This week bikers from across the nation descended on Capitol Hill. The 2024 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) Bikers Inside the Beltway was the largest in the 15-year history of the event! Motorcyclists from 37 states made the trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for issues that matter to the street rider. The list of policy concerns was long! Issues include: Right to Repair, Preserving the Internal Combustion Engine, Profiling of Bikers, Autonomous Vehicles, Ethanol Mandates and the Definition of a Motorcycle. For the second year in a row, all 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100 Senators received an informational packet from the MRF. The packet explains who we are, what we’ve done, and what we want. From Alabama to Wyoming and all the states in between, the MRF knocked on doors and shared our legislative priorities. The nearly 200 bikers who came to Washington, D.C. represented a diverse set of groups. State Motorcyclist Rights Organizations (SMRO), Sustaining Clubs, the National Council of Clubs (NCOC) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) were all represented as part of the MRF event. Showing up matters. While it is important that lawmakers hear from us, it is also important that they see us. Every year there is a buzz that occurs on Capitol Hill when hundreds of bikers roam the Halls of Congress. The visual of so many motorcyclists united for a common cause is a powerful part of the annual event. The MRF is committed to being your voice in Washington, D.C. We have had a presence in town since 1986 and we are not going anywhere! We are and will remain, the voice of the street rider in our nation’s capital. Thank you to all the motorcyclists who made the journey to D.C. It is never too early to start making plans for the next installment of Bikers Inside the Beltway in May 2025. Check out some of the pictures of your fellow riders fighting for your rights in the halls of Congress. Join The MRF Visit http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983 TELL ‘EM BIKERNET.COM SENT YA

Hey,

Guess what… Bandit has one more project and its the size of a building…he bought another one in Sturgis. Speaking of which, the town is roaring to get roars of crowds and motorcyclists. It is the season to be adventurous and outdoors. Bikers and actually much motorsport change the economy for the good. Small towns become self-sustained and pay bills for the whole year by hosting one month of action on wheels.

Buffalo Chip is a great example of a brand emerging out of a brand called Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. They got a new special something lined up, check on her in the Thursday News only on Bikernet.com

Just like Bandit, there are others not willing to hang their boots and have TV dinners–though Grease and Gears TV might see Sturgis Museum action thanks to the new Board Member –guess who–Bandit’s museum related project. Speaking of which Bonneville Land Speed Racing is in the minds of other well-known custom builders too. Guess who?

Find out what Harley-Davidson might be launching overseas as a followup to the revival of their single-cylinder through X440. There are other events to consider as you await the big Rally in Sturgis. Sam Burns comes back with exclusive images you won’t find elsewhere because he grabbed them first. As always, energy, pollution, climate, EV and legal tussles are back in the news; its a like a mythical beast that grows new heads when you cut one part of the damned entity.

Get relief or release as JJ Solari re-opens our Bad Joke Library. Fine aftermarket products add to the mood and motivation. Another 100 word fiction from JJ Spain who seems to make the contest look too easy. I found the key to success and wealth–check out the article on “Work More Hours” (not a joke).

The Chevy is back (or not) which reminds me I should bitch about my Enfield–which got itself a new battery. Maybe the Sturgis Museum will take it away for good–all I wish is for someone to pay for shipping the Enfield Std Bullet 350 to Sturgis. Nothing else expected in return. Meanwhile, I do enjoy riding it except that it bleeds my money instead of leaking oil like a regular old hunk of metal.

READ ALL THIS AND MORE FROM THE BEST INDUSTRY WEEKLY NEWS EVERY THURSDAY –CLICK HERE.

* * *
The Devil is in the details, so subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay updated

NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION? IT’S FREE. CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW.

What’s It Gonna Be by Keith ‘Bandit’ Ball
with illustration by Wayfarer

Jake at 6 feet and buffed pulled up to the log cabin saloon off Highway 25, in CO on his highbar 80 flathead. No other bikes in the lot, only SUVs.

He ordered a 3-2-1 Jack from blonde and bodacious. Her eyes sparkled but darted with concern. Suddenly surrounded by a young crew in camos, they snarled and brandished weapons. “Your loud pipes are done. It’s a climate emergency!” Said big and fuzzy.

“What’s it gonna be?” Jake asked. “Freedom and Truth or a lying piece-of-shit dictatorship.”

Fuzzy hesitated and gulped.

