightning XB9S and Firebolt XB9R.

“Buell motorcycles have always emphasized the importance of mass centralization and frame rigidity, and low unsprung weight, which gives riders improved handling and agility,” says Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer. “BattleTrax is a great way to showcase these performance attributes, which provide benefits in any type of riding.”BattleTrax is a closed-course motorcycle event involving a well-marked, circuitous route on a paved surface. The event is designed for all experience levels, giving every rider an opportunity to test their skills. Riders travel the course – one at a time – as efficiently as they can. An electronic timer monitors each rider?s performance. The course, laced with twists and turns, is guaranteed to test riders? skills and produce ear-to-ear grins.

The winner of each regional event – determined by a timed bracket-style format – will receive a trip to Las Vegas to compete for the national championship on July 16, 2003. Buell Motorcycle Company will provide each winner with round trip airfare to Las Vegas and two nights? hotel accommodation, along with a special Buell prize. The national champion will receive the Buell National BattleTrax Series Championship trophy and bragging rights for a lifetime.

Scott Berry of Arlington, Mass., was crowned the winner of the first regional event at Daytona. ?I was really looking forward to the BattleTrax event at Daytona,? said Berry. ?I liked the bracket format. I was counting the time down in my head and trying to be smooth on the course. I am pumped to go to Vegas for the finale.?

The 10-event national series continues this spring and summer giving riders the chance to test their motorcycles and themselves.

?BattleTrax is a fun skills course intended for riders of all experience levels,? says Paul James, communications manager. ?Riders set their own bracket time, and ride within their own limits to match it, which makes for an even playing field and rewards smoothness and consistency.?

Participants need to bring their motorcycle, full-face helmet, appropriate riding gear and a valid motorcycle driver?s license. Riders must be at least 21 years of age to participate. See the following schedule or visit www.battletrax.com <http://www.battletrax.com> for a complete list of Buell National BattleTrax cities and event details.

For photography and information on Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Buell Motorcycles, visit www.h-dmedia.com.To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. Call 1-800-490-9635 for the Buell dealer nearest you. Or pull into www.buell.com.

2003 Buell National BattleTrax Series Schedule

Daytona, Fla., March 8 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Best Buy parking lot , Across from Daytona International Speedway.

Phoenix, Ariz. , April 13 9 a.m. – 4 p.m, Falcon Field Airport Commemorative Air, 2017 N. Greenfield Mesa, AZ 85215 Force, Arizona Wing.

Los Angeles, Calif., April 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Camarillo Airport , 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. SoCal Wing Commemorative Air Force

Gettysburg, Pa., May 10 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Battlefield Harley-Davidson/Buell, 21 Cavalry Field Road Gettysburg, PA 17325.

Detroit, Mich., May 18 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Arcadis Building parking lot, 25200 Telegraph Road Southfield, MI 48034.

San Francisco, Calif., May 24 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road San Carlos, CA 94070.

Minneapolis, May 31 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Minnesota StateFairgrounds, 265 Snelling Avenue No., St. Paul, MN 55108.

Milwaukee, Wis., June 8 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. , Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8100 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214.

Denver, Colo., June 14 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., ThunderRidge High School , 1991 W. Wildcat Reserve Parkway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126.

Las Vegas, Nev., July 16 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Las Vegas Harley-Davidson/Buell, 2605 S. Eastern Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89109.

CRUISING RIDER RELEASE VEGAS ROAD TEST–Just received the new Cruising Rider and read your article on theVegas…Very nice.

A well written article and pictures were good too!

–Tom Motsko
The King of Drag SpecialtiesHere’s somethin’ for you to post, Bandit my dear friend!Barbi

READERS’ POLL RESULTS– I have attached the results. I had around 40 hits from my site. I added 190 from yours.

Even though the response was low, it is interesting to note that thepercentages stayed the same from 10 votes through 229 votes. I thinkit probably is an accurate reflection of road bike miles traveled(NHTSA throws in dirt bikes, ATV’s, mopeds, and god knows what else).

So much for NHTSA saying we average 1,900 miles per year and using thatnumber to issue a death toll alert and feed their helmet propoganda.

