Hey,
It’s already the 16th of January. We’re half way into the first month of 2020. Have you done anything different? I’m not talking about ditching your ol’ lady for the bombshell down the block.
Although that’s been my MO for most of my life. Anytime I changed something substantial about my life or moved, I found a girl for the new adventure. I remember my Wyoming love. She recently past of cancer. When she was a kid, she worked in the fields during crop dusting sessions.
Okay, no negative waves. I often tell kids that for overall wealth and stability, you need to stay put, but for some, like myself, staying put was torture. I wanted to go in different directions, although now I have regrets. There’s another topic. Brothers often say, “I have no regrets.” Bullshit, that’s because they blame any stumbles on someone else.
I’ve been married five times and lived with several other women. Yet, I cringe when someone says, “I wasn’t happy in that marriage, so I split.” What happened to the vows? Does it say there in the fine print, “Till death do you part, unless you’re unhappy.”
I’m all over the place today. Keep the search for freedom and adventure alive.
Let’s hit the news:
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
AN UPDATE FROM THE MASTER–Artist David Uhl
** Quick update from Scottsdale, Arizona! We have the gallery here at the Russo and Steele car auction. Hours are 9 am to 9 pm daily through Sunday. If you’re coming, please stop in and say hello.
** From here, we will be headed to Las Vegas next week for the Mecum motorcycle auction. And so it begins again in a new year!
** David has two exciting new pieces on the easel! These will be the first in 2 new series — more info in the next couple of weeks. He’ll be working on one of them here in Arizona this week.
As we get into 2020, we would like to thank all of David’s supporters. We look forward to seeing you on the road this year!
Thanks for your time!
–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director
Uhl Studios
15801 W. Colfax Avenue
Golden, CO 80401
303-913-4840
BIKERNET AND BANDIT’S CANTINA PROGRAMS FOR 2020
The Bikernet family keeps changing to keep pace with shifting technologies. We moved all of Bikernet’s impressive library and 24 years of archived editorial content into Bandit’s Cantina, Bikernet’s subscription-supported section. We focused on the Bikernet Blog as the Free active section and made sure the Bikernet Weekly News is still available for Free.
We are one of the few sites on the planet to afford readers comfortable content without being surrounded by multitudes of ads and pop-ups.
Our readers can stay abreast of all the action on Bikernet by joining the Cantina for as little as $24 yearly or $39 for two years. They will also receive a special package containing an assortment of Bikernet goodies, a signed K. Randall Ball book and bling.
On the business side, we continue to build great content featuring the Weekly News, plus a variety of features, tech articles, while keeping a constant eye on legislative matters.
Industry members, if you’d like us to keep supporting your company and promoting your products, events or services with editorials, we will do so for a mere $98 a year. Keep sending your press releases and we will take care of them.
For the company that wants to reach all Bikernet readers, our Blog audience and Bandit’s Cantina subscribers 24/7, your ad will be placed on our Blog page, Bikernet home page and your banners will accompany any and all of your company’s content. Just $165 a month. This also means all of your company content is archived on Bikernet for the duration working 24/7 and supported with your banner ads.
Don’t hesitate to reach out—
Keith R. (Bandit) Ball
Bandit@bikernet.com
(310) 830-0630
NEWS FROM THE TWISTED ROAD–Meet Danielle
When Danielle listed her bike on Twisted Road she never thought it would bring her this close to the moto community and earn her money.
She took the time to tell us about her scrambler, her youtube fame, and robotics.
Hey Danielle – let’s start with an easy one. Where do you live?
In West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.
How long have you been riding?
I grew up with dirt bikes, bicycles, etc., and started riding motorcycles in 2015. Traffic in LA is really bad and a few friends said, “You should get a bike, and come ride with us.” I’m a design geek — my job is to put big, automated robots into factories all over the United States — so when I heard that Ducati was releasing a revamp of the scrambler, I fell in love with it on Instagram. It’s known as sort of a millenial bike, totally targeted to me and I fell for it. I signed up to take a safety course and after the first day, I went to the dealership and got that Ducati before I even had my license. Passed the test the next day, and have been riding ever since.
Ride of choice?
Ducati Scrambler. It’s a ‘70s throwback cafe racer style.
Are you an Owner and/or Renter on Twisted Road?
I’ve been on both sides. I’ve rented out my bike probably 25 times now, but I’ve only rented once so far — and it was a local rental. A female artist visiting LA rented my bike for a week and it happened to fall during the Pride Parade. I live in West Hollywood and I always lead a group of friends riding in the parade and suddenly realized, “Oh snap, I don’t have my bike!” So I rented a big, loud Harley. And now I totally get why they’re great bikes for cruising and parades. It was interesting to ride a different bike.
Favorite thing so far about the Twisted Road experience?
There’s a few. First of all, everyone is so fun. It really feels like you’re lending your bike to a friend. Motorcyclists are kind of like a friendly group to begin with. One rental was to a young guy in his 20’s from Burbank. His whole family rides and his mom and dad flew in from the Midwest and his two parents rented bikes; his mom rented mine. The three of them went down the central coast for 3-4 days — it was just so nice and adorable to see them ride off together. That was an aww moment.
Another guy runs a YouTube channel called Ducati Spacers and he made a video of his rental experience and interviewed me while he was getting the bike. That was cool (even though it was early and I had literally just woken up). Another time, the Instagrammers the Scrambler Brothers rented my bike and they are both photographers and they took a ton of gorgeous pics of my bike in really beautiful places.
