Action is starting to pop
Hey,
Shit’s happening everywhere. Action is happening all over the country from the Black Hills to Born Free in Califa.
Gotta wrap it up quick, shit to do.
Bros are rolling into the Black Hills like crazy, maybe they will stay or move onto Milwaukee for the anniversary. Hell, even Willie is planning for Biketoberfest.
Stay in the wind and stay free!
–Bandit
* * * * * * * *
Hey,
Everything today is time sensitive. Hell, if you buy a coffee maker, it has a time sensitive carbon filter, that must be replace on time or… Then there’s every political pitch you receive on your phone or in your email. I’m concerned the funds never reach the candidate.
I can’t give up on the truth or freedom.
Frankie, is working hard on opening his Venice shop. Nice. I bought a trailer for Bonneville. I will to start on the next World Report for Cycle Source Magazine tomorrow morning. Outlaw Justice is out for final corrections.
Wait, I bought a 1913 twin H-D engine from Billy Lane. It might arrive next week.
Don’t forget. Ride Free, Forever!
–Bandit
by Bandit with photos from Weed and Cabana Dan
It’s Memorial Day 2023. There’s a jammin’ bike show happening in Deadwood. Dan’s hands are full with Sturgis Museum projects. I’m trying like hell to understand Outlaw Justice, my second book and proof reading each page for reprinting. I’m also building a Knucklehead chop and searching for a 1913 twin engine.
This is show weekend at the Black Hills Motorcycle Show at the Mountain Grand in Deadwood, SD. Jason Mook and his band of renowned have taken over the historically Rapid City Show.
Jason has a special partner in this chromed endeavor, Charlie. She is not only his wife, but a City Commissioner, a partner in the notorious number 10 saloon and the broad who runs the whiskey bar. Behind that brilliant smile are the fangs of outlaw business. It’s going to be a helluva weekend.
Billy Lane is headed to the races this weekend. He’s thinking about buying this cute little ’37 WLDR. We are working on a deal for a 1913 Harley twin engine.
It’s going to be action packed this weekend. Hang On!
Ride free forever!
–Bandit
Then email us your 100 word limit fiction to the editor wayfarer@bikernet.com
Here is the first one, by Bandit himself!
Title: Choices or The Economy of Life
The phone rang early. “Do you want it or not?” The temperamental voice demanded. It involved the sale of a 1945 Knucklehead, my dream ride.
I rolled over and touched the softest ass on the planet. She woke and twisted into my arms naked and wet. Her sapphire eyes blinked and we kissed. “Where are we going for our honeymoon?”
My phone blinked a text message. “Have you registered for school?” Dad. I rolled over and she climbed on top of me. As she pushed against my chest and stirred, I pondered the bobbed Harley and riding across Mexico.
Hey,
This is turning into an interesting week. The Group stands for the emergence of small but powerful groups in our society. As the population grows, we see small groups expand.
I feel like I’m scrambling constantly from project to project, which in most cases I like. Progress is a good thing. Me and a handful of bikers are trying to force that to happen. Wish us luck.
Let’s hope we continue to have the freedom to finish all of our projects and ride into the sunset…
Ride Fast and Free Forever,
–Bandit
with inputs from www.bmwmotorcycles.com
It is driven by the powerful big boxer engine. Ride it and every country road turns into Route 66. Its style is black and matte – that’s what joy can look like. At least for those who bring #SoulFuel to life. Bagger outline, dragster seat and mini ape-hanger demonstrate that this is not an ordinary bike.
Want even more rock ‘n’ roll? The bike is ready for customizing. All you need to do is own it!
Character: independent
This extroverted bike does not conform. It stands out despite its dark colors. Or precisely because of them. The three versions emphasize its different facets. You like doing your own thing? Take it to another level with customizing.
More than a bike – your statement
The iconic front with round LED headlight and 21-inch cast aluminum wheel leads the way towards the horizon. You casually grip the mini ape-hanger and rest your feet on the standard footboards, while the dragster seat gives you support on long tours. The elongated bagger outline flows straight to the stylish rear end, featuring hard-shell cases. This bike is an eye-catcher. Unmistakable: the unique boxer sound from the striking, dark chrome rear exhaust.
Your bike, your rules
Lend the R 18 Roctane your unique character. We offer a range of optional accessories, such as the Filler Panels or the Machined series by Roland Sands Design. A single seat is available for solo riders. Take customizing even further. There are no limits to your ideas.
