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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Visit the 5-Ball Racing Garage and get the gear for riding to your favorite events.

https://5-ballgarage.com/

Hey,

Shit’s happening everywhere. Action is happening all over the country from the Black Hills to Born Free in Califa.

Here’s my recent breakfast with fresh fruit available. It’s amazing with my second cup of coffee. Gotta wrap it up quick, shit to do.

Bros are rolling into the Black Hills like crazy, maybe they will stay or move onto Milwaukee for the anniversary. 

Hell, even Willie is planning for Biketoberfest already.

Let’s hit the news.

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.

MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION ALERT–

“It’s very dangerous for motorcycles to be around Teslas”

Over the weekend a Washington Post story on Tesla’s Autopilot system made national news. The story included this quote from former National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) senior safety adviser, Missy Cummings, “It’s very dangerous for motorcycles to be around Teslas.”

According to the Post’s research, since 2021, there have 17 fatal crashes involving Teslas operating in Autopilot mode. Motorcycles were involved in four of the 17.

You may remember that NHTSA recently opened investigations into fatal crashes involving Tesla vehicles and motorcycles. One occurred in Utah, when a motorcyclist on Interstate 15 outside Salt Lake City, was struck from behind by a Tesla in Autopilot. “The driver of the Tesla did not see the motorcyclist and collided with the back of the motorcycle, which threw the rider from the bike,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in May that Autopilot is not an appropriate name “When the fine print says you need to have your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.”

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has been raising this issue with federal officials for years. Just last month, MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard and Vice President Jay Jackson, met with safety officials at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on this very topic. The two MRF leaders stressed the concerns of bikers about the deployment of this new technology. Additionally, in the coming weeks, MRF senior officials will meet with leaders at NHTSA to seek answers on this troubling report.

These meetings with Biden Administration officials come on the heels of the MRF’s Bikers Inside the Beltway (BITB) annual event. During BITB, riders from across the country met with Members of Congress seeking action on self-driving cars as they relate to motorcyclists.

The MRF has been, and will remain, vigilant on this subject that effects ALL motorcyclists. Increased media scrutiny, along with the thousands of voices demanding action, is turning the heat up. Let’s keep the pressure up and protect bikers on our nation’s roadways.

–MRF

NEW PRODUCT RELEASE FROM KLOCKWERKS–Flare Wings

We are thrilled to announce the release of our latest innovation, the Flare Wings for Indian Challenger and Pursuit. Designed with precision and aerodynamic excellence, these wings provide improved wind deflection and a sleek, aggressive look.

Engineered to optimize your riding experience, the Flare Wings are a game-changer, combining style and functionality.

BUFFALO CHIP BIKE SHOW ACTION—

Thought I’d share this show info with you. The big deal at the Chopper Show is $2500 cash to best of show, plus $500 cash to other 1st place winners. Also, Xavier Muriel and Hot Bike.

The big deal for the Evo Show: A complete S&S engine, Paughco Frame and Baker $1000 certificate to best in show. Plus, free Mint Speed Shop flannels to the first 100 registered! Also, Paul Wideman and Rusty Coones will be on hand!

And don’t forget the Builder’s Breakfast for Charity.

–Marilyn Stemp
marilyn@buffalochip.com
828-205-8482

NAMZ New Product Drops just in time for the summer season!

So here is our follow up to our hugely successful Sharktooth headlight, we introduce our EXCLUSIVE Quad Beam LED headlight for 2015-Up Road Glide models, except 2023 CVO.

We dropped this new addition yesterday on social media and they are available on our website as a pre-sale as we plan on beginning to ship mid-July, right it time for Sturgis!

Part #: LLC-QB-FH
UPC #: 810088722868

Description: Quad-Beam Full-Halo Road Glide Headlamp complete with integrated FULL-HALO DRL/Driving Light for 2015-Up Road Glide models. A mixture of black & chrome accents, housing is built with plastic, aluminum and a poly-carbonate lens, DOT, SAE and E-Mark compliant and 100% plug-n-play.

And how can you make the Sharktooth headlight any better, simply make another one that will fit the skinny-tire Road Glide® models! That is exactly what we have done, this Sharktooth will fit 1996 through 2013 Road Glide models. We also dropped this new addition yesterday on social media and they are available on our website as a pre-sale as we plan on beginning to ship mid-July, right it time for Sturgis!

Part #: LLC-3ERA-TS
UPC #: 810088722851

Description: Sharktooth LED Road Glide Headlamp with integrated SWITCHBACKS turn signals for 1996-2013 Road Glide models. A mixture of black & chrome accents, housing is built with plastic, aluminum and a poly-carbonate lens, DOT, SAE and E-Mark compliant and 100% plug-n-play.

Could possibly be one of the coolest bikes the factory has come out with in a long time, the Sportster S. This new headlight is one of the few upgrades that can make the 2021-Up Sportster S even cooler! Features integrated DRL/driving lights and white-to-amber SWITCHBACK turn signals to take LED lighting to a whole new level. We also dropped this new addition yesterday on social media and they are available on our website as a pre-sale as we plan on beginning to ship mid-July, right it time for Sturgis!

Part #: LLC-LH-SS
UPC #: 810088722875

Description: Sportster S Black Premium LED Headlamp with integrated white driving lights (DRL) and amber turn signals, 100% Plug-n-Play. (Fits Sportster S Models 2021-2023 only)

“Where the BRIGHTEST ideas come from!”

DICE SUPPORTS BORN FREE— To celebrate the greatest show on earth, we are doing our iconic Born Free 10 books at half price.

Hardback with 270 glorious pages featuring some of the most radical motorcycles in history.

$24.95

LIMITED TIME: READ THE ALL-NEW HOT BIKE DIGITAL MAGAZINE FOR FREE TODAY!

The all-new Hot Bike: Issue 1 2023 DIGITAL EDITION is out now! For a limited time, we’re allowing you to read the all-new Hot Bike Digital Magazine for free! Same articles, same photos, same look and feel, now easy to access. This is the first issue to print since 2018 and we had to make sure it was special and worthy of your time.

We take a closer look at Team Saddlemen’s Cory West and Patricia Fernandez-West. The teammates, competitors race professionally in the Mission King of the Baggers and Mission RSD SuperHooligans series. Did we mention they’re also married? Learn more about the Wests’s wild ride in the new issue of Hot Bike

An Arch motorcycle is unique. So much so, that each is aesthetically tailored to its owners preferences. We take a detailed look into Arch Motorcycle’s 1s from the Arch owner’s perspective as we sit with co-founder Gard Hollinger and one of his customers/friends to understand the process of designing and building a truly one-of-a-kind motorcycle.