I hope everyone had a great time, maybe I’ll create another one!

FTW,

–Stroker

President of the Tahiti Riders Club, Kiki

GOTTA GET SOME SLEEP–If you ever want to visit a pure paradise, Tahiti is the place. The tropical islands, the pristine beaches, the topless French girls, the crystal clear waters and snorkeling that will blow your mind. Bikernet contributor and longtime east coast rider TBear and his lovely wife Maggie discovered a love for the islands and the people. Their relationship with Kiki the president of the Harley club initiated the notion of a run to the islands.

Watch for the complete report and news on the next run to Tahiti for a few lucky riders who want taste a pure island adventure. Hang on.

Ride forever,–Bandit

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–$310,000 HARLEY, MYRTLE’S BOYCOTT, MA NOISE RULING, CYRIL AIR CLEANERS AND MORE

Continued From Page 1

BIKERNET STICKERS FREE–Just send a goddamn self addressed stamped envelop. If you send a 8×10 folder, we’ll send you a big one.

It’s that simple. Send the SASE to Bikernet, P.O.Box 1168 San Pedro, CA 90733.

THE NATIONAL COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS BANQUET IS COMING– At last year’s NCOM Convention in New Orleans, in a moving tribute to Brothers & Sisters Lost, Doc Reichenbach, Chairman of the NCOM Board and President of ABATE of Florida, read a list of names of recently deceased Freedom Fighters submitted by motorcycle clubs and organizations nationwide for this special dedication. ABATE of Florida donated a brass bell to NCOM which was rung once for each name on an 18-page list, which took eight minutes to read.

This dedication will once again take place during the Convention, and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists is requesting that MRO’s, motorcycle clubs, and riding associations submit the names of those members and supporters who have died since May 2002, so that we may pay tribute to their memories.

Please submit names to bish@aimncom.com, with the Subject Line: NCOM Convention Dedication. The cutoff date for submissions will be May 1, 2003.

If you have not already made plans to attend the NCOM Convention in Milwaukee, WI, May 8-10, 2003, at the Four Points Sheraton, rooms may be selling out. This year’s Convention will coincide with Harley-Davidson’s 100th birthday, so Milwaukee should be a great place for bikers this year! Make your reservations now, because this will be one of the best ever. Get with the people at AIM headquarters at 800-ON-A-BIKE to pre-register or for additional information, or you can download a pre-registration form and Convention flyer at www.ON-A-BIKE-com.

Thank you, and we hope to see you in Milwaukee!

–Bill Bish, cyclenews-off@aimncom.com

CYRIL HUZE NEO/RETRO AIR CLEANERS– These air cleaners will never go out of style. They are small and will not hide your engine details. They fit a total of 22 different carburetor applications! From the very old to the latest fuel injected models. From EL bikes to the newest Twin Cam 88. These art-deco style air cleaners are 100% hand made and offered in three styles: smooth with top ridge- all smooth- flamed. Each air cleaner includes the cover, the back plate and an exclusive teardrop filter element by Unifilter. All covers are top quality polished aluminum and reasonably priced. Chrome on request.

See details & prices at:http://store.cyrilhuze.com/CyrilHuze/Accessories/Details.asp?ProductID=10209

Cyril Huze Custom
Motorcycles & Parts
Tel: 561-392-5557
Fax: 561-392-9923
Website: http://www.cyrilhuze.com
Webstore: http://store.cyrilhuze.com

ARIZONA SHOOT OUT– March 23, 2003 The president of a Cave Creek Hells Angels club was shot to death outside a north Phoenix bar early Saturday. Daniel Leroy Seybert, 46, a biker whom most people knew only as “Hoover,” was shot in the head at Bridget’s Last Laugh, a family member from Minnesota said. Hoover headed the club’s Cave Creek charter.

Lt. Joe Harris of the Desert Horizon Precinct in Phoenix confirmed the homicide, saying Seybert suffered “upper-body trauma.” He declined to give more details.

“It was a shock,” said Hoover’s sister, Becky Paggen, 31, of Foley, Minn. “We know he was shot coming out of a bar. “We don’t know much else, and the less we know probably better.”