There are also more and more female renters. I met an awesome mom who is a Trader Joe’s manager, and she rented for a week; she has the exact same bike but not in LA, and we are still friends. Another woman came for friend’s concert in San Francisco and came back early so I had her hop on the back of the bike and showed her around LA. I am thrilled that other girls ride bikes. There’s a huge women’s moto community in LA.
Local riding tip?
The ride I like to tell people to do starts at my house. Go down the famous Sunset Blvd with its hotels and big billboards. It dumps into Bev HIlls goes all the way to the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). There’s a little hidden lake on the way. It’s called the Lake Shrine. It’s a buddhist temple that’s also a lake and it’s free (including parking if you’re on a motorcycle). Take a moment to take it all in. It’s one of my favorite places — a beautiful spot nestled in the hills of LA that most people wouldn’t even know is there. It’s fun to take in this little hidden gem then get right back into the chaos of LA again.
We want you to be our next Twisted Road success story. It’s as easy as:
1. List Your motorcycle
Listing your motorcycle is easy: price your moto where you feel comfortable, upload your photos, and write a brief description.
2. Review Rental Requests & Approve Who You Want
With Twisted Road you get to choose who rents your bike, and you remain in full control of your schedule.
3. Rent Your Motorcycle
Rest assured that your guest is covered by 24/7 roadside assistance and Twisted Road will help you through every step, from making sure the renter is properly insured up to the pre-trip checklist.
4. Earn Money & Repeat!
Twisted Road pays funds directly to you. Don’t let your motorcycle cost you any more money.
We love your enthusiasm and interest, and we will always do what we can to help connect riders through providing access to bikes.
Let’s ride the world together.
Austin Rothbard
Founder and CEO
www.twistedroad.com
POLARIS TAKES SLINGSHOT TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH DYNAMIC REDESIGN, ALL-NEW POWERTRAIN & AUTODRIVE TRANSMISSION
It’s Automatic – New AutoDrive Transmission Allows More Drivers to Join the Slingshot Community
•New Polaris ProStar 2.0L DOHC Four-Cylinder Engine Delivers up to 203 Horsepower at 8250 RPM
•Available with the New AutoDrive Transmission or Manual, each with 2 Drive Modes for a Customizable Drive
•Fully Redesigned Interior and Upgraded Finishes Brings Refinement and Style Into the Cockpit
•Revised Chassis and Suspension Improves Handling and Vehicle Dynamics
With style and attitude unlike anything else on the road, Polaris Slingshot introduces its all-new 2020 lineup. Most significantly, Slingshot is now available with the all-new AutoDrive transmission, making it more accessible and opening the door for legions of drivers to be able to experience the totally unique sensation that only comes from behind the wheel of a Slingshot. Powered by Polaris’ first-ever four-cylinder engine and featuring 70 percent new vehicle content, the 2020 Slingshot SL and Slingshot R take the Slingshot experience to a whole new level.
Taking center stage of the 2020 lineup is Slingshot’s AutoDrive, a hydraulically actuated automated manual five-speed synchromesh transmission. With no clutch pedal or manual shifting necessary, drivers can operate the 2020 Slingshot lineup as easily as any other vehicle with a standard automatic transmission.
At the heart of the 2020 Slingshot is Polaris Industries’ first four-cylinder engine, the ProStar 2.0L. Tuned to perfection and put through an exhaustive track and on-road testing program, the ProStar 2.0L was designed to deliver a range of performance capabilities and to enhance an already incredible on-road experience. The SL packs 178 horsepower at an incredible 8500 RPM, while the new R model redlines at 8500 RPM and puts out a jaw-dropping 203 peak horsepower at 8250 RPM – an increase of 30 horsepower when compared to the previous powertrain. With an all-new tuned exhaust, the ProStar engine roars down the road, ensuring everyone within ear-shot will take notice.
The Coral Head MusicFest in Marathon is coming up quick. Be sure to get your discount advance tickets, reserve your vendor space, and take advantage of our great raffles
MERCHANDISE VENDOR SPACES
AS LOW AS $100
ADVANCE GA TICKETS – $27 (LIMITED VIP AVAILABLE)
1965 H.D. PAN HEAD RAFFLE TICKETS
VENDOR REGISTRATION:
https://www.coralheadmusicfest.com/country-vendor
TICKET SALES
https://www.coralheadmusicfest.com/tickets
1965 HARLEY DAVIDSON PAN HEAD RAFFLE:
https://www.coralheadmusicfest.com/contests
AUSTRALIAN FIRE NEWS–The fires are nowhere near where I live so not a problem.
But bad elsewhere in many places.
Heavy Greenie lobbying has restricted how much farmers can clear their land of dead branches/leaves/fallen trees etc. so the fuel load had built up incredibly.
Many species of Aussie trees can only reproduce after there has been a bush fire, that’s how they evolved over millions of years.
We’ve always had bush fires, mainly induced by lightning, but the increased fuel load and a dry winter have combined into these beauties.
–Doc
Heavy Duty Magazine
Australia
BANDIT’S INDIAN IS FIVE YEARS OLD– Happy New Year from American Biker!
After going through our sales records, it occurs to us that it has been about 5 years since you purchased your Indian Motorcycle.
Indian has made some exciting improvements and introduced some new models since then that we’d love to show you. There are trade-in incentives of $1000 on 2019 Chief, Chief Vintage, and Springfield. There’s $1500 trade-in incentives on 2019 Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, and Chieftain Darkhorse. As well as $2000 trade-in incentive on 2019 Chieftain Limited, Roadmaster, and Roadmaster Elite.
Wouldn’t you like to come in and see if we can update your ride for the New Year? Give us a call at the shop at 843-641-0258/Rob cell# 917-623-3578 or just come on in. Ask for Rob… you all know him, right? Come in and rediscover why we’re the coolest motorcycle shop in the lowcountry!
–AMERICAN BIKER
Charlotte, NC
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
The Gearhead’s Belle Gets Featured.
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_Gearheads_Belle_Gets_Featured.aspx
Whoa, you are the bomb Bandit. The article is better than I or the old girl deserve. I can’t thank you enough for the presentation of my bike.
I am one of those guys who always wanted an article of a bike or car in a magazine, but I just did not qualify because they weren’t custom enough.
With the death of EASYRIDER I just gave up trying. All things come full circle sometimes. Thanks to you and the Bikernet staff.
TKOB
— Gearhead
Torrance, CA
WINTER RIDING TIPS FROM CYCLE TRADER–Winter is in full swing but there’s no need to pack up your bike for the season if you don’t want to. One of the best parts about riding is that you have the freedom to make your own rules – that means if you like riding in the cold, you should. Check out a few of our quick tips for winter riding that will help keep you warm and safe wherever you ride.
It’s All About the Layers – Gear is so important when riding in cold weather. Wearing layers while riding in the winter is ideal because you can easily control the amount of heat you need. Start with a solid base layer that not only keeps your body warm, but is made of a breathable material to keep any sweat you may produce from developing into cooled body moisture. Top your base layer with a fleece jacket with an insulated neck collar or a wind-stopping jacket depending on the temperature outside. Check out more details on specific gear and a few of our top recommendations in our “Cold Weather Riding Gear” post.
Add Winter Accessories – Use windscreens and handguards to your advantage to keep winter rides as enjoyable as possible and not something you end up dreading. The wind is part of what we love about riding, but the screen protects both you and the bike, and handguards will ensure you maintain a steady grip throughout the duration of the ride. If you really want to take hand comfort to the next level, consider installing heated handle grips to your bike during the colder months of the year.
Check Your Tires – You should be checking your bike with the T-CLOCS method before each ride, but this is especially crucial when riding in colder weather. Make sure to check your tire pressure every couple of rides – not just before long rides, but as well as rides in new areas, and before storage because the cold weather can have an impact, even if you just filled them up. In fact, a motorcycle tire loses about 1 PSI for every 10° drop in outside temperatures. You’ll also want to examine the treads of your motorcycle before each ride to make sure there’s optimal traction during winter riding conditions.
Take Extra Stops – If you’re freezing cold, your mind isn’t going to be completely focused on the road ahead. It’s more than fine to take extra stops along your route to warm up – in fact, we encourage it. During your stops, make sure to hydrate and maybe even grab a snack to get your metabolism and blood flow going.
Have a Towing Service on Hand – In case the worst should happen, you’ll want to make sure you have a towing service saved in your phone that has some kind of motorcycle experience – you never know when a problem will strike, and you want to be prepared with a company you know will not only know how to properly tow your bike, but also treat it well in the process.
Be EXTRA Cautious – If you live in an area with snow or ice, you’ll need to slow down and increase your distance from other riders and cars during this time of year. This may seem obvious, but black ice comes out of nowhere, even for experienced riders – so if the road looks at all icy, it’s best to take another route or switch lanes. Also, be on the lookout for salt remnants from plows that can not only tarnish your bike but decrease overall traction. Speaking of plows, they can often create cracks in roads, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for any obstructions as you ride – especially ones that are newly formed, which might be hiding among snow and other winter debris.
Check the Forecast – We hope you do this before every ride, but checking the weather forecast before you hit the road is increasingly important during the winter months. If snow is in the forecast for the day you plan on riding, we recommend sitting that ride out. While riding in snow might seem exciting, it can cause decreased visibility and ice that you’ll want to avoid. We know forecasts aren’t always correct, so if you are out riding when snow begins to fall, we recommend getting home or finding shelter ASAP. If the snow has you sitting around, you can always check out our most recent articles so you can still get your motorcycle fix in the meantime.
Not all of us take riding breaks during the winter months, so we hope these tips help you stay safe and warm while riding the colder months of the year. Do you have any winter weather riding tips you’d like to share? Drop us a line in the comments below.
Check out a few bikes on Cycle Trader with heated grips that will have you ready to ride this winter:
— Cycle Trader Blog
[page break]
BIKERNET CONTRIBUTOR COMMENT– Been reading Bandit’s Cantina. Catching up. I haven’t read it in years. Cool that you are still writing it. Kurt Sutter could get some inspiration there. Maybe he did lol.
I read a lot and think a little bit about why we do the things we do. There are all kinds of people that make up this crazy world. We are afflicted with the hero syndrome. We grew up on westerns and cop shows and books where there is always a hero that defends the weak and innocent and women in trouble.
We built these wild machines and for the main purpose of attracting the opposite sex. It worked too. In my case I was too small to be a jock, so I had a cool car and played guitar. That worked pretty well too.
Now here we are in our seventies and still doing the same stuff for mostly the same reasons. Meanwhile, I watched a special on I think Fox about what is really going on in Mexico and the border problems. I had hopes the Mexican government would crack down on the cartels but there is just too much money involved.
Phoenix is now the drug hub of the US. The Mexican government is on the run. Tourism is down. The fiction you write about is close to the truth. Trump can’t fix it. A wall won’t fix it. Most of the people wanting to come here from Mexico are honest poor people that want to get away from the crime. It’s crazy.
No wonder you want to move to Deadwood. Just letting off a little steam. Hope I didn’t bore you.
–Bill May
Hey Bill,
You write very well. I love your comments. There are stories I don’t tell. I’ve learned a lot about myself over the last year
Motorcycling and choppers represented freedom and escapism. I just wanted to build and ride and be left alone to write. I don’t want to hang out or run with the cool guys. I just like to build and write.
