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Arlen Ness

Black Biker History

By General Posts

Here is a photo of Bessie Stringfield on her (from what I can tell anyways) 1940 61-cubic-inch Harley-Davidson OHV. Also known as the Knucklehead.

Recognizing Black History Month 2022
by Nick Resty and Mama Tried

I do not claim to be an expert on any historical MC stuff, but I have always found it fascinating.

Being a guy who tries to emulate what others have done in the past, I have always found it to be important and respectful to learn the history of the source of my passion.

One aspect of chopper history that has always fascinated me are the black chopper builders and motorcycle clubs. That being said, I’ll just spout off things that I have learned through my chopper years thus far.

CLICK HERE To Read this Feature Article from Nick Resty & Mama Tried

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Strider Bikes builds new riders – “Double Down Charity Program”

By General Posts

Strider Bikes Announces the “Double Down Charity Program”

New program increases youth ridership and feeds two charities simultaneously via youth balance bikes.

Rapid City, SD – Strider Bikes, the leading manufacturer of balance bikes for children with over 2 million sold worldwide, launches a new direct-sale custom Strider program designed to further increase youth ridership and charitable donations. The Double-Down Charity Program (DDCP) will support partner-designated 501c3 charities and the Strider Education Foundation’s All Kids Bike, a national movement to install Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Programs into public schools. This all while delivering unique balance bikes designed by the Strider partner company or brand.

The Double-Down Charity Program enables a company or brand to design a custom graphics package including a competition style number plate and a complete sticker kit. Then, for each customized bike sold, the partner’s designated 501(c)(3)charity receives $20 and All Kids Bike receives $20.

As sales climb over 200 units, the partners designated charity will receive $4,000, and one school (of the partner’s choosing) is donated a Kindergarten PE “Learn-To-Ride” program care of All Kids Bike consisting of 22 Strider 14x balance bikes, training and certification for the PE teacher, helmets, pedal conversion kits, approved curriculum, and five years of technical support. Through the Kindergarten PE Program, children enjoy the mental and physical benefits of riding a bike, including the fun, freedom and mobility it provides. Donations are delivered via Strider Bikes in the name of the sponsoring partner. Partners will have the opportunity to present the donation and be on site to see their All Kids Bike donation in action, further increasing the public relations opportunity for the partner.

The DDCP is designed to increase ridership at every level and to empower those who share in the vision of more kids on bikes; learning balance, gaining health benefits and ditching screens. “We are very excited about the DDCP and what it means for increasing youth ridership,” says Strider Bikes founder and Chief Enthusiast Ryan McFarland. “We wanted to create wins at every level, and this program empowers our fans, like-minded companies, and brands to use their influence to help create more mobile, happy and healthy kids across the US.”

The Double Down Charity Program is directed by Robert Pandya, a 25-year motorcycle industry veteran known for working on new ridership initiatives, increasing female ridership and his general enthusiasm for motorcycling. “I could not be more excited to work with Strider and share the mission of All Kids Bike, as well as work with individuals and companies who see how positive and powerful it is for children to learn how to ride,” says Pandya. “I know through personal experience that getting out on two wheels, powered or not, is one of the most freeing and inspiring ways to move through life. Combining that inspiration with the opportunity to elevate charities and accelerate the All Kids Bike mission is truly energizing for the whole industry.”

Pandya will manage the DDCP, working directly with partners to assist with graphic design and communications and act as a liaison with Strider Bikes. Each unit will be sold directly via a custom-built website page at www.Striderbikes.com, meaning the partner has nothing to inventory and no responsibility for fulfillment. Pandya will work with the partners to increase program exposure to their audience through social media and PR, and high visibility events integrating with the partner’s marketing teams.

“We have developed a program for large companies, celebrities, and charity organizations,” continues Pandya. “With the goal of having an entire generation of children exposed to riding on two wheels, we know that there are many out there who will immediately understand the quadruple win of kids getting a custom Strider bike, two charities benefitting, and the partner being associated throughout the whole program.”

To kick off the program, on April 27th Arlen Ness Enterprises announced the debut of their Double Down Charity Strider that will benefit the Grand Muliple Myeloma Translational Initiative at the University of California San Francisco and All Kids Bike donations toward the schools of Moorhead, MN.

Arlen Ness, the patriarch of the family custom motorcycle business, which includes his Daughter Sherri, son Cory, and grandson Zach, passed away on March 22, 2019 after a battle with Multiple Myeloma. “I know that Dad would have been really happy with this program,” says Cory Ness. “The Grand MMTI helped him manage his cancer and deserves our thanks. The chance to teach every kid in Dad’s home town about the fun and friendship that comes from being on two wheels is a perfect tribute to a man who simply loved to ride.” The Arlen Ness Edition Double Down Charity Striders can be ordered for direct shipping care of https://striderbikes.com/buy/charity/arlen-ness-double-down-charity-bike/.

For further information connect with Robert Pandya at Robert@StriderBikes.com, or log on to https://striderbikes.com/double-down-charity-bikes/

ABOUT STRIDER SPORTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. Strider creates and inspires future generations of riders by giving children as young as six months old the best first-bike experience. From rocking-horse bikes for babies, to patented balance bikes and pedal conversion kits Strider has revolutionized the learn-to-ride process and the childhood riding experience. Children across the globe are starting on Strider Bikes and becoming two-wheeling virtuosos – before they’re out of diapers.  Founded in 2007, in Rapid City, South Dakota, Strider has sold more than 2 million bikes and distributes products in over 75 countries.  Visit www.StriderBikes.com, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.