It’s unknown if the death is related to a long-simmering rivalry between other motorcycle gangs and the Angels, who dominate the state’s tough biker scene. [From Az. Republic.]

POW/MIA RIDE–On September the 14th the 4th annual POW/MIA Ride For Rememberance will take place. Ride meets 11:30 am at VFW post 6643 on rt.18 in East Freetown MA. the ride then goes to the VFW/WASHINGTON CLUB in New Bedford MA., where there is a cookout & live band.The cost is $5.oo per bike. All proceeds will go to the veterans transition house in New Bedford MA. for more info call 508-992-8511

–from Rogue and Bikerlife.com

Bandit, just a little something to brighten your day–Barbi.

TEXAN ARTILLERY TECHNIQUES–A large group of Iraqi soldiers are moving down a road when theyhear a voice call from behind a sand dune. “One Texas soldier is betterthan tenIraqis.”

The Iraqi commander quickly orders 10 of his best men over thedune whereupon a gun-battle breaks out and continues for a few minutes andthen, silence.

The voice once again calls out “One Texan is better than one hundred Iraqi.” Furious, the Iraqi commander sends his next best 100 troops over the dune and instantly a huge gun fight commences. After 10 minutes of battle, again, silence. The Texan voice calls out gain

“OneTexan is better than one thousand Iraqi.” The enraged Iraqi commander musters 1000 fighters and sends them to the other side of the dune. Rifle fire, machine guns, grenades, rockets and cannon fire ring out as a terrible battle is fought…. Then silence.

Eventually one badly wounded Iraqi fighter crawls back over the dune andwith his dying words tells his commander, “Don’t send any more men……it’s a trap. There’s two of them.

–from R.R.

SHOP AT SEARS–IT IS ALL ABOUT HOW YOU TREAT THE PROTECTORS OF OUR LAND. I assume you haveall seen the reports about how Sears is treating its reservist employees whoare called up? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open andavailable, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and losebenefits as a result of being called up… Sears is voluntarily paying thedifference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medicalinsurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for upto two years.

I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen andshould be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears,and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the companygets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.This is definitely one to pass on.

–from Rogue

MA APPEALS COURT AGREES WITH BIKERS, NO TEST, NO TICKET– (Cambridge, MA) Siding with three motorcyclists ticketed by theNewburyport Police for ‘excessive noise’ violations, the Appellate Divisionof the District Court Department, Northern District reversed the lowerCourt’s ‘responsible’ findings, vacating the judgments and dismissed thecitations, reported Paul W. Cote, Legislative Director of the MassachusettsMotorcycle Association.

“This reaffirms what other District Courts have decided in similarsituations, ‘no test, no ticket,’ Cote roared. “The Court’s decision alsoshows,” he continued, ‘riders can ALTER their exhaust systems so long asthey do not exceed the State’s allowable decibel level of 99.”

The citations stemmed from Patriot’s Day weekend last year when theNewburyport Police Department instituted a ‘motorcycle noise abatementpolicy,’ stopping over 55 riders who complained they were detained,harassed, threatened with towing and told to ‘stay out of my town,’ by thepolice.

The MMA engaged its chief legal counsel, Joseph S. Provanzano ofPeabody who argued at trials the sound meter was required. When threeriders were found ‘responsible’ during trial in July despite no ‘testing,’Provanzano appealed.

–from AOL SoLRHawk

Watch out for guys pulling trailers.

MARKETING FLORIDA DRIVERS LICENSES–FACT: The Florida DMV can sell your personal information unless you secureyour records by activating a block.Take a moment and check if your name is blocked from selling yourinformation.

The DMV is authorized to give out (sell) your personal information toanyone: (name, DOB, phone number, address, SS#, Medical disabilities,etc)with no problem. You can go to the State of Florida web site and block theDMV from passing on any of your information.Go to www.hsmv.state.fl.us and click on ON LINE DRIVER LICENSE CHECK toverify if your driver’s license is valid – once it verifies that yourlicense is valid or not it will let you know whether or not your license isblocked and it will give you the opportunity to block it at that time byfollowing the instructions.Pass it along to your Florida friends.

