Yup, it’s that time of the year. You are finally celebrating it since you rarely got to see any all year.

Apparently today is also 75th World Health Day by WHO (World Health Organization). In 1948, the WHO held the First World Health Assembly. The Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year, with effect from 1950, as the World Health Day. International Beaver Day is annually celebrated on April 7. Beavers Wetlands & Wildlife (B.W.W. ), a non-profit organisation with members in the United States, Canada, and other countries, created the holiday in 2009.

1. What did the beaver say when it saw it’s home on fire? Dam!
2. What did the beaver say to the tree? It’s been nice gnawing you
3. What did the beaver say when he slipped in water? Damn it!
4. Did you watch that Beaver Documentary? It was the Best Dam Show!
5. What do you call a lazy beaver? A beaver that doesn’t give a dam.
6. Why did the beaver need an alarm clock? It was too dam early.
7. What did the sign for the party for beavers say? Beaver or be square.
8. What is a beaver’s favorite snack? Wood chips.
9. Where do beavers sleep? On a river bed.
10. What did a river say when seeing beavers for the first time? Well I’ll be dammed!
11. What does a French beaver call his dam? Ma’dame.
12. Where do beavers keep their money? They keep it in the riverbank.
13. Why are beavers always happy? They don’t give a dam.
14. Why are beavers so good at maths? They love log-arithms.
15. Did you hear about the beaver who learned to code? It was the best dam program ever made
16. Someone once challenged me to tell a joke about beavers. I said dam, I can’t .
17. What did one beaver say to the other beaver when he fell in the river? Dammit
18. Who do Beavers get a lot of flak for building their shelters and blocking water ways? They are Damed if they do, and Damned if they don’t.
19. Why was the beaver mad? because no one came to his damn party
20. Hey girl, are you a beaver? Cause damn.
21. I should start making friends with beavers They always seem to give a dam
22. The hipster beaver refused to swim in the river He said it was too mainstream.
23. What did the beaver say to the river? You can run but can’t tide.
24. What did the ocean say to the beaver? Nothing, it just waved.
25. What did the beaver say to the scout who tried to recruit him? Your offer is too dam low.
26. Why did the beaver need an alarm clock? It was too dam early.
27. How do beavers make a bouncy dam? They use spring water.
28. How did the beaver build the insides of a dam using logs? He logged in
29. A beaver walks into a bar and the bartender asks: You want a drink? To which the beaver replied ‘GNAW.
30. I saw a beaver movie last night it was the best dam movie I’ve ever seen.
31. Who’s beaver’s favorite pop singer? Justin Beaver.
32. What did the male beaver say to the female beaver when she said she wanted him to build something nice for her? “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a dam.”
33. What’s the worst part about being a beaver? It’s a lot of dam work.
34. Why do beavers make the best neighbors? Because they mind their own dam business.
35. Knock knock! Whose there? Beaver! Beaver who? Be-very-quite, I’m hiding.
36. Why don’t you ever find beavers at sea? They don’t have much gnaw-tical experience.
37. Why did the beaver get in trouble? Illegal streaming
38. Why was the beaver so chill? He was just going with the flow
39. What did the river say to the beaver? Nothing, it just waved!
40. Why was the beaver too cool for the river? It was too mainstream
41. What do beavers like to put on their salads? Branch dressing.
42. Do you know why the beaver was found guilty? Because the prosecutor had damming evidence.
43. My Dutch guinea pigs want to become beavers. They’re building a Hamsterdam.
44. What did the sign for the party for beavers say? Beaver or be square
45. How does a beaver get online? He logs in
46. What is a beaver’s favourite rap artist? Timber-land
47. What does beaver chili taste like? Like a normal chili, but little otter
48. What is a beaver’s most favorite drama series ever? Riverdale
49. What did the river ask the beaver? Water you doing today?
50. Why was the beaver not arrested when he jumped into the Nile? Because he was juve’niles

SHARE YOUR OWN — VISIT BIKERNET’s OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/bikernetbiker

Hey,

As you know, we’re living in very strange times. Unfortunately, so many of our issues revolve around the very backbone premise of our country, truth and free speech.

So, hang on. Bikers have made a difference in the past. Let’s see what a bunch of grubby bikers can do now. The news contains it all.

Let’s hit it:

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

YOUR FREEDOM IS UNDER ATTACK—NMA Newsletter

If there was any doubt before, now we have a clear indication that the WAR ON CARS is real –and it’s being waged at the highest levels of society by authoritarian culture warriors. These tyrannical elitists seek to eliminate our freedom to travel where we want, when we want, and how we want by impairing our ability to use our personal vehicles. While often promoted as “safety” measures, this campaign to “get people out of their cars” is, in actuality, a crusade against a middle-class lifestyle represented by single-family homes and automobiles.

Prompted by their cataclysmic view of climate change requiring a drastic reduction in carbon emissions, cars are activists’ favored target to reduce greenhouse gasses. Their “solutions” would mostly lead to a diminution of our standard of living and curtailment of our personal liberties. And those hurt the most will be the poorest among us, those disproportionately affected by traffic fines and often forced to travel longer distances to jobs and educational opportunities.

The “Paradise” of these collectivists’ dreams is the “15 Minute City”, a dense urban prison where everyone travels by bicycle or government-run transportation systems –and never ventures more than a few miles from home.

The War on Cars takes many different forms:

Vision Zero: Both an ideology and an organization based on the belief that we can make roadways so safe that no one ever dies in an automobile accident. Numerous U.S. cities have adopted Vision Zero as an official policy. Yet it has failed almost everywhere it has been tried. The original target date for zero deaths was 2018, then 2020, then 2025. It has now been pushed to 2040 – far enough in the future that the lack of progress and failure in policy is impossible to demonstrate. Of course, the logical conclusion to this ideology is that society must eliminate or severely curtail all motorized travel, starting with personal automobiles.

20 is Plenty: A policy that cars shouldn’t be allowed to go faster than 20 mph in urban areas –because at higher speeds, fatalities will occur if a vehicle hits a “vulnerable road user” like a pedestrian or bicyclist. In other words, 20 mph is plenty fast enough for you to drive. The 20 is Plenty policy has been implemented in many European cities and is now starting to roll out in the U.S.

Arbitrarily Lowering Speed Limits: It is well-documented that the number on the speed limit sign has little effect on travel speeds. Rather, it’s the design of the roadway that determines at what speed people feel comfortable driving. Traditionally, speed limits have been set at or near the speed 85% of reasonable drivers don’t exceed. This practice ensures that we don’t criminalize the behavior of the majority of otherwise safe drivers. But now, a movement is sweeping the country to eliminate this standard and set speed limits at whatever speed “feels right” for those vulnerable road users.

The USDOT’s “National Roadway Safety Strategy” sets a target date of 2024 to “Revise FHWA guidance and regulations to … [encourage] the setting of context-appropriate speed limits…” That means speed limits no longer must be rational. Instead, more arbitrary and politically motivated methods will be used. The $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law in 2021 provides funding to local jurisdictions to enforce those unrealistic speed limits with automated ticketing cameras.

The consequence will be that the majority of otherwise law-abiding drivers will unintentionally become violators. For the anti-car fanatics, this is a deliberate feature of these policies. They’re eager to criminalize the act of driving, and arbitrarily lower speed limits enforced by automated ticketing cameras is their back-door way of achieving this goal.

Expanded Use of Automated Ticketing

Cameras: Anti-car extremists love these ticketing machines because they can penalize drivers for the most insignificant violations, such as driving a few miles per hour faster than an arbitrarily lowered speed limit or making a slow rolling-right-turn at 2 am when no one is around. Activists tout automated enforcement as a way to increase equity since cameras supposedly can’t racially profile. Yet, studies have shown that poor and marginalized communities are the ones often targeted by ticketing cameras. And their residents are the ones least able to afford the billions of dollars in fines that follow from these policies.

Complete Streets (aka Road Diets): Although over 90% of workers commute by auto, anti-car activists believe we dedicate too much roadway to automobiles. In their view, “equity” dictates that we reserve an equal amount of roadway space for other users, especially bicyclists. Many cities are removing half the number of car lanes on high-volume roadways and dedicating that space to bicycle lanes –notwithstanding that bicyclists are as rare as unicorns in many locations. These policies have created massive traffic jams and lost travel time. But again, for the fanatics, this is a feature, not a bug. For them, using the personal automobile is too fast and convenient, so we must impair their use to equalize travel times compared to bikes and mass transit. Think of it as roadway socialism.

Eliminating Parking: If you eliminate parking, people will give up their cars in favor of bikes and buses, and the world will be a better place. Many university urban planning courses teach this dogma as part of the “New Urbanism” of densification and elimination of suburban sprawl. The curriculum even fosters the foolish notion that cities should remove parking at transit stations so commuters can’t drive their cars to access trains and buses. Abolishing parking is a significant feature of the 15 Minute City.

Eliminating Right Turn on Red: The Washington D.C. City Council recently voted unanimously to impose a citywide ban on right-turn-on-red. Officials in Austin, TX, Berkeley, CA, and Cambridge, MA, are also exploring a prohibition on right turns at red signals. And the movement is growing throughout the U.S. If this crusade isn’t stopped now, in just a few short years, we could all be forced to idle needlessly at red lights, adding precious extra minutes to each trip’s travel time.

These two articles sum up the anti-car (motorcycle) ideology perfectly:

Cars are killing us. Within 10 years, we must phase them out

Cars Are Death Machines. Self-Driving Tech Won’t Change That.

What used to be a fringe ideology has taken root in our mainstream institutions, from the Federal Highway Authority and NTSB down to local government. It has infected the organizations that make and recommend public policy, such as the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and university research facilities. The World Economic Forum heavily promotes this ideology. Whether you know it or not, it is coming to your city and neighborhood.

The invention of the personal automobile has been a primary factor in the human flourishing and massive increase in our standard of living, which has occurred over the last century. It has allowed humans to thrive in ways never before imagined in the history of the world. It has freed up our time to pursue economic and leisure activity, spurred amazing innovation, and allowed us to experience life in new and unique ways.

But we could easily lose all these benefits if we’re not vigilant.

With a renewed sense of purpose and vigor, the National Motorists Association is formulating a strategy to fight back against these anti-human policies and protect our freedom to travel. In the months ahead, we’ll share these plans and may ask for your assistance. In the meantime, if you still need to renew your membership, now is the time. And if your membership is current, consider gifting a membership to a like-minded friend or relative. If we are going to win this war, AND WE MUST WIN, we need an army – and that army is formed one driver at a time.

–By Jay Beeber, Director of Policy & Research, National Motorists Association
NMA

Join Supporting – National Motorists Association

Bikernet Blog !!! What Is It Good For ???

Absolutely Something !

We are aware of the concept of blogs. It mostly consists of trending news from all over the place on a specific topic or subject. Well, the Bikernet Blog revolves around two prominent subjects — the Bikernet.com website and the motorcycling industry.

