This week we published a piece about the state of the Chopper magazine market on Bikernet. As usual, when we delve into a topic, shit gets crazy. It’s the nature of every industry. Fifty years ago, life was simple, but exploding. It’s still exploding.
You know and face it daily. Go buy a refrigerator. Now there are a thousand options, sizes and brands. Hell, try to buy a new pair of jeans from Wrangler. Okay, so there are more riders than ever before, if we’re not banned tomorrow. Each guy or gal has their own style of riding and machines.
Then we come up against technology including the internet and social media. Every time something surfaces it divides the market and with each new technology we have opportunities and obstacles. Let’s hit the news.
Another magnificent day in Paradise. If you’re into politics I know you’re on the edge of your seat. If you’re into football, you’re on the edge of your seat. If you’re into chopper building, you’re on the edge of your bench trying to make shit happen.
I’m sorta on the edge of my seat over several elements of this year. There are new book projects, movie and TV efforts. It’s going to be damn exciting with new builds, going to the Texas mile to test the Salt Torpedo, then to Bonneville hopefully.
Let’s see how the world works through the following week. Think Freedom, it always works.
Let’s head into this year determined to make a difference. We can do it by raising hell, joining all the rights groups we can, writing letters to elected representatives and demanding truth and integrity.
It was bullshit audacity to think anyone can break up our free country without a fight. This year we fight for reasonable borders, clean, crime-free cities, free speech and scientific transparency. Hell, oil didn’t come from fossils, it’s natural and we need all the CO2 we can get. It ain’t a pollutant!
Don’t be bullied, fight back! Let’s make a difference in 2023
It’s that time of the year, when we reflect on what we’ve done in 2022 and what we plan for 2023.
Think about all of the anecdotes and the sheer potential of life in America. Like I told my grandson, it’s time to dream a little. Anything is possible.
Okay, so what’s Bandit, Bikernet and 5-Ball going to do next year? You can bet we’re going to do something, even if it’s wrong…
It’s going to be a very exciting year. Hang on, join your local or national motorcycle rights group for freedom to ride.
I want to wish everyone the best of Holidays. I know times are tough and challenging, but I have serious hopes for 2023. Just a few years ago we were living in the best of times. That notion will return next year, I swear and I’ll take you along for the ride of a lifetime.
Have a merry Xmas and let’s have a better New Year. I’ll be back next week for a final year-end report.
MADNESS ON MOTORCYCLES : All gas, no brakes, infinite slides.
Ice Speedway Berlin Is Back On The Racing Calendar In March, 2023
It’s been three long years, but in 2023, Ice Speedway Berlin is back on the international racing calendar. If you’ll be in Berlin, Germany, on March 3 and 4, 2023, and you’re interested in taking in some of the best ice speedway racers from Germany and beyond doing their thing, then you’ll probably want to get your hands on some tickets.
The last Ice Speedway Berlin took place from February 27 through March 1, 2020, and was one of the final major motorsport events prior to global pandemic-related shutdowns. If you’re unfamiliar with the sport, we wholeheartedly recommend that you check out this video, which was taken during day two of the 2020 Ice Speedway Berlin event.
The 48th Ice Speedway Berlin event in 2023 will be a bit different from what’s gone before. After the bad luck of the past few years, everyone was hopeful that a normal Ice Speedway event in Berlin would be able to happen in 2022. However, problems arose with machinery related to maintaining the ice surface of the track, and a 2022 event was not able to go forward. After that issue was solved, though, another one popped up to take its place.
Due to a breakdown in discussions between event organizers and the FIM, for the first time, the Ice Speedway Berlin event will have neither European Championship nor World Cup status. While international racers are invited to attend, it will not be a regular, sanctioned event that is part of a larger championship calendar—something very unusual for this event, indeed.
Nevertheless, ice speedway luminaries including Hans Weber, Max Niedermaier, and Fyn Loheider have already confirmed their attendance for the 2023 event. A good time should be had by all—both the riders participating, and also the spectators who are watching from the stands of the Eisstadion Wilmersdorf, where the 2023 Eisspeedway Berlin (as it’s called in German) will be held.
Full ticketing information has yet to be announced, but we’ll include a link in our Sources to the city of Berlin’s official page about the event so you can learn more later.
BELOW IS A VIDEO FROM: Eisspeedway Berlin 2020 | FIM Ice Speedway of Nations World Championship Day 2 + Final
Championship Day 2 + FinalIt was time again for the World Championship of Ice Speedway to be a guest in Berlin, this time as a nations competition, there were 2 nice days full of action, the recordings are from day 2 on 28.
In the end, Russia won ahead of Sweden and Germany, Austria was 4th, although the last races before the two finals were still very exciting because there were only 4 points between Sweden, Germany and Austria, making it a 3 fight for the 2 team in the big final went.
However, Sweden prevailed and then went against Russia and Germany against Austria for third place.
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.
by K. Randall Ball with Illustrations from George Fleming and Dick Allen
Joey, running late, rode his Sportster hard up Washington Blvd heading inland. The once proud city crumbled around him with crime, grit, trash, drugs and homelessness. He darted around destitute RVs, parked and rotting in front of once active marble foyers to penthouse suites in slick high-rise buildings. The once proud city lay in trashy ruins where no one honored anything including law enforcement.
A drug addict, the needle still sticking out of his forearm stumbled into the street. Joey slammed on his drum brakes and skidded to miss the dying addict as he collapsed on the once busy and active thoroughfare. He slid sideways, dodged the dead druggie and peeled up Washington until he could see the concrete pillar, freeway overpass crossing over the wide asphalt 4-laner. He hit his rear brake again hard and leaned left under the freeway where a large area was designated for skateboard stunts.
Everyone gets the blues during the holidays. They can’t buy all the wonderful gifts they would like. They can’t visit all the folks they want to see. They wish they could attend all the festive events available, maybe even in faraway places.
On the other hand, every day is a celebration of life, joy, giving, chrome, metalflake, boobs, whiskey and open roads. Sure, you want to buy more shit for your pals, but fuck-it. You need bike parts and something engraved.
It’s whiskey time and Christmas parties this weekend and next. Give as much cheer as possible and then ride…
x
Celebrate your New Year from within Bandit’s Cantina; 