Everything under your control
Numerous assistance systems make sure that you always have your bike under control. These include Automatic Stability Control (ASC), engine drag torque control (MSR) as well as optional Hill Start Control and reverse. Your three riding modes for more control and riding pleasure are Rock, Roll and Rain. And thanks to optimum seating ergonomics and plenty of storage space you won’t have to do without the comfort you are used to on long tours.
3 year warranty
Ride on & on & on. Get up to 3-years or 36,000 miles warranty on all new motorcycles.
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (May 14, 2023) – At just over 4000 ft. above sea level and backdropped by snow-capped mountains and aspen trees, Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah hosted the final round of the Monster Energy® Supercross Championship. In the 450SX Class, Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Adam Cianciarulo rivaled for podium contention throughout the race before securing a fourth-place finish. In the 250SX Class, Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Jo Shimoda earned an impressive fourth-place result while his teammates Carson Mumford and Chris Blose followed in 10th and 12th, respectively.
Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Adam Cianciarulo arrived at the Monster Energy® Supercross Finale with podium momentum at his back. The No.9 KX™450SR rider matched the impressive pace he has displayed in recent weeks as he attacked the track from the time his tires touched the dirt. Through the opening sessions, Cianciarulo quickly found his rhythm and asserted himself near the top of the leaderboard. While challenging for the top spots in qualification and adjusting to the hard-packed soil conditions, Cianciarulo made minimal alterations to his bike setup and kept his focus on logging consistent laps. When the 450SX Class qualifying sessions ended, Cianciarulo had recorded the fifth-fastest lap of the morning (47.805).
Prior to the start of 450SX Heat 2, a cluster of looming dark clouds turned into outright rain showers quickly producing a slippery racing surface. When the gate dropped, Cianciarulo rocketed toward the first turn before braking early and diving to the inside of his competition. The savvy move positioned Cianciarulo in second place on the opening lap, though he quickly found himself battling for the position. After briefly withstanding pressure from the championship points leader, Cianciarulo slipped back to third on Lap 2. With two laps remaining, Cianciarulo capitalized on a mistake from a rider ahead to regain control of second position and he held the spot through to the checkered flag.
As the 450SX Class prepared for the Main Event, the rain subsided and the track conditions rapidly improved. Cianciarulo again launched himself out to an excellent start and entered the first turn inside the top five. With another display of sharp tact early in the race, Cianciarulo advanced into second place with a tight inside line through the first corner. The Florida native went on to prove his excellence in the deep ruts and wet dirt as he commanded second place for the first half of the race. On Lap 10, Cianciarulo was overtaken at the end of a rutted rhythm lane and was soon under attack from the rider in fourth. Despite waging a several-lap battle for the final podium spot, Cianciarulo ultimately settled into fourth position and held his place through to the finish.
“All in all, this weekend was another step in the right direction for me and the whole Monster Energy® Kawasaki team. I’ve been focused on putting the building blocks in place throughout this season and it’s great to have these strong results in the final rounds. Of course, it would have been awesome to close out with back-to-back podiums, but we were in the battle and still had a solid night. Now, we’ll shift focus to Pro Motocross and look to keep the fight going.” – Adam Cianciarulo
The Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki trio of Shimoda, Mumford and Blose were early standouts in the 250SX Class qualifying sessions as they paced at the front of the field. With all three riders appearing on the leaderboard at various times throughout the morning, it was clear that the KX™250 mounted team was prepared for a strong finish to the season. When the regionally divided qualifying sessions concluded, Shimoda was fourth fastest (47.123) of the 250SX Eastern Regional Class with Blose in seventh (48.234) and Mumford matched with seventh in the 250SX Western Regional Class (48.337).
In the 250SX East Heat, a quick jump out of the gate placed Shimoda in fourth exiting Turn 1 while Blose trailed behind in sixth. The Japanese-born rider charged after the group ahead and took control of third place on Lap 2. Meanwhile, Blose kept pressure on the riders ahead until he was the benefactor of a mistake from his competition on Lap 4 and inherited fifth position. With open track and ideal conditions, Shimoda and Blose maintained a steady pace through to the checkered flag to secure third place and fifth place, respectively.
The 250SX West Heat again hosted Team Green near the front when Mumford maneuvered his way into third place through the first rhythm lane. The No.52 KX™250 rider held true to form with attention-grabbing speed through the opening laps of the heat. By the end of Lap 1, Mumford had the 250SX West champion hot on his tail. Mumford maintained his composure and kept his pace high to defend the position for the bulk of the race. In a crowd-thrilling display of tenacity, Mumford was overtaken on Lap 6 before he quickly dove to the inside and regained the position for a moment. While the battle ensued, Mumford was ultimately relegated to a fourth-place finish.