If you want a tangible magazine in your hands, you can still get a copy of the new issue or subscribe to get all four print issues for 2023 today!

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–

5-BALL ATTACK ON THE TEXAS HILLS CYCLE SHOW

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/5BALL_ATTACK_ON_THE_TEXAS_HILLS_CYCLE_SHOW.aspx

Kool wrap-up. Well written in the Bikernet family style. So, the legacy will continue as the 5-ball keeps rolling.

–El Waggs
airstreamstudio@live.com
Oceanside, CA

100-WORD FICTION CONTEST—New Florida Submission

The Bad Deal All Around

Woke up on a warm sunny day for early spring. Prepared for a shop run to check on my ‘49 Pan project: Rigid frame with performance gussets and a Coffin tank mounted high, with brown ribbons over metalflake paint. A girder front end was on order. A wild departure from my first bike, an old rat Triumph Tiger with an Indian blanket for a seat.

The phone rang, bad news. Break-in at the shop, everything down to the paint compressor taken. The builder feared for his life, fled to the west coast. I guessed it was a deal gone bad, perhaps drugs.

The comforting, warm, spring day suddenly turned cloudy and dark.

–Rhys

“We are about to pick the May Winner, hang on!” –Bandit

HISTORY LESSON FROM THE NATION MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM—

In 1938 Edward Turner unleashed his 500cc Speed Twin, followed by the higher performance T100 Tiger in 1939. Triumph’s first parallel twin was a nimble high performance machine 20 pounds, or more, lighter than typical twin and four cylinder machines made in America. This marked the beginning of a great run for Triumph; the parallel twin design served in a wide range street and competition applications.

The Speed Twin and higher performance Tiger both received telescopic forks after World War II. By comparison the stock Tiger had 34 horsepower, about seven more than the WLDR, Harley’s flat head 750cc race bike.

Up until the “oil in frame” design of 1971, the parallel twin design Edward Turner brought to Triumph was the mainstay through its entire 75+ years at Meriden and remained so in John Bloor’s resurrection of the marque in 1995. The styling and general form of the sheet metal and the engine have lived on in today’s machines. In road racing, dirt track, enduro, drag racing and land speed record, hundreds of racers rode to fame on Edward Turner’s design, and countless racing records were set on its sound engineering.

This fine Triumph will be among hundreds of motorcycles and thousands of pieces of memorabilia offered in the John Parham Estate Collection Mecum Auction at the National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa, Iowa, September 6 – 9, 2023.

Watch for information on the Mecum Auctions website, Mecum.com For schedule information, to consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder for this and all Mecum events, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.

ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE TAX CREDITS: Two Senators Try To Expand Program In US

The Electric Motorcycle Parity Act of 2023 would subject bikes to the same rules as the EV credits in the Inflation Reduction Act.

On June 1, 2023, United States senators Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania announced that they would introduce the Electric Motorcycle Parity Act in the Senate. If enacted, this legislation would expand available tax credits to riders who purchase qualifying electric motorcycles in the US, with the same qualifications required for four-wheeled electric vehicles that passed into law as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

BIKERNET INSPIRATIONAL SEMINAR–

“Behind the light in every little bulb is a great dynamic current; beneath every little wave is the vast ocean, which has become the many waves. So, it is with human beings.”

~ Paramahansa Yogananda,
Author of Autobiography of a Yogi

[page break]

THE CLIMATE DOOM DEPARTMENT–

Clintel publication: “The Frozen Climate Views of the IPCC”

Thorough analysis by Clintel shows serious errors in latest IPCC report

Amsterdam, 9 May 2023

* IPCC hides good news about disaster losses and climate-related deaths
* IPCC wrongly claimed the estimate of climate sensitivity is above 2.5°C
* IPCC misleads policy makers by focusing on an implausible worst-case emissions scenario

The IPCC ignored crucial peer-reviewed literature showing that normalized disaster losses have decreased since 1990 and that human mortality due to extreme weather has decreased by more than 95% since 1920.

The IPCC drew the opposite conclusions, claiming increases in damage and mortality due to anthropogenic climate change. These are two important conclusions of the report The Frozen Climate Views of the IPCC, published by the Clintel Foundation.
The 180-page report is the first serious international ‘assessment’ of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report.

With the recently published Synthesis Report, the IPCC finished its sixth assessment cycle. An international team of scientists from the Clintel network has analyzed several claims from the reports.

This has now led to The Frozen Climate Views of the IPCC. This Clintel report documents biases and errors in the IPCC assessment.

For instance: given the political relevance of what is known as “Loss and Damage”, one would expect a thorough review of the relevant literature. However, Clintel shows that the IPCC has totally failed in this respect. A review article on the subject, published in 2020, showed that 52 out of 53 peer-reviewed papers dealing with “normalized disaster losses” saw no increase in harms that could be attributed to climate change.

But the IPCC only mentioned the single paper that claimed an increase in losses.

Climate-related deaths

“We are on a highway to climate hell”, said UN-boss Guterres recently. But an in-depth look at the mortality data shows that climate-related deaths are at an all-time low. Well-known economist Bjorn Lomborg published that important information in a 2020 peer-reviewed paper, but the IPCC, again, chose to ignore it. The strategy of the IPCC seems to be to hide any good news about climate change and hype anything bad.

The IPCC has also tried to rewrite climate history by erasing the existence of the Holocene Thermal Maximum, a warm period between 10,000 and 6000 years ago. It has introduced a new hockey stick graph, which is the result of cherry-picked proxies. And it has ignored temperature reconstructions that show more variability in the past, such as the well-documented Little Ice Age.

Furthermore, the IPCC claims there is an acceleration in the rate of sea-level rise in recent decades. Clintel has shown this claim is flawed, because the IPCC ignores decadal variability.

Climate sensitivity

A ’spectacular’ result of the IPCC AR6 report was the rise of the lower bound for the climate sensitivity likely range from 1.5°C to 2.5°C, therefore claiming that low values for climate sensitivity are now unlikely. But the Clintel report states that observed warming and other evidence indicate that the true figure is more likely to be below 2°C than above 2.5°C.

