The 30th annual Platinum General Services event, proudly presented by the XDA, took on a bittersweet tone this past weekend at the Maryland International Raceway. As engines thundered against the backdrop of spring skies, the event unfolded with a poignant undercurrent, marking the first race since the passing of XDA co-owner Chris Miller. Miller’s absence was deeply felt, his legacy casting a long shadow over the track he helped cultivate into a haven for speed enthusiasts. Despite this, racers and fans alike came together in a powerful display of solidarity and respect, celebrating his memory by ensuring the event he cherished ran with the precision and passion he was known for. During three exhilarating days, competitors from far and wide converged, introducing fresh talent to the racing scene while seasoned veterans showcased their enduring skills.

Click here to read this Event Coverage on Bikernet.com

* * * *

Get There Faster, Click & Get the Bikernet.com Free Weekly Newsletter

Hey,

I’m lost today. I have two property deals floating in the wind and an agent who wants me to sell low and buy high. Most agents do. They just want to seal the deal and move onto the next one.

It’s tough to hold the line. On the other hand, everything rides on the decisions I make. I’m not a rich guy with a vast checkbook. I’m an optimist, but I search out the reality of the situation. I’m 76, do I really want to dive into a 100 year old building that needs to be refurbished, or would I rather work hard on the museum efforts, continue to write stories, build motorcycles, write books and make another stab at Bonneville? WTF?

Hang on. Let’s hit the news.

We hope to bring you a feature on this new S&S Engine.

The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

LOWBROW ACTION–Fuel Cleveland is back as a 2-day event for its 9th year!

Come party in NE Ohio with us at Fuel on Saturday & Sunday, July 27th & 28th.
Fuel Cleveland is a free event, as always.
You can get the details and see photos and a video of last year’s event here.
Spread the word, arrange your posse and roll deep. See you there!

GET THE DETAILS

Fuel Cleveland is brought to you by Lowbrow Customs, Forever The Chaos Life and The Gasbox.

We couldn’t do it without support from American Metal Customs, Biltwell, Hall of Fame Harley-Davidson, Whiteknuckler and W&W.

THERE IS SO MUCH GOOD IN THE UNIVERSE—Here’s an example.

I want to start by saying thank you for your incredible support of Operation Gratitude! You, our Volunteers, are the heart and soul of our organization and are making a difference every day.

The second challenge of 2024 is set to begin next week, and we hope you’re ready to pick up your needles, hooks, and looms as we launch our 6th Annual RED Scarf and Hat Challenge!

Beginning May 9th and ending on June 6th, we are challenging our amazing Volunteers across the nation to knit, crochet, and loom as many red scarves and hats as possible! Why RED? Because every Friday, Operation Gratitude, and millions of others across the country Remember Everyone Deployed!

This year we are also asking each household to write 20 letters of gratitude to thank those deployed so far from home.

In a tangible way, Operation Gratitude will honor those who serve our country around the world by including your beautiful handmade scarves, hats, and letters of gratitude in our “Christmas in July” Care Packages!

Letter Writing Flyer
Letter Guideline Flyer

Operation Gratitude has delivered more than 4,000,000 Care Packages, and last year tens of thousands of Volunteers and supporters across the country said “Thank You” to our Military, Veterans, and First Responders.

We hope you’ll join the challenge and help us wish our troops a Very Merry Christmas in July!

With Gratitude,
Kelly South
Director of Handmade With Love Programs
Phone 818-960-7555
Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm PST (West Coast)

Please join our Operation Gratitude In Action volunteer group Facebook page!

#JoinUsOnTheJourney #VirtualVolunteerism

LE PERA STITCH OF THE WEEK— STITCH GRAPHIC OPTIONS
Blade

This stitch graphic is shown on a Silhouette Solo with red graphics.

This stitch pattern is hand stitched and can be added to any of our seats with any color combination for an additional custom stitch charge.
Specs

MSRP:
$130.00

See all the stitch graphic options on the Le Pera web site.

May Is Motorcycle Awareness Month
Support From H. Res. 1179

This week, the leadership of the House Motorcycle Caucus introduced H. Res. 1179, expressing support for the designation of May 2024 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Tim Walberg (MI), Rep. Troy Balderson (OH), Rep. Michael Burgess (TX), Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ), and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI).

Across the nation, cities and states are introducing their own versions of motorcycle awareness resolutions and decrees. H. Res. 1179 lists several reasons why May is an important time for motorcycle awareness. Perhaps the best section of the resolution is this line, “motorcyclists have a right to the road and that all motorists should safely share the roadways.”

Those in the motorcyclist rights movement understand the future of motorcycling is threatened. We thank the lawmakers who took the time to clearly point out that bikers have a right to use our nation’s roadways!

Happy May, Ride Safe and Ride Free

–MRF

BLACK HILLS MOTORCYCLE SHOW COMING—

It is officially May and we are only a few short weeks away from the BLACK HILLS MOTORCYCLE SHOW! We have over 80 bikes registered (we are capping at 130), our vendor spots are sold out, and everything is coming together.

This is a reminder of some of the things we still need from our sponsors and vendors with deadlines for each item.

1. – Competitors’ bags items – ALL sponsors and vendors are asked to provide one small promotional item to be placed in the competitors’ swag bags. This can be a sticker, keychain, pen, coozie, anything! This is another opportunity for you to promote your business as part of your involvement in the show. The count is 130 of whatever item you want to provide (that’s why we suggest small inexpensive items). We need all items for the competitors’ bag AT DEADWOOD CUSTOM CYCLES NO LATER THAN MAY 18TH, 2024. Don’t miss out on this incredible advertising opportunity! For those of you who have already provided swag bag items, thank you! Any questions, please reach out to me.

2. – Banners –

3. – Logos –

SCHEDULE:

Friday May 24th – 12-6 pm – Load in for Vendors and we being receiving competitor’s bikes.

Friday May 24th – 7 pm – KICK OFF PARTY, Meet & Greet at the World Famous Saloon #10 in Deadwood.

Saturday May 25th – 8-11 am – Competitor’s bikes continue to be received. Vendors booth finalized.

Saturday May 25th – 11:30 am – Vendors and VIPs allowed back in the venue to shine up their booths.

Saturday May 25th – 12 pm – Doors open to the public for the 2024 Black Hills Motorcycle Show!

Saturday May 25th – 8 pm – After Party at Dale’s Sports Bar in the Deadwood Mountain Grand.

Sunday May 26th – 1-6 pm – Private Party (if you’re reading this you are invited) at Deadwood Custom Cycles. Open Bar, Free Food, Live Music!

Please don’t delay, drag your feet, or procrastinate on any of these things. Help me help you!

This show is going to be EPIC! Thank you for being a part of the Black Hills Motorcycle Show!

Jason Mook
Owner, Deadwood Custom Cycles
10 Lee Street
Deadwood, SD 57732
605-717-2492 (Shop)
605-499-8661 (Shop Mobile)
www.DeadwoodCustomCycles.com
jason@deadwoodcustomcycles.com
D.A.M.N. Podcast
www.BlackHillsMotorcycleShow.com

HOW MUCH LONGER– Can Harley-Davidson Support LiveWire?

Last week, Harley-Davidson announced its Q1 2024 results, but tucked away in the numbers was the announcement that LiveWire is moving its operations from California to Milwaukee, joining its parent company at its historic headquarters.

The news was somewhat of a surprise, considering it hasn’t been that long since LiveWire splintered off as an independent brand. LiveWire’s two latest motorcycles, the S2 Del Mar and S2 Mulholland, are both named after California locales.

It’s been no secret that LiveWire has been losing money. R&D is expensive, and until just a few months ago, the brand had only a single product available for sale, the LiveWire One, with its much maligned $22,799 price tag. The $15,499 S2 Del Mar is more affordable, but you can also buy both Kawasaki’s new Ninja and Z E-1 electric bikes for the same price and still have a dollar in change. No wonder cutting costs is suddenly a priority.

Harley-Davidson’s critics have seen things play out before with Buell, and the ill-conceived acquisition of MV Agusta. In their eyes, it’s only a matter of time before Harley-Davidson decides to end the LiveWire experiment for good.

https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/features/how-much-longer-can-harley-davidson-support-livewire-qotd-44601415

Erik Buell’s Return to Music with Album ‘Dust Settles’

Erik Buell, known for his extensive career in the motorcycle industry and his induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, releases his second studio album, “Dust Settles,” on June 7. After decades in motorcycling, Buell has shifted his focus to music, embracing Americana and heartland rock, a departure from his previous hard rock style.

https://www.motorcycle.com/post/news/erik-buells-return-to-music-with-album-dust-settles-44600371

–Wayfarer
International Editor
Bikernet News Bureau™

WELCOME TO A VMAX OWNER–
The exclusive door mats from CIRCUS VMAXIMUS

How does a Yamaha Vmax rider welcome guests at his home or in his man cave, the garage or workshop? Of course with a high-quality door mat from CIRCUS VMAXIMUS, the leading online store for owners and fans of this legendary muscle bike!

There are two different designs to choose from: The black version shows the unmistakable side cover of the first Vmax generation, which already celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2020. Alternatively, there is an anthracite-colored doormat with a funny cartoon by the well-known French cartoonist BOD. The message is absolutely unmistakable: a female passenger must hold on tight when the rider violently turns the throttle grip of this bike!

The rectangular, 40 x 60 centimeter (approx. 15.7 x 23.6 inch) mats with rounded corners have a felt surface with sublimation printing and a rubberized, non-slip underside.

The mats are available exclusively online at www.circus-vmaximus.com. The unit price is 49 euros.

CHECK OUT ALL THAT IS GOING ON AT HOGS—

Back for the 19th year is the Annual Guy Mills Memorial Hog Wild for Kids Charity Ride & Event. This is one of our favorite event’s all year here at Hogs & Heifers Saloon and we hope you will join us for it this year on Sunday, May 5th.

This event allows us as a community to come together and participate in a ride, live auction and raffle prize giveaways with all the proceeds benefitting the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation’s ~ Camp Cartwheel.

Not a motorcycle rider, NO PROBLEM…3 and 4-wheelers are invited also.

When you pre-register you will be entered to win a $100 Hogs & Heifers Saloon Merchandise Gift Card.

