BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–JOSE EXPLAINS MEANING OF LIFE, SCREAMIN’ EAGLE RESULTS AND YOUNG PROJECT

Continued From Page 2

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN/DISCOVERY REPORT– As always I have been receiving a ton of e-mails regarding my reports, now it’s the Discovery report turn. So let’s make something really clear.

Yes it was a bit biased, but if you read my reports as well as the news, you might know were I’m coming from.

I really don’t know the twist the show will take when the guys at Discovery edit it, but I’m guessing. Me, personally have no beef with the Hamsters, nor Dave Perewitz. That does not mean I can’t say what I want either. As I have said so many times here, don’t take what you read so seriously. It’s all for entertainment and fun. In all fairness I will post some more photos of the ride. I did not take the ride nor competition seriously either. It’s a deal so people can get their baddest shit together and build it. The bonus is riding with friends (who needs an excuse for that) and hanging out.

Once more, this is my point of view, and since I am the one writing the report, that’s the only one we have. I’m sure that we will receive lots of e-mails and comments after this, but next time let’s sit down and compare notes on the trip. I can’t do all this by myself…

Dave Perewitz and his Discovery Challenge Custom. The Hamster contender.

To top this off, even though Mr. Perewitz’ bike is not my style, I can still appreciate the workmanship and effort that he and his crew put into it. Maybe I’ll post photos of both bikes and let Bikernet readers choose the winner…Use It’s Your Shot Department to post your vote.Anyway, case closed….Kinda.

Here’s Jose’s bike from Florida. He’s the Choppers Inc. contender.

And now, back to ranting…I have been reading several boards about bikes. It’s very interesting the opinions of people behind a key board. From the latest Discovery motorcycle related TV shows, to the eternal bitching of high priced motorcycles from, ” well known” builders, and a lot of stuff that I’m not even gonna get into, so let’s start with the TV shows…

They are for entertainment purposes. Sure they enhance the careers and sales of certain people, but mostly are edited according to the ” tone ” the producer.

Nothing bad can evolve from these shows, au contraire mes amis, all good for the industry. The more exposure our small industry gets out to the ” normal” world, the better. Have you noticed that since these shows came out everyone and their mothers know what a chopper is, have a slight idea of what it takes to build one of them, and sort of knows that these are regular people with different talents– not thugs trying to take your ” virgin” daughters away in the middle of the night.

Let’s thank TV for those shows, good or bad, and make sure to e-mail Discovery and such channels our appreciation. Do it and do it often. Let them know how you feel about these shows. Remind them that if it wasn’t for Jose, they’d me out on the streets.www.Discovery.com As simple as that.

Which brings me to my next point, $$$$$$$$$. One question before I start again.. How much would you charge for your time and talent?People bitch about how expensive things are, how do people dare charging 150 grand for a motorcycle, how builders do this, how they do that?Ok, I think 150 g’s for a bike is a bit excessive, even 80. On the other hand this is an art. Builders are artists. They don’t get regular paychecks from a company, no bonus from the boss, nope, zip. What we do is what we do, the unseen side, the shops and bikes pay for the kid’s school, their needs, the rent, the utilities, everything….The wives shopping sprees, the cars, the mortgage, well I think you catch my drift.

Builders have to keep building no matter what. We all hope that what is being built is sold. In some cases it’s not sold, but the bills have to be paid. It’s very different to build a bike from the money you earn at your job, than being your job to build bikes, again I’m not excusing the 100 thousand bikes, but how much is time worth?

Again, let’s say that you are asking $20.00 and hour for label (yeah let’s be ridiculous) most of these bikes have over a thousand hours of work into them, do the math, at extreme cheap labor, is it $20,000 alone, not including the major components such as motor, tranny, frame, wheels, front end , etc… and then the other stuff that we always forget and adds up big time, the nick nacks. If I had more time I would provide a list of average prices for stuff and let our readers do the rest…

Then again, why choose the most expensive components when a nice cool chopper can be built rather inexpensively. Sometimes we gotta have the best, the biggest motor, the newest shit. And in reality this “hobby” or lifestyle, or whatever the fuck you wanna call it, is expensive.

That is why I am always impressed by people who do a good job on a cool bike with as little as possible, if it takes you on the ride and you have fun, there’s no need for lots of money. I will always prefer simple stuff, old stuff, things that used to be available for almost nothing and inventive and hard work stuff. Same as the top people, only that there’s people willing to pay for “their” stuff.All that really matters is that you take pride in, what you do and ride the crap out of. It does not matter which bike or which builder. It is all a matter of personal satisfaction.

And now to the very brief news…

Mike Seate from Iron Works has just released a new chopper book, T-Bear has more information on it, I’ve heard that it’s a really cool book…More info later on.

It’s being confirmed, The Camel Roadhouse is no more, effective as of now. Too bad it was a pretty good venue for our builders.

Freeway Magazine from France has released their April issue with a cover shot of the Rumble Customs Camel bike, and all the Daytona stuff. I really don’t care if you are boycotting the French, but this mag is very cool indeed.

