Continued From Page 3
THE CAPTAIN AMERICA REPORT– When Captain America and Billy try to rent a room at the Pine Breeze Inn in the movie Easy Rider, the outlaw bikers are turned away.
A man cracks the door, sees the men on their motorcycles and then a glowing “NO” starts blinking in front of “VACANCY” on the sign.
Captain America and Billy — played by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper — ride down Route 66 and sleep in the woods.
When the movie came out in 1969, bikers were not respected and feared. They represented trouble, rebellion and drugs. Not anymore. The tiny town west of Flagstaff even caters to bikers now.
The Pine Breeze Inn is boarded up, white paint peeling and grass creeping up its sides. A rusted gas tank stands in front. Just feet away, what’s left of this portion of Route 66 — the fabled Mother Road now largely bypassed by Interstate 40 — is cracked and overgrown with weeds.
Tribute to Harleys
Instead of sending bikers away, however, the inn now invites them to camp on the 2.5-acre property surrounding the fading building. Just down the road there is a Harley-Davidson shop and a Route 66 Roadhouse Bar and Grill, a tribute to everything Harley.
The table tops are glass-covered motorcycle wheels. There is a Harley-Davidson jukebox. A motorcycle from World War II stands in a museumlike room with a “Harley Parking Only” sign. The “No Vacancy” sign from “Easy Rider” hangs from the ceiling.
Bikers wearing leather chaps, skull bandanas, and Harley tank tops and jackets periodically saunter in for drinks.
About eight years ago, Felix Mansene and his wife, Lori, built the roadhouse. Now it’s frequently used for biker parties and charity events.
About 20,000 riders passed by the roadhouse in August while on the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Ride Home, Mansene said. They partied in a circus tent filled with bands, American Indian dancers, and vendors selling corn on the cob and beer.
A Harley was raffled in December at the roadhouse to raise money for local charities. Some years, the roadhouse hosts the Arizona Hog Rally.
Mansene, who recently shaved off his waist-length ponytail and now has a bald head and dark-rimmed glasses, has been a biker for 40 years.
Changing perceptions
He said bikers are perceived much better now than they were in the 1960s and 1970s, the period when Captain America and Billy tried to stay in Bellemont while traveling from Los Angeles to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
“Before, when you rode, you weren’t really looked at that nicely,” Mansene said.
When he owned a restaurant in Flagstaff, he parked his bike in the alley so customers wouldn’t be frightened away.
“Nobody else wanted to go in if there were bikers,” Mansene said.
John Whipp Jr. owns one of the few other establishments in Bellemont — a bar named Junior’s, where bikers still gather.
Whipp’s dad bought the bar in 1945. Whipp took over the establishment in 1956 and has been living in a back room of the bar ever since.
The decor hasn’t changed much over the years. The walls are plastered with posters of women posing by motorcycles. A motorcycle calendar hangs on the wall too, stuck on the year 1977. The countertop is lined with antique stools.
Whipp, who used to buy gas from the tank that still sits in front of the Pine Breeze Inn, said he hasn’t had many problems with bikers.
“The only bad bikers are gang members,” Whipp said referring to a melee in Laughlin, Nev., in April 2002. Two Hells Angels and one Mongols motorcycle club member were killed and at least 12 were hurt in a brawl inside a casino 170 miles due west of here.
Although certain clubs still have fairly grisly reputations, Joel Gabbard, who owns the Pine Breeze Inn, said bikers, in general, have lost some of their bad-boy image.
Captain America and Billy wanted to taste freedom too. But because of their biker stigma, they faced continuous opposition as they journeyed across America.
“Easy Rider” changed the pop culture landscape. In the movie, the motorcycles represented rebellion, independence and the popularity of psychedelic drugs. But it also was about resistance to hippie communes and living off the land.
At the end of “Easy Rider,” while riding along the Mississippi River, a shotgun-wielding bigot shoots Billy and Captain America.
Gabbard said some people still disapprove of his pastime, but not as much as years ago. Today, bikers can focus on the ride.
“You can just kind of kick back — you and the machine,” Mansene said. “It’s relaxing. It’s comforting. It’s uninterrupted.”
–from Rogue
Here’s a bad day from Bob T.
BIKERNET PHARMACY– A woman asks her husband if he’d like some breakfast. “Would you likebacon and eggs, perhaps? A slice of toast and maybe some grapefruit andcoffee?”