“Bring it on,” Jake said. “Bikers are ready.”

(publication dated 22-May-2024)

* * *

Read all about this 100 word mania at the contest page—click here
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bikernet_100_Word_Fiction_Contest_2024.aspx

Based on actual events in 1982
by Keith “Bandit” Ball with illustrations by Wayfarer

Deadwood, a town of outlaws, grit, gold, mile-deep mines, gambling and whores wrestled annually with South Dakota weather. It’s a bustling town of 1,200 dealing with an onslaught of three million drunken, gambling visitors a year.

About 1982 a scruffy biker named Rusty, with a full beard mowed lawns and his wife worked at Family Dollar a couple of blocks away on the cobblestone street, while the Homestake mine endured another strike. Wasn’t much going on when the Sheriff asked Rusty if he would ride along on a prisoner transfer to Sioux Falls for 100 bucks. He smiled and took the job.

Wasn’t much to it and he continued to fulfill the city position as a transport guard until busses came along and the Sheriff said, “I don’t want to lose you.”

Click here to read this incredible adventure as only retold by Bandit on Bikernet.com

* * * *

Join the gang by becoming a member–check out your options by clicking here.

 

Rider’s Report by Christy

After I rode my Softail Standard that has mid controls for a few weeks I was feeling cramped, and my legs weren’t comfortable.

I have long legs and having to be able to stretch them out while cruising is very relaxing to me.

When I rode my Sportster years ago, I had forward controls. Once I got use to that feeling of extending my legs, not extending them, I felt cramped and uncomfortable while riding.

Click here to read the whole Tech with images only at Bikernet.com

* * * *

Get the Tech you need from 27 years of expert reports and repairs, only at Bikernet.com

DON’T DELAY! Please contact lawmakers to request their opposition for this proposal:

Click to contact your representative

Overview: Lawmakers in Illinois have introduced SAN-opposed legislation (H.B. 5824), which would adopt California’s low and zero-emission motor vehicle standards and ban the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered motor vehicles starting in 2035. The SAN believes Californians should not decide what vehicles are best for Illinois.

Get a blast of the positive corner of the motorcycling industry. We are upbeat against the uphill climb to ride out the terror of climate doomsdayers and owner-repair naysayers.

Sturgis may have a new race but the city council and its city folks may just have something to say or do about it.

Dave Zein tells you like it is and how it should be. You need to be a part of MRF, IMF and ABATE.

Don’t worry, Sam Burns rode in with a ton of trikes and babes–well many photos of one babe at least.

KlockWerks has a partnership with Indian Motorcycle, so you’d wanna know about it. There is a new rodeo in a town in Ohio by Easyriders Events. Bandit it is keeping the Sturgis Museum on its toes with his passion to ride it to monumental status. You gotta keep up because he finishes entire projects by the time you get out of bed.

Someone needed Bikemaster oil so we spilled the news on them. Its available in multigrade mineral and fully synthetic. So you may wanna grab one before you go on a run.

A Satan’s Slave acquaintance dropped by to say hi. Satan was unavailable for comment and we pray all is well. Down Under, someone is already singing a song damning the situation over there. Check out that video at your own peril. Strictly for children above 21 years old only. In serious news–schools in Virginia are gonna go back to their Confederate names. It is uncertain if students will be wearing gray uniforms in class but maybe their childhood is now under siege.

Other serious concern shared is the truth about climate and California pollution.

AMRA is still chasing fun with a family of racers ready to let it rip at every new town and Raceway.

I had been trying for two years to get someone to believe in my idea of hitching my longboard to my motorcycle. To my shock and awe, LowBrow Customs has a skateboard rack for Sportsters and Dynas. I have neither Sportsters or Dynas and actually no skateboard–I have the outdoors “longboard”. But let’s see what I can do with this and a beaten up Enfield (motorcycle, not the rifle).

LowBrow also is giving away free PDFs of something you need to grab while it lasts. (What is the expiry date on a computer file?) Well, as long as they are sharing it and is available for download.

Even The Sheriff popped in for a hello and status update from Greece and about Sweden. There is a mention of a Japanese business….find out that it is indeed exceptional excellence that is Bikernet.com, online since 27 years.

Yale has wisdom and light…for incense. No smoking in the Bikernet Temple.