Irrespective of how often you visit Bikernet.com or if you prefer our Official Facebook Page for staying connected, the Bikernet Blog has something unique to offer to you. It is the hub that connects the many spokes that makes the Bikernet machine run and race ahead of the rest.

Facebook is useful aspect of modern content-driven websites because it proactively pushes content and delivers notifications for new content. However, Bikernet Blog has an easier on the eye option. If you are a true-blue biker and don’t stare at a smart phone all day, you probably have few days in the week to catch-up with the rest of the pack riding wild and free.

Bikernet Blog offers the unique free weekly newsletter, a mechanism to email you the summary of what happened on Bikernet.com in the past 7 days.

So, suppose you cannot regularly check the Bikernet.com website, and you are not a Facebook person and have too many bookmarks to note down the Blog, if you simply only check your emails, then once a week, you will receive the entire gamut of motorcycling freedom and lifestyle by subscribing to the Free (I repeat, FREE) Bikernet Weekly Newsletter.

It’s like getting a magazine, with no expense and no effort. All the significant happenings that you need to know while riding your bike is right there in your inbox.

Still have queries or doubts? No sales pitches, no pop-up, no nagging to buy or click any damned thing. Try it, you can unsubscribe anytime from within the email newsletter.

So, visit https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/feedburner.aspx

Discover the news you can use. Never miss the buzz while making a beeline. Follow Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter to get latest Motorcycling news, updates, reviews, tech, tips, & lot of fun.

Click here & take a test ride.

Stay updated, stay ahead of the curve…with Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter

–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

COMING FROM THE GREASYKULTURE–At last, the story we’ve been waiting to bring you!

As soon as we saw Dave Polgreen roll his ’56 Harley KHK onto the grass at Born Free last summer, we knew we wanted to do a big feature on it! Dreamy paint by The Harpoon, mono-shock on a beefed-up swing arm, mirror-polished engine; this thing is wild! And then, for various reasons – all explained in the article – we had to wait eight months before our man Mark Kawakami could finally snap some beautiful images for the magazine.

And here they are, in issue 92. Don’t miss this one!

Subscribe today and get a magazine on your doormat every two months for a year – no more grrrr when we sell out – and you’ll pay less too! Just £39 (plus postage to you, wherever in the world you are) for SIX issues over 12 months.

BUY A SUBSCRIPTION

CRUSHING DEFEAT!—

Last Sunday’s “Berlin Climate Neutrality By 2030” referendum failed resoundingly despite the more than a million euros spent in a massive run-up campaign that included plastering the city with posters, concerts by famous performers, huge support and propaganda by the media and hefty donations coming from left wing activists from the east and west coasts of USA.

Once the dust of the referendum had settled, it emerged that the “yes” side fell way short of the quorum 608,000 votes needed to pass the measure. Only 442,210 cast a vote in favor, which represents only 18% of Berlin’s eligible voters. The activists expected a far greater turnout. 82% refused to lend any support.

Berlin’s rejection of the climate neutrality by 2030 mandate is a massive body blow to the the radical Fridays for Future and Last Generation movement in Germany, and it will take months for the radicals to recover, if ever, from this setback.

The Berlin initiative to make the city climate neutral by 2030 was led by rich, upper class youths like Luisa “Longhaul” Neubauer. But Berliners, having been harassed for months by activists gluing themselves to the streets and blocking traffic, saw the folly of the initiative and the high costs it would entail politically and financially. They decided resoundingly they’d wanted no part of it.

–Watt’s Up with That.com

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!– Graffiti By Cyril Huze

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

I have this motorcycle in my garage. Needs a new battery. Can’t wait to ger her fired up. Gorgeous Piece.

— Tim lynch
New Smyrna Beach
FL

New Arizona Adventure Rally & Camp in Tucson Joins California ADV Rally

Registration is Now Open

A brand new Arizona Adventure Rally & Camp in Tucson for adventure motorcycle riders and enthusiasts will debut this fall, joining the well-established and continually-growing ADV Rally in Julian, California, as part of a two-event series for 2023. The Arizona Adventure Rally is set for November 30 through December 2 at Triangle T Guest Ranch, with the California edition at Stagecoach Trails Resort scheduled for November 2-4.

New this year, a two-event package will be offered for participants who take part in the brand new Arizona ADV Rally and the California ADV Rally. Attendees who sign up for both, will receive a 25% discount on registration for both events. The package deal will be offered until October 27th, 2023.

Registration for the 2023 Adventure Rally & Camp is now open and can be completed online at www.advrally.com. Participants can save money by registering before the early-bird discount ends, July 1, 2023.

Both Adventure Rally events will feature a wide array of opportunities for riders to test their skill and diversity in a location that is filled with discovery for adventure motorcyclists.

Adventure Rally & Camp is about riders honing their skills and pushing themselves to new limits. The two separate weekends will offer educational seminars from industry experts, the legendary scavenger hunt challenge with over 100 POIs, show pricing from moto exhibitors on the latest equipment and gear, and a chance to take home the series ADV Cup, determined by points earned at both events.

Whether participants are beginners or a seasoned pro, there will be training courses from riding legends designed to fine-tune the riding experience.

The Adventure Rally & Camp is a multi-day challenge for riders of any skill level and their bike. During the day, riders take part in self-navigated scenic trail rides and look for elusive checkpoints laid out by the Adventure Rally & Camp staff. At night, camaraderie is built among competitors, as well as industry guests, often around a campfire.

Teams will take part in challenges on the trails as well in special tests, during the Adventure Rally & Camp. The special tests are conducted at Base Camp and are designed to test riders overall adventure skills.

Participants can ride one, two, or all three days of the event. Top point collectors will be honored each day as well as the team that collects the most points overall for all three days. At the end of the two-event series, the ADV Cup will be awarded to the top point earner.

Riders of all skill levels are eligible the Adventure Rally & Camp and all off-road-capable, street-legal motorcycles are welcome.

For more information on the 2023 Adventure Rally & Camp Series and to register, visit www.advrally.com.

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–They are stopped by the police

John and Jessica were on their way home from the bar one night and John got pulled over by the police. The officer told John that he was stopped because his tail light was burned out. John said, “I’m very sorry officer, I didn’t realize it was out, I’ll get it fixed right away.”

Just then Jessica said, “I knew this would happen when I told you two days ago to get that light fixed.”

So, the officer asked for John’s license and after looking at it said, “Sir your license has expired.”

And again, John apologized and mentioned that he didn’t realize that it had expired and would take care of it first thing in the morning.

Jessica said, “I told you a week ago that the state sent you a letter telling you that your license had expired.”

Well by this time, John is a bit upset with his wife contradicting him in front of the officer, and he said in a rather loud voice, “Jessica, shut your mouth!”

The officer then leaned over toward Jessica and asked. “Does your husband always talk to you like that?”

Jessica replied, “only when he’s drunk.”

–Sam Burns
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina™

THIS JUST IN FROM LOWBROW–Help us name these new handlebar grips!

We are resurrecting this old grip design that got lost in the shuffle a couple years back during hectic times…

And we still could use a rockin’ name for them!

Tyler walks you through one of our latest grip design while also giving YOU a chance to help name this new product!

We think that coming up for names for new products is super fun, and we are stoked to have you in the mix!

WATCH THE VIDEO

PS – to see the competition check out all the motorcycles grips we carry right here.

PPS – To share the video simply forward this email, OR post up www.lowbrowcustoms.com/newgrips on your favorite motorcycle group, forum, or text it to your friends!

NEW MEXICO Legislative Victory–

 House Bill 287 our Look Twice for Motorcycles Specialty License Plate passed the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor this week.

I have included an image of our plate that was designed by Richard, Sturgeon, a member of our motorcycle community. We worked with DOT and MVD to get the correct wording on the bill and ensure that it was a design they could work with to fit on the license plate; they also came in support of our bill to testify at the legislative committee hearings.

We feel this will be a traveling billboard on our roads to inform, educate and raise awareness on road safety. Monies generated from this license plate will help sustain our statewide struggling motorcycle training program, provide additional training, upgrade training equipment, improve existing motorcycle training ranges, and increase public awareness education for riders and drivers.

After the bill was signed by the governor, DOT and MVD called to congratulate us and inform us they allow us to work with them on the final design of the plate. This plate should be available on July 1st, 2023, and the first plate will be issued to Richard Sturgeon.

–Annette Torrez
MRF New Mexico Rep

The Lower Energy Costs Act just passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support. Senate confirmation is not expected to pass it, and the Biden Administration has promised a veto. But it is a start, a placeholder, for pro-consumer, pro-taxpayer, pro-freedom policy reform to come.

H.R. 1, in the words of its sponsors, “restores American energy independence by:

• Increasing domestic energy production
• Reforming the permitting process for all industries
• Reversing anti-energy policies advanced by the Biden Administration
• Streamlining energy infrastructure and exports
• Boosting the production and processing of critical minerals

 A summary of the Bill follows:

H.R. 1—sponsored by Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and co-sponsored by Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR), and Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO)—unleashes American energy and lowers costs for families.

Unleash American Energy:

• Prohibits President Biden from banning hydraulic fracturing

• Repeals all restrictions on the import and export of natural gas, including LNG

• Prevents liberal states from blocking interstate infrastructure projects

• Repeals President Biden’s $6 billion natural gas tax that would increase energy bills for families

• Rolls back President Biden’s $27 billion EPA slush fund for Democrat special interests

• Disapproves of President Biden’s canceling of the Keystone XL pipeline

• Requires the Department of the Interior to resume lease sales on federal lands and waters

• Repeals harmful royalties and fee increases imposed on energy production that drive up prices for families

• Ensures parity in energy revenue sharing for states with onshore and offshore energy development

• Requires publication of the 2023-28 offshore oil and gas lease sales plan/sets deadlines for future 5-year plans

Reform Broken Permitting Process:

• Reforms the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process to streamline federal reviews for all sectors of the economy, including at our international borders

• Limits scope of environmental review under NEPA to reasonably foreseeable and economically feasible impacts

• Sets deadlines for completion of NEPA reviews at one year for environmental assessments and two years for environmental impact statements

• Provides certainty by imposing a 120-day deadline on filing litigation on final agency actions concerning energy and mining projects

• Requires that certain low-impact activities and activities in previously studied areas on public lands are not major federal actions under NEPA

• Ends the abuse of the water quality certification process by streamlining the permitting process under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act and limiting review to water quality impacts only

• Enhances America’s ability to develop critical energy resources by improving the environmental permitting processes at critical minerals refining and process facilities

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise stated:

“For the last two years, President Biden and his extremist friends in Washington have waged a war on American energy, and hard-working families across the country are paying the price. Gas and utility costs have skyrocketed to record highs, with the average American paying over 40 percent more for gas at the pump since President Biden took office…. The Lower Energy Costs Act … will show the country how to end the war on American energy, become energy independent again, and lower costs for hard-working families who are struggling under the weight of President Biden’s radical agenda.