On-site registration the day of, will start at 8am with a Continental Breakfast provided by Kroger until 10am. Kickstands up will be at 10:30am and we will then ride out to our destination/lunch location, THE PUB at Lake Las Vegas.

Not able to make the ride? NO PROBLEM…join us for the After Party & LIVE AUCTION back at Hogs & Heifers Saloon starting around 2pm.

Our Hog Wild for Kids Charity Ride & After Party will help the NVCCF ensure that the children in their program will have an exceptional time during the week of Camp Cartwheel (June 19-22, 2024). In addition to the funds raised by donations and rider registration, we will be holding raffles and a live auction during the event. It costs $250 to send 1 kid to camp. In 2023, Hogs & Heifers raised close to $20,000 during Hog Wild for Kids which was donated in full to NVCCF’s Camp Cartwheel.

Camp Cartwheel is designed to enable children receiving care and treatment for life threatening illnesses, along with their siblings, to have a week away from it all and take part in a variety of fun activities. The funds we are able to raise and donate are vitally necessary to bring the best Camp Cartwheel experience to the kids of the foundation.

MARIJUANA SET FREE–The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, The Associated Press has learned, a historic shift to generations of American drug policy that could have wide ripple effects across the country.

The DEA’s proposal, which still must be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs. However, it would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use.

The agency’s move, confirmed to the AP on Tuesday by five people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive regulatory review, clears the last significant regulatory hurdle before the agency’s biggest policy change in more than 50 years can take effect…

By ZEKE MILLERJOSHUA GOODMANJIM MUSTIANLINDSAY WHITEHURST

“Just a snippet from the AP report. This could be a political move, but it should have been handled a couple of years ago.”–Bandit

STROKERS DALLAS DEAL OF THE WEEK— Check out this 2022 Harley Davidson Road Glide! It’s a Great Bike with only 11,000 Miles!

This is an extremely nice Motorcycle! 2022 FLTRXS Road Glide with an M-8 114 / 6 Speed, 2 into 1 Rinehart Exhaust, Cycle Smith Banana Boards, Custom Handlebars, Quick Release Tour Pack and Lots More Extras!!! Call Lena or Ricardo 214.357.0707 See more pics of this bike & ALL our Used Bikes by clicking here:

https://www.strokersonline.com/

All-Inventory-for-Sale You can also email me rick@strokersdallas.com Remember, when you purchase a bike from Strokers Dallas you are doing business with Rick Fairless & Family!

A WALK IN THE TEMPLE– Affirming the Law of Attraction

As Buddha wisely said, “What we are today, comes from our thoughts of yesterday. And our present thoughts, build our life of tomorrow. Our life is the creation of our mind.”

In this universe, there exists a Law of Attraction, an immutable force shaping our realities. Like a mirror reflecting what stands before it, this law mirrors our dominant thoughts, conversations, and beliefs. It operates impartially, responding to the vibrations we emit into the cosmos.

We wield the power to attract or repel our good fortunes. If we harbor thoughts of lack, limitation, or negativity, we inadvertently summon these realities into existence. Conversely, embracing thoughts of love, joy, abundance, and faith invites bountiful blessings into our lives.

Let us vigilantly guard our thoughts and conversations, refusing to engage in negativity—both within ourselves and with others. We erect a force field against negativity, pessimism, replacing it with optimism and positivity.

Today, I acknowledge the Law of Attraction in my life. I embrace the abundance that Spirit seeks to bestow upon me. I release any lingering negativity, holding steadfast to my faith in this truth.

With unwavering belief, I declare: My words dispel doubt and fear, paving the way for the manifestation of perfection in my life. I trust in the Divine Order unfolding around me, gratefully accepting the abundance that surrounds me.

And so it is.

Namaste.

As Eric Butterworth reminds us, within us lies the potential for boundless inner stability and outer abundance. We have the privilege of birthing this reality into existence—believing is our key.

–Yale
Senior Monk
Bikernet Thought Temple

Today’s Spiritual Exercise: If you choose

Identify five or more negative words or thoughts to remove from your vocabulary.

Replace these with five or more positive affirmations.

Throughout the day, consciously substitute negative words with their positive counterparts.

Each time you catch yourself in negativity, greet it with a laugh and replace it with a smile.

In embracing positivity, we align ourselves with the abundant blessings the universe has to offer.

THE DICTATORSHIP MODEL–Jerry Seinfeld says ‘extreme Left’ ruined comedy: ‘The audience polices us’ –

This is the result of the extreme left and P.C. crap, and people worrying so much about offending other people.

Now they’re going to see standup comics because we are not policed by anyone. The audience polices us. We know when we’re off track. We know instantly and we adjust to it instantly.

But when you write a script and it goes into four or five different hands, committees, groups—’Here’s our thought about this joke.’ Well, that’s the end of your comedy.”

Do we take the heat, or just not be funny? And what they’ve decided to be is, Well, we’re not going to do comedies anymore. There were no sitcoms picked up on the fall season of all four networks. Not one. No new sitcoms.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/jerry-seinfeld-says-extreme-left-ruined-comedy-101714463684565.html

–Wayfarer
Entertainment Industry

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT-– Getting hail no, what fun! I’d rather be in the garage watching it, just lost the internet.

Got back on the big computer as I have a couple of things coming up. Still no concerts, but have put in for a few things. Down Track, Lucky Devil, Pizza Joint been there for 20 years or better, don’t know when the building burned? Some Biden voter must have whined and he was green, what the heck is a Pizza Pickle losers!

RFR-FXR Life

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
FXST Detachable Motorcycle Windshield

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/FXST_Detachable_Motorcycle_Windshield.aspx

Good information and good job on the installation. Like going to the gym, half the battle is getting into the shop and getting your hands dirty.

–Buzz
Palm Bay, FL

[page break]

HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM ACTION–It’s a monstrous May at the Harley-Davidson Museum

Get set for a new exhibit and ’tis the season for Bike Nights, Demo rides, the mother of all Mother’s Day celebrations and so. much. more!

May is the gateway to summer at the Harley-Davidson Museum. With a new exhibit, the return of free concerts every Thursday at Bike Night, bike demos and fun events packed throughout the month, there’s never a bad time to point your wheels to 6th & Canal.

And it starts straightaway on Wednesday, May 1 with the kickoff to patio season at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant. Chef Doug’s Cinco de Mayo specials (available all month long) are the perfect pairing to Milwaukee’s best patio. Feel free to bring Fido along for the scenic views of the Menomonee River and Downtown Milwaukee (plus the Harley-Davidson-branded pet-safe treats and water bowls).

Bike Night keep May motoring and debuts on Thursday, May 2 with Bruce Humphries and The Rockabilly Rebels providing the soundtrack for the rolling sculptures reuniting in Motorcycle Plaza. All wheels are welcome all summer long for free tunes from some of Milwaukee’s favorite bands.

And with Bike Nights back on the scene, you know Saturday Demos are right around the corner. Those lucky riders with a magical motorcycle endorsement are invited to roll through the scenic Menomonee Valley on a brand-new 2024 Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Did we mention it costs zero dollars? Your Saturdays are now booked through September. If you’re not yet a licensed rider, check out the Jumpstart™ demo. Cycle through the gears of an H-D to experience the thrill of life behind bars. May 4 is also International Female Ride Day. Kickstands up at noon at the H-D Museum for a leisurely ride through southeastern Wisconsin with dozens of your fellow riders (guys are welcome, too).

Speaking of the ladies, show Mom how much you “wheelie” love her on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12) at the H-D Museum. Mom gets in free* for her special day, and MOTOR will have two dining options available – check out the buffet in Rumble (located above MOTOR Bar & Restaurant) or enjoy the à la carte options in the restaurant. Both spots will offer “mom-mosas” and a freshly cut rose for the most important woman in your life. Reservations strongly recommended. Give mom the gift of unforgettable memories this Mother’s Day at the Harley-Davidson Museum.

And get ready for riding season May 16 – 18 with our latest H-D Factory Outlet Sale, featuring fantastic deals on end-of-season and discontinued Harley-Davidson Motor-Clothes merchandise plus an exclusive assortment of officially licensed products.* Visit Rumble to grab great deals on leathers, riding gear, hats and other fun items. Afterwards, be sure to visit the H-D Shop with your Factory Outlet Sale receipt to grab a great gift with purchase. Supplies are limited, so shop early!

Saturday, May 18 also marks the return of the Armed Forces Day & Celebration. Honor our brave U.S. military heroes from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Featuring the Wisconsin Warrior Challenge, experience interactive military displays and participate in the Support the Troops Ride. The H-D Museum will offer Military Gallery Talks at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. where stories about Harley-Davidson’s ties to the Military and how our motorcycles played a pivotal role in the World Wars. For Armed Forces Day, the H-D Museum is proud to offer free admission for past and present US Military personnel.*

Finally, Memorial Day weekend will see the opening of a new special exhibit, “Creating a Legend: Art & Engineering at Harley-Davidson.” Take a peek behind the curtain as engineers, designers and others share stories on how Harley-Davidson’s iconic looks, sounds and feels have been created over the years. Housed in the Design Lab, this exhibit opens to the public Saturday, May 25. Please note, media are invited to a special press preview on Friday, May 24. Please email for details.

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS
Thursday Bike Night Concert Series, Thursdays, 5 – 9 p.m. through September
All bikes unite every Thursday night at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Grab your bike. Join your fellow riders (and non-riders) for free live music from some of Milwaukee’s favorite bands, fun, drool-worthy rolling sculptures and outdoor food and drink. All wheels welcome. All people welcome. Powered by: Rockford Fosgate Motorcycle Audio, Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, H-D Insurance, Wisconsin Lottery & Official Harley-Davidson Trucks.

May 2 – Sportster Night with Bruce Humphries and The Rockabilly Rebels (Rockabilly)
May 9 – Adventure Touring Night with Pay the Devil (Americana / Bluegrass / Folk)
May 16 – Military Bike Night with The Whiskeybelles (All-Female Traditional Country)
May 23 – CVO Night with Reilly (Irish Folk Rock / Celtic Rock)
May 30 – Café Racer / Race Night with Driveway Thriftdwellers (Americana)

Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12
Let’s make this Mother’s Day one for the books with the ultimate tribute to all the motorcycle moms out there at the Harley-Davidson Museum, where moms get in free! Whether you’re a biker babe, a family that lives for the two-wheel life, or just someone who loves a good adventure, our H-D Museum campus is the place to be.