I’ve got some info on what Indian Larry is building for the next Discovery Build off. Of course I have been sworn into secrecy, but I’m sure someone will send some spy photos pretty soon. Just a little hint..Old School rules !

Just received some information of a new show in Miami. It will take place labor day week end at Coconut Grove. Let’s see what happens there. It would be lot’s of fun to just go fuck around South Beach for a few days.

Anyway, I’m outta here, gotta check the hate mailand get ready for the next adventure. Soon, very soon.

–Jose, Bikernet Caribbean report,and lots more.

BUTT MEASUREMENTS– A man and his wife were working in their garden one day and the man looks over at his wife and says: “Your butt is getting really big, I mean really big. I bet your butt is bigger than the barbecue.”

With that he proceeded to get a measuring tape and measure the grill and then went over to where his wife was working and measured his wife’s bottom.

“Yes, I was right, your butt is two inches wider than thebarbecue!!!”

The woman chose to ignore her husband. Later that night in bed, the husband is feeling a little frisky. He makes some advances towards his wife who completely brushes him off.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

She answers: “Do you really think I’m going to fire up this big-ass grill for one little weenie?”

–from Ken Miller

A YOUNG PROJECT– I was looking on Hank Young’s (The Flying Pan) website: http://www.youngchoppers.com and found it. It’s under Projects. Hank Young said the bike above is apart right now and in the paint shop. You can see it in person for the first time at the Horse Backstreet Choppers Smoke Out IV.

Young Choppers and Hot Rods Inc
51 Lakewood Dr. Marietta Georgia 30060
Telephone:1 800 235 4013
http://www.youngchoppers.com

–Chuck

SCREAMIN’ EAGLE DRAG TEAM IN THE HUNT AT HOUSTON– Hines Qualifies 15th; Tonglet Misses the Bump by 3/100ths Against Quickest Ever Field. MILWAUKEE, WIS. – (April 16, 2003) The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines drag racing team backed up their history- making season-opening performance by qualifying rider Andrew Hines 15th with a 7.260 second/183.05 mph run for the NHRA Pro Stock O?Reilly Spring Nationals in Houston, Texas. His qualifying effort aboard the V-Rod reset the record for the quickest time ever recorded by a NHRA Harley Pro Stock Bike.

Screamin? Eagle V-Rod teammate GT Tonglet?s best pass of 7.296 seconds narrowly missed the qualifying bump time by 3/100ths of a second. The Houston event bump time of 7.267 seconds was the quickest in NHRA Pro Stock Bike history as 34 bikes tried to make the Sunday show.

After qualifying in the 15th position, Hines faced an enormous first-round challenge against second ranked Shawn Gann (Suzuki). Hines red lighted his V-Rod with a -0.018 reaction time off the start, giving Gann the easy win.

?I staged as shallow as I could, but still red-lighted,? said Andrew Hines. ?But we proved Gainesville was no fluke and we can compete in this series.?

?We got both bikes running in the 7.2s and 180s, which is really exciting, because we?re still learning what these bikes can do,? said Byron Hines.

Angelle Savoie (Suzuki) won the final, retaining her series championship lead with a perfect start on the two-race season. Hines is seventh in points on the season.

Continued On Page 4

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–H-D SALES CLIMB AND RIDERS’ RANCH FOR 100TH

Continued From Page 1

JOB OFFER OF THE WEEK–
We are a new (3yr) motorcycle repair business located in Naples,Fl. We are looking for a full time mechanic if you know of anyoneinterested in moving to Florida. Please fax resume to 239-593-4806.
Road House Hawgs,
Debra

NEW SITE OF THE WEEK–Advertise your Biker related Business, List your Club Events, List your Website, Sell your Bike or biker related items, Find events in your area, Meet fellow bikers, and just have some fun all for free. This is not a front for an adult site there are no member?s area. This is the original and improved BikerParties.com Built by Bikers for Bikers.

We are looking for Webmasters for 50 states keep you fellow bikers up on what is going on in your back yard. Contact: NorTon_John@bikerparties.comhttp://www.bikerparties.com

–NorTon John

How to tell if your ass is too small.

–from Chris T.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY–Riders Ranch Ready to Rock With Bands,Stunt Shows, Camping & More.

Amazing stunt shows, world-renown bands, massive motorcycle show & competitions, a variety of food vendors & restaurants, a spa, internet caf?, water park, Go-Go Club, professional kickboxing and 200 acres of party fun.

That’s what Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, campers and day visitors will find at Riders Ranch, just minutes from Milwaukee, WI during Harley-Davidson’s 100th Anniversary celebration August 25th -September 1st.

Created by the design team that produced Riders Ranch for the 95th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson and the 25th & 30th anniversaries of Woodstock — Riders Ranch 2003 will have plenty of space for 25,000 campers and 550 RV’s along with 20,000-day visitors on the grounds of the Waukesha County Exposition Center, 20 miles from Milwaukee in Waukesha, WI.

A Party? “You bet!” says Riders Ranch spokesperson Emily Kalkstein, “But there’s space earmarked for ‘quiet camping’ too.”Campers can keep their ride close by or leave it in a paved, secured area at Riders Ranch. Campers can also cook on camp stoves, or pull up a chair in one of the full service restaurants on site.

Riders Ranch will feature RV hookups with electricity and water, hot showers, portable toilets, bank machines, a 24-hour convenience store, a shipping and receiving center, daily live bands, daily helicopter rides, an activity desk, 24-hour arcade & billiards, competitions, bike shows and more.

Three hundred vendors at Riders Ranch will provide plenty of shopping variety for everything from new leathers and shades to carburetors.

Live entertainment at Riders Ranch will be provided free to campers and day pass holders nightly. Catch Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras featuring The Radiators, Tues. Aug 26th, Eric Burdon & The New Animals, Wed. Aug. 27, Double Trouble headlining The Riders Ranch Blues Festival Thurs. Aug. 28 , Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad on Fri, Aug.29, and Foghat on Sat. Aug. 30. A gospel brunch is planned Sun., August 31.

To rev up the excitement level, take in Heavyweight Gladiators Professional Kickboxing on Fri. Aug. 29 to determine who is “King of the Ranch” or catch one of the amazing stunt shows at Riders Ranch.”People who see us think we’ve lost our minds,” says Tim O’Brien of LivFastPro.

O’Brien and his team fly 70 feet through the air, 40 feet off the ground in jumps so amazing, jaws routinely drop in disbelief. In the Riders Ranch Globe of Death, watch Monte Perlin perform heart-stopping feats at breakneck speed. Perlin is the stunt double for Arnold Schwartzenegger in Terminator III opening in theaters nationwide in July 2003.

Riders Ranch is the exclusive campsite for Mega Housing Management, the official housing bureau of the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary celebration. You can even ship your camping gear in advance and have it waiting for you at Riders Ranch when you arrive.

Target Special Events, hired by Mega Housing Management, is providing regional homes, apartments and condominiums for rent in addition to campsites at Riders Ranch for the hundreds of thousands of Harley enthusiasts expected for the 100th Anniversary celebration.

From $125 per camper for the week at Riders Ranch to $2,600 for a two-bedroom condo that can sleep up to six for seven nights, Target Special Event housing provides a wide range of opportunities for enthusiasts who want to celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 100th Anniversary.

For more information on Riders Ranch or reservations visit www.riders-ranch.com or call 800 773-5069. Accommodations in apartments and condominiums can be found at www.megahousing.com/100 or call 800 773-5069. For private home accommodations visit www.targetsport.com/100housing or call 800 832-4242 ext. 4. For vendor information at Riders Ranch visit www.road-shows.com or call 800 200-4557.

DISCOVERY CHANNEL AND READER’S SHOWCASE–Thanks for the comeback on the Discovery stuff Bandit.I’ll have to dig a lil deeper.Here is a couple of shots of my ride.If you think its up to snuff for a feature in Wrenches barn, let me know, and I can dig up some better shots.Later.

E man….. Bamfield BC..

You can feature your dedicated scoot on Bikernet by yourself. This is the only place in the world where you can post your shots and write your own story about building the bike of your dreams or even wild romantic experiences with your scoot. Check out the Reader’s Showcase on Bikernet.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON REPORTS ANOTHER RECORD FIRST QUARTER Milwaukee, Wis., April 16, 2003 — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HDI) today announced record revenue and earnings for its first quarter ended March 30, 2003. Revenue for the quarter was $1.1 billion compared with $927.8 million in the year-ago quarter, a 20.0 percent increase. First quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) were 61 cents, a 56.4 percent increase compared with last year?s 39 cents.

?We are pleased with our outstanding results for the first quarter of 2003 as we continue to execute our long-term Plan for Sustainable Growth,? said Jeffrey L. Bleustein, chairman and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. ?While the long winter experienced by much of our nation has delayed some retail sales, dealer confidence and other measures that we use to track Harley-Davidson motorcycle demand remain strong.?

?With these indicators in mind and with construction of our new factory in York, Pennsylvania proceeding to plan, we are raising our shipment target for 2003 from 289,000 to 290,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles,? added Bleustein. The Company?s new target is a 10% increase over 2002.

For the complete release and tables, please follow this link to the Harley-Davidson Media Website: www.h-dmedia.com.

Continued On Page 3

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–AMBER ALERT–BIKE THIEVES

Photo from Bob T.

First and formost. Congratulations to our troops for an excellent job in Iraq. May Iraq become a model democracy for the region and the people live in peace for every more. The world is a strange place. Each situation is not meant for everyone. To some, peace is no fun. Violent conflict makes the day.