— AOL SoLRHawk

MYRTLE BEACH BOYCOTT STILL ROCKS–5000 flyers go SC to be distributed about the boycott. With the donationsreceived, the folks in SC should be able to educate some folks as to theinjustice committed there. To all those who helped in anyway …….. ThankYou ……… we achieved our goal on the flyers.The URL for the flyer is http://solrpa.com/myrtle/myrtle.pdf it’s in .pdfform

–Hawk
ICQ 34668186
AOL SoLRHawk

BIKERNET EXCLUSIVE–Just in the last couple of weeks Otis Chandler, Los Angeles Times magnet, appeared at a private auction and paid $310,000 for a 1907 Single. There are only four known Harley-Davidson strap tank models in the country. The price of antique bikes just went up.

TERRORIST ATTACK SURVIVAL KIT–This is a Terrorist attack survival kit. Comes with one filter mask, one roll Terrorist Duct Tape, One roll Contractor quality clear plastic. 1 flag and instructions on use.

In case of terrorist attack: Place mask over mouth, Place plastic over head, seal at neck with duct tape, hold flag in hand. PRAY!

Use at own discretion!

–from Bob T.

Continued On Page 3

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–TAHITI RUN 2003, BIKE DEALS, ARIZONA OUTLAWS RUNS, AND BIKERNET NEWS FROM THE FRONT

The sizzling news was launched a day early last week. Cut me a break this week, will ya? I just unwound myself from an 8-hour flight from Tahiti. Last night eight of us partied with the Harley Riders of Tahiti. There are 75 plus Harleys in French Polynesia and this particular group supports the handicapped children’s’ schools and facilities on Tahiti and Moorea. Bikernet is helping them create the first run to Tahiti. This was dry/wet run to one of two major charity banquets in Papeete sponsored by Sofitel Hotels and the Harley Riders. Incredible party of over 800 guests. I’ll tell you much more about it in complete report from the islands, so you’ll know I wasn’t slacking. Let’s get to the news…

NEWS FROM THE WAR FRONT —No ridin over here. Lots of fun with dirt divin’ from them long-range missles the inspectors say that Saddam don’t have.

If the dumbasses don’t cap that paper-hangin son-of-a-whore this time, I’ll take a pen-knife up there and cut his fuckin throat myself. Enjoy it, cause freedom ain’t free. De Opresso Liber,

–Doc Poppe somewhere in the shit.

P.S. Buy them fuckers a beer, who made them Patriot missles. They’re okay with me.

Old flicks from Bob T.

BEACH RIDE REPORT–The Beach Ride 2003 will rock this year at the Queen Mary on September 7th, in Long Beach California. We are in the process of building a Custom Chrome ground up custom to raffle off. This ride was designed for the Exceptional Childrens Foundation. It’s a non-profit Charity Ride. No bullshit.

We hope to have outstanding groups for entertainment such as WAR and ———–. We are working on a world class display of antique motorcycles and a master builder to display his bikes. We will also have a ride-in bike show and we’ll start taking entrants in the next couple of weeks.

We are currently looking for a rider with a sidecar and a pet who loves to be the co-pilot. If you know of someone, drop me a line. We need the rig and rider for television publicity.

–“George Hayward” georgehayward@sbcglobal.net

CRUISING BILL PASSES ARIZONA LEGISLATURE–House Bill 2386 Passes with a 35-22-3 Vote.The Arizona House passed HB2386 on March 12, 2003 with little public fanfare. It has been unaffectionately labeled the ?dangerous driving? or ?anti-cruising? bill by its opponents because in its strict interpretation it makes riding a motorcycle or any other vehicle in ?processions? of two or more illegal.

That means weekend rides by groups of motorcyclists will put them are risk of being cited with a moving violation that is a Class 1 Misdemeanor ? similar to speeding, drag-racing or reckless driving, and exposure to fines of up to $2500 for the offense. It will make all organized ?rides? such as Poker Runs, Charity Rides, etc. illegal and expose all the riders to the aforementioned penalties.

But there is still time to act out against this Bill before it becomes law. Essentially we have four opportunities to stop it.