The last 250SX Class Main Event of the season brought the crowd to their feet as the best of the best were pitted against each other for a final East/West Showdown. Shimoda started the race in fourth place with Blose right behind him in sixth while Mumford looked to move forward from a 12th place start. The mud from earlier rain showers complicated line selection, rider’s vision, and the availability of traction as the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team fought to overcome the elements and better their positions. While Mumford worked his way up the running order, Shimoda held strong in fourth and Blose began to slip backward. Although the track continued to break down, Shimoda and Mumford managed to improve their speed as the race progressed; both riders logged several of their fastest laps in the latter half of the race. Mumford was able to make several passes in the closing stages, but Shimoda’s pace would not be enough to close the distance to the podium position ahead. When the checkered flag came out, Shimoda earned fourth, Mumford made his way to 10th and Blose brought home a respectable 12th.
“We have made a lot of progress since I came back to racing from my shoulder injury earlier this year and we almost earned another podium tonight. It’s tough when you don’t get a start at the very front in the East/West Showdown races because it’s so competitive in the class. I had good speed and kept pushing to the end but couldn’t quite close the gap. Next we go to the Pro Motocross season and will be ready to fight for the championship.” – Jo Shimoda
“I was unfortunately toward the back from the start and really had my work cut out for me to earn a top-10. With the East/West Showdown format, there are just so many good guys out there that you have to be on point the whole way through. I think we’ve made good progress as a group and, even though I joined the team a little behind the eight ball, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in this short time. I’m super grateful to the whole Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki squad and, as my butt patch said, this has been a ‘Dream Job’ for me.” – Carson Mumford
“I was in the mix for the early portion of the race but just fell back toward the end. It wasn’t my best night of the season, but there are still plenty of positives to highlight from this year as a whole. It’s been great to race with the support of the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team and I’m really thankful to Mitch [Payton] for this opportunity. I only had a few days on the bike before we started racing and still, we managed to finish in the top-five of 250SX East points. That sort of progress doesn’t come without a lot of effort and sacrifice so, a big shoutout to the whole crew for always going the extra mile and backing me completely.” – Chris Blose
Monster Energy Is Bringing the Heat to Japan with Its Team of the World’s Best Competing Athletes
CHIBA, Japan – May 11, 2023 – X Games is back in Japan! The world’s premier showcase in action sports competition will return to Japan for the second consecutive year. Monster Energy, the official energy drink partner of X Games, is proud to bring some of the world’s biggest names in competitive BMX, motocross, and skateboarding to X Games Chiba 2023 from May 12–14.
Following the success of last year’s event in Japan, X Games Chiba 2023 marks the 67th edition of X Games since the event’s inception in 1995. For three action-packed days, the action sports world will focus on ZOZO Marine Stadium on Tokyo Bay with a total capacity for 30,000 spectators.
The Japan edition of X Games is bigger than ever: More than 110 athletes from 20 countries will compete for a total of 33 medals in 11 events across three sports. This year, Moto X Best Trick will be contested as a medal event for the first time in Chiba.
All competitions will stream live globally across XGames.com, YouTube, and Twitch, supplemented by behind-the-scenes, athlete-curated, and complementary content on @XGames social media accounts.
Fans can look forward to an elite display of the best in action sports: X Games Chiba is an invite-only event reserved for multiple-time X Games medalists and highly competitive newcomers to keep the level of riding at premium levels. As the official drink sponsor of X Games Chiba 2023, Monster Energy is ready to raise the bar with a stacked team of riders, including action sports icons, defending gold medalists, and upcoming rookies.
Heading into X Games Chiba 2023, look out for the following key Monster Energy athletes and competitions:
The big spectacle in the Land of the Rising Sun kicks off on Friday, May 12, with eliminations in key BMX and skateboarding events at ZOZO Marine Stadium.
Athletes will then compete for the first set of X Games medals on Saturday in the BMX Street final. Be on the lookout for 24-year-old German team rider Felix Prangenberg ready to level up his silver medal in the discipline from X Games 2022 and expand his current count of four X Games medals. Also gunning for podium spots, Scotland’s own Alex Donnachie already owns gold from X Games Sydney 2018 and bronze from X Games 2021. And with three-time gold medal winner Kevin Peraza in the session, the first medal event of X Games Chiba 2023 is bound to be a battle for the history books. Let’s go!
For the Women’s Skateboard Park final, our squad consists of bona fide legends and rising stars: Stoking the hometown crowd, 21-year-old Mami Tezuka from Hikone, Japan, is a podium favorite with X Games silver and bronze under her belt. She will face off against her teammate and mentor, 30-year-old Lizzie Armanto, known as a legend in women’s skateboarding since winning Skateboard Park gold at X Games Barcelona in 2013. Also don’t count out Brazilian Olympic skateboarder Isadora Pacheco with some big tricks up her sleeve. Monster Army rider Grace Marhoefer from Cocoa Beach, Florida, on a mission for her first X Games podium after recently winning the women’s street contest at Phoenix Am. Last but not least, the upcoming American rider Ruby Lilley is ready for the world stage. Don’t miss it!
Skateboarding remains the focus in the Women’s Skateboard Street final, where last year’s X Games Chiba gold medalist Rayssa Leal will be the rider to beat. The 15-year-old from Imperatriz, Brazil, is the reigning SLS Super Crown World Champion and has won the last five consecutive SLS competitions. Plus, she has a score to settle after finishing closely off the podium at X Games 2022 last summer. Leal is facing off with a hometown favorite, three-time X Games gold medalist Aori Nishimura. Also, watch out for young Monster Army rippers Grace Marhoefer and Haylie Powell looking for their first podium at X Games. Let’s get it!
Next, Monster Energy rolls into the BMX Park with a squad of heavy hitters: Last year, young rider Justin Dowell made his X Games debut in Chiba by claiming silver, then followed up with another silver medal at the summer games. Will the 23-year-old clinch his first X Games gold this year? Or will 2022’s bronze medal winner Kevin Peraza go all the way up for his third gold in the discipline? Expect the unexpected because the competition is intense: 26-year-old Canadian Mike Varga has bronze in the discipline, plus three gold in Best Trick (more about that later), while Corona, California local Daniel Sandoval owns one gold and three bronze.
Another California rider, Pat Casey from Riverside, earned three of his five X Games medals in Park and clinched silver in Mega Park at X Games 2022 – making him a ‘mega’ contender this year! Never rule out Jeremy Malott from Lake Havasu City, Arizona, on a quest to expand on two bronze medals from Park Best Trick. Last but not least, the squad includes 22-year-old Bryce Tryon, already boasting an X Games silver medal, plus a recent win at the Monster Energy BMX Triple Challenge in Glendale. Also, keep an eye on reigning European champ Anthony Jeanjean and Argentinian young gun Jose Torres. Tune in for this epic battle!
All eyes will remain on the concrete bowl course for the BMX Park Best Trick final, where Monster Energy team riders will unleash their most technical trick creations. The biggest story: At X Games 2022, Canadian rider Mike Varga made history as the first athlete to win three consecutive gold medals in the discipline. Will he raise the bar to four gold? Don’t miss it!
Closing out an epic first day at X Games Chiba 2023, the Skateboard Vert event will bring the heat with technical halfpipe riding at its finest. Last year’s silver medalist, style sensation Moto Shibata from Osaka, has already shown the style and technique to claim gold – will he repeat the win from X Games 2017 this year? Heavy competition will come from New York City’s Elliot Sloan, owner of 15(!) X Games medals, including six gold, and last summer’s silver medalist in Skateboard MegaPark. Also heading to Chiba as a favorite, eight-time X Games medalist Tom Schaar just returned from injury by claiming a second-place finish in the Tampa Pro concrete jam. An explosive mix!
Sunday at X Games Chiba 2023 kicks off on a high note in the Men’s Skateboard Park final. All eyes will be on the golden boy, 19-year-old Australian ripper Kieran Woolley, after clutching gold at summer X Games 2022 and silver at X Games Chiba last year. The first-ever Australian park champ faces competition from 2021 X Games gold medalist Liam Pace from Tucson, Arizona. What’s more, previous X Games gold medalists in the Big Air event, Tom Schaar and Trey Wood, are looking for the top spot in Park. And making his X Games debut in Chiba, Australian Monster Army rider Keefer Wilson is bringing big tricks to the battle. All bets are off for this one!