This also means that the best estimate for climate sensitivity, which the IPCC says is 3°C, is not justified.

On top of that, the IPCC is ‘addicted’ to its highest emissions scenario. In recent years, several papers have demonstrated that this scenario is implausible. Deep inside the IPCC report, the IPCC acknowledges that this scenario has a ‘low likelihood’ but this very important remark was not highlighted in the Summary for Policymakers, so important audiences are unaware of the issue.

Reform

We are sorry to conclude that the IPCC has done a poor job of assessing the scientific literature. In our view the IPCC should be reformed and should include a broader range of views.

Our own conclusions about climate – based on the same underlying literature – are far less bleak. Due to increasing wealth and advancing technology, humanity is largely immune to climate change.

A longer version of this press release including a link to download the report can be found here.

https://clintel.org/thorough-analysis-by-clintel-shows-serious-errors-in-latest-ipcc-report/

ABOUT CLINTEL — The Climate Intelligence foundation (Clintel) was founded in 2019 by emeritus professor of geophysics Guus Berkhout and science journalist Marcel Crok. Clintel’s main objective is to generate knowledge and understanding of the causes and effects of climate change, as well as the effects of climate policy. Clintel published the World Climate Declaration, which has now been signed by more than 1500 scientists and experts. Its central message is “there is no climate emergency”.

FORGERT EVERYTHING— You Think You Know About the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Start from ZERO

Over the years, there’s been a lot of professing about what Sturgis is or isn’t, and who it is or isn’t for. “It’s just a bunch of big wheel baggers.” “It’s not my scene.” “There’s nothing there for me.” Insert any number of other zero fun or legit excuses.

The Sturgis Buffalo Chip asked themselves, if you’re with the largest gathering of moto enthusiasts and music festival fans in the world and you can’t make a new scene or your own scene, whose fault is that, really?

If you want to do your thing, just start by getting your friends together and doing your thing. Don’t worry about who’s soiling their pants from flexing too hard down the street. So, that’s exactly what the Chip did… they soiled their pants with dirt at Camp Zero instead.

Camp Zero is where you can find hell raisers, wiener jokes and miles and miles of smiles.

Grab your favorite Coleman minibike and your best friend because the memory making parties are happening at Camp Zero, located in the northeast part of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip property. The iconic Zero Bar, an 80-year-old barn with a bar built inside and hosts your favorite bartender slinging the coldest bevs, is the epicenter for shenanigans and zero fun.

It’s the raddest place to set up home base.

Ride in and tent camp, rent one of our no-frills tipis or tents or bring your RV.

Camp Zero was built by a group of folks who wanted to ditch the preconceived notion of what the Sturgis Rally was and party like 1980s animals who love rad bikes and wild parties.

OGs like @DaymonWoodruff the Unsung Zero, Brady McClean from @GoFastDontDie, Big Joe Mielke from @SnapFabrications, Jason Lightner from the @TheGambler500, @pgarvin from J&P Cycles, @KellyYazdi from Ride Wild, @MotoLady Alicia Elfving and others all contributed to creating a space to push back against the perception that a motorcycle rally is filled with old men and big baggers who think that there is no room for riding anything else. This truly is the launch site for raising hell and rallying like the old days.

–By Ashley Eriksen

LADY RIDER OF THE WEEK—Biker Bethany

–Sam Burns
Associate Editor
Bikernet.com™

NORTHERN TOOL+ Equipment Announces First-Of-Its-Kind Rat Rod Kart Build-off with Release of New Engine

Two Minnesota high schools will spend a year building rat rod go-karts with the new NorthStar engine under the watchful eye of celebrity mentors Richard Petty and Billy Lane

Northern Tool + Equipment will celebrate the upcoming release of its all new NorthStar line of engines by announcing an exciting build-off in front of thousands of people at the Minnesota Street Rod Association Back to the 50’s event on June 23rd. Two Minnesota high schools will spend the next year constructing rat rod go-karts using 740cc NorthStar EFI engines under the watchful eye of mentors Richard Petty, a NASCAR legend, and celebrity motorcycle builder Billy Lane. The build-off is part of Northern Tool + Equipment’s Tools for the Trades™ program.

“Tools for the Trades™ is a great program, and it’s important for kids to know they have career options. This country will always need tradespeople to make and manufacture things,” said Petty. “The team at Petty’s Garage and I are excited to meet the students and help them with this build-off.”

The schools will each receive a new, cutting-edge NorthStar EFI engine. Later this year, multiple sizes of the engine, from 180cc to 825cc, including two new engines at 300cc and 420cc, will be used in NorthStar products and available for purchase at Northern Tool. Each school’s career and technical education program will also receive a donation of professional-grade tools and equipment, including air compressors and air-powered tools donated by Ingersoll Rand.

“Ingersoll Rand is excited to support these students with the opportunity to learn valuable skills by providing access to the same quality equipment used by professionals across the skilled trades,” added Kate Hartman, marketing leader at Ingersoll Rand.

The schools selected for this build-off, Minneapolis North and Lakeville North, will be able to provide students with invaluable hands-on experience through the project. The finished carts will also be custom pinstriped by renowned pinstriper Cliff Anderson, Jr, and the eight-month process will be featured on social media with progress narration by celebrity YouTuber Dylan McCool.

Finished carts will then be unveiled at the 50th Anniversary of Back to the ‘50s in 2024 and will be raced at Lane’s Sons of Speed® classic motorcycle racing series.

“It’s a thrill and an honor to be involved in teaching students these skills,” said Lane. “There are a lot of good ways to make a living, and this effort by Northern Tool + Equipment to expose students to the trades at a young age is critical.”

BIKERNET BIKE FEATURE OF THE WEEK–Owner: Zach Boxx

Fabrication: Zach Boxx
Motor: 89 883 Sportster
Frame: Paughco 4” stretch 40 degree rake

Front End: 12” Over Narrow Glide
Gas Tank: Throttle Addiction Frisco Wassell
Oil Tank: Paughco

Fender: Throttle Addiction Wassell
Wheel set up: 16” / 21” /Avon SM Tires

Bars: Throttle Addiction Rabbits

Exhaust: Custom Built – MCM exhaust tips

Paint: Zombie Shaun – Ohio

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™

BRINGING BACK MEMORIES—

It’s been well, maybe not 16 years but pretty damn close, but I finally did get divorced and sold my house and go figure met an amazing woman and found another house in Minnesota.