Treat mom to a special brunch with a buffet on the second floor of MOTOR Bar & Restaurant overlooking the Menomonee River, featuring a carving station, seafood station, made-to-order omelets, dessert station, and more. And forget the stress of hunting for the perfect present – find one-of-a-kind gifts that are just as unique as the mom in your life from the Harley-Davidson Shop.

We’ve got everything you need for an all-inclusive day out with the family, so you can focus on making mom feel the love. Give mom the gift of unforgettable memories this Mother’s Day at the Harley-Davidson Museum.

* Receive one (1) Harley-Davidson Museum General Admission adult ticket when you mention the Mother’s Day offer. Valid for entry only on Sunday, May 12, 2024, for in-person use at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Not valid for online purchases. Non-transferable. Cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent. Offer not valid on previously purchased Harley-Davidson Museum tickets. It cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion. Offer is subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Armed Forces Day Celebration with Support the Troops Ride & Ceremony, May 18, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join the Harley-Davidson Museum and active military and veterans as we honor the brave individuals serving in the United States Armed Forces where past and present US Military personnel can enjoy free admission on Saturday, May 18*. Together with the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, the H-D Museum invites everyone to show your support for our troops on Armed Forces Day.

Military equipment and interactive displays are available for attendees to see and experience. This free event offers a unique experience to talk with all branches of the military to learn about their experiences and the challenges they face maintaining our freedom. Please note that military discounts are found throughout campus throughout the year.

The H-D Museum will also offer Military Gallery Talks at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. These staffed talks will include the history of Harley-Davidson in the Military and how we were essential in the World Wars. They last approximately 15 minutes and are free to attend with paid admission.

Families will want to check out the Wisconsin Warrior Challenge. Open to kids and young adults ages 7-22, participants will join one of six teams and compete in a series of activities for the title of Wisconsin Warrior Champions. Activities will include obstacle courses, survival skills, drills and marching, and more! Sign up in advance on the Milwaukee Armed Forces Week website.

BABE OF THE WEEK–Dee

–Sam Burns
Talent Scout
Bikernet.com

SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGIES HITS MYRTLE BEACH— South Carolina, we are coming to see ya during Myrtle Beach Bike Week!!

Mike, Steve and the crew will be at Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson doing FREE Installations of the best Rear Shocks and Front Fork Cartridges your Harley has ever seen.

Purchase your Rear Shocks and/or Front Fork Cartridges and you not only get Free Installation, but have the chance to earn a $50 Gift Certificate. Ask Mike when you see him!

CALL today to schedule your FREE INSTALL Appointment at
the 2024 Myrtle Beach Spring Rally:

727.233.3610

DOOMSDAY CHALLENGED IN MONTANA–Will Montana’s PSC save Montana and America from climate alarmism?

The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) has a once-in-a -lifetime opportunity to defeat the Democrat climate alarmists and overturn Held v Montana.

The Held v Montana plaintiffs filed a petition requesting the PSC to “consider” the “adverse climate impacts of greenhouse gas emissions” in its decisions.

There are only two possible outcomes:

(1) the PSC rejects the petition.

This is the worst possible outcome because it will strengthen the Petitioners’ position. PSC’s rejection will be taken as more evidence that the Held v Montana Plaintiffs are correct about climate change because Republicans are afraid to challenge Plaintiffs’ climate claims. The Petitioners will file a new lawsuit against the PSC for refusing to “consider” climate change in its energy decisions. The PSC will then lose this lawsuit because its position would be indefensible.

(2) the PSC accepts the petition.

If the PSC accepts this petition, the PSC will turn the table on the Petitioners. The PSC will control the “consideration” of climate change. The PSC will hold its own hearings on climate outside of a courtroom. They may invite scientists on both sides of the climate issue to present their arguments and debate their opponents. I confidently predict these presentations and debates will overwhelmingly prove the Petitioners’ climate claims are a fraud.

If the PSC accepts the Petition, the PSC will save Montana, America, and the world.

PSC’s “consideration” of climate change will settle the climate change issue in Montana and be a climate law precedent to America and the world. PSC’s “consideration” can be completed in 2024, maybe before the Montana Supreme Court rules on Held v Montana.

The PSC “consideration” will override the climate part of Held v Montana because Montana’s AG Knudsen did not defend climate truth. Rather, he stipulated at the beginning of the trial that he agrees with the Plaintiffs on climate change, thereby betraying all Montana Republicans.

There were 3 categories of testifiers at the PSC hearing on April 8, 2024.

(a) Climate alarmists who want the PSC to accept the Petition.
(b) Climate realists who want the PSC to reject the Petition.
(c) One climate realist (me) who read the Petition and wants the PSC to accept the Petition.
Since (a) had by far the most votes, the PSC has a good reason to accept the Petition.

The PSC will soon decide whether it will control the evaluation of the Petitioners’ climate claims or kick the can down the road and let the Petitioners wag the PSC.

Ed Berry, PhD, Theoretical Physics
Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM)
Author: Climate Miracle (Amazon)
Author, Speaker, Teacher, Expert Witness
100%-win record as expert witness.

DICK ALLEN SPRINGER UPDATE—

Clauser Machine, Spearfish called Irish Rich yesterday. The had the Dick Allen springer spuds machined. Reno’s 80-year old dad handled the machining. He likes to keep his hands in the business.

They really did a nice job,” Rich said and jammed home to install them in the legs.

More to come.

–Bandit

BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY RE-OPENS—

At one point during a game, the coach called one of his 9-year-old baseball players aside

And asked, “Do you understand what cooperation is? What a team is?”

“Yes, coach”, replied the little boy. “

Do you understand that what matters is whether we win or lose together as a team?”

The little boy nodded in the affirmative.

“So,” the coach continued, “I’m sure you know, when an out is called, you shouldn’t argue, curse the umpire or call him an asshole. Do you understand all that?”

Once more, the small boy nodded in agreement.

The coach continued, “And when I take you out of the game so that another boy gets a chance to play, it’s not a dumb-ass decision or that the coach is a shithead is it?”

“No, coach.”

“Good”, said the coach. “Now go over there and explain all that to your grandmother.”

–Sam Burns
Senior Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina

COMMON GROUND THAT UNITES OUR PURPOSE–Bikers Inside the Beltway is more than holding common ground, it is what unites motorcyclists to send a clear message to Congress that motorcycling is worth protecting.

The tragedy of a motorcyclist killed by an automobile sold as an “autonomous vehicle” but without the essential technical abilities to drive itself should place all riders on common ground, with a complete focus on working with Congress to stop these senseless tragedies.

As “driverless vehicles” proliferate on our highways, we are all in danger of similar fates. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is united in the endeavor to force the manufacturers of autonomous vehicles to include motorcycle recognition capability in all their recognition technology before they are allowed to operate on our highways.

The end of the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) will be the death knell of motorcycling. A 2024 legislative priority of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is to protect the internal combustion engine by ensuring it maintains a rightful place among upcoming vehicle technologies.

Motorcycles (especially older models and other small engine equipment) should never utilize the internal parts-damaging ingredients of ethanol 15. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is committed to protecting the fuel supply needed to ensure that pumps supplying ethanol 15 are clearly labeled.

The aftermarket industry (suppliers and shops) will no longer exist without “Right to Repair” legislation. As we meet with Congress during Bikers Inside the Beltway, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation has made the Right to Repair a 2024 top priority on our legislative agenda.

Metaphorically, motorcycling is the common ground that we all ride upon. When the MRF hosts Bikers Inside the Beltway, Capitol Hill is where we collectively stand to hold the common ground that unites us. Since 2009, Bikers Inside the Beltway has grown to demonstrate the collective grassroots voice of the nation’s street-riding motorcyclists.

In 2023, motorcyclists attending Bikers Inside the Beltway visited all 535 congressional offices. That same orchestrated visit will be part of Bikers Inside the Beltway 2024. It is not too late to plan on attending Bikers inside the Beltway – May 20 & 21, 2024. Event registration is free. However, we request that you register early to help us plan the event.

To ensure that the mission of getting our message to Congress continues to be successful, make your hotel reservations and please consider the following as you make plans to attend Bikers Inside the Beltway:

Make your appointments locally or in Washington.

Familiarize yourself with the briefing points. (Available at the pre-event briefing).
Confirm your appointment locally or in Washington.

Make notes on your meetings.

Share your meeting notes with the MRF.
The MRF Board of Directors will meet in advance of the trip to Capitol Hill on May 20, and host a Q&A briefing scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, Virginia. Rooms are available through the hotel direct line 703-684-5900 and use reference code MRF.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s Bikers Inside the Beltway is more than holding common ground — it is about protecting the future of motorcycling and the common ground that unites our purpose.

Thank you for your commitment.

Yours in Freedom,
–Fredric Harrell
MRF Director of Conferences & Events

Grateful Dead Fans Always Support Dead Tributes!

CUBENSIS, The Los Angeles-based group has carried the torch in celebration of one of America’s most beloved touring bands. CUBENSIS brings the original, organic Grateful Dead concert experience back to life. Drawing from all eras of the Dead, the band performs improvised sets of Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band classics that retain all the spontaneous exploratory jamming for which the bands were renowned. However, the music produced is uniquely Cubensis.

Now celebrating their 35th anniversary, CUBENSIS has been privileged to be joined on stage by numerous rock superstars, including Chris Robinson and Marc Ford (Black Crowes), Warren Haynes (Phil & Friends, Allman Bros.), John Molo (Phil & Friends), and both Vince Welnick and Tom Constanten of the Grateful Dead, as well as Melvin Seals othe Jerry Garcia Band.