Congressman Steve Scalise
Washington, D.C. Office
2049 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515

[page break]

NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER—

Exercise Can Be More Effective Than Medicines For Overcoming Depression And Anxiety

And exercise can be as less as only 2 minutes a day to still get benefits.

Any exercise seems to have a positive impact on your mental health. Also, this is not just for mental health patients — you should consider exercise as a preventive measure against mental fatigue, stress, anger, depression and anxiety.

Exercising with friends or family also gains motivation. You don’t need to plan it out and make a schedule. Just take a walk instead of getting on the bus or car.

Most importantly, do some physical activity you enjoy.

https://www.taijutsu.art/2023/03/exercise-more-effective-than-meds.html

–Dr. Way
Bikernet Medical Center

INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS FROM DOWN UNDER–

Don’t mix bad words with your bad mood.

You will have many opportunities to change a mood, but you will never get the opportunity to replace the words you spoke.

–Ray Russell
Doctor of Philosophy
Bikernet Down under campus
Australia

IRON HORSE SALOON ACTION–

CONCERT DATE CHANGE — HAIRBALL NOW PERFORMING
AUG 7, 8, and 10, 2023

Hairball’s performance originally scheduled for August 9th has been moved to August 7th to make room for an entertainment announcement you can’t miss!

Announcement coming soon!

NEW FROM WINDVEST WINDSHIELDS— The Heritage Softail Classic

Keep it Classy with a High Performing Sport Windscreen by WindVest Windshield!!

The design of the screen keeps the wind off your chest and out of your face, never having to look through the windshield when you’re riding.

Billet Aluminum hardware comes chrome plated or black powder coated.

Sizes range from 14″x14″ to 16″x18″
Starting at $415

Free Ground Shipping on all orders now through April, 2023

The FRED LANGE VINTAGE CONNECTION–

Fred Lange – Custom Bike Builder of “Pre-School” Early American made Antique Motorcycles. A place where Magic happens.

Located on the Central Coast of California Specializing in the Restoration of Antique Harley Davidson and Indian Board Track Racers. Also specializing in a complete line of Replacement and Restoration parts.

Resurrecting the Past and Preserving the Future

Tell Fred Bikernet sent you…

3-VALVE FEULING HEADS FOR M-8s—

Hang on for cooler running, better performing M-8s. Feuling hopes to have them on the track at the Battle of the Baggers race in road Atlanta on April 21-23.

https://youtu.be/AY0yeZdcwok

Might have a sled-pull in Sturgis. Rob Schwellinger is featured in the Feuling Youtube.

LONG ROAD ACTION FOR 2023—

Hello everyone! Been too long since I last spoke to many of you. I’ve composed this letter to let all of our past Long Roaders know about this year’s ride, especially those that don’t have Facebook.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to ride The Long Road this year due to a job change, but there’s a chance myself and possibly some other Canadians may see you at The Smoke Out.

Mike Allen has taken care of the planning this year and it looks like he has put together a nice route giving some of the riders the possibility of checking out some significant historical sites of the last couple hundred years of the deep south.

Anyways, here are the details as per Mike Allen:

We will continue with the “gypsy ride” tradition of not having a set “kickstands up time” or having to ride as a massive group, just make sure you check in (especially first timers) at each two night stop.

On Sunday, Sept. 3, meet at Riders Roost Campground in Ferguson, NC. No reservations for tent camping, call 336-973-8405 to reserve cabins/rooms.

Monday and Tuesday (Sept 4&5) James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr., Charleston, SC (between Charleston and Folly Beach), tent camping will be covered by your Long Road registration/camping fee. Downtown Charleston and Folly Beach are about five miles away if you prefers hoteling it.

Wednesday/Thursday (Sept 6&7) Jernimans Campground, 990 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC. Again, no need to make reservations for camping and the camping fee will be covered by your Long Road registration/camping fee.

We need to take a ferry to Ocracoke, the Cedar Island Ferry is less than a 7hr drive from James Island and the last one runs at 4:30pm and you must make a reservation at www.ncdot.gov.

The other ferry is from Hatteras Island about 8.5 hr drive from James Island and runs on first-come-first-serve basis every half hour till 9:30pm.

There will be two registration fees this year. $48. for non-campers and an extra $10./night of camping for anybody planning on camping with us. ($88. will cover registration and four nights).

Cycle Source Magazine is introducing a new Long Road Medallion this year. It will be in the “challenge coin” format. As always, the Long Road Medallion will be awarded to motorcycle riders/passengers after completing Long Road by checking in at the start point and all stops on the ride. The first timers will be awarded the Long Road Medallion at Smokeout on Saturday after the ride.

Friday, Sept. 8, we ride to Salisbury for the return of Long Road to Smokeout.

Hope this covers it well enough for now.

–Mike
Mail checks/money orders to:
Mike Allen
PO Box 1331
Canon City, CO 81215

Or use:
PayPal.me/TerreHeroux
Include your shirt size with your registration fee. Registration deadline is August 5th.

VOTE TO KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN—

The wife is not speaking to me

One night, this guy come into a bar and asks the bartender for a drink. Then he asks for another. After a couple more drinks, the bartender gets worried.

“What’s the matter?” the bartender asks.

“My wife and I got into a fight,” explained the guy “and now she isn’t talking to me for a whole 31 days.”

The bartender thought about this for a while. “But, isn’t it a good thing that she isn’t talking to you?” asked the bartender.

“Yeah, except today is the last night.”

–Sam Burns
Official Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina™

ARIZONA BIKE WEEK ACTION FROM CYCLE SOURCE—

We caught the Cycle Source Empire crew on their way home from Arizona bike week. They were kind enough to send us some of the action.

This is the Editor and founder’s ground-up chopper he built (including the frame) and barely completed in time for the Chopper Friend’s throwdown challenge and ride into Phoenix.

Cycle Source Magazine organized a Bike Show and here are a handful of the winners.

The skies were clear and the weather magnificent for the party in the desert.

WANING ELECTRIC VEHICLE DEMAND? Lucid Cuts 1300 Workers

Lucid, a startup which manufactures high end luxury EVs, reports demand has fallen short of expectations.

Lucid to cut 1,300 workers amid signs of flagging demand for its EVs

Lucid said in a regulatory filing that it is cutting about 18% of its workforce, or roughly 1,300 workers.

In a letter to employees, CEO Peter Rawlinson said the job cuts will hit “nearly every organization and level, including executives.”

The company expects to take charges of $24 million to $30 million related to the cuts, most of that in the first quarter.

Struggling EV maker Lucid said in a regulatory filing on Tuesday that it plans to cut about 18% of its workforce, or roughly 1,300 employees, as part of a larger restructuring to reduce costs as it works to ramp up production of its Air luxury sedan.

Lucid said it will incur one-time charges totaling between $24 million and $30 million related to the job cuts, with most of that amount being recognized in the first quarter of 2023.

News of the job cuts was first reported by Insider earlier on Tuesday. Lucid’s shares closed down over 7% on Tuesday following the Insider report.

–Essay by Eric Worrall

TRIBUTE TO BANDIT’S DAYROLL–

 Here are some pics. Plus, a list of everything I carry in it. It’s a lot of stuff! Love this bag 🙂

–Lynda Race

THE BRUNO REPORT FROM ATOMIC BOB—

I can definitely get to work on Bruno and finishing. Been drowning in paint work and I have time to get back to my tablet and draw. Didn’t make Daytona, haven’t made anything. Been the busiest winter I’ve ever had!

I also wanted to tell you I’ve decided to sell dad’s lowrider. I get nervous I’m going to hurt it, and I’m an ape on it.

Those ‘70s bikes weren’t built for fat asses. I don’t know if you would be interested or someone that may be. It’s such a Time Capsule. I want it to go somewhere that it will stay that way.

I honestly want to start putting up a building to work in and it’s been long enough I could let it go.

I’m on it!

Bruno is on the way!

–Atomic Bob

Read the second chapter of Bruno right here:
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bruno_is_Coming_Chapter_II.aspx

NEWS FROM MICHAEL CRICHTON–

Michael Crichton is internationally acclaimed for his prolific fictional stories like Jurassic Park and Westworld; but did you know he was also a well-respected anthropologist, medical doctor, and visionary?

A self-proclaimed lifelong learner, Crichton incorporated his love for studying humans and our interaction with the environment into his stories. He intuitively recognized the importance of humanity “taking care” of the environment and being proactive in the approach. He was a dedicated conservationist (as opposed to an environmentalist).

In a 2003 speech at the Commonwealth Club of California, Crichton explained why religious approaches to the environment are inappropriate and cause damage to the natural world they intend to protect. In his words:

Today, one of the most powerful religions in the Western World is environmentalism. Environmentalism seems to be the religion of choice for urban atheists.

He laments the trading of scientific fact for dogmatic belief and dispels the notion of the proverbial Good ol’ Days when humans lived in harmony with nature, attacking Rousseau’s invention of the Noble Savage and how it colors modern-day discussions on man’s relationship to the environment.

He warns of the dangers of politicizing environmentalism (Democrats will save us! Republicans will destroy us!), while pointing out that the only effective way to address issues like climate change are to do it TOGETHER, as a whole. He urges humanity to check their premises and approach environmental issues with a scientific rather than emotional mind.

You can check out the transcript here: https://spreadgreatideas.org/resources/speeches/michael-crichton-environmentalism-is-a-religion/

I think you will find the speech enlightening, with a spin on environmentalism that not many people consider. If you agree and think it’s something your audience will also appreciate, would you mind adding the link to your page:

https://blog.bikernet.com/prominent-climate-activist-shellenberger-officially-recants-on-behalf-of-environmentalists-i-apologize-for-the-climate-scare/

I believe it would be an excellent complementary resource for you.

Thank you for hearing me out and have a great rest of your Tuesday!

–David,
Writer
Spreadgreatideas.org

“If you are a Crichton fan, read his book “State of Fear.” It will blow your mind.” –Bandit

JUST IN FROM THE LOWBROW GANG–Building a sleek, slim, & sketchy little ripper.

“As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to build a Sporty Chopper.

Sleek, slim, and sketchy little rippers are just so much fun and visually pleasing to no end, so when our shop (TrackerDie Motorcycles) took a crusty ‘90s Paughco frame in on trade, I jumped at the chance to make my girl-bike fantasy a reality…”

BLACK HILLS HOME FOR SALE–

This is where I have stayed for years when at the Sturgis Rally. Great Place in case you know anyone interested.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/278-Purl-St-Saint-Onge-SD-57779/234428562_zpid/

–Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

NEW HAMPSHIRE–Living Free… on the Road Show

The best state motto in the country is New Hampshire’s… Live Free or Die! Some people may disagree, but the state motto captures what we as bikers believe. We cherish our freedoms and we will fight to defend them!