I was told that the banner needed to be put up, so now it’s in my garage above my girlfriend’s bike. Hoping things are going well you!

Respectfully

–David Florence

“Your new girl definitely has class!” –Bandit

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BILL INTRODUCED TO STOP CALIFORNIA’S CAR BAN

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

Overview: U.S. Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) introduced a SAN-supported bill (H.R. 1435) to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles. The “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act” was introduced in response to California’s plans to ban the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars and trucks in 2035 unless certain conditions are met.

If approved, H.R 1435 would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from allowing California’s Zero Emissions Vehicle regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines from taking effect.

–SEMA

BUILDER OF THE WEEK—Jeff Cochran of Speed Kings

–Sam Burns
Builder editor
Bikernet.com

Today, the Senate Public Safety Committee will hear Assembly Bill 1483, which expands California’s one-gun-per-month rationing scheme to also include private party transfers.

Please contact committee members and ask them to OPPOSE AB 1483.

Visit website and Take Action!
Thank you for taking action!

Yours in Freedom,

–Ken Lan
Communications Coordinator
NRA-ILA

THE HORSE RETURNS–

One of my favorite covers. Jesse’s shooter sent the 4×5’s and the cover shots all had guns? I called Jesse and said hey man what’s with the guns? Walmart don’t dig guns.

He said ya schmo we are The James Gang we gotta show guns hmmm
Ahhh Ok F it.

Let’s do it.

One of our best sellers.
–Geno

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2017 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide

Stock# 13873

URL: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=13952647

Special Touring with only 6473 Miles!

Every day at Lifestyle Cycles we come across more and more bikes that you would never think someone would ever part with but today we have a particular bike that cannot be found anywhere else but here! the 2017 FLTRXS Road Glide Special Touring in Hard Candy Red is one of the most sought out bikes and we have one in our inventory!

* This Paintjob is a very rare find, Hard Candy Red!
* LED Front Headlight and Turn Signals
* Chrome Engine Guard
* Polished Chrome Front End
* Powdercoated Black Front and Rear Rims
* Vance and Hines Oversized Raider 450 Slip-ons
* Rider Backrest
* Luggage rack
* 8 1/2-Inch Dark Smoke Windshield
* LOw, low, low miles that you will not find on another bike!

This bike is only $21,995

Plus license, $85.00 documentation fee, and local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like some dealers. And we have no reconditioning or prep fees.

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety/mechanical/structural inspection.

This motorcycle has not been refurbished and does not come with any warranty expressed or implied! EXTENDED WARRANTIES are available!

Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING

Lifestyle Cycles is located at 1510 State College Blvd,Anaheim,CA,92806. Open 7 days a week.

NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE SHIPPING AVAILABLE! Call today (714) 490-0155.

Huge selection of Street Glides, Road Glides, Road Kings, Ultras, Sportsters, Softails, Dynas, and much more!
We are California’s pre-owned Harley Mega-Store with over 200 Pre-Owned Harley-Davidsons in stock! To view our current inventory,

Please visit www.LifestyleCycles.com or www.facebook.com/LifestyleCyclesUsedHarleys/

–Richard Allstun
Marketing Director
Lifestyle Cycles
714.490.0155

FREEDOM RINGS–Wisconsin Legislature Passes Bill Supporting Internal Combustion Engines

Wisconsin passed SAN-supported legislation (A.B. 142) which would prevent any state or local government unit from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on the energy source used to power the motor vehicle, including internal combustion engines. A.B. 142 has passed both chambers and is now pending before Governor Tony Evers for final approval.

–SEMA

HERE’S A BLAST FROM THE PAST—

Buck created this magazine awhile back and he still has one. He’s still a master behind the lens in the Black Hills, shooting for Cycle Source, with a display of his works in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

–Buck Lovell
Lovell Photography & Design
B.L.A.B.B. (Buck Lovell’s American Biker Blog)
bucklovell@gmail.com / bucklovellsblog@gmail.com

Is there a Strange duality of X440 Engine ?

Hero MotoCorp working on Xtreme 440R; launch next year

Hero MotoCorp is going quite aggressively with its premium bike plans. The company is working on a new 440cc motorcycle planned for a 2024 launch.

Xtreme 440R and powered by the same engine seen on the soon-to-be-launched Harley Davidson X440. This new motorcycle will help the company take on brands like KTM, Royal Enfield and Husqvarna.

Premium segment growth has been consistently increasing, and with Hero’s strong foothold in the 100cc-110cc segments, it now wants to go aggressive in 200cc plus segments.

https://www.msn.com/en-in/autos/other/exclusive-hero-working-on-xtreme-440r-launch-next-year/ar-AA1cwaZd

— Wayfarer

[page break]

THE GLORIA STRUCK CONTROVERSY–

There are some major issues going on now because Gloria Struck is not being allowed to attend this year’s Motor Maids convention.

Seems she missed the dues deadline.
·
We want to take time to recognize the importance of Gloria’s accomplishments over the years, which occurred organically because of her love for motorcycling and her love of people.

Midwest Women Riders has been honored numerous times to have Gloria and her daughter Lori (who is fighting cancer and forgot to pay the dues) as special guest at Midwest Women Riders NFP GYGO and will ALWAYS be welcomed as she is part of our MWR family.

Icon•trailblazer•author•Sturgis Hall of Fame Inductee •Sturgis Lifetime Achievement Award•member of Motor Maids•AMA Hall of Fame Inductee•Living Legend•speaker•matriarch•gal pal & friend• Gloria Tramontin Struck will be turning 98 in July••a true inspiration to all.

WeLoveGloria
–Midwest Women Riders NFP

–from Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

“Two Hamsters volunteered to pay her dues.” –Bandit

BIKERNET.COM REVENUE CHALLENGE—

Almost every week Bikernet.com gets hit with requests to publish articles supporting various products unrelated to motorcycling and motorcyclists. Some examples would be cannabis goods, or online gambling entities. They even offer to pay us a sum of $100 for publishing their articles on Bikernet.com and leaving it there forever with links to their businesses.

Of course, we could use additional income, but we don’t like the notion of offering up space on Bikernet.com for products or services that have nothing to do with motorcycling lifestyle. We would much rather have our industry be represented for the very same fee.