Cubensis – Booked Dates

Sat, May 11 @ 7:00PM Tiki Bar, 1700 Placentia Avenue , Costa Mesa, CA
Sat, May 18 @ 7:00PM Saint Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach, CA
Fri, Jun 28 @ 7:00PM The Village at Mammoth, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Sat, Jul 6 @ 7:00PM Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, CA
Sat, Aug 3 @ 7:00PM Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, Suite C, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Sat, Aug 31 @ 9:00PM Winston’s, 1921 Bacon St., San Diego, CA 92107
Sun, Sep 1 @ 7:00PM Libbey Bowl, 210 South Signal Street, Ojai, CA
Sat, Sep 7 @ 8:00PM Gull Lake Park, 90 Granite Ave, June Lake, CA

BRAND NEW100-WORD FICTION ENTRY–

The boo-boo

She could not take her eyes off him. He was enjoying rum & chips with his longtime love, a childhood lover, seemingly inseparable. Then they left and the lonely, lovely stranger who served them, yearned for the man to return.

A few days later, they bumped into each other at a charity hiking trip, aimed at picking trash on trails. He was alone. Apparently, he loved the outdoors and his gal loved cozy evenings in cafes and pubs. “Opposites attract” the waitress sighed.

Then she had an epiphany, “one who waits, is a waiter,” and she introduced herself. He loved the coffee from her flask. She loved that he was interested in her. Soon, she offered to drop him home on her dual-sport Honda Transalp. He asked for her number and they planned a new trail.

–Wayfarer

NEWS FROM THE DIME BAG EMPIRE–

Saw a cool ‘50s Bentley hood ornament and gave the Dimebag travelers timecover workbox some cool art. Also got the Mudflaps keyfobs workbox almost complete, still need some small screws to attach the leather handle.

Thanks for the Support

–Adam Croft

THE GREEN PUKE–As the Biden administration expands its offshore wind projects as part of its goal to reach a carbon-free energy system, whales and other marine life may become collateral damage, according to new research.

Two independent studies measuring ocean wind turbine construction noise found that the sound emitted by vessels mapping the seafloor was significantly louder than estimated, and that noise protection for whales and other sea creatures during wind turbine pile driving doesn’t work.

Intense noise causes hearing loss in whales, other marine mammals, turtles, and fish, compromising their ability to navigate, avoid danger, detect predators, and find prey, according to scientific studies.

Robert Rand, an acoustics consultant with 44 years of experience, took underwater readings of the sonar survey vessel Miss Emma McCall off the coast of New Jersey. He also recorded acoustic readings of pile driving for Vineyards Wind 1, an offshore wind farm project under construction 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard.
In his pile-driving report, published March 28, Mr. Rand found that even the most advanced sound-dampening technologies didn’t adequately control harmful noise. The pounding was just as loud as seismic air gun arrays used for oil and gas exploration, long known to cause injury, hearing loss, and behavioral changes in fish and marine mammals.

Furthermore, the noise made by the construction vessel itself, which is not monitored, was almost as loud as the pile driving. Mr. Rand found that the standard formula used by the National Marine Fisheries Service to calculate how noise, over a period of time, affects a mammal’s hearing, significantly underestimates the sound levels experienced by dolphins and whales.

“These are real data,” Mr. Rand, who testified at a Congressional field hearing on January 20, told The Epoch Times. “I measured it. This is not a computer model. This is not a political press release. These are data.”

–By Donna Andersen
Epoch Times

Read the whole tamale on Epoch Times.

What if some renowned environmentalist steps forward one day and says, “We made up all this shit up, to see if we could control everything. It almost worked.” –Bandit

THROTTLE ADDICTION TAKES ON SPORTSTERS—

We wrote an article with everything you need to know about hard-tailing a Sportster! If you are shopping for a donor bike we’ve got a video on what to look for.

If you’re wondering how you’ll wire the bike we’ve got a complete wiring solution for that. Even builds from some of our customers who have done it before!

CHIP RALLY NEWS—

The world has millions of miles of roads to explore, but riders agree time and time again that some of the most amazing stretches of highway are found in the Black Hills of South Dakota. If you’re headed to the Hills this August, let the Sturgis Buffalo Chip be your guide to the best rides. Ride alongside top tier celebrities, actors and leaders while raising money for worthy causes on the Buffalo Chip’s signature charity rides!

HOW IT WENT DOWN AT THE CO2 COALITION—

Early last year, the CO2 Coalition launched an incredibly ambitious program.

We set out to stop the indoctrination of children with fear-based, radical climate dogma and to free their minds by providing fact-based materials and resources that would help them learn to think critically and embrace the scientific method.

It’s because our supporter that the CO2 Coalition has been able to run an impressive public outreach campaign reaching nearly 300,000 individuals, attending science teacher and homeschool conferences, and conducting interviews to promote our science education efforts and defeat Climate Fear with Climate Facts.

Ultimately, thanks to our thousands of partners in this national effort, we’ve made our educational materials available free of charge to the parents and teachers who need them!
In fact, they are all available on our CO2 Learning Center website:
https://co2learningcenter.com – which means you can easily share these resources with your own children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors, too!

We have been warmly received at various science teaching and homeschool conventions around the country.

Most recently, we attended the Texas Science Teacher Association convention in Houston. This was after we had provided our input into proposed textbooks for the Texas public school systems, all of which were found to be promoting the climate crisis narrative.

In late October, education experts at the Texas Public Policy Foundation asked the CO2 Coalition to assist in reviews of science textbooks in the Lone Star State. Time was very short, and we quickly assembled a team of science and education experts. Within three days our team completed an analysis of the problems that we identified.

On November 17, the Texas State Board of Education outright rejected some textbooks, while approving others with recommended removal and editing of some of the worst offending material. The important role that our team played in this effort was recognized by those leading the effort:

Many thanks to CO2 Coalition. This was a fantastic effort to impact K-12 science books that will be used around the country for a decade.

–Jason Isaac – Director of Life:Powered TPPF
We are in the process of expanding our public outreach campaign for this program to an additional 150,000 people in 2023!

None of this would have been possible without your support this past year.

–CO2 Coalition

[page break]

GREASY KULTURE ACTION– Don’t miss the cool new (old) stuff

We’ve dusted down a few new (old) treasures and wanted to give you a heads-up. As usual it’s first come, first served… or as we used to say in Australia, first in, best dressed (which, in the case of these neat old Carolina boots we’ve found, you would be!). Anyway, don’t hang around if you spot something you like… these one-offs are unlikely to come around again.

And while you’re in the webstore, why not catch up on some back issues – or take advantage of our big bundle and digest bundle to get the older mags we have left at unbelievable prices!

READER COMMENT—

You know that I have been a Solari fan for decades (despite the fact that he gets Catholics all wrong).

Read JJ Solari’s Book Review by clicking here

There is a comedian that said if women really knew what kind of strange crap men actually think about… no woman should ever date them. Maybe wouldn’t even talk to them.

And… it’s always made me think about J.J. If I ever meet J.J. in person I want to ask him about his love life… not intimate details. Just things like… OK… so… this woman… she can read… she read, “No Class Chick?” Do you know what she was thinking on the first date??

–Edge
Retired Commander
SmokeOut Platoon

NEWS FROM THE TOWN OF KLOCK—

Spring calls for adventure! Explore Klock Werks’ latest quick add-ons for bikes and off-road fun. Don’t wait – shop now and gear up for the riding season!

From phone mounts to handlebar risers, we’ve got top-quality accessories for every ride. Let’s dive in!

Quick On-Road Add ons

• Windshield Trim
• Flare™ Windshield
• Phone/Device Mount
• Vent Screen
• Front Fender
• Flush Mount Front Axles
• Saddlebag Hinge Inserts

Check the Klockwerks Website

ANOTHER New J.J. READER Comment!–

Jay Dobyns vs. the Hells Angels on A&E

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Jay_Dobyns_vs_the_Hells_Angles_on_AE.aspx

–Gearhead
Torrance, CA

J.J. is right but George Christie makes more sense about it and then that spineless Dobins. A performer outlaw stated it best when he sang, “Mind your own business.”

If we all followed suit we would be a better society. Too many snitched in life because the governments need people to be more like sheep.

–Gearhead

STRANGE NEWS WEEK—Harvey Weinstein: New York court overturns 2020 rape conviction

Court rules judge who oversaw landmark trial was mistaken in allowing women whose accusations were not part of case to testify

In a 4-3 decision, the state of New York court of appeals ruled that the judge who oversaw Weinstein’s 2020 conviction prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with “egregious” improper rulings and was mistaken in allowing other women whose accusations were not a part of the 2020 case to testify.

“[Weinstein] was convicted by a jury for various sexual crimes against three named complainants and, on appeal, claims that he was judged, not on the conduct for which he was indicted, but on irrelevant, prejudicial, and untested allegations of prior bad acts,” read Thursday’s decision.

“We conclude that the trial court erroneously admitted testimony of uncharged, alleged prior sexual acts against persons other than the complainants of the underlying crimes … The remedy for these egregious errors is a new trial,” the decision continued.

Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2020 for two sex crimes: forcing oral sex on a production assistant in 2006 as well as rape in the third degree of an actor in 2013.

He will remain imprisoned because he was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 of another rape and sentenced to 16 years in prison. Weinstein was acquitted in Los Angeles on charges involving one of the women who testified in New York.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/25/harvey-weinstein-rape-conviction-overturned

–Wayfarer

NEW EFFORT TO CONTROL THE EPA–Congressional Joint Resolution On EPA

Friday morning, Congressman Andrew Clyde of Georgia and 30 cosponsors introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tailpipe emissions rule.

The joint resolution aims to overturn the EPA’s new emission standards, announced in March, that would compel over half of all new vehicles sold to be electric by 2032.

This CRA marks another tactic lawmakers are using to push back against the EPA’s recent rules and protect the internal combustion engine. The CRA is a tool Congress can use to overturn specific federal agency actions. If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval is approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto, the rule at issue cannot go into effect or continue in effect.

With Congress in recess and the bill freshly introduced, a bill number has yet to be assigned. Keep your eyes open for a coming “Call-to-Action” to help you contact your lawmaker regarding this joint resolution.

For the text of this CRA, click the link here.

New BIKE Bikernet Reader Comment!–The Protracted 1973 Triumph

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_Protracted_1973_Triumph.aspx

This style is simplistic, functional and has beautiful lines. Triumph 650-750s are a piece of art from my perspective. I live in Canada and compared to America finding complete motors or semi-complete is difficult. I envy American builders. A 2012 Triumph Bonneville can be bought for less than a ‘70s era 750, 5-speed.