Last week, the New Hampshire Motorcycle Riders Organization (NHMRO) hosted a dinner to celebrate legislative victories and reconnect with riders in the state. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) was honored to be invited and speak at the event. MRF D.C. lobbyist Rocky Fox made the journey to Manchester, NH, and was impressed by the passion and commitment of New England bikers.

The bikers in New Hampshire take the state motto seriously. For almost 50 years, NHMRO and motorcyclists in the Granite State have defended their freedoms and helped shape a path that benefits all bikers. The March dinner was about celebrating recent victories and reconnecting with riders in the state, encouraging them to remain engaged on important issues.

Last year New Hampshire became the 5th state to pass a motorcyclist profiling law! New Hampshire joins Washington, Maryland, Louisiana, and Idaho on the list of states that have changed laws and regulations regarding the profiling of motorcyclists.

Part of the success of NHMRO is due to its outstanding leadership team. Traci and Steve Beaueivage, Patti and Don Pike, Sherman Packard, Rick Daynard, Imre Szauter, and CJ Lynch have a long history of fighting for our rights as bikers. Whether it be helmet choice, supporting Laconia Motorcycle Week, or working on the profiling issue, NHMRO does it all!

The MRF thanks you for including us in your event and for your commitment to freedom.

All bikers agree we should Live Free or Die!

–MRF

INSPIRATION FROM THE TEMPLE–

I want to say thank you to the rare few individuals in life who have listened without judgement, spoken without prejudice, helped without entitlement, understood without pretension and loved without conditions.

–Ray Russell
Doctor of Philosophy
Bikernet University Down Under Campus
Australia

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK— 2015 Harley Davidson FLTRX Road Glide Special

URL: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=5105531

Only $18,995 at Lifestyle Cycles
(714) 490-0155
Compare and save

The 2015 Street Glide Special takes the hot-rod bagger formula a little further, with a Gloss Black inner fairing, Reflex™ Linked Brakes with ABS, the Boom!™ Box 6.5 GT infotainment system and CVO™ model style hand-adjustable lowered rear suspension as standard equipment.

Powered by the High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine and featuring a Batwing fairing with Splitstream vent to reduce rider head buffeting, the Street Glide Special is truly loaded bagger.

The innovative Harley-Davidson Touring chassis, based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and a stout swingarm developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today’s more-powerful engines.

This Road Glide Special has only 17,399 miles!!!

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:

Excellent matte H-D black denim paint with factory red pinstripes and nostalgic tank emblems. Avon rubber hand grips with contrast cut bar ends. Polished levers.

Boom! 6.5GT infotainmet system with color touch screen and navigation!

Performance Machine contrast cut, force-wind Stage 1 intake system.

Enforcer 5 spoke cast, contrast cut wheels. H-D 2-up seat and chrome passenger pegs. Chrome horn cover, chrome primary cover.

Chrome bullet style turn signals front (amber) and rear (red) lenses. Chrome fork shrouds. Chrome one touch saddle bag latches. H-D chrome front floorboards, with chrome toe shifter and brake pedal.

Cruise control, ABS anti-lock braking system, new rear tire, Freedom dual exhaust system with Screaming Eagle mufflers and adjustable low profile air ride suspension.

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 100 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

[page break]

PIRELLI ANNOUNCES 2023 RYAO Road Racing Program Schedule

The 10-Round Program Provides Racers the Opportunity to Compete in Multiple Classes at CCS and ASRA Events Throughout the Nation

Pirelli Tire North America has announced that the RYAO road racing program will return for 2023, taking place at upcoming Championship Cup Series (CCS) and American Sportbike Racing (ASRA) events throughout the United States. The program consists of 10 events, beginning at Autobahn Speedway on April 22-23, and encourages riders to compete in multiple classes. Racers who wish to race in as many classes as they want, can do so for a flat fee.

The Pirelli RYAO program is back for 2023, offering racers the chance to race multiple classes for a flat fee.

Pirelli’s local trackside vendors will have 15 registration codes for each event.

Pirelli’s local trackside vendor will have registration codes for each event. Riders can sign up for all classes they would like to race, input the code, and the difference will be credited to their account for future use. Anyone with a valid ASRA license can use the codes, and they will also cover the gate fee at each track.

There will be 15 certificates available per event that can be used for either pre-entry or post-entry, and they will be good for all entries with the exception of purse-paying classes such as team challenge and ASRA sprint and shootout races.

2023 Pirelli RYAO Events in Conjunction with CCS/ASRA

April 22-23: Autobahn Speedway | Farrell Performance (920) 236-0000
June 10-11: Blackhawk Farms Raceway | Farrell Performance (920) 236-0000
June 17-18: Summit Point Raceway | Metric Devil Motorsports (610) 833-8271
July 1-2: New Jersey Motorsports Park | Metric Devil Motorsports (610) 833-8271
July 8-9: Roebling Road Raceway | Podium Motorsports (912) 655-1433
July 29-30: North Carolina Bike | Trackside Tires (301) 232-5542
August 5-6: Homestead International Speedway | Mark Tenn Motorsports (561) 281-1297
August 19-20: Roebling Road Raceway | Podium Motorsports (912) 655-1433
August 26-27: Autobahn Speedway | Farrell Performance (920) 236-0000
September 30-October 1: North Carolina Bike | Trackside Tires (301) 232-5542

For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com.

IRON HORSE ACTION–GARY ALLAN

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

FREE CONCERT – NO COVER – NO TICKETS REQUIRED
AGES 21+ WELCOME

Iron Horse Saloon
888 Junction Ave
Sturgis, SD

VIP UPGRADES AVAILABLE
EARLY ACCESS PRICING FOR A LIMITED TIME

ALERT FROM THE LEADER–BONUS TIPS for Riding in the Rain

Make sure your rain gear fits properly and is in good shape.

Choose bright colors for increased visibility.

Transfer wallet, keys, and other essentials to waterproof outside pockets.

Watch windshield wipers of oncoming cars to see if it’s raining ahead.

(And… my personal favorite…) Put on all your waterproof gear and have someone turn the hose on you to check for leaks!

–Leader Motorcycle Accessories

PARIS CLIMATE Vs PARIS E-SCOOTERS—Parisians vote to ban e-scooters from French capital

The ban won between 85.77% and 91.77% of the votes in the 20 Paris districts that published results, according to the City of Paris website on what was billed as a rare “public consultation” and prompted long queues at ballot boxes around the city.

“The way it’s organized, the danger that it creates in Paris, the visual pollution, it’s not good.” said a railway worker.

Cities worldwide are tightening regulations on e-scooters, limiting the number of operators as well as speed and where they can park.

In 2021, 24 people died in scooter-related accidents in France, including one in Paris. Last year, Paris registered 459 accidents with e-scooters and similar vehicles, including three fatal ones.

“In my work, we see a lot of road accidents caused by scooters, so we really see the negative effects,” says general physician Audrey Cordier.

READ THE FULL STORY AT
https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/two-wheelers/parisians-vote-to-ban-e-scooters-from-french-capital/99207609

–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

NEWS FROM THE WOLFPACK-–

Are you looking for a new book to lose yourself in? Want a good old-fashioned Western? What about a Thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with these stories for just $0.99!

This week, saddle up for these action-packed adventures:

Western Fiction Ten Pack by Multiple Western Authors

* Once A Marshal by Peter Brandvold
* Kane: Tooth & Nail by Brent Towns
* Epic Adventures: Volume One by Win Blevins
…and more!

You can find all of our limited-time $0.99 deals and special offers here.

IT’S TWO-STROKE TIME–The Wiseco 2-Stroke MX World Championships are back at Glen Helen this Saturday

Clean out those Ratio Rites, dust off those two-strokes, and prepare for arm pump, the 2-Stroke Championships are back at Glen Helen April 8th, 2022. This year’s event will be epic as ever, featuring fun racing for all skill levels, big pro purses, and even live streaming if you can’t be there!

Classes for all riders and ages, including an all-new beginner friendly kids’ race!

$8,000 Open Pro purse
$15,000 in 125 purse money from Pasha Racing

Live streaming on the Motocross Action and Dirt Bike Magazine YouTube channels
The Top-End Challenge, swag, giveaways, and cornhole at the Wiseco booth!
Vendor row full of all the apparel, parts and accessories a 2-stroke lover could need
A full day of nothing but high-revvin’, smoke-spewin’ 2-stroke racing!
Complete Details and Pre-Entry Below

Visit Website for Details and Pre-Entry 

Miss out on last year’s action? See website for details.

THE BIG BING — Microsoft Bing AI image creator

Microsoft Bing now has an Artificial Intelligence image creator.

Type some words to describe what image you want and the AI engine generates a relevant image. Pretty cool. Try it on Microsoft Edge browser.

https://www.bing.com/images/create

Here are some silly results

“racoon riding a motorcycle vintage ” and
“racoon riding a motorcycle at Sturgis”

–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

STURGIS HALL OF FAME NEWS–

The Rally is a few months away, there are only 70 seats left for the Sturgis Hall of Fame breakfast, out of 500 already sold! All the tables are sold out, only individual seats are left. Call the Museum direct at 605-347-2001 to reserve or buy online through the Sturgis Museum website.

The Hall of Fame Breakfast and Induction Ceremony is a can’t miss event of the Sturgis Rally. In 2023, two Hamsters, Donnie Smith and Scott Jacobs, will be inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame on Wednesday, August 9 at the Lodge in Deadwood.

Scott Jacobs is being inducted to recognize his contributions to the lifestyle, culture, and sport of motorcycling.

In 1993, a short time after painting two pieces “Fat Boy” and “Live to Ride,” which featured Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which was featured by Bandit in VQ magazine, Scott’s work was seen by the motorcycle manufacturer. Harley-Davidson signed Jacobs in 1993 as its first officially licensed artist in its fine art program, a position he continues to hold.

Donnie Smith will be awarded the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame’s Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement award.

Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement Award honors those who have greatly contributed to the world of motorcycling and have been recognized by many of the leading motorcycle-related organizations, their peers, and the general riding community. This award is only available to current members of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s Hall of Fame. Donnie Smith was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s Hall of Fame before 2001 (1995).

BANDIT’S CANTINA CORRECTION–

Pablo stepped up; his big 17-inch arms flexed as he drew a polished stainless steel .44 magnum Smith & Wesson Model 29 revolver out of his vest. The massive weapon glistened as he yanked the slide and chambered a hollow-point round. “But bikers will.”

Gun nut report: no slide on a Smith & Wesson revolver.

–Sam Burns
Certified nuisance and diploma holder of nit picking

“He’s correct, but we can’t find the right story to make the correction.” –Bandit

LADY RIDER OF THE WEEK–

Harley Brooke is the General Sales Manager at Texoma Harley-Davidson, Sherman, Texas.