Did you know, every week, you have a hot deal on a used motorcycle, only on Bikernet.com? Yes, courtesy of Lifestyle Cycles, the best in the business and open 7 days of the week.

S&S announced a new muffler? For what? I am silenced to avoid spoilers.

If you thought you could never start exercising, it is true as per a new article which also offers a solution. No, not a lotion solution such as snake oil or beer shampoo–just some things to do to get you to exercise.

Reader Comments pour in and Bandit has them handled before any of them could click another selfie. Just kidding! Bikers only click photos of motorcycles. I don’t have a photo of myself since school group photos and the Missing Cat Flyers posted all over the city in which the photocopy person used my photo instead of my cat’s photo because the cat was of course missing.

There is a contest from Throttle Addiction and you might just get to ride your motorcycle around on a truck.

Bandit wrote a 100 word limit fiction because it is a contest and he is as competitive as anyone can be. I learnt about a creature called Vols from him today.

Does all this seem like an excessive overview or a very lousy review? You will have to visit the News to know and comment.

Click here to read this Week’s Thursday News only on Bikernet.com

* * *

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2024
Riding For Men’s Health
Sunday 19th May 2024

Classic and vintage style motorcycles, dressing dapper and riding to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research.

• 105 nations
• US$ 50.44 million raised since 2012
• 956 Rides

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is an annual motorcycle charity event that fundraises for Movember. Movember is the leading global charity changing the face of men’s health through prostate cancer research and men’s mental health initiatives. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride looks to connect all riders around the world who own and ride classic and custom style motorcycles and scooters, to dress dapper and unite in a parade through the heart of their city to raise funds and awareness for men’s health.

Each ride is organised by volunteer ride hosts, and each city is limited to one ride. To find out if there’s a ride in your city, or a city near you, visit our rides page.

Get out and ride and don’t forget to register at
https://www.gentlemansride.com/

TELL ‘EM BIKERNET.COM SENT YA !

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a themed event, focusing on the classic style of both participants and their machines. Dress dapper and celebrate in style with your fellow gentlefolk!

DGR is a classic themed event, so modern-designed motorcycles, sports motorcycles, dirt/adventure motorcycles and cruiser motorcycles that do not fit within the classic style are not eligible to participate with. If you don’t have a suitable vehicle but are passionate about our event, you can still sponsor a participant or donate to the event, which will contribute towards our charitable goals and benefit all men around the world.

• The ride is open to people of all genders
• You need a classic or modern-classic motorcycle to ride
• It is a charitable event but it is not compulsory to fundraise or donate unless you are taking part in a city with a required minimum donation.
• Movember is the sole beneficiary to DGR, and donating to other charities through DGR is not possible or permitted.
• You can receive a tax-deductible receipt include: USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.
• Movember is the world’s largest men’s health organisation
• Safety is always the priority. If a city is experiencing extreme conditions, we will postpone the event if necessary and as decided by the Ride City Host.
• Riding a motorcycle is a risky exercise, regardless of what you are wearing

Gentlefolk Prize Competition
The Gentlefolk Competition gives all participants a chance to win including a brand new Triumph Motorcycle from the modern classic range, a Hedon x DGR 2024 Hedonist Helmet and a €1000 EUR voucher from Motogadget. Winners will be chosen at random after the 2024 campaign. Find out more on how to win and the details of the prizes below.

Other prizes include:
Top 100 Hedon Helmets
Top 100 Quad Lock
Fundraising Rewards patches and pins

Top 3 Global Fundraisers
The 3 highest fundraisers globally will all be rewarded with a set of highly esteemed prizes for their efforts in DGR 2024. From a modern classic motorcycle from Triumph Motorcycles, to a custom Hedon x DGR 2024 Hedonist, these are reserved for the year’s highest fundraisers.

Know the motorcycle style allowed in this ride at
https://www.gentlemansride.com/about/style-guide

There is a Dapper Guide you need to refer to participate in this themed event
https://www.gentlemansride.com/about/dapper-guide

Check out the big rewards at
https://www.gentlemansride.com/about/rewards

A Global Event Covered by Katmandu with photos by Catherine Palmer

International Female Ride Day (IFRD) is a one-day motorcycle riding event happening each year on the first Saturday in May since 2007.