–Robert Scott Brown
Oshawa, ON, Canada

IIHS UPDATES CRASH RATINGS–

Today the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced updated ratings for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests to address crashes that occur at higher speeds and those in which the struck vehicle is a motorcycle or large truck. This is the first time the IIHS has done this type of test involving motorcycles.

The IIHS is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through research and evaluation and by educating consumers, policymakers, and safety professionals.

The trials involving motorcycles positioned the bike in the center of the lane and offset to the left and the right. Tested vehicles were evaluated on forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. In each test run, an engineer drives the test vehicle toward the target at the selected speed and records when the forward collision warning occurs and how much the AEB system slows the vehicle to prevent or mitigate the impending impact. Tests are conducted at three different speeds, 31mph, 37mph and 43mph.

Of the ten (10) vehicles tested in the “Small SUV” category just one, the Subaru Forester, received a “good rating.” It achieved this rating by avoiding a crash with the motorcycle at the two lower speeds and slowing from 43 mph to 13 mph before contacting the bike.

Unfortunately, four of the vehicles tested into the bottom “poor rating.” The Chevy Equinox for example, which was rated poor, “Failed to give a warning, or gave it too late in most tests with the motorcycle target.” To make matters worse its AEB was ineffective, causing the IIHS to state “With the motorcycle target it barely reduced speed at all.”

Last December, the IIHS estimated that if the front crash prevention technology worked as well detecting motorcycles as it does for cars and light-duty trucks, 500 fewer rear-end crashes involving motorcyclists would occur annually.

However, challenges remain, as Dr. Kidd stated, “Motorcycles are smaller and narrower than cars, making them more difficult for camera and radar-based systems to identify, especially at higher speeds.” The Motorcycle Riders Foundation thanks the IIHS for beginning to include motorcycles in this testing regimen. We hope these ratings and further tests help educate consumers about what their vehicles can and cannot do, as well as motivate manufacturers to build technology that protects everyone on the road equally.

As always Ride Safe and Ride Free.

LATEST 100-WORD FICTION–Ram Tough

Omaha, off I-29 to I-90 was a long hot ride. I stepped on green grass to stretch my back.

A loud snort turned me around. A Ram Big Horn Sheep with hazel eyes stared me down. As tall as my Harley and just as broad, his horns formed a perfect circle with ivory capping the curled gray, oyster and black ridges.

Behind him stood four of his lady friends, fluffy with white patches.

Big boy snorted again and stomped a hoof. I quickly sought protection behind my Harley.

My friend Seth said, “That ornery old goat wants you off his lawn.”

–JJ Spain

HOT BIKE ACTION–The Latest from Your Hot Bike Pals

Digital Issues, Print Issues, Anger Issues…Oh My!

Hot Bike Vol. 3 2023 Digital Issue FREE!
Did you miss this Print Edition? Not to worry, read the digital issue for free right now!

FASTEST PRODUCTION CHOPPER CHASE—

A brother is looking for a specific model Surgical Steed production chopper. “I’m looking for a Steed Bronco preferably with black frame,” said Keith Cade.

If you know of one, you can reach Keith at Keith.w.cade@gmail.com

A MONTH OF MANY– Feb & March months’ Winner for 100-Word Fiction Contest

We had the regulars, the usual suspects riding in with their fiction. This place has people who all know their names. And they all brought in good short flash fiction. Difficult to pick from among past winners and known writers and contributors. We hope we do justice with the prizes we declare.

So the winner is “Stray Paths” by Rhys — a heart-warming tale and something that does happen with some of us some of the time. Maybe more people will take note of the story and while we are not all preachy and moralistic about fiction– Bikers have always rallied around charities and more importantly stood up against injustice. While the outcome in the fiction is not a fairy tale–nor a Bambi mission– maybe somebody somewhere will help a distressed life if its not entirely impossible.

Congratulations Rhys — and let’s get fresh blood in this arena. These old men are hogging the road and if there is a lady reading this, well, send us a tale. How about something about dumping old men hogging the TV remote and toilet seat? Okay, I will not mansplain writing prompts or such. Run wild with your 100 word limit fiction.

Free goodies and 5-Ball Racing swag coming to all winners.

Wayfarer
— too old to write less than 101 words

INTRODUCING THE NEW–Kraus Max Lean Foot Controls

This kit is all about adjustability and customization to give you options for the best performance bagger experience.

IT’S NEVER DULL AROUND HERE—

We will bring you Cycle Source Coverage from the recent Texas Fandango event next week.

I bought a bottle of spendy Horse Soldier Whiskey last week. The girls at the Sturgis Museum recommended it. Not bad. I always come back to Jack Daniels.

I ordered these brake hose guide grommets from Mc Master Carr. Local hardware stores done have this size.

Digging through the old Manual locker and Tim Remus/Wolfgang tech books. I came across this one. Can’t get rid of it.

I’m getting close on the wiring. Had to perform a few tests to the high/low beam switch to figure out the twisted configuration. Wire location is also an issue, especially on a chopper. Gotta take my time.

There it is. I feel sorta outta touch, but whiskey will bring me back into focus. I’m headed to Scott Jacob’s Gallery to meet with the Kyle Petty Ride crew.

So relax, tune your rides and stay free forever.

–Bandit

Learning To Work On A Motorcycle By Christy

This journey started at Space Coast Harley-Davidson, March 2024, one sunny Saturday morning, where I test rode and bought my 2023 FXST Softail Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Years ago, I owned a Sportster and recently have been riding one, but I felt it was time to go to a Bigger bike, so I did.

While I had been riding the Sportster with a windshield, I realized it was a definite must to have on my Softail and couldn’t ride without one.

Riding on the east coast, there are times when it’s very windy and I feel the windshield protected me. So, with some research I decided on a detachable wind splitter windshield

Click here to read this Tech and Experience only on Bikernet.com

Book Reveiw of the Week By J.J. Solari

The book “I AM Delilah Jones aka Doris Gohlke: I Lived And Loved As I Pleased,” is, first of all, large. It’s the size of a sheet of normal bond paper, 337 numbered pages and full of photos. If you’re an edentulate reprobate like myself, you probably – and I hate to say this if she’s reading this– you probably took her into the bathroom with you when you were a strapping young lad because she was in damn near every “girlie mag” that was flooding the back racks of the newsstands, when they had newsstands, and she wasn’t bashful.

This wasn’t the Hustler age of girlie mags, they weren’t porn, but they WERE forbidden by moms, girlfriends, and – what are they called?…..oh yeah, wives.

Click here to read this thrilling review only on Bikernet.com

Editor’s Note: The Sturgis Museum and Hall of Fame curation committee recently received the opportunity to vote in and display this historic collection of bikes. They will be on exhibit in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum during the rally.

If you know of a bike or bikes that need to be considered for introduction into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Following is the Bonnie Truett story by Ken “Jackpot” Holloway.

—Fozz
Chairman
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Curation Committee

Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee 2014, Bonnie Truett was born in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Before the perfect storm of life set him down the yellow brick road in Wichita, Kansas, Truett went to work on the grimy AT&SF railroad. He couldn’t have everything.

He soon bought his first motorcycle, a 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster. He immediately tore into the nimble platform to see what it was made of and how he could improve the power. His goal to make it faster than any Sportster in town. After modifications and working with some amazing area machinists, Bonnie, hell bent for leather, outran everyone.

Mr. Truett would prove his worth every weekend on drag strips all over the mid-west. He set himself apart from other racers in many ways, including being one of the earliest racers to blast nitro-methane into high-performance drag bike cylinders.

He built his first double-engine Sportster in 1968. Double Trouble, became one of the earliest Harley-Davidson double-engine drag bikes. The daunting engineering formula challenged builders. Dual Harley-Davidson motors fought each other and their drivelines tried to tear each other apart.

Bonnie learned that if you retard the timing just a little on one engine, you could have them skipping down the track together like two best friends. Truett campaigned this nitro-burning double around the United States racing and winning against some of the biggest names.

He traded the dual for a much lighter and faster single-engine drag bike. Others would go on to race Truett built double-engine monsters making a name for themselves. Through these years he learned a lot about nitro and drag bikes. He built several doubles, but someone would buy the newest version before he could test it on the track.

He soon started a side business, Truett Frame Works. This venture impowered him to build chromoly frames for major famous race industry names. Many commented, “Truett Frames helped make us successful.”

In 2000 Mr. Truett’s accomplishments were recognized by his friend Jim Wear when he was inducted into the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado alongside his friend and business partner Paul Osborn.

Truett drew on scraps of paper and built with handmade tools and fixtures. He did all of this because he had endless dreams and the confidence to never give up.

SleevesUp: Ride On For Jesse Rooke #27

This is a VIRTUAL blood drive to honor Jesse Rooke; it is for out of state family & and friends, or anyone who can’t be at the June 1st blood drive.

https://sleevesup.redcrossblood.org/campaign/ride-on-for-jesse-rooke-27-3/

You can participate VIRTUALLY in the blood drive by clicking “PLEDGE TO GIVE BLOOD”, then donating at your local American Red Cross🩸

📆This Virtual blood drive is from: May 1, 2024 thru August 31, 2024.

“Ride On for Jesse Rooke #27”- will be linked with the IN PERSON drive on June 1, 2024, when we will be honoring Jesse’s life at an American Red Cross blood drive at The Martin Auto Museum in Glendale, AZ.

***The IN PERSON drive June 1st is by appointment only, limited to 30 people. Please consider donating via the Virtual drive, if the June 1st appointments are booked.****

This blood drive is intended to honor the life and passions of Jesse Rooke. Jesse was highly motivated and very entrepreneurial. Many know of his business building custom motorcycles – those who met him personally or knew him well also experienced his passion to inspire kids to pursue active lifestyles – especially athletics and motorsports. Every new business idea he had involved inspiring and motivating kids. He loved encouraging and talking about Scarlett, his nephews, niece, cousins, and friend’s kids active endeavors. He enjoyed RC cars, BMX, bicycle racing, auto racing, motorcycle racing – anything active.