He declines. “It’s this Viagra,” he says. “It’s really taken the edge offmy appetite.”
At lunchtime, she asks if he would like something. “A bowl of homemadesoup, homemade muffins or a ham and cheese sandwich?” she inquires.
He declines. “Still not hungry,” he says, “the Viagra really trashes my desire for food.”
Come dinnertime, she asks him if he wants anything to eat. Would he like maybe a steak and apple pie? Maybe you’d like a micro-waved pizza or atasty stir-fry that would only take a couple of minutes?
He declines. “Naw, still not hungry.”
“Well,” she says, “would you mind letting me up? I’m starving.”
–from Rev CarlR
ROGUE’S BAD COP INVESTIGATION– Cops statement allowed at his rape trial Tennessee – A judge says he is going to allow as evidence a statement made by a former Gatlinburg policeman on trial for rape.
Officer Robert Walker, Jr. is charged with rape, sexual battery and official oppression. A Morristown woman says Walker raped her in his police cruiser while on duty in 2002.
Walker’s attorney was trying to suppress a statement Walker gave authorities who were investigating the case. James Gass says Walker was not notified of his constitutional Miranda rights before the interview.
But the court ruled the statement itself is not incriminating and says an experienced officer should already be aware of his Miranda rights.
–from Rogue
THE BAD COPS GET WORSE–Jail Cop suspended for using inmates for taser practice Colorado – A part-time jail officer was suspended and prosecutors are investigating after witnesses said the officer used an inmate to practice using a Taser gun, hitting him with a 50,000-volt electric charge.
Chaffee County detentions officer Scott Glenn was placed on administrative leave Tuesday and could be fired, Sheriff Tim Walker said.
“It was extremely poor judgment,” Walker said. “There’s no way a detention officer should ever use an inmate in that capacity.”
Thomas Montoya, serving an 18-month sentence for violating probation on a domestic violence conviction, said he was shocked with a Taser during a sheriff’s training class on Oct. 17.
Bad Cop… No Doughnut!
–from Rogue
HISTORIC ALIGNMENT TOOL– Since ’58, when I got my first real m/c, a ’47 Knuckle I was amazed at how a bike worked. I lined up the wheels just like everyone else did on bikes, string, boards and good eye-balling. In 1975-76 when I got involved in the Jammer Streamliner, the wheels had to be lined up precisely, because we wanted to go 300+. Paul Larquier and I spent days and nights getting it right. We tried many different things. We did it, because it went 294 mph.
Throughout the years I thought there must be a better, easier way. During this time I also observed that almost every bike I worked on was not aligned. So, after becoming familiar with lasers I said, “Wow, that’s it, but how?”
So I played with many different forms of the tool. Finally, one day I was at LePera Seats and Bob LePera said, why does my new Harley ride so badly? I looked at it, and rode it: It was bad. So Bob bent some sheet metal for me. I also got a laser. I lined up his wheels, and it worked quick and simple. So after a few different shapes (and a few years) I went to Ray at Tiger Welding and he made the shapes that we use now.
It is a simple tool that does a very complex job. It takes an engineer to understand single-track vehicle dynamics. This tool keeps you out of school and on the road much safer. Used as instructed, it will make your bike stop straight and do burnouts without charging sideways. Your belt will last much longer, so will chains and tires. Plus, when you’re wild in the corners the bike will slip right and left corners equally. Also, at high speed it’ll feel solid instead of like you’re on ice.
–Mil Blair
(818) 252 0929
HarleyMil@aol.com?
Tiger manufacturing Alignment dept.
11245 vinedale St. sun valley ca. 91352
$139.95 shipping paid by us
BADLANDS REPORT–South side, Edmonton hotels don’t quite know what to make of being highly recommended by one of the world’s most notorious outlaw motorcycle clubs. The Bandidos website is recommending seven hotels to out-of-towners attending the funeral of prospect Joey Campbell, who recently changed his last name from Morin.
Campbell, 34, and Bandido “hang-around” Robert Simpson, 34, were gunned down in a hail of bullets outside Saint Pete’s strip club Friday night.
Among the hotels the Bandidos recommend is the Argyll Plaza at 63 Avenue and 99 Street. “I don’t see a problem as long as they are good guests,” said hotel spokesman Danny Ratcliffe-Smith.
The Travelodge at 103 Street and 45 Avenue also has few worries about being on the bikers’ list of recommended hotels. “I think they just picked some of the hotels listed on the south side of the city,” said general manager Garry Jones.