ABOUT ALL KIDS BIKE

All Kids Bike is a nationwide movement to teach every child in America how to ride a two-wheel bicycle in kindergarten PE Class. The campaign is led by the Strider Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which facilitates donations of their Kindergarten PE Program to elementary schools throughout the country. The programs are funded by a coalition of parents, educators, health care providers, businesses, nonprofits and members of the general public.

The Legacy of Arlen Ness – an Obituary

By General Posts

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Arlen Ness the visionary, loving husband, father, grandfather and leader of our family passed away last night March 22, 2019. Arlen passed away comfortably in his home surrounded by loved ones after the most creative and inspirational life anyone could imagine.

The most important things in Arlen’s life were his wife of 59 years Beverly, his children, grandchildren, friends and motorcycles. Arlen once said that “Motorcycling has been a great ride…my whole life since I’ve been motorcycling has been wonderful. I’ve met so many nice people. Friends all over the world. We can go almost anyplace and stay with friends. It’s been great.” With few words Arlen conveyed his priorities every day, family and friends.

Everyone who knew Arlen respects him for his achievements and for who he was as a person, both of which are superlatives. The respect is how Arlen came to deserve the commonly spoken nickname “The King of Custom Motorcycles”. Arlen rarely reflected on his own success. He never planned for it, this is because what he achieved had never been done before; it had never been dreamt of.

Arlen has touched the lives of his family, the Arlen Ness team and thousands of others around the world with his genuine character. Arlen’s family will announce a memorial service and celebration of life after some private time, and appreciate your understanding. Arlen’s family thank you for your respects and condolences.

Although the Ness family cannot put their loss into words, they can look up and smile knowing Arlen has done something that few men do in a lifetime of trying. He has inspired.

A true gentleman, a one-of-a-kind visionary and one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. You will be missed, Arlen.

Arlen Darryl Ness (July 12, 1939 – March 22, 2019) was an American motorcycle designer and entrepreneur best known for his custom motorcycles. Ness received acclaim for his designs, most of which are noted for their unique body style and paintwork.

Arlen Darryl Ness was born in Moorhead, Minnesota on July 12, 1939 to Elaine and Ervin Ness, and moved to San Leandro, California when he was in the sixth grade.

Prior to his career as a motorcycle builder, Arlen worked as a pin setter at the local bowling alley, and later as a post office worker and furniture mover. Ness also competed in semi-professional bowling leagues, the earnings of which he used to buy his first motorcycle, a 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead that he later customized.

Ness was married to his wife Beverly for 59 years until his death.

His first customs were made in the garage of his home in San Leandro, California, but by the early 1970s he had moved to a storefront on East 14th Street.

Ness was recognized for his unique painting style and for developing a line of custom motorcycle parts. His popularity grew as he built new custom bikes and then had those displayed on the bike show circuit and featured in motorcycle magazines.

After more than three decades of custom bike building, his business, Arlen Ness Motorcycles, moved to a Dublin, California facility that includes a museum featuring more than 40 of his custom motorcycles. The museum displays his Untouchable, the twin motor Two Bad, the antique inspired Ness-Tique, Blower Bike, the Italian sports car inspired Ferrari Bike, the ’57 Chevy inspired Ness-Stalgia, the Bugatti-like Smooth-Ness, the Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off bike Top Banana, and his jet-powered Mach Ness. The company is also an authorized dealership for Victory Motorcycles and for Indian Motorcycles.

Ness has received recognition and awards including Builder of the Year, induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Arlen Ness Inc. is completely owned and operated by a family and is the only motorcycle business, that houses 3 generations with the same last name in it. At the moment, Arlen Ness brand offers products for V-twin engines and motorcycle gear. The Arlen Ness museum and showroom are located in Dublin, California.

Ness received a patent for the Big Shot, a method of altering the motorcycle’s fuel injection system, and thereby enhancing a motorcycle’s performance.

Arlen Ness died on March 22, 2019 at the age of 79.

TV Show Featuring Zack Ness Premieres Tonight On Nat Geo Channel

By General Posts

Zach Ness, grandson of motorcycle legend Arlen Ness, now carries the torch of the family empire. Even though bikes are in his blood, Ness is out to distinguish himself as a builder in his own right. National Geographic Channel head out on the highway with Ness and his crew in the new series Let It Ride, premiering Wednesday, August 14, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Ness and his crew are driven to build the best. They’re on a mission to break new ground in the custom motorcycle world. Sparks will fly, wrenches will turn, bets will be won and lost, and pranks will be dropped on the poor and unsuspecting. But most of all, Ness and the guys will create amazing works of art that roll and perform. 

 

“The hardest part of making this show is not being able to keep the bikes!” jokes Ness. Each week, he and his team take on a new and challenging build. Sometimes inspiration strikes and Ness builds a bike on spec. Other times a client comes to him with a request. Either way, Ness is determined to make the best machine possible, but he can’t do it without his boys.  

Cameron Smith, walking motorcycle encyclopedia and eccentric bike hunter, digs up the lost and hidden gems Ness needs. Bryan Simpson, his lead mechanic, is afraid of nothing when it comes to building the perfect beast. Justin Lynch keeps the team on schedule, fields rapid-fire parts requests and puts a tight lid on the budgets. Jim Jennings is a fabricating fiend who can shape and bend any type of metal on the planet.  

Premieres Wednesday, August 14, 2013, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT