September 26, 2001 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
NCOM MEETING COMING UP–Wow! ?Time sure flies when yer havin fun. ?Now we have a chance for our brothers and sisters in the Northwest to take part in the Regional NCOM meeting. ?That will be in Federal Way, Wash., near Seattle, on Oct. 13 at the La Quinta Hotel, 32124 25th Ave. South. ?Ask for the NCOM special rate of $79 a night, or crash on a buddy’s couch. ?The conference itself is FREE. ?The number for reservations is (800) 583-2272.
This is a mini version of the national meeting in that it’s just one day long. ?And it’s on a Saturday for your convenience. ?All western state MRO’s will be represented as well as many folks from Confederations of Clubs in this region. ?Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of our national efforts. ?All bikers and organizations are invited and welcome. ?AND IT’S FREE!
There will be seminars on bikers’ rights through the courts, a Freedom of the Road seminar, an NCOM Region “I” meeting, and a Regional Confederations of Clubs meeting. ?Afterwards, there will be a Freedom Fighters Social on Saturday night. ?That’s where it will get powerful. ?Plan on spending the night. I’ll be there and look forward to seeing you all. ?Don’t miss this one folks.
Sam Hochberg, our Oregon AIM attorney, tells me that one of the guest speakers at NCOM will be Jim Redden, author of the book “Snitch Culture,” which was mentioned in last month’s Sack. ?Should be real interesting.
This is just another of the ways that our AIM (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) attorneys all over the country serve us ? besides taking real good care of us when we fall off our rides. ?They can be reached, by the way, at (800) 531-2424 or (800) ON-A-BIKE, or at www.aimncom.com, if you find yourself in a pickle. ?Sam Hochberg here in Portland, Ore., is at (503) 224-1106. ?Oh yeah, and he’s an e-mail fanatic, so send him one at SamBikeLaw@aol.com. ?The Gunny can be found pecking away at his computer at AIMGunny@aol.com.
–Bill Bish
For more info on legislative news and the NCOM meeting see the Bikernet legislative page.
LOUISIANA FINDS TRAINING THE SOLUTION–?I read an article from a Louisiana newspaper that hit the nail on the head as far as safety concerns for bikers. ?The guy said in essence that there was a large group of drivers on the roads today that had no regard for anyone on the road, let alone motorcycles.
He says the safety solution for bikers is BETTER TRAINING for all motorists and would-be motorists, and not more equipment laws. ?Finally, someone understands the problem! ?If we could get the self-centered driver to wake up to the fact that he isn’t the only one on the road that has the right to be there, we would all be much better off. ?
Motorcycle safety is a two-way street. We need alert and cautious drivers, regardless of how they travel from one place to another. ?It’s called respect and just plain courtesy on the road for the other guy.
For more legislative news see Bikernet Legislative Department.
Click For Larger .pdf View
GUGGENHEIM TO HIT VEGAS SAME WEEKEND AS DRAGS–OK, it appears I was wrong. RevAmerica is happening the week after the AHDRA drags. Art of the motorcycle will be open at the Guggenheim at the Venitian Oct. 19-22.
SEARCH FOR TRIUMPH FRAME– Put your ear to the ground and see if you can find a rigid frame for a Triumph 750 motor. Looking at building a rigid for next year but want to get started on it soon.
–Richard Kranzler
rkranzler@aai-usa.com
BIKERNET FACTOID– from slate.com,”Both the [New York Times’] Tom Friedman and the [Washington Post’s]
Charles Krauthammer points out a fact that’s rather inconvenient forMuslims who vilify America: Most of the people whose lives weresaved by the last three U.S. military campaigns — Desert Storm,Bosnia and Kosovo — were Muslims.”
FOR WISDOM WE GO TO WINO JOE’S MOUNTAIN–Crew, watchin’the “SHOW.” Get a highquality gasmask; just like them Jews do. Keep your eyes open! The war ison and we’re all in it. Give blood twice a year. Hug your kids; theymight have to fight for the next 10 years. But, if we kick-in doors NOW,it might help.
I ain’t going to talk peace till I see some shit desert bosses dead and sinkin’. One thing we’ve got at this time, nomatter what A BIKER has on his/her back, we know they can be a PAL.
RideOn!
–Wino Joe,USA
BIKERNET AIRLINES REPORT–The following is from a letter by a professional friend on her returnflight to D.C. this week.
“I just wanted to drop you all a note and let you know that I arrived safeand sound into Dulles Airport tonight [9/15] at about 6. It was aninteresting flight.
The airport in Denver was almost spooky it was so empty and quiet. No one was in line for the security check point when I got there so that wentfairly quickly, just x-ray of my bags and then a chemical test to be surenothing explosive was on them.
Then I waited 2 1/2 hours to board the plane. What happened after we boarded was interesting and thought I would share it with you.
The pilot/captain came on the loudspeaker after the doors were closed. His speech went like this:
First I want to thank you for being brave enough to fly today. The doors are now closed and we have no help from the outside for any problems that might occur inside this plane. As you could tell when you checked in, the government has made some changes to increase security in the airports.
They have not, however, made any rules about what happens after those doors close. Until they do that, we have made our own rules and I want to share them with you. Once those doors close, we only have each other.
The security has taken care of a threat like guns with all of the increasedscanning, etc. Then we have the supposed bomb. If you have a bomb, there is no need to tell me about it, or anyone else on this plane; you are already in control. So, for this flight, there are no bombs that exist on thisplane.
Now, the threats that are left are things like plastics, wood, knives andother weapons that can be made or things like that which can be used as weapons.
Here is our plan and our rules. If someone or several people stand up and say they are hijacking this plane, I want you all to stand up together.Then take whatever you have available to you and throw it at them. Throw it at their faces and heads so they will have to raise their hands to protect themselves.
The very best protection you have against knives are the pillows andblankets. Whoever is close to these people should then try to get a blanket over their head–then they won’t be able to see. Once that is done, get them down and keep them there. Do not let them up. I will then land the plane at the closest place and we WILL take care of them.
After all, there are usually only a few of them and we are 200+ strong!We will not allow them to take over this plane.
I find it interesting that the U.S. Constitution begins with the words “We,the people”–that’s who we are, THE people and we will not be defeated.
With that, the passengers on the plane all began to applaud, people hadtears in their eyes, and we began the trip toward the runway.
The flight attendant then began the safety speech. One of the things shesaid is that we are all so busy and live our lives at such a fast pace.She asked that everyone turn to their neighbors on either side and introduce themselves, tell each other something about your families and children, show pictures, whatever. She said “for today, we consider you family. We will treat you as such and ask that you do the same with us.”
Throughout the flight we learned that for the crew, this was their firstflight since Tuesday’s tragedies. It was a day that everyone leaned on each other and together everyone was stronger than any one person alone. It was quite an experience.
You can imagine the feeling when that plane touched down at Dulles and we heard “welcome to Washington Dulles Airport, where the local time is 5:40.” Again, the cabin was filled with applause.
MICKEY MOUSE RUMORS–Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse were in divorce court andthe judge said to Mickey, “You say here that your wife is crazy.”Mickey replied, “I didn’t say she was crazy, I said she’sfucking Goofy.”
Oh…..by the way, did you know Captain Hook died from jock itch?!?!?!
BIKERNET DEAL OF THE WEEK–We run across bike deals from time to time. If we truly believe it’s a good deal for a quality scooter, we’ll drop it in the news. This one is a helluva deal and the bike was built by people we can trust.
Here are the owner’s words:I am asking $16,500 for her but will consider all reasonable trades. I would like to finally get an Evo of some sorts and get into the modern world. I still have my Shovel and may one day customize it, without hacking up the frame.
My Panhead is a 1957 FL with original straightleg frame, tin, speedo, dash, fresh motor and new insides of an original tranny. The frame has a working locking mechanism on it and we have the key for it! Imagine that! There is front fender trim going on tonight and she is heading for a local show tommorrow. It runs really good, sounds kinda like an aircraft.
We are up for possible trades that benefit both parties. I’d love to see her in a collection or some one who truly understands what this bike is all about. Been into antiques as a fanatic for over 22 years. She’s a beaut!
–Catts74@aol.com
LIFE IS NUTS–But it’s our life and each minute is precious. Find time to be with the people you want to be near. Find time to do what you want to do.
I get tired of the bullshit on television and the comments from the Taliban. As far as I’m concerned, these jokers are punks who don’t have the balls to come forward, admit what they did and go to blows like men. Now they’re hiding behind everything they can find. God forbid the U.S. hit an innocent civilian. Didn’t they just destroy 7,000 innocent civilians?
Enough, sorry I brought it up. It will all be taken care of in short order. In the meantime, I need to go for a ride. Air the cobwebs out and prepare for the next adventure, the next book project, the next bike project, the next woman to add a new sparkle to my eyes. Did I mention that I sent “Sam ‘Chopper’ Orwell” to Kevin Costner? It would kick ass on Graceland. Ride forever–Bandit.
September 26, 2001 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
MEMO TO BANDIT REGARDING IMAGES–Here you go lover. Now come in my office and fuck me.
–Sin Wu
BIKERNET GOVERNMENT CONNECTION– ?????I thought you might get a kick out of this… an e-mail address for President Bush happened to show up recently. (Geez… even the prez has a Web site!) Like just about every journalist in the country, I had written about the events of 9-11. So it seemed right to pass those thoughts to him. I figured that a “hometown” perspective on the tragedy might be of interest. ?????
What follows is the reply I got. Check it out… ????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Rod Ice
From: Autoresponder@WhiteHouse.GOV
Thank you for e-mailing President Bush. Your ideas and comments are veryimportant to him.?
If your message is about the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the UnitedStates, please click to go to www.whitehouse.gov to learn more about the Americanresponse and relief efforts.
Unfortunately, because of the large volume of e-mail received, the presidentcannot personally respond to each message. However, the White House staffconsiders and reports citizen ideas and concerns.
Again, thank you for your e-mail. Your interest in the work of President Bushand his administration is appreciated.
Sincerely,The White House Office of E-Correspondence
For more information about the White House, please visit www.whitehouse.gov.
NURSERY RHYMES GONE BAD–
SIMPLE SIMON met a Pieman
Going to the fair
Said Simon to the Pieman
“What have you got there?”
Said the Pieman unto Simon
“Pies, you dumbass!”
ROGUE?S QUALITY DISCOUNT PARTS– SPECIAL ? ROLLING CHASSIS – 1 ONLYIncludes: Black powdercoated Kraft-Tech Pro Street FXR frame w/neck cups installed, American Suspension inverted front end with risers, handlebars and brake bracket, black powdercoated oil tank with chrome oil dipstick and mounting bracket, set of three spoke mag wheels, brake rotors front and rear, rear wheel belt pulley, Avon Venon X tires front and rear, complete chrome rear swingarm assembly, set of chrome adjustable tension rear shocks, billet aluminum rear fender struts, front and rear fenders, gas tanks with mounting brackets, speedo mounting plate and custom high end seat made especially for this setup, plus numerous other items. $6000
Black Powdercoated Kraft-Tech Pro-Street FXR Rubber Mount Frame with Chrome Neck Cups. Retails for $1395; Rogue $1000
American Suspension Inverted Fork Front End. Retails for $2500; Rogue $1500
Chrome Swingarm for Wide Tire FXR Frame with all hardware. Retails for $1021; Rogue $800
3 Spoke Rear Mag Wheel 16 inches by 5.5 wide. Retails $1099; Rogue $900
3 Spoke Belt Pulley to fit above wheel. Retails $599; Rogue $400
3 Spoke Front Mag Wheel 16 inches by 3.5 wide Retails $899; Rogue $700
Set of American Suspension Shocks 11 inches long, Retail $499; Rogue $400
Russell 11 ?? Stainless front rotor #47000, Retail $99; Rogue $80
Russell 11 ? Stainless rear rotor #47005, Retail $99; Rogue $80
Set CCI Stretch Gas tanks #15-216, Retail $389.99; Rogue $300
There are a bunch more parts available. For the rest drop a note to:rogue@bikerrogue.com.
CRIME INC. TESTIMONIAL–
My T-shirts were here when I got back from Street Vibrations. They are great. Thank you.
As usual I had way too much fun in Reno. I didn’t get to bed before 3:30 either night. I hit a grand on aslot machine. I was pulling wheelies all over town and didn’t get caught. I asked three different bikecops if they wanted to race me but got no takers. Drank and ate too much. Got to ride some nicewinding roads, kept up with some jap bikes on Mt. Rose highway and pulled away from one of them ona long straightaway. All in all a great weekend.
See you in Vegas,
–Stan Sheppard
We are about to launch four new Dragonfly shirts and several new Crime Inc. products. Check the Gultch when ya got the chance.
JUST ONE QUESTION!–NOW that the President has called us to prayer…..
NOW that Congress has called us to prayer…..
NOW that our governor has called us to prayer….
NOW that the New York City mayor has called us to prayer….
NOW that the “liberal” media and most other branches of our American society have called us to prayer…..
AND NOW that our churches are assembling in special prayer….
“Honorable” Justices of the Supreme Court, I have only one question..Would it be OK to pray in our schools?
–An American citizen and Christian
SEARCH FOR FXR CONVERTIBLE SADDLEBAGS–Bob McKay from Canada needs assistance:”I’m looking for a new or slightly used set of FXR convertibe saddlebags, H-D part No. 91718-89.”Call (519) 935-2424 or e-mail mckayshd@bmts.com
–Thanks,Bob McKay
BIKER’S HOME FOR SALE–Of course the garage is trashed, the kitchen destroyed and none of the doors in the joint are still on their hinges, but here goes:Rachel, Saxon and I have put the house up for sale. ?We are making plans to move back west. ?We miss the mountains and we love to change things every now and then. ?
You can view our home at www.buyowner.com and then enter the property No. 5277. Hope all is well with everyone and we hope you all keep in touch.
–Kyle, Rachel and Saxon.
Krkucin@aol.com
HORSE MAGAZINE ON SALE AT BIKERNET–We carry the CD magazine Hardtail that focuses on only rigid frame scoots for the specialists. Now we have available subscriptions for HORSE magazine, the only tough guy, chopper book left in the country. This mag is based in the east with an eastern flair and bikes built with bare hands. This magazine has heart along with the riders who publish it. Give it a shot if you’re not much into billet or chrome.
Continued On Page 3
September 26, 2001 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey, I don’t know what the hell is happening from one moment to the next. The world is on fire. Terrorists are on their way out. Although the media is trying to convince us that the economy is dropping, they’re completely wrong. Sure, the airlines fucked up and risked our lives with their poor security. And of course they want the government to bail them out from their own mistakes. You know as well as I do that millions of people will be flying again soon.
On another front, one of my girls went out with another woman last night, and we’re about to completely rearrange the Bikernet Gulch. We’ll be featuring a way to order HA leathers so you can be assured that you’re ordering the right size. In addition to Hardtail, we are now offering subscriptions to HORSE through Bikernet.
Next week we’ll have a new feature on the Easyriders Dallas Shovelhead project. We are planning a run to San Jose this weekend to the Custom Chrome dealer show. That’s just scratchin’ the surface. Watch as the Digital Gangster’s bike comes together. We’re hoping to move on our morale officer’s Pro Street bike shortly. The wrecked Buell was returned from Phoenix. It’s in bad shape, but the driveline could become another project for our master illustrator Jon Towle. Ya just never know what will happen next. We’re about to launch a new set of books on building custom bikes by Tim Remus. His entire line will be available in the Gulch.
BIKERNET INVESTIGATES SAUNA BEHAVIOR–Three men are sitting naked in a sauna. Suddenly there is a beeping sound.The first man presses his forearm and the beeping stops. The twoothers look astonished. “Oh,” he says, “I have a micro chip under theskin of my arm and that’s my pager.”
A moment later there is a ringing sound. The second man lifts his arm to his ear and starts talking. When he is done he explains, “I have amicrochip in my arm and that’s my mobile phone.”
The third man, feeling somewhat left out, steps out of the sauna. Aftera few minutes he returns with several pieces of toilet paper trailing outfrom between his buttocks. The other two look astonished and one says,”What the hell is that?”
“Oh, I’m just getting a fax,” he explained.
HOW TO BUILD THE ULTIMATE V-TWIN–The Bible for Scratch Building a V-Twin Powered Motorcycle.An explosion of new parts from the motorcycle aftermarket now makes it possible to build your own motorcycle from scratch. This book is intended to help you make intelligent choices from among the vast number of frames, engines and accessories available today.
As of next week, Bikernet Gulch will be selling this Tim Remus masterpiece and all his works, which include books on performance, painting and custom artistry. Check it out.
ORACLE BOSS URGES NATIONAL ID CARDS–Idea was driven by current security concerns. BY PAUL ROGERS AND ELISE ACKERMAN Mercury News
Broaching a controversial subject that has gained visibility since the Sept.11 terrorist attacks, Oracle Chairman and CEO Larry Ellison is calling forthe United States to create a national identification card system — andoffering to donate the software to make it possible.
Under Ellison’s proposal, millions of Americans would be fingerprinted andthe information would be placed on a database used by airport securityofficials to verify identities of travelers at airplane gates.
“We need a national ID card with our photograph and thumbprint digitized andembedded in the ID card,” Ellison said in an interview with KPIX-TV in San Francisco.
“We need a database behind that, so when you’re walking into an airport andyou say that you are Larry Ellison, you take that card and put it in areader and you put your thumb down and that system confirms that this isLarry Ellison,” he said.’Absolutely free’
Ellison’s company, Oracle, based in Redwood Shores, is the world’s leadingmaker of database software. Ellison, worth $15 billion, is among the world’srichest people.
“We’re quite willing to provide the software for this absolutely free,” hesaid.
Calls for national ID cards traditionally have been met with fierceresistance from civil liberties groups, which say the cards would intrude onthe privacy of Americans and allow the government to track people’smovements.
But Ellison said that in the electronic age, little privacy is left anyway.”Well, this privacy you’re concerned about is largely an illusion,” he said.”All you have to give up is your illusions, not any of your privacy. Rightnow, you can go onto the Internet and get a credit report about yourneighbor and find out where your neighbor works, how much they earn and ifthey had a late mortgage payment and tons of other information.”
Ellison said shoppers have to disclose more information at malls to buy a watch than they do to get onan airplane.Civil libertarians said caution is needed.
“It strikes me as a form of overreaction to the events that we haveexperienced,” said Robert Post, a constitutional law professor at theUniversity of California, Berkeley. “If we allow a terrorist attack todestroy forms of freedom that we have enjoyed, we will have given thevictory to them. This kind of recommendation does just that.”
Post said that while such a system may catch some criminals, it could be hackedor faked or evaded by capable terrorists. Nor is it clear that such a systemwould have foiled the Sept. 11 attacks, he said.But polls last week show many Americans support a national ID card.
–from Rogue
THE CRAZY HORSE EAST COAST SUMMARY–I’m just checking in. The leaves are falling here and summer is becoming asweet memory. I didn’t go riding this weekend. I’ve been busy workingon paint jobs, rebuilding my Web site and getting ready for Biketoberfest.
The Softail is almost ready to be fired up. Tanks get bolted on later thisweek.Two notorious guys from NH, Oneeye and Maddogare, are riding down and meeting me in Daytona. They’ve been busy playing very loud games of golf in South Africa and riding across Australia. Now they are “borrowing” a beach house onAtlantic Avenue. My usual Biketoberfest buddies, J-12 and Donnie, are chainedup at home this year. I have attached two pictures of the latest work I have beendoing.
You’ll see the tanks and a report on the Softail next week.
–JoAnn
MEETING OF THE MINDS COMING–I will be attending Meeting of the Minds in Topeka, Kan., this weekend, Sept. 29-30. It is a national gathering of motorcyclists rights activists, sponsored by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. www.mrf.org
Would you like a story about MOTM? I was considering a few different slants, such as how the current regulatory climate will affect manufacturers and the marketplace; insurance issues in the wake of discriminatory HIPPA regulations; creative solutions to the problems; how, if at all, the prospect of terrorism/war changes things.
Simon Milward of Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations is scheduled to appear. He has been to six continents since January promoting the use of motorcycles for medical assistance and raising money for Doctors Without Borders and Riders for Health. This is very different than previous round-the-world bike trips. His story has been picked up by media around the world. www.millennium-ride.com
–Susan Buck
We look forward to a report on one of two annual motorcycle legislative conventions. I believe a crucial part of this convention is expanding the world of freedom to new riders. All bikers should be involved in our freedom at one level or another–even if it’s just a membership to the local ABATE group.
CAMERA/TATTOO TEST– Here’s the best one of the few I took today with the new digital camera of my riding buddy Suzanne’s Angel. She just had some touch-up work done on it to add color and detail.
It was one of the best days for riding I’ve seen in a long time. I hung the new camera around my neck and took movies as I rode. You can’t see enough so a few adjustments will be made, but the sound is great. I need to learn how to edit. The movie files are too big to mail to most people.
Racing at SIR today, Mailman caught his left foot under a broken shifter at 70 mph and wrenched it real hard. It’s bruised and swollen, but not hurt too bad. He loaded his own bike on the trailer.?
–Helen Wolfe, Bikernet drag racing correspondent
CLOSE MEMBERS PAY TRIBUTE–We have a Web page. We are posting itall over Northern California and trying to hit as many sites as possible. Mike and a coupleother guys founded the Yahoo California Riders of Harley club a couple yearsago. If you read a few of the posts, you will geta pretty good idea of how close most of the members are. As a side note,there is a true “Prize Possession” type story written by Mouse as a poem. Afew thugs pushed her off her bike (Coldfyre), threw it in the back of apickup and took off. It pissed enough of us off to scour the city ofSacramento and we found it! Great poem. Here is her post:
Well folks, it certainly has been a roller coaster ride. I hope none of youever buy tickets for this one. The following account is what happened whenthe keeper was found and the trap sprung. Ride on and ride safe.
There they are huddled together –
one red, one white and one blue.
Waiting anxiously for their owners
to come into view.
He must be one patriotic Ba****d,
the thief that took these few.
I walked up to them like a master
and said “I remember you.”
“That’s funny,” a man grumbled without a smile,
“You don’t look familiar.”
“That’s all right, it doesn’t matter,”
I growled as I straddled Coldfyre.
“I wasn’t talking to YOU anyway,”
as I pulled out my key.
“If this here fits you’re about to pay,”
“That I can guarantee.”
“What do you think you’re doing there?!”
as he stomped over in a huff.
“I guess you think you’re pretty smart…”
“What’ll you do, arrest us?”
“No, sir. I don’t think ‘I’ will.”
I countered with acid politeness.
Coldfyre roared to life with thrill,
then we backed into the brightness.
“You’re not going anywhere!”
He roared and grabbed my jacket.
With a halfway grin, “It’s nice to share,”
I purred before I nailed his package.
He coughed and groaned with surprise
when he caught sight down the street.
Lots of pretty blue and red lights
were ready for us to meet.
“Thank you again for your time,
and consideration in this matter.
Oh, and Coldfyre would like to say,
May you all BURN in the hereafter.”
A thank you of a personal nature
I feel I must extend.
It’s for someone I’d like to call
my close, personal friend.
Without him I would not be here
or have re-claimed my prize.
And Coldfyre really wants to know,
“When are we going for ride!”
I have sent everyone I know to your site and we all appreciate what you dothere.
Keep writing and riding,
Ken Gillespie (Ridn_fool)
Continued On Page 2
September 21, 2001
By Bandit |
Washington, DC ? The Environmental Protection Agency published its final rule on “large spark ignition engines” on September 14, but the agency balked at including tougher regulation of street motorcycles. “EPA intended to include in this proposal new exhaust standards for highway motorcycles and marine spark ignition engines,” EPA wrote, adding that proposals for street bikes and marine engines would be addressed separately “within the next few months.” Exclusion of street bikes is an important victory for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organizations in our sustained struggle against unnecessary regulation that directly threatens our machines and our lifestyle.
“Thanks in no small part to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, the Administration decided not to rush to proposal with respect to highway motorcycles,” said Mr. Austin Perez of the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. “MRF and the state organizations weighed into the process, and it worked.”
The EPA’s unexpected move follows comprehensive action by ABATE of Illinois in amassing grassroots opposition to more restrictive emissions standards and attendant regulations through its “Operation Wrench” battle plan. It follows a concerted effort by riders in Illinois and throughout the country in writing letters of objection to EPA Administrator Christie Todd Whitman. It also follows an intensive lobbying effort by MRF that raised Administration awareness of the devastating impact EPA’s proposal would have on small-volume motorcycle makers, custom shops, and individual rider safety and freedom.
“This action demonstrates the effectiveness of the joint MRF-SMRO team,” observed Tom Pauley, MRF President, “and the wisdom of our strategy.” Prior to the ruling, for example, MRF wrote to the Office of Management and Budget, laying out MRF’s many concerns about additional regulation of street motorcycles. The letter argued that the anticipated ruling did not adequately address our concerns on three fundamental fronts: economics (primarily small business impacts), broad public policy, and individual freedom.
“The fight is not over,” Mr. Pauley said, “but we have won an important victory and we must sustain the momentum.” MRF anticipates that EPA is heading back to the drawing board to issue a new proposal, possibly as early as November. That proposal will be followed by a public comment period. Important note: EPA may also hold public meetings on the street motorcycle proposal, as it calls for public meetings in its September 14 proposal on non-road engines. MRF will keep you informed as details become available.
How can you do more? Ride with the LeadersTM to Topeka, Kansas, September 27-29, where MRF’s Meeting of the Minds will present a comprehensive discussion on countering the threat posed by needless environmental regulation. Moderated by Tom Pauley, the EPA panel will feature Todd Vandermyde of Illinois speaking on “Operation Wrench,” John Paliwoda of the California Motorcycle Dealers Association discussing the California regulatory experience, and automotive engineer Vince Piacenti explaining the technical details of environmental regulation. Rounding out the panel will be Tom Wyld, MRF lobbyist, on our strategy for the future.
MRF: My Ride is Freedom — For further information contact Tom Wyld at 202-546-0983 or by e-mail at wyld@mrf.org
September 20, 2001 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued from Page 1
Click For Larger .pdf View
BIKERNET SECURITY LESSON–A burglar broke into an empty house in the middle of the night. He hadtaken just a few steps when he heard a voice boom out in the darkness saying, “JESUS IS WATCHING YOU!”
He stopped dead in his tracks, waited a few minutes, when he heard nothing else he began tiptoeing forward only to hear “JESUS IS WATCHING YOU!”again.
He froze and began looking frantically around to see who had said that. Finally, over in a dark corner he spotted a birdcage and in the birdcagewas a parrot. He said to the parrot, “Did you say ‘Jesus is watching you’ just now?”
The parrot said, “Yes, I did.”
The burglar said, “What is your name?”
The parrot answered, “Clarence”
The burglar said, “That’s a stupid name for a parrot. What idiot named you Clarence?”
The parrot said, “The same idiot who named our Rottweiler Jesus.”
–From Chris Wright
HOT ROD BIKES’ CARBURETOR LIST–In the November issue of Hot Rod Bikes, they’ve covered all the goddamn carbs and run dyno tests on them on various bikes from Shovelheads to hot rods. It gives the reader of the impression of each set up, so you might want to check it out.
If not here’s the web site from each Carburetor manufacturer so you can check out the products for your selves or find answers to questions:
Zippers
www.Zippersperformance.com
Carls Speed Shop
www.carlsspeedshop.com
Rivera Engineering
www.primobeltdrives.com
Patrick Racing
www.patrick-racing.com
Edelbrock Corp.
www.edelbrock.com
Mikuni
www.mikuni.com
S&S
www.sscycle.com
NEW BIKERNET RIGID PROJECT BIKE–The frame – Atlas. No other.The powder coater who was an ex welder was droolin’ over the weld job. Havea look at this photo (undressed welds at the neck….)
I can’t wait to get this baby done. If the sheetmetal shows in the next twoweeks, I might have it done for the Oyster Run which would be very cool.
–Digital Gangster in Washington
The computer mad man powder coated the frame and matched the sheetmetal like I did successfully with the Blue Flame last year. Check his tech articles in the Garage.
Bandit taking aim at terrorism behind Bikernet headquarters.
NEW BIKERNET/DRAGONFLY SHIRTS–These bastards are cool as they come and they are available in large, XL and XXL. The price is right for gifts. Check the Bikernet Gulch Dragon Fly shed for prices, all the new models and fast delivery.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON TO DONATE 30 POLICE MOTORCYCLES,$1 MILLION TO RELIEF EFFORT–
Harley-Davidson Motor Company is donating the use of 30 police motorcycles and $1 million to assist in the relief efforts in New York City and Washington, D.C. The motorcycles will be used to replace police motorcycles, squad cars and other police units that were destroyed following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, Tuesday, Sept. 11. The Company?s $1 million donation will be made directly to the American Red Cross for use in the relief effort.
?We are all moved and saddened by the events of the past week and hope our contribution of police motorcycles and funds to the American Red Cross can in some way help with the relief effort,? said Jim McCaslin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company.?
Ten police motorcycles will be ridden to the New York City area from Milwaukee by Harley-Davidson employees and local police officers late next week. An additional 20 motorcycles will be delivered within the next two weeks to the New York area for use by the New York City Police Department and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in their efforts.?
?We know that a number of law enforcement officers lost their lives coming to the aid of those involved in the tragedy and some of those were Motor Officers,? said McCaslin. ?Harley-Davidson has been producing police motorcycles since 1908 and we have a very strong bond with that group. Our hearts go out to all victims of the disaster, especially those within the law enforcement community. While we can never get back what has been lost, we?re hopeful that the police motorcycles will help law enforcement and Port Authority representatives move around the city and the devastated area with greater ease and convenience.?
?The Motor Company will also donate $1 million to the American Red Cross for use in New York and Washington,? said McCaslin.
Harley-Davidson is working alongside The Center for Public Safety at Northwestern University in order to make arrangements to offer priority training focused on developing a new class of Motor Officers in the New York / New Jersey area.
In addition, Harley-Davidson is encouraging its employees, dealers, owners and H.O.G. members to band together to raise funds for those affected by the disaster. Over the years, the extended Harley-Davidson family has raised funds for myriad causes by organizing rides across the country and around the world.?
?We have a tradition of raising funds through motorcycle rides,? said McCaslin. ?We have received hundreds of calls from our dealers and owners asking how they can help. We?ve asked them all to work together to raise funds for those affected by this tragedy.?
Whelen Engineering Company in Chester, CT is donating all emergency equipment on the motorcycles. Donated motorcycles include FLHTPI Electra Glide models, FLHPI Road King models and FXDP Dyna Defender models.
SPARE PARTS CUSTOM–This is another custom coming together in the garage on Bikernet. It’s actually almost done by Crazy Horse, the woman behind the Bikernet monthly Bike Show and her man. Check it out in the garage.
“What does a bike builder do in his spare time? The bike started out as a Sumax frame that was sitting around for years. I found an H-D?Evo motor and tranny, fresh out of the box?a few years back. We used Boyd’s Mid-Glide 41mm trees andfat boy lower legs turned down on the lathe. Top caps were made to match.??Swap meet rotor and Rev Tech caliper?are used on the front. Front axle was cut flush, drilled and tapped for custom washers.?Jim traded chrome lower legs for an 18″ front rim. Ness bars- plate welded in with milled slots-speedo mount underneath and some handle bar controls that were stashed at the bottom of a lost box, finish up the front end.”–Crazy Horse
DRAG RACING REPORT SHORT–I just finished first five pics of Woodburn at Stan Sheppard’s request. I thought you could pick out whichever one you like best for the news. The guy he is racing on the V-Rod is?Gene Thomason. The other guy, Patrick?Marrs?won the event for the SEP class. I’ll try to get you something written for the news ASAP.
We’ve just launched all the new reports on Woodburn in “Down The Track”. Check it out. We’re lookin’ forward to the finals in Vegas.
SOUTH CAROLINA EVENT FOR ALL RIDERS–Please pass the word of this event to everyone that you know that rides. This is not a brand name event but an event for ALL the motorcyclists of South Carolina to come together at and show their support of the brave men and women who rush in as others rush out.
I hope to see all of you there!!
Wendy Bryar, ABATE of South Carolina – Legislative Co-ord Let Those Who Ride . . . . Decide! EPA PULLS STREET BIKES FROM SEPTEMBER RULE-MAKING–Important Victory for the Motorcyclists’ Rights Movement in America. The Environmental Protection Agency published its final rule on “large spark ignition engines” on September 14, but the agency balked at including tougher regulation of street motorcycles. “EPA intended to include in this proposal new exhaust standards for highway motorcycles and marine spark ignition engines,” EPA wrote, adding that proposals for street bikes and marine engines would be addressed separately “within the next few months.” Exclusion of street bikes is an important victory for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organizations in our sustained struggle against unnecessary regulation that directly threatens our machines and our lifestyle. The full report will be in the legislative department of Bikernet. Continued on Page 3
September 20, 2001 Part 1
By Bandit |
It’s beyond confusing, so we sent our own Bikernet International investigator to the front to report and we have a report in the news.
This has me so frustrated that I’ve paid for passage on a tramp freighter out of Houston for a trip around the world. I’ll bring you reports from seaports all over the world.
Sure, you’re thinking. What the fuck is he going to ride? How can he ride? Where did he get the cash?
I’ll bring reports via Satellite phone and a lap-top on Biker activities from Singapore, Cartagena, Spain, Hong Kong, Baltimore, Ensenada, Manila, Vietnam, Pusan and many more dumps the world over. Regarding the site, we’ll be growing just the same. We’ve hired two full-time lusty babes to manage. Sin Wu and Layla will be on staff constantly. Nuttboy the Morale Officer will sign the checks. I’ll be weaving cargo nets on this Rickmers Tramp Freighter and sending my checks home to keep the joint afloat. Oh, I promise to drink rum, and finish my first Chance Hogan book and start another.
Let’s get to the news:
HORSE SPY REPORT–We have an informant within the ranks of HORSE mag and we taped this quote regarding one of their recent project bikes. Too bad the FBI didn’t have a couple of spies working the hills of Afghan.
?This chopper was originally going to replace my ?Money Magnet? twin Linkert carbed chop which I sold. As luck would have it, I started to build it and my good friend George Jupin decided it was time for him to ride a long bike, so I simply did the honorable thing.
“I?m glad it worked out this way cause George enjoys the hell out of this bike. The bike is a Billy Lane/Choppers, Inc. creation, goes on sale 10/30.
The girl is named Tiffany she is from Miami and has a most awesome ass— other than that that’s all I know about her, lol. The most unique thing on the bike is the full rear perimeter brake Billy built from scratch.”
–Geno, HORSE art director
LITTLE EDDIE’S COLUMN–This will be just another foe this country was forced to face.Just like the Bonzai Soldiers of Japan, and the fanatics of Nazi’s of Germany, and crazier than imaginable.I fear we must think “out of the box” on this one. As a society we have tried to behave, even in war, honorably and with a respect of humanity.I don’t believe we can have this policy in this case. Our hands cannot be tied.
It’s much like the “vendetta” mentality. If we don’t strike as hard as we can, our children and children’s children will live with this threat and will die at the hands of these people without conscience. We all know this. But can we live with it? I believe I can. One look into my Granddaughter’s sweet face and my heart goes cold to those that would take her life.
Remember one of the high-jacked planes had a two-year-old and a four-year-old on board, and people in the middle east danced in the streets over the deaths of these children. Yes, my heart is very cold.
We have at our disposal the means (and I don’t mean nuclear) to rid ourselves of this menace. It will take a combined effort of the entire free world. It will require heavy-handed tactics not usually used by us. But it’s the only way.
Our terrorist enemies and ALL their friends and supporters must be brought to their knees or put in their graves. All of them. No exceptions! Only then do we have a prayer of a life of safety and security. If we don’t fix this now we will be looking over our shoulder anywhere we go. Every flight, sports event or even your daily job will not be safe, Ever.
Thought for next week: If the thought of this bothers you, go to the nearest schoolyard and imagine the joy a terrorist would take in the suffering of those you see. Think of the dancing in the streets. Think of Sadam Hussein”s quote last Tuesday, “This is the happiest day of my life.” See if your heart goes as cold as mine.
–Eddie Dyer
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN–I want you (Bandit) to know how much you mean to me. As a friend and mentor, these recent events have prompted me to tell all my family and friends how much they do mean to me. I am so proud to be a part of this country, your life and our lifestyle. I am quite shaken by this episode in history, however, they can not take my joy. I love this life and know that God is my co-pilot wherever I go.
Big hugs! and kisses!
CATT
HEY MOTORCYCLING POLICE HISTORIAN–My name is is Buck Lovell. I am currently compiling photographs and material fora pictorial book to be titled “AMERICAN COP BIKE”. I have been gathering material and photos for more than 15 years, but can use any photos or other material pertaining to police motorcycle operational procedures for the period to 1904-to-1970. The book is in the final stages of pre-press at this time. I would like to request the loan of any photos or other relevant material. First person accounts about operational procedures from retired motor cops, training manuals or brochures, historical documents, and other would help me to present a well rounded perspective of the man and the machine.
As any motorcycle officer already knows, being a motor cop is exceedingly dangerous work. Of all historical categories, the motorcycle officer and the two-and three wheeledvehicles they rode are the most forgotten.
This book is attempt to portray the almost forgotten history of sacrifice and service made by thousands of police officers across the country. Getting paid to ride a motorcycle has it’s advantages, but the risk is enormous, the recognition minimal. Please send along any material you think would enhance this book, be it photos or other. Any Material loaned will be returned promptly after scanning. Whenever possible date and or caption photos for reference. The deadline for materials is August 32, 2001. Thanks you in advance for your time. I look forward to seeing your photos.
–Buck Lovell / Editor
REBUILDING WORLD TRADE CENTER UNDER WAY–This has been suggested as what the new world trade center towers should look like after we rebuild them:Whaddya think??
–Wino Joe, USA
MORALE LESSON– The teacher gave her fifth grade class an assignment: get theirparents to tell them a story with a moral at the end of it. The next day thekids came back and one by one began to tell their stories.
Kathy said, “My father’s a farmer and we have a lot of egg-laying hens. One time we were taking our eggs to market in a basket on the front seatof the pickup when we hit a bump in the road and all the eggs went flyingand broke and made a mess”
“And what’s the moral of the story?” asked the teacher. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!”
“Very good,” said the teacher. “Now, Lucy?”
“Our family are farmers too. But we raise chickens for the meatmarket. We had a dozen eggs one time, but when they hatched we only got tenlive chicks. And the moral to this story is, don’t count your chickens untilthey’re hatched.”
“That was a fine story Lucy. Johnny do you have a story to share?” “Yes, ma’am, my daddy told me this story about my uncle Bob. UncleBobwas a Green Beret in Vietnam and his helicopter got hit. He had to crashland in enemy territory and all he had was a bottle of whiskey, a machine gun anda machete. He drank the whiskey on the way down so it wouldn’t break and then he landed right in the middle of 100 enemy troops. He killed seventy of them with themachine gun until he ran out of bullets, then he killed twenty more with the machetetill the blade broke and then he killed the last ten with his bare hands.”
“Good heavens,” said the horrified teacher, ” What kind of moral did your daddy tell you from that horrible story?”
“Don’t fuck with Uncle Bob when he’s been drinking.”
–from “Scooter Grigsby”
BIKERNET AFGAN UNDER WORLD REPORT–The Afghanis are about as backward as they come. I worked over there about10 years ago after the Russian invasion, right near the border of Pakistanat the foot of the Kyber pass. These fucking people still rely on the useof camels and donkeys for travel and freight.
The country itself isn’t mucheither, mostly rocks and dirt. It kind of looks like the Mojave betweenBerdoo and Primm, Nevada, only without the pavement, high lines and traffic.Maybe a little rockier and certainly less vegetated. The vast majority ofthe people are ignorant, probably less than 25% literacy rate and they relyon the local “holy man” to keep them informed. They live in the 18thcentury at best and aren’t in a big hurry to catch up with the rest of theworld.
As far as the “jihad” that they have declared, it is rather hollow. Alittle like the Spanish Navy declaring war on the US Navy. They might dosome minor damage, but pretty much ineffective in the long run. Most oftheir arms are either captured Soviet AKs and RPGs plus the remnants of theUS equipment that we provided during their war with Russia. The mostdifficult thing about a war with them on their soil, is similar to what wefaced in Vietnam. A small cadre of very dedicated soldiers that are willingto throw rocks at attack helicopters to win. Plus, the terrain is veryharsh and rugged and more suited to guerrilla warfare.
As far as oil, there isn’t very much, despite all of the dollars that havebeen spent looking for it over there. They are a net importer and rely onthe goodwill of the other Arab states to meet their needs.
I agree, that we have been given all of the justification that we need toblast the mother fuckers back into the stone age. I have a pretty goodfeeling that we probably have Special Ops troops on the ground right nowlooking for targets of opportunity. But the bulk of the destruction of thenetworks and foot soldiers will have to be placed on the shoulders of USground troop (USMC), whom if given the opportunity and support will tearthem a new ass in short order. I just don’t want us to half-ass this deal.The president has the support of the American public, press and theCongress. Let’s just hope the peace-niks don’t fuck it up for him.
–Secret Agent Man
Continued on Page 2
September 20, 2001 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued from Page 1
DAVIE ALLAN HITS ROCKIN’ THE FAIR–Our time slot for this Sunday has been changed. We had been moved to 6:00 but I just found out that “Tierra” demands that great slot so look for us at 3:00. Sheesh!
Sunday, September 23rd at?3:00 pm (Art Fair starts at 1:00 P.M.)
Art Fair
Art District-Third and Traction Ave. (Near Al’s Bar)
Downtown LA
Friday, October 5th 11:00 pm
The Garage
4519 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
THE SPEECH THE PRESIDENT WISHES HE COULD GIVE–Good evening my fellow Americans.
First, I want to pass on my condolences to the people of New York and all Americans that are hurting in this tragic time. You can rest assured that anything and everything that can be done to assure the safety of our country will be done. This is the greatest country in the world and we will get through this trying time. Now is the time for all people to set aside our petty differences and show the world that no one or nothing can destroy the fortitude of the American people.
To the people responsible for today’s tragedy, I say this:Are you fucking kidding me? Are the turbans on your heads wrapped too tight? Have you gone too long without a bath?
Do you not know who you are fucking with? Americans are so hungry to kill, that we shoot at each other every day. We will relish that opportunity for new targets for our aggression.
Ask your buddy Saddam about fucking with the good ‘ole USA. The only reason he got away the first time is because it’s too hard to shoot someone when you’re doubled over laughing at them. Our soldiers aren’t trained to laugh and shoot at the same time. Now he couldn’t stop a pack of cub scouts from taking over his shitty little country.
Trust us, Afghanistan will end up a giant kitty litter box. Go ahead and try to hide, Bin Laden. There’s not a hole deep enough or a mountain high enough that’s going to keep your camel riding asses safe. We will bomb every inch of the country that harbors him, his camps and any place that looks and even smells like he was there. Hell, we might even drop a few bombs on people that have pissed us off in the past. This is America. We kick ass. This is what we do. Go ahead and laugh now, but the Tomahawks are coming and we will smoke your sorry asses.
God bless America!
–From Stan Sheppard
NURSERY RHYMES THAT DIDN’T MAKE IT– MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB,
Her father shot it dead
Now it goes to school with her
Between two hunks of bread
THE MARTYR–
“There is sobbing of the strong,
And a pall upon the land;
But the People in their weeping
Bare the iron hand;
Beware the People weeping
When they bare the iron hand.”
– Herman Melville, “The Martyr,” upon the death of Abraham Lincoln.
–from SR
RUN FOR NYC FIRE AND POLICE– I just got a call from Jeff at Rhinebeck Ford a few minutes ago. Jeff sponsors our anual Kids with Cancer and MDA bike runs every year and does a spectacular job. He’s getting together a new project to benefit the families of NYC police and firefighters lost in the line of duty during the disaster here in NY.
It’s CALLED the “PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN FUND”All the proceedes will go directly to the people in need.For a mere $10 tax deductable donation, you can show the world your true colors. He’s giving away with each $10 donation, a custom designed T-Shirt with the American Flag on the front with the wording: 9-11-01 GOD BLESS AMERICA, And on the back; PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.These shirts are first quality Jersey brand, not some cheap import.To get your shirt and help support a noble cause contact Jeff at PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN FUND –Teddy Bear The bike in the photo is a Softail custom I Caribbean Custom Cycles Built with a 180 rear andthe Heartland kit. That’s our everyday shop bike. BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–Like most of conversations in most places, all IS based in the terroristattack in the USA. Even if we tried, there was (and is) no way of not beinginformed about what’s going on. We forgot the sharks, the Californiapoliticians, the hurricanes, and everything else. Our lives revolve aroundthe rescue mission and inminent war. Imagine for a second, those planes leaving their airports. An H.A. world meeting wasgoing to take place in California, so most chapters on the East Coast andEurope would be on those planes, suddenly a couple of arab looking dudestried to scare everyone with knives and box cutters, yeah right, they wouldhave gotten the living shit beaten out of them, one by one they would haveeaten those blades, while getting stomped by steel toe engineer boots. All the planes landing safely after the scare, andthe HA’s becoming heroes, being the toast of the town, and getting pardonsfor all their sins. What about finding asurvivor in this coming days? or a bunch of them inside an underground minimart, just waiting for the rescuers, passing time while eating anddrinking? How about September 11th, never ever happening? I’m sure we have all thought about stuff like that, wishfull thinking, assome may say. Please, I have no intention of being disrespectful whilewriting this above, just a sample of what would have happened if ? I guessthis is just a different way of expresing gratitude for life, for ourliberties, for being able to get up tomorrow, kickstart our chopper andfeel the wind, for not having to worry about living with the Afghans, fornot growing up in places that are in constant war, or have the nerve tokill innocent people in the name of their gods. No matter how shitty itmight get, we are way fuckin’better than most people. Our lives will go on.Their shit life will get worst, good or bad.We are able to go back and do all the stuff we always do, sure some thingswill live with us, some will be forgotten, but we are able to keep on, andwhy? Because we can, plain and simple. The Desertores will have a ride the 29th of September, it will be anovernight in the southern town of Poncewith the Holiday Inn mostly blocked for the bikers, seems like there willbe a party and a half. Will get details of the ride in the following weeks. HOG San Juan, had a pre rally registration meeting at a local bar, hundredsof bikes showed up. This is for the up coming Caribbean Rally in November,seems like there’s a lot of people expecting the ride, which is great. On asour note, seems like the HOG people should be more respectful. The bar islocated about six blocks from my house and we could hear the burnouts,engine revving, and “lookatmee” throttle antics, till early morning . Seemslike this is becoming the norm. It took us years to promote the “image” andrespect of police and citizens alike, and it’s being fucked up by somenewbies in loud billet barges……. Speaking of newbies, what the fuck’s going on, now anyone that has a bikefor less than a year, bought a bunch of chrome shit and bolted a fewthemselves, think they are custom builders, or opening shops ? They mustbe tripping in their own shit ! And they want to pirate and screw the longtime shop owners ! Beware of the weasels, leeches and rats around yourarea. They will last as long as an aftershock in LA. Talent nor experiencemoney can buy. The Motociclistas del Sur (motorcyclists of the south) will have theirannual ride-meet- party at the town of Coamo, Oct 5th. Our shop has beeninvited to bring a display of choppers and customs to the show. Will postsome photos of the event here in Bikernet. So that’s it for this week, tomorrow, have a happy thought, hug the oneswho love you, and do what you always do, we are the lucky ones. –Jose, Caribbean Bikernet Report OUR RECOVERING NATION–As our nation recovers from Tuesday’s unprecedented assault on key symbolsof U.S. military and financial power, Vote.com invites all Americans toregister your support for our leaders in Washington – and to tell them whatYOU think America should do in response to the attacks.Log on to http://www.vote.com to tell government leaders: -Whether Congress should declare war on terrorists and the countries thatharbor them -Whether America should attack Afghanistan for protecting Osama bin Laden -Whether the U.S. should end the ban on assassinating foreign leaders When you vote, your opinion will be sent to Congress, President Bush andSecretary of State Colin Powell. Please forward this message to friends and family so they can participate aswell. Thank you. DEAR OSAMA BIN LADEN– Congratulations. You’ve done what our best diplomacy efforts have not been able to do. You’ve united the world. You’ve allowed the worldto put aside its differences and instead made every terrorist group, and anyone helping these groups, enemy number one. You struck us, you have wounded our country, but all that did was strengthen our resolve for freedom. It united a country and a worldto stand up to anyone who would challenge that freedom. Instead ofbringing out our worst, it brought out our best. Thousands giving blood,helping with the recovery, and standing up to you. You launched an act of war. A war not against a country, but againstany group that uses terrorism as a mechanism for policy, who attacksthousands of civilians, and who threatens democracy, freedom, and theopportunity for people to govern themselves. Be assured we will respond. We willbe patient, prudent, and relentless in our pursuit. We will not strikeout at citizens as you have done. We will target the persons who committhese acts of terrors. You may think you won yesterday, but you are so sadly mistaken. Youcan strike a people, but the idea of democracy is bigger than New YorkCity and the Pentagon. It is bigger than a country or a President.Democracy is tougher than terrorism. If you want to see the best of democracythen watch the people of New York. Watch the people of Washington DC.Watch America. Watch the world come together as it never has before. Allfor one reason…to defeat you and every other terrorist who threatensthat freedom. The only one who should be afraid, Mr. bin Laden, is you. JON TOWLE IS MORE THAN ALL THE ART ON BIKERNET AND CUSTOM CARICATURES–For years we thought that Jon, the artistic type that he is, was just another devoted single father and a raging alcoholic since he spent entire nights at night clubs. Upon further investigation we discovered on special assignment, Jon playing lead guitar in a heavy metal band at a Long Beach, California lesbian bar. I spent several nights in the corner watching Jon twist the strings of his guitar to make a little extra money. Towle’s talents don’t stop with computer art, pen and ink or lead guitar. Recently he was invited to play with a blues band, but in a different roll. He was challenged to take on the bass guitar position. Here’s his words:”Last weekend I was invited to sit in with a band consisting of someoutstanding players.I’ve played guitar since 1975 but on this day, I was playing bassguitar. “Buzzy James, slide guitar god, is in the band “laidlaw” who’s cd isheavily played in the south. Mike Malone, a long time biker, is a heavy on the keys andvocals and has played with alot of big names. Two studio musiciansfilled out the rest. The great Joe Houston, legendary blues sax playerwas the the special guest. If you’ve never heard Mr. Houston on motownor jammin’ with the Stones or on his many albums, then brother, you’reliving on the fucking moon.””Anyway, it was a great thrill and after shooting the shit with Joe afterthe show, I think I got his okay. You see, Joe can be a little rough onwhite guys that play the blues, unless they can produce. the rest of theguys already passed. I think I might have. he said ‘you cool’ or ‘youfool’. I couldn’t tell, he speaks kinda low. –jontowle- DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE TALL BLONDE–Took her new scarf back to the store because it was too tight. Couldn’t learn to water ski because she couldn’t find a lake with a slope. Can’t work in a pharmacy because the bottles won’t fit into the typewriter. Got excited because she finished a jigsaw puzzle in 6 months and the box said “2 to 4 years”. Was trapped on an escalator for hours when the power went out. LIVING PROOF THAT HARDTAIL WAS A MAGAZINE–Yes, it’s true that “HardTail” was a printed magazine for over a year. Then an Angel touched Buck, the creator, on the shoulder and asked him to stop waisting trees. He was so moved by the size of her chest that brushed against his, he volunteered to do anything. Consequently this magazine is now available to be downloaded or delivered on a CD. Check it out. THAT’S IT–I listened to the President tonight and was impressed with the country’s ability to form a cohesive plan for terrorist destruction without turning people unnecessarily against the U.S. It will only benefit the entire world to be rid of terrorism. It’s going to be rock and roll. Ain’t life grand, and to be a freedom loving biker the best. Have a helluva weekend.–Bandit
c/o RHINEBECK FORD
2224 RT.9G
RHINEBECK, NY 12572
http://www.vote.com
September 16, 2001
By Bandit |
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. Visit us on our website at http://www.aimncom.com
NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWSCompiled and Edited byBILL BISH,NATIONAL COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS
AMERICA UNDER ATTACK
?Smoke and ash still billows from the rubble that was once the crown jewels of the New York City skyline, and fire still seers through the heart of America?s military command post, which burns with a fury nearly as hot as most Americans? tempers at the time of this writing.