Click here to read this exclusive photo feature only on Bikernet.com

It’s been 14 years since I did Ladies Day Out, a local Treasure Coast women’s ride. From 1999 to 2010, the girls got together and we rode out in support of a local animal shelter. Then I got a real job and put the photojournalism on the back burner. Still rode when I could, supported when I could, (like so many of us) and as you probably know, always took my camera with me.

I have seen and heard of this particular event. I wasn’t able to attend or my head, and heart, were somewhere else. I have always been a champion for women riders. So now settled in a small home in a motorcycle Mecca, I can do more to be there for the girls with the jolt for more. Here’s some history courtesy of the this globally known motorcycle riding event, and how the ladies did it up in Daytona Beach this year.

International Female Ride Day (IFRD) is a one-day motorcycle riding event happening each year on the first Saturday in May since 2007. According to International Female Ride Day – Women’s Motorcycle Ride Day (motoress.com), “Those years ago, Vicki Gray, the founder of Motoress.com, came up with a brilliant idea to bring awareness to the growing numbers of female motorcyclists: designate one day in May for women riders to simply get out on their motorcycles and ride.“

Above photo courtesy of Motoress.com is Vicky Gray.

“A few years ago, seeing the huge growth in the interest—and realizing that many people work on a Friday—the day was moved to the first Saturday in May.” Motoress and many other motorcycling, road, sport, trike, antique, what be your choice of motorcycle, outlets have spread the word about this International Female Ride Day. This was my first time attending a world-wide riding event. Imagine, women is New Zealand doing the same thing we were doing on this very day.

The goal of the IFRD is to will other women to take up the handlebars. One of the points I appreciated the most was, “Can I ride alone or do I have to ride with a group?” You can ride to a staged designated beginning area or ride by yourself to any event you know about. Or show up with some girlfriends who ride also, toast to all of us brave and beautiful beings and feel your knees in the breeze.

Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson, also known as Destination Daytona, began the celebration in style, as always, with a early morning group ride from the dealership to visit our Veterans at the Emory L Bennett Memorial Veterans Nursing Home, which was about ten miles south in a more locale of Daytona Beach. The residents were eager to see these impressive women on all sorts of motorcycles. The gentlemen and one lady veteran lined up early and excited.

This part of the day was the brainchild of Athena Ransom of Vagabond Choppers and Rebecca Young, marketing manager of the dealership who together put forth the call for women riders to join in the day-long event. Our favorite friend of all things righteous, Willie from Tropical Tattoo, along with Mike Erthal both who have been decades long supporters of this nursing home, earnestly worked to make this happen for IFRD and our retired veterans.

 A group of 20 gorgeous women riders rode to the Nursing Home, with much inspiration as they all talked freely, hugged freely and got to take pictures with the veterans. It was such a heartwarming experience for everyone as smiles and laughter filled the front foyer. All the armed forces were represented and as you can tell by my photos, memories were made. The staff was thrilled as much as we were to be there.

Then, together, the pack headed back to Destination Daytona for a Ride-In-Bike show. Early May weather did not disappoint, and the dealership’s open arms were around every corner and uncluttered door. The bike show classes included; Big Twin, Sportster, Bagger, Trike, Vintage, Metric, Best Paint and Dealer’s Choice. Once the winner were announced, we were asked to ride up in front of the sand- like sculpture of the dealership’s logo for photographs.

My 1993 FXLR, “Rubber Soul” turned thirty this year. I wasn’t sure about which class, with a ten-dollar entry fee, Vintage or Big Twin, so for another five dollars, I went for both. The girls were thrilled to win, but also to meet other women riders, talk motorcycles, check out some new blue jeans and find a shady spot. I am so impressed with the, ahem, older women, who come riding in on their 1972 or 1973 stock FLH Shovelheads, floorboards, windshields, fiberglass saddle bags and wide glides as they find a tight parking spot. They make it look so easy.

Athena did her magic at judging the bikes that entered as her grandson, Baron, helped with anything he could. He’s five, going on six. He is a delightful youngster who was so gracious with the veterans. Once again, Rebecca and her entire staff put on a top notch show for those that stayed and played. Gift cards were the prizes, and as we all dispersed, we hug and wave and call each other “Sister Friend.”

Learn more about this internationally known day for women riders of all types. Look up the websites listed below. Subscribe to Bikernet.com. We don’t care what you ride, as long as you respect the pack, know the road and watch out for each other.

Love and respect always,
–Katmandu

https://womenridersnow.com