Okay, I have a tech question. I installed the new cast black mags on the Road King with a 150 Avon. I thought later models were set up for the 150 tires? Does that new rule only apply to Softails with narrow belts? The belt rubs the tire. Plus the tire seems to be off center. Who knows? Let’s get to the news:

H-D PERFORMANCE HIT HARD–Two nights ago Harold Pontarelli’s shop was broken into and stripped of parts and five state-of-the-art bikes. “These are not run-of-the-mill scoots,” Harold said today. “These are blown, fuel-injected monsters.” Each one will sport a wild Pontarelli’ paint job. We will post shots of these scoots quick. They also hauled off Harold’s Performance Machine inventory, dual carb set-ups and velocity stacks. If you see or hear of anything don’t hesitate to call (707)453-1649. Let’s find ’em. Harold is a good guy in the industry and a talented builder.

This is why I don’t like that, “ride it like you stole it,” shirt.

BIKERNET CHARLOTTE REPORT– My day started off great. Rolled out of the sack, got the coffee a goin. Then I made a killer ham & cheese omelet for breakfast. After doin breafast and old Mr. caffeine starten to kick in I turned on the TV.

Good news this morning with 7 Pow’s finding safe harbor. I decided to head out and go for a ride up to the North Carolina foothills. Fired up the Buell and headed up the road leaving the madness of the inner city behind.

The sun was shinning and the Buell was sounding real strong at 80 mph. That’s the sweet spot with this bike. You can just roll on the throttle (“Twist the Grip”) and it’s over 120 like now.

I’m ridin along thinkin about this summer, the 100th etc. trying to figure all B.S. from this winter out. Lot’s of stuff goin on in my head, the war, our troops. Ya know just stuff.

I’m on N.C. 321 jammin, I make Hickory, then Lenoir. I’m keeping my eyes peeled goin’ through town looking for my turn off to the twisty’s on N.C. 268. I check the trip meter on the speedo (Old timers gas gauge) and figure I better gas up.

So I roll in to this Amoco gas station right at the cross roads of N.C 321 & 268. I top off the gas tank. It takes 2 gallons, not bad for 93 miles. I find the head, and drain the “Old Lizard”.

Now, I’m ready for the good part of the ride. The twistys through the NC foothills. I turn on the gas, hit switch and the bike turns over but won’t fire!! Wha’da the fuck? It’s spinning over, I have gas but no spark, shit!! I do a quick check for stupid stuff but no luck.

Remember back when you and Layla were out for the “Smoke Out” and “Run for Breath” last summer. It was like a million degrees out and my bike just quit running on the damn highway in the traffic jam!!

Well this fucken grimlin was showing it’s ugly head again this fine Sunday. All I can do is call my buddy “Old Bob”, ask if he can drive up from Charlotte and rescue Pablo. So he says hold on he’ll be up as soon as he can.

So now what. Well, I buy the Sunday paper & read the headlines. Fortunately for me the Amoco station also has a restaurant and a TV goin’. The Martinsville Nascar Cup race is on getting ready to start. So I just try to relax and figure I could be worse off.

Well the wait went fast. I started jawing with the locals watching the race. The people there watching the race were in some kind of Nascar Pool, and we all were really getting into it. Old Bob finally gets there. I say adios to my new friends. Old Bob and me load up the Buell and head back to Charlotte.

Old Bob is a “Boozefighter”. He likes the green of North Cackey Lackey. Me I like the brown of the Southwest. We have had many friendly heated discussions on this, almost daily. Old Bob would give you the shirt off his back but not his hat. Never the hat. It’s his old narly blue Buell hat. The one his beloved “Face” (his Rot) chewed on when left laying around for to long.

Even with the gliches the day turned out to be a very good. Lot’s to be thankful for. The return of the seven Pow’s, my new friends in Lenoir and of course my compadre Old Bob. A real Bro and upholder of the “Code of the West”.

Later, Pablo

P.S. We figure the grimlin in the Buell might be the 30 amp main circuit breaker. Bob had the same symptoms on his Softail. Will carry a extra one with from now on.

BIKERNET GOVERNMENT SURVEY–
1. We took Iraq in less time than it took Janet Reno to take the Branch Davidian compound. That was a 51-day operation.

2. It took less time to find evidence of chemical weapons in Iraq than it took Hillary Clinton to find the Rose Law Firm billing records.

3. It took Teddy Kennedy longer to call the police after his Oldsmobile sunk at Chappaquiddick than it took the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard.

4. We took Iraq in less time than it took to count the votes in Florida in the year 2000! And the Democrats called the Iraq effort a failed plan?

–from Rev CarlR

BIKERNET PETROL INVESTIGATION–You Think A Gallon Of Gas Is Expensive?

Diet Snapple 16 oz $1.29 ……… $10.32 per gallon
Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19 ……. $ 9.52 per gallon
Gatorade 20 oz $1.59 …………. $10.17 per gallon
Ocean Spray 16 oz $1.25 ………. $10.00 per gallon
Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15 ……….. $33.60 per gallon
Vick’s Nyquil 6 oz $8.35 ……… $178.13 per gallon
Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85 ………. $123.20 per gallon
Whiteout 7 oz $1.39 ……………. $25.42 per gallon
Scope 1.5 oz $0.99 ……………… $84.48 per gallon

and this is the REAL KICKER……Evian water 9 oz for $1.49 …….. $21.19 per gallon.