This Deadwood adventure has been scary and challenging. You know, most of what we do is influenced by people around us. My biggest challenge is sorting the bullshit from the good-shit.
I’ve built a super-cool motorcycle nirvana here, but I’m ready for something new. I’ll miss it, but I know I would love a similar building in Deadwood. I just got to get past the naysayers and go for it.
–Bandit
TANYA TUCKER THRILLS SOLD OUT RYMAN AUDITORIUM AUDIENCE– GUEST PERFORMANCES INCLUDE BILLY RAY CYRUS, LEE ANN WOMACK, DENNIS QUAID, MARGO PRICE, JAMEY JOHNSON, BILLY JOE SHAVER, JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ, WALKER COUNTY, ERIN ENDERLIN AND HAILEY WHITTERS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For more than two hours, country icon and original female outlaw, Tanya Tucker, thrilled a SOLD OUT crowd at the historic Ryman Auditorium with nonstop hits, her unmistakable wit and an ‘only in Nashville’ slate of guest appearances by Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Ann Womack, Dennis Quaid, Margo Price, Jamey Johnson, Billy Joe Shaver, Johnny Rodriguez, Walker County, Erin Enderlin and Hailey Whitters.
The audience fell in love with Tanya during a set list that spanned five decades, including new material from Tanya’s While I’m Livin’, which landed four 2020 GRAMMY nominations.
“There is no place in this world that I would rather perform than right here at the Ryman Auditorium, the Mother Church of Country Music. What a beautiful, beautiful view I have. The greatest award in the world is right here,” Tanya shared with the audience.
Tanya leads all country GRAMMY nominees with four nods, including in the all genre Song Of The Year category for “Bring My Flowers Now,” as well as Best Country Album: While I’m Livin’, Best Country Solo Performance: “Bring My Flowers Now,” and Best Country Song: “Bring My Flowers Now.” Produced by Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings, While I’m Livin’, Tanya’s first new album in 17 years was released in August.
Next month, Tanya will kick off the “CMT Next Women of Country: Bring My Flowers Now Tour” on February 5. The CMT tour will make stops in such major cities as Boston, Dallas, Houston, New York, Ontario, Vancouver and more. Limited tickets are still available in some markets at TanyaTucker.com.
LIFESTYLECYCLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2016 Harley-Davidson® FLSS – Softail Slim® S for $15,995.00
see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8179038
2016 Harley Davidson FLSS Softail Slim 110ci
The good old days are right now: The Softail Slim is a study in contrasts. The perfect blend of classic, raw bobber style. A modern ride with unmistakable old-iron attitude.The Hollywood bars, slim rear wheel, cat eye console and floor boards recall the early days of custom motorcycle enthusiasm.
Yet, you also get thoroughly modern features like a High Output Twin Cam 110B engine, hidden suspension and great brakes to bring it all into the here and now. Notice the way bright chrome meets blacked-out metal. Laced wheels with stamped black rims. There’s never been a better time to be a rider.
This FLSS Softail Slim has only 4,258 miles!!!
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:
This is a sweet and very fast ride with minimal mileage, it’s almost new! Olive Green paint with tank graphic US Army star is like new. Vivid Black console with leather strap. Vivid Black bars, black mirrors, levers, and blinkers. Vivid black nacelle, headlamp, polished complete vivid black fork on wide laced vivid black rims.
Black 2:2 exhaust and ABS anti-lock braking system. This Slim is nicely blacked out. Vivid black rocker covers, chrome push-rod tubes, polished tappet blocks, vivid black cam with H-D logo, trans cover, air cleaner, oil bag, primary and derby cover. Black powder ‘POW – MIA’ horn cover. Solo seat with floorboards and chrome kickstand. Vivid black fender supports, rear axle caps, chain guard, swing arm and black drive sprocket with polished rim. Vivid black LED stop / turn / tail with a LED lit side mounted license plate.
The paint is super clean!!! No scratches, No dings, No chips, No scuffs, this bike is EXCELLENT!!!
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 100-point safety and mechanical inspection and comes with Lifestyles 90 day / 1,000-mile limited warranty. Whether you’re 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!!!
Only $15,995 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155
Hall of Fame Legend Malcolm Smith helps raise money for AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame–AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Malcolm Smith has teamed up with the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation to help raise funds for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Donations of any amount are welcome.
Those making generous donations to the Hall of Fame–$5,000 or more–receive a restored Husqvarna gas tank autographed by Smith.
All donors receive a support pin, and additional incentives are available at other levels of support. Make a donation today.
The Birth of Dirty Dixie Performance– Both Sam and Denton work at a tire plant, which is where they met. “I’d been riding my bike every day, and Denton saw it,” Sam mentioned. Denton added, “We met one day in the smoking area, the local hangout for heathens and riff raff.” The two started talking about bikes, and they still haven’t stopped.
“When I was younger,” noted Denton, “I had a cool resume of jobs in the high-performance auto world focused on racing. But when I had my daughter I had to choose between that and a serious stable living, which is how I ended up at my day job. Sam and I would both ride to work and bullshit about motorcycles. One day, Sam said something about me doing something on his bike. Next thing I knew I was at his house working on his bike.”
“We kept talking about what we could do if we had the money. This was I could do it. The café racer crowd had been doing it for years, but it hadn’t really been done in the Harley world. We kept getting into more expensive personal motorcycles and modifications, getting in deeper and deeper, and one day Sam said, ‘Why do you work at the plant instead of doing this for a living?’ So I told him about my background.”
“I told him, ‘Are you kidding me right now?’” Sam interrupted. “Denton’s not a braggadocios person. He has a lot of skill and I felt there were places we could go with this.”