So, we want you all to know that we will be happy to make that same offer to the chopper world. We will publish your tech or new product or service related articles on Bikernet.com with your photos, links and banner for a flat fee of $100. This article will be promoted on our award-winning Blog, and our growing social-media empire, and it will be ultimately archived on Bikernet forever, always working for you.

We are online for people and businesses such as you since 1996 and we will make it worth your while. Additionally, we throw in our editorial expertise and clipart gallery for your articles for free.

There you have it. We would much rather cover your products than a suspicious gambling cartel phishing on our turf.

— Bandit & the Bikernet Crew

TATTOO OF THE WEEK—This is the latest masterpiece from my Frank Ball Jr. in Venice, California.

He is truly a master, but what do I know. I’m just his gramps

–Bandit

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–Life in south Texas!

Do you remember these catalogs? Now I understand why no one really remembers, they ended in ‘81, but had a 10 year run. My roommate and I had 3 of the posters in our room and I have No pictures of any of them! Smoke accessories, posters, etc. Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers stuff, Zippy the Pinhead.

Two of the posters had secondary pictures painted into the main picture. I discovered what the style was called before the internet. Haven’t worded my searches right yet since, but the book I found seems the artist shared one thing, vitamin A, tripping, Are you experienced?

–RFR

RIDER SETS DISTANCE RECORD

Spanish Enduro Champion Iván Cervantes has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance ridden by one person on a motorcycle, by riding 4,012km (2,493 miles) in 24 hours on April 30, 2023 aboard his Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer.

The previous record, set at 3,406km (2,116 miles), was achieved by American rider Carl Reese on February 26, 2017, recording an average speed over 24 hours of 141.9kph (88.2mph). Cervantes’ record therefore extends the record by 606km (377 miles), and with an average speed of 167.8kph (104.3mph).

There was a total of 18 pitstops, around every 1.5hours, with 520-litres of fuel used.

When asked if he slept during the event, the five-time Enduro World Champion and Triumph Global Ambassador admitted: “Believe me I tried, but after 10 minutes I couldn’t sleep because of all the adrenaline inside my body.”

–Bill Bish

Read Bill’s complete legislative report for June on Bikernet in the next couple of days.
–Bandit

SPORTSTER HISTORY FROM THE LOWBROW LIBRARY–66 years and counting…

Stock, race bike, custom chopper… Sportsters have a long history of helping people go fast and have a good time.

“In 1957, Elvis Presley released the hit song “All Shook Up”, the first Frisbee was produced, and the Harley-Davidson Sportster was introduced.

Known as the XL series, the Sportster is still being produced today, and it retains its status of being…”

See the whole tamale on the Lowbrow website.

DIME BAG EMPIRE EXPANDS—

I’m prepping our new shop with fresh black paint around 3/4 of the upper section of walls. We got a lot of great ideas to commemorate route 66. Spending hours restoring the original door, so much history on route 66.

Got to use the gorilla wood filler kit to give the door a fresh look. Can you believe this building was a watchmakers shop in the ‘50s? Also, I’m looking to get an old school entertainment rack system with dual cassette and records.

Also started a new handmade chopper seat for a Panhead customer. These seats are all handmade with original art. They start at $350 for all leather seat, and $850 with custom art. Plus shipping. Call/text 309-262-9345 to order. Fits most custom hardtails and vintage Harley rigid frames.

–Adam Croft
President and Founder
Dime Bag leathers

NEW FROM SUPPORT GOOD TIMES—

SGT Til I Die Tshirt by artist @rotten.donut

— available in black or white with choice of front or back print.

Available worldwide at
SUPPORTGOODTIMES.COM

SUPPORT THE DAV–

It’s the middle of June — and that means we have just 15 days left in the Member Drive to 445! Can you help us reach our goal of 445 new members this month by joining our ranks today?

As a special thank-you gift, you’ll receive a FREE Bluetooth speaker when you become one of the first 445 new members to join!

DAV is a community of veterans helping veterans, and we rely on member support to keep us strong for the veterans of today and tomorrow. This FREE gift is to show our appreciation for helping ensure we can continue to be there for all veterans. And when you join today, you’ll also unlock the many amazing benefits and perks available to all DAV members.

Become a member of DAV today to start receiving the benefits you’ve earned through your service and add your voice to a community of more than 1 million veterans.

Join Now

“If you are a veteran, you need to join the DAV and stay engaged. I can’t tell you how much the DAV has done for me. It’s beyond incredible.” –Bandit

NEW FROM ROYAL ENFIELD–

E20-compliant Royal Enfield Classic 350 starts arriving at dealerships

This motorcycle is now E20 fuel-ready, which is a blend of 20 percent ethanol. Notably, the power and torque outputs remain unchanged, and the latest iteration of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 retains the 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that makes 20.2bhp at 6,100rpm and 27Nm at 4,000rpm.

Royal Enfield has revised the prices of the motorcycle, and it is now available from Rs.193,080 as against the Rs.190,092 previously.

Full story at:
https://www.msn.com/en-in/autos/news/e20-compliant-royal-enfield-classic-350-starts-arriving-at-dealerships/ar-AA1ch9PG

Harley Davidson X440 could be the most affordable HD ever, launching in July 2023

News has been trickling through around the new Harley Davidson X440 which has been developed in conjunction with Hero MotoCorp. After a slew of spy shots, the company has released these images, giving us a clear view of the new motorcycle.

The X440 will take on the retro cruiser segment dominated by the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Royal Enfield Meteor 350. More than the Classic, it is the Meteor that is at threat from this new Harley. The X440 features a classic Harley Roadster design.

Full story at:
https://www.msn.com/en-in/autos/news/harley-davidson-x440-could-be-the-most-affordable-hd-ever-launching-in-july-2023/ar-AA1ctOH0

Wayfarer’s Note: If you recall, Hero MotoCorp is the exclusive dealer and service provider for Harley-Davidson motorcycles in India since the American company shut offices and left India overnight in 2020 strategy change. As regards, X440, will anyone accept this “poor man’s Harley-Davidson” is anybody’s guess. Meanwhile Triumph is chasing deadlines with Bajaj India to launch a “poor man’s Triumph”.

India sells more two-wheelers than China making it the number one consumer and market for motorcycles and scooters. Many car manufacturers are launching larger sedans and SUVs to profit from the robust economy of the Asian nation. Demand for Electric two-wheelers and four-wheelers has sustained despite limited infrastructure for the same. Public transport in some cities are soliciting electric bus tenders.