$21.19 FOR WATER! ….and the buyers don’t even know the source. Yes, and the name Evian, is Naive turned around, and the Canadians are selling it by the millions of gallons to the US.

So, the next time you’re at the pump, be glad your car doesn’t run on water, Scope, or Whiteout, or God forbid, PEPTO BISMOL or NYQUIL!!!!

Just a little humor to help ease the pain of your next trip to the pump………..!

–from Chris T.

LETTERS REGARDING THE BIKERNET DISCOVERY RIDE REPORT–Jose,it’s interesting to read your perspective on the discovery ride. I’m a Hamster from maine. I went to the ride to have fun, which I did.

I think if Billy and his friends had shown up, maybe we all could of had a better time together. What little time I talked to him, he seemed real cool. When Billy blew his belt, Dave gave him one within 10 minutes. I was there.

You seem to promote an “us against them attitude”. As far as easter egg colors, weren’t Billy’s bikes orange and red?Does it matter what people ride, as long as they like it? It’s cool with me. I ride what I want. If anyone else doesn’t like it, tough.Dave and Billy were both cool. Maybe in Sturgis we’ll have a beer and a laugh.

Mark

Jose,

I was reading with great interest about the most recent “Biker Build-Off” article you submitted to Bikernet. As I read it, you really painted a picture about the animosity between the two crews, and how they just didn’t seem to get along this time, unlike the chemistry from the last build-off. I’ll be interested in seeing if this translates to the video when it is aired sometime in the future.

It’s been great to see the Discovery Channel take such a huge interest in the motorcycle industry the past couple of years. On the other hand, shows like “Monster Garage” and now the weekly “American Chopper” seem to have taken some strange and cartoon-like overtones. While I love to watch these shows to see the fabrication and details put into the project, I think they are losing touch with reality.

I have a proposition for you. I am very serious about this, and extremely committed to this proposal.

Considering you have connections to the Discovery Channel through Billy Lane, or even a few of your own, I’d like you to consider pitching a “Biker Build-Off” to the producers that would involve Caribbean Custom Cycles against myself, and the crew that built my bike. I believe that a smaller shop like yours, and a home builder would bring the show “back to Earth.” It would give it another dimension, showing a more realistic view. It would also open it up to show how a motorcycle can be built without using an “elite” builder, with an unlimited budget. I think more people would relate to that kind of story.

I think Caribbean Custom Choppers would get great publicity, not to mention we would be representing home builders everywhere.

Design, fabrication, construction and paint are already in place on my end. If I had a firm commitment from the Discovery Channel, I could start putting together a parts list. I would only need a filming schedule to complete the arrangements.

I think my bike is as good as the things I have seen on some of these shows. I also know that given a challenge like this, we would be a worthy opponent to you and your crew.

Please let me know if this is something you’d be interested in. If you are not, maybe you can put me in touch with someone at the Discovery Channel who would be interested in taking this idea further.

–Rob

Jose,

Sounds like you had an eventful trip. Too bad Imissed it, I would like to have gone with you guys.So you have no immediate plans to join the Hamsters? Dave’s bike was cool. From the few photos onBikernet, Billy’s looked real cool. I’d like to see somemore photos.

Hit me back, Jesse Rooke

Continued On Page 2

THE BISH REPORT–BAD LAWS NATIONWIDE

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

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled and Edited by BILL BISH,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

HOUSE INTRODUCES COMPANION BILL TO ABOLISH HEALTH INSURANCE DISCRIMINATION Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as a companion measure to S. 423, which will end health insurance discrimination by prohibiting insurance carriers from refusing to provide benefits to those injured while motorcycling or participating in other so-called “risky” activities.

HR 1749, the “Health Care Parity for Legal Transportation and Recreational Activities Act of 2003,” is sponsored by Representatives Scott McInnis, a Republican from Colorado, and Democrat Ted Strictland from Ohio, and was introduced with 51 original co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle.

The language of HR 1749 is identical to that contained in S. 423, which was introduced in the U.S. Senate on February 14 by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Russ Feingold (D-WI), and states in part that “a plan or issuer may not deny benefits otherwise provided for the treatment of any injury solely because such injury resulted from participation of the participant or beneficiary in an activity such as motorcycling, snowmobiling, all-terrain vehicle riding, horseback riding, skiing or other similar legal activity.”

Both bills aim to promote health care parity for participants in legal transportation and recreational activities, and address a loophole created when the Department of Health and Human Services ruled that employers cannot deny health care coverage to motorcyclists and participants in other risky activities, yet insurers can deny benefits to insureds who are injured while participating in those activities.

CHARLESTON ORDINANCE BANS “REVVING” Just days before the Heritage Motorcycle Rally, expected to attract tens of thousands of bikers to South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Charleston City Council passed an anti-revving ordinance that riders view as a rude welcome.