–Sam Burns
Talent Agent
Bikernet.com™

AMA SHAKE-UP– AMA happened today, HD a few weeks ago

Not sure the future for Government Relations

Grassroots coordinator, Tiffany, and Mike Sayre are no longer at the AMA.

The new Harley VP of GR that replaced Ed Moreland also resigned.

–anonymous

BAJA TIRES FROM LOWBROW—

Perfect for those riders who get the urge to find some off-road adventure.

Bates Baja tires are available in two different styles, depending on your bike.

The Baja 90 is designed for late-model bikes, with a larger radius for maximum performance.

The Baja 100 is a vintage-style tire with a high sidewall.

Both feature an aggressive tread for on and off-road use. Available for 16″, 18″, 19″ and 21″ wheels.

High-quality, speed-rated, DOT and TUV approved, Made in Germany.

KAWASAKI JUMPS INTO INDIA’S MARKET–with retro styled W175 which is inspired by Kawasaki W800

They are trying to compete with Enfield Hunter and TVS Ronin motorcycle models.

Kawasaki was huge in India in the 1980s when it tied up with Bajaj India to launch 100cc and 125cc motorcycles.

This new one however is a modest 175cc engine, but being a Kawsaki engine, you can be sure it will probably deliver better results than TVS Ronin and maybe even better than Enfield’s new high volume selling Hunter model.

Now if only Yamaha will wake up to this — their brand image in India is based on 1980s legendary models such as RX100 and RD350 — and they can still capitalize on it without compromising their commuter segment in India.

Read the entire news at:
https://www.msn.com/en-in/autos/other/most-affordable-kawasaki-motorcycle-available-with-a-limited-period-discount/ar-AA19ulzU

–Wayfarer
International Editor
Bikernet News Desk

NATIONAL TEACHERS GROUP CENSORS CLASSES– Climate Science That Doesn’t Conform To Disaster Agenda

From Cowboy State Daily’s Kevin Killough, State Energy Reporter:

A growing debate on how climate science is taught in classrooms was highlighted last week at the National Science Teaching Association’s annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia.

The CO2 Coalition paid for a booth at the event. Despite approving the booth, the NSTA told the group it would have to remove its literature from display at the convention or it would be kicked out.

The material was critical of the association’s position that climate science should be taught as an absolute consensus and never presented as having any uncertainty.

Greg Wrightstone, president of the CO2 Coalition, refused to remove the offending material and was escorted out of the building.

“We accused them of censoring science, and then they confirmed that,” Wrightstone told Cowboy State Daily.

ANCIENT HEALTHY HABITS–Benefits from daily habit of sitting on the floor

Would you believe it that sitting on the floor for 15 to 30 minutes a day can make you feel more recharged and even increase your life-span?

For a 2014 study published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, researchers gave 2,002 men and women, ages fifty-one to eighty a Sit-and-Rise Test to assess their ability to get up from the floor. They checked to note if they needed to grab something for support or put their hand on the floor to push themselves back up.

Six years later they checked the health of those participants to find that an inability to get up and down off the floor without any sort of assistance meant increased risk of death. Those who could do it, lived longer as per the statistics.

Read the whole article at:
https://www.taijutsu.art/2023/04/health-by-sitting-on-floor.html

“Hey, I think bikers tinkering in the garage every chance they get would easily sit and get up off the floor. They just have greasy pants that’s all !!! Let us know if you could pass the Sit-and-Rise Test in the comments.”

–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

LATEST, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–

The Life and Times of Hal Robinson

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

Thank you for your responses to Hal’s story. I especially loved reading Jerry’s comments and saying that I really conveyed the message of love for my husband along with his talent for drawing.

This is what I wanted to convey. So, I guess I accomplished what I set out to do! I plan on seeing him again down the road. I know I will, just like he knew his works would live forever.

Thanks for being a sensitive reader and thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jerry Rasmussen of South Dakota.

— Ann Baysinger Robinson
Long Beach, CA

NEWS FROM VINTAGE RIDES–Travel to Peru has resumed!

After a tumultuous period, Peru finally seems to be calming down and once again becoming the welcoming and open country that we have known for 30 years.

The airports are once again operational and Machu Picchu has reopened. Our local partners keep us informed of events in real time, and guarantee you a secure and personalized travel experience.

We are ready and more motivated than ever to continue our mission to facilitate your exploration of this exceptional country.

We remain at your disposal to answer all your questions and possible concerns.

Vamos Peru!

Still a few spots available for our departure on May 30!

–Vintage Rides
53 rue du Président Kruger
69008 LYON
teamvr@vintagerides.com
+44 20 7031 6050

THE LATEST FROM THE CHIP—More coming April 13th

The Next Band Announcement Drops April 13th

Stay tuned. Until then here is the 2023 lineup so far.

2023 Buffalo Chip Concerts Announced So Far!

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Limp Bizkit, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Koe Wetzel, Whiskey Myers, George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Lita Ford are the first of dozens to be announced as part of the Buffalo Chip’s diverse 2023 lineup. Rock, Classic Rock, Country Rock. You won’t want to be anywhere else. It’s the Best Party Anywhere.

HANG ON—It’s never dull around the Sturgis headquarters and some bikers are stepping up to make a difference. Hang on as the reports surface. We won’t ever give up…

Cabana Dan is putting this 1914 Harley twin together as we speak. I’ll bring you a report on his paint work by Tim Peterson by Monday.

Here’s Tim in front of the Sturgis sign he created. That’s his old Shovelhead. I’ll tell you the story Monday.

It snowed for the last couple of days and I monitored the progress with our Panhead Snowmometer.

I thought we could piece together a 5-speed transmission then ran into an issue with two different gear styles.

I’m working with Trisha and Kate to have Outlaw Justice, my second book made available to print again. It’s been a challenge, but we are getting there.

Karley, my step daughter has her own Sportster and just learned how to rebuild the carb. She works at the Chowder Barge in the Port of LA, a floating barge with her mom, Nyla.

A brother just asked if I had a running Shovelhead. Yep, it’s dusty but runs like a champ. JIMS machine rebuilt the engine and the trans.

George Christie is working on another media presentation and we will bring you updates. Here’s a shot from the ‘70s.

I’m also making some progress on my 1913 boardtrack racer project. I’ve always dreamed of owning one.

Do me a favor, and make sure you join the MRF or your local motorcycle rights association, so we can continue to ride free.

–Bandit

Hey,

As you know, we’re living in very strange times. Unfortunately, so many of our issues revolve around the very backbone premise of our country, truth and free speech.

So, hang on. Bikers have made a difference in the past. Let’s see what a bunch of grubby bikers can do now. The news contains it all.

Do me a favor, and make sure you join the MRF or your local motorcycle rights association, so we can continue to ride free.

–Bandit

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

Click Here to Read the Weekly News only on Bikernet.com

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I had the opportunity to attend the 15^th CONFERENCE ON CLIMATE CHANGE in Orlando Florida put on by The HEARTLAND INSTITUTE

While I have attended a lot of Seminars, Conferences, Legislative Sessions and Hearings over the years I have never attended one on Climate Change. –

 I will say the I was Very Impressed and Learned A lot about the subject. I am still learning as I also came home with a pile of books and other literature, which I am still going through.

 Bandit thought this would educate me more on the subject and it would be something the readers of Bikernet would be interested in. We do realize that there is so much going on in everyone’s lives, about so many subjects it is sometimes hard to get enough good information to understand and make a good decisions on.

After signing up for the Conference, I received a Conference Program in the mail. I started off by reading the Biographies of the speakers. WOW, Impressive and so many different backgrounds and experiences.

There were 2 Conference sessions going on during the same time throughout the day so had to choose carefully what speaker or speakers I thought would be most informative on the subject.

There are so many subjects to choose from. Is there really an abnormal climate change going on (What some want to call Global Warming, Climate Emergency or Climate Doom). Climate Forecasters’ are way above the person on TV telling you what they think the weather might be tomorrow. How is this climate change being recorded, what is used to record it, when and where is the recording being done? And what I was looking for, info about Fossil Fuels.

While TV and the news media has been pushing all kinds of stuff about Climate Change a lot of it just did not make sense. Much of it was coming from the Government and that made me suspicious. It has been my experience monitoring them over the years stuff like this is usually not the full story, or at the very least very one sided and most likely someone involved was making a lot of money from it.

 Logic would be to hear from people with opposing views, see what they had to say and if they had anything to back up their statements.

 There are so many books and other information on this subject. I am never going to be able to go through all of them. I have a few though that I will tackle. They contain a vast amount of information. I will share that and hope it will help those reading this make a decision on what is true and what is not.

 No matter what the subject there will be differences of opinions. Why Scientists Disagree About Global Warming is one of the publications I am going through.

Interesting is that it is from NIPCC – Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change and their Second Edition.

In the Preface: A frequent claim in the debate is that there is a “consensus” or even “overwhelming consensuses” of scientists embrace the more alarming end of the spectrum of scientific projections of future climate change. Politicians including President Barack Obama and government agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) claim “97” percent of scientists agree” that climate change is both man-made and dangerous.

This claim is not only false, but its presence in the debate is an insult to science.

As the authors of this book explain, the claim of “scientific consensus” on the causes and consequences of climate control is without merit. There is no survey or study showing ‘consensus” on any of the most important scientific issues in the climate change debate.

It is very interesting to note that NIPCC has no formal attachment to or sponsorship from any government or government agency. It also receives no corporate funding for its activities.

Key Findings

The most important fact about climate science, often overlooked, is that scientist disagree about the environmental impacts of the combustion of fossil fuels on the global climate.

The articles and surveys most commonly cited as showing support for a “scientific consensus” in favor of the catastrophic man -made global warming hypothesis are without exception methodologically flawed and often deliberately misleading.

Okay some big words there, but what it says in Biker and other common people language it is a Big Con and the government is involved up to their neck in it and continue to lie to the American people and the rest of the world.

A Publication that got my attention was Nothing to Fear – A Bright Future for Fossil Fuels by Donn Dears – The story of fossil fuels and climate change.

Usually when someone tells me nothing to worry about or fear I get a feeling that is kind of hard to explain but like maybe a sixth sense that is telling me I should be paying more attention.

Well in this case, the only fear I have is that more people do not know what is going on and that Fossil Fuels are GOOD.

It’s been confirmed, they have been around for a long time, they heat our homes, power our vehicles and are used in so many products we use every day.

Now it seems Mother Nature is causing some issues, because of people using and in many cases abusing things that affect her.

There is a group who is trying to convince us carbon dioxide, which is an invisible harmless gas that is released when fossil fuels are burned is bad and in some way is responsible for our climate emergency.

The fact is, fossil fuels provide the affordable and reliable energy needed to protect people from Mother Nature.

So, why do groups and the media want to get rid of fossil fuel? Well, I can think of a couple of reasons and the first would be money, Yea I hear you HUH?  