–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

MRF REP HITS THE ROAD—

I’m riding to Alaska starting this Friday morning. We’ll be back in Colorado around the 12th of July. We’re looking at about an 8,000 mile ride, going up through Wyoming, Montana, and Alberta to catch the Alcan Highway (Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Fairbanks, Alaska) and coming back on the Cassiar Highway southbound through BC. Got a new set of tires and did an oil change on my Indian Challenger today. It’s gonna be one for the books!

I’ll be checking email / texts periodically. We’ll be riding across a lot of wide-open spaces in Canada and Alaska, so I might not be able to answer quickly but I will when I can.

Hope all of you have a great summer doing what we all love best.

Gas ‘em up and eat bugs!

–Mark Buckner
MRF Rep
Colorado

STRANGE DAYS—It’s sunny and almost in the 80s one day and cool and rainy the next. I asked someone recently about the season’s emotional impact. She just shook her head in terror. Even today, the mercurial madness is blossoming in the Black Hills. I’ll check my weapons and whiskey supply.

A friend passed a couple of months ago and his wife is trying to hold the fort down. Irish Rich and I are trying to get Mike’s bike back on the road, so at least Vickie can go for a ride.

It’s the last year of the Shovelhead. I fixed the clutch hub and Rich is going to switch it back from a jockey to a stock foot-shift. We hauled the Shovel over to Rich’s shop in Sturgis. I need to find some parts. I will work on that today.

I received elements for a 1913 H-D twin from Billy Lane this week. I took the shit to Lonnie Isam, who is a mover and Sturgis Shaker since the mid ‘90s. He’s also a master of early Harleys and has some of the elements I need to make the engine complete.

I built a plank from one of our moving crates. You know, when someone needs to walk the plank… It should lead to a shallow grave.

I’m tinkering with my UL, prepping it for a photo shoot for Choppers Mag. I adjusted the rear fender, shortened the drive chain and adjusted the brake. It’s just about ready.

We are working on scrutineering issues with the Salt Torpedo. I ordered a battery shut-off switch, jumper connections, etc.

Atomic Bob handled my VL, XA, FL Knuck project concept illustration. I had it framed at the Scott Jacobs Gallery. It found its place in my office. I’m getting close to final welding.

Picking up our Bonneville Torpedo trailer tomorrow, E-brakes connected. Rock and roll.

The guys at the antique bike shop faced leaking Knucklehead petcocks from Tedd’s cycle. I pointed out this solid brass one from McMasters Carr. I’m having good luck with it.

Paul Cox said my primary drive is shipping out this week. Can’t wait.

Stay in the wind and stay free!

–Bandit

Action is starting to pop

Hey,

Shit’s happening everywhere. Action is happening all over the country from the Black Hills to Born Free in Califa.

Gotta wrap it up quick, shit to do.

Bros are rolling into the Black Hills like crazy, maybe they will stay or move onto Milwaukee for the anniversary. Hell, even Willie is planning for Biketoberfest.

Stay in the wind and stay free!

–Bandit

Click Here to read this week’s news only on Bikernet.com

* * * * * * * *

We bring the motorcycling community together. Join us. Subscribe today! Click for a Test Drive.

At 6:00 AM on Sunday, May 28th I woke up to a crisp radiant morning in the eye of a swirling cold snap. Just 100 miles south of bustling Indianapolis, it took just a few moments to make a seismic shift to a mental, full-on party mode. Under dire deadline pressure, I prepped for the run on my Sporty, to see the Greatest spectacle in Racing, the Indy 500.

As I readied to swing a leg over the narrow Le Pera seat, I realized the icy brisk morning might freeze my bejeezus off. I jammed back into the disheveled pad to grab my dusty Bandit’s 5-Ball Racing Leather Bedroll. It’s saved my ass more than once.

Bandit designed it with a Western bedroll motif in mind but made it far more functional. Might be blistering in the stadium once the sun blasted it’s shimmering ways into mid-day, so I tossed in a set of sandals, light threads and chow, open-finger gloves, a first aid kit and a tool kit. It comes with an exterior tool flap and a pocket for duct tape and bailing wire.

I slipped on my merino wool hoodie, 5-Ball Racing, thick leather Flat-Out vest and deer-skin Grifter gauntlet gloves. I loaded up the Bedroll, end-pockets with a brake rotor lock, aspirin, sun screen, the best cannabis products and a AAA card in case I got stoned and lost.

I used Velcro straps to secure the Leather Bedroll to the Ape hangers, but it also works well strapped over a rear fender, like behind a saddle in the old west. I could now ride comfortably on the run home with all my warm, outer gear stuffed into the Bedroll.

I love Bandit’s Leather Bedroll because it acts as a fairing. It cuts the wind by…. 50% say, and it makes a difference at 70-80mph. Plus the 7-inch diameter roll provides plenty of space and it looks good on the sled.

The bag features include:

• Tool flap and parts pocket
• Two zippered end pockets
• Shoulder Strap
• Hand carry strap

South of the city and blasting North on Interstate 65 into Indianapolis, time ran out. The 38th Street turn-off, backed up for miles prevented my entrance. I shifted gears, peeled to the next exit and found it deserted.

I snaked through the back streets and arrived at the rendezvous point in Speedway, Indiana, just in the nick of time, maybe.

I flash of orange distracted my dark shaded eyes and a harried, confused Robin flew into my single CNC machined aluminum headlight. The nacelle, razor sharp cleaved the bird in two, like slicing a mallard for dinner. Half of the bird splintered into the forks and the other half bounced off the pillow-soft Bedroll and popped out the other side of the bike.

I skidded to an abrupt stop at the next light. Thinking to myself, if this is any inclination of race day 2023, I’d better double-up on alcoholic drinks.

At this race, you’re allowed your own adult beverages, amazing. Once inside the track, I broke out the Fireball. We yelled a few chants, perhaps at the racers or at the sweet whiskey and took another shot. We survived the ride in, the crowds and the wild life. It was time to break up and head to our respective seats.

I popped a Delta 8 gummy. They’ve replaced alcohol for me and eliminated next morning hangovers. They are more mood enhancing than party time.

Out on the track, Josef Newgarden took the historic win. The last bit was wild. The annual race interrupted by three red flags in the closing 20 laps.