At X Games Chiba 2022, the time-honored BMX Flatland contest returned after a 19-year hiatus. The fan favorite is back by popular demand this year, the roster including 38-year-old style legend and current Flatland World Champion Moto Sasaki from Chiba. Having claimed bronze in the previous year’s event, the hometown hero faces a field of upstarts and rookies. Will Sasaki once again prove that timeless style can still win podium spots?
As the action continues, technical halfpipe skateboarding takes center stage in Skateboard Vert Best Trick. Ready to push the limits, Elliot Sloan took gold in the discipline at X Games 2022 and joins the progression session along with teammates Shibata and Schaar. Get ready to see the full evolution of the sport on full display!
Speaking of evolution, the upcoming rider to watch in the Men’s Skateboard Street Final is a young prodigy: 16-year-old Daiki Ikeda earned a surprise silver medal in his X Games debut at X Games Chiba 2022 and has also won the 2022 edition of Tampa Am. But not so fast! The winningest street skater of all time, Nyjah Huston, just returned to competition earning a podium spot at SLS Chicago and commands the biggest stack of X Games medals of them all: Huston owns 20 X Games Medals (13 gold, five silver, and two bronze). Nyjah will go against 30-year-old Kelvin Hoefler from São Paulo, Brazil, a two-time X Games gold medalist who just put the field on notice by winning SLS Chicago 2023. The Olympic silver medalist will be joined by three-time X Games medalist Ishod Wair from New Jersey as well as Canada’s Matt Berger looking to level up from his bronze medal from X Games Real Street 2022.
But wait! A slew of young guns is ready to shake up the Skateboard Street event, including 26-year-old Jhancarlos Gonzalez from Columbia, who is ready to claim his first X Games medal after winning the 2022 Vans Showdown. Also, witness the X Games debut of 21-year-old Braden Hoban from Encinitas, California, who disrupted the status quo by finishing second in the 2022 SLS Super Crown finals. Not to be missed!
As the worthy finale of X Games Chiba 2023, Moto X Best Trick was featured as a demonstration event the previous year. Now contested as a medal event in Japan for the first time, the showcase for freestyle motocross is headlined by the most dominant rider in the discipline: Australia’s Jackson Strong holds eight medals in Best Trick (six gold, two silver) and brings some new moves to the battle. He’s facing fellow Aussie and 14-time X Games medalist Josh Sheehan, who most recently took Best Trick silver at X Games 2022.
The final battle of Chiba 2023 gets even hotter with the return to Japan of Julien Vanstippen from Belgium. Last year, the 25-year-old claimed bronze in Moto X Best Whip as his first medal. He’s now flexing his freestyle skills alongside decorated ripper Harry Bink from Australia, owner of bronze in Best Trick, and 38-year-old FMX icon Taka Higashino showcasing his mastery of the sport on home turf. A true classic in the making!
Visit www.monsterenergy.com for exclusive updates from X Games Chiba 2023, including photos, videos, and contest results as they happen. Follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
ATLANTA (May 11, 2023) – Pirelli Tire North America kicked off a successful 2023 FIM World MiniGP qualifier for North American racers this past weekend at Carolina Motorsports Park on May 5. The opening round saw the top up-and-coming talent from across the nation demonstrate their skills. Four more rounds will take place at three different racetracks and feature the 160cc and 190cc Ohvale-spec classes. A Pirelli trackside racing vendor will be on-site at each Friday qualifier. Pirelli’s 10- and 12-inch DIABLO™ Superbike slicks will serve as the spec tire, including at the upcoming round set for Barber Motorsports Park on May 19.
“Pirelli is excited to keep things rolling for the upcoming FIM World MiniGP,” said Oscar Solis, senior racing manager, Pirelli. “This allows racers in North America to showcase their skills against the best in the world. Pirelli’s racing DNA runs deep, and our goal is to ensure that the future stars of road racing have the tires and knowledge they need to succeed.”
Pirelli continues to set the industry standard for performance in the minibike segment and has been chosen as original equipment on Ohvale’s GP-0 160 and GP-2 190 motorcycles. As the official tire supplier for the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship since 2004, Pirelli’s intense research and development has played a crucial role in the latest tire technology finding its way to the 10 and 12-inch DIABLO Superbike slicks that are designed to help the next generation reach the pinnacle of road racing.
The North American riders who qualify will have the opportunity to join the world stage at the 2023 FIM World MiniGP in Valencia, Spain, against the top up-and-comers across the globe. Riders from all countries will compete aboard Pirelli-equipped motorcycles in Valencia.
2023 Mini GP Qualifiers (North America)
For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com.
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