The ordinance, which bans loud revving, amends Chapter 21 of the Code of the City of Charleston by amending Section 21-16 to prohibit persons from “engaging in clamorous singing, yelling, shouting, whooping, bellowing, hollering, or other loud, obstreperous, wanton and unnecessary noises, or from riding, driving, propelling, or otherwise operating any motorized vehicle, including but not limited to cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles, in a manner which emits unnecessary and loud noise or long continued noise, either in the day time or at night which disturbs the peace and quiet of the City, whether in the public street or within enclosures, public or private, and further amending Section 21-16 to provide that operating a motorized vehicle by rapid throttle advancing (revving) of an internal combustion engine resulting in increased noise from the engine is prohibited.”

Dave Harvey, an organizer of the event, said the action was overkill to placate residents of the city’s historic downtown district. “It is a direct attack on the motorcycle rally,” Harvey said. According to Harvey, the ordinance could be used to hassle bikers, adding that it is difficult to operate a motorcycle without some degree of revving.

Harvey estimates between 25,000 and 50,000 bikers will attend the rally, scheduled for April 16-20 in the small town of Ladson outside Charleston. Similar rallies up the coast in Myrtle Beach have drawn as many 300,000 people.

Charleston Police Major Herbert Whetsell said the ordinance is an improvement from the existing law because it more thoroughly spells out what is prohibited. Police aren’t looking to hassle bikers, he said. The law will be used only when someone revs their engine up high or jets away quickly and loudly, he said.

Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. and others said the city wants bikers to come, and that the ordinance is intended only to help provide a quiet atmosphere for residents and visitors.

Other officials said they are not trying to be unwelcoming. Councilman Henry Fishburne urged the bikers to come and visit – quietly. “Here’s your chance to show how well you can behave,” he added.

“Watch our Charleston,” says James “Gunny” Gregory, former Chairman of the Board for ABATE of California who now resides in South Carolina. “It is now against the law to sing at the sunrise Easter services when outside, to cheer the Riverdogs, or shout to a friend on the street. Mayor Joe knows best.”

ARIZONA BIKERS DERAIL “DANGEROUS DRIVING BILL” An anti-cruising bill which could have outlawed motorcycle events and rides with over 20 bikes was killed thanks to quick lobbying action by Arizona bikers.

HB 2386, the “Dangerous Driving Bill” introduced by John Nelson (R-Phoenix), would allow the towing of vehicles ticketed for drag racing or being part of a “procession” of more than 20 vehicles. Though aimed directly at street racers and cruisers, the bill’s vagueness could easily be extended to include motorcycles.

“Also, the new law would ask every city and municipality that wished to take advantage of the new towing language to pass its own language as to what and whom it would apply,” explained Roger “Priest” Hurm, Chairman and Lobbyist for the Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) of Arizona and a member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) Board of Directors. “Our job would be multiplied immensely as we would have to keep track of every city in Arizona to see if they included motorcycles in their ordinance.”

The anti-cruising bill had already passed the House of Representatives and already had a lot of momentum when the MMA, ABATE of Arizona and the Confederation of Clubs of Arizona were alerted to the possible implications for motorcyclists.

“We had not picked up on it because no keywords got our attention early,” said Priest, “But as I read it, I inserted the word motorcycle into the language and started seeing unintended possibilities for us. The vagueness continued throughout the language and a meeting with sponsor John Nelson, John Gonzales the city attorney, and Erik Edwards the police representative just reinforced in my mind the vagueness. So we went to work on the Senate Transportation Committee to kill it because of the ramifications implied to motorcyclists.”

The first two senators the bikers met with were Marsha Arzberger and Robert Cannell- Marsha, a rancher from Bisbee area and Bob, a pediatrician from Yuma. “Neither would vote yes on the bill. They saw no cruising problem in their areas — heck Marsha asked me what cruising was. Both had shown us support in previous years,” reported Priest. The next senator approached was biker-friendly Carolyn Allen from Scottsdale, home of the Barrett-Jackson Car auction. “Carolyn gave the keynote speech at the 1999 NCOM Convention in Phoenix and has always expressed the view to me that ‘helmets mess up my hair’,” said Priest. The auction people move cars all over–very expensive cars — and Carolyn expressed that her “motorcycle and car friends would be unhappy if I voted yes on it.”

“We had our third NO vote,” recalls Priest. “The day of the hearing I accompanied Ray Huston, MMA lobbyist, and Bobbi Hartman, ABATE lobbyist, to the hearing needing one more NO vote to kill the bill.”

In the hallway before Ray got up to speak, new information surfaced from the Phoenix city attorney. Ray had asked him on the towing section if the owner of the vehicle could go down and retrieve the car. For instance, if a teenager gets arrested and his dad’s car is towed. Can the dad go get it? “The city attorney hemmed a bit and hawed some more,” said Priest. “Ray pressed the issue. The result was information that the arrestee would have to go to a hearing before the release of a vehicle. Whoa….the scenario got worse for the anti-cruising bill: Now dad could not get to work the next day because of the new language. We seemed to have stopped the bill’s momentum.”