For this blood drive, we’d like to think about the kids he cared so much about, especially those who might struggle to follow his inspiration due to health or other challenges. Our hope through this blood drive is to continue to help others. We aim to give life through these blood donations in Jesse’s name.💙💙💙

For more about Jesse, check out this YouTube clip from Sturgis:
https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2006/09/01/jesse_rooke_darla_custom_bike_motorcycle/

* * *

 

The 30th annual Platinum General Services event, proudly presented by the XDA, took on a bittersweet tone this past weekend at the Maryland International Raceway. As engines thundered against the backdrop of spring skies, the event unfolded with a poignant undercurrent, marking the first race since the passing of XDA co-owner Chris Miller.

Miller’s absence was deeply felt, his legacy casting a long shadow over the track he helped cultivate into a haven for speed enthusiasts. Despite this, racers and fans alike came together in a powerful display of solidarity and respect, celebrating his memory by ensuring the event he cherished ran with the precision and passion he was known for.

During three exhilarating days, competitors from far and wide converged, introducing fresh talent to the racing scene while seasoned veterans showcased their enduring skills.

However, Mother Nature had her own plans, as rain delays added a twist to the race schedule. These interruptions, although unwelcome, did little to dampen the spirits of the racers and fans alike. The track buzzed with activity between the showers, with pit crews working feverishly to make the most of the dry spells and prepare the bikes for the intense competition that awaited them.

Orient Express Racing Pro Street
Winner – Rodney Williford
Runner-up – Mark Rendeluk

The season opener for the Orient Express Pro Street class was nothing short of explosive. With a qualifying field boasting 23 bikes, the stage was set for high-speed competition. Reigning champion Rodney Williford wasted no time in asserting his dominance, leading the pack with a blistering 6.436-second pass at 232.39 mph. The crowd was on edge as Jason Dunigan notched the event’s top speed at 233.68 mph, and qualified second with a 6.482.

In eliminations, the air vibrated with intensity. Tony Ficher shattered his personal records, blazing through with a 6.473 at 229.74 MPH to triumph over Jamie Lopes. The action intensified as first-round victories went to heavy hitters including Williford, James Waugh, Justin Shakir, Greg Wallace, Dunigan, Darion Payne, and Mark Rendeluk.

The second round was full of nail-biting showdowns, with Rendeluk and Payne delivering an impressive side-by-side duel in the forties. Rendeluk edged out Payne with a 6.457 against his 6.477 effort. Williford, Shakir, and Dunigan also advanced, setting the stage for a dramatic semi-final.

Anticipation was high as Rendeluk faced off against his DME Racing teammate Dunigan. Both riders, having posted stellar 640s in the preceding round, promised an electrifying clash. Yet, fate had other plans; Dunigan encountered starting line woes, leaving Rendeluk to seize the win light and secure a spot in his second consecutive final.

Williford continued his relentless charge, securing a win with a 6.44-second run against Shakir’s 9.316. The final round was a spectacle of speed and skill, as Rendeluk’s sharp .010 reaction time clashed with Williford’s .059. Despite Rendeluk’s advantage off the line, Williford’s unyielding momentum carried him through to victory with a 6.431 to Rendeluk’s 6.555. As the smoke cleared and cheers filled the air, Rodney Williford stood once again as the season opener victor.

DME Racing Real Street
Winner – David Fondon
Runner-up – Jason Iannotti

The DME Racing Real Street class carved out its own chapter of milestones, birthing a saga of new talent and dramatic upsets.

Qualifying sessions unfurled with the reigning champion, Rickey Gadson, taking the number-one spot with a 7.440. Naturally, the crowd was whipped into a frenzy as Gadson not only lived up to the expectations but exceeded them by clicking off a monumental 200+ MPH run, the first in Real Street history, with a 201.79 MPH. The feat remains unofficial, though, as his subsequent passes didn’t back up the record.

Jason Iannotti, having qualified at the lower echelon of the ladder with a 10.720, demonstrated the power of perseverance. He ousted the defending champion Gadson in round one, overpowered Caleb Holt, and cruised past a semi-final bye, catapulting himself into the final round.

Parallel to this narrative, David Fondon, the number two qualifier with a commanding 7.519 aboard his HTP Performance Suzuki, made his presence felt. Dispatching Ty Isaac, Drae Taylor, and former class champion David Stewart, Fondon was resolute on his path to the finals.

Anticipation reached its peak as Iannotti and Fondon stood on the brink of potentially securing their first DME Racing Real Street victory. As they rolled up to the water box, spectators braced themselves for an electrifying showdown.

The air was thick with anticipation as this match alone would guarantee we would have a new crowned winner at the end. When the lights dropped, Fondon leapt off the line and grabbed the advantage with a razor-sharp .022 reaction time to Iannotti’s .150. It was a head-to-head sprint, with Iannotti giving chase, thundering down the strip in a valiant bid to overturn the lead. In the end, Fondon’s early advantage held firm, and he stormed across the finish line with a victorious 7.469 over Iannotti’s hard-fought 7.535. The drama is bound to follow at the MTC Summer Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park, May 17-19.

MaxxECU Pro Xtreme
Winner – Dale Leeks
Runner-up – Rob Garcia

The MaxxECU Pro Xtreme 1/8 mile heads-up class is experiencing an international invasion with attendance from two riders from Canada, Jean Gosselin and Gerry Hunt, along with Dale Leeks from the United Kingdom.

The battle for supremacy was intense from the get-go, with George Whitaker clinching the number one qualifying spot with a 4.072, narrowly shadowed by Gosselin’s 4.079. Despite earning a bye in the first round due to his top qualifying position, Whitaker didn’t hold back, setting the stage ablaze with a staggering 4.042.

Joining Whitaker as first-round victors were reigning champion Chris Cutsinger, the UK’s Dale Leeks, Rob Garcia, and John Collins, each demonstrating their prowess and staking their claim for the title.

However, the second round was met with a mix of anticipation and disappointment. The withdrawal of both Collins and Whitaker due to mechanical woes, along with Cutsinger’s earned bye, resulted in an unusual quiet before the storm of the semi-finals.

In the third round UK’s Leeks smoothly sailed into the finals with an earned bye, setting his sights on the ultimate prize. The other spot was fiercely contested by Rob Garcia and Chris Cutsinger, in a clash that had the spectators on the edge of their seats. Garcia, quick off the line with a .049 reaction time, went side-by-side with Cutsinger down the strip. In a display of raw speed and steely nerves, Garcia edged out with a 4.17 victory, a mere whisker ahead of Cutsinger’s 4.195, securing his place in the finals and capping off an electrifying round of eliminations.

Leeks and Garcia were evenly matched in power and precision, making predictions all but impossible. As the lights flashed, Garcia snatched the starting line advantage with a .028 reaction time. Despite Garcia’s aggressive launch, his bike faltered in power output and Leeks tore down the strip, executing a near-perfect straight pass and stopping the clocks at 4.013 to Garcia’s trailing 4.441, claiming victory in a decisive, adrenaline-fueled finale.

MaxxECU Pro Xtreme is presented by Billy Vose Racing, Fast by Gast, Dunigan Racing, DME Racing, Grothus Dragbikes, Harley Haul, Rob Bush Motorsports, Robinson Industries, Schnitz Racing, Timblin Chassis, and Worldwide Bearings.

HTP Performance Super Stock
Winner – Jeremy Teasley
Runner-up – Caleb Holt

The HTP Performance Super Stock class was a battleground of precision riding skills. Darion Payne secured the number one qualifying spot with an 8.769 and a first-round bye. Yet, the tides of racing can turn quickly, and Payne was outpaced in the second round by Jamie Lopes.

Since the class’s birth in 2020, the Kawasaki ZX-14 has risen as the steed of choice, its presence on the track growing ever more dominant. This year, however, witnessed a spirited resurgence of Suzuki models making their mark early on. However all the Suzuki riders were out before the third round, setting the stage for a ZX-14 showdown once again.

Jeremy Teasley etched a path of consistent victories, besting competitors Dennis Iannnotti, Tim Cottrell, and Jimmy Leach to stake his claim in the finals. Meanwhile, Caleb Holt carved his own route to the decisive round, claiming wins against Mike Geer, Chris Moore, Jamie Lopes, and Mike Davis, proving himself a formidable force.

The final round was a showcase of skill, particularly off the line, in this hand-clutch class. Holt, with a swift .078, and Teasley, close behind with a .095, showcased their quick-draw capabilities. Despite Holt’s lead at the start, his performance deviated from the norm, clocking an ET of 10.235. This deviation left an opening that Teasley exploited, powering through to take the win with an 8.919 pass.

HTP Performance Grudge

Saturday night’s Running of the Bulls was sizzling, with fifty-one Grade A premium Bulls on the property to show out. XDA’s #KillerMiller track prep showed us in the shakedown runs that we had the quickest and fastest motorcycles grudge racing has to offer.

Booted Bulls
Winner – Frankie Stotz / Reddi-Wip
Runner-up – Derek Sobiech / Night Stalker

The Boosted Bulls class brought the heat with nine bikes ready for serious action. During the Shakedown rounds, these racers didn’t just set the bar—they launched it into orbit with their heart-pounding performances.

George Stanley, riding ‘On Time,’ snagged a bye to round two thanks to a lucky pull in the chip draw. Meanwhile, Frankie Stotz on ‘Reddi-Wip,’ Derek Sobiech on ‘Night Stalker,’ and Alex Moore on ‘Big Kountry’ tore through their competition, leaving no doubt about their speed and skill as they charged into round two.

Round two was all about Stotz and Sobiech laying down the law on the track, dominating like unstoppable freight trains. Their wins set the stage for a showdown so hyped, fans were pulling out their dollars.

Come the final throwdown, Stotz and Sobiech hit the strip, gunning it all the way to the wire in a head-to-head that was straight fire. Stotz clinched it, blasting past the finish line first to cap off a killer night with style. His win didn’t just showcase his chops; it threw down a gauntlet for the next big meet.

Nitrous Bulls
Winner – Antonia Patton / Big Dirty
Runner-up – Gaige Herrera / Big Bumpy

In the Nitrous Bulls class, it’s all about proving who’s got the fastest nitrous grudge bikes in the game. The vibe was intense out the gate, with riders throwing down some seriously blazing laps. Early rounds were all about tight races and high vibes, but as the night wore on, that cold air brought out the unpredictable side of nitrous oxide, messing with more than a few riders’ plans.