It’s still unclear how many members of the Bandidos intend to travel to Edmonton for Campbell’s funeral. Cops are tight-lipped about what plans they have for policing the funeral and whether they expect whoever killed Campbell and Simpson to launch an attack on the mourners.
“If it is considered there is a security risk to the funeral we will take the necessary measures,” said cop spokesman Wes Bellmore. “We can’t discuss specific plans in public.”
Campbell was a former member of the Rebels motorcycle club but according to his family did not join the Hells Angels when they absorbed the Rebels. He had been working as an agent for Independent Artists, which supplies dancers to numerous Alberta strip clubs, including Saint Pete’s.
His funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday at Hainstocks, 9810 34 Ave.
–from Rogue
COMMERCIAL H-D HISTORY IN THE CANTINA–Bandit, I am in the process of building a web site for a bike shop (Osborn’s Cycles) here in Houston, “but” while reading your article “Harley – Davidson, commercial Vehicles, Sixty years of three wheelers by Albert Mroz” I noticed some thing that made me go hummmm !
The painting on the side of the building of Osborn’s bike shop was done in the 1930’s with minor touch ups over the years.I pasted the 29 Sidevan picture on to the photo of Osborns for comparison, this was one of his fathers bikes when he started the shop, if you notice the painting shows the van had windows and shades. well hell i thought it was interesting any way, heheh
–Terry G.
mailto:tgoode@earthlink.net
ROGUE’S RIDE IS FOR SALE–ROGUE’S Personal Fun Ride a Custom Hand Built 96 Cubic Inch 4 Valve Per Cylinder Rigid Frame Tire Smoking Wheeling Hot Rod is up for grabs.
The bike was originally built in 1990 starting with a special modified Paugho rigid frame, FXE dual disc brake front end, disc brake rear, Factory Mag Wheels 19-inch front & 16-inch rear. It has Custom Paugho gas tank and Mustang seat.
Through the years it has had different engines and transmissions and a lot of changes. It has been professionally maintained by Rogue.
The 96 cubic inch 4 Valve Per Cylinder engine was built by Berry Wardlaw of Accurate Engineering in Dothan Alabama and was featured in Easyriders Magazine #337 July 2001 (article available on request) Berry Wardlaw is the engine builder for the famous builders of the Discovery channel
It has an enclosed primary with a chain drive hooking to a Rivera Pro Clutch and a 5 speed transmission in a Sputhe case, with a final rear chain.
The custom paint is by Sonny Keeton world famous Rat’s Hole Show Winner. It has saddle bags and a removable tour pack for trips that is adjustable for rider or carrying a passenger. It is truly a versatile motorcycle and gets attention where ever it is.
It has a heavy duty electric starter, 32-amp charging system, forward controls, oil cooler, filter and gauge, Tachometer & Speedometer are handle bar mounted with a bracket for a radar detector. More photos available at http://www.bikerrogue.com/For_Sale/Rigid_for_sale/Rogues_ride_for_sale.htm Only $10,000.00. Call 321-725-3816
–Rogue
PRO-KODLIN BILLET LIGHTING–If you’re after the latest in exotic lighting for your scooter check out these unique pieces now being offered by PRO-ONE. Imported directly from the source in Germany, these awesome headlight assemblies are designed and manufactured by legendary European designer Fred Kodlin. Available in both the ELIPSE and MINI SQUARE styles, KODLIN headlights are machined from solid billet aluminum and flawlessly finished in show quality chrome.
The ELIPSE elliptical headlight measures 7″ wide x 4″ tall x 3 ?” deep and the MINI SQUARE is 7″ wide x 2 ?” tall x 3 ?” deep. Available exclusively from PRO-ONE, KODLIN headlights retail for $499.00. For complete details see your local PRO-ONE dealer or call direct at 800-884-4173. On the Web at
PEELING CHROME AND CHIPPED PAINT–Let’s wrap this up. I need a shot of Jack. Fuckin’ Real Estate assholes. One day, we’re on cloud nine, the next day we’re loading weapons. Ah, that’s the way of life, especially if you’re in the streets making a living, pushing your art, struggling against the odds.
When it get’s you down, there’s a formula. Haul out to the garage and change oil, tune that beast and have a Corona with a couple of buddies, like Jose said. Tomorrow’s another day.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