Finally, reason and common sense prevailed and six senators voted NO. The opinion from the Chair was that the bill was too “vague” and had too many “unintended possibilities” — the exact contentions made by the bikers. The final vote: No-6, Yes-0 and one went to the bathroom.

“We got a potentially dangerous bill to our motorcycling health — the so-called ‘Dangerous Driving Bill’ — killed in Arizona,” says a happy Priest. “We’ve learned to check all bills for unintended language that could affect the way we ride. Rust never sleeps, and neither can we!”

RIDER ED FUNDS UNDER ATTACK A few months ago, our Oregon A.I.M. (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) Chief of Staff Gunny warned in his “Gunny’s Sack” that due to budget deficits across the country, Rider Education Program funding could be robbed unless motorcyclists made sure they were dedicated funds that are used specifically for motorcycle training and protected against being raided.

Since that time, the Utah motorcycle safety fund has come under attack, with their legislature attempting to divert rider ed funds to try to balance the state budget.

Now comes word from Michigan that, in a similar fashion, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has eliminated funding for Michigan’s motorcycle rider education program in her proposed 2004 budget for the Department of Education.

“The Motorcycle Safety Education Program and the Off-Road Vehicle Safety Education Program have been eliminated as part of an effort to focus limited state staff resources on core missions. These two programs provide grants to instructional agencies to help subsidize safety-training courses for individuals interested in operating motorcycles and off-road vehicles, whereas the department’s core focus is providing educational services to children. The total reduction as a result of eliminating these programs is $2.0 million. The fees that previously supported these programs will be eliminated and interested individuals can purchase safety training directly from private providers,” she explained.

Michigan’s motorcycle safety program is funded 100% by fees paid by licensed motorcyclists in that state. Michigan motorcyclists pay the costs that the Department of Education incurs to administer the program, so the move is not likely to save any money.

In fact, Michigan riders asked the state government in 1984 and again in 1996 to tax them to raise money to provide low cost rider education. All the state government does is collect and administer the funding, with bikers even paying for the costs of providing those services to them.

“The Governor’s suggestion that training can be purchased from private providers is not a good one,” reasons Lindsey Higginbottom, a motorcycle safety instructor in Whitmore Lake, MI. “We trained 1,000 students last year in Ann Arbor alone. About 5,000 were trained throughout the state. Our local Riders Edge program couldn’t begin to handle that number of students. We charge $25 for a course fee. A privatized course would likely cost $250 to $300, as it does in any of the private programs in other states. Our local RE classes cost $295. How many of our 5,000 students per year do you think would spend $295 for training and how many do you think would just enroll in the less expensive school of hard knocks and just go riding without training?”

If you live in Michigan, please contact the Governor, your state representative and your state senator and ask them to restore the motorcycle rider education funding for on and off road motorcycles in the Michigan Department of Education’s 2004 budget. If you live elsewhere, consider contacting the Michigan Department of Tourism and telling them that you will spend your motorcycle vacation dollars in a more motorcycle friendly Great Lakes state if Michigan eliminates rider ed funding. Be sure to send a copy of your letter to Governor Granholm.

OREGON HELMET REPEAL BILL INCHES FORWARD “The inch worm made a good move and the Helmet Bill received a work session this morning,” reports BikePAC of Oregon. A nice step for Bikers was completed with the Helmet Bill receiving the required 4 votes of the 7 committee members and was moved from the committee for a vote on the floor with a DO PASS recommendation.

Later, the Committee Administrator said the Lane Splitting bill was still on the short list to receive a work session, but had not been scheduled and she did not know when and if it would get a hearing.

TENNESSEE HELMET BILL PASSES COMMITTEE, REACHES IMPASS Tennessee House Bill 952 allowing freedom of choice for motorcyclists concerning helmets passed the House Transportation Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 4, with one amendment to require motorcyclists to have proof of health insurance. However, the bill now goes before the Finance Committee, chaired by State Representative Tommy Head (D-Clarksville), whose personal opposition to this bill, coupled with his influence as Chairman of Finance, has insured that no helmet modification has ever made it to the full House for consideration.

“With HB952 passing through the House Transportation Committee with a ‘Recommended Do Pass’ vote, we feel it is inappropriate for personal prejudice to prevent this legislation from reaching the House floor,” said Steve Lundwall, Director of the Concerned Motorcyclists of Tennessee/ABATE and member of the NCOM Board of Directors. “This is in conflict with the idea of a democracy.”

“All we want is a VOTE on the house floor,” he added.

“In the opposition’s testimony they tried to state that allowing freedom of choice would COST the state money in TennCare dollars,” said Wayne Shaub, CMT/ABATE State Legislative Officer. “They failed to see that it reality will add to the state budget through tourism, bike sales and increased economic activity.”