Stop and think about it for a minute, People all over the world make Big Money from Fossil Fuels. Just look at what happens at the gas pump and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

 The United States has plenty of Fossil Fuel yet it continues to buy it from other countries at all kinds of weird prices. I am not even going to open that can of worms right now.

If you can’t get in on the big money from fossil fuels, let’s see what we can come up and sell to the masses. Some of the things are:

We need renewable energy, so let’s build some wind farms. Wind is free and we can use it to make electricity. Unfortunately, a lot of Fossil Fuel is used making wind farms, including the oil used to lubricate moving parts. As I ride my motorcycle around our beautiful country, I see a lot of these wind farms. At one time I actually thought they might be an answer, and then I found out more. How often do they not work, parts break, birds killed, massive landfills with mill blades, with no idea how long it is going to take for them to decompose. In the meantime, folks are making money. But while the government forces wind, it causes additional issues. As it turns out, these issues could be worse for Americans, and we are forced to pay for them.

Makes me think of a Snake Oil Salesman? The government needs Climate Emergencies to force their mandates and money-making programs.

Alex Epstein was one of the speakers. I chose to attend his presentation. I was impressed and even got to talk to him briefly. In The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels, He exposes the anti-human, anti-mankind thesis. The primary criteria for evaluating energy should be whether its production and use benefits or harms mankind.

There are many other subjects like the problems and limitations of wind and solar energy. Lack of creditability and proposed legislation from the EPA and so much more.

So how does the Snake Oil Salesman sell his product? Well the advertising industry relies on some fancy wording. When they say no product is better than theirs, it also means there are products just as good, including products that may be lower in price and a better value. They keep repeating this over and over until they get enough people to believe it.

For example, keep telling people there is an issue with Global Warming and try to convince them it is from Fossil Fuels. Then move onto their answer: Wind Farms and Solar power.

Here’s what I learned. We’re jumping from the frying pan into the fire. The alleged cure could be or is worse than the sickness.

Think about all the adds you see about this Medication Cures This Illness and then follows a long list of side effects, way worse than the original sickness.

Once you understand the Solution wasn’t created to solve the problem but the problem was intentionally created for the solution to be rolled out, and then you understand the magnitude of evil in the people behind this.

One of my highlights of attending this conference, was to get to meet and have my photo taken with Gregory Wrightstone. He has numerous degrees and was accepted as an expert reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. He is also the author of the bestselling book Inconvenient Facts – the science that Al Gore doesn’t want you to know.

I learned a lot, met a lot of very intelligent people who are experts in the field of science, got a vast amount of literature, met a Senator from Arizona named Frank Carroll who worked on the Motorcycle Lane Splitting Bill with my friend Michael Infanzon – ABATE of Arizona, a lawyer, numerous motorcycle riders and others.

 

Hopefully what I am sharing with you will inspire you to look into this further.

I would like to suggest you start with The HEARTLAND INSTITUTE  www.heartland.org

Parisians vote to ban e-scooters from French capital

An overwhelming majority of Parisians voted to ban electric scooters from the streets of the French capital on Sunday, in a non-binding referendum that city authorities have said they would follow.

The ban won between 85.77% and 91.77% of the votes in the 20 Paris districts that published results, according to the City of Paris website on what was billed as a rare “public consultation” and prompted long queues at ballot boxes around the city.

“I preferred to vote against, because in Paris it’s a mess. The way it’s organised, the danger that it creates in Paris, the visual pollution, it’s not good.” said a railway worker.

Cities worldwide are tightening regulations on e-scooters, limiting the number of operators as well as speed and where they can park.

Electric scooters accessed through smartphone apps have operated in Paris since 2018, but following complaints about their anarchic deployment, Paris in 2020 cut the number of operators to three.

They were given a three-year contract, required that scooters’ speed be capped at 20 km/hour and imposed designated scooter parking areas. The current contracts will run until September 2023. Other restrictions were checking if users age was over 18, fixing licence plates so police could identify traffic offenders and limiting to one passenger.

On Sunday, operators such as Tier and Lime sent free voucher codes to users to encourage them to vote against the ban.

Some voters said they would have rather had tighter regulations than an outright ban. “I don’t want scooters to do whatever they wants on pavements, but banning them is not the priority said a Parisian. “I voted for (the scooters) because I’m against the rather binary choice we’re given in this referendum,” he added.

In 2021, 24 people died in scooter-related accidents in France, including one in Paris. Last year, Paris registered 459 accidents with e-scooters and similar vehicles, including three fatal ones.

“In my work, we see a lot of road accidents caused by scooters, so we really see the negative effects,” says general physician Audrey Cordier.

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Stay with the Buzz with Bikernet.com Free Weekly Newsletter….Take it for a Test Ride, click here.

Sharing with you the final builder in Indian Motorcycles Custom Sport Chief Series, Carey Hart.

A pioneer in freestyle motocross, turned street performance builder – watch Carey as he gets ready for an extra special build that will be put in the hands of longtime friend and fellow FMX legend, Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg.

Check out Part 1 of the episodic series where Carey and Twitch talk shop on his vision for the Custom Sport Chief here:

 

New Fiction from Bandit

with illustrations by Jon Towle

Bruno rode his performance Sportster hard along the Angeles Crest Highway daring sport bike guys to race him. He pushed himself to the brink of losing it over sheer cliffs or slamming into unforgiving rock walls. He refueled in Wrightwood a sleepy little mountain town just elevated enough to support pine trees.

Click Here to Read this latest fiction from K Randall Ball only on Bikernet.com

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Read entire novels and archived content from three decades of motorcycling, click to see Bandit’s Cantina membership options.

California Introduces Bill to Legalize Cruising

Encourage support from lawmakers on this proposal:

California has introduced SAN-supported legislation (AB 436) to allow automobile cruising activities to return statewide. Currently, local authorities are authorized to pass ordinances that regulate or prohibit cruising. This effort follows a resolution approved by the legislature last year celebrating the history and culture associated with automobile cruising, as well as encouraging local officials and law enforcement to work with local car clubs to conduct safe cruising events. Having passed the Assembly Committee on Local Government, the bill now awaits consideration in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.

Lawmakers Must Hear from You Right Away!

Click this website link for an overview and lawmaker contact.

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Stay updated…with Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter, click to know more.

Bruno rode his performance Sportster hard along the Angeles Crest Highway daring sport bike guys to race him. He pushed himself to the brink of losing it over sheer cliffs or slamming into unforgiving rock walls. He refueled in Wrightwood a sleepy little mountain town just elevated enough to support pine trees.

He ate a greasy dinner in a dive café sporting stools made from hubcaps and tuck-and-roll booths. He stared at his chipped ceramic cup and pondered his life. He didn’t like what raced through his mind. The big question was what the hell was he going to do now? He kept riding and thinking.

While in the service he studied martial arts and close- quarters combat. Fit, young and agile, he trained, lifted weights and took care of himself. But after his girl left him while he was out of the country, he lost hope. He gained weight, started smoking and let himself go. His only joy was his hot rod Sportster, which he tuned, maintained and worked to increase the horsepower with cams and enhanced the handling with performance shocks, the best tires and tunable forks. Perhaps riddled with a death wish, he kept pushing the motorcycle and himself, as if one wrong move and all his troubles would be toast.

A couple of days passed and Diego called. “What gives?”

“I don’t know what to do, bro?” Bruno said.

“The girl is cool, we like her,” Diego said. “But we can’t keep her forever. Are you still living in your shop?”

“Yep,” Bruno said. “I need to work this week and I’ll get you some funds. Let’s meet at the long Beach Swap Meet this weekend.”

“Work on a plan,” Diego said and hung up.

The emotional pressure grew. He didn’t have a plan for himself, let alone Sheila and her child to be. He worked hard all week in one of the last remaining machine shops on signal hill and questioned every aspect of his life. Friday, he got paid and cashed his check.

Sunday, he crawled out of the cot he made and slept on, scrambled to make coffee and hit the road to the swap meet at the crack of dawn. He wanted to arrive while the vendors set up their booths and Diego was a regular, hauling motorcycle parts from the desert to sell in the city.

Bruno parked his glistening Sportster. It looked as good as it ran all metallic and chrome. He wandered through the swap buzzing in concert, like a hive of bees, brothers and sisters unloading their vehicles and arranging their wares in enticing forms.

Diego unloaded his rusting red ’55 Chevy truck set up a tent, and a long plastic fold-up table, while his wife, Maria, as cute as a shiny brass button covered the table with a black velvet cloth. She arranged hand-tooled leather wallets made by her desert connection. Sheila helped out, anyway she could, setting up folding chairs and getting coffee for the crew. She made little cheesy quesadillas to supply them with energy as the sun filled the morning air and they sensed a blistering day on the coast coming.

Bruno approached their designated spot. Diego always had the same corner location on the massive asphalt lot, marked with dusty chalk. “Que paso, amigo,” Bruno said to Diego who looked up from his ongoing task. Then Bruno’s green eyes connected with Sheila’s. Something magnetic passed between the two and she grabbed the table edge and pulled herself to her feet.

Bruno hurried to her side and they embraced and held tight for a long moment. He felt a connection he hadn’t felt in several years. He slipped Diego a wad of cash.

“Is there hope,” Sheila whispered in Bruno’s ear and kissed his cheek.

Bruno stared down at the warming asphalt at his feet and crushed a cigarette butt. It spoke to him of his life and he struggled to raise his eyes to meet hers. Her dark eyes were full of hope, sincerity and love for her growing child.

“If it isn’t Puto and the whore,” Pablo said and pushed Bruno away from the girl. He had his two soldiers at his side while he sported his full club regalia, including leather etched gauntlets running up his massive forearms with chromed buttons emblazed in the trim. His leather vest with fringe was tied in the center over his exposed chest. His hair was especially frizzed from the ride and his mustache looked like daggers pointing out from the corners of his mouth. He snarled in true outlaw form.

Bruno corrected himself. “Do you have the grand?” He asked directly.

Pablo snatched the laced leather riding crop hanging from his right hand and slashed it across Bruno’s face. “I told you muthafucker. We are not paying you shit.” He made a gesture to his lieutenants and they grabbed Bruno’s arms. Other members approached and beat Bruno unmercifully until his bloody bod lay on the pavement being boot-kicked and beat with bats.

Pablo took this as an opportunity to demonstrate the club’s street power to the locals. They punched and whipped Bruno, picked him up and shoved him to the front gate and then threw him out. “Comancheros Forever,” they shouted intimidating the crowd. Outside the gate Bruno reached from the sticky blood-spattered asphalt to the chain-link fence with a bloody hand sporting a freshly broken finger and tugged himself to his knees flipping off the club with his other index finger. “You motherfuckers owe me a grand,” he shouted.

He fell to the pavement, his face scattered with swelling bruises and lacerations.

The white Comanchero prez and another group of members approached Diego’s booth. He sneered at Sheila. “You shouldn’t have come around,” He leered at her and Diego approached.