“So, we kicked around the idea of a business for a year, but it was more of a joke at the time,” Denton continued. “Sam would bring his bike over, I’d post stuff on Facebook about it. Finally, in August 2018, we officially launched Dirty Dixie Performance on IG, and from then on out, it just started growing.”
“Sometimes it’s tough to push enough income to the side to invest in our business – we’ve done this with no investment capital because we don’t want to owe anyone – so we started signing up for overtime, working 65 to 80 hours a week. All that overtime we invest in our business.”
–from Thunder Press
AMA FLORIDA NEWS–DAYTONA – The American Motorcyclist Association will once again kick off the AMA National Gypsy Tour Series during Daytona Bike Week. Visit us March 6th-14th at Daytona International Speedway.
TAMPA – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation will offer Keeping a New Generation of Motorcyclists Safe, a session presented as part of the Lifesavers National Conference, the largest gathering of highway safety professionals in the United States, March 15-17.
National
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Office of United States Trade Representative has again proposed tariffs on motorcycles with an engine size between 500cc and 700cc, along with parts and accessories, imported from countries in the European Union, as part of a dispute over aircraft subsidies. This proposal comes after the USTR announced in October that these motorcycles would not be subject to tariffs originally proposed in April.
This continued targeting of the motorcycle community and industry only brings uncertainty and harm to American motorcyclists and the small businesses that support them. The AMA is joining others in the motorcycling community to oppose the USTR’s ill-conceived proposal. Motorcyclists should not be penalized with exorbitant tariffs because of an unrelated trade dispute.
Any trade sanctions imposed as a result of this dispute should come from more closely related industries or products. You can make your voice heard on this issue by following this link: https://tinyurl.com/qspkcrc.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Motorcyclists rode a little less in 2018 than in the year before, according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Riders traveled 20.1 billion miles in 2018, down about 1 percent from 2017.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released highway crash fatality data for 2018, showing a 2.4 percent decline in overall fatalities, the second consecutive year of reduced crash fatalities.
Motorcyclist fatalities declined 4.7 percent. The report shows that 4,985 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2018, down 244 from the 5,229 fatalities in 2017.
AMA News
PICKERINGTON, Ohio – Get your tickets and make your plans to be at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, July 10-12 for 2020 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. AMA members can purchase discounted tickets now at www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com/tickets.
AMA members save an additional $5 off the already discounted early bird pricing. AMA members can also call (614) 856-1900 to order their tickets. A fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days showcases classic motorcycles of all makes and styles, and honors the riders who made them famous.
Activities at the event include the AMA Vintage Grand Championship, which features road racing, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and flat-track racing. In addition, North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet is packed with parts, bikes and memorabilia from all eras. Bike shows feature some of history’s most beloved motorcycles. Attendees will be entertained by stunt shows, demo rides of current production bikes and live music, while seminars on numerous topics by noted motorcycling experts keep them informed.
Non-AMA members and those reserving RV spaces must purchase tickets through Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. These tickets are available online at midohio.com or by calling (419) 884-4000. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is a family-friendly event. Admission is free for children under 12 accompanied by a ticketed adult. Free parking is also available on site.
Join these AMA-chartered organizers for the following sanctioned competition events:
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
Type: Off Road
Date: 1/25-1/26/2020
Phone: 352-538-6291
Location: Okeechobee
Recreation_596052.jpg
Join the following chartered organizers for these AMA-sanctioned recreational events:
DIXIE DUAL SPORT
Event: Devil’s Creek Dual Sport
Type: Dual Sport
Date: 2/28-3/1/2020
Phone: 727-919-8299
Location: Brooksville
DIRECT FROM THE VA– Join Vet Tix and enjoy free tickets to sporting events, concerts and more.
More than 6.7 million tickets have been distributed to Vet Tix members
Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) understands that our military members carry heavy burdens of stress and sacrifice. Many also spend time away from their families. It can take months or years for service members and Veterans to reintegrate.
Veterans who experience challenges related to PTSD and other service-related disabilities could potentially be impacted for the rest of their lives. Thousands of families will forever grieve for their loved ones who have perished in service to our great nation.
Veterans were given the VIP treatment through Vet Tix, spending time with NASCAR driver Kurt Busch.
Rest and leisure are of undeniable importance to a person’s health and welfare. Our Founding Fathers declared the pursuit of happiness to be an inalienable human right.
To enrich our Veterans’ quality of life and thank them for their service, Vet Tix provides free event tickets to currently-serving members of the military, Veterans (of all eras of service) and their families, as well as immediate family of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving. These tickets are donated by organizations that include sports teams, concert promoters, entertainment venues and individual donors.
Veterans can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, rekindle relationships and reconnect with their community by attending entertainment events, shared interests and community activities. Vet Tix members do this by choosing available events in their local area that interest them and their family via daily email event notifications from Vet Tix.
We want to honor and support those that served and sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Sacrifices of serving, both mental and physical can stay with our Veterans the rest of their lives. Recognizing our Veterans and supporting their transition back into their communities and with their families is a gift of gratitude in which we all can take part in.
Some military kids are on their way to the Brandywine Ballet, courtesy of Vet Tix.
Vet Tix has grown to over 1.2 million members and continues to add new members every month. Over 6.7 million tickets have been distributed to our members and we are projected to distribute over 2.5 million tickets in 2019. Live Nation Entertainment, which is the largest donor and partner of Vet Tix, has donated over one million tickets to Vet Tix and continues to support our mission.
Importantly, Vet Tix has received more than 400,000 testimonials from Veterans, service members and their families describing the positive experience and impact on their family resilience and community integration as a result of attending events in their area through Vet Tix.
We have received over 700 testimonials from individuals identifying themselves as experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress. They have shared their stories of success in addressing these challenges through attending events provided by Vet Tix.
Vet Tix is committed to helping put Veterans and service members (including Reserve and Guard) in empty seats at various games and so many other events across the nation. We are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit that channels more than 95% of its revenues directly into programs. 100% of every dollar donated to Vet Tix goes to purchase additional event tickets.
To become a Vet Tix member, simply head to https://www.vettix.org and create an account for free. Once your service/status is verified, you will receive notifications and can submit requests for available event tickets to upcoming events in your local area. VetTixers request tickets to events that interest them, if randomly selected, pay a small delivery fee and receive their free tickets.
Steven Weintraub is Chief Strategy Officer of the Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) and a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB–Wire Your Brain For Joy To Overcome Stress Overload And Experience All The Rewards Of A Purposeful Life
The Stress Overload Solution: A Proven, Neuroscience Method for Optimal Well-being
Release Date: April 2019
Publisher: EBT Books
ISBN-10: 0578512815
ISBN-13: 978-0578512815
Available from Amazon.com
Stress is blocking our joy! It encodes faulty brain circuits that get us hooked on negative moods, unwanted habits, work obsessions and relationship problems. The Stress Overload Solution tells us to stop focusing on problems and set our sights on wiring our brain for joy.
One by one those faulty wires that trigger problems fall away as they can’t compete with joy! Laurel Mellin, Ph.D., a New York Times bestselling author, UCSF professor, and the founder of Emotional Brain Training (EBT), maps out a 30-day program to turn problems into solutions and stress into joy.
Dr. Mellin’s techniques are stunningly simple: Start your day by saying, “I am creating joy in my life.” Then whenever you are not in joy, celebrate that moment. It’s caused by a faulty wire and when that wire is activating stress, its neurons are unlocked and by using simple techniques, you can return to joy in a couple of minutes and savor the fact that you are rewiring that faulty circuit.
Dr. Mellin shows us that stress can be good for us, as a moment of stress is a moment of rewiring to reach our goal ? to become wired for joy.
The magic of the method is that stress-fueled drives (moods, relationships, work issues, and habits) are caused by “crossed wires” in the brain. It encodes a false association with a basic need like safety or love with something that does not give us either.
Once that wire is encoded, we have strong drives to repeat that behavior or engage in that mood. The drive doesn’t stop until we rewire that circuit. Once discovered, the reader locks in a new circuit that drives them to meet their true need in a healthier way, and be motivated to follow through for a higher purpose; such as authenticity, vibrancy, intimacy, spirituality, or freedom.
In this 30-day program, Dr. Mellin expertly explains how to wire your brain for joy. Using the Emotional Brain Training (EBT) method, her book is a complete how-to manual to train your own brain to create joy in your life. Once learned, you’ll use these tools for a lifetime and pass them on to everyone because you appreciate that the world we create for ourselves is either stress overload or limitless joy – and you choose JOY.
For more information, please visit ebt.org; read Dr. Mellin’s blog at brainbasedhealth.org;
or connect with her on Instagram at instagram.com/drlaurelmellin/ or on Facebook at facebook.com/ebtgroups.
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BIKERNET ROARING ‘20S SECURITY WARNING—The Redhead received this from her stock market consultant in the alley behind the marina.
He pointed out to her, while staring at her voluptuous tits, that when you sign anything this year you need to use a 4-digit year. Don’t sign 1/16/20. It’s too easy for someone to add 19 to the end of 20, for 2019 and change the date on that check or document.
Something to think about.
–Bandit
THE BILTWELL ADVENTURE–Operation Numbnuts
We’re gonna ride to the Arctic Circle
It might be obvious that our favorite thing about motorcycles here at Biltwell is riding and camping with friends. If those motorcycles are at least mildly inappropriate, it makes things more difficult and therefore way more interesting.
With that in mind, the concept of Operation Numbnuts was born: Let’s ride bikes to the Arctic Circle, swim in freezing cold water for 30 seconds and then ride home. Of course, we aren’t the first idiots to do it, but we might have the most fun along the way. Check out our first blog and video on the subject as we start the build process on a surplus military LMTV support vehicle…?
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON–sidesplitter
[ sahyd-split-er ]
noun
something that is uproariously funny, as a joke or a situation.
WORDS RELATED TO SIDESPLITTER
uproar, panic, hoot, laugh, howl, show, sensation, revelry, carousal, wow, splash, lark, frolic, extravaganza, festivity, merrymaking, confusion, excess, flourish, smash
ORIGIN OF SIDESPLITTER
1875–80; from the idiom to split one’s sides (laughing); see -er1
NEWS FROM THE ACE CAFÉ–Did you know?!
On September 4th, 1994, an event was held to mark the closure of Ace Cafe London 25 years earlier, in September of 1969.
Little did anyone realize that it would turn into one of the LARGEST motorcycle and rock n’ roll events anyone had seen! An estimated 7,000 bikes and 12,000 people attended!
This reunion is responsible for the reopening of the iconic Ace Cafe London! This event also prompted the opening of many other worldwide locations, such as Ace Cafe Orlando!
BUFFALO MOTORAMA NEWS–The Largest Indoor Custom Car and Bike Show this side of New York
April 9-11, 2020 – Buffalo Convention Center
Just 3 months until the 2020 Buffalo Motorama – Easter Weekend – April 9-11, 2020
On April 9-11, 2020 the Buffalo Convention Center in Buffalo New York will host the BIGGEST and BEST indoor custom car and bike show this side of New York.
This year Marks our 10th Anniversary showcasing some of the best vehicles from across the country, vendors, and something for the entire family to enjoy.
For up-to-date information on the show, sponsor/vendor information, features, and more, visit our website www.BuffaloMotorama.com
Like our Facebook page to be eligible for prizes and contests
www.facebook.com/buffalomotorama
Contact Joe at show@buffalomotorama.com or 716-222-2590 for more information
THE AUSTRALIAN PROJECT– I will visit you in deadwood. Such a nice place when the rally is not on.
Not a lot of creativity going on at the moment. Head down, ass up.
But here’s a little sumthin’ we been building.
–Nicole Brosing
Australia
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE WRECKING CREW RETURNS TO AMERICAN FLAT TRACK IN 2020 WITH SIGHTS SET ON A FOURTH CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON
With the Bauman Brothers Intent on Building on the Success of 2019, “the Jammer” Looks to Expand His Legacy & Reclaim the Number One Plate
Indian Motorcycle Racing today confirmed its return for the 2020 American Flat Track (AFT) season in the series’ newly developed Super Twins class. For the second consecutive season, the Indian Wrecking Crew will feature 2019 Grand National Champion Briar Bauman, brother Bronson Bauman, who finished third overall in 2019, and six-time Grand National Champion Jared “the Jammer” Mees, who finished second overall in 2019.
In addition, AFT legend and fan favorite Brad “the Bullet” Baker returns as Technical Advisor and Rider Coach for the Bauman brothers. After capturing the top three spots in the 2019 standings, Indian Motorcycle Racing enters the 2020 series with its sights set on capturing its fourth consecutive Grand National Championship and Manufacturer’s Championship.
The Bauman brothers will again be backed by the operational and technical expertise of Paul Langley and S&S. The ongoing support from S&S since Indian’s return to the series in 2017 has been instrumental to the capabilities of the Indian FTR750, now a fixture throughout the AFT paddock, and the performance of Indian Motorcycle Racing and its riders.
In addition, Dave Zanotti will continue as Crew Chief, with Dustin Say and Clayton Gatewood handling mechanic duties for Briar and Bronson Bauman respectively. Once again, Jared Mees’ operation will be supported by long-time Crew Chief Kenny Tolbert, and mechanics Bubba Bentley and Jimmy Wood. S&S’s Dean Young continues his ongoing role as the Wrecking Crew Team Manager.
2019 saw the Bauman brothers stake their claim as the sport’s most dynamic duo, under the guidance of Crew Chief Dave Zanotti. Briar Bauman asserted his dominance immediately, winning the Daytona TT season opener, and never relenting the rest of the season on the way to his first Grand National Championship. The elder Bauman was a picture of consistency, capturing five victories and earning podium finishes in 17 of 20 events.
Meanwhile, 2019 was a season of extremes for Mees, capturing a series-best eight victories, only to come up a mere seven points short of his seventh Grand National Championship. For the younger Bauman, 2019 was a year to establish himself as one of the series’ most intense and exciting competitors, capturing five podiums, including his first career AFT Twins victory at Laconia.
In 2020, in addition to S&S, Indian will benefit significantly from the support of its valued sponsors, including presenting sponsor Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, Parts Ulimited, Drag Specialities, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Alpinestars, J&P Cycles and Bell Helmets.
For 2020, AFT is introducing new regulations to continue its ongoing effort to create more competitive balance, and once again, these regulations challenge Indian and the FTR750 specifically. The case in point is AFT’s mandate that the Indian FTR750 will have a limit on flywheel mass which can effect power delivery and stability.
CLIMATE NEWS FROM THE HEARTLAND INSTITUTE–Lake Tahoe Reaches Maximum Limit Again, Defying Alarmist Climate Claims
By Tiffany Taylor
The beach may indeed be “different,” but it certainly isn’t a crisis of minimal precipitation and low water levels, as climate activists recently claimed.
Lake Tahoe is enjoying a third consecutive year reaching its maximum allowable water level, forcing climate activists to backtrack on alarmist water level claims.
When relatively low water levels were registered in 2015–16, climate activists claimed global warming was causing a “new normal” of persistent drought and low water levels. Yet abundant precipitation and high-water levels show climate activists cried “crisis” too soon.
Lake Tahoe’s high-water levels are merely one beneficiary of abundant precipitation and water availability. The January 2 issue of the [JH1] reported California’s water reservoirs are at record levels, with the most stored water in California history. The picture “could hardly be any rosier,” reported the Register. For example, water in Shasta Lake, which is the largest reservoir in California, is currently 117 percent of normal.
The chart below, published by the U.S. Geological Survey, shows Lake Tahoe water levels reaching their maximum limit three years in a row.
Lake Tahoe has reached 9.0 feet above gage level for three years in a row.
Climate activists are facing major embarrassment after claiming the 2015-16 drought represented the dawn of a “new normal” of low water levels caused by global warming.
The news is particularly embarrassing for climate activists like Pacific Institute president emeritus Peter Gleick, who was extensively quoted in a 2018 Reno Gazette Journal article claiming global warming may be causing a “new normal” of drought and low lake levels.
“Gleick said that due to climate change, winter conditions once considered warmer and less snowy than average for the 20th century have become the norm for the 21st,” the Gazette Journal reported.
Gleick warned that water managers were not keeping up with climate change and less water availability.
“With a few exceptions, the warnings that climate change was going to change California’s water have been ignored,” Gleick told the Gazette Journal.
When the Lake Tahoe water level reaches its maximum allowable limit of 9 feet above gage height, or 6,229.1 feet above sea level, water managers must release additional water into the Truckee River to keep the lake from rising too high. The prospect of Truckee River releases is becoming a yearly conversation. The big complaint now is narrower Lake Tahoe beaches caused by high water levels.