Shaub testified at the Transporation Committee hearing that “Today we have 84,130 street motorcycles registered in Tennessee. If we were to apply the same 20% growth in registrations that Florida experienced during the first year after their helmet law was repealed, that would mean the potential for:

16,826 new bikes at an average of $10K each: $168,260,000

Sales tax potential (at 9.25%): nearly $15.5M for Tennessee’s budget

Add in the income from Registrations, Change of title, and sales of apparel and accessories (and sales tax on them), we come up with around a QUARTER OF A BILLION DOLLARS of economic impact.”

Shaub pointed out to the committee that “As you can see, this change will not only return personal freedom, it will also increase funds to the state by millions of dollars.”

WASHINGTON’S “HELMET IS A HELMET” BILL PASSES A bill to define “what is a helmet” in the state of Washington passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 89 Yays to 9 Nays, and will soon be on the governor’s desk.

“Thanks to everyone who went to the state capitol and or called their Representatives, said Rich Bright, legislative advocate for ABATE of Washington. “YOU MADE IT HAPPEN!”

The helmet definition bill had already passed the Senate on March 11 by a vote of 44-3, and will redefine current law to state that a helmet is a hard shell with a padded liner, a chin strap, and a DOT sticker affixed by the manufacturer.

Previously, the Washington police had the latitude to define a helmet by their opinion, leading to thousands of traffic stops for “illegal” helmets with no recourse for the rider.

Also going to the Governor for his signature will be a bill to incorporate sidecar / trike training into the subsidized portion of the Washington Motorcycle Safety Program.

The Washington Road Riders Association reports that WRRA representatives met with Governor Locke’s transportation advisor, and the feedback was very positive.

FLORIDA PURSUES PRO-MOTORCYCLE AGENDA: ABATE of Florida, Inc. reports that they have three bills they are supporting this legislative session. The biker anti-discrimination bill has passed two committees in the Senate and will be facing its final senate committee hearing. It has already passed one committee in the House.

“Besides our discrimination bill, the stiffer penalties traffic bill has passed two committees in the senate and one in the house, and it will also be heard soon in a house committee,” reports James “Doc” Reichenbach, President of ABATE of Florida and Chairman of the Board of NCOM.

The final bill is for the state’s first specialty motorcycle tag. It is Red, White and Blue. It had final passage in the Senate and is in messages to be voted on by the House. Doc says that they also are waiting on their Governor to sign a proclamation for May as Motorcycle Safety Month.

“It is a testament of the hard work of the members of ABATE of Florida that these bills are moving through the legislature,” commends Doc.

WEIRD NEWS OF THE MONTH: PETA Tries to Whip Leather Fetishists Into Shape — The fur flew at the annual “Leather Weekend” last January in Washington, D.C., as activists with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sought to persuade the slaves of fashion and their biker buddies gathered for the fetish convention to give up black leather – studs and all.

“Why would I?” demanded Norman Wagner of Scottsdale, Ariz. “I’m 6-foot-3, and 230 pounds, and I can wear anything I want to.”

Wagner told reporter Lance Gay of The Knoxville News Sentinel that he is not harming anything by wearing his black leather biker duds, and he questioned the sanity of activists picking on those who chose to wear animal skins. “It’s been around for a thousand years, it’s durable, and I’m not wasting resources by using it,” he said. “Why would someone wear burlap?”

Kayla Rae Worden, a trans-gendered PETA activist from Asheville, N.C., who showed up to leaflet the event decked out in skimpy dominatrix hot pants in spite of freezing Washington weather, sought to persuade the fetishists that synthetics are just as erotic.

Worden, who said she used to wear leather and eat meat when she was a boy 15 years ago, contended the synthetic lifestyle provides even more protection than leather, and can be much more comfortable to wear. Besides, she said, leather smells.

One PETA activist showed up in a black biker outfit made of “pleather” – a silky synthetic black rubber, and white synthetic snakeskin boots. He said he was trying to show that fetishists can make a fashion statement without using leather.

Glen Sams, a 50-year-old member of the Centaur Motorcycle Club of Virginia, said the only requirement for those attending 33rd annual Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend was to have “a pronounced interest in leather” and he was not pleased that PETA is picking on the gathering.

When a mistake or accident causes a biker to put his motorcycle down on the pavement, nothing protects the skin from being scraped off on the asphalt like leather, Sams said. He dismissed the PETA protest. “We were here before PETA, and I imagine we will be here a long time after,” he said.

GOING TO MILWAUKEE FOR HARLEY?S 100TH? And who isn’t? Consider supporting bikers rights while you’re there. ABATE of Wisconsin is hosting two campgrounds within 30 minutes of downtown Milwaukee, with easy access to major highways.

For more information or reservations, call Greg or Diane at (262) 334-5079 or 306-0606, or by e-mail at biker@milwpc.com. You can also visit the ABATE of Wisconsin website at for information, location and a reservation form.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “The average man’s love of liberty is nine-tenths imaginary. It takes a special sort of man to understand and enjoy liberty – and he is usually an outlaw in democratic societies.”

H.L. MENCKEN, Newspaperman & Political Commentator (1880-1956)

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

Continued From Page 3

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

Continued From Page 2

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.

Continued On Page 4

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

Continued From Page 1

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
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