“Keep your asshole buddy away from my club,” the prez said and spit on the warm asphalt. He nodded to one of his gang. The member stepped forward and drove a baseball bat into Diego’s gut. Diego folded in pain and dropped to his knees. His wife Maria ran to his side.

She helped Diego to his feet. Diego had a rough past, but his Latino heritage didn’t offer him bulk or size. Skinny as a rail he stood and his eyes lifted until he stared at the club prez, with dark eyes to the prez’s baby blue irises. “Why, are you afraid?” He said and ground he teeth. Another bat smacked him in the shoulder. Severe pain sliced through his body as he grabbed a tent corner post to catch his fall.

Maria grabbed him and pulled him away, “That’s enough, Diego.”

The members moved away pushing and barking at onlookers and threatening them with metal bats.

Bruno laid on the asphalt bleeding with a broken finger, bloody nose and a cracked rib. A stout Pilipino man knelt beside him and shoved a card in his flannel pocket. “You need to come to my dojo,” Sifu said and looked him over.

Later, in the afternoon Pablo returned to Diego’s booth. His thugs surrounded the area and picked at products and motorcycle parts in an intimidating manner. Pablo stepped around members and stood twisting one of his long black, mustache tenacles while sneering at Sheila. He grabbed one of Diego’s cards. “We’re coming for all of you.”

Three days later still bruised and bandaged, Bruno pulled up to an industrial building in Torrance not far from the LA airport to Sifu’s dojo. He struggled through a two-hour workout, but two days later he returned. “Come every Saturday.” Sifu said.

He gradually healed, worked hard and took cash to Diego every two weeks. He quit messing with his bike and riding like a bat-outta-hell through the hills. He expanded his living quarters in his shop, framed walls and drywalled a new bedroom. He hit the local antique store and Good Will locations for a queen-sized bed and a crib. Suddenly the redheaded loner had a mission.

He never missed Saturday at the dojo. While at work watching a spinning lathe in the machine shop, he question everything about his life. Terrified, he wasn’t sure what to do or how make it work. Sometimes he gazed at his Sportster longingly and just wanted to climb aboard and ride. As he painted the new rooms in his shop with his helper, he doubted his abilities to be a spouse or a dad. Something inside of him just wanted to escape, but something in her gaze gave him hope.

Friday night after being paid and cashing his check he rode east on the Santa Monica freeway, splitting lanes toward the desert. At the dusty, grimy intersection of the 10 and the 15 heading toward Vegas resided a massive truck stop and he rolled off the freeway to refuel his just over 2-gallon tank.

He pulled up to the pumps and kicked his chromed kickstand out and leaned his bike against the metal post. He started to refuel as he heard more bikes blasting into the lot as massive as two football fields of asphalt lined with idling 18-wheelers.

As they peeled into the lot, they were followed by a racing orange muscle-car, a Plymouth from the ‘70s. It sported massive slicks and the driver enjoyed the open space, burning-out and spinning in circles. The riders, three of them rode dangerously close to Bruno as they slid up to the adjacent pump. There were two Comanchero brothers and a prospect. One of them recognized Bruno. Pablo’s brother parked his chopper and drew his aluminum bat from a leather sheath strapped to his front forks.

“Puta,” he shouted and ordered his prospect to fill their bikes. The two patch-holders approached Bruno as he pulled the nozzle from his tank and replaced it in the pump.

“Pablo’s going to love this,” Ricky said and drew back for a swing.

Bruno replaced his gas cap and looked at his tank. No one fucks with a biker’s ride he thought to himself. “Did you bring the grand?” Bruno asked as his eyes lifted to meet the gaze of the oncoming outlaw. He quickly moved around his Sporty to confront moderate sized club member in all leather, his vest flapping in the desert wind the bat above his shoulder while he charged.

The other outlaw pulled a long straight blade from his black, stitched leather sheath and sliced it through the air. Bruno scarred shitless, learned from the martial arts master. It was time to test the lessons. He didn’t back down but ran at the man whose eyes widen and suddenly he questioned his motives, but that didn’t stop him. Committed he gripped the bat with two leather glove adorned fists and his grip increased as his engineer boots slammed against the pavement.

Bruno ran at the outlaw and drove his left hand against the man’s fists stopping the swing. As instructed, he let his hand slide out along the shank of the light metal bat until he reached four inches from the end, where he controlled the leverage. As he twisted the bat down, breaking the biker’s grip he drove his right webbed hand into the outlaw’s throat.

He took the shiny bat away from the Comanchero, spun 180 degrees with the bat cocked and hit a home run with the knife from the other punk’s leather grasp. As instructed, Bruno then held the bat in two hands, one at one end and one at the other as he punched the knife wielding biker with one end and smacked the chocking outlaw with the other.

The prospect refueling the bikes didn’t know whether to shit or go blind. He filled the brothers choppers first and started to move toward filling his Softail fatbob tanks, when he witnessed the two patch-holders losing the fight. He thought better, replaced the nozzle in the pump, jumped on his bike, tossed his prospect patch onto a member’s seat and peeled out.

The brother driving the muscle-car, spinning a burnout in the parking lot saw Bruno kneecap one of the outlaws with the bat. “Next time bring cash,” Bruno spat, stood and approached the other Comanchero who scrambled backwards on the grimy, oil-soaked, asphalt sporting a busted jaw. The pain excruciating, he didn’t want to have anything to do with the mad redhead and the metal bat.

Bruno approached the rumbling bright orange hotrod with Crager mag wheels. Fast Fred behind the wheel wearing his patch, his hands sweating, one on the slick laminated wooden steering wheel with chromed spokes to the center and the other on the stainless steel revolver.

“I’ll bet you have a big problem on your hands,” Bruno said the bat still in front of him like a warrior’s bumper, while he held each end firmly.

Fast Fred stared at Bruno and pulled the weapon back inside. “I’ve got to get the fuck outta here,” he muttered.

“Go,” Bruno said intent on the location of the weapon. “The cops will come and take care of your brothers better than you can. I won’t touch them again.”

“The prez is going to be pissed,” Fred said and shifted the car into first.

“He’s pissed all of the time. At least you got away with the shit,” Bruno smiled. “Tell him, if he paid me, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Bruno rode hard into the desert, while watching the city fade and the desert night come alive with stars. He didn’t care about cops or tickets, he just wanted to see his girl.

He slid up in front of Diego’s pad and Sheila ran into the desert sand to greet him. They hugged long and hard, holding on desperately for what could be, might be, and might not.

Diego came outside and Bruno gave him the funds. “My pad is almost finished,” he said holding tight to the girl, almost six months pregnant. “Can you guys go somewhere else for a few days?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Diego said. “Nobody knows where I live. We’ll be fine.”

“I don’t have a good feeling,” Bruno said. “I need to get back to my pad. They’ll be coming for me.”

Bruno kissed Sheila deeply. “It won’t be long now and we’ll be together.” He straddled his trusty Sportster and peeled through the sand and dust to the highway winding back to the Interstate and home two hours away.

Scared to death, he split lanes, dodged trucks and congested traffic back into the city. The club would have sources and intel. He had nothing. They had numbers and contacts, and he was a loner. They threatened, bribed, cajoled and beat on humble folks. Bruno had no one to talk to, except a Hispanic mud man and painter, illegal who helped out. He didn’t speak English, terrified that he might be deported any day.

He happened to be Bruno’s weak link. Long Beach drug gangs knew where all the illegals lived and extorted from them to stay silent about their whereabouts. The Comancheros drilled their drug connections for info and resources. Saturday little skinny Emilio didn’t show up for work.

Saturday night a van full of club members slid up in front of Bruno’s tin shop building crawled out of the van each holding a booze bottle full of gasoline with a rag fuse stuck in the end. Simultaneously, they lite their fuses and threw the bottles at the base of the building where the wooden frame was exposed.

The building burst into flames. Inside smoke and heat intensified and the fire spread to anything that would ignite from rags to trash cans and then oil. Lacking air to breathe Bruno woke as his new walls and insulation caught fire. He jumped out of bed like a startled roach running for cover. He crawled and grabbed a painter’s mask, then his clothes and finally his Sportster. He threw open the roll-up shop door and pushed this motorcycle outside just as more of the interior and a spare gas can exploded. Everything he had suddenly gone, he straddled his Sportster and peeled out.

As fire trucks approached, lights flashed and sirens blared, Bruno rode out of Long Beach.

Later that night four Comancheros and a van pulled up in front of Diego’s desert pad. Pablo climbed out of the van and indicted to his members where to position themselves. He strode under the shingled eves, warm at 2:00 in the morning and pounded on the door. Diego yanked the door open. “What the fuck,” Diego said.

“We came for the girl,” Pablo snarled, “or else.”

“Or else what?” Diego said

“Or else this,” Pablo said and even in the dark his long bowie-styled knife glinted in the moonlight as Pablo jammed it into Diego’s gut. The man stumbled back and fell to the floor. Maria ran to his side and cupped her hand over the bleeding wound.

Pablo indicated for his two lieutenants to enter the house and snatch the pregnant girl, who was in a night gown and barely able to grab an Indian blanket off the velvet couch she slept on. The brothers dragged her quickly out to the van and shoved her in the side door. Pablo spit on the concrete floor as Diego and Maria huddled, clutching one another. “That piece of shit puta knows where to find us,” Pablo said. “He better come with more than a grand if he wants to see the bitch alive again.” He turned and stormed out of the door. In less than five minutes the Comancheros came, accomplished their mission and hit the road.

The next morning Bruno woke-up leaning against the stucco Dojo exterior wall in Torrance, the sun warming his engineer boots. Two other bikes rolled into the parking lot. One was Sifu’s raked old-school chopper, all metallic with Chinese dragons, in gold-leaf inlaid on the tank and another stretched by Jesse James FXR with an extended glide and everything was performance and black except for a touch of pinstriping.

Bruno slipped his cell phone into a leather vest pocked quietly. Maria had called from the hospital.

“What’s up with you,” Sifu said.

“I’m done,” Bruno pulled his knees up and buried his face between them. “They’ve destroyed and taken all I had left.”

They worked out hard in close-quarters combat and weapons training. Bruno smelled of smoke. The discussion was as intense as the workout. After training, Mark took Bruno into Sifu’s office. While Sifu showed Bruno his private stash of weapons including several Browning and Glock pistols, Mark stepped out of the office and retired to the computer and phone behind the Dojo counter.

I have a class to teach,” Sifu said and took Bruno into his private quarters behind his office. “You need some rest.” The room contained a comfortable bed, no windows and a statue of Buddha on a makeshift shrine with a fountain of trickling water surrounding it and running over polished stones. He turned on some calming oriental music. “Lay down and close your eyes. When you get up, feel free to take a shower.” Sifu closed the door. He held the face of wisdom and wars, pock-marked, tan and thoughtful.