Antonio Patton rolling on ‘Big Dirty’ and Gaige Herrera on ‘Big Bumpy’ dominated the scene, blasting past their competition with sheer muscle and slick moves. These two were lined up for what everyone thought would be an epic clash in the final. But you know how it goes, fate had some twists. Herrera hit some snags after the semi-final and couldn’t roll up to battle it out in the final.

So, instead of a head-to-head battle, the event ended with Patton breaking the beams under power solo, taking the win without breaking a sweat. Even though the final lap lacked the usual drama, Patton’s performance all night long proved that ‘Big Dirty’ ain’t to be messed with when it comes to mastering the nitrous game.

3 Sixty 5 Monster Bulls
Winner – Brandon Tyree / Made Man
Runner-up – Ken Alston / Leather Face

The 3 Sixty 5 Monster Bulls brought in ten contenders, and man, these racers weren’t holding back—they were hitting that track like it owed them something. The side-by-side action was non-stop, giving the crowd plenty to holler about. But when it came down to it, the final felt like déjà vu from last year’s season opener, with the same old story playing out.

After three rounds of straight-up competition, Brandon Tyree on ‘Made Man,’ and Ken Alston on ‘Leather Face,’ proved once again they were the ones to beat. So, it was no surprise when they lined up against each other for the final showdown.

And guess what? Like last year, Tyree did it again, blasting across that finish line first and snagging another win for his crew. It seems like the winner’s circle is starting to feel like home to him.

Tommie’s Motorsports DMV Bulls
Winner – Desmond Spaulding / NWA
Runner-up – Cody Lowe / The Kracken

The Tommie’s Motorsports DMV Bulls class was another sold-out affair with 16 entries. Cody Lowe on ‘The Kracken’ made his mark at the Platinum General Services season opener by taking out ‘Moon Knight’ , ‘Josey Wales’ and ‘Grey Matter’ to earn a spot in Saturday night’s final.

Desmond Spaulding on ‘NWA’ was a dominant force with wins over ‘Monkey Business’ , ‘Tip-Toe’, and ‘Misbehavin’.

Spaulding won last year’s season-opener on ‘Mob Ties’ but this year he took that bike over to the Nitrous Bulls class. As he met Lowe in the final, he was laser-focused on the prize, and it paid off as he took the win and kept his winner’s circle domination in check.

All Motor Bulls
Winner – David Fondon / Bad B*tch
Runner-up – Curtis McDougald / Carbonator

David Fondon, rolling deep on ‘Bad Bitch,’ is the reigning king of the XDA All Motor Bulls, and he’s the main target everyone’s gunning for in this class. Curtis McDougald, steering the ‘Carbonator,’ stepped up to throw down, powering through three intense rounds to go head-to-head with Fondon in the final round.

When the lights went live, Fondon blasted off the line like a beast unleashed, leaving McDougald hustling hard to catch up. But Fondon was all gas, no brakes, hitting the eighth-mile marker in a flash and clinching another win. That’s how the boss does it—running the game and schooling the competition on how a bad bitch gets it done.

Vance & Hines 4.60
Winner – Mac McAdams
Runner-up – Ronald Procopio

In the world of 1/8th-mile index racing, the Vance & Hines 4.60 class is a crowd-puller, boasting forty riders vying for the top position. Precision was the name of the game, with three riders nailing a perfect 4.60 in qualifying. It was Brad Gleason, however, who outpaced his rivals with superior MPH, snatching the coveted number one spot from Lowry Callahan and Joe Procopio Jr.

Reigning champion Ronald Procopio exhibited his usual finesse, skillfully navigating the field and earning his spot in the final showdown. His semi-final conquest over Gleason was a pivotal moment, marking his resolve to retain his championship mantle.

Mac McAdams, longing for the taste of victory since his last XDA 4.60 win at the 2022 MTC Summer Nationals, embarked on a relentless pursuit of glory. His reaction times were a beacon of consistency, dismantling his opponents round after round.

As the Sunday night sky enveloped Maryland International Raceway, the tension was palpable as these two competitors crept into the starting line beams. The launch was near-simultaneous, with McAdams’s .027 reaction time narrowly outpaced by Procopio’s .026. They thundered down the eighth mile in tandem, engines screaming and the crowd erupting in cheers. In a breathtakingly close finish, McAdams broke through the drought, igniting the win light with a 4.606, edging out Procopio’s 4.614, and reclaiming his spot in the winner’s circle.

1 Stop Speed 5.60
Winner – Rico Brown
Runner-up – Brice Cornish Jr.

Jim Mauro and Harvey Hubbard both ran dead on 5.60 in 1 Stop Speed 5.60 qualifying. Mauro received the top spot due to a faster MPH.
On race day two contenders emerged to meet in the final. Brice Cornish Jr. has only entered 1 Stop Speed 5.60 a handful of times over the last few years, but he managed to win five tough rounds of eight-mile competition to see his first final in the class.

Rico Brown is a class staple, but he hasn’t won since the FuelTech Superbike Showdown in 2022. Both Cornish and Brown showed incredible reaction times in their five rounds, slaughtering the competition before meeting in the final.

And while both competitors were hungry for battle, there would be no exciting racing action as Cornish turned on the dreaded red light to hand the win to Brown before the race even started.

Mickey Thompson Tires Top Sportsman
Winner – Jeffery Santin
Runner-up – Dustin Lee

The Mickey Thompson Tires Top Sportsman class is renowned for showcasing some of the quickest elapsed times on the racing circuit. Jordan Haase, a formidable Pro Street racer, made a strong impression by clinching the top qualifying position with a 7.267 on his GSX-R1000, signaling his intent to dominate.

However, the journey through the brackets is fraught with pressure, and even the slightest error can have monumental consequences. Haase faced Jeffrey Santin in a second-round matchup but turned on the red light, a costly mistake that ended his run prematurely and paved Santin’s way to the finals. Santin capitalized on this opportunity, defeating seasoned competitors Jimmie Miller and Gary Clontz to secure his place in the final.

Meanwhile, reigning class champion Dustin Lee displayed relentless ambition, eliminating every challenger en route to the final. The stage was set Sunday night for a high-stakes duel between Santin and Lee aboard their Hayabusa’s. With Santin dialed in at 8.20 and Lee at 7.85, the final was going to require skill and precision.

As the lights went down, both racers launched with identical reaction times, ensuring the battle would be decided at the finish line. They executed strong, clean passes, each determined to clinch victory. In a dramatic twist, both riders broke out, pushing their machines beyond the brink. Lee, however, exceeded his dial-in more significantly, recording a 7.808 against Santin’s 8.163, handing Santin a thrilling and narrow victory.

MPS Racing Pro ET
Winner – Jeffery Santin
Runner-up – Wesley Jones

The Top Sportsman winner always earns a spot back into the fifth round of MPS Racing Pro ET competition for another shot at double-dipping their win and increasing their payday.

Santin took his win momentum and defeated Austin Bridge and Montrell Johnson to put himself in another final round. This time, he would be facing Wesley Jones, who won five rounds of tough bracket racing with incredible reaction times. In the final, Santin dialed 8.17, and Jones dialed 9.61. Jones cut his worst light of the weekend with a .099 to Santin’s better .022. Jones left the starting line first, but Santin caught up to him in a flash and was gaining on him as he crossed the finish line first by six feet to take the win with a 8.272 over Jones’s 9.666 run. Santin now leads points in two classes to start off the 2024 drag racing season.

Brock’s Performance Street ET
Winner – Russell Dennison Jr
Runner-up – Maurice Michie

The Brock’s Performance Street ET class kicked off the season with a formidable field of seventy-eight racers, all vying for an early advantage in the championship race. Among them, Russell Dennison Jr. and Maurice Michie showcased exceptional skill, unwavering consistency, and nerves of steel as they navigated through five intense rounds, setting the stage for a thrilling final showdown on Sunday night.

Heading into the final, Dennison dialed in at 8.70, while Michie targeted a 9.25. With Michie launching first with an impressive .088 reaction time, Dennison responded swiftly with a razor-sharp .067 reaction. As Dennison pursued Michie down the track, he steadily closed the distance, ultimately surging past Michie and crossing the finish line with a fourteen-foot lead. Dennison’s victorious run was clocked at 8.718, outpacing Michie’s 9.319.

Dennison, who secured a fourth-place finish last season, now establishes an early triumph that places him in a favorable position for this season’s points chase.

Voodoo Bracket Bash
Winner – Nick Noble
Runner-up – Barry Purnell

The Voodoo Bracket Bash brought an electrifying atmosphere to Saturday’s race. There were 126 entrants, all competing for not only the thrill of victory but also a substantial $3,000 purse. The competition was as fierce as the stakes were high, with each racer eyeing the coveted title.

As the field narrowed through rounds of relentless competition, Nick Noble and Barry Purnell distinguished themselves, expertly navigating through the bracket to meet in the much-anticipated final round. Noble set his dial at 9.32, while Purnell set his to 9.21, promising a close match right from the launch.

The tension built as both riders staged, ready to unleash their machines down the quarter-mile. Noble seized the initial advantage with an .027 reaction time, slightly quicker than Purnell’s still impressive .051. This early lead set the tone for the race, as they blasted side-by-side in the first sixty feet, maintaining their neck-and-neck pace throughout. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the pair thundered down the track, their bikes mere inches apart.

At the stripe, Nick Noble edged out Barry Purnell by a mere three feet, claiming the win in a breakout finish. Noble’s final time of 9.312 narrowly outperformed Purnell’s 9.162, marking a thrilling conclusion to one of the day’s most hotly contested races.

Hard Times Parts & Service Gambler’s Race
Winner – Robin Procopio
Runner-up – Jimmie Miller

A fixture in final rounds, Jimmie Miller found himself once again in a season opener final, this time against Robin Procopio, a seasoned competitor renowned for her consistent performances.

Procopio, aboard her bar bike, dialed in a tight 8.00, while Miller set his Hayabusa to an 8.83. The race was effectively set from the start when Procopio unleashed a near-perfect .008 reaction time, immediately placing Miller at a significant disadvantage with his .081, his slowest start of the night.

As they hurtled towards the finish line, the tension was high. It was an intensely close race, but Procopio clinched the victory by a razor-thin margin of .016 seconds, approximately three and a half feet. She crossed the line with an 8.049 against Miller’s 8.822, demonstrating not just superior reaction at the start but precision in execution throughout the race.