Like everything else unrelated to the terrorist attacks on American icons, the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, motorcycling news is diminished in importance and relevance as our collective attention is focused on the tragic circumstances surrounding such despicable and reprehensible acts of cowardice.
As Americans we are shocked to discover that our envelope of security has been breached. ?As Americans, we are horrified with the prospect that foreign hostilities can nestle upon our shores, though the perpetrators remain hidden and protected in faraway retreats. ?As a free and open society, Americans are rightfully angry and understandably frightened about the prospect of such attacks on our own soil. ?And our American Pride will not allow us to let terrorist bullies win. ??
But, as Americans, are we willing to alter our way of life and sacrifice our civil rights in exchange for governmental protections that hinder our freedom in order to regain some peace of mind?
By doing so, wouldn?t this allow terrorism to dictate our national policy?
As the ashes settle on a dismayed America, this will be the topic of ongoing debate in the press, within our legislatures and around the water fountains of society. ??????????
As American Bikers, we have always come down on the side of personal choice and responsibility in lieu of the blanket of security offered by our self appointed protectors. ?
In the famous words of one of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson; ”Those who would trade essential Liberty for temporary security, deserve neither Liberty or Security.”
As America lays the groundwork for recovery and restitution, we must strengthen our resolve and divert ourselves from the temptations of restructuring our system of democracy and redefining our liberties. ?If we do, we deserve neither.
God Bless America!–Bill Bish
AMERICAN SUPPORT FROM ACROSS THE BIG POND
?Following is a note sent to the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) from Neil Liversidge, National Chairman of the Motorcycle Action Group of the United Kingdom (MAG-UK), on September 11, 2001, regarding the terrorist attacks on the United States of America:
”It is right that our leaders condemn this act of war. ?It is not, however, enough that only they do so. ?The enemies of democracy must know that not only do the political leaders of the free world have the will to resist and defeat terrorism, but that the ordinary people possess that same resolve.
”The perpetrators of this infamous crime should know that they are not merely opposed by a political elite but by hundreds of millions of ordinary and right-thinking people throughout the world. ?At this time, ordinary people everywhere should communicate to the citizens of the United States their solidarity and support, as well as their condolences for the many deaths and tragedies suffered. ?I offer mine. ?
”At the Federation of European Motorcyclists (FEMA) Rally in Belgium, the official MAG-UK presence will fly the star spangled banner of the United States alongside the Union Flag of the United Kingdom. ?By this we will demonstrate our support and solidarity for our American allies who are, like us, citizens of the free world.”
When the chips are down it is good to know who your friends are.
LOUISIANA APPROVES VETERAN?S MOTORCYCLE LICENSE PLATES
?Due to an oversight, R.S. 47:463.18(A) and (C)1 of the Louisiana Vehicle Code did not list motorcycles as a vehicle that was eligible to carry Veteran plates as cars and trucks can. ?At least that was the way things were before a retired Navy veteran motorcyclist tried to get plates for his bike.
”I proudly and honorably served my country for 24 years as a member of the United States Navy,” said Steve Howardell, a Life Member of ABATE of Louisiana. ?”I retired in 1999 having worked my way from enlisted into the officer ranks. ?After my retirement, I was rated by the VA at 50% disabled. ?But yet, with all this service and dedication to my country, I was not allowed to display my service and pride on my motorcycle as I can my truck plates. ?I decided that it was time for a change.”
Howardell contacted his local legislators, Representative Mike Strain of House District 74 and Senator Jerry Thomas of Senate District 12, and requested assistance to get this regulation amended. ?Both were more then willing to help and out of just a couple of e-mails was born House Bill-186 and Senate Bill-110. ?
Now came the waiting game.
”I became a true watcher of the political process as the bills moved from committee, to full House and Senate, and on to the other side of the fence. ?These two bills breezed though all committee and floor votes with one lone dissenter,” explained Howardell.
Finally, on 25 June 2001, both bills were signed into law by Governor Foster and officially became Act 658 (HB-186) and Act 676 (SB-110). ?The only remaining hoop to jump through is for 100 people to sign up for these plates as that is a requirement to get them minted. ?So, get the word out to your riding buddies in the Bayou State and let them know about the new Veterans? license plates.
WEIRD NEWS OF THE MONTH
?Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe?s newly introduced anti-car campaign has claimed its first casualty ? his deputy was knocked off his bicycle by a motorcyclist illegally traveling down a new lane reserved for buses, bicycles and taxis.
”The funniest thing is that I had just left a meeting at police headquarters where I said we absolutely had to take measures against motorcycles that use these lanes,” said Yves Contassot, head of the small Greens party in the city?s coalition government after having routine hospital checks for some minor bruises.
The bus lanes, which the city has been marking off with new concrete dividers during the summer, are the latest anti-car step that Socialist Delanoe has taken since being elected last spring on a platform of creating more ”civilized space” in the capital, reported Reuters News Service.
QUOTABLE QUOTE
”We have awakened a sleeping giant and have instilled in him a terrible resolve.”Admiral Yamamoto, after he was overruled by the Emperor of Japan, on the bombing of Pearl Harbor
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September 14, 2001
By Bandit |
Postcard for the times.
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 4 – A judge dismissed nearly 300 tickets Tuesday issuedto drivers caught by cameras that record motorists running red lights,handing ammunition to opponents of such systems.
JUDGE RONALD STYN of San Diego County Superior Court said the camera evidence was inadmissible because a private corporation’s role in the operation of the system and its per-ticket collection of fees violatedstate law.
The ruling has no direct legal implications for similar red-light traffic systems in roughly 50 other cities in the nation. But lawyers for the motorists said other judges likely will take the ruling under consideration.
“It’s very limited, but his ruling will receive a lot of deference,” said Arthur Tait, one of three lawyers who represented the 292 driverswhose tickets were quashed Tuesday. “It’s the first time that a traffic courthas looked this closely at what is going on.”
The case originated when motorists banded together to fight the camera-issued tickets. The city is expected to appeal, but it has suspended use of the cameras pending a review prompted by complaints about the system’s accuracy.
The San Diego police department continues to support use of the cameras, which officials said have reduced red-light running an average of 45percent at the 19 intersections where they are installed. “I continue to believe that red light photo enforcement increases safety at intersections,” Police Chief David Bejarano said.
San Diego’s system, which snaps a photo of a red-light runner and mails a $271 citation to the registered owner of the vehicle, is thetarget of two civil lawsuits that could end the program and refund money to84,000 people who have received the tickets since 1998.
Affiliated Computer Services Inc. of Dallas has agreed to alter its system to comply with Styn’s ruling Tuesday, spokesman Mark Maddox said. Maddox said alternatives could include charging a flat rate to the city for installing the cameras.
September 13, 2001 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
UNDER ATTACK!–Buds, our country is under attack! What do you all think about this?The twenty-something says “oh, no, I don’t want to go to war, gee, that’s notright.”My mother, at seventy five says ” Rescue and Help first. then find thebastards and bomb them hard. Kill them. We can not tolerate this. It remindsme of Pearl Harbor all over again.” Her voice rose two octaves and she is aliberal conservative.A stunning, sorrowful, and dark day for all of us. We must not allow thescumbags to think they are beating us up. I am stunned and have watched sevendifferent channels all day. Prez is right.”Hunt them down and punish…”I love my country and all of you. Keep up the good work.
–Catts
FLASH INSURANCE REPORT–It has been confirmed that, among others, the following carriers haveoffices in the World TradeCenter buildings: SCOR Reinsurance Co., Partner Reinsurance of U.S.,General Security and Indemnity, Kemper Insurance Companies, CNA Insurance.American International Group headquarters is in the financial district.There are other carriers involved.