I got an adrenaline kick with only 7 laps to go. Racer Pato O’Ward made a daring move right in front of my grandstands, against last year’s race winner Marcus Ericsson. O’ Ward’s number 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet lost grip in the corner because Ericsson doesn’t give any room in the turns.

With a crash and deep-in-your-chest thud, O’Ward spun out, slamming into the turn 3 wall. But it didn’t stop there. Rookie, Agustin Canapino ran into the back of O’Ward’s car, sending the No. 78 over the top of O’Ward’s left rear tire.

Everyone walked away but O’Ward was in position to take the win for McLaren. What a shame.

After the race, I packed my shit and headed to the Sporty. Somewhere in town a girl waited. Fortunately, I packed for the amorous occasion with more gummies and well-wrapped bottle of Lost Soul Cabernet Sauvignon…

Hang on!

A Few Good Men needed for A Fistful of Dollars !
Editorial from Bikernet.com on online revenue and opportunities for your small business.

Almost every week Bikernet.com gets hit with requests to publish articles supporting various products unrelated to motorcycling and motorcyclists. Some examples would be cannabis goods, or online gambling entities. They even offer to pay us a sum of $100 for publishing their articles on Bikernet.com and leaving it there forever with links to their businesses.

Of course, we could use additional income, but we don’t like the notion of offering up space on Bikernet.com for products or services that have nothing to do with motorcycling lifestyle. We would much rather have our industry be represented for the very same fee.

So, we want you all to know that we will be happy to make that same offer to the chopper world. We will publish your tech or new product or service related articles on Bikernet.com with your photos, links and banner for a flat fee of $100. This article will be promoted on our award-winning Blog, and our growing social-media empire, and it will be ultimately archived on Bikernet forever, always working for you.

We are online for people and businesses such as you since 1996 and we will make it worth your while. Additionally, we throw in our editorial expertise and clipart gallery for your articles for free.

There you have it. We would much rather cover your products than a suspicious gambling cartel phishing on our turf.

— Bandit & the Bikernet Crew

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

The Bad Deal All Around
by Rhys

Woke up on a warm sunny day for early spring. Prepared for a shop run to check on my ‘49 Pan project: Rigid frame with performance gussets and a Coffin tank mounted high, with brown ribbons over metalflake paint. A girder front end was on order. A wild departure from my first bike, an old rat Triumph Tiger with an Indian blanket for a seat.

The phone rang, bad news. Break-in at the shop, everything down to the paint compressor taken. The builder feared for his life, fled to the west coast. I guessed it was a deal gone bad, perhaps drugs.

The comforting, warm, spring day suddenly turned cloudy and dark.

* * * * * * * *

Yup, its a weekly contest open to all. Just sign up for the free weekly newsletter by clicking here.

Then email us your 100 word limit fiction to the editor wayfarer@bikernet.com

Men. And when I say men, I mean real men; not the man bun and panty wearing, pole smoking, Prius driving crowd. Men, are historically, by nature, Conservative. Capitalists, anti abortion, anti gay, pro religion, pro common sense. Men think with their brains. Women think with their emotions and hormones. Almost ALL stupid liberal things, have women at the base of them. America rocked on just fine through the 50’s…  Then birth control and the Gloria Steinems and the Ruth Ginsbergs and the Hillary Clintons showed up, and we have been a clusterfuck of social adjustments ever since. For the same reason there has never been a 2,500 member 70 year old women’s MC… there has been nothing but drama in politics ever since the vaginas showed up, because women are petty bleeding heart idiots who suck at leadership. 

 If women were never allowed a political voice, there would be no such thing as pride month. You sure as fuck ain’t gonna see a  bunch of Hells Angels and truckers and farmers posting rainbows and going to drag shows….  At least not until their wives nag them to the point of doing it to shut them up. Case in point, I would bet my Harley it wasn’t the men in the MRF who decided to hire drag queens to perform at Meeting of the Minds. I mean, even brain dead Budweiser thought it would be a good idea to make Harley-Davidson beer cans in an attempt to counteract the Dylan Mulvaney mess. But, to appease the ol’ ladies… men, even bikers, are feigning tolerance until it becomes the normal. The same way Christians are laying down when it comes to the tonsil jockeys stealing the rainbow that has historically represented God’s promise to Noah. 

 There are reasons i think women are stupid about gay men. They have been brainwashed by people who know how to pull the apron strings that connect to their ovaries. 

First, they were taught to fear penises. Gay men won’t try to fuck them. They can flirt and cajole and talk nasty and date them without jeopardizing, usually, the men they do fuck who are paying most of the bills. That first tampon string connects straight to their sense of safety. 
 
Then, the gay men no longer look like Rock Hudson, and other gay men from back when your sexuality was kept discreet. These days they all wear little ponytails and pink and rainbows.. and children’s clothes are made in the same fashion.. so it triggers those uteruses to want to protect and breastfeed the poor wittle picked on girly boys.

All this mess about drag library time and child friendly drag shows, they always claim they aren’t really grooming the children. By and large, they are kinda telling the truth about that. They are brainwashing the children, and grooming the adults. I can’t tell you how many people I know who used to be Christian Conservatives who were staunchly against all of it, but now are all wishy washy, and say ‘It’s okay because someone in my family is one.’ Well, that isn’t true. What is right or wrong isn’t decided because of what your family is doing. The ones who aren’t pedophiles are actually using passive aggressive forced acceptance by exploiting a family’s love for the kids that are being taught to be drag queens. They know you love your kid so much you will accept them even if they grow up to be an axe murderer.. and they are using that to further their agenda.

Then, they have gayed up Jesus with all the love everybody hippie crap, and wrapped him in a pretty rainbow bow. So , all these fickle minded women have been subliminally taught to connect goodness and holiness to effiminate men due to the vastly incorrect stereotype of Christ, and the intentional subliminal connection made by the use of the rainbow.
 
Then, women have all been fed this whole adopt don’t shop, humans don’t own animals, furbaby bullshit.. and ‘Lizzo is beautiful’ bullshit, and all the other woke bullshit…  until their tiny little female brains have been filled with faux acceptance of whatever the fuck creeps out of the woodwork. 

And finally, there is an inborn curiosity in women so powerful that they spy on emails, cell phones, and any other resource they can find to get in a man’s head. So, they also secretly think they are gonna find out secret shit about men that gives them control; from what they are thinking to how to suck cock better. Women just constantly are trying to find out what men are doing. They mistakenly think they will learn how to delve into men’s mindset, by befriending all these cocksuckers. 
 