The XDA will return to Virginia Motorsports Park for the 38th annual MTC Engineering Summer Nationals on May 17-19, 2024. There will be over 700 Professional, Sportsman, and Grudge motorcycle racers in competition, battling it out for over $90,000 in cash purses at this event.

Visit xdaracing.com for event information, class rules, schedule, and more.

About XDA Racing
The Xtreme Dragbike Association (XDA) is an east coast motorcycle drag racing series with 700+ motorcycle racers competing at each event. Every XDA event hosts professional classes, sportsman classes, grudge racing, and a vendor midway. Lifestyle activities such as bike shows, bikini contests, DJs, and live bands are also held at select events. For more information on the XDA, please visit www.xdaracing.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube @xdaracing

The book “I AM Delilah Jones aka Doris Gohlke: I Lived And Loved As I Pleased,” is, first of all, large. It’s the size of a sheet of normal bond paper, 337 numbered pages and full of photos. If you’re an edentulate reprobate like myself, you probably – and I hate to say this if she’s reading this– you probably took her into the bathroom with you when you were a strapping young lad because she was in damn near every “girlie mag” that was flooding the back racks of the newsstands, when they had newsstands, and she wasn’t bashful. This wasn’t the Hustler age of girlie mags, they weren’t porn, but they WERE forbidden by moms, girlfriends, and – what are they called?…..oh yeah, wives.

I know what you’re saying: “Is there any tang-of-the-poonage in it?” No. “Is there any cock?” No. It’s not a porn book. She isn’t a porn star. “Well what the fuck is she?” Ok, well, now we’re getting somewhere. And there’s no reason for vulgarity with all the fucks. I’d like to establish an atmosphere of decorum if that’s ok. There’s a lady present. I know what you’re saying; “Yeah! You!” Like as though I didn’t see that coming.

Delilah Jones, escapee with her family from Berlin during the Hitler days, is today, right now, still going strong; I suspect is keeping her clothes on at this point, and spent her whole life, prior to lately, enthusiastically taking her clothes off in front of an audience. I guess it was like being paid for what as a child she assumed was just normal life: being undressed. Her parents were nudists. She might not have even known clothes existed as a youngster.

This book is basically a scrap book, very likely the only one ever produced by a “girlie mag” superstar. She’s not a superstar pro’bly to the public but the professional girlie-mag photographers of the day, all of them well-known to historians of girlie-mags, sought her out PROBABLY because of her attitude. Which was, I am guessing: not being a pain in the ass.

Magazines are a business and the heyday of girlie mags was a business regarded by “proper society” as degrading sinful filth. They were regarded by wives and girlfriends the way Trump is regarded now by, say, Pelosi. But taking photos for magazines is a job. The best photographers, meaning, if nothing else, the ones the women could stand being around because the photographers wanted photos and not dates….the top “glamour” photographers wanted Delilah in front of their lenses. But she also performed for, well, just strangers.

I am a huge fan of the Mafia Business Model. That doesn’t mean I am a huge fan of the Mafia personnel. But they’re not fucking with ME. So I gut no complaint. My attitude regarding the Operating System of the Mafia however? Huge fan. The Mafia is an organization that is basically the free market. It’s basically in competition with the organization created by the Constitution, which is an organization basically devoted to market-disappearance.

The race is, apparently, to see who will stay in existence longer, the Mafia or the Feds. The Mafia tries to provide, for a price, things people actually want. The Feds just fuck with people for no reason and then charge them for absolutely no services rendered. It’s crazy. People call it freedom. If the Mafia had written the Constitution and not bureaucrats things woulda been a lot different and a huge lot better. We’da had a better highway system for sure: contraband needs routes!!

So where is this going. Oh, yeah: all strip joints in the heyday after WW2 were Mob controlled. So this book could PROBABLY be a whale of a lot more informative than it is. However, Delilah is focused here on the stripper life, or at least her involvement with it, which was, and is, enthusiastic involvement.

This is a happy book. She’s a happy woman. She loves, or loved – I THINK she’s retired – she loved performing without clothes for what APPARENTLY were “upscale” nude reviews. This is a book of her history with a ton of black and white photos and personal remarks regarding her career. And it was actually a career.

Escaping from Hitler I guess you learn survival skills: her SISTER, one of them, was married to Sterling Silliphant, who at the time was the most successful creator of tv series pro’bly in TV history. So she was hobnobbing, probably not the right word, I dunno, with the elites of Hollywood and I am guessing the West Coast, if not National, Mob. But this isn’t a Mob book.

This is a photo-history of her professional and recreational life. It PROBABLY would be of more interest to women than to men as far as readability is concerned because – unlike with her stripping – I THINK the target audience for this book is women. She talks about travel, she talks about costumes, – which she routinely designed and made for her co-workers – schedules, workmates, incidents that are likely far more gossipy than she has presented because this is not that kind of a book, but you can surmise scenarios.

Everything she talks about would ignite a long list of interview questions from any reporter. But this is about her experience as a stripper. Not as a gossip. All of it in the golden age of things “nice” girls didn’t do in public.

Now, in all of this I have avoided the elephant in the room, since this is likely being read only by men, and that elephant in the room is the inquiry or observation or suggestion or intimation, though unspoken so far, and that query is, if I can articulate it politely in case there are children present…”Well…isn’t the only REAL reason for strippers to even exist is to create down the road, maybe later that night when the strip show customer has returned home, to create human ejaculant into a pile of tissues or a stack of laundry?”

Frankly, I don’t see that as a demeaning end-result. In as much as ejaculant transferred from inside a ballsack to a new location inside someone else’s groinage is why we’re all here in the first place. Think twice before fulminating against ejaculant, is my advice to you. You are after all 50% ejaculant and 50% egg yoke. The fact that the ejaculant may or may not end up in a Kleenex or a towel or a t-shirt or on a tree trunk or on your mom rather than sent specifically into a vagina NOT a sheep’s is something I think only Catholics should worry about.

Since to Catholics, ejaculant intentionally sent on a journey to nowhere – rather than specifically sent on a journey into a human egg – sends the donor to Hell. Or at least gets him into the line for instant ELEGIBILITY to Hell unless said ejaculator tells another man inside a confessional booth, in other words a very, very, small enclosed cabinet, just the two of you talking calmly back and forth with each other about your cum shots….unless that man tells the other man about it….he will go to Hell. If he dies before talking to the man in the little room. These admissions regarding emissions between these two men go something like this:

”So did you masturbate more than once?”

“You mean since our last session together in this closet?”

“I mean, no, just during this self-abuse session that has driven you in here to avoid eternal damnation.”

“Well I’ve been masturbating a blue streak actually since our last Forgiveness Go-Around, actually.”

“Have you confessed to all of them? Or are you starting fresh with just the one you talked about at the start just now.”

“To save some time?….can I have a complete past-and-present whitewash? A kind of bucket-load over the head of forgiveness? Is that available?”

“No, I need to know the exact number of times you masturbated.”

“What about just masochistic arousal-and-deprivation, what about that, is that masturbation?”

“The Pope hasn’t actually itemized that.”

“Seems uncaring. What about the degree of hardness.”

“When was the last time you masturbated.”

“Last night. After the girlie thing at the burlle-q emporium. She did the shimmy-shimmy-shake topless in a micro bikini on the stage and I did the pumpy-pumpy-squirt when I got home.”

“I forgive you.”

“Thanks your worship. Say…..why do I see jizz draining over to my side down there on the floor?”

All of which brings me to what you might be asking but probly aren’t: “So isn’t stripping all about getting men hot?”

That’s a good question. Reading this book stripping seems to be instead – at least from the stripper side of things – more about pride in the workplace. I know good employees. I should be doing all the hiring everywhere. And this broad’s work ethic is phenomenal. I mean let’s face it, it’s all about generating paid admissions. It’s a job.

This book is basically an itinerary of The Stripper Life from a stripper who took the job very seriously enough to where, as they say in the Mob, she was an earner. The Mob respects and caters to earners. I don’t think Mob homage was her motivator. I think job performance was her motivator.

She made costumes for herself and the other strippers. She was the go-to model for the major girlie photographers for the rags and mags that spent their lives under the bed or under the porch wrapped in a tarp. She made bosses and customers happy and got along with her co-workers and they apparently got along with her. It’s like inside her head she was always thinking “Why would anyone think there was anything WRONG with this life??”

From reading this, my first stripper-history book, maybe the only one in existence, I get the real strong feeling that stripper life is a lot like outlaw biker life: a self-enclosed support system, trying to do your thing, not fucking with people, and having as much fun in the process as possible.

This book is a history, not a tell-all. She’s no snitch. But if she ever becomes one in another book, she won’t need it packed with photos to keep the interest alive is my guess, not that photos are a problem!!!

She’s basically a totally selfless saver of lives: the strippers of her day were often the only thing that kept the men of my day deciding, over and over, “Yeah, I guess there really IS a reason to live after all: showgirls and strippers.”

endo

Hot Day, Sweet Beer by Rhys
with illustration by Wayfarer

Pulled out of my garage and took off down the street. No particular destination just needed the wind in my face.

After an hour or so came across a little joint on a country road with outside seating at picnic tables. I dismounted my steel steed and sat down . A cute little thing came out and I asked for an ice cold draft.

Sipping the brew and listening to the exhaust tick I thought it was a good day to be alive.

(publication dated 28-Apr-2024)

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Click to read all the entries from this year and then visit the previous year’s entries and winners.

The Tavern Stop
by Gearhead

I walked into the dark tavern after midnight. The last call was in a couple of hours. There she sat waiting for her biker knight in the corner. I sauntered over and sat down next to her. “What is your name Doll.”

“My name is Mariah,” she muttered, her red lips glistened. “What is yours big man?”

“They call me Texas Red.”

“Your mother not like you or something?” She asked.

“I was named after a famous outlaw by my Dad.” I then bought us both whiskeys. We toasted to our friendship. I put my hand on her thigh and the rest is history.

(publication dated 26-Apr-2024)

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If you are wondering why this story is so short–well we are running a contest since last year– a fiction contest with 100 word limit. Have a look at https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bikernet_100_Word_Fiction_Contest_2024.aspx