Three hours later Bruno stepped out of the shower. When he returned to the meditation room, he looked at the glowing Buddha as if the master spoke to him. He turned to the bed to see his pants carefully laid out on the bed. His smoke stained t-shirt was gone and replaced with thick black sweatshirt. The front was gold silk screened with a Chinese dragon and crossed swords. Also, a black leather thong necklace rested on the chest of the sweatshirt. It sported a highly detailed brass Dragon with a sparkling emerald in its eye and next to his pants was an engraved leather knife sheath. The same dragon and crossed swords was carefully engraved into the thick hide and into the shiny black lacquered knife handle. The Damascus blade was shaped in Japanese fashion and sharp as a razor.

Bruno dressed quickly, walked through Sifu’s office and passed the Dojo where Sifu taught another class of kids learning the basics. He stopped and bowed to the master with clasped hands. Sifu acknowledge him with his feet snapped together followed by a slight bow with his hands clasped and a knowing gaze.

As he walked toward the glass door entrance Mark stopped him. “You’ll need this.” He handed Bruno a small black tiny book. “This has all the intel you’ll need.”

Bruno opened the book to find only three pages of info. The first said, “Dinner at 6:00, and the address to a restaurant near the Irvine Industrial complex. “He can’t reach his phone,” was noted.

Bruno looked at his battered watch and tapped the cracked glass screen. His eyes were deep green, but clear and bright. It was closing on 5:00. He needed to ride.

He looked like a new man as he straddled his glistening Sportster and fired it to life. For the first time his black vest, with the new shiny brass dragon pin looked organized and almost military with the logo on the sweatshirt. His red hair and the emerald green pinstriped scallops on his tank matched the emerald green in the dragons’ eyes. He felt the weight of the Glock in his gun pocked and two additional 8-round clips in the other.

He rode like a warrior against the setting sun into the dregs of the city’s industrial complex to find Pablo’s regular coffee shop on the edge of the seedy district. He watched his time closely and approached from west as six Comancheros and Pablo rolled in from the east. Bruno sat side saddle on his clicking and cooling motorcycle as the brothers pulled into the parking lot and slid to a stop in front of the Crescent Wrench Café, wrapped in galvanized tin and adorned with old equipment and tools.

Startled, they snapped their kickstands down and grabbed at their weapons. Bruno stood, raised the sparkling Glock and took out Pablo’s two favorite lieutenants. The men screamed and fell against their choppers knocking them over, one caught fire. Another member lifted his weapon, thought better, threw it on the ground and road away. Bruno aimed carefully and took out his rear tire tossing the rider to the pavement. He got up and attempted to run. Bruno blew out a kneecap.

The fire fight was on and other members tried to return fire to no avail. Bruno wasted every last member, until Pablo stood alone his hands out to his side. “I don’t have a pistol,” Pablo said stepping back.

“Terrific,” Bruno said and holstered the Glock after replacing the empty clip. “You like knives, right.”

For the first time Pablo wasn’t absolutely sure of himself. But once Bruno holstered his 9mm, that snarky smirk returned to his face. Bruno was a smaller and less fit man. But now, like his opponent he held the appearance and stance of a warrior and as he yanked the Asian blade from his sheath. Pablo recognized a different situation.

Bruno approached and Pablo glanced around as if one of his members would come to his aid. He yanked his Bowie knife and the two men clashed. Pablo swung his knife violently and erratically, but Bruno moved with the attacks only slicing when the opportunity was sure. He cut Pablo’s massive forearm first, then sliced his flexing bicep.

Pablo suddenly lost the use of his left arm as his right hand with the knife drove at Bruno stomach. Bruno easily maneuvered the arm away from his target and sliced Pablo’s forearm wide open like he would slice a turkey leg. Pablo dropped his blade and Bruno stepped closer and slit the tendons at the bottom of his bulging muscle. The arm lost function as the bicep curled uselessly to his shoulder and he screamed, both arms dysfunctional.

Bruno stepped even closer. “A Billy badass who picks on women, huh?” He slid his knife between Pablo’s muscular legs and Pablo’s eye’s widened. “You’ll never see that broad again or your grand,” Pablo sneered but his dark eyes indicated fear and Bruno’s razor sharp knife cut through Pablo’s denims and cut his femoral artery deeply.

“We’ll see about that,” Bruno said, wiped the knife on Pablo’s pants and watched him collapse in a pool of spewing blood on the oil-stained asphalt. “Got a meeting with the president’s wife.”

“Wait,” Pablo began to plead as he bled out on the pavement and Bruno rode away.

Bruno knew the cops would be all over the café in minutes. He needed to distance himself quickly and his Sportster did the job. Some ten miles away he skidded into an old paint shop, surrounded with a galvanized tin fence for privacy. Mark waited with the prez’s wife, Tammy. She didn’t appear to be a biker broad. She lacked the rough exterior, more like a slick South Bay real estate sales agent or Victoria Secret model.

Bruno slid to a stop and Tammy ran to his side, “Bruno.” His ex who ran off when he served overseas wrapped her arms around him and hugged him close.

“What the hell,” Bruno said conflicted. “Wouldn’t you know it.”

“It’s not like that,” Tammy stammered. “I was lonely.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Bruno said. “Let’s go.”

Bruno revved his faithful Sportster. “Get on.” He looked at Mark and nodded. “Are we cool?”

“Yes,” Mark said and the tall man strode to his stretched chopper, pulled a set of short bolt-cutters out of saddlebags and gave them to Bruno, who stuffed them in his vest. Mark tossed his leg over the custom tooled seat as the sun rapidly set in the west.

They both blasted out of the parking lot in the same direction, for a couple of miles then split. Another half mile and Bruno pulled into an empty slab building parking lot, stopped and lit a cigarette.

“You smoke?” Tammy asked her baby blue-eyed gaze searching Bruno’s features for clues to his thoughts.

“Last one,” Bruno said, puffed on the cigarette and tossed the pack in the bushes lining the parking area. He attempted to relax.

“What’s going to happen?” Tammy asked while remaining in the saddle. At 5’6” she was still hot although disheveled from the ride.

Bruno looked at her as if his entire life was dropped into a blender. He knew at this moment he could ride away with Tammy and maybe, but maybe wasn’t good enough. Her appearance didn’t answer the myriad of questions swirling through his brain cavities. He’d killed men and wasn’t done. Maybe more would die.

“Let’s roll,” Bruno said and kicked his leg over his custom Le Pera seat.

“But baby, can’t we talk?” Tammy whispered in his ear as they pulled into the street and sliced deeper into the industrial complex toward the Comanchero’s clubhouse surrounded by 6-foot chain-link fence.

He parked the Sportster a block away. Dark as they made their way to the back of the clubhouse compound, Bruno listened intently. The center of the industrial park on a weekend was quiet, except for Born to Be Wild blaring from the clubhouse speakers. He watched everything that moved. The tin shop was open. Lights and activity ensued inside. The back of the clapboard house was quiet and dark with a three-step landing leading to the back screen door. Worn and tattered the door latch was unhinged and the wooded framed door swung open slightly then shut with a clang.

Bruno didn’t like the disruption. He wasn’t exactly sure what the hell he planned to do. He knew his mission remained to free Sheila, but he had no idea how to do it. He studied the number of bikes in the lot and vehicles. He figured there must be a dozen or more members around. Freeing the bolt cutters, he moved to the darkest most hidden corner of the lot and cut at the chain link, one link at a time until he could push Tammy through the mesh and himself.

He moved along the fence toward the front of the clapboard house and the broad porch. He positioned himself across from the corner of the house. He could see into the shop, the front of the house clearly and the side, in case someone came around from the back. A floodlight glowed from above the shop door. Another from the shingled roof of the house lite up the bikes parked in two rows out front.

Bruno pulled the Glock out of his gun pocket housing a full clip, his last one and fired a round into the air. Suddenly members emerged from the house and the shop armed.

One member, a tall skinny kid saw Bruno and the woman and ran back inside hollering, “It’s him, and your wife.”

The prez, Erick Stratton came out onto the porch abruptly, followed by two members. “What the fuck?”

“You owe me a grand,” Bruno said, “and where’s the girl?” The fact that he stood slightly behind Tammy and was holding the shiny recently fired Glock held the troops at bay.

“Pablo’s dead,” Bruno said, “and so are his soldiers. What are you going to do now, Punk!”

“Fuck you!” the prez said and looked around at his troops armed and ready. “You don’t have a chance here. You should have known not to come back.”

“It’s just you and me,” Bruno spat and shoved Tammy away from him exposing himself. She stumbled and grabbed the highbars of a chopper to steady her, but she didn’t run to the porch. She stepped back, as if to separate herself from the prez. Bruno’s red hair flashed in the dim light, his vest flapped in the evening breeze and the brothers could make out the almost uniform flare of his golden dragons attire. “Mano y Mano muthafucker.”

Bruno holstered his 9mm and threw his vest open to reveal the slick Japanese knife sheath. “How about knives like Pablo?” Bruno spat, “or just a grand and the girl.”

The president eyes widened with fear, he stepped back from his power position at the edge of the wooden porch. His hollow fight was gone.

Sheila pushed open the tattered, front, screen door followed by the skinny messenger member who raised his hands high in mock surrender. The six-months pregnant, Hispanic sweetheart, still in her nightgown and wrapped in a colorful Mexican blanket stepped down off the porch landing gingerly.

Bruno ran forward to help her and a Comanchero standing outside the shop door jacked the slide on his pump shotgun. Just as quickly another distant shot rang out, and the rifle was knocked from his grasp. The brothers in unison looked around to find the location of the shooter. They couldn’t.

Bruno continued quickly to Sheila’s side and helped her from the last step. “Can you ride?”

She looked up at him as she moved into his arms. “I can do anything with you,” She said and Bruno led her away, but as he reached the corner of the aging clapboard building, he turned to Erick still on the porch looking frail. “You still owe me a grand.” Bruno said. “Don’t make me come back here.”

The prez glanced around at the other members and as if looking for back-up but none came. Members put their weapons away, relaxed and waited.

The skinny brother on the porch dropped his hands and reached into his pockets. He pulled out a wad of cash and ran off the porch. Another brother met him as the bottom step with a C-note, other brothers came forward with cash and before Bruno could reach the hole in the industrial fence the thin Comanchero approached with a serious wad of cash. “For the baby,” He muttered, bowed slightly and held the chain-link aside for their departure.

Bruno looked him in the eyes. “Comancheros forever,” he said, “Just get a new prez.”

Illustrations by Jon Towle

Revving up for a Good Cause: 2023 Flying Piston Benefit Charity Breakfast and Auction

by Prince Jeffrey Najar

Each year, I produce the Daytona edition of the Flying Piston Benefit Builder Breakfast and online silent auction with industry maven, Marilyn Stemp.

This year it was a tale of 2 rides, the cold one and the hot one. The cold ride is where all the trouble happened and, well, I’m still thawing out.

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

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