Shock waves will echo throughout the global insurance industry as lossesfrom the incident will exceed $25 million and be declared an officialcatastrophe. A CAT number will be assigned shortly.
Some insurance ramifications of the disaster include:
? Property and liability losses sustained by the insurers and reinsurers ofthe airlines;
? Property and liability losses sustained by the insurers and reinsures ofthe World Trade Center and other surrounding buildings;
? Workers’ compensation coverage for injuries sustained by workers in theWorld Trade Center, the Pentagon and other surrounding buildings;
? Auto insurance losses for cars damaged by falling debris and thosedestroyed in underground parking garages;
? Business interruption losses sustained by the insurers of the businessesin the World Trade Center and surrounding buildings;
? Property losses for computers, furniture and other contents sustained bythe insurers of the businesses in the World Trade Center and surroundingbuildings;
? Contingent business interruption insurance for the general “interruptionof commerce” these acts caused other businesses;
? Potential liability exposure for the insurers of the World Trade Centerand surrounding buildings for not promptly evacuating all employees;
The financial impact upon specific carrier’s health cannot yet be accessed.Many of us in the insurance and financial services industry will undoubtedlyknow directly someone involved in this terrorist act. There are not words toexpress the griefthat will be felt, as their names become known. Please pray that our leadersand that eachof us act with a cool head and a focused response.
–DJ Coates
The Small Business Insurance Centeran affiliate of Supple-Merrill & Driscoll, Inc.
P.O. Box 2408 Pasadena, CA 91102-2408
mailto:tsbic@tsbic.com
http://www.tsbic.com
Phone: 800-378-5554 Fax: 626-844-2126
Lic# 0529163
Bikernet Web Master on her way to work.
BIKERNET WEB MASTER JOINS THE FIGHT– At the moment,I’m in shock. Tomorrow, I’ll be seriously pissed.
If I had any idea who we were fighting, I’d be the first in line to sign upto fight. Of course, the cowards who did this probably realize there aremillions of us who feel the same way, so they hide in the shadows like thevermin they are.
-Digital Doll
p.s. – Stay the fuck off me Bandit…….
BIKERNET SPECIAL INVESTIGATION– After months of research we finally got actually photographs of a very special motorcycle. This is the first chopped motorcycle the Art Director of HORSE magazine built in 1970. Here’s a statement from Geno, the creator,”Here’s those pics of my XLH Sporty that I chopped in 1970-it was my first H-D. The fuzzy Polaroid pic of me is right after I bought it and I immediately put 10″ tubes on it and stripped the new lil’ Sporty tank all psycho delik with striping tape.
“The other shots are of the bike after I spent 4 months “choppin it” –I painted it, made the struts, mounted the fender, raked the frame and molded it –all with money I made after school, painting friends and the local 1%’r bikes. Ahh the good ole days.Live to chop!”–Geno
BIKERNET INSECT INVESTIGATION–Stopped at a friends shop the other day and found him stalking around witha fly swatter. When I asked if he was getting any flies, he answered, “Yeah,3 males and 2 females.”
Curious, I inquired as to how he could tell the difference.He answered, “3 were on a beer can and 2 were on the phone.”
BIKERNET LITERARY CRITIQUE–Sorry, it’s no exactly a critique, ’cause we don’t have a copy yet. In fact, the dam thing ain’t done. Buck Lovell the editor and publisher of Hardtail CD magazine is in the process of finishing a book of old cop shots. He’s been saving and hunting for shots for 20 years. If you can help, drop us a line. Hang on, the book is rumored to be published by another biker Tim Remus. Should be out shortly.
GUN BATTLE IN CALIFORNIA–Following is a report on the final week of the legislative session. I have a curious thought. We are allowed tools to fix things in our homes in case of emergencies. We are allowed fire extinguishers to put out fires, but they are trying to take guns away. Then we will have no tools if we are attacked. Seems I could sue my legislator if I was attacked and unable to protect my family because of his laws. I believe in education and training and as a young man I could not have a gun until I took the NRA course. Here’s the news–Bandit.
This is final week of the legislative session and gun grabbing politicianswilldo everything they can to get their anti-Constitutional laws passed. Bothofthe licensing bills – AB35 and SB52 – could be heard as early as Monday.Thesebills still place a huge burden on local law enforcement, and the instructorand testing requirements could put smaller gun stores literally out ofbusiness.
SB626 has just been amended to allow City Attorneys to have access to thestatefirearms registry to help them in civil suits against manufacturers,retailers,and potentially owners of firearms. This bill could be heard at any time.
SB 510 – The magazine and safety disconnect bill – mandates unreliable,non-existent technology that could cause firearms manufacturers to abandontheCalifornia marketplace. This bill could be heard at any time.
Contact your Senator, your Assembly Member and Governor Davis today. Writealetter (not an e-mail) and send it out right away.
Contact Information:http://www.liberty-belles.org/contactreps/contactingreps.htm
Bill Information: http://www.liberty-belles.org/legislation/legislation.htm
Senator Ray Haynes’ “Watchlist”http://www.liberty-belles.org/legislation/watchlist.html
–In Freedom,Jennifer and Joe
Liberty Belleshttp://www.liberty-belles.org
BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–* Note. These are sad days, it’s almost movie like, the impression of whathas happened, the thousands of souls that have lost their lives, innocentpeople caught amid greed, religion, politics and whatever else goes onthis world. What a glorious shame. This is a vivid image on the fragilityof our world, and a reason to believe in someone above, my deepest sorrowgoes to the people who frequent this forum, and more important to thosewhom might have lost family or friends by this crime. The whole worldmourns with you–Jose.
With all this recent hoopla about the new V-rod and TC 88’s and allthis super modern stuff, high revving, fake motorcycles, closer to the japcounterparts than the Harleys of past, all this futuristic features andavant garde designs, seems that the Company is changing, changing for theworst. Harleys appeal is based on it’s motorcycles, those Knucks, Pans andShovels, the style, the unrefined metals, pure iron. These bikes were notmade to appeal the crowds, these bikes will never be replaced, like hot rodsand muscle cars. Have you seen the new Impala ? The Nova? if you have youmight notice it’s not even a close copy of what those cars used to be.Technology has retarded the appeal of these vehicles. Give me a ’64 Impalaany day, keep the new one for car rentals. There’s nothing like an oldPanhead, (in any of its forms) even the Evo’s with their nostalgic lookswere acceptable. H-D’s mystique was born on those bikes, and now, shazam,the new V-max, oops, rod shatters the image. When I wanted an H-D for thefirst time, I wanted that bulky chunk of iron, the kickstart, the leakingengine, the unique rumble, in short the many things that made a Harley,Harley.
Now are the times of seeing gazillions of Softails, cookie cutter bikeswith tons of tasteless aftermarket parts, but there is something aboutchoppers, old Fl’s and any pre Evo bike that commands attention, thatreally makes them stand out in a sea of chrome barges, and let me tell ya,those are real bikes.
Same as you might drool over the newest of Ferraris,but a ’57 Corvette will make you mortage the house and sell the dogs. Maybeit’s because it’s part of what some people call Americana, of route 66 anddrive in cinemas, things that we like to have, mechanical wonders that haveendured the ages and senses of style, with a character that outlives anyfad, nationality or social status, most of this machines were the statusthen, as they are today. Maybe the company is going the wrong way. To someof us the future is not the answer, that’s the way I see it.
The second WCC chopper is on it’s way, we will post the steps here as werush to have it ready for Biketoberfestlots of long nights (and days ) will follow, will keep everyone posted.
We have heard that Manso’s motorcycle (one of our local shops) is moving toa bigger location a few buildings down from it’s present space, we want tocongratulate everyone there on the new shop.
Also a customer showed up at our shop to tell us that they are getting ready to open a newbar in Daytona. It will be called the Four Aces. On your next trip to theBeach check this place out, tell them the guys from Caribbean Custom Cyclessent you.
Soon we will feature our clothing line Chopper Freak ™ here in Bikernet,shirts and stuff for chopper lovers, more on this as soon as we set thedamn web site.
That’s it for now, back to the T.V. and the news, most of the people herein PR have been glued to CNN and all the latest happenings. Will see yanext week.
–Jose Caribbean Bikernet Report.
TIME TO RIDE–Next week we’ll have a report on the Dallas Shovelhead project. We’ll be rocking and rolling and trying to muster a few more sponsors while the government investigates the War crimes. Then we’ll do anything in our power to see that business is taken care of.
There’s been concern that the economy will suffer, especially the airlines. We’re the United States. We relish situations that challenge our resourcefulness. In our tribute to the ones we’ve lost and to those who have suffered, we will benefit, prosper and grow. Proud to be an American, let’s ride–Bandit.–