I know this will piss off a lot of people. But I don’t care. Literally since Eve ate that apple, ever since Lot’s wife became the Morton salt girl… women have been vulnerable to sneaky shit that eventually turns men’s paradise into a wicked, wicked world…. and as we know, history always repeats itself.
 
–The Wicked Bitch

Gettysburg Bike Week 2023 Celebrates All Things Motorcycle with Thrilling Events, Non-Stop Activities, and Live Music by Night Ranger and Ace Frehley, This July 6th -9th

Gettysburg,PA (June 10th, 2023) Get ready for the rumble of engines and the roar of excitement as Gettysburg Bike Week returns for its annual celebration of motorcycle culture. From July 6th through July 9th, 2023 motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country will gather in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for an action-packed event filled with Live Music, Bikes Shows, Tattoo Contest, and much more!

Gettysburg Bike Week is a premier motorcycle rally that has become a must-attend event for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. With its scenic location and rich historical significance, Gettysburg provides the perfect backdrop for a four-day celebration of all things motorcycle-related.

The event kicks off at the Allstar Event Complex with non-stop action throughout the weekend. Attendees can explore a vast vendor area offering a wide array of motorcycle parts, accessories, and apparel; along with enjoying delicious food from local vendors and engaging with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. This event also features the always-anticipated Antique Bike Show, The Third Annual Jeremy Plank Memorial Ride, and The Moto Motion Stunt Show. There is something for everyone at the Gettysburg Bike Week 2023 and new for this year is additional asphalt parking and vendor areas!

One of the highlights of Gettysburg Bike Week is the live music lineup! “We just keep rolling,” says GBW event coordinator Kelly Shue. “We’re always trying to top the year before, and we’re giving it a run with this years Friday and Saturday headliners: Night Ranger and Ace Frehley!”

Gettysburg Bike Week goers can look forward to Friday night’s musical main event as one of the most famous lead guitarists in the world, Ace Frehley, who played for one of the most successful rock bands in history, will come out and rock on stage! As a self-taught musician, Ace Frehley became known to the world over as the lead guitar player for mega rock band KISS, but he’s also enjoyed a storied solo career and released albums on his own that have gone platinum.

One of the premier arena rock bands of the ’80s, Night Ranger, has for decades delivered hit after hit and enthralled thousands with their live shows around the world and will perform on the main stage Saturday night! The band will bring its energetic brand of glam rock to the Gettysburg Bike Week Main Stage as Saturday night headliners, playing a mix of new tunes and classics like “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “Sister Christian.”

There is always something happening at Gettysburg Bike Week, ensuring non-stop excitement throughout the event. We are thrilled to welcome motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country to Gettysburg Bike Week 2023. Attendees can kick back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of talented musicians while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. More live music acts are in the works and will be announced as they’re booked.

And, of course, no rally would be complete without great riding, and Gettysburg has some of the best. Whether riders want to see historic battlegrounds or just hit the road for a great cruise, hundreds of miles of the best riding in the East surrounds Gettysburg. In addition to fantastic solo riding, Gettysburg Bike Week 2023 also features awesome group rides.

Tickets for Gettysburg Bike Week’s 23rd Anniversary Rally can be purchased here.

New and returning riders can find updates, schedules of events, lodging information, passes, and anything they ever needed to know about Eastern Pennsylvania’s definitive motorcycle rally Gettysburg Bike Week by visiting https://www.gettysburgbikeweek.com/. Follow GBW Twitter: @GburgBikeWk.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gear up to ride to your favorite Motorcycling Events – Click Here to view the all-new 5-Ball Racing Shop

https://5-ballgarage.com/

Hunter Thompson once wrote a novel called Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas. Journalists love it: it’s a litany of stupidity and ignorance and behavior asking for a fist in the face. Journalists can totally relate.

Why Las Vegas is dragged into it at all is an insight into Hunter’s brain: Las Vegas bases its existence and success on the premise that life is fun. Fun for Thompson was being annoying to people.

Thompson was allowed to be an annoying presence with the Hells Angels for a while because Sonny Barger, an unappreciated mega genius in understanding others and knowing how to surround himself with people just as sharp as he was, saw that Thompson was useful: a depressed moron with a Jack Kerouac destiny who would make the Hells Angels part of a best seller.

Hunter Thompson did not present the Hells Angels as glowing role models for others to emulate. That was fine with the Hells Angels. They don’t want to be role models. They want to be left alone. They did beat him up but not because of anything he wrote. He interfered with a domestic dispute.

I’m guessing he laid hands on a Hells Angel. If there are other Hells Angels around and you do this, they beat you up first and then decide if you had it coming later. If you didn’t have it coming….you still got beat up. Maybe you’ll get an apology! But you still got beat up. And you will again if you do whatever you did again. You get beat up….you have a sit-down later.

Unlike how the Mafia operates: there’s a sit down first. THEN you get beat up if it doesn’t go well. We’re looking at two different ways of doing things. Getting back to Las Vegas, only Hunter Thompson would drag the most upbeat place on earth into his idiotic well-written shit-show of useless, pointless, drug-addled homeless-level idea of how to spend your time there.

NATURALLY it was hailed as a brilliant analysis of normal American life by the “critics.” “Literary Criticism” is a category of Failed Novelist who goes into journalism after he realizes writing fiction that’s INTERESTING is hard. Much easier to become a “news” writer where you can interject bits of fiction into something someone else did or said.

–J.J. Solari

 

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

image courtesy Motoblogn

Lane Splitting for Life
by Bandit

She called during rush hour in Phoenix. Hot enough to melt asphalt, Mudd straddled his Dyna and slid into traffic.

Had to get to his pregnant girl on time. Only one thing to do, twist his throttle to the stops. Lane splitting still wasn’t legal.

Mudd didn’t care, as he tore between frustrated, honking drivers. Taking out a sideview mirror, he nearly went down. Police sirens blared. Angry motorists cut him off. An accident ahead stopped all movement. He kept his throttle pegged as he darted onto the Highway winding into Scottsdale. He squinted against the glare, braked, screamed, screeched but made it in the nick of time.

* * * * * * * *

Yup, its a weekly contest open to all. Just sign up for the free weekly newsletter by clicking here.

Then email us your 100 word limit fiction to the editor wayfarer@bikernet.com