The Bill now moves into the Arizona State Senate where a Committee will review it and then open up a hearing for public debate on the pros an cons or the proposed legislation.

OK! So what do we/you do now? The best thing we can do as individuals is contact our Senators (and House members) and A list of our Senators can be found at http://www.arizonasenate.org/senate_directory.htm and it provides names, districts, phone number (all 602 area code) and email addresses as well as mailing addresses. Now is the time to start voicing you objection to the bill and the aforementioned argument should be stated in any message you convey to those Senators.

Check CycleRides.com for more info. We will be meeting with Senator Jim Waring (R ? Scottsdale) – a co-sponsor of the Bill in the Senate and Representative Mark Thompson (R ? Tempe) – a member of the House Transportation Committee on Wednesday (March 26) afternoon to voice our concerns. We will report on the results of that meeting next week.

–from Rogue

THE MAY COMPANY USED BIKE LOT–Here’s some bikes my pals have for sale. The first one is this white pearl ’89 Heritage Springer which was torn down and completly rebuilt with S&S cases and lots of billet and chrome goodies. It was been featured in a magazine a few years ago. It’s been sitting for years. These assholes never ride. They just wheel and deal. There was about 30 grand put into this bike and it can be bought for half that. Just contact me, Bill at (702) 301-4042.

This one is a ’57 motor on a unbutchered ’52 frame. The front end is off a Ultra Groundpounder. It is a great running bike and a stock primary cover will fit over the belt. We have one that goes with it. This bike would be an easy restoration. He’s asking 10 grand, all trades considered.

Here’s another old school chopper. It would make someone a great project. The motor is a late ’60s Shovel with a Pan cam cover and earlier left case with a bad number job. It has a clear Nevada title that says it is a ’53 FL. It runs very strong and has Performance Machine brakes front and rear. It is a suicide with a rachet jockey with a folding bayonet on it. As little as $6,000 will take it. Oh, the frame is a real ’56-57 straight leg that has never been raked but it has been moulded and lots of brakets are removed.

Ok, here are the last two. One is your typical 883 Hugger. It is a very clean ’95 with 13k miles on it. Lots of new stuff including the Le Pera seat and drag pipes. Runs perfect, has new tires etc. $5,500 will take it. The other one is a Shovelhead FXR with a 89-inch hot set-up in it. It has forward controls and a late style wide glide off a Dyna. Runs very strong, needs cosmetics, $8 grand. obo. Owner is dying of cancer fast and his family needs the bucks.

Thanks and have a great week, maybe get laid for me cus I haven’t found a chick I am compatable with for a long time, I guess I am too picky or got too much when I was young.

–“Bill May”

HEY HOMES CHECK THIS SHIT OUT!!–$$$$ from tha desk of THE L.B.C.’S BIGGEST MONEY HUSTLA FO LIFE!!

–JESSE JAMES $$$$

FROM THE BIKERNET INTELLECTUAL LIBRARY–A Wealthy man decided to go on a safari in Africa and takes his faithful pet dachshund along for company.

One day, the dachshund starts chasing butterflies and before long the dachshund discovers that he is lost.

So, wandering about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the obvious intention of having lunch. The dachshund thinks, “OK, I’m in deep trouble now!”

Then he noticed some bones on the ground close by, and immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the dachshund exclaims loudly, “Boy, that was one delicious leopard. I wonder if there are any more around here?”

Hearing this, the leopard halts his attack in mid-stride, as a look of terror comes over him, and slinks away into the trees. “Whew,” says the leopard. “That was close. That dachshund nearly had me.”

Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So, off he goes. But the dachshund saw him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figured that something must be up.

The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard.

The leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, “Here monkey, hop on my back and see what’s going to happen to that conniving canine.”

Now the dachshund sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back, and thinks, “What am I going to do now?”

But instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn’t seen them yet… and just when they get close enough to hear, the dachshund says, “Where’s that monkey? I sent him off half an hour ago to bring me another leopard.”

The Moral: SOMETIMES IF YOU CAN’T DAZZLE THEM WITH BRILLIANCE, THEN BAFFLE THEM WITHBULLSHIT!!

–from Rev CarlR

Continued On Page 2