“There were big beaches at lower water levels,” said Lake Tahoe Deputy Water Master Dave Wathen, according to the San Fransicsco news site, SFist. “Sand Harbor Beach near Incline Village is a very big beach. A lot of people could fit on it. Now, it’s tighter. It’s drastically different.”
The beach may indeed be “different,” but it certainly isn’t a crisis of minimal precipitation and low water levels, as climate activists recently claimed.
Tiffany Taylor (TTaylor@heartland.org) is a policy analyst at The Heartland Institute.
FREEDOM ALERT–New WV bill would allow you to drive or ride a motorcycle without a helmet
By Tyler Barker
WEST VIRGINIA (WOAY)
A bill introduced in a committee in both the House and Senate would allow someone to operate a motorcycle without a helmet.
HB 2070 and SB 153 would allow persons who are 21 years of age or older to operate or be a passenger on a motorcycle without a helmet if they have held a motorcycle license for a minimum of two years.
–WOAY TV
MEMO FROM THE BIKERNET LAW OFFICES–Justices turn away appeal for women who went topless at beach.
WASHINGTON, The Supreme Court is leaving in place the public nudity convictions of three women who removed their bathing suit tops on a New Hampshire beach as part of a campaign advocating for the rights of women to go topless.
The justices declined Monday to review a state court decision that found no violation of the women’s constitutional rights. Heidi Lilley, Kia Sinclair and Ginger Pierro are part of the Free the Nipple campaign. They were arrested in 2016 after removing their tops at a beach in Laconia and refusing to put them on
Oh, to back in the days of Easyriders when a good portion of event photos were topless– LOL
–Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Building the H-D Juneau Plant
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Building_the_HD_Juneau_Plant.aspx
One of the best things I have ever done was this past summer– I went to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.
Words cannot describe it. I loved the history, all the old paperwork, the pristine antique bikes One of my favorite displays was a wall with a multiple-tank display I remembered a lot of those tanks.
I went 3 days in a row! Hope to go again someday soon.
–Mike Pullin
mikethestealth@hotmail.com
Charlotte, nc
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HIGH TIMES NEWS–messing up the edgy sub-culture they really don’t get or understand.
Cannabis Magazine ‘High Times’ to Get a Digital Update, Says New CEO
By Chloe Aiello and Lauren Sonnenberg
Jan 14, 2020 High Times Magazine, the prominent but struggling pot publication, is looking to shift away from its stoner reputation and focus on covering the broader culture as marijuana shifts to the mainstream, says CEO Stormy Simon, who just took the helm last week.
Simon takes over as the 45-year-old company looks to monetize its business, expand its digital footprint, and make a mark in retail stores as it pivots toward a “physical and virtual” cannabis
Read in Cheddar: https://apple.news/A2fwZFTysSPS2QNJvCtb6CQ
–from Geno
PERFORMANCE UPGRADES FROM THE SPRINGFIELD ARMORY–The polymer platform that broke the mold is now built around the all new META™ trigger for the ultimate performance in a striker-fired firearm.
Further enhanced with removable magwell, increased capacity of 22+1 (20+1 with short magwell models) and improved slide serrations, the new XD-M® Elite represents the pinnacle of full-size, polymer-framed pistol design.
Happy New Year Bikernet Janitor and Underlings!—So, I took the Shovelhead out yesterday evening and then again this morning. I always try and ride on New Year’s Day to start the year off right, leave early. Actually got them both out, Shovelhead is finally down, trans seal. But she really wants more gears I’m sure.
Then I found a box of pictures, and cannot recall why they are so intermingled and I put them all in the box. Everything from my grandparent’s images and negatives, to my dad in the Army and in Germany. I was stationed same base 20 years later, 2 buildings down, and the redhead. Haven’t a clue why they are all mixed together?
I found an early abstract from 77-79(?) during my Germany faze. I was also very interested in fashion photography. I guess I didn’t look “professional” enough.
And why didn’t I shoot music & motorcycles in the ‘80s?
–RFR
A Six-Time Drag Racing Champion Spills The Secret To Going Fast On Two Wheels—Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson FXDR rider Andrew Hines had a truly bizarre NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle season this year, which wrapped up last weekend in California with his sixth championship. Having won seven races from the first 10 Pro Stock race outings this season, he went into the series’ playoff segment, dubbed the “Countdown to the Championship” as the easy favorite. Then the stumbles started to pile up.
Hines only managed to win one additional trophy from the six countdown race events between September and mid-November. Then, the unthinkable. Hines red-lighted his first-round matchup of the finale round in Southern California last weekend against rookie Jianna Salinas.
Salinas went on to take her first championship win after defeating the other title contenders, Matt Smith and Jerry Savoie, as they both suffered mechanical issues. In the end, it was Salinas’ good fortune that paved the way for another Hines title. If either Smith or Savoie had won the Auto Club season-ender, they’d have clinched the title…
By Bradley Brownell, Jalopnik
Read the full story at Jalopnik: https://jalopnik.com/
IT’S A WRAP, BUT IT’S NOT OVER—It’s never, ever dull around her. I’m picking up a trailer on Saturday. Sunday, we might load the Salt Torpedo inside for test runs in the desert next week. That’s about exciting as it gets.
Keep your fingers crossed. It if all goes as planned, I will take the body apart in February for paint. Then, this puppy will look too cool, with Atomic Bob’s inspiration.
In the meantime, let’s take a hard look at this year, the opportunities, the action and the fun.
Ride fast and free forever